New baby - plan ahead

So it's finally happened.! We've become parents...

It is as the clichés say 'the best feeling' 'an amazing experience, that will stay with you forever' however I will say one thing, preparation really does help.

Many new parents, leave getting the nursery ready until after their baby is born, they don't put furniture together until they are here, and other sundry items like nappies and milk bought but only a limited amount.

We decided we would finish the nursery before our due date. It has given us more time together with our daughter, which helped us get into a routine.
We put the furniture together in advance, which has given us a regular place to change her in her new room. This in turn has given her familiarity with getting used to her room.
We bought nappies in our weekly shop starting 6months before our due date. Whenever they were on offer we would buy them, helping to spread a very expensive purchase over many weeks, this has left us with more spare cash, that we would have had to spend on these things.

Now I'm not revealing some great mystery that no one tells you about, because if you do a bit of research on things to do before your baby arrives, these are top of the advise list. However many people never get round to doing it, they say they'll do it next week (which never comes) or they buy the furniture and it stays in the boxes, in an un-painted, half stripped nursery to-be. They never walk down the nappy aisle in the supermarket. Put it this way - why not put the money mums-to-be normally spend on a cheeky bottle of wine (but now can't) onto buying a couple of packs of nappies a week.

I encourage you all to plan ahead, because honestly, it really has helped us enjoy our new little bundle that little bit more.

(Please comment on any other pre baby advise so we can share in your individual stories)

Nappies - Huggiesclub , pampers , teamlollipop

Travel for Inspiration

I took time out from creating our new product range Nelly and Giraffe to indulge in the other passion of mine travelling. What better way - when you don't have the time to actually go travelling - than to read National Geographic Traveller.

While I was away in the far reaches of the world with the great writers at National Geo, it gave me some great inspirational ideas for GBC (Gingerboxcompany) hopefully you will see these ideas coming to fruition very soon on the website. 

My favorite European City Paris, features and shows its true self. They write about the city in the way myself and my lovely lady view the City. "As an on-off relationship, rather than rushing into an impassioned and disappointing fling" This way we saw the things behind the scenes in our own time rather than being unable to cram everything. We have done it this way because we know we will be back again and again to sample her beauty. 

We not only love the City and all she has to offer, but the culture appeals, the Parisians have a charm, and the restaurants being many and amazing give great pleasure. The main and inspirational point is the architecture, The Eiffel, The Opera, the fantastic Parisian apartment buildings with small romantic shops, eateries and bars supporting them. It can't help but inspire creativity.

Its a great read for the above and much more. I love to escape around the world for worldly inspirations even when i'm unable to do it physically.

Gingerboxcompany says THANK YOU

We've been up and running here at Gingerboxcompany for a few months now and I gladly say Thank you to a great many people, because the support through sharing in our little world has been sublime. We want to THANK YOU. Two wonderful words when used together give you great feeling. We say them constantly many times a day, and it's a great thing we do.

On Twitter @gingerboxco and on Facebook gingerboxcompany, through our Etsy account and Folksy. We have had very kind people spreading what we do to a wider audience, THANK YOU.

This week has been a great step in our progress as we have been invited to have a stand for the 2 days at UK baby & toddler show in #Liverpool which is their flagship event 2-3rd February 2013. We want to give a HUGE thank you to them for this wonderful opportunity to showcase our brand.

So many new people and small businesses like ours share a new relationship mainly through Twitter. I just want to say a huge THANK YOU and I can't name everyone but here are a few. See our #FF on Fridays on twitter, for more gratitude.

THANK YOU

@ukbabyshow - Whether you are enjoying the pitter patter of tiny feet or are expecting your little one very soon, the UK Baby and Toddler Show is a must for you and your baby

· http://ukbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk

@accidentalvix - interior designer just wanting to be creative, and sell some handmade cards, illustrations and paintings along the way :)

London · http://www.accidentalvix.co.uk 

@andybrownphotos - Photographer in North Manchester. www.andybrownphotography.nethttp://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001822373981

Manchester · http://www.andybrownphotography.net 

@PerkUpCoffee1 - Fairtrade Mobile Coffee Shop serving the Greater Manchester public the finest quality coffee and hot beverages. To book for your event call 07814254941

Manchester · http://www.perkupyourday.co.uk 

@beadsoul - Wife, mom jewelry instructor #Etsyaholic who ♥'s promoting#handmade http://about.me/beadsoul/#http://www.facebook.com/thebeadsoul Love the bacon!

Littleton, CO Denver area · http://www.beadsoul.etsy.com

@patchworkchairs - Kelly Swallow’s chairs are individually sourced vintage pieces lovingly reinvented with stunning patchwork. facebookhttp://on.fb.me/PatchWorkChairs

Hertford UK · http://www.kellyswallow.co.uk

@georgieannef - Newly launched website with the brand name GF. website is stated above, check it out girlies!

London · http://gfdesigns.webs.com/

I regrettably can't THANK everyone who has helped us on our way so far, and if I have missed you out don't worry there will be time for you in the future, I promise. PLEASE take a look at these wonderful peoples sites, tweets or facebook pages, they are all wonderful and I once again say THANK YOU.  

Fuel those creative ideas

If like myself - and you've probably read my tweets - a good cup of coffee is needed to fuel those creative ideas, otherwise you could be doodling rubbish for hours...

Or have you ever been to a craft market, work event, festival or children's fun day and all you need is a great cup of coffee to get you to the end, but all you can get is something that just doesn't cut it, resembling dish water rather than coffee!! Well I have tasted the future and it's here to save you all from those horrible, traumatic, cups of dish water, perk up coffee tastes amazing, freshly made REAL coffee, that helps puts the Creativity back into your day.

They truly are a great small business that caters for most events, as there website explains, and I truly mean every word when I say it make a refreshing change to get a real cup of coffee from a mobile coffee unit. Hiring them for any event will truly make a massive difference for yourself and everyone that tries their products.

What has this got to do with Children's products I hear you ask, and a valid question it is... Its simple, creativity and inspiration comes in many forms. These forms may from time to time need to be stimulated by the help of caffeine, I like great tasting coffee and perk up coffee give me both. SIMPLE.

So Next time you're involved in an event, or you are organising one, Do yourself a favour and get in touch with perk up coffee, they can also be found on twitter @PerkUpCoffee1. The owners are lovely genuine people who really enjoy what they do, which adds to the taste :)

Who makes me tick artistically

When you're on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social network sites, you meet and converse with an abundance of talent. Everyone from making clothing and creating paintings, to sharing parental tips or ideas. No matter what the time or day you can view, talk or share in these talents.

I get very excited when I find an individual or company that makes, sells or gives something that inspires me. It gets my creative juices flowing. There are a few people at the moment that do just that.

The first is a lady who goes by the name of accidentalvix found here http://www.accidentalvix.co.uk/ or on twitter as @accidentalvix with a fantastic collection of handmade products, from  bibs and booties , to cards and artwork.

Her cards are uniquely made for many happy occasions for everyone's needs.  Her bibs and booties are lovingly made using many colour schemes, that are beautiful and functional, a must have in every little ones wardrobe. Her illustrations are a great addition to everyone's home, they are for adults and children alike. Ideal for wedding gifts, or children's nurseries, they are a must have.

I have purchased a great pair of booties and also her fantastic Molly Superstar illustration. They are both designed and made to a very high standard, that show her talent and love for creating beautiful handmade items. Everyone should follow her twitter @accidentalvix and also check out her products for sale at her Etsy shop.

Gingerboxcompany website launched

gingerboxcompany has finally launched. The website gives you a quick overview of what we produce. More importantly you can purchase our products on it :)

If you are a regular follower to us on facebook or twitter you will have seen our products coming out. if not then you can expect to see our Personalised name signs as well as our fantastic Personalised Toy Boxes.
You will also see a our Clothing category which we are in the production stages, however we have a great in house designer 'Miswonderboop' who bring her vast design background and amazing talents to help produce children's clothing to make little ones smile all day. these will include everyday baby grow designs, but also unique one off clothes, for special occasions like christenings, birthdays, etc.

Of course none of this would have been possible without our great support from our facebook and twitter followers. Special thanks go to Andybrownphotography for current and ongoing support to help build our persona, please take a look at his page on facebook.
Another special thanks to kelly swallow at patchwork chairs who has helped us promote us on twitter increasing our followers to over 500 in just a few short weeks #followeachother. She also creates these amazing chairs, take a look at my previous blog 'modern twist on tradition chairs'.
Another source of great help to increase our followers in Vicky @accidentalvix. The list goes on and on. Please keep an eye on our blogs for further dedications to our friends on twitter and facebook, over the coming weeks. I will show what amazing products these wonderful people produce.

This summarizes a very exciting period as our products at Gingerboxcompany grow. Please keep our new website in your favourites and visit us regularly www.gingerboxcompany.co.uk.

Baby clothes recycled - with a difference

You've spent a fortune on a couple of special baby clothes for your little one, unfortunately they only managed to wear them once or twice, before they growing out of them. Or you bought a special outfit or baby grow for their first journey home from the hospital, but its never been worn again.

These unique items for your little ones seem to be going to waste sat in a draw, and too special to pass onto family or friends. However there are a couple of great ideas you can do to treasure and keep these items.

The first is a lady who turns these baby clothes into stunning patchwork quilts, that can be used by your little ones, keeping those memories alive. You can find all the details on her Facebook page follow this link http://www.facebook.com/monkeysew

The second is a company that uses your little ones special clothes to create a keepsake that they can keep, play with and treasure forever. Bubs bears create lovely patchwork bears from these items. Take a look at there previous work and get info on how to order yours today here - http://www.bubsbears.com

Fridays go better with a little help

Friday fun day is a great way to end the week. I'm not the only one who loves Fridays, the end of a long week and you have a weekend to spend with the family, and have some fun.

These fun unique ideas will help you and your little ones enjoy it even more.

Let's get your little ones ready by dressing them in Mi Cielo youda infant body suits, from there sewing wars range. http://www.micielomicielo.com/youda-infant-bodysuit

Once dressed, instead of wrapping them in layer upon layer of bulky clothes, where it becomes impossible to correctly tighten their car seat straps correctly, instead slip your Ruby and Ginger cosy car seat cover over them as pictured and make them warm and safe. http://www.rubyandginger.co.uk/for-little-ones

You're off out and about now, maybe off to a play centre, filled with ball pools, slides and climbing frames. Or you take the kids bikes and go off to the park. Where you could use this innovative new design to fix on kids bikes, called chalk trail. A frame fixes to the rear wheel of your kids bike with a chunk of chalk in it, so they can create patterns and designs on the floor. Keep up with its progress for release through this website link below.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894629582/chalktrail-awesome-toys-for-bike-and-scooter?ref=live

While you're out and about a friend of ours swears by these dribble dry bibs used to help during teething, or any time really. They stop your little ones clothes getting wet from the constant dribble. However these great designs from http://www.dribbledrybibs.co.uk/ add colour to these practical bibs, which you can mix and match with your little ones outfits.

If you're stuck for great things to over the weekend, you can gather your little ones together, dress them in their cutest clothes, and their favourite cuddly toy, and take them for a photo shoot. They will love it, and you get some great memories to put in your house. A great photographer to use, who comes highly recommended in the Greater Manchester area is Andy Brown, details are found on his site
http://www.andybrownphotography.net

Whatever you choose to do, or where you choose to go. Enjoy your weekend and I hope your Friday the 13th is a lucky one.

Make teddies personal

They come in grey, brown, black and even blue. White, red, yellow and if you want green.

They can be short, fat, tall or thin. Fluffy, faffy, furry or bald.

No matter how they come or what colour they come in Teddies are a little ones best friend.

So to make them even more personal by making one yourself for your little one is even more rewarding and memorable. It could be for your own or for someone else's little one. For a birthday, or christening, birth or baby shower. Or just because you can.

These are beautiful patterns and kits that have been put together by bear basics. It's a great idea and an even better gift take a look for yourself at
http://www.bearbasics.co.uk/wilf-kit/p190
I have and I certainly recommending them.

Modern twist on tradition chairs

Let's face it most chairs you buy for your little ones nursery are dull, boring chairs, that after the first couple of years you want to sell on eBay... True?
Or you're looking for a chair for you in your office or front room, and it's all the same sofa company manufactured rubbish. That neither excites you or fits in your room.

I believe There is a solution, from Kelly Swallow @patchworkchairs she upholsters traditional vintage chairs into a patchwork masterpiece. The chairs are like pieces of art, that will brighten and add interest to any room they reside.

As you can see from the image below they are unique works of comfy art.
Get in touch with Kelly via twitter @patchworkchairs or via her web site.
http://www.kellyswallow.co.uk and get your order in for the best chair your ever going to buy.

Competition time, join in

A great competition is running on http://www.facebook.com/gingerboxcompany win one of the name plaques featured in the pics on this blog. With a choice of name for the winner. This is in preparation for the launch of the NEW products from Gingerboxcompany coming VERY soon...

All you have to do is Like this page http://www.facebook.com/gingerboxcompany and once the Likes are up to 50 at Gingerboxcompany FB the winner will be selected at random.

Good luck and get Liking.

What to do on rainy days?

When outside is wet and rainy, the park is out of bounds, and the garden is a-wash with mud. It's time to make indoors your haven.

For little ones these are the days to get sheets and blankets, cover over chairs pushed together. Beneath these sheet covered dens is where little ones let their imagination run riot and rainy day blues are washed away.

Little one's don't have to get in trouble any longer for using the best sheets and towels, they can have a permanent hideaway with these purpose made dens. Where they can enjoy rainy days fun for many wet days ahead.
http://m.notonthehighstreet.com/baby-child/toys-games/tents-dens-wigwams
by When I Was a Kid & Mini-u (Kids Accessories) Ltd

Easter make it magical

Easter has always been a time for family. Getting together with your little ones and having fun.

A lovely idea to get little ones excited for Easter is to start before they wake, sprinkle icing sugar in strategic places around the house where the Easter bunny has visited, in the icing sugar mark out rabbit foot prints in the sugar. Each place you lead them to with footprints place some small chocolate eggs at each point. Building up to a nest or basket of larger eggs to spoil them. Wake them up and share in their excitement as they see the Easter bunny has been.

As they grow up you can carry this excitement on further by hiding eggs throughout the garden (weather permitting) and give the little ones a basket, and the egg hunt begins.

Once their chocolate induced rush has died down!! Sit them down and ask them what they think Easter is? or if they are to little, get some Easter books to help show them the meaning of Easter. No matter what your belief behind Easter, it is a good time to teach them your beliefs. It's important our littles ones grow up to know there is more to these holidays than just chocolate and greeting card induced fun.

But most of all make it a fun family holiday, and leave comments as to what you kids have replied to the Easter question, because kids can give the best take on these things.

Your favourite cuddly toy

No matter how old you are, you can always remember - or your parents won't let you forget - your first cuddly toy.

They get taken everywhere, they help little ones sleep (or keep parents awake until they're found!) they come in all shapes and sizes. From bears or bunnies. Puppies or kittens. Blue blankeys or pink elephants.

They get used as tissues, and floor cleaners. Washed in muddy puddles or covered in sun cream. Some get bought in multiples for fear of getting lost, while others just won't leave their side.

No matter the size, colour, shape or abuse, they all receive unconditional love in some form or another from their tiny owners.

It's one item in a little ones early years that remains a constant source of comfort, so choose wisely mums and dads, aunties or uncles, because love them or loathe them that cuddly toy is there to stay.

Attributes:
http://www.lullaby-babies.co.uk/toys
http://www.bodieandfou.com/pigme

Polaroid is back

Are you one of these snap happy people who love to take pictures of your friends and family? Take pics of your little ones running around?Pictures of the dog sleeping?
Then do you promise yourself that you'll get them printed off, put on the fridge or in a scrap book. However weeks go by, you see them on the digital camera or on your phone, thinking again I must get them printed off but you never do...

Well those days are gone and the art of instant photo is making a comeback. Back in the 70s & 80s Polaroid cameras were everyone's iPhone. Snap a picture with the camera and out popped the photo at the front, wave it about for a few minutes and hey-presto a developed photograph instantly.

Remember them?

Well they're back, and why not use them to your advantage. As you can see in the pics below courtesy of an article in http://www.housetohome.co.uk/livingetc they can make very good pieces of art. Put a piece of ribbon or string in your little ones nursery and peg or clip them on making a timeline or storyline of your little ones development. Instead of forgetting to print them of or get them developed the Polaroid instantly gives them to you to use straight away.

So get yourself a new polaroid or dig your old one out of your mum and dads loft, and get snapping.

Polaroid website & shop for the edition http://www.polaroid.co.uk/shop/Polaroid_z340_Instant_Digital_Camera.html#aZ340E

Superhero babies

When choosing your little ones nursery theme, most people go for the bland colours, and the usual baby store brands and themes, why? Why not break away from tradition. Classic superhero canvases or framed pieces are just the break away from tradition you need.

They can be placed in the nursery together, giving a unique theme which could be continued as they grow up.
There are many more on the website to choose from, have a look for yourself
http://www.art.co.uk/gallery/id--b12105/comics-prints.htm

You can bring your little ones up with the amazing fantasy world of comic superheroes as their daily ritual. Using there imagination to create a world that is looked after by heroes doesn't sound bad to me. Who knows maybe one of them out there could be the next Peter Parker...

Encourage Kids imagination.

Children hold that unique innocence that we as grown ups try to put to the back of our minds - imagination.

It is with imagination that children can be whatever they choose to be.
• An astronaut flying to the moon.
• A princess trapped in the castle.
• A magical knight fighting the dragons.
• They can live with the magical fairies at the bottom of the garden.

If grown ups were to let go and imagine, just think how much fun life would be.

An amazing website that embraces everything for children to play and dream of being is imagine childhood and a great gift for kids who love fairies is to choose ones they want to be handmade view http://store.imaginechildhood.com/fairies.aspx

Design your cuddly toy

This great idea from childs own studio http://childsown.wordpress.com/ shows kids how great they can be, love it.

The best baby film?

With the Easter holidays upon us, and parents looking for activities for there kids to do, why not dust off your favourite baby films, and let your kids see the corny classic's we were raised on.

With John Travolta at his comic best, accompanied by the voice of Bruce Willis, giving the comedic voice of Mikey. They both team up with Kirstie Alley, to bumble there way through this comedic master class. 'Look who's Talking' is certain a top contender.

Closely followed by the acting prowess of Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenburg. Who are severely tested when they're forced to take care of a baby girl called Mary. They give a unique display of comic hilarity, with a twist of moving senserity.

These two classic comedies will entertain and amuse your children, as well as bringing back memories and moments for grown ups who watch. These films give great inspiration in aiding to design clothing and keepsakes for our little ones, with a twist of humour.

Finding out sex of your baby early or wait until its born?

Since the advances in technology, this question - do you want to find out the sex of your baby? Has rolled on as a debate for couples, friends and family alike.

Why should you find out?
For some getting pregnant and then discovering they are is all the surprise they need. For others the true excitement of finding out early is part of the pregnancy, so they can pick clothes and furniture.

Why should you wait?
It's the anticipation, the guessing. its one last surprise in this world that no one can take away.

The trouble with waiting is you have to put up with unisex clothing, themes and a certain amount might have to wait until the babies born. The trouble with knowing is you loose that surprise when he or she pops out, because you already know.

I'm sure the debate will run and run, but the main point in all of this is, you will have a beautiful baby, no matter the sex and that can never be taken away.

Suzanne Woolcott

Inspirational artist Suzanne Woolcott is amazing. Her artwork as you can see from the images below, truly breathtaking. Unfortunately Suzanne is not a well lady as you can see from her blog http://www.gorjuss.co.uk/blog/?p=3450

So by following her blog and purchasing her amazing pieces of art you will help her immensely. Which in turn will keep her amazing work going forever.

It's not just artwork gorjuss art has to offer, they have great creative ideas for children and grown ups alike. View everything here http://www.gorjussarthome.com/store/

All images below are property of Suzanne Woolcott & gorjuss art.

Easter Cupcakes

Easter, traditional time of year, with daffodils, and parades, and eggs... But with the sweet toothed part of everyone wanting cupcakes to rule, why should Easter be any different.

These light and fluffy cake bases, topped with a sweet and creamy whip, decorated to perfection, and tasting sublime, make the perfect Easter gift. Gilly's Cupcakes fulfil and surpass even the most indulging egg fanatic. They can be made to order or just as they are, how could you possibly resist.

Your kids will love them - and so will the grown ups - give Easter a modern bit of traditional...

Comment below to get details of these amazing Gilly's cupcakes.