Thursday 28 February 2013

Talking Tots Class Leader Vacancy Bromley

Talking Tots is looking for a new class leader to join the team.

If you would like to find a part-time job that fits in with family life, then it could be for you.

No qualifications are required but you must be:

Enthusiastic and love working with children
Committed to working term time hours
Confident to lead a class in front of parents and children

CRB checks will be required and you would need use of a car.

If you are interested or know anybody who is, please contact Nicola by email: nicola@talkingtots.info or call 07504 166107.

Isabella Coobmer fund raising day

I bought a raffle ticket this morning in my local co-op on Moorside Road. Its something the staff have organised, even though the cashier confided that the manager wasn't keen!

This raffle is to help raise money for a little girl, she's only 2 and has a rare brain tumour.

I hadn't heard of Isabella Coobmer before this morning, even though she's a local child and I have to say I couldn't help but feel disappointment in our NHS.

This little lady is very strong, she went through surgery and chemo to shrink ther rare brain tumour but what's left is cancerous and she needs proton therapy to stand a chance of surviving.

Proton therapy is available on the NHS however, Isabella doesn't meet the criteria! So the family are faced with the challenge of raising over £100,000 to get the treatment in America before its too late! It's Isabella's only chance of life.

I'm disappointed that a 2 year old doesn't automatically meet the NHS criteria, surely such a young child's life is valuable?

I was pleased to contribute with my raffle donation, as I'm sure many will feel this is worth helping to raise the funds for, but isn't it disappointing that we should have to raise money to send a 2 year old to America for treatment that's already available here? I'd understand if it was something we didn't have in the UK but it is! Makes you question how much money the government is wasting and miss spending.

There's an upcoming fundraising day ...

SPECIAL FUND-RAISING EVENT FOR ISABELLA COOMBER
Saturday, 2nd March 2013 from 12 noon to 4 p.m..
at the Ringway Centre

All money raised will go to Isabella's Fund. Isabella is a 2-year old little girl who has a cancerous brain tumour.
It is necessary to raise £100,000 by September for her to get to the USA for the treatment she needs to prolong her life,
There will be cakes sales, face painting, raffles, guess the name of the teddy, guess how many sweets, hook-a-duck, bouncy castle, etc.

For further information click on the links below.

Link to the event page for the fundraising fun day for Isabella
http://www.facebook.com/events/504799942897907/?fref=ts#!/events/504799942897907/?fref=ts
Link to Isabella's page with her story and supporters
http://www.facebook.com/events/504799942897907/?fref=ts#!/isabellastory?fref=ts
Link for donating money to Isabella's fund
http://www.gofundme.com/xcjw8

Emma in Bromley x

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Darren Shan Book Signing in Bromley and Bluewater 2013

Darren Shan Book Signing in Bromley and Bluewater zom-b city Emma in Bromley
Darren Shan Book Signing in Bromley and Bluewater.

It's no secret that I love a good old vampire/ zombie/ ghost story and I'm a huuuge fan of the Darren Shan saga, larten crepsly series, lady of the shades and so far the first book of Zom- B so it is my hope that I can get my in-laws to babysit while I pop to one of our local book signings! I'm sure as a 33 year old mum, I'll stick out like a sore thumb but hey ho! I love these stories!!! (And I know one day so will my little people!)

Book 3 in the Zom-B series, Zom-B City is launched on the 14th March.

Sunday 17th March
12.30pm -- public signing, Waterstones Bluewater, Bluewater Centre, Greenhithe DA9 9SE.

Tuesday 19th March 
5.00pm -- public signing, Waterstones Bromley

Emma in Bromley x

Monday 25 February 2013

Zulily Highlights week beginning 25th Feb 2013

If you are not already a Zulily fan, join via my invite link  http://www.zulily.co.uk/invite/emmalouiseclement837

I am a regular shopper on Zulily - in my opinion it offers the best baby and children deals and I have to say, most of my money goes on toy sales!

What to expect this week:

Baby Gear:

Bump Rider: Easily connected to any buggy or pram, Bumprider is an innovative take on stand-on boards for child carriages - Thursday 28th
Pushchairs and Playtime: Pushchairs and other baby gear from Asalvo - 2nd March

Toys:

Monchhichi: You might remember these from an 80s cartoon! Retro toys – Tuesday 26th Feb
Orange Tree Toys: Wooden toys – Wednesday 27th Feb
The Orb Factory: Toys designed to develop hand-and-eye coordination, number and pattern recognition and more – Wednesday 27th Feb
Seedling: Educational toys to stimulate the mind! – Wednesday 28th Feb
Tumblekins: Made from real wood, Tumblekins are classic vehicles with a fun twist – 2nd March

Children’s clothing, shoes and accessories:

Rufflebutts: Fun, frilly styles no little booty should be without – Monday 25th February
Pre Shoes and Leather Slippers: From peppery piglets to space hoppers, these are super stylish, leather baby shoes - Monday 25th February
Nanette Dresses: Gorgeous brand for girly girls - Tuesday 26th February
Minimink on ZulilyLipfish: Bright and colourful Swedish brand with animals! – Thursday 28th Feb
Minimink: Australian high quality luxury faux fur blankets for prams and other accessories etc – Thursday 28th Feb
Finkid: Popular, high quality outer wear from Germany – Wednesday 27th Feb
Amore Di Mamma: Amore di Mamma means 'a mother's love' – boys and girls apparel from this classic style brand – Thursday 28th Feb
Urban Elk: Scandinavian baby and kidswear brand featuring pukka prints and high-quality 100% certified organic cotton – Thursday 28th Feb
Easter themed day: Featuring Lourdes, Powelcraft Dresses and Chic Baby – Friday 1st March
Zoobugs: Sunglasses for kids. Developed by an eye surgeon who was searching for sunglasses for her niece, Zoobugs will be at Global Kids Fashion Week on the catwalk! – Friday 1st March
Suoak: Boys and girls apparel from this New York based, contemporary, eclectic brand - Saturday 2nd March

D for Diamond on ZulilyGifts and Home:

Cake Stand Fantastic: Cake stands galore - Monday 25th February
Fun mealtimes at school and; everyday: Lunchboxes and animal plates – Tuesday 26th Feb
D for Diamond: Jewellery for children with a diamond in each piece! Thursday 28th Feb

Women’s wear and Accessories:

Women’s Designer Sunglasses: Calvin Klein, Jill Sander and Guess - Monday 25th February

Join Zulily via my invite link http://www.zulily.co.uk/invite/emmalouiseclement837

Emma in Bromley x





Sunday 24 February 2013

Stick Dog a Review and Competition.

Stick Dog by Tom Watson review on Emma in BromleyI was very happy to receive a copy of Stick Dog to review, it's written by Tom Watson and is full of comedy, adventure and fantastically simple drawings!

It's aimed at children aged 9+ to read themselves but having said that, my 3 year old really enjoyed me reading it aloud and looking at the pictures - the comedy is simple and you can't help but giggle!

Blake couldn't stop laughing when we read about one of the dogs named poo-poo! Personally I liked Karen, the sausage dog best! And because Blake is going through a slight case of super-hero obsession, I was made to read the bit about super-dog swinging by a rope around her tummy to look like flying several million billion times!

The whole adventure is based around a quest for a hamburger!


Blake Clement reading Stick Dog review on Emma in Bromley
Blake laughing at Poo-Poo in Stick Dog
I enjoyed the Diary of a Wimpy Kid stories and can certainly see why Wimpy Kid fans would love this too!

This is fantastic for boys and girls alike and I'd say for any age group really!

Put a smile on a little person's face and enter my really easy comp to win a copy!


About Stick Dog:

Available on amazon 

"Meet Stick Dog – a new breed of hero! In his first adventure, Stick Dog and his friends embark on an epic quest to steal… a hamburger. With hilarious illustrations and pitch-perfect humour, Stick Dog is a must-have for fans of WIMPY KID and BIG NATE.


Blake Clement reading Stick Dog review on Emma in Bromley
Blake reading Stick Dog
Stick Dog and his friends, Mutt, Stripes, Karen and Poo-Poo have caught the scent of hamburgers and what hungry stray could resist that lovely meaty waft? All they have to do is follow the smell, find the barbecue and eat the hamburgers. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. The dogs need a ‘Master Plan’ and they’re not short of ideas. They’re just short of ideas that aren’t ridiculous, or dangerous, or just very very silly.

With hilarious artwork, and an adorable four-legged hero, the story of Stick Dog’s quest for a delicious dinner is destined to be Top Dog."

Competition
I'm lucky enough to have been offered a copy of "Stick Dog" to one of my lovely readers.

To enter the competition, please leave a comment below telling me why you want to win - don't forget to include a way for me to contact you if you are the winner, such as twitter id or email please.

The prize will be sent directly to the winner from the company supplying the prize.

Open to the UK only please.

Competition will close on Wednesday 6th March 2013 at 12noon.

One winner will be selected using random.org, please reply with your details with 7days of winning or another winner will be selected.

Bonus entries:
•Tweet a link to the comp including @beachpebble
•Like "Emma in Bromley" Facebook page
•Pin this comp on pinterest
•Google + this post
•Follow me on GFC
•Leave a comment on another of my blog posts (not other comps)

Please leave a separate comment below for each of your bonus entries so I can count them (max 1 for each method).

Emma in Bromley x









Friday 22 February 2013

I CAN Chatterbox Challenge Mad Chatters Tea Party


I CAN Chatterbox Challenge 2013 Mad Chatter's Tea PartyLast summer, during a visit from the nursery nurse associated with our Health Visitor, a concern was raised. The nursery nurse didn't think Blake's speech clarity was to the level expected. This came as a big shock to me (and everyone I know!) as Blake has always been a big chatterbox and has a huge vocabulary - his first proper words were "Oh Dear" at 8 months and was tackling big words such as stegosaurus by age 2. We went to a speech therapy drop in centre at Downham Health and Leisure Centre - it was great! There wasn't any waiting and the therapist we saw was great with Blake I left feeling positive and reassured,  but it then took over 7 months for an appointment to come through for Blake to have a full assessment - which for a preschooler is a very long time! The same week we had our assessment (we are now on a waiting list for treatment to start and an ENT check up) I also saw the invite to the I CAN Mad Chatter's Tea Party, so I naturally felt the need to go along and offer my support. 

At the assessment, the therapist had told me to clap out the rhythm to some of the sounds and words Blake struggles with but at the I CAN party, they went one further and did clapping out the rhythm using instruments and sticks - even wooden spoons would help!
Maegan tapping out word rhythm with sticks at the I CAN chatterbox challenge 2013
Clapping out word rhythms with sticks

I took Maegan with me to the Tea Party which was lots of fun, and she got to meet Nick Jr's Humf (and so did I!) and I picked up lots of tips to help Blake - I hadn't even known about all the resources I CAN offer and their website is full of useful pointers.
Emma  in bromley and Maegan Clement meeting Nick Jr's Humf at the I CAN mad chatter's tea party 2013
Emma and Maegan meeting Humf

Like all great blogger events, I got to meet some lovely fellow Bloggers, Kate from http://www.makeshiftmummy.com/ and Emily from http://www.familyfourfun.co.uk/ and some great supporters of the charity, some of the mums their were helpers in the community and I had a fab chat with Harriet Thomas from Boogie Mites. 

Maegan made friends with everyone and Nick Jr's Humf was great, he cuddled and danced with all the children and made time for everyone there - even Mummies and Daddies!
Maegan Clement making friends at the I CAN chatterbox challenge 2013
Meg making friends 

There was lots of singing and dancing with the lovely Harriet Thomas of Boogie Mites and lots of encouragement over the use of song and rhythm to help with communication and sounds. 
Harriet Thomas and Maegan at the I CAN chatterbox challenge 2013
Harriet Thomas and Meg dancing

Not forgetting to mention the lovely huge afternoon tea spread .... yum! Cake! 
Harriet Thomas and Maegan at the I CAN chatterbox challenge 2013
Packing for a Picnic

Host a chatterbox challenge: mad chatter's tea party or get your preschool involved! www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk

There is a wonderful short video from the tea party (I'm the one in the green dress and Meg is in her red tea cup dress!







"HUMF JOINS CHILDREN’S COMMUNICATION CHARITY I CAN TO LAUNCH CHATTERBOX CHALLENGE 2013! 

I CAN Chatterbox Challenge 2013 Mad Chatter's Tea PartyI CAN Chatterbox Challenge 2013 Mad Chatter's Tea Party with Nick Jr's Humf
Children’s communication charity I CAN is proud to announce that it is partnering with loveable children’s brand Humf, from the hit Nick Jr. TV show, with continued support from long-term sponsor Openreach to make the 2013 Chatterbox Challenge even bigger than ever. Aimed at getting under 5s communicating in fun and creative ways, the annual event is open for registration now!

I CAN is inviting thousands of little Chatterboxes to take part in the annual fun and educational event for nurseries, pre-schools, childminding and community groups. Now in its 12th year, the 2013 Chatterbox Challenge: Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf asks groups to organise sponsored tea parties where children can join in with popular songs and rhymes to develop their communication skills in a simple and enjoyable way. Thanks to the kind support of Openreach, funds raised through sponsorship will enable I CAN to help even more children who struggle to communicate.

Each Chatterbox Challenge: Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf will raise valuable funds and awareness for I CAN’s work with some of the one million children in the UK who struggle with speech, language and communication, as friends and family will be encouraged to sponsor children for taking part and joining in. Groups can register now for their free fundraising pack at the Chatterbox Challenge website (www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk). 

The 2013 Challenge signals the beginning of an ongoing relationship between Humf and I CAN. This support from a licensed character coincides with the redesign of the popular Chatterbox Challenge to include the tea-party element. 

“Tea parties are a fantastic way for young children to learn the social elements of communication, as well as being accessible to all children. Humf is a popular and appealing character for the pre-school aged children the Chatterbox Challenge is aimed at every year,” commented Virginia Beardshaw, I CAN Chief Executive. “So we are delighted that Entertainment One agreed to grant us the licence and allow Humf to be the fun face of communication for hundreds of thousands of children throughout the UK. This is in addition to the continued support of Openreach, which enables I CAN to support more children across the UK who struggle to communicate.”

Rebecca Harvey, Head of Marketing from Entertainment One said, “It’s a pleasure to be involved in I CAN’s annual Chatterbox Challenge! We hope the children involved will enjoy their tea party with Humf and we are thrilled to be linking with I CAN on the important issue of children’s communication.”

Liv Garfield, Chief Executive, Openreach, said, “Communication is at the heart of the Openreach business and we know how important it is for children to develop good communication skills to succeed in life. This is our sixth year sponsoring I CAN’s Chatterbox Challenge as part of our ‘First Mile’ programme. The Chatterbox Challenge is a great way for young children to develop their own speaking and understanding skills whilst helping children who struggle with communication. By sponsoring the Chatterbox Challenge, we hope all children will get the best start in life.” 

Chatterbox Challenge week is 1st – 8th March 2013 and most groups will be holding their Tea Party with Humf during this week, though groups can actually take part at any time during 2013. 

As with previous successful years, the singing and rhyming activities for the 2013 Chatterbox Challenge: Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf have been carefully developed by I CAN speech and language therapists and teachers. The lesson plans, which include Humf and his friends in the activities and illustrations, link to key aspects of the new Early Years Foundation Stage including Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. All the activities are aimed at supporting and developing children’s speech and language skills.

Speech, language and communication are crucial for reading, learning in school, for socialising and making friends, and for understanding and expressing emotions or feelings. 1.2 million children in the UK have long-term difficulties with their speech, language and communication and will need extra support. The Chatterbox Challenge: Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf encourages children to think about communication, whilst helping support those who find talking and understanding difficult. 

Thanks to Openreach and their kind support, I CAN is able to help even more children who struggle to communicate.

To register and get involved in this year’s Chatterbox Challenge: Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf, go to www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk"


The I CAN Senior Press and PR Officer, Emma Selim deserves a special mention for doing such a great job and being one of the best PR people I've worked with this side of blogging!



I CAN’s Chatterbox Challenge, sponsored by Openreach and supported by Humf, is for children aged 0-5 years to develop their communication skills whilst raising money for those who struggle. For more information and to register, go to www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk 


Emma in Bromley x









Friday 1 February 2013

Personal Planner UK Competition

I have a really great competition prize for you, Personal Planner UK have kindly offered a planner for one of my readers to win.

 Personal Planner UK Customisable Front Cover Using Your Own Photos , Competition Prize with Emma in BromleyThe website is easy to use and allows you to customise your own planner (4 sizes to choose from).

You can do things like adding your own photos to the front and back cover, select what month you'd like to start from, including personalised dates, choosing if you want your pages ruled or not, add modules like to do lists at the bottom of the pages and pick extras such as maps or colouring in pages.

"Personal Planner gives you the flexibility to design a unique planner to your own taste, design and style.

Choose your cover:
Choose from a range of different designs and images
Or, add your own pictures or images
Complemented with your own words

Then customise your content:
Formatting of the days - choose the layout that works best for you
Add clever boxes to help keep track of training, weather, work, to do lists, ideas and others.......

You can even add special dates / occasions / birthdays (imported from Facebook if you want)

There is also plenty of space at the back, formatted in the way you choose:
For notes
For writing your own music
With the years overview
Or have fun with pages of Sudoku or colouring

Visit our website at: www.personal-planner.co.uk

Have a play with different formats and designs
Buy one for yourself or buy a gift card for someone else
Whatever you want - Make it personal with Personal Planner UK."

How to Enter

For a chance to win one, simply, "Like" Personal Planner UK's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/personalplanner
And leave me a comment below letting me know you've liked them and a way to contact you if you are the winner.

Winner will be chosen using random.org after the competition closes on Monday 11th Feb at 12noon.

Prize will be sent directly from Personal Planner.

Emma in Bromley x