PARENTS RISK SKIN CANCER BY NOT PRACTISING WHAT THEY PREACH

I know I have done this myself, been at the beach,whittling over slapping the cream on the children, even hassling Chris to get covered, then I turn to the picnic,sorting this,that and the other out and I forget to do me.

Please be safe this summer!!

 Survey reveals parents forget to protect themselves from strong sun -

40 per cent of UK parents (which equates to around 4.5 million*) of children aged 16 or under admit they often forget to protect their skin in strong sun because they are concentrating on protecting their children instead, a new survey by Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN reveals today.**

While over four fifths (85 per cent) of parents surveyed are aware that too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun can increase their risk of  skin cancer, less than half (47 per cent) normally take as much care to protect their own skin as they do to protect their children’s. Millions of parents are frequently forgetting to look after their own skin in strong sunshine, leaving them in danger of sunburn, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

With Britain currently enjoying a spate of hot weather, and school holidays just starting, Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN are encouraging parents across the UK to enjoy the sun safely, whether at home or abroad. The research aims to emphasise the importance of parents keeping themselves safe as well as their children and family.

When asked about protecting their children’s skin in strong sun in the UK, 62 per cent said they always ensure that their child is wearing at least factor 15 sunscreen compared with only 27 per cent who always apply it to their own skin.

Similarly, more than half (52 per cent) make sure their children are always covered up with clothing, a hat or sunglasses in the UK when the sun is strong while only one fifth (19 per cent) of parents do the same; and while over two fifths (43 per cent) ensure their children spend time in the shade, less than a quarter (22 per cent) spend time in the shade themselves. What’s more, only 50 per cent of parents surveyed who have been abroad always apply at least factor 15 when on holiday abroad and in strong sun, compared to over two thirds (68 per cent) of those who have been abroad with their children who always ensure they do the same for their children.

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “Understandably, when we do get the chance to enjoy some sunshine, here in the UK or abroad, we’re keen to make the most of it! But it’s really important to enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn.

“We want to help parents set the right example for their children so they grow up with a healthy attitude towards the sun. When the sun is strong, it’s important that all family members use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen to keep their skin protected from harmful UV rays. This will help prevent sunburn, which isn’t only painful and unpleasant – it also increases the risk of skin cancer.”

The partnership between Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN launched in July 2012 and aims to raise millions of pounds for Cancer Research UK’s vital skin cancer research over three years. As well as fundraising for the charity, NIVEA SUN will be working with Cancer Research UK to promote key sun safety messaging through an advertising campaign which will highlight simple tips that people can follow to enjoy the sun safely:

-          Spend time in the shade if your shadow is shorter than you. If your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is strong.  During the UK summer, the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm

-          Wear a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses when the sun’s strong. Wide brimmed hats or foreign legion style caps are best

-          Cancer Research UK recommends you use at least factor 15 sunscreen with a high star rating. Sunscreen rubs off easily if you sweat, swim or change clothes. So whether you’re in the UK or abroad, when the sun is strong remember to apply generously and reapply regularly

Graham Taylor at NIVEA SUN said: “It’s great to see how much care parents are taking to look after their children’s skin in this hot weather but we want to remind them not to neglect themselves. We all need a bit of sun to keep us happy and healthy, but the important thing is for the whole family to enjoy it responsibly and safely.”

For more sun safety information from Cancer Research UK visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

Norfolk Road Trip Challenge

Well another blogger challenge and one that is right up my street or should I say 'road' 

Money Supermarket challenged me to go on a great road trip somewhere relatively local to where I live?

We live in East Anglia and its pretty easy to find some great spots to visit. My favourite people to accompany me on my trip have to be Chris,Paige and Conor.

I am a real lover of being by water so a day out is usually to a lake riverside or the sea.

Our favourite seaside haunt is  Wells-Next-The Sea and Holkham.Wells is  a small fishing town on the Norfolk coast. We head out really early as the road can get very busy and we also like to pack a whole day in,stopping on the way for a drink and nosy round.

Once off the  A47at Kings Lynn, we are onto the Cromer road (A148),a lot of people head for Cromer and onto Great Yarmouth but we are going for a place that is quaint, still feels like a vintage seaside place, yet has had a big regeneration in the last year,I'm secretly hoping not too many people find it!!

On our way we pass by cute cobbled stone covered cottages and pubs and past the gates to the back of Sandringham,the queen knows well the beauty of this area. 

We finally reach the turn off for Wells, it passes by the place that is pilgrimage to many people Walsingham, now I must admit to not knowing much more than way back in the 11th century a lady had a vision where she saw Nazareth and was asked to build a replica.Walsinghamis still known as  Englands Nazareth.

I'm not sure what you believe, for some the shrine will be a place to pray and meditate, but whatever you think, the village itself is just so pretty, the cottages worth a look at.  

Finally we arrive we always are torn whether to stop in the town and get the little railway up to the beach,or walk the top of the harbour,it varies depending on weather and tired legs.

Once at the beach its just a sight to see, the skies seems to go on forever here too, the sea comes in and leaves a channel of water not very deep and is where Paige learnt to swim,which makes it her favourite local beach also.

The beach has many unusual features,sand dunes are common to a lot of beaches, however here there are long wide channels of sand with dunes on either side you can climb great mountainous flat sand banks and sit and look down on the sea. 

The water comes around both sides (making the safe swimming channel) the flat banks  make for fab sliding games. To the left of the picture above is Holkham Nature reserve.

  The reserve is usually our first port of call,  now this is not some yawn making place, again there are huge dunes set in a woodland of trees, its a fab place to get out of the sun or rain as is sometimes the case. The start of Wells beach and reserve has cute little beach huts, and as  you climb the views out to the sea are cool.Its a long way off and we know that by evening it will be all the way into to the harbour where we will be crabbing!

But first we have to hunt out the butterflies strange shape trees to climb and the all important rope swings! 

The rope swings, I think local children dot them around, they are serious fun and we all spend quite a while here.

After a walk continuing up through the woods you reach Holkham Beach looking back to Wells you can make out the channel and beach dune now!  Its famous as the beach Gwyneth Paltrow walked on in Shakespeare in Love and apparently its a naturist beach,but we have never seen any hairy butts so all good!

Time to head into the town to grab fish and chips at Plattens (our favorite and  just been finallists in the Fish and Chip Quality awards. They are seriously good here.Locally caught and fresh from the fishing boats. 

Then its time to hit the penny arcades and then a spot of crabbing.

Finally we head  off home, we usually go the long way back through Hunstanton and via the front of the Sandringham estate. Time for a snooze in the back!

Hope you enjoyed my road trip,it may not be Route 66 but I promise you do get kicks!! 


I have taken part in the MoneySupermarket.com £50 Road Trip challenge and was given £50 to fill our tank for our trip.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/competitions/£50-road-trip-challenge/

Win BBC Good Food Show Summer Tickets

Its that time of year where I start to get excited as the BBC Good Food Show and Gardeners World Show are nearly here.

I have regularly gone over the past 6 years and for the last two I have attended with my blogging hat on as well as just a keen visitor.

The event is so jam packed with things to look at or take part in, food tastings, bags of samples, competitions to enter,advice for the kitchen, home and garden. 

Demonstrations galore and celebrity chefs and gardeners to spot, loads for the children to get involved in, gardening, watching food demos, learning about the countryside, plus they come home with freebie that are given away too. I always love looking for new gadgets to buy,seeing new plants to take home and foods to cook with.

My tips for a great day out, you can pack a picnic and sit on the hill while you watch gardening demos, the picnic may not get eaten as you will find you are handed so many different foods to try before lunch ,my two always make a beeline for the Carte D'Or stand, while I make a beeline to the wine tasting ...hic!

Invest in one of the wheeled carts for sale, not only handy to lug all the goodies you will collect and buy, but makes a fabulous picnic trolley and is so sturdy, making it over deep sand on the beach. Chris has made a lid for ours and it acts as a table for prepping food for the picnic.

Oh if you do buy or take a trolley please don't forget its behind you and 

bash peoples heels, will save lots of angry exchanges!

Stay until the end of the day, they give out a carrier bag full of samples, money of coupons and competition leaflets.

Keep your eyes peeled, some rather tasty chefs are often wandering around looking at the stalls.

Finally if you go by car, make sure you check and note very carefully where you park, we spent the first year wandering in the wrong car park as Chris had looked at the sign for a different area, (they are reached by buses,to give you an idea of the volume of cars) we were not the only ones and each year we see scores of lost tired people looking for their ride home!

The BBC Good Food Show Summer is running from 12–16 June at the NEC in Birmingham and to celebrate they have teamed up with the Given To Distracting Others to offer you this fantastic prize! 

Win 1 of 5 pairs of general admission tickets to enjoy a day at the Show. The Show is packed full of celebrity chefs including Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, James Martin, John Torode and Gregg Wallace demonstrating live on the Supertheatre sponsored by Tesco Real Food. Plus see your favourite TV programmes brought to life including The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and Saturday Kitchen. Shop till you drop from over 200 food stands. Visit the Producers’ Village and the Good Food Champions area to find small and artisan produce that you won’t see on the high street and Don’t forget your ticket also gets you free entry to BBC Gardeners’ World Live where you can learn how to grow your own from some of the nation’s top gardening experts!

Not a winner? To book tickets and for more information on the BBC Good Food Show Summer please visit bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com or call 0844 581 1341

To enter please fillin the easy peasy rafflecopter

Please note I will need your details to send to Haymarket straight away as the tickets need to get to you. I will be contacting the winners on Saturday the 1st of June, I will allow 48 hours before a redraw.

Terms and conditions for tickets and giveaways for BBC Haymarket Exhibitions

All tickets are general admission excluding Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are non refundable and non-exchangeable. Ticket terms and conditions apply.

Tickets will be mailed out directly to the competition holder by BBC Haymarket Exhibitions. It is the responsibility of the competition holder to forward tickets to the winners. Competition holder to confirm receipt of tickets and subsequent delivery to winners to BBC Haymarket Exhibitions.

Tickets do not include a seat in the supertheatre.

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Go Wild With Next Bloggers Event

We've been to the zoo, zoo, zoo!!

 

Paige and I attended the Go Wild With Next Blogger  Event at London Zoo last week and had an amazing day!

 

It was lovely to see the Next team again, though last year it was a heatwave in Oxfordshire and this year even the penguins looked frozen!

 

 

 

The welcome was very warm from the Next lovelies, including this time the  buyers and designers for the range and it was nice to mingle with other bloggers.

The blogger teenies were well catered for with a pop up play area and an up close and personal meet with meerkats, 

We were treated to a lovely lunch, and best of all browse the new Next kidswear Spring/Summer 2013.

 

 

 

 

Paige and I couldn't wait to look through the ranges and loved the new Next stories, I adored the boys Shipwrecked story and Paige who is very girly love Paradise Lost we both agreed the Style Tribe will be a favourite this year, she adores giraffes and took lots of photos of the range and the real thing outside in the zoo!

 

What struck us both this year was the accessories that every fashion miss or mister just has to have, handbags, headbands, caps, and sunglasses team up with the clothing to give the finishing touches.

 

The designer we spoke to said that the team want to make sure that each piece has coordinating accessories, shoes,bags or backpacks. Each bold print will match up to a selection of plain tops,shrugs or jackets.  I agreed there is nothing worse than finding a lovely dress and there being no shoes to match it up.

 

 

 

Next really have thought the season through, in fact so much so they were working on the new collections a year or two in advance. Each story (more about those below) piece earns its place and is chosen carefully, the buyers travel all over the world to bring the stories to life, creating a storyboard that finds its way eventually to a Next store near you!

 

 

Next Stories

 

Cuba, vibrant colour palette and punchy prints, with oversized polka dots, tropical floral designs and in great shades of jade and aqua and flashes of bright fluro. Prints included bold stripes, over sized polka dots, tropical floral designs and in great shades of jade and aqua. This range will be fab for the long hot summer we so need,  I can see this being snapped up for holidays!

 

 

 

Paradise Lost, for the girly girl, chalky pastel shades, dusky blues and creamy pinks, brought up to date with hints of bold peach. I loved the faded denim,

 

 

 

Style Tribe, brings an urban edge with strong tribal influences, featuring monochrome as the focal palette mixed with strong ochre tones.  This has cheeky animal motifs and silhouette prints for the younger children, for the older kids a range of safari pieces!

 

 

90's Bright is in your face bold, think Fresh Prince, 90's TV and music, snap back caps, hi top, sunnies complementing tie dye and geometric prints! Retro tops are really in at the moment and I loved this Nirvana tee!

 

50's Smart, a preppy mix and match trend for the boys. Blazers, chinos and floral and striped shirts, the little 'English Gent' can stroll along in boat shoes, flat caps and cute bow ties!

 

 

Shipwrecked, has been updated with tropical beachwear, Hawaiian and photographic prints.

 

Paige is buying the Ditsy Floral Print Cagoule, after talking to the buyer and her higlighting the prize and that it would easily fit her,  note to Mums of older teens, the Next range goes right through to 16 years and Paige and I both fit into the largest sizes.

We had a perfect day out thanks to Next, hope you get a taste of the fab range and manage to snaffle a few items for your wild child!!

http://www.next.co.uk/

 

 

Country Living Magazine Spring Fair Giveaway

Country Living Magazine are giving my readers the opportunity to visit the Fair and save 25% if they book their tickets in advance (£11.50 instead of paying £16 on the door). 

Even better for three of you they are also giving away a pair of tickets (a pair of tickets is worth £32) each. 

Spring and fresh ideas are in the air at the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair

With the prospect of sunny days; gardens bursting into bloom; new ideas for the home; outdoor activities and summer picnics, the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair is perfect for planning ahead.  From the 20th – 24h March at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1, the Fair is a brilliant day out.  Reveal your inner artist at the craft and art workshops. 

Sip and savour delicious English wines in the guided tasting sessions – alongside lots of other tasty treats from regional producers. There are 400 artisan enterprises presenting a wealth of ideas for the home and country lifestyle vying for your attention.  Come and meet Philippa Forrester in the Outdoor and Nature theatre and find out how to attract wildlife into your garden.  This year there’s so much more to discover at the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair so book your tickets now and take advantage of the special advance price.

Special readers’ ticket offer – special price of £11.50 by quoting CLS3

(As opposed to the ticket price on the door which is £16.00) Tickets must be booked no later than 1pm on the day before the due visit.  TELEPHONE: 0844 848 0160; or book online at 

www.countrylivingfair.com/spring

COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE SPRING FAIR (20-24 March 2013)

Address Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH

Nearest tube: Angel – Northern Line (Bank branch)

Opening Hours: Wednesday 20 March, Thursday 21 March - 10.00am to 6.00pm

Wednesday Gala Evening - 6.30pm to 9.00pm in aid of the Addington Fund

Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th March - 9.30am to 6.00pm

All ticket bookings are subject to a 0.95p booking fee per booking (not per ticket).

Web: www.countrylivingfair.com

Tickets: 0844 848 0160  

The VIP ticket is a chance to treat yourself or a friend to a special day at the Spring Fair. Here's what included in the ticket package:

- Ticket to the Fair in advance is £49.50 or £59.50 on the door

- Fast-track entrance

- Free show guide

- Access to the Country Living VIP lounge where you can relax away from the crowds and enjoy the complimentary refreshments

- A goody-bag full of delightful surprises

- Plus more!

To win a pair of tickets just fill in the easy peasy rafflecopter.

I will be drawing this immediately on the 12th March, I will need a reply within 48 hours,to enable Country Living Magazine to get the tickets to you in time for the show. I am only allowing 48 hours for replies and will redraw if I have not heard from any winners! So keep your eyes peeled next week!!

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Are We Losing Touch With the Countryside?

One in four of us have never been to a river and one in 10 couldn't identify a badger, according to new research from the youth hostelling charity YHA (England and Wales).

Many of us look back fondly on youthful days spent climbing trees, exploring woodlands and looking for bugs in the great outdoors, however it seems many of us are losing touch with the countryside. With school holidays just around the corner, YHA is now urging families to get out and explore the UK countryside.

The *survey also found that nearly four in 10 UK adults have never climbed a tree, while nearly a quarter of respondents claim to have never even been to a lake and 16% have never been to a woodland!

As for flora and fauna, many of us have little idea what's out there. Eleven per cent of those polled believe they might bump into a wolf or a skunk on their ramble through the British countryside, while one in 10 wouldn't recognise a badger if they saw one. Additionally, 60% of UK adults are unaware our coastal waters are inhabited by sharks, whales and dolphins.

In total, 38% of respondents have either never been to the countryside or go only once a year or less - something that YHA wants to change.

YHA (England and Wales) Chief Executive Caroline White said: "This survey shows that a large part of the population are losing touch with the countryside - and missing out on so much. England and Wales has an abundance of things to explore and discover – better still; most of it is free or low cost, which, in the current economic climate, can only be good news.

“Giving people the chance to experience the great outdoors means more of us can find out all about what is out there and is also good for our health and happiness."

For more information about YHA, or to make a booking at any of its hostels, visit www.yha.org.uk.

Chiquito Review

Chiquito have recently launched a sizzling new menu which sees delicious new dishes such as Goats' Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Salad, Blackened Salmon and Jambalaya added, along with some original favourites such as the Chiquito sharing platter. 

Chris and I were invited to try the new menu as its ideal to enjoy for a date night as even parents/carers need nights off once in a while!

We arrived on a Saturday night and the restaurant was full of diners. The outside of the restaurant was modern, inside still modern but with a real Mexican cantina feel, rustic wood doors, mismatched chairs and great chandeliers made from empty beer bottles.

While we waited for our table we were able to sit at the bar and decided to really indulge and have something a little special to drink.After a good look at the cocktail list I settled on a Cosmopolitan and Chris opted for a Dark and Stormy Gosling’s Black Seal rum mixed with ginger beer and served in a jam jar glass!

Mine was so good perfectly made and Chris loved the fiery taste of his.

We made our way to a table and began to look at the feast. While we browsed, our drinks were topped up and a bowl of really tasty savoury popcorn appeared on the table.

 The menu is really varied, grills, fajitas, salads and Mexican favourites. James our waiter for the evening who was brilliant the entire visit, recommended a few dishes and we decided to take him upon the starter recommendation.

We were so glad we did as the Hot cheese Bake was delicious, an island of cheeses, floating in a baked tomato sauce, Chiquito's own recipe, it was really good. The tortilla chips made a change from a bread side and helped soak up all the delicious sauce.

Chris went with James main course recommendation of Southern Fried Chicken & BBQ Pulled Pork  A succulent chicken breast topped with BBQ pulled pork and melted cheese. Served with skin-on-fries, corn on the cob, onion rings, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. He loved the flavours and something a little different from ordinary barbecued chicken dishes. 

I went for a favourite main course, Grilled Steak Fajita, I love dishes  that come to the table still sizzling 

This was  gorgeous a 21 day matured steak, cooked to my requirement,on a bed of peppers and onions.

I could order more tortilla,sauces and cheese but it was such a generous dish, I didn't manage it.

I would love to have shown you desserts, but the meals were so large, we could not eat another bite.

The night was lovely,relaxing, great food, service a little slow for the mains, but we were kept informed and James apologised and offered us more drinks.

It was a fabulous date night,a lovely atmosphere and one I would repeat. 

 http://www.chiquito.co.uk

We were given a voucher by Chiquito  for a date night out towards meals and drinks. My views are my own