Claire Tei

Cybex launch exciting collaboration with fashion designer Jeremy Scott

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:59:00 -0400

Fashion and baby worlds collide as flamboyant designer lends his talent to eye-catching baby products

Last night Junior attended an exclusive first look at the colourful collaboration between American fashion designer Jeremy Scott and celebrity favourite superbrand Cybex.

Renown for his bright colour palette and bold patterns, the innovative designer didn’t disappoint. The Cybex by Jeremy Scott collection is the designer’s vision of the ultimate ’80s high school cafeteria food fight — with animated hot dogs, pretzels, pizza and french fries — cheerfully battling it out across buggies, infant carriers and an array of accessories.

The vivid result is an exciting unisex range that will quickly become the envy on the playground when it hits selected stores from June. As he’s more well known for dressing the likes of Katy Perry and Lady Gaga for their stage shows and red carpet events it was no surprise to hear Jeremy has already put aside strollers for his famous friends including Beyoncé, Amber Rose and dad-to-be Kanye West. We predict this vibrant design might steal the limelight wherever it goes - even with Kim Kardashian behind the handlebar.

Originally published at Juniormagazine.co.uk, April 2013

Review: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Her Majesty's Theatre, London

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:51:00 -0400

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Her Majesty’s Theatre, London

Sunday 10^th February, 2013

On a snowy Sunday evening in London within the ornate surroundings of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Nick Cave unveiled Push The Sky Away, his 15th album with The Bad Seeds, in its running order.

Even before the band stepped on stage the scene was set for something quite special. A short film provided insight of the albums incarnation at La Fabrique, a recording studio within a 19th century mansion in France. This would seem oh-so pretentious to any other band but not his talented crew, it only added to the excitement.

Cave explained the new album was a “narrative” to be played in order. We No Who U R simmered with its butterfly-wing delicateness and Water’s Edge built drama leading to Jubilee Street with its inspirational, hymnal climax. It’s at this precise moment you can’t take your eyes off drummer Jim Sclavunos - the way he builds a song is pure poetry in motion.

The sound was incredible with Cave, The Bad Seeds, a string quartet and a small army of backing vocalists – mostly children – embracing beauty rather than power.

Cave was at his most impish, whether lampooning himself, “year after year, I get sadder and sadder. Life’s so hard. Don’t listen to me kids,” or swatting demanding hecklers: “Yep, we can do all those: we’re not going to.”

A highlight was Higgs Boson Blues, which Cave introduced as “too long. Actually its painfully long.” Probably the first time Robert Johnson and Hannah Montana have been joined in song, this epic Dylan-esque journey left you anxiously waiting for the next lyrical spiel.

Push The Sky Away provided the perfect atmospheric ending: optimistic, uplifting and dreamy. This song gave light to the darkness, creating a magical aura.

After the new, came an hour of the old that oozed pure rock ‘n’ roll: the kidlet choir were graciously ushered off stage to make way for Warren Ellis leading the string quartet with interpretive dance passion and Reverend Cave preaching to the converted.

The ensemble tore into the swashbuckling The Mercy Seat, Red Right Hand and Deanna. O Children yearned like it had never yearned before, but it was The Ship Song and its dark heartbreak that could make a mercenary weep.

Cave forgot lyrics during the encore of Stagger Lee but all was forgiven. Unquestionably one of the most magnetic performers, Cave with his musical soul mates by his side, unleashed a new sound that commands attention.

What makes Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds unique is that they’re charismatic enough to let you enter their world. Like watching a wonderful movie that you don’t want to end, each sound is a scene that takes you into a dreamlike state and who doesn’t want to dream?

Spelling it out - Emma Bridgewater talks about her new Red Nose Day collection

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:58:00 -0400

The homeware designer has created an exclusive range to raise money for Comic Relief

It’s Red Nose Day on Friday March 15th and British pottery maker Emma Bridgewater has created a limited edition homeware range to raise money for Comic Relief, to help change lives across the UK and Africa.

We chatted to the mum-of-four and creative force about her business, motherhood and her inspiration for the ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ range.

How did the business start?

I couldn’t find the right cosy cup and saucer as a present for my Mum – so I decided to make it myself.

Tell us about the ethos of Emma Bridgewater?

It’s about common sense, good humour and approachability.

How has the Emma Bridgewater style evolved over the years?

Through a huge lake of coffee.

What piece of advice would you give to your children?

Lie down on the sofa and watch “Some Like It Hot”.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Cooking meatballs on a Friday night, knowing everyone is heading for home.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My darling Mum.

Where is your favourite place, and why?

The marshes in North Norfolk – you can’t hold onto stress out there!

If you hadn’t been a pottery designer, what would you have been?

Umm… maybe a baker because I love cakes.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Keep slogging on. And jokes can save your life – or at least your sanity.

Which other designers do you admire and why?

William Morris – such a firebrand! So complex, so energetic, so right on so many things.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your Red Nose Day
designs?

As ever, my husband and co-designer Matt and I sit down, drink coffee, argue a bit, talk about the children and then BINGO – ideas started to flow: jokes on mugs…

Why did you choose to support Comic Relief this year?

I’ve always admired the cause. Raising cash this Red Nose Day can help to change lives forever. That’s because Comic Relief spends the money raised to help change the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the UK and Africa.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day, which has raised over £600m!

What will you be doing to support Red Nose Day this year?

All our employees really get behind Comic Relief every year, so I know that with the pride of producing our range to support this Red Nose Day, that they will want to be doing more funny things for money than ever before for this fantastic cause –we’ll certainly be using our range to have a few fundraising cake sales and tea parties!

The Emma Bridgewater ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ range is available from HomeSense and TK Maxx stores around the UK.

For more information visit Red Nose Day.

Its a Comic Relief competition! We’ve got five signed Emma Bridgewater ‘Roll up for Comic Relief’ mugs to give away. For a chance to win this craft collectable head to our Facebook page and simply answer: What are you doing for Red Nose Day 2013? We’ll pick the best answer by 5pm March 13th 2013 - good luck!

William who?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:43:00 -0500

Encourage an early thirst for Shakespeare with these child-friendly ideas!

Ah, Shakespeare! The name doth no doubt fill you with joy – or dread – as you think back to your school days. Yet a survey recently found that more than a quarter of six- to 12-year-olds have never read a single line writ by his quill.

With the bard still occupying a key place in the curriculum, fostering an early love for his work will enrich your child’s future learning.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Globe Theatre both offer workshops for children aged four to seven, or snap up some tickets for the new theatre being built next to the Globe in London, which promises its first candle-lit performance in January 2014.

But for an easier approach that is sure to pique your child’s interest, get your Lego aficionado to construct his own theatre, and populate it with a cast of mini figures. The latest series of the collectible mini figures includes the Bard with a skull, that must surely, alas, be poor Yorick.

For more information visit Lego.

Royal London Hospital unveils new “healing space” for children

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:41:20 -0500

Cutting-edge technology and quirky style collide in this interactive room for young patients

A new “healing space” that uses installation art and cutting-edge technology to encourage sick children to play opened at the Royal London Hospital yesterday.

Young patients at the hospital in Whitechapel will be able to star in their own interactive Alice In Wonderlandstyle game through a giant TV screen and state-of-the-art digital technology which allows them to virtually paint, play music and control weather on screen.

According to experts, this colourful and creative interior could speed up recover for child patients and relieve the monotony of being stuck in hospital.

This eye-catching space is a joyful reminder that sometimes laughter is the best medicine, and this pioneering play scheme will help encourage children to unleash their inner artist and let their imaginations run wild and have fun!

Photography by: Gareth Gardner

Supermodel Heidi Klum launches baby range

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:38:00 -0500

Truly Scrumptious range will arrive in Babies ‘R’ Us stores and online early March

Who better to release a baby range than supermodel and mum-of-four Heidi Klum?

The 39-year-old style icon has teamed up with Babies ‘R’ Us to create the Truly Scrumptious range of products, which includes babywear, accessories and a new stylish stroller.

The German beauty, who has four children – daughters Lou, three, and Leni, eight, and sons Johan, six, and Henry, seven – says designing a distinctive collection for babies was always on the horizon.

“I always knew that I wanted to create great items for children – but I wanted to find a home where all of my ideas for babies could be under one roof with a company that is truly the authority in the world of babies.”

Describing her inspiration for the range the fashion icon added; “I designed this first collection not only with adorable babies in mind, but I thought of all the little details to make things easier on mums, too.

From cool and stylish mix-and-match layette, to a fun and colourful striped stroller, my Truly Scrumptious line has it all. I’m really proud of what we’ve created and can’t wait to share it this spring.”

Key pieces in the range include jungle-themed hats, bodysuits and socks and gorgeous full bloom floral prints – a great way for little girls to celebrate the upcoming spring season.

Prices for the Truly Scrumptious range start from £5.99, and will be exclusively available at five Babies ‘R’ Us stores and online at the beginning of March.

Originally published at Juniormagazine.co.uk, January 2013

Mel C wins Tesco Celebrity Mum of the Year

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:33:00 -0500

Singer reveals balancing a career with being a mum can create issues

Sporty Spice get an early Mother’s Day surprise!

Former Spice Girl Mel C collected the Tesco Celebrity Mum of the Year award at The Savoy hotel in central London yesterday.

The singer said she was “really chuffed” with the prize, but admitted she does enjoy spending time away from her 4-year-old daughter Scarlet.

“Going to work sometimes is like a little bit of a break. Nothing is as hard as entertaining children all day long and taking care of them,” she said.

The 39-year-old mum-of-one, who will travel to Australia later this year to perform in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, said balancing a career with being a mum does create issues: ”It brings a whole new set of problems with the jigsaw puzzle of childcare and the guilt you feel from being away.

“So that’s interesting and it’s something you’re constantly working on, getting the balance right,” she added.

The star was one of seven women who picked up an award. The ceremony will be shown on Channel 5 on Mother’s Day, next Sunday.

Looking for ideas and activities to celebrate Mother’s Day? Check out our 6 of the best Mother’s Day family trips, 10 of the best Mother’s Day gifts and How to make Mother’s Day special!

We catch five minutes with Chantelle Houghton

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:25:00 -0500

Backstage at the Baby Show we chatted with new mum Chantelle

L-R Annabel Karmel, Jo Tantum and Chantelle Houghton

It’s been a busy and exciting first day so far at this season’s Baby Show, taking place at London’s ExCel Centre this weekend.

We spotted celeb-mum, Chantelle Houghton, heading backstage to have a chat with super chef Annabel Karmel and sleep expert, Jo Tantum. Chantelle managed to get some sound advice from Jo, taking part in a 10-minute one-on-one which included lots of tips about how to settle her baby to sleep.

Seizing the moment, we took the chance to quiz Chantelle about being a mum to daughter Dolly, copying Kim Kardashian’s style and what she has her beady eye on at The Baby Show…

Hi Chantelle, what have you seen at the Baby Show so far?

I have literally just arrived, so haven’t seen anything yet. But I am really excited to check it all out!

What’s on today’s shopping list?

I’m not shopping for anything in particular, but I do have my eye on the Mima Kobi pushchair. Kourtney Kardashian has one, I’ve seen her pushing her baby girl, Penelope, in it. Although I am still in love with my fur-lined Stokke pram.

Do you have any advice for Kim Kardashian?

I dont think she needs any advice from me. If anything it’s me that needs advice from her!

Are you enjoying being a mum?

I absolutely love eveything about motherhood.

Do you want more children?

Absolutely, I would love more children. Ideally I would love a boy and a girl. It would be nice, but I’m not fussy.

Thanks, Chantelle!

Are you having trouble getting your baby to sleep? We have rounded up plenty of the commonest sleep problems and potential solutions in our sleep clinic. From trouble with your baby’s night feeds to disrupted routines and sleep settling strategies to try - get all of your questions answered!

If you missed The Baby Show at ExCeL make sure you don’t miss the next one at NEC Birmingham on May 17-19.

Get your tickets now with our exclusive ticket offer.

Read more…

Originally published at Madeformums.com, February 2013

New step-by-step car seat safety guide

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:40:00 -0500

Mamas & Papas launch Safer Seat Checklist and Roadshow

Campaign supporter and TV presenter Vicki Butler Henderson stars in the car seat safety film

With National Road Safety Week (19th-25th November) just around the corner, UK nursery retailer Mamas & Papas have launched ‘Safer Seat 2012’.

A new survey launched as part of the campaign spotlights the confusion parents often face when it comes to car seatsafety.

The survey reveals a large number of British parents are unsure about basic car seat safety, with more than 50% never having been shown how to fit their car seat and 61% admitting they didn’t realise different car seats were suitable for different cars.

Supporting the Safer Seat campaign is TV presenter and motoring expert Vicki Butler Henderson, who has a one-year-old daughter of her own. Vicki recommends asking trained consultants lots of questions when buying a car seat.

“Go in knowing how heavy your child is. Once you know the weight of your child it really helps dictate what car seat is right for you,” Vicki advises.

To make things easier, Mamas & Papas have produced a simple step-by-step checklist, available through stores and online, to help parents select the right seat for their child and their car.

Safer Seat Checklist

SIZE: Measure the weight of your child
AIRBAGS: Airbags can be dangerous – always fit child seats to the back seats
FACING & FIXING: Keep you child rear facing for as long as possible, at least 13kg
EXAMINE: Check whether your car has any special issues regarding child seats
RESTRAINTS & RELATIVES: Learn about different restraint methods and consider relatives cars
SIT: If possible, sit your child in a variety of seats before choosing
EXPAND: Kids grow! Some seats adjust to fit a child right through until early teens
ASK QUESTIONS: Ask a trained sales consultant for more help
TEST FIT: Try the seat in your car

Plus, don’t miss the Safer Seat Roadshow. With expert advisors on hand, simply drive into a covered fitting area and try out a selection of seats in you car.

SATURDAY 17th November

Birmingham Gallagher Retail Park – 10.00-16.00

SUNDAY 18th November

Nottingham, Giltbrook Retail Park – 10.30-16.00

SATURDAY 24th November

Manchester Fort Retail Park – 10.00-16.00

SUNDAY 25th November

Edinburgh Fort Retail Park – 10.00-16.00

Slow Toys: 7 ways to ignite your child's imagination

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:43:00 -0500

Check out the Slow Toys 2012 award winners which combine quality, tradition and creativity

Launched by Thierry Bourett, the Slow Toy movement aims to recognise ‘real toys’ on the market that don’t eat batteries or cause parental headaches.

Recently unveiled at Selfridges, click through to discover the first 7 winners of the Slow Toy Awards which aim to capture a child’s imagination using traditional materials that will last years and are bound to become family heirlooms.

Huggable toy tot

Oobicoo, £46.80, from Totseat

Soft and snuggly, this plush doll is the same size as a 6-month-old baby and designed to be dressed in hand-me-down-baby clothes so parents don’t have to buy any accessories. With proceeds of each sale going to the Children’s Immunology Fund, this eco-friendly toy is bound to become your toddler’s new best friend.

Planet-friendly playhouse

The Wonderworld Eco House, £112, from Wonderland

Beautifully crafted from sustainable rubberwood, this traditional dolls house has an eco-friendly twist designed to help teach tots about the environment. The best bit? For every tree used in manufacture, another two are planted in conjunction with Thai farmers.

Roll the dice

Rory Story Cubes, £10, from Coiledspring Games

Let your little one’s imagination run wild with this storytelling game. To play, simply roll the nine dice then make up a story connecting the images in front of you. The possibilities are endless.

Colourful classic

Triangular Activity Centre, £24.99, from Bigjigs Toys

Bright and bold, this wooden frame features painted abacus beads, a spinning alphabet and a blackboard for small hands to chalk all over. A classic toy with a modern twist.

Tear-rific toy

Wondercube, £14.99, from My Wonder

Inspired by the delight little ones get from tearing wet wipes out of a packet, this simple soft toy will stimulate babies’ senses and develop their fine motor skills. With a choice of innovative fillings to feel and explore, this wonderful organic box of tricks will amuse for years.

Modern puzzles

Multi-solution Puzzle, £14.99 each, from P’kolino

Made from chunky durable wood and boasting four unique designs, these quirky puzzles develop a child’s ability to solve problems and think creatively. Imaginative and educational, these fun toys are the next generation of wooden puzzles.

Textural toy

Stacking Hoops, £48, from Play to Z

Go ethical with this sensory-rich alternative to a traditional stacking toy. Little hands will love exploring each Fairtrade hoop which has been carefully sourced and holds a fascinating story.

Looking for more toy inspiration? Check out the Top Christmas toy predictions for 2012.

Mamas & Papas adverts celebrate changing family set-ups

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:48:00 -0400

New ad campaign features same-sex and single-parent families to reflect modern British parenting

Nursery chain Mamas & Papas has launched an advertising campaign which includes single- and same-sex parents alongside the standard image of a heterosexual couple with their baby.

The ‘How We Roll’ campaign promotes the Urbo pushchair and represents the company’s marketing in the future.

Olivia Robinson, creative director and youngest daughter of the Scacchetti family, which owns the firm, said: “It is certainly not a publicity stunt – it comes from a belief that parents are changing.”

A new survey by Mamas & Papas revealed a generational split with 75% of parents under the age of 35 saying they aim to parent ‘differently’.

Findings showed that 65% of 18-34-year-olds were indifferent or positive towards same-sex parenting, and only 20% were particularly unfavourable.

Plus, 5% of 18-34-year-olds claimed to be in homosexual relationship and have children, opposed to only 0.2% of the 35+ age range.

Here at MFMs we think this generational shift in attitudes towards parenting amongst today’s parents is fantastic. Let us know what you think below…

New advert celebrates diversity and individualism that form a modern Brit family

Originally published at Madeformums.com, November 2012

Free music CD initiative for newborns

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:46:00 -0400

60,000 babies across Scotland to take first step on a musical journey

Former STV star and mum-of-two Sarah Heaney joins toddlers from Suffolk House Nursery in Edinburgh to launch CD

Every baby born between 15 October 2012 and 14 October 2013 in Scotland will receive a CD of Scottish songs, nursery rhymes and favourite classical pieces.

This initiative between the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), Creative Scotland, National Records of Scotland and Association of Registrars of Scotland, will guarantee new parents a copy of Astar (Gaelic for journey) when their parents register the birth and receive their birth certificate.

Recorded by the RSNO, RSNO Chorus and new Music Director Peter Oundjian, the CD aims to introduce music into the lives of Scottish families and to help parents learn, play and rest with their new arrivals.

Listening to music has a direct impact on how much your baby’s brain grows. It can put them in a great mood, help with communicating, coordination and bonding, and supports their first steps towards a lifelong love of music.

What do you think of this musical idea? Let us know below…

Newborn babies to be protected against whooping cough

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:40:00 -0400

The Department of Health have announced a new vaccination programme following a dramatic rise in cases

Due to begin next week, the programme aims to boost the short-term immunity passed on by pregnant women to protect their newborn babies – who normally cannot be vaccinated until they are two months old.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can cause severe coughing, followed by a gasp known as a ‘whoop’.

So far this year, 4,791 cases of whooping cough have been reported.

The number of cases reported in babies under 12 weeks of age has more than doubled, from 115 cases in 2011 to 302 cases this year.

Chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies said, “Whooping cough is highly contagious and newborns are particularly vunerable. Nine infants have died as a result of whooping cough this year.

“It’s vital that babies are protected from the day they are born – that’s why we are offering the vaccine to all pregnant women,” she added.

The Department of Health said the vaccine, Repevax, is safe and is similar to one that’s been used by pregnant women in the US since 2011.

The jab will be offered to pregnant women during routine antenatal aapointments with a nurse, midwife or GP.

Even if a woman has previously been immunised, she will be encouraged to be vaccinated again to boost her immunity.

For more information on this vaccine visit the Department of Health.

Victoria Beckham gets ready for some Halloween family fun

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:29:00 -0400

Celeb mum-of-four tweets a mouth-watering photo of her apple-bobbing preparation

Aww, cute baby apples for little Harper!

With Halloween fever at an all-time high from Jessica Alba’s family superhero costumes, trending morphsuits andcelebrity parents sharing fancy dress ideas it was only a matter of time before we heard from the Beckhams.

Victoria Beckham took to Twitter and posted a delicious photo suggesting her family will be getting into a traditional Halloween game.

Captioned ‘Baby apples for baby Harper, super cute! X vb’, the photo suggests that the celeb mum-of-four will be treating her family to a game of apple bobbing.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out our 10 of the best Halloween decorations, 50 ideas for Halloween funand 10 of the best Halloween baking ideas.

Originally published at Madeformums.com, October 2012

Harper Beckham hits London in a Bugaboo Bee stroller

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:32:00 -0400

David and Victoria’s little girl spotted out and about in a celebrity-fave buggy

Harper rugs up for her London stroll

David Beckham’s mother Sandra Georgina West was spotted strolling her 1-year-old granddaughter Harper through Covent Garden in London on Monday.

Baby Harper looked super-stylish, as always, sitting pretty in a Bugaboo Bee and bundled up in a light-grey blanket to keep her warm.

The trendy tot, who is normally only photographed in her famous parents’ arms, looked like she was enjoying her day out with Grandma.

According to The Sun, the mini fashionista’s mum has allegedly enrolled her daughter in baby ballet classes.

A source said: “Victoria and David have got all their children into hobbies at a very young age… so it made sense to get Harper into dancing.”

Want to get the stroller look? Prices for the Bugaboo Bee start from £479, available from John Lewis.

The Bugaboo Bee with a vibrant yellow hood

Originally published at Madeformums.com, October 2012

Beyoncé’s pregnancy mystery

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:26:00 -0400

Singer leaves clues that suggest she may be pregnant with baby number two

Superstar couple celebrate post-gig with some champagne

Rumours that Beyoncé is pregnant with baby number two has reached fever pitch after she turned her back on Clint Eastwood’s remake of film A Star is Born for a second time.

Beyoncé left the project before over delays, when she was pregnant with baby girl Ivy Blue. But the singer came back on board when Eastwood was announced as director in January last year.

The new mum has made no secret of her dream to win an Academy Award and be taken more seriously as an actress, so leaving the long-gestating project in turmoil is considered highly suspicious.

Recently, Beyoncé also joined husband Jay-Z on stage wearing an all leather outfit with an oversized, bulky jacket that could easily conceal the first signs of a baby bump.

However, after the gig it seems the superstar couple were keen to dispel pregnancy rumours as Beyoncé shared a photo on her official Tumblr site, showing them holding, but not drinking from, a celebratory bottle and glass of champagne.

Was this a smart tactic used to deter the media? Only time will tell.

Originally published at Madeformums.com, October 2012

Robbie Williams accidentally calls Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter wrong name

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:20:00 -0400

Singer shares the red-faced moment when he went a bit tutti frutti!

Robbie isn’t a fan of celebrities giving their children ‘stupid’ names

Robbie Williams has revealed an awkward moment with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s 8-year-old daughter Apple.

Speaking to German GQ magazine, new dad Robbie confessed to calling the little girl by a different name: “Recently the two of them were over at my house for a party. Gwyneth came over to me with her kiddo and I asked, ‘Does little Melon like an apple?’ So embarrassing! I mixed it up!”

The singer blamed the superstar parents for giving her a kooky name: “But that happens if you have a stupid name like that. You should save your child from that.”

In Robbie’s defence, both fruits are one of your five-a-day!

Have you ever mixed up your friends child’s name, with embarrassing results? Let us know below…

Originally published at Madeformums.com, October 2012

Holly Willoughby’s beauty tips for busy mums

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:14:00 -0400

Celeb mum-of-two shares her favourite beauty buys and advice

Holly spills her beauty secrets for busy mums

Who better to give beauty advice to busy mums than the nation’s sweetheart and mum-of-two Holly Willoughby.

Here at MFMs we reckon juggling being a mum and having a career is impressive enough, let alone looking utterly glamorous in the process.

Check out presenter and face of Oral-B Holly’s beauty tips for busy mums to ensure you look fresh-faced and fabulous every day.

1. Use a tinted moisturiser - then you can just whack it on – time is of the essence!

2. Curl your eyelashes! Heat your eyelash curlers with a hair dryer before using them for a really bouncy lash.

3. Make sure you floss your teeth. You can have a great face of make-up but if you have stains in between your teeth from not flossing, your smile will let it down.

4. Dry shampoo is a great beauty product to save a bit of time. It’s also great at getting a nice, beachy look to your hair.

5. Eyeliner in the water line of your upper lid – it makes your eyes look as if you’ve done full-blown make-up but without spending any time on it.

A few of Holly’s favourite beauty buys include:

Liz Earle Tinted Moisturiser - “This is great for mums on the go. Quick and easy!”
Oral-B 3D White toothpaste - “For a gorgeous natural white smile!”
OPI and Essie nail varnishes - “I love all the bright colours on offer. I’m a fan of gel nails too.”

Do you have a beauty must-have or top tip for busy mums? Share the love and post your beauty bag secrets below.

Originally published at Madeformums.com, September 2012

Placenta is latest beauty buzzword

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:47:00 -0400

Afterbirth extracts become the latest looking-good fad

January Jones ate her placenta but would she try a placenta facial or hair treatment?

Ever since Mad Men star January Jones announced that she consumed her own placenta after giving birth to her son, the world has been abuzz with discussion about uses for afterbirth.

Now it seems this miracle organ, that connects the developing foetus to the uterine wall, is taking the beauty world by storm.

The Daily Mail has reported there has been an increase in the amount of beauty products featuring placenta extract, which claims to have anti-aging effects and rejuvenates body cells.

One of the latest fads to hit Hollywood includes facials using extracts of animal placenta, with celebs such as Victoria Beckham reportedly indulging in the £320-a-time cosmetic treatments.

Another beauty trend is placenta shampoo, which promises to ‘nourish your dull, frizzy hair’ and ‘restore life and luster.’

Here at TB HQ we’re not sure this birth of beauty trends will take off. Would you be brave enough to try one of these placenta-based brands?

Originally published at Thinkbaby.co.uk, August 2012

Anna Faris’ baby arrives ‘earlier than expected’

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:40:00 -0400

Baby born ‘earlier than expected’ for actress

Scary Movie actress Anna Faris gave birth prematurely to a baby boy on Saturday, her first with actor husband Chris Pratt.

A spokeswoman for the couple says their son, Jack, “arrived earlier than expected and will be spending some time” in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Publicist Dominique Appel said Monday “the happy parents thank you for your warm wishes and ask that you honor their privacy during this time.”

It appears the comedy couple couldn’t contain their excitement,or their sense of humor, with the new dad instructing his Twitter followers, “In lieu of gifts we ask that you mouth kiss a stranger.”

The 35-year-old Faris and 33-year-old Pratt, star of TV’sParks and Recreation, were married in 2009 during a small ceremony in Bali.

Anna announced she was pregnant in May, and showed off her baby bump at the premiere of her most recent film The Dictator.

Originally published at Babyexpert.com, August 2012