Family Go Live Jan/Feb 2013

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TM

Welcome to...

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

& the first Family Go Live of 2013.

Now the madness of Christmas is over, many of us are turning our attention to how we can get fitter and healthier in 2013. To help you get back on track, in Health and Beauty we talk to a lifecoach about why so many of us have difficulty sticking to our New Year’s resolutions. We’ve also checked out some of the best apps to help you to shed the Christmas bulge. And if your festive season has owed more to Blossom Hill than climbing hills, then fear not, in Out and About we look at why it’s time for you to get into the great outdoors with your family and where you can find the best local woodland walks.

In Bumps and Babies, we talk to an HR expert about whether employers really do dread employing working mothers, and look at some of the topics expectant mothers and fathers are most likely to argue about. Take note Kate and Wills, the baby’s name comes top of the list!

Contents Bumps & Babies

4

Education

8

Clubs & Classes

16

Out & About

24

Local Services

37

Health & Beauty

40

Parties & Playtime

45

In Education, we have a chat with the lovely Rachel Riley of Countdown about what we can do to get kids interested in Maths, and we also take a look at an issue that is rarely out if the headlines, sex education in our schools. And put on your contemplative faces, folks, because we’re also talking about whether philosophy should be taught in our schools.

In Local Services we discuss the issue of inheritance, and what you can do to ensure that it doesn’t cause arguments in your family, and talking about the crazy ways celebrities are celebrating their child’s first birthday.

You’ll also find your regular selection of competitions, vouchers, and of course listings for the months ahead, so you’ll never be stuck for things to do at the weekend.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2013!

EDITORIAL: Sarah Carlin ADVERTISING SALES: Clare Vaughan / Anne-Louise Bouffard-Roupe DIRECTOR: Denise Harris ADDRESS: SK Events, The Old Bank 382 Aigburth Road Liverpool L19 3QD TELEPHONE: 0151 432 5651 EMAIL: info@familygolive.com Disclaimer: The information contained within Family Go Live we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions.

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Directory

Dukes & Duchesses Tel: 0151 709 1186 www.dukesandduchesses.co.uk Holyrood Nursery Tel: 0151 227 4345 www.holyrood-nursery-princessdock.co.uk Happy From Home Tel: 0151 220 9490 www.happyfromhome.co.uk Little Explorers Nursery Tel: 0151 708 7868 Kelton Nursery Tel: 0151 724 5802 www.keltonnursery.co.uk The Baby Shower lady Tel: 07859 034 220 www.thebabyshowerlady.com Honey Pot Nursery Tel: 0151 494 2373 www.honeypotnursery.co.uk Water Babies Tel: 01925 243 643 www.waterbabies.co.uk Bless her Tel: 07951 402441 www.blessher.co.uk Mural by Ryall Design (children’s painting) Tel: 07557 098534 www.ryalldesign.co.uk Bambis Breast Feeding Support Group Tel: 0151 702 4411 bambis@lwh.nhs.uk Community and Child minder Network Tel: 0151 233 4001 www.anfieldchildrenscentre.org.uk PSS Post Natal Support Group Tel: 0151 222 9262 www.pss.org.uk NCT Tel: 0844 243 6191 www.nct.org.uk/branches/liverpool Association of Breast Feeding Mothers Tel: 08444 122 949 www.abm.me.uk/contact All Hallows Pre-School Tel: 0151 724 2081 www.allhallowsallerton.org.uk Twilight Midwife Tel: 0151 538 2998 www.twilightmidwife.co.uk Liverpool Tumble Tots Tel: 07738 755 090 www.tumbletots.com/liverpool

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Maternity leave

BUMPS & BABIES

BUMPS & BABIES

Bumps & Babies

Announcing your pregnancy should be a joyful time, but many women admit that there is one person they dread breaking the news to: their employer.

While UK maternity leave laws mean that women’s jobs must be protected if they take a break to have a baby, and when they come back to work they should be able to work flexibly if possible, the perennial rumblings in the media about whether the laws surrounding maternity provision stifle industry and overburden small businesses means that many women feel they are ‘letting down’ their employer by taking maternity leave.

Similarly, many women who do not yet have plans to have children, but are in the 26-36 age bracket fear that suspicions that they may wish to have a baby in the near future may lead to employers quietly discounting them from the selection process.

Helen Straw, an HR Expert and founder and owner of the Personnel Partnership, can look at the matter from both a personal and professional perspective, as she has a toddler herself and provides HR consultancy to a variety of different businesses. When asked how businesses really feel about maternity leave, she said: “Many of my clients are SMEs who really struggle with the additional costs of maternity leave. By this, I mean the cost of recruiting and training a replacement for the period of cover and not the actual cost of paying statutory maternity pay.”

When asked whether some employers avoid recruiting women deemed to be in the childbearing ‘danger zone’, she said: “I have never had any of my clients say directly to me that they didn’t want to recruit a woman of child

bearing age, but that doesn’t mean to say that they hadn’t thought about it and maybe subconsciously applied that to recruitment decisions – I would like to think not!”

The nagging fear that you’re letting your employer down also means that many women are reluctant to ask their employer if they can work flexibly, a request they are entitled to make by law. Helen adds “it really does depend on the company culture as to whether flexible working is embraced or seen as a burden. There are so many different ways that flexible working can work really well and effectively, it’s about exploring the options. I try to ensure that my clients see the picture from all angles”.

And it seems there really is a case to be made for the business benefits of flexible working. Mandy Garner, the editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, commented: “research shows time and time again that employees who work flexibly are more motivated, more committed, less likely to take time off sick and more productive.”

JOIN THE DEBATE familygolive.com www.familygolive.com

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A BabaSling Cozy Sling BabaSlings have teamed up with Family Go Live to offer two lucky readers the chance to win one of their new Cozy slings worth £64.99. The Cozy is the market’s first quilted baby sling, ideal for over the winter months.

The BabaSling Cozy is suitable from birth to two years and allows parents to carry baby in five different ways as they grow.

It’s easy for mums and dads to worry that baby will get cold in their sling and that’s exactly why BabaSlings have designed the super snug and comfy Cozy to make sure parents can continue to enjoy the freedom and benefits of babywearing all year round. Little ones will be toasty and warm in the BabaSling Cozy, they’ll be cuddled up close to mum or dad and nice and padded on the outside.

To be in with a chance of winning a Cozy, just tell us how different positions theBabaSling Cozy can be used in?

For more information on BabaSlings, check out www.thebabasling.com n please go to To enter the competitio competitions www.familygolive.com/ . Closing date and give us your answer 3 20th February 201

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BUMPS & BABIES

BUMPS & BABIES

WIN

WIN

shea mooti natural

skincare gift sets Family Go Live and Shea Mooti are offering two lucky Liverpool mums the chance to win a luxury gift set of natural, ethical skincare products from the award-winning Shea Mooti range. Pure Shea Butter is the key ingredient in these sumptuous skincare products made with mums and babies in mind.

Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil made from a blend of organic sunflower seed oil, Baobab Oil, Rosehip and Shea Butter is a non-greasy skin conditioning oil loaded with Omega 3, 6, 9 enriched oils.

Mama’s Soothing Leg and Foot Cream with Aloe Vera and moisturising, pure Shea Butter, a luxurious leg and foot conditioning cream, perfect for women who spend a lot of time on their feet!

Mama’s Shea Butter Soap is handmade with pure Shea Butter, together with a blend of Fairtrade oils and fragranced with lavender.

There is also Baby’s Pure Shea Butter Soap (Unscented).

To win answer this question: What two types of oil are used in ‘Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil’?

Buy online at www.sheamooti.co.uk.

To enter the competition please go to www.familygolive.com/competitions and give us your answer. Closing date 20th February 2013

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ucts There are plenty of prod by and toys available for ba e this winter. Here are som ught of the ones that have ca our eye recently....

Becoming parents for the first time is always going to be lead to frayed tempers, but new research suggests that the arguments start well before the baby is actually born.

Safety Kit Vital Baby’s Health and

y’s temperature with ter. Check your bab e for families over win hav stck the room is warm mu a che is Kit er and and Safety the nasal decongest h wit Vital Baby’s Health es nos e littl k Thermometer, unbloc the 3 in 1 FlexiSafe bath thermometer.

Bear the room and the nji Be h wit enough RRP: £16.99 italbaby.co.uk STOCKIST: www.v

BundleBean

ilst l certainly need wh One item baby wil ng thi me so is s winter out and about thi . m cosy and warm that will keep the lon ny of pro ter wa is a BundleBean.com cosy and a h wit ed ck ba shell that is s t securely attache colourful fleece tha that baby stays re su en to y gg to the bu at’s even better is warm and dry. Wh cal piece of kit is cti pra y ntl ine this em d can also be an tile incredibly versa le baby carrier, sty nt fro y an on used also car seat and can bike seat, buggy, t! ma be used as a play RRP: £29.99 , bundlebean.com STOCKIST: www. ots Asda, Bo

most common topic for arguments during pregnancy

A study by the website My Voucher Codes looked into first-time expectant parents’ arguments during pregnancy and found out that 68% of parents said they were already arguing about baby-related issues some time before the birth.

Of those parents, choosing the name of the first child tops the chart for topics most argued about, closely followed by ‘childcare options’ and ‘partner’s diet’ in second and third place respectively.

Just over half (52%) of parents argued over breastfeeding, while 47% said they quarrelled over whether the mum-to-be was either not being active enough or being too active.

A third (34%) said the issue of whether they should know the sex of the baby caused problems, while 28% said they were arguing about if and when the mother should return to work.

BUMPS & BABIES

BUMPS & BABIES

! y b a B r e t Win

Baby’s name

Spending was an issue for 22%, while 17% found themselves already arguing over whether they should have a second baby. And for 12% the choice of baby clothes provoked confrontation.

Parenting coach, Anne Denny, commented: “These problems are not uncommon and I believe are becoming exaggerated as more and more couples start families later in life. This puts enormous pressure on couples as they see time “running out”. As stress levels build they become increasingly focused on thinking everything needs to be “right”, and they can subconsciously feel they may not get another chance”.

TugTrio

definitely shouldn’t The TugTrio is something you n taking a trip out whe out with se hou the e leav ty straps will ensure this winter! These simple safe the buggy, toddler and you stay firmly attached to be icy at this time of may ts men teddy! The pave e sure if you slip that year, so you will want to mak you won’t want Also g! flyin go sn’t doe the buggy y they got for tedd urite your little one’s new favo a puddle! in n otte forg and lost as Christm RRP: £7.99 g.com, Amazon, STOCKIST: www.buggytu John Lewis

For more great ideas, visit www.familygolive.com The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 8-9

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EDUCATION

Education Directory

Notre Dame College Tel: 0151 263 3104 www.notredameliverpool.com Parklands Tel: 0151 486 2612 www.parklands.liverpool.sch.uk St Hilda’s CE High School Tel: 0151 733 2709 www.st-hildas.com St Julie’s School Tel: 0151 428 6421 www.stjulies.org.uk St John Bosco Arts College Tel: 0151 546 6360 www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com Holly Lodge Tel: 0151 228 3772 www.hollylodge.liverpool.sch.uk De La Salle Academy Tel: 0151 546 3134 www.de-la-salle.co.uk Fazakerley High School Tel: 0151 524 4530 www.fazakerlyhigh.org Childwall School Tel: 0151 722 1561 www.childwallsc.co.uk St Margaret’s CoE High School Tel: 0151 427 1825 www.stmargaretshigh.com Bellerive School Tel: 0151 727 2064 www.bellerivefcj.org Active TT Tel: 0151 733 4353 www.activett.co.uk Kip McGrath Education Centre Tel: 0151 334 9636 www.kipmcgrath.com Merseyside Society for Deaf People Tel: 0151 228 0888 www.msdp.org.uk Liverpool Council of Education Tel: 0151 233 3901 www.liverpool.gov.uk Learn Direct Centres Tel: 0151 703 2800 www.learndirect.co.uk King David High School Tel: 0151 235 1428 www.kingdavidliverpool.co.uk The Belvedere Academy Tel: 0151 727 1284 www.belvedereacademy.net

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Solving the problem of getting children interested in Maths If the childhood memory of struggling with your Maths homework still looms large in your imagination, you’re not alone.

Research shows that for many young people, Maths is the most feared subject on the curriculum. We caught up with the nation’s postergirl for quadratic equations, Countdown’s Rachel Riley...

FGL: Hi Rachel, you’re supporting the National Young Mathematician’s Award, why is this important to you?

RR: In our society, people would be reluctant to admit they struggle with reading or writing, but see it almost as a badge of honour to say that they are bad at maths, and this an attitude that gets passed on to our children. These awards are a great way to showcase not only the talent of our young mathematicians, but also celebrate Maths more generally.

FGL: Why do you think Maths is so often a problem for young people?

RR: I think it’s because in Maths, there is a right or wrong answer, and if you keep getting the wrong answer, children can easily get disheartened, think they’re “no good at Maths” and struggle to engage with the subject.

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FGL: So what can we do to keep them interested?

RR: Making Maths a part of everyday life would help. Get your kids adding things up in the supermarket and find apps and games that involve numbers too. Anything that helps kids see that Maths isn’t just something you do in school would be great. If they stick at it, and stay enthusiastic, it will stop being so difficult, it’s just about training your brain to think in a certain way.

FGL: Speaking of training, you had no TV experience when you started on Countdown, what was that like for you?

RR: Pretty scary! We’d recorded six weeks of the show before I even got to see one. I was really nervous about getting the answers right, and of looking at the right camera at the right time. It’s just about practice though, and luckily the team there are lovely and really helped me settle in.

FGL: So do you get people shouting sums at you in the street?

RR: Yes, and I get the theme tune to Countdown sung at me a great deal too, quite often by someone on the train home who has had one too many.

To find out more about helping your child with Maths, visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk

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Sex education for young people is always a contentious issue, and usually discussed in terms of two polarised views.

The first, that knowledge is power and the sooner we educate our children about sex the more able they will be to make positive choices when they do become sexually active. The second view suggests that informing children about sex at a young age at best corrupts their innocence and at worst encourages them to get started sooner than they ordinarily would.

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Sex Education: How soon is too soon?

Recently, the National Association of Headteachers said that primary school teachers ought to consider responding to the fact that children are increasingly likely to learn what they know about sex from the internet. At a conference in October, they suggest that sex education guidelines are no longer fit for purpose, and that children cannot cope with the ‘overtly sexualised world’ in which they are growing up.

Given that the advent of smartphones and computers in bedrooms means that many youngsters will have been exposed to seeing X-rated and sometimes even extreme material online, is it time to accept that we can no longer try to sate children’s curiousity with tales of birds and the bees and try a more realistic approach to sex education?

Indeed, the assumption that educating children about sex will automatically lead to irresponsible behaviour seems to be quickly disproven by the example of Holland, where sex education is started very early but teenage pregnancy rates are very low.

The experts suggest that what is needed is a wholesale overhaul of sex education in the UK. A spokesperson from Brook, which offers sexual health services and advice to young people, said: “Children and young people are surrounded by so many messages about sex and relationships from an early age. Young people tell us that the education they receive about sex and relationships isn’t good enough, that it doesn’t cover enough information about relationships, isn’t relevant to their lives and that it is often delivered too late.

“Young people need to receive good quality sex and relationships education, which equips them with the information and skills they need to form healthy and positive sexual relationships and delay having sex until they are ready.”

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The study of Philosophy, it seems isn’t just limited to long-dead Greeks or Germans with difficult to pronounce names.

According to experts, it’s set to make a comeback as a subject taught in our schools.

You may not realise it, but children are already little philosophers. While as adults, we are more inclined to accept that many things in life are

EDUCATION

Is Philosophy making a comeback in schools?

difficult to understand, common childhood questions such as “why are we here?”, “why does God let bad things happen?” and “what is time?” show that little ones have a natural desire to make sense of the world around them.

The study of Philosophy is also thought to help children improve their reasoning skills, and improve behaviour as they are encouraged to think of issues beyond their immediate gratification and interrogate their own thought processes.

So should schools help to foster this sense of intellectual curiosity by teaching Philosophy on the curriculum, or would teachers’ efforts be better placed teaching children the three Rs? If your child is displaying a tendency to tackle the ‘big questions’, visit www. teachingchildrenphilosophy.org for resources to get started.

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Have a look below for some great classes available near you!

Liverpool Hope University Sports Star Holiday programme

Ofsted registered holiday programme for children aged between 5 and 13, taking place at Liverpool Hope University. Sports include netball, basketball, handball, cricket, tag rugby, hockey and many more delivered by a team of qualified coaches.

Contact: 0151 291 2911

CLUBS & CLASSES

CLUBS & CLASSES

Liverpool Water Sports Centre

Clubs & Classes

Childwall Sports Centre

Activities include multisports, dance, basketball, trampolining and gymnastics.

Contact: Natalie Wray 07792 367048 nwray@childwallssa.org Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm with early morning drop off available from 8am and late pick up to 5.00pm Price: Booked in advance £5.00 per child

Liverpool John Moores Marsh Sports Holiday programme

is designed to keep your children healthy and active while providing high class childcare for children between 5 and 16 years old.

Contact: Marsh Sports Centre Web Address: ecs-sports@lmju.ac.uk Time: Varies Price: Varies

www.liverpoolwatersports.org.uk Get your children involved in some fantastic water sports this half term. Activities include canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and more.

Booking is essential.

Address: Liverpool Water Sports Centre, 110 Mariners Warf, Queens Dock, Liverpool L3 4DG Tel: 0151 708 9322 Date: Feb Half Term Price: £6 an hour

Beechley Stables

On a Thursday “Own a pony” ½ day courses 9 – 12pm or 1 – 4pm & will be £20.00 for ½ day.

Children can learn all about the horses’ care, feeding, grooming and much more. Ages from 6 - 12 Booking required in advance Address: Harthill Hall, Allerton L18 3HU Tel: 0151 724 4490 Price: £20.00

Awesome Walls

School of Rock half term climbing fun for children aged six years upwards. Harness included and the chance to work up different levels if the children wish to do so.

Address: St Albans Church off Great Howard Street, Liverpool. L5 9XT Tel: 0151 298 2422 Price: £9.00 per session

Big Art for Little Artists

Big Art for Little Artists is a gallery for children where they can listen to stories, play with puppets and of course create their own art!

Address: Walker Art Gallery Tel: 0151 478 4178

Schools Out, Greenbank Sports Academy

Movema Dance Workshops

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Movema by learning some fun Chinese dance moves, on 10th February 11.15am on the steps of the Black –E next to the chinese arch.To learn the routine join the World Dance Classes Wednesdays 6 -7 pm for four weeks starting 7th January.

The Black – E, George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW Tel: 07533 077 323 Date: 10th February Time: 11.15am Price: Free

Crafty Corner

A range of workshops for children over the February half term, a range of various arts and crafts and pottery making. www.craftycorner61weebly.com Tel: 07919 493 546 Date: February half term Time: Contact for more details Price: contact for more details.

David Campbell Soccer

David Campell Soccer runs Half Term Events for 2, 3 or 5 days. They offer a fun and exhilarating break from school for girls and boys age 4 – 16, using specialist equipment to teach correct techniques right from the start. Kids are coached in groups of a similar age or ability.

Tel: 0151 474 8811 Date: February Half term Time: 9am – 3pm Price: Contact for more details.

An exciting range of activities for disabled children ages 8 and above, their siblings and friends. Activities take place between 9am and 5pm over half term. Booking is essential.

Address : Greenbank Spports Academy, Greenbank Lane, Liverpool, L17 1AG Tel: 0151 280 7757 The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 18-19

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These personalised photo frames are really easy to make, and easy enough for children to complete, with supervision. They could even help you use any good quality left over wrapping paper!

Pa rent Review

Family Martial Arts

By Julia Clarke

What you need: Photo frame, various buttons, glue (dries clear), modelling film, acrylic glue, flower template (these can be searched online), heat tool.

STEP THREE Take a square of patterned paper, slightly larger than the biggest flower template and stick this to a similar sized square of modelling film using acrylic glue. Allow to dry and then draw around the flower template with a pencil before cutting out with a small pair of scissors or a craft knife.

STEP ONE Dismantle the frame by bending back the metal clips on the reverse and removing the card insert.

Lay the frame face down onto the colour card and carefully draw around the outside and inside of the shape using a pencil. Remove frame and cut out this shape, ideally with a craft knife.

STEP FOUR Use your heat tool to apply heat to the back of your flower and when hot, bend the petals into the desired shape and then allow to cool.

Repeat this process with different sized flowers and different patterned paper until you have a collection as indicated.

STEP TWO Spread a thin layer of PVA onto the cut out paper frame shape and stick this onto the front of the MDF frame. Colour in any of the frame that’s visible with a matching felt pen.

STEP FIVE Use the acrylic glue to layer the flowers and stick into position adding buttons to their centres.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

CLUBS & CLASSES

Make your own floral photo frame

STEP SIX Take your photograph and trim if necessary before placing into the frame and sealing.

Visit www.getbritaincrafting.co.uk

My two children and I attended the “Year of health and wellbeing” seminar day in 2010.

Miss Shipley from Family Martial Arts was at the event after telling us all about the academy and she invited us along to attend a free trial. hter Following the trial, my son and daug the (aged 7 and 6) decided to start on basic programme. After completing the programme, which they enjoyed ip immensely, they joined the leadersh belts. programme to achieve their black , both Since starting at Family Martial Arts t Reece and Rhea have not only learn e mor but s, selve them nd how to defe yday importantly they have acquired ever

Family Martial Arts transferable skills: self-confidence, selfcontrol, respect, courtesy, perseverance, h honesty and have also improved their healt s. and fitnes They have both been truly inspired by Miss ing Shipley, striving to achieve their own learn of enge chall the up g takin also t aims whils training to become junior instructors and for passing on their knowledge and passion the sport to other young people.

Their hard work and dedication is an inspiration and this would not have been achieved without the support of the staff at Family Martial Arts, I would recommend all parents to seriously consider the benefits of their son or daughter joining the programme. It’s a family orientated for organisation, which continually strives excellence.

For more information about Family Martial Arts, Call 0800 021 3119 or visit www.martialarts4everyone.co.uk

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Out & About Directory 7th November – 13th January

#IceFestival, Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE is full of excitement this skating season, with the opening of the first ever urban experience - #IceFestival. It’s the UK’s biggest ever group of real ice attractions in one place. Visitors to Liverpool ONE can enjoy a drink in the UK’s first ever pop-up real Ice Bar and experience the UK’s largest real Ice Slide.

8th January – 29th January

All of January

Floodlit Swan Evenings, Martin Mere

Hot Pink Flamingos, Chester Zoo

Watch, from the comfort of a heated observatory, wild swans and ducks whilst enjoying a talk from one of the centre’s experts about the Whooper Swans and their migration. These evenings are being held every Tuesday in January (8, 15, 22, 29). There are limited places so book early to avoid disappointment. www.wwt.org.uk

10th January – 14th January

www.liverpool-one.com

Fantastic jungle-themed play centre just North of Liverpool. Special needs children and their families are invited to The Jungle’s family evenings on the first Monday of every month. www.thejungle.uk.net Until 19th January

Jack and the Beanstalk, Everyman Playhouse

Aladdin, Floral Pavilion

Sunday 13 January

Planetarium, Chronicle of a Journey to Earth, World Museum Liverpool

Bodies Revealed

16th January and 12th February

Bodies Revealed provides an educational and stimulating insight into the workings of the human body by allowing you to view what the human body looks like from the inside. The exhibition is also designed to promote healthier living choices and demonstrates the effects that disease and unhealthy lifestyles have on the body. www.bodiesrevealed.org.uk

20th January

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Deer Walk and Light Lunch, Tatton Park

Work up your appetite and join the rangers for a guided walk of the winter parkland. See Tatton’s deer in their natural surroundings and finish at the Stables Restaurant for a light lunch. Places must be booked in advance.

http://www.chesterzoo.org 27th January

Winter Wildfowl Drop In Session, Martin Mere

Join members of the Knutsford Ornithological Society at the ‘Allen Hide’. Drop in to view Tatton’s birdlife, have a go with a telescope or ask the experts. There will also be a short guided walk at 1pm. www.tattonpark.org.uk 27th January

Drop-in Lantern Making Sessions, World Museum

www.floralpavilion.com

Various dates

www.everymanplayhouse.com

Martin Mere has formed a partnership with Liverpool Astronomical Society to offer a special astronomy evening in January. Viewpoint Optics will also be here to display their latest astronomical equipment.

The event will include special talks entitled: ‘Our place in space’ and ‘Stars life’. There will also be an opportunity to look through telescopes and look into the wonders of the solar system and beyond.

Wirral’s favourite pantomime society returns to the Floral Pavilion with Aladdin, always one of their most popular shows. As usual, the production will be brimming with beautiful costumes, great songs and plenty of slapstick comedy.

An intergalactic traveller reaches our part of the galaxy looking for somewhere to settle and as he moves towards the sun he examines comets, planets, asteroids and earth. Follow the traveller’s path and see close up what today’s science has discovered about each of the components of our solar system.

A rock’n’roll take on the classic fairy tale known to all ages. Join the Everyman for this toe-tapping production this festive season!

Astronomy Evening, Martin Mere

www.wwt.org.uk

7th January

Evening for Children with Special Needs at The Jungle, Skelmersdale

19th January

Originally designed and exhibited at Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, this exhibition aims to raise awareness of climate change. It explores the impact that climate change is having on the world’s wildlife and the little things that we can all do to make a big difference. With tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint, and the chance to come face to face with a giant penguin, this is educational fun for all the family.

Race to Witch Mountain, Fact

Disney resurrects one of its time-honoured franchises with race to Witch Mountain, a family scifi action film that tells the story of two alien visitors whose search for their spacecraft gets them caught up in an adventure with a cab driver (Johnson) and a UFO specialist (Gugino) www.fact.co.uk

Various weekends

Animal petting, Cotebrook Shirehorse Centre

A must for fans of our equestrian friends. Visit the Shirehorse Centre and get to meet the Shire horses’ Pola, Shona and Tonky. They will be waiting in the Pony Parlour to meet you and love to have their hair brushed and their tails plaited. Please call ahead as timetable is weather dependant.

Celebrate Chinese New Year by taking the kids along the kids to create their own Chinese lantern to take home. Drop in between 1pm and 4pm, no need to book, just go along and get those creative juices flowing. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk 29th January

Liverpool on Film, Woolton Picturehouse Compelling archive footage of Liverpool, provided

by Manchester Metropolitan University’s North West Film Archive. Amazing images of Liverpool and its surrounding areas accompanied by insightful narration. www.wooltonpicturehouse.com

www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

www.tattonpark.org.uk

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February 2013

Diary Planner - January 1

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Drop-in Lantern Making Sessions, World Museum

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Valentine’s Day

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Scarecrow Festival, Tatton Park 22

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Toddler Tunes, Liverpool Philharmonic

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UK Baby & Toddler Show The BT Convention Centre

X Factor Live Echo Arena

Aladdin, Floral Pavilion

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Liverpool on Film, Woolton Picturehouse

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Out & About Directory 2nd – 3rd February

UK Baby & Toddler Show

The BT Convention Centre is bringing you the UK Baby and Toddler Show, where more than 200 national and international top class exhibitors will provide money saving offers, expert advice, fun entertainment, invaluable shopping and fantastic competitions. www.echoarena.com 6th February

X Factor Live 2013, Echo Arena

Don’t miss your chance to see your favourite contestants performing classic songs and favourites from the TV series. The top seven finalists will be performing; these include Union J, James Arthur, Ella Henderson, District 3, Rylan and the rest!

Tickets on sale online.

10th February

14th & 16th February

21st February – 30th May

Artisan Market, Inglenook Farm

Valentine’s Classics, Liverpool Philharmonic

Baby Voices, Liverpool Philharmonic

With around 30 stalls scattered around the courtyard & in the Victorian Barns, you will find everything from fine regional foods, handmade jewellery, clothes, antiques and woodwork. You can also enjoy swing music and dancing from the Cotton Town Hot Club and live wood carving demonstrations. Visitors can also experience all the usual art and craft shops and meet the resident animals.

www.atgtickets.com/shows

8th February-12th May

Chinese New Year

www.tate.org.uk

As we welcome the year of the snake, Liverpool’s large Chinese community will once again be putting on a spectacular parade and fireworks around the Chinese Arch on Nelson Street in Chinatown.

Expect lots of enticing nibbles to eat too! http://www.liverpoolchinatown.co.uk 11th February – 23rd February

In Another Place Presents: The Narnia Experience, St George’s Hall

The Narnia Experience is a walk through experience, where visitors step into the wardrobe, passing through fur coats and stumbling upon the wintery forest, in the magical land of Narnia! As you wander through the forest as either Lucy or Edmund, you will meet characters like Mr Tumnus, Mrs Beaver and The White Witch! www.inanotherplace.com

www.liverpoolphil.com

Toddler Tunes, Liverpool Philharmonic

Harry Hill: Sausage Time,

The self-styled floppy-collared loon is back with a live show. Joined by showband ‘The Harry’s’, there’s a section exclusively for Tongans, a chance to catch up on Harry’s Nan’s latest ailments, the legendary Stouffer the Cat and a debut solo stand-up spot

by Gary, Harry’s son from his first marriage and recognisable for his role as Alan Sugar in Harry Hill’s TV Burp.

The perfect introduction to making music with your baby, these 45 minute workshops will involve songs, movement, and active listening. Word sheets and suggestions on how to make music at home with your baby will also be provided, so you can keep up the good work at home 21st February – 30th May

10th February 2013

10th February

Visit the Tate for Glam, a visually extravagant pop style which exploded across Britain during the years 1971–5, embraced high and low culture and played with identity and gender definitions. Glam! The Performance of Style at Tate Liverpool will be the first exhibition to explore glam style and sensibility in-depth, examining its relationship to painting, sculpture, film, performance and installation art in Britain, across Europe and in North America.

www.liverpoolphil.com

www.inglenook-farm.co.uk

www.echoarena.com

Glam! The Performance of Style

Swept off your feet by Ravel’s Spanish passion?

Swooning into the arms of Bruch’s lovely First Violin Concerto? Dreaming of hot Italian nights like Martucci’s moonlit Nocturne? No matter what your idea of romance, this Valentine’s night concert is guaranteed to put you in the mood.

16 February 2013 - 24 February

Scarecrow Festival, Tatton Park

Visit Tatton’s scarecrow festival in the gardens and at the Farm this spring half-term. Over 30 scarecrows will be resident in the gardens. Find the farmyard scarecrows and have a go at making your own. Closed on Mondays. www.tattonpark.org.uk 17th February

The Elephant Bridesmaid, The Floral Pavillion

This delightful show has just the right balance of games, songs and heart warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day. So join Nessie the Elephant and her fantastic animal friends and help them as they go in search of an outfit fancy enough to make her the Australian jungle’s first and most beautiful Elephant Bridesmaid. www.floralpavilion.com

18th February 2013 - 22nd February

Pirates & Princesses Half Term Fun

Shiver me timbers... throughout February The Jungle in Skelmersdale will be invaded by Pirates and Princesses! They’re planning lots of fun activities throughout the month and half price entry for children who come in Pirate or Princess fancy dress during the half term holiday. Kids and parents alike will love the multi-level play areas and Jungle Express cafe.

Join in the songs and games to help your young child develop his/her musicianship and creativity, including ways to ‘tune in’ to your child using childled music making. Word sheets and suggestions on how to make music at home with your young child will be also provided. These sessions book up very quickly so early booking is advised. www.liverpoolphil.com 24th February

Scheherazade: The Princess, the Pirate and the Baboon, Liverpool Philharmonic

Bringing children and adults together to experience the thrill of a live orchestra, this one-hour concert is a great introduction to classical music for children aged 4-10 and their families. Children are invited to have a go on a variety of instruments from 2pm prior to each concert. www.liverpoolphil.com/ Until April

Titanic exhibition, Merseyside Maritime Museum

To mark the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, this compelling new exhibition will explore Liverpool’s central role in the Titanic story. The exhibition will feature previously unseen collections of international significance, including material from Merseyside Maritime Museum’s extensive archives - for example this tragic letter from May Louise McMurray that was never delivered. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

www.thejungle.uk.net

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Family Go Liv Rachel Scot t - Knowsley Safari Park

Liam & James Little League

anniversary Late 2012 saw the fifth ine, and to of Family Go Live magaz st ever awards celebrate we held our fir es going to ceremony, with accolad irdressers to everyone from vets to ha party entertainers.

The awards, voted for by parents across the region and Family Go Live readers, were presented by Lorna Foley of children’s entertainer Fooleys and took place in the city’s Greyspace venue. ily

Denise Harris, Director of Fam Go Live Magazine, said: ah Todd ay & Sar ding Alison S reastfee B is b ol Bam Liverpo rt o Supp

and “Congratulations to all our winners ed vot who e thank you to everyon in the first ever Family Go Live Awards. These awards, voted for to by the public, have been designed es recognise and reward local compani t and organisations who offer the mos support to families in our area.”

For more on the awards and the full list of winners The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 28-29

OUT & ABOUT

OUT & ABOUT

Some of the Winners!

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Bumps & Babies

Baby swimming company, Waterbabies, was named Merseyside’s best baby and toddler class. Honey Pot Nurseries scooped the title of Merseyside’s best nursery at the awards.

Breastfeeding support organisation, Liverpool Bambis, took home the title of the region’s best supporting organisation for parents.

Education

Greenbank Primary School was voted as offering the best in-school pastoral care.

Clubs & Classes

ey Pot Nursery Julie &Tony Hurst – Hon

e Radcliffe Heidi Garnett, Catherin k Primary & Debi Wrigley - Greenban School

Little League Sports, which provides sports classes across Merseyside, was named as the best extracurricular club or activity for 4-11 year olds.

Out & About

Kat

ie H

Dobbies Café in Speke was named as the most family friendly café, and Knowsley Safari Park was voted best family day out for under 12s.

Local Services

Alder Veterinary Hospital, took the award for best professional service provider.

arv ey &J enn Dav y id L loyd Wray -

Sally Marlow & Stephanie Cahill - Vood ou

Health & Beauty

City centre hairdresser, Voodou, won the best hair and beauty category, while David Lloyd in Speke picked up the best fitness centre award.

Parties & Playtime

Gill B aldwin & Ma Baldw rk in - S pace world

Winners in the two children’s party categories were Spaceworld play centre in Prescot, which won the award for best party venue and kids’ party planning company, Glitterati Parties, which picked up a gong for best hired entertainment.

and nominations, www.familygolive.com 29

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isney Family ticket to D et’s On Ice Presents L na Party! At Echo Are Liverpool

The Interesting E ating Company It’s just over seven months since the Interesting Eating Company burst onto the Allerton Road café scene and it already appears to have attracted a loyal following.

ney een party with the Dis . frightfully festive Hallow tch Sti & iian luau with Lilo Villains; and a Hawa

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The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 30-31

OUT & ABOUT

OUT & ABOUT

WIN

Restaura nt Revi ew

The place has a relaxed and friendly vibe with décor to match. Providing seating for more than 45 people, with additional exterior places on the back terrace, it is deceptively much bigger than it appears from the outside.

We were given a couple of menus, which featured a good selection of sandwiches, salads, toasties, paninis, baked potatoes and soup, all with gluten free options. There was also an excellent breakfast menu, which is available throughout the day.

We opted for Vicky’s Traditional Chicken Soup (£4.97), a signature dish, which was described as a slowly cooked broth of chicken, carrots, onions and dumplings.

We also chose a Chicken, Emmental and Pesto Panini (£4.97), which was perfectly cooked and very tasty. Our two-year-old son decided on a Slice

The Interesting Eating Company of Eggy Bread (£1.97) from the children’s menu, and the doorstop sized pieces, sprinkled with icing sugar, went down a treat!

To follow, we had a selection of homemade Italian gelato ice-cream, including lemon sorbet, vanilla and strawberry, which really was delicious. The impressive drinks menu listed a good range of smoothies and shakes, including those made from your favourite chocolate bar.

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Family tickets to The Elephant Bridesmaid at the Floral Pavillion Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known.

Based on a story from the best selling book, How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales, this delightful show has just the right balance of games, songs and heart warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day.

So join Nessie the Elephant and her fantastic animal friends and help them as they go in search of an outfit fancy enough (and large enough) to make her the Australian jungle’s most beautiful Elephant Bridesmaid!

To win, answer this question:

What is Nessie the Elephant looking for? (a) The circus (b) A fancy outfit (c) A trunk n please go to To enter the competitio petitions com om/ ve.c goli www.family sing date Clo . wer and give us your ans 3.

201 ry rua Feb h 10t

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 32-33

OUT & ABOUT

OUT & ABOUT

WIN

Why you should get down to the woods today New research shows that we may be spending more time with our children than previous generations, but we’re spending almost all of it in front of the television.

The National Trust and YouGov interviewed children and their parents about how they spent their family time together and found that watching TV and DVDs was far and away the most popular pursuit, with 80% of children and 72% of parents saying that is how they spend their leisure time as a family.

Despite the popularity of watching TV, both parents and children agreed that they would like to spend more time together in the great outdoors, doing things such as playing sport, going for a walk, or going to the park.

encouraging that children and parents want to spend more time together and that walking is seen as a great way of doing just that.”

So if you could do with blowing away the cobwebs after Christmas, maybe it’s time to turn over a new leaf and get the whole family out into the great outdoors this spring.

For info on woodland walks near you visit: visitwoods.org.uk or nationaltrust.org.uk

According to medics, the sedentary lifestyle led by many families can lead to children developing conditions normally associated with adults. Dr William Bird, a GP and an expert in environment and health, said: “Children can benefit hugely from walking in the outdoors. High blood pressure, cholesterol and depression can be detected in children as young as 10, due to inactivity. Spending time with family, in the outdoors, can invigorate even the most TV or X-box-obsessed children!”

Simon Pryor, Natural Environment Director at the National Trust, said: “Despite the fact that TV seems to be dominating family life it’s really

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Directory

Morecrofts Solicitors Tel: 0151 236 8871 www.morecrofts.co.uk Hamper House Tel: 0151 486 2055 www.hamperhouse.net Paul Crowley Tel: 0151 264 7363 www.paulcrowley.co.uk Costco Tel: 0151 224 7670 www.costco.co.uk Best Au Pair Barcelona Tel: 0741 472 4447 BEEcycle Tel: 0151 707 1043 Tel: 07950 341 490 Rest and Relax Tel: 0151 493 0555 www.rest-relax.co.uk

LOCAL SERVICES

LOCAL SERVICES

Local Services

Inheritance: The difficult conversation you must have Speak to anyone who is estranged from a sibling, and it’s not uncommon to find that it’s the issue of inheritance that lead to them falling out.

Despite this, many families remain reluctant to discuss the issue of inheritance before a parent dies.

Of course, this is understandable. Not only do we not want to think about our parents dying, discussing how much of their money we are likely to receive just seems unseemly. Yet establishing what will happen to a parents estate before their death (and with them still about to mediate between siblings) means that any issues can be ironed out and therefore be less likely to lead to future divisions in the family. In many instances inheritance planning can also ensure that less of your parents hard-earned cash goes to the tax man.

Parents will often react in unpredictable ways when the matter of their will is brought up. Some will be glad of the chance to discuss their plans and ensure their estate is managed properly, while others might feel uncomfortable about confronting their own mortality, or even worry that their children are trying to take control of their lives.

These tips can help make broaching the matter of your inheritance easier: Be prepared: Gather information such as

available to those making wills. This sort of independent advice will help to put your parents at ease and see the benefits of sorting out their finances for themselves.

Do it together:

Making a will may not seem like quite such a big deal if both you and your parents make one at the same time. After all, you too should want to make sure your children are provided for in the event of your death.

Don’t be pushy: If your parent is unwilling to talk about wills, putting pressure on them is unlikely to help matters.

Talk to your siblings:

One sibling pushing for a will to be made is likely to cause suspicion.

Talk to your other siblings to make sure they are happy with you talking to your parents about their will and understand your reasons for doing so.

leaflets and factsheets on the different options

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 34-35

www.familygolive.com

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Health & Breyauty Directo

Tracy Thompson, Practice Development Manager, Paul Crowley Solicitors What does family mean to you?

Family means everything to me. Everything I do is for them.

How do you get a good work life balance?

It’s difficult whilst working full time but being organised is crucial. People laugh at my ‘to do lists’ but life would be chaotic without them!

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Don’t spend time worrying about things you have no control over.

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 36-37

What do you worry about most?

Other than the usual things like money, health etc, I worry mostly about my children – particularly about their safety and happiness.

When are you happiest?

When I’m having fun and laughing with my two girls.

What’s the most important lesson in life?

Never look back. Everything happens for a reason.

flexology Elaine Davies Re 11 03 19 7 ou 91 Vood Tel: 07 89 sreflexology.co.uk Tel: 0844 445 78 www.elainedavie .uk .co c www.voodou Tracy Bell Clini 40 rapy Centre The Physiothe Tel: 0151 707 03 60 traceybell.co.uk w.

Tel: 0151 724 20 ww k o.u erapycentre.c www.thephysioth One20 Dental 92 Herbalife Tel: 0151 525 29 16 tal.com Tel: 0751 145 05 www.one20den .uk Beauty www.herbalife.co NuPura Spa & n Get Active 4 Liverpool Wome Tel: 07873 868 69 m 61 .co 52 pa 3 23 ras pu 51 nu 01 w. l: Te ww n v.uk/activewome uture Dress www.liverpool.go Roxie O’del Co tions Dance Passion Maker & Altera 0 22 24 4 52 50 01 Tel: 07751 240 23 l: Te k re.co.uk sesliverpool.co.u w.roxieodelcoutu www.zumbaclas ww ss ne Fit d an h alt Greens He 00 Tel: 0151 707 60 s.co.uk www.greenfitnes .com for all

rs Diggles Jewelle 41 Tel: 0151 733 41 llery.com www.digglesjewe ness, Organic od Go to Honest rs Vegan Supplie 16 Tel: 0151 632 65 goodness.org.uk www.honest-tou Aesthetically Yo 14 Tel: 0151 427 00 llyyou.co.uk www.aesthetica ty or Mobile Beau nn Co Donna O’ Therapist 6 Tel: 07948 080 97 nor.co.uk www.donnacon sing Saints Hairdres 68 Tel: 0151 727 52 dressing.com www.saints.hair

HEALTH & BEAUTY

LOCAL SERVICES

60 Second Interview -

our golive ily m a .f w w ti w ty lis ngs!

Visit ealth & beau h d e d n e m recom

www.familygolive.com

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on the catwalk. If you’re not keen on making such a bold statement, a simple striped scarf should do the trick.

Sporty dresses

As the nation still basks in the afterglow of the Olympics, dresses are predicted to take on a sportier appearance.

Wondering whether 2013 is going to be a lucky year for fashion? Look no further. Here are our spies’ reports on what’s going to be hot this year...

Think cuts which show off toned shoulders and flared skirts which look just as good with Converse and a cardigan as they do with little heels.

‘Peekaboo’ pieces

Modesty be-gone, because apparently this year it will be difficult to avoid clothing with daring cut out details.

Bold stripes

Yes ladies, it’s time to dig out those Dennis the Menace knits because big, bold stripes are predicted to be making a come-back, and have even be spotted emblazoned across ballgowns

Whether it’s see through backs, cut out chest panels or thigh high slits, it seems that fashion in 2013 isn’t for the faint hearted.

WIN

A Nelsons Pure and Clear beauty gift set!

question: What type of oil is used in the Nelsons Pure and Clear skincare range?

To enter the competition please go to www. familygolive.com and give us your answer.

Closing date 20th February 2013

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 38-39

share your progress with your friends too, a sort of accountability which may put you off a three day wine and Monster Munch binge.

After the excesses of the festive season, many of us find ourselves Walkit (Free) shanks’s pony waddling our way into the New Year. Using more often is a great way to lose weight and this If you spent December mainlining little app will make it so Baileys and eating the kids’ much easier. It lets you put in where you are, selection boxes, fear not. These and where you want to apps will help you beat the bulge in go, and plans a route so you can walk the journey 2013 rather than use transport.

My fitness Pal (Free)

Family Go Live has eight fabulous The gift sets include:Nelsons Pure & Clear Purifying Daily Wash (£7.15); Nelsons Pure & Clear Purifying Daily Facial Wipes (£5.45) skincare gift boxes to give ;Nelsons Pure & Clear Balancing Moisturiser (£8.20); Nelsons Pure & Clear Blemish Gel (£8.20) away, courtesy of Nelsons Pure To win, just answer this and Clear Nelsons Pure & Clear anti-blemish skincare range uses a combination of natural plant extracts including Calendula, Arnica and Hypericum with Tea Tree Oil to create the ideal skincare system to cleanse, smooth and invigorate your skin. The ingredients are specifically chosen for their acknowledged purifying and skin conditioning properties to help you target the appearance of blemishes.

Shedding the postChristmas pounds?: Apps to keep you on track

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Fashion trends for 2013

Want a fitness app that not only allows you to log what you’ve eaten and how much exercise you’ve done, but also gives you the support of a slimming club? Look no further.

This app allows you to set a daily ‘calorie’ budget, and keep track by logging what you’ve eaten and what exercise you’ve completed that day. The nutritional value of thousands of foods is already contained in its directory, there’s also a barcode scanner so you can directly add any foods you can’t find on there. My fitness pal also acts as a mini social network which allows you to

Rather niftily it also tells you how many calories you’ll burn by walking and how much C02 you’ve saved by not taking the car.

Restaurants Weight Loss Diet (£1.89)

Great for foodies, this app lists the nutritional information of the menus of over 300 popular restaurants.

This super app also points you in the direction of the healthiest food choices on the menu, meaning that claiming ignorance of the fat content of that sticky toffee pudding is no longer a valid excuse.

www.familygolive.com

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PARTIES & PLAYTIME

Parties & Playtime Directory

Could your Kid Kidilates?

The Physiotherapy Centre has launched a brand new exercise programme aimed at primary school children.

Kidilates is a fun 40 minute physiotherapy led exercise class promoting healthy movement in youngsters. The programme consists of pilates exercises, general exercises and has a strong emphasis on postural education.

Sarah Johnson, Director of The Physiotherapy Centre commented: “So many teenagers and adults present themselves to health providers every day with injuries related to bad posture and poor body awareness. Kidilates encourages children to move well, enjoy exercise and it promotes a positive body image.

Jumping Jacks 0151 487 5757 www.jumpingjacksabc.co.uk Superbowl Tel: 0151 424 5866 www.widnes-superbowl.co.uk Yellow Sub Tel: 08444 120 850 www.yellowsub.co.uk Creepy Crawly Tel: 01244 646 045 www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk Groovy Hooves Tel: 01257 261 771 www.groovy-hooves.com Crafty Corner Tel: 07919 493546 www.craftycornernumber61.weebly.com Big Red Bus Tel: 07824 872 159 www.redpartybus.co.uk Fooleys (Children’s Entertainer) Tel: 07860 765 971 www.fooleys.co.uk Spaceworld Tel: 0844 335 8342 www.spaceworldplaycentre.co.uk Kilmore Promotions Tel: 0800 1955630 www.kilmorepromotions.co.uk Just the Cupcake Tel: 07765 228009 www.justthecupcake.co.uk Glitterarti Parties Tel: 07932802721 TK Entertainments Tel: 0151 345 9490 www.tk-entertainments.co.uk

“Kidilates aims to promote good posture short and long term and reduce the number of children developing into adults with postural related problems that could have been prevented. Our programme is suitable for the majority of children including those diagnosed with motor problems e.g. dyspraxia and children who are keen to develop a specific sporting ability.”

Visit: http://www.thephysiotherapycentre.com/

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 40-41

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You could be forgiven for not losing too much sleep over your child’s first birthday, on the grounds that they’re very unlikely to remember it, but it seems this message never quite made it through to Planet Celeb.

To celebrate daughter Mason turning one, reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian is reported to have brought in a carousel, full petting zoo and train set, according to Hollybaby.com.

Similarly RnB star, Usher, is said to have celebrated his little boy’s first birthday by forking out for an Aladdin themed party, complete with magic carpets, real camels and face painting.

And if you thought that us Brits are too sensible for such extravagance, think again.

The Beckhams were reported to have spent around £50,000 on baby Harper’s first birthday, entertaining guests with pony rides, a bouncy

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents JAN_FEB.indd 42-43

WIN castle and even specially dyed pink rabbits.

According to new research, even non-celeb parents are spending increasing amounts on their baby’s first birthday party, and the party itself is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Micro Scooters surveyed 750 couples throughout the UK with young children aged 5 and under. They discovered that between £200 and £750 will be spent on a child’s first birthday by 52 per cent of parents. Some parents had even spent up to £1,200 on a first birthday as costs had included a commemorative photo shoot.

A party at Chill Factore...

PARTIES & PLAYTIME

PARTIES & PLAYTIME

Child’s first birthday?

- how do the celebs do it?

Family Go Live has teamed up with Chill the slopes! Party must be booked by 31st March Factore to offer one lucky reader the chance to 2013 for any date up to 1st March 2014. win a party for 10 kids!

Can you imagine a fun-packed party surrounded by real snow? If you’re looking for something that little bit different Chill Factore offers a truly exciting range of activities to make your child’s day extra special and our parties start from as little as £9 per person!

Win one of our thrilling sledging or tubing parties with a fabulous party meal overlooking

To win, answer this question: Can you name any one of the fabulous snow fun activities e on offer at Chill Factor ?”

To enter the competition please visit our website familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date 20th February 2013.

These spiralling costs may be to some extent explained by the vogue for increasingly fancy party food. The days of sausage rolls, jelly and ice cream and crisps are gone it seems, with 39 per cent of parents saying that they only serve healthy party food, and 11 per cent saying that they provide themed catering. The research also showed that people will spend up to £20 per goody bag and agonise over the perfect contents as they want to offer something unique with “WOW factor”.

Commenting on the findings, Micro Scooters UK’s Ben Gibson said: “Spending on children seems to be the last thing that is cut back during a recession. Parents throughout the UK want to make sure their children have the very best and will go without themselves.”

www.familygolive.com

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PARTIES & PLAYTIME

PARTIES & PLAYTIME

Party Fact File:

Jumping Jacks

What makes Jumping Jacks so special?

Children are unique so their parties should be as well. We go that extra mile to make your child’s party one to remember and provide bespoke party packages that cannot be imitated. Our party leaders come with everything needed for an action packed party.

What age group are your parties The success of our parties is born to the fact that we love what we do and suitable for and how many children?

Our parties are aimed at children aged from it shows.

1-8 years. The minimum for a party is 12 What happens at a Jumping and we have no maximum as we provide entertainment for large events and there Jacks party? should be enough space for each child to No two Jumping Jacks parties are take part in the games and activities safely. the same as our team prepare an individual plan for each party. We What is the duration of a party? have many fun props, resources and We recommend an hour for under fives and equipment (age-appropriate) and also have two three and four hour packages our parties include games, dancing, available for mixed age and older children. competitions and more! We also have over 30 characters/mascots that can What is the cost of the parties? add the wow factor to your party and We have many different packages available.

Prices start at ÂŁ45 for a character visit (no surprise your guests. minimum amount of children for visits) and What sort of themes do you from ÂŁ75 for entertainment. We can do as much or as little of the entertainment as you have available? would like.

Traditional (with our own unique twist!), Holiday Camp Style, Princess, What is included with the Pirates, Superheroes, Monster Mayhem, Sports, Tiny Tots and more. cost of a party?

Jumping Jacks party invites are included at If you have a different theme in mind, no extra charge. At a Jumping Jacks party we have many more and welcome a everyone gets a little prize to take away so new challenge! no-one leaves the party disappointed. The Where do the parties party host child will receive a certificate, keepsake medal and a gift. Optional extras take place? include catering, face painting, balloons.

We do house parties, village halls, community centres, function rooms, play centres, schools, nurseries, fetes www.jumpingjacksabc.co.uk and fairs.

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www.familygolive.com

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Expires 28th Feb 2013. This voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Simply call 0151 722 3386 to make appointment Address 4B Hattons Lane L16 7QS

THE CREEPY CRAWLY SHOW

VOUCHER

20% OFF BEAUTY SERVICES AT SAMATHA MITCHELL

VOUCHER

PARTIES & PLAYTIME

SAMATHA MITCHELL NAILS & BEAUTY CLINIC

For more info visit: www.twilightmidwife.co.uk Address: 17 Crosby Road South L22 1RG Tel: 0151 538 2998

JUMPING JACKS £15 OFF ANY TWO HOUR DISCO PACKAGE Expires 31/12/13. Only one voucher allowed per person. Excludes public holidays & the month of December. Dates/times subject to availability.

Please contact one of our team who will be happy to deal with any queries Telephone number - 0151 487 5757 Website - www.jumpingjacksabc.co.uk

YELLOW SUB 2 FOR 1 ENTRY AT YELLOW SUB Use this voucher for 2 for 1 entry into Yellow Sub. Expires 28th Feb 2013. Terms and Conditions apply. Tel : 08444 120 850 www.yellowsub.co.uk

THE INTERESTING EATING COMPANY PARTY OFFER Book a party at the Interesting Eating Company and receive a free place for the birthday child/event organiser. Expires 28th Feb 2013. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 117 Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 2DD. Tel: 0151 345 5216

VOUCHER

BOOK THREE PARENTING SESSIONS AND ONLY PAY FOR TWO

VOUCHER

TWILIGHT MIDWIFE

VOUCHER

Discount off weekday parties only. School visits, fetes and weekend parties excluded from offer. Offer expires 28th Feb 2013. For more info visit: www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk Tel: 0151 327 5888

VOUCHER

£15 OFF OUR COMICAL KIDS ANIMAL PARTY ROADSHOW!

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