Protection from Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun

I think we all know that too much sun is not good for you yet a little sun does you good.  The vitamin D in the suns rays help us to absorb calcium in our body.  

Growing up in England there was not much need for sun protection.  Don't get me wrong we did have sunshine, but it was usually accompanied by rain and a beautiful rainbow.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take my holidays 'abroad' so I got to see quite a few countries and they were always warmer than England (with the exception of Scotland).  My parents were always great about protecting us from the sun though.  We had to wear sunscreen, a hat and were never allowed out in the middle of the day.

Clothing and staying out of the sun are the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays but if you do have to spend time in the sun the following are how the experts recommend you protect yourself and your children.

1 -   Always wear sunscreen when in the sun.
Most experts agree that anything higher than SPF 30 doesn't give you that much more protection.  It is better to reapply the SPF 30 more frequently than to use a higher factor.
Always make sure that the sunscreen you choose provides a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.
It should also be waterproof, and is better for sensitive skins if it is hypoallergenic and fragrance free.
For the children I take care of I like to use a stick sunscreen on their face (don't forget lips and eyelids) as it seems to prevent anything from going in their eyes.
The FDA recommend not using spray sunscreens as they are inconclusive with their research on children inhaling sunscreen and the effects it may have.  If you have to use a spray sunscreen they recommend spraying it on your hands first and then applying it on the body. 
Some pediatricians recommend sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients appear to work faster and prove to be very effective in sun protection and claim to be less harmful than chemicals found in a lot of sunscreens.
Always do a test on a patch of your child's skin before applying it all over their body.  And F.Y.I. most experts also say that there is not too much of a difference between adult and children's sunscreens it's better to look at the ingredients instead.

Sunscreen on babies should try to be avoided.....especially under 6 months.  Try and cover them up with long light clothing and a large brimmed hat if they are to be in the sun.  An umbrella attached to the stroller or carriage will help also.  If sun screen is to be applied it is recommended to not put it on hands and arms as it can get in their eyes and mouth easily.

2 -  Try to avoid being in the sun between 10am and 4pm
This is when the sun is the strongest.  As a nanny  I find this quite impossible....if we can help it we stay out of the sun between 12pm and 3pm but it seems that there is always somewhere to go or something to do that involves being outside.

3 -  Wear a hat
Preferably with a peak or a brim that will help keep the sun out of faces and also help to prevent the scalp from getting burned.  Also wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.

4 -  Stay in the shade as much as possible.
It is still very important to wear sunscreen in the shade as you can still get burned.

5 -  Wear sun protective clothing.
This usually applies to children, very fair skinned people or people at a high altitude spending a lot of time outdoors.  Most of us don't get burned through our clothing but it is possible.  I have fair skin and have never been burned through my clothing.  I think it's a great idea for some extra protection though.  Nowadays you see plenty of shirts, shorts and swimsuits with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).  Choose those that are between 15 UPF and 30 UPF.

I'm curious as to how much sun you allow your children and how do you protect your children from too much sun?

To croc or not to croc......that is the question

Original Classic Clog by Crocs

Crocs......do you love 'em or hate 'em?

The little girl that I take care of loves them.
I love them for her.
There is nothing faster that she can put on her feet
when we are heading out the door.  She has bright
pink ones and they look great on her.


Crocs definitely have their advantages.  Originally created in 2002 for the intention of boating they now seem to be everywhere.  They are non slip, easy to put on and great for the beach or pool.  They offer better support and protection over being barefoot or wearing flip-flops.  The holes in them allow for air to circulate freely leaving your toes and feet sweat free and the antimicrobial properties help to prevent foot infections.   

Crocs or croc style shoes however are not good for running, jumping, climbing etc etc  They don't have ankle support and with their loose fitting they easily fall off....sneakers are a much better option if your child will be partaking in physical activities.

Another problem we find with the Croc shoes is that they don't make them in single sizes. The little girl I take care of has to wear the 'knock off' version.  We have tried year after year to get them to fit and they are either too big or too small.

Last week I tried again to see if maybe now that she was a year older she could fit into them, alas, it wasn't to be. We have however discovered a whole new shoe that actually fits better and in my opinion looks 10 times better.......allow me to introduce.......

The Jefferson by Native

           The Jefferson by Native. 
They come in a whole array of colours and SIZES!!!!
We got ours at Nordstom.  And yes they make them
for the whole family.  And they are fabulous! 
I'm going to order a pair for myself.


What's your favourite summer shoe for children?  Do you keep to sneakers or do you favour one of the following?
Keen's
Croc's
Tom's
Native
Stride rite
Whatever they are selling at Target or some other superstore, they are just going to get wrecked anyway

Whatever you are wearing I hope you and your children are blister free and enjoying the air between your toes this summer.

How to make a baby's bib stylish enough for the London Olympics

This is my first tutorial, so bare with me.  

After viewing the photos I have already concluded that I need to make myself a light box (yet another item for the never ending 'TO DO' list).  So hopefully as this blog progresses the photo's I post should be better.

How to make a  baby's bib

You will need....

2 pieces of fabric 10" by 14" (1 piece of fabric should be absorbent such as toweling, chenille)

A pattern (you can sketch one free hand, download or buy one from a store)

Thread

Pins

Scissors

A snap or hook and loop fastening

First cut out your bib pattern and then your fabric.  I always fold my fabric in half it's quicker and more accurate.

 

Place your bib fabric print side down on your backing fabric which should have the right side facing up and pin.  I used chenille as it's thick and absorbent.

 Cut out the backing so it will be the same shape as the top fabric.

Sew both bib pieces together about 1cm in from the edge.  Leave about an 8cm opening between start of sewing and end of sewing along the straight side of the bib.  This is so you can turn the bib inside out later.  Don't forget to reinforce stitching at the start and the end by stitching backwards and forwards about 1cm

It should look like this.

Clip inner and outer curves by cutting small triangles up to the stitching (don't get too close).  This will allow the bib to lie flat.  It is best to use the tips of the scissors as they give a more accurate cut and will reduce the chance of cutting through the stitching.....so make sure your scissors are sharp.

It should look like this.  I usually trim the seam allowance a little so that it cuts down on bulk.  But I never trim around the opening, I always leave the full allowance so that it is easier to sew it closed at the end.

Turn the bib inside out using the 8cm opening you left when sewing.

I like to use the wrong end of a knitting needle to push out the top of the bib, other people have told me a chopstick also works well.

Be careful not to push too hard.  You don't want the needle to rip the stitching.

Press your bib turning in a hem where the 8cm opening is.

Top stitch your bib 3-4mm from the edge.  This will close the 8cm opening.

Add a snap with a pliers style snap tool.  You can also sew a hook and loop fastening on.

https://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/how-apply-metal-snaps-fabric

This is the best website I have found for learning how to apply these snaps.  The instructions and diagrams on the back of the package were not all that easy to understand.

The finished snaps should looks something like this.  I used a pearl snap.

The finished product with it's matching burp cloth.  How cute is this fabric?

Click on the link below for other 'London' bibs for sale at my shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TextileTrolley?ref=si_shop

And come to think of it, what happened to the simple tree house!

So the other day I talked about the simple den and while doing research on the Internet for that I came across amazing photos of tree houses.

Growing up we didn't have a tree house (poor neglected children that we were) we did however have a favourite tree to climb at the end of our street.  Everyone had their own branch that they used to sit on and chat to each other, that is until one day when my brother fell out of the tree and had to spend a night in the local hospital.....after that no more climbing trees!

The first tree house I ever visited was the Swiss Family Robinson tree house in Disney.  That was just amazing to walk around as a child and let your imagination run wild.

Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, Disney.

When I was probably about 10 years old I was fortunate enough to go to Kenya with my family to stay in what I thought was the most amazing tree house ever.....Tree Tops!  Well it began being built into the tree tops (hence the name).  Now it's a little more luxurious, although from the picture below it doesn't look it.

Tree Tops, Kenya is where Princess Elizabeth received the news that her father King George VI had died and she was to become Queen of England

Here's Wikipedia's definition of  a tree house.....

Tree houses, treehouses, or tree forts, are platforms or buildings constructed around, next to or among the trunk or branches of one or more mature trees while above ground level.

(How would you build it below ground level???)

Anyway, here are some pictures of the modern day tree house.  You really have to be amazed at the architecture of some of these constructions.

Treehouse at the Alnwick Gardens in the United Kingdom, with walkways through the tree canopy.  Photo by  Christine Westerback

Check out  www.treehouseworkshop.com

They build incredible structures within the trees like the ones below.  The most amazing ones to me are the ones built as guest houses with running water!  Again, another idea if the mortgage gets out of control people!!!!  I'm just saying it may be worth thinking about!

Free Spirit Spheres, British Columbia

Worlds Largest Tree house built by Horace Burgess, Tennessee.

Check out  http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/ministers-house-the-worlds-biggest-treehouse.html for an article on this amazing tree house.



Pete Nelson appears to be an amazing creator of  Tree Houses.  He has many books about the subject that you can find on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Treehouses-World-Pete-Nelson/dp/0810996324/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341241384&sr=1-3&keywords=pete+nelson

I think these would make great coffee table books.  Who wouldn't want to peak inside?

If you want to check out other amazing tree houses this was the best place I found for an incredible selection of photographs.....believe me, it's worth a look.    http://pinterest.com/cindyodom1/tree-houses/

Happy Independence Day

People ask me if I celebrate Independence Day being that I am British.  To which I reply
"It's a day off work  isn't it"?
Who wouldn't celebrate not having to go to work and to be able to stay home and do whatever you want?  As much as you may love what you do.

But seriously, I have little recollection of being educated in this holiday back in England.....maybe because I wasn't really a major History buff....or maybe because we have so much other History to explore!  Give me those Viking stories any day "Arrrrrrr"

But it seems the thing to do for children on the 4th of July in the U.S. is to decorate your bike, watch a parade, attend a BBQ or pool party and watch fireworks.  Sounds like a good time to me.

I have to credit the Queen of Crafts for this one www.marthastewart.com

I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July.
Are there any other traditions anyone has out there to celebrate this holiday?

And for the Brits reading this across the pond I apologize for such a lame post but a girl needs time to decorate her bike!!!!

C-ya

What happened to the simple den?

When I was a little girl growing up in Yorkshire my brother and I would have all sorts of imaginary play scenarios.  One of the fondest memories I have was when our Mum made us a 'den' outside.  This was nothing fancy, let me tell you, it was the 1970's and as my mum said "you made do with what you had" but it's amazing what you can do with a rake, a couple of brooms, a brick wall and an old sheet.

Mum used to take the garden tools with the long handles and lean them against the brick wall and then drape an old sheet over the top and down the sides.  It was just big enough for my brother and I to sit inside and have a drink and a snack.  

We thought it was THE BEST.....our own private hideaway.....NO ADULTS ALLOWED!

Here's my own version

Inside the house we would drape the sheet over the dinning room table and pile cushions under it to sit on, this was much easier not to mention safer than the outside version as we would often accidentally kick the tools and the whole thing would cave in.

I then progressed to my very own 'Wendy House'.

I had to search the origin of this name....because as soon as I typed it I was curious as to who 'Wendy' was and why she had a house named after her.

There are a couple of explanations.

The first is that it is named after Wendy Darling in the play Peter Pan.  

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys built a small house for Wendy after she was shot by Tootles!!!!

  

 

Here's Wikipedia's explanation for the second.

"In South Africa, a Wendy house is much like a shed. In 1874, a General in the US Army had a daughter called Wendy, and built her a little house out of wood. Later on in 1919 with the 1st World War, they used the same Wendy house in concentration camps".

I think I like the first explanation better.

Anyway I digress, my Wendy House was a plastic box like frame with plastic sheeting formed around it.  I now thought this was THE BEST!!!!  Such great times we had in it.

Today as I search the internet there is an entirely different 'Wendy House'.  Check out the modern day 'Wendy House' for those who can afford to splurge on their little ones.

These astounding play homes are all built by Lilliput Play Homes in Pennsylvania. 

Check out their website here www.lilliputplayhomes.com

Newport Style Mansion

This miniature replica comes complete with a simulated slate roof, spacious loft, built-in bookshelves, fireplace, and its very own turret with secret room! Interior accessories include sponge painting, simulated hardwood floors, and custom play kitchen.

 Colonial Brick Estate

Simulated hardwood flooring, a custom play kitchen, and an upstairs loft are just a few of the examples of the exceptional interior detailing in this miniature replica playhouse.

California Charmer

California dreaming indeed! This fun-filled replica features a Great Room, sleeping loft, and Art Center! An elevated walkway runs the entire length of the Great Room connecting an exterior balcony with the interior sleeping loft. Topped off with faux fireplace and walnut mantle, decorative wrought iron railings, simulated hardwood floors, and interior pillars even the most discerning guest is sure to be impressed! 

Spanish Retreat

This NHL player wanted his two little girls to have a Christmas to remember forever...do you think he tied a big red ribbon around this miniature replica? Highlights include a secret crawl space above the front columned porch, a custom play kitchen, and an interior loft that exits onto the rear balcony where a fun rock-climbing wall and 10' slide await!

Cotton Candy Manor

By adding square footage, substituting paint and shingle colors, and adding a cupola, this Cotton Candy Manor shines!

Oakmont Manor

Designed after an elegant estate in Oakmont, PA, this miniature replica is both charming and spacious. The striking columned front porch, the extensive dentil molding, and the side porch and balcony all combine to make this a true classic.

Mediterranean-style Mansion

The simulated Spanish-tiled roof and custom doors accent this miniature replica playhouse. The spacious interior features stairs, columns, a custom child-sized kitchen, and an electrical package with air conditioning.

There was a report in one of the newspapers in England that someone had bought an entire street!  Could you imagine?

A question does spring to mind for me though.  If these houses can be fitted with lighting, running water, cable, a communication system, heat and air conditioning.....what's to stop us adults from downsizing and moving into one ourselves?

Here is an article I found interesting on the matter
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/garden/playhouses-childs-play-grown-up-cash.html

A book review to come

I am awaiting the arrival of this book......'A Spoonful of Sugar' by Brenda Ashford.

It's written by a 91 year old Norland Nanny describing her life as a nanny in Wartime England.
I am very excited to read it....and if you know me....I'm not the most dedicated reader.
I hope to give you my first 'Book Review' as soon as I have read it.

 

Meanwhile here's a little blurb from Brenda....she sounds wonderful and terribly posh.  If anyone needs a translation, just let me know.

Click on the arrow to start play and make sure you have your volume up.

If you would like to buy your own copy click on the following Amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/A-Spoonful-of-Sugar/dp/1444739824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340900817&sr=8-1&keywords=a+spoonful+of+sugar+by+brenda+ashford