National Baby Safety Month...toy safety tips.

I've been distracted recently!
The new Dreams and Wishes website is so close to completion I can hardly contain myself...mind you, it has meant quite a bit of work on my part to provide the developers with images and content so my apologies if you feel I've neglected you.

I've found it really hard to write descriptions for the toys and accessories going on the website too...well, during the day I have...in the middle of the night, no problem..!

Still, it's forced me to consider safety aspects, and undertake a bit of research to make sure I'm including the right information...quite appropriate really, as we're half-way through National Baby Safety Month...

So here's some of what I've learned...

Buy quality, well-made toys from retailers you trust and make sure they meet recognised safety standards, look for relevant safety symbols.

Check 'age suitability' guidelines and avoid buttons, beads and ribbons that could be become a choke hazard if pulled off.

Check the condition of your baby's toys for broken or damaged parts and avoid very small parts on toys for children under three years old.

Above all...supervise your baby as they play...!

Check out these delightful examples of a baby's first toy...crochet rattles...

National Baby Safety Month...an elephant auction in aid of S.I.D.S.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a devastating condition that affects about 300 families a year in the UK.
One of these families set up the charity Teddy's Wish last year in memory of their son, Edward Louis Reid, and this month Designjunction2015 in London will hold an 'auction of elephants' with all proceeds going to Teddy's Wish to fund research into S.I.D.S.

These elephants...!

Yes, twenty-one of these Eames favourites have been 'customized' by a number of influential designers, and will be displayed at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, as part of the London Design Festival, until their auction, starting on 23rd September.

Here's a few reasons why they're still a design classic after all these years...

 buymodernbaby

 furnicons

 lisbet-e

marktplaats 

 re4a

remymeijers

National Baby Safety Month...tips for choosing a cot.

stylemepretty

It's probably one of the most important, and pricey, purchases for your new baby and deserves calm consideration...on day one of National Baby Safety Month, here's three top tips on choosing the best cot for your little one.

One...all new cots should conform to safety standard BSEN716, which determines such features as the gaps between bars and base depth. So check your new cot's design is covered by this legislation. 

 100layercakelet

brit

Two...If buying a second-hand cot or inheriting a family heirloom, check for old paints that could include harmful products. If in doubt get the cot stripped and start again with a modern, child-friendly finish. Older cots may not conform to British Standard guidelines but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be considered...find out about the cot's history, you may find several grown-ups slept soundly in it as babies..!

 amberinteriors via ministyleblog

 emmabola

projectnursery

Three...Whatever your decision, make sure you can get a brand-new mattress to fit your cot...it needs to fit snuggly with no gaps that little hands or faces can get trapped in. 

Now, I'm no expert and these tips are, by no means, the only things to consider in the circumstances...

whatever you decide, take your time and seek professional advice from those you trust...

Check out these websites for more...NCT and SIDS

 bloglovin

chic-deco

PomPoms set to trend in kid's rooms this Autumn...

Summer 2015 has seen the addition of pompom trims on everthing...shoes, bags, jewellery...I've even seen them on knickers...!

And, as we all know, what's hot in the fashion world usually makes an appearance in the interiors world soon afterwards...

I'm sure you've got a dust-covered craft book somewhere that'll show you, and the kids,  how to make a few pompoms of your own but just in case...

So what are you going to do with them when you've made them...here's a few ideas for decorating a kid's room...

 templeandwebster

molliemakes

 digsdigs

 elizagran at shopprettymommy

 find instructions at raisinguprubies

 digsdigs

danahaim via abchome

design-milk

Kid's room walls with the 'wow' factor...

I do love all white kid's rooms...really I do...but what's wrong with a bit of colour or pattern...or both!

What about these 'wow' wall designs...

 mapamundi

 carma

 decor8

 houzz

handmadecharlotte

 katescreativespace

 lepetitfloriege

 littlehandillustration

 petagadget

 pinterest

 sfgirlbybay

twiggyandlou

Kid's room scheme idea...Ikea.

I sometimes browse the websites of popular stores to see if I can put together the basics of a kid's room scheme...I know, I should get out more!
Unfortunately, my computer skills have prevented me from going much further, and many remain figments of my imagination...until today!
Never mind that I've spent all day trying to work out how to do it...the good news (I hope) is that I've done it...and here's the result...I'm not going to bore you with the technical processes I've had to negotiate...I'd rather you find inspiration and try putting together your own scheme...

The first collection comes from Ikea...couldn't resist the industrial-style wardrobe with moveable, plastic, decorative pieces...let me know what you think...

You can find all the items above on Ikea's website...

Unexpected success in my first craft and flower exhibition.

Since embracing village life with a move eighteen months ago, I felt it was about time to get involved with the annual craft and flower show...as you do!
Joining the Craft and Chatter group a few weeks previously inspired me to get involved, as well a bit of friendly rivalry I have to say.

In fact, I found myself helping out for the whole day and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Anyway, three exhibits later and I came away with a trophy!
It's only little but I'm proud of it anyway.

So what did I exhibit...?
Two miniature flower arrangements...and I've never arranged flowers before...got a first place for this one...

...and a third place for this one...in the novelty class

...and then my baby polar bears got me another first place in the miniature craft section....

According to those in the know, these little guys won me the trophy...which makes all the hard work creating them worthwhile...