Camping With Kids - Some Top Tips!

 Its that time of year again and what better way to make the most of summer than to spend a few nights under canvas with your family. Camping can be a great way for your child to explore nature as well as having some quality bonding time with you. Here are our top tips for camping out with babies and young children.

Things to consider:

• Sleeping - Smaller babies who are unable to roll over would be suited to a pop-up bassinet or for larger babies, pop-up bubble cots are the ideal place to sleep. For extra snugness, a small sheepskin rug for your child to lay on is perfect for a little extra insulation. Layers of clothing are easier to peel off a couple if weather is warm rather than trying to keep warm with blankets etc. I personally would opt for a warm junior sleeping bag for young children, one that is suitable for a chilly temperature! Its not much fun shivering during the night! Take extra blankets just in case.

• Feeding - For young babies breast-feeding is the ideal camping solution to nourishment on-the-go. Prep some meals in advance - handy to give to a hungry tot while camp is being set up.

• Fridge. Unless you have a shop on site, it is handy to take a small gas powered fridge. Albeit a luxury item, its great not having to worry about dairy products going off in you warm tent during the day. Also handy for keeping Daddy's cider and Mummy's wine cool too! You can pick up a second hand gas fridge for around £50 and new ones will cost £100 plus. See it as a long term investment into happy camping!

• Organisation - Try to keep the tent tidy and these essential items close to hand. A small head torch means you can keep both hands free if you need to change a nappy or rock a baby back to sleep again.

Waterproofs and wellies

• Clothing - Take more clothing than you need. Be prepared for the inevitable rain shower and falling over in puddles! Waterproof all-in-one suits are the perfect companion for a camping holiday, and lets face it, you are likely to see a muddy puddle or two when camping in the great British outdoors! Wellies are great protection in the mud, but really easy to slip on and off as you go in and out of your tent. 

• A few toys - Don't forget to bring comforters and favourite teddies! Take favourite books, colouring and drawing paper, pens/crayons. Handy when you want them to have some quiet time or to keep them amused when you are busy.

• Forget about bedtimes... you will only stress yourself trying to get your toddler to sleep at 7pm. Be flexible and put them to bed when they are proper pooped out! Usually bedtime gets easier after the first night under canvas, as all the time spent in the fresh air does the trick.

• Pack a first aid kit and be prepared for splinters, stings etc. Antihistamines are also a must have in your first aid kit, in case insect stings cause swelling or if anyone is allergic to any pollen that may be in season. 

• Dirt rules. Your children will get grubby. Very grubby. Accept it.  Don't worry about it... they will be fine! A few wet wipes for sticky fingers and a wash before bed is good enough for most, and you could always keep the antibacterial gel handy for more interesting types of grub... like cow poo. Enjoy it, become one with the grub.

   

Boba Air

• A good baby carrier is a great thing for camping. Forget pushing a buggy through muddy campsites! We love the new Boba Air - the most lightweight baby carrier on the market, it is a great price and it packs away very small in its own travel pouch. Perfect for days out. If you are hiking its a good idea to bring a waterproof backpack cover to slip over the baby backpack in case of rain. That way baby stays nice and dry and warm from your body heat. 

• Toileting. Most campsites will have on site toilets and showers. Its always handy to have a special 'wee bucket' or a potty to hand. It will save you traipsing to the toilet block in the middle of the night.

• Keep your sense of humour... it will help no end! Be flexible and go with the flow. Enjoy watching you child explore the world around them. Take lots of photos!

Baby Sling and Carrier Hire

Baby sling and carrier hire is a great option...

Ever wanted to try out a certain baby carrier before committing to buy? Maybe you going on holiday and reluctant to pay full price for a baby carrier that you may not use much after? Well, the answer is at hand. Hire a sling from us!

Often, new baby carriers can be an expensive purchase.  We offer sling hire for just £5 per week!

To see our selection of slings and carriers available for hire, and to view our terms and conditions, click here.

Email  your questions to: info@monkeystars.co.uk

Gym Tips For Beginners

With my kids in pre-school I have the luxury of 2 morning per week to myself. So finally, after not really doing much exercise apart from the occasional long walk or bike ride, I have joined a GYM! 2 weeks in and I'm going almost every 2 days (admittedly the steam room and Jacuzzi are very tempting but I make sure i have a workout first).

Here are some tips for beginning the gym... things that I have learned during the past 2 weeks.

• Don't be embarrassed if you are not as fit as you thought you were. We all have to start somewhere. I have seen the stereo typical gym-rats - scantily clad women who manage to run for an hour on the treadmill without breaking sweat, as well as the massive men strutting around the 'Muscle Beach' weightlifting area who gasp for extra effect when lifting anything. I have also seen an equal number of 'normal' people - big, bigger, small, thin, wobbly, weak, elderly, knock kneed, bumpy elbowed and poisonous warts on the end of their nose... (or is that another story?) People join the gym for very different reasons and I think its great that such a diverse range of folk can work towards their goals in a kind of unlikely community.

• Take your own music. Listening to my favourite tunes increased my stamina and effort enormously. It really helps you zone out and get on with the job. 

• Use clothes or accessories that are specific to doing fitness activities. I have some Zaggora Hotpants which increase sweating by up to 80 per cent, making inch loss happen more rapidly. (I have taken some measurements around my thighs, hips and bottom... I will let you know how it goes). It doesn't have to be expensive either. For instance I recently purchased for about a fiver, a running belt to wear so i can put my iPod in it while exercising. It will help me feel more serious about going to the gym as every time I see it I will be reminded!

• Be prepared to see a lot of naked flesh in the changing room! Why not towel your privates vigorously while chatting to your friend about last night's telly? How about standing completely naked for 15 minutes while you send a text message or two? I am not ashamed of a naked body, but I don't think I could skip over to the hair-dryers with everything on show either. There are cubicles for the more self conscious of us.

I am enjoying my gym experience much more than I thought I would. I joined as they had a special offer on and the monthly fees are half that of other well known fitness centers  I am determined to get fit and finally tone up that post preggo belly that I 've had for a few years now. Wish me luck!

Beco Butterfly or Gemini? Which suits your needs best?

Beco Butterfly

Separate hood (attaches with snaps) that protects even taller babies from sun, wind, rain or just gives a little privacy for a nap.
Removable infant insert, which can be used for even premature babies and on up to about 15 lbs.
Internal y-shaped panel that goes between baby and wearer. This creates a nice seat for baby to sit in, allows for easier back carries, transferring baby from one wearer to another (without taking baby out of the carrier). Butterfly also offers another way to put baby in the carrier rather than putting it on and lifting baby into position... Lay the baby in the carrier first, secure their position and buckles and then lift the whole ensemble to your chest (or your back). Perfect for smaller babies and nervous parents!
Can carry heavier babies than the Gemini - Weight limit of 45 lbs.

Beco Gemini
The Gemini can be used as a forward facing carrier for curious babies, whereas the Butterfly does not allow this. With the Gemini, the base snaps down to make it narrower, allowing baby to face out comfortably while in the front carry position.
Headrest is attached and can be snapped down or left up.
Carrier is all one piece- no extra panels or inserts.

Weight limit of 35 lbs.

Both Beco Gemini and Butterfly carriers accommodate newborn babies without buying extra inserts or needing any other accessories.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Competition 2012

After a fantastic competition last year, we are really excited to announce our new Halloween Pumpkin Carving Competition, where the best spooky pumpkin wins a Patapum Baby Carrier!

The Prize
The Patapum Baby Carrier is one of the best baby carriers on the market. It is lightweight, comfortable, stylish and easy to use.

Can be worn front or back.


Clean stylish design, lightweight and compact.
Excellent for heavier babies and toddlers, when one-shouldered slings and pack carriers without waist belts are no longer comfortable.
Soft padded shoulder straps, and supportive padded waist belt.
Adjustable shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist belt (up to 45" waist, or 54" with included Waist Extension).
Detachable head hood made of soft cotton mesh.
100% cotton fabrics (canvas outside, brushed twill inside).
Durable and easy to clean. Machine wash. (Cold water.)

RRP around £60!
Prize is available in red or navy.

How To Enter
'Show us ya pumpkin' by uploading using the linky below. You can share from photo sites such as Facebook, Flickr and Photobucket or you can upload directly from your own files. The winning pumpkin will be chosen by us on Halloween night 31st October. It might not be the most technically brilliant, symmetrical masterpiece but will be the one we think most captures the fun of Halloween. To enter, simply add your photo of your finished pumpkin below. You can upload directly from your own blog or from online sharing sites such as Photobucket and Flickr. Good luck, we can't wait to see them!

Want some inspiration? Check out our competition from last year.

Foodie Foto Friday!

One of my most tasty lunches this week was... crumbed ham and a soft brown roll, lots of yummy green stuffed olives and an apple.

I could happily eat this for breakfast too!

Yippee! On the back of our Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday win , we have now been nominated for a Business Mum Award for Online Business! We would really appreciate a vote if you like us! X

Click here to vote! Online Business category.

Sheepskin Baby Care - Product Spotlight

Sheepskins have been used for centuries in infant care as they provide a soft, comforting place to settle. Sheepskins help to keep a stable temperature as air is trapped in the fibre, keeping an even warmth. Being a natural product these sheepskins will absorb any excess moisture from baby's skin and help keep baby more comfortable.They are great for rolling around on, tummy time and for sleeping on. The sheepskins we have available are also suitable for use in prams, strollers and cots. They are also great for travelling as a sleepy baby will love the familiar security of the soft wool.  Oh... and there's nothing cuter than seeing a little one snuggling up in a beautiful sheepskin rug!

Prices start from £39.

Bowron unshorn

Bowron shorn

Bowron stroller/pushchair sheepskin

 Bowron Sheepskins have been hand crafted with pride by G.L.BOWRON & CO. LTD. New Zealand since 1879.

Our Forum

We get asked about baby sleep - a lot. Sometimes though, there are specific questions that we have no experience with or questions that may need an experts input. Often, tired parents just need a little support and the space to express their feelings in a like-minded group. That is why we have decided to host our own parenting forum and get a community together to offer just that, and to make some friends along the way!

We want lovely people to help our community grow! In return we are offering the first 20 contributors a lush bottle of Earth Friendly Baby organic shampoo and body wash. 

Come and have a look at our forum now!

Silent Sunday

Foodie Foto Friday

Well, summer has gone and thoughts are already turning to Christmas! Here is a festive photo I took of some scrummy Stollen cake. (recipe to follow!)

Cartoons... Where has the Art gone?

Being a Mum to 2 young children, I watch my fair share of CBeebies. Nothing depresses me 
more than the style of animation that make up 90% of 'cartoons' for kids. Crisp, neat CGI worlds where the perfect little characters live in colourful blandness. The worst offenders are Everything's Rosie, Tree Fu Tom and that annoying little Uki from Show Me Show Me.
 I'm from a generation that used to watch Danger Mouse, Inspector Gadget, Raccoons, Tom and Jerry and 'Thunder Thunder Thunder Thunder CATS!' I'm not saying that this is how animation should be, I am always up for progress. It's just that these cartoons had a charm about them that the new style of animation does not have. Dare I say it... the Art has disappeared. One could easily insert Tree Fu Tom into an episode of Everything's Rosie, the characters are all made the same. However, it would be very odd indeed to see Penfold plotting against Cyril Sneer. 
 I want my children to appreciate a good story with lots of style variations rather than the mind-numbing world of CGI. 

Rant over - thanks for listening.

George x

Just So... Much Fun! Monkey Stars at the Just So Festival!

One of the first events we have ever sponsored and we had a fantastic time. The Just So Festival was action packet with some fantastic activities for young and old alike. We particularly enjoyed Samba drumming, making clay faces, stone balancing (my new obsession that has suddenly begun to take up whole afternoons at home) bread making and pirate training.

The Tea and Toast van was perfect for little taste buds, offering a variety of toasty treats, free fruit for kids and lots of lovely herbal teas for Mums and Dads. 

 Beautiful sunsets over performer camp site in the evenings!

We had a lovely time at the Just So festival and learned some lessons about having a stall at such an event, the main lesson being 'make sure your marquee is waterproof'! We also had plenty of interest in our store and gave out a lot of brochures featuring existing and upcoming products. Time will tell if it has been a success business wise, but as family fun it was fantastic!

Tips For Camping With Toddlers!

With the Just So festival a few days away, we thought we'd make a list of tips for camping with toddlers!

• Take more clothing than you need... be prepared for the inevitable rain shower and falling over in puddles!

• Take extra blankets. Even in the height of summer it can get pretty chilly at night.
• Don't forget to bring comforters and favourite teddies!

• Forget about bedtime... you will only stress yourself trying to get your toddler to sleep at 7pm. Put them to bed when they are proper pooped out! Usually bedtime gets easier after the first night under canvas, as all the time spent in the fresh air does the trick.

• Pack a first aid kit and be prepared for splinters, stings etc.

• Don't worry about them being grubby... they will be fine! A few wet wipes for sticky fingers and a wash before bed is good enough.

• Take favourite books, colouring and drawing paper, pens/crayons. Handy when you want them to have some quiet time or to keep them amused when you are busy.

• Keep your sense of humour... it will help no end!

If you are going to the Just So festival this year, please come and say hello to us! We are between Peekaboo and 40 Winks!

French Toast With Honey And Cinnamon

French toast is a quick and easy recipe that your little helper will love getting involved with.. You will need:


1 egg
1/2 cup of milk
knob of butter
4 slices of bread
honey
cinnamon


Get a deep bowl and help your child to break the egg and then add the milk. Mix well. Melt the butter in a frying pan until it begins to bubble. Dip 2 slices of bread into the mixture. This is the fun part for your little helper who will no doubt enjoy dunking it in! The thicker the slices of bread, the better. Ideally a baguette or a chunky slices of crusty bread that are just beginning to stale work best. If the bread is too thin it does tend to make the end result a bit mushy. Add the coated bread to the pan and gently cook until golden brown. Turn once and repeat with the other slices of bread.
 Serve warm with drizzly honey and a light dusting of cinnamon. Delicious, filling and a great way to teach your child some easy cooking skills.

Fun Photo Friday!

Pesky Pirates! Fab day out had by all.

For more info about Fun Photo Friday please read the page all about it!

Father's Day - How do you celebrate?

Father's Day is just around the corner and to me, its not something that my family has ever really celebrated (that goes for Mother's Day too). When I was growing up, we would design cards at school with paint, glitter and tissue paper flowers and offer it to our parents, who would promptly stick it to a door somewhere for all to admire. That bit was fun and everyone appreciated it, young and old alike. As I got older, a hastily scribbled card sufficed, often with the price tag still stuck on the back. It wasn't that I couldn't be bothered to celebrate or take the time to do a bit of parent worship... it just wasn't really the done thing in our family. 'An American thing,' my Dad would say.. 'whatever next? Take your child to work day?'


Now I have my own children, I do feel a little different. It's nice as a parent to have a little fuss made. It's fun for the kids to make cards, wrap a gift and make tea with too much milk. My other half makes more of an effort on these 'Happy Parent Days' and buys gifts, flowers, toiletries etc for his own parents. Nor am I complaining when I get given chocolates and slipper socks 'from the kids'. The thing that I don't like about 'Parent Days' is the pressure to conform. It's a bit like having to buy a birthday present for someone - but it isn't anyone's birthday. If you don't join in the fun, you feel guilty. 'How awful! Not sending a card on Mother's Day!'


I do think its good that we take the moment to show parents that we appreciate them, but my kids draw special pictures everyday and they are always proud to boast to Daddy about how they put the sugar in his coffee this morning, and stirred it very carefully. 
I suppose what I'm trying to get at is that part of me feels that 'Parent Days' have become too commercial and, dare I say it, a chore. Am I just being a cranky grump? What did you do to celebrate when you were a child? How do you celebrate as a family now? What importance do you place on these occasions?

Fun Photo Friday!

Welcome to our first Fun Photo Friday! We want you to share a photo that you have taken during the last week that has made you smile... Simply link up below. 
For more info and to grab our badge see Fun Photo Friday!

My other half at our Jubilee party with our neighbours. Never afraid to get down with the Kids!

Tidy Books - Putting Books At The Heart Of Your Child’s World

We are pleased to announce a new collection for our Nursery area. Tidy Books make a range of children’s storage designs which are created to work for children, are highly practical and very stylish. Tidy Books’ story began in 2004 with the original award winning Tidy Books Children’s Bookcase, designed by a mum for her daughter, in her violin workshop. She wanted a bookcase that was easy for her child to use independently was practical, stylish, and encouraged a love of books.  Since then, other designs have joined the family; all original concepts designed to encourage independence in children, look great in the home and finished in an eco-friendly water lacquer.

“Ordinary children’s bookcases, decorated or not, made no sense to me – books fall out. Plus, how can you put such thin books of different sizes on an ordinary shelf? A box doesn’t work either as the kids can’t see the covers. I wanted something that worked well for kids and their books and looked great too, so I created the original Tidy Books Children’s Bookcase.” Geraldine, Founder and Designer, Tidy Books.

Geraldine went on to design some more fabulous products such as The Tidy Books Bunk Bed Buddy. Specially designed to be the perfect for children’s bedside storage, it keeps books, drinks and alarm clock securely contained. It is also a great bedside storage idea for compact rooms.
The Tidy Books Box is a fantastic way to keep children’s favourite books handy with a stylish box that displays the books’ front covers. It also has a play clock. 

“I noticed that in most living rooms there’s a box with a few favourite children’s books. Again kids can’t see the covers, so usually drag them all out.  I wanted something that would work for the whole family; books of any shape and size, magazines etc!  Kids seem to love these next to their bed as well.” Geraldine, Founder and Designer, Tidy Books

We also have the fabulously functional Tidy Books Forget-Me-Not, a way to make getting organised for school easier. Perfect for busy households, it features a shelf with front lip to hold dinner money and ID cards securely as well as a magnetic whiteboard to jot reminders and hold letters.

We are delighted to have Tidy Books Ltd on board as their colourful and bright creations will add a special, stylish and fun look to any child's room.

Chris and Pui at the Derngate

Today I took my very excited 3 year old and my little man to see Chris and Pui in action at the Derngate theatre in Northampton. Thinking it might be a long time to sit down, we came armed with a bag of Haribo Tangtastics (courtesy of Grannie) to keep them occupied if needed. No need to worry, as soon as the lights went down and the music started my little monkeys were completely transfixed. The amazed expression on my daughter's face as Chris and Pui came on stage was brilliant. It was like the TV had come to life, only better. All the toys made an appearance. Miss Mouse went up in a beautiful balloon, much to my little lady's dismay as she really really wanted to go and 'touch Miss Mouse'. Throughout the rest of the show she kept asking where Miss Mouse was and was only satisfied when I said that her balloon was floating above our house! The Grand Old Duke and Teddington put us all through their paces, an excited cheer erupted when Stuffy arrived on stage and we played Peepo with Tom. It was also MoMo's birthday so a cake needed to be baked with lots of other characters from the show providing the essential ingredients. Did you know that 'MoMo loves nylon hosiery?' Indeed, a great birthday gift from Incy Wincy Spider.
 With lots of singing and nursery rhymes, Chris and Pui's show was a sure hit with the young audience and there was a hint of cheekiness that only a live performance can bring. There were some groan-tastic one liners that reminded me a lot of the sort of jokes that my Dad would tell, but it felt all the more homely for it. I particularly liked Pui as Granny Humpty as it makes me chuckle (let alone the kiddies) when she 'likes to move it move it!'
 Chris and Pui's love of performance really shines through in their show and if they come to your town, oh my woolly word, I would recommend getting a ticket... you won't be disappointed! My 3 year old refused to leave her seat when the show had finished saying she wanted 'more Chris and Pui.' She enjoyed it so much that she was very annoyed with us all the way home because she wanted to see it again! (Typical tot, lol!) She even asked me if Chris and Pui could 'come around our house.' It was her first trip to the theatre and I know she will remember it. I'm really looking forward to watching Show Me Show Me on the TV next week! Thankyou Chris and Pui for a fab morning out!