The NEXT Generation Children's Competition 2009

Are your children a budding fashion designer??

Then Next need you :)

The NEXT GENERATION children's competition isn't only about finding junior models.

In association with the Make-a-wish Foundation, it also includes a very special opportunity for budding fashion designers.

Open to anyone up to age 16, the challenge is to create a unique and original t-shirt for summer 2010.

To enter:

Entrants should sketch a design, photograph it, and then post the image onto the Event Tab on their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174292438845&index=1 on or after 4th November.

Entries close on 25th November when a panel of Next judges will choose the top 50 designs.

What happens next?

The entrants responsible for the top fifty designs will then be asked to submit their original drawings and join in all the fun of the NEXT GENERATION FINAL at Woburn Abbey on 21st December, when an overall winner will be selected.

So? Why? What will become of the design?

This design will be manufactured by Next, with sales benefiting the Make-a-wish Foundation.

For more information and full entry details please visit:

The Next Generation Children’s Competition 2009 launches on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nextonline).

Please note:

You can only enter via the Facebook page - but registration to Facebook is FREE.

Please do not sign your children up to Facebook (its a scary world out there), instead please enter their artwork via your own Facebook account.

----

Also ....

"We're looking for new faces to star in a childrenswear shoot for Next Directory! If your 4-7 year old has what it takes to be a pint-sized model then we want to hear from you."

For more info and to enter, you'll need to go back to their facebook page :www.facebook.com/nextonline and click on the "children's comp" tab.

Good Luck !!

Nailene

Nailene

Nailene is a leading artificial nail, French Manicure and nail treatment brand sold in over 40,000 retail stores with brand presence in 39 countries.

With over 30 years in nail care, Nailene is staking its position as a proud beauty brand with a lighter side.

They understand that Mums love to experiment with all kinds of beauty products- and are so excited when they find something that gives them just a little bit of time for themselves. These are the kinds of Mums that are always on the go, but want to look sophisticated and stylish no matter what is on the agenda!

Nailene is the perfect accessory, giving Mums of all ages confidence and class with minimal time investment.

I have reviewed a couple of products from Nailene including 'Couture' $5.99, 'So Real' $5.99, 'So Natural' $5.99 artificial nails, also Bedazzle 'Super Star' $3.99 and 'Fashionista' $3.99 nail art.

The artificial nails are really really light - I was amazed as I have always imagined artificial nails to be a bit chunky and 'false'. The nail packs each contain 24 nails and cover 12 different sizes - which was my next worry. I have very wide fingers and the nails have a size that fits my fingers exactly, so I am really impressed! My 'Halloween fake nail' vision is now gone and a very feminine light as a fairy vision has been put in its place.

Each pack not only contains sizes to suit but also a tube of nail glue, Cuticle Stick, Nail file/buffer and full instructions. The artificial nails come in a variety of shapes and lengths for example: Medium Length, Square Shape. They are also 'chip proof' which is a massive bonus if like me you are clumsy!

I have also been lucky enough to view their Bedazzle Nail Art designs. These are sticky rhinestone stickers that you can put onto either your own nails or a set of artificial names to 'tart them up a bit'.
You can stick them straight on or add a layer of top coat to keep them on a little longer. Each pack contains a variety of designs to suit all tastes.
Brilliant for younger girls for parties if you feel that artificial nails are a little old for them.

The range from www.nailene.com is amazing, their prices are inexpensive, while the quality is brilliant !!

I am totally sold on the Nailene range - they are a must for teenage girls and a treat for Mums on the go.

Rock Star - Stereo Mini Speaker with Super Bass!

Rock Star: Rechargeable Stereo Mini Speaker with Super Bass

Its small, its cute and its mega cool !! Emma instantly loved it and claimed it as hers ... found her iPod and forced her poor Dad to re-charge it for her right there and then.

Since then we have had to suffer Cheryl Cole, Duffy and Alesha Dixon over and over again :)

So why am I still sane? Its because even though the Rock Star is small it actually gives a really good sound. Its not 'tinny' or echo'y, it has proper bass and can be used at an acceptable noise level.

Perfect for your iPod, MP3 or Mobile Phone it can be used anytime anywhere (although possibly not in the library!). Recharged via the USB port on your computer so no need to keep buying batteries and all cables are included.


A great stocking filler for tweenagers, teenagers, hubby or even grandad !!

Available from: http://www.urbanz.co.uk/
Comes in Black or Silver £17.99

Huggalugs - Legruffles

Huggalugs - Legruffles

#Fame! I'm gonna live forever,
I'm gonna learn how to fly - High!
I feel it coming together,
People will see me and cry - Fame!
I'm gonna make it to heaven,
Light up the sky like a flame - Fame!
I'm gonna live forever,
Baby remember my name,

Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember Remember .......... #

Ok what are you thinking about?
Star jumps up in the air?
Yellow New York taxi's?
Young OTT students dancing on cars?
or Leg warmers !!!
I knew it! all along you have been singing along thinking of legwarmers :)

Luckily for us we have had the chance to review new Huggalugs Legruffles ... Legruffles are legwarmers knitted with a cotton blend yarn, giving a soft, flowing feel to the final finish. Made with 75% Cotton 23% Spandex and 2% Elastane they are very stretchy but also very soft.

You can use them in a variety of ways, for example they are a great way to protect a tiny dancer’s legs from the cold, show off that beautiful set of bloomers or to match perfectly with this season’s hottest pettiskirts! We have used them to tuck Emma's jeans into her boots, cover up her legs when wearing her Halloween outfit, show off to the kids down the road and generally look fashionable.

Emma (age 8) received a pair of 'So Pink' fuchsia Legruffles but they also come in 'Vanilla Cream' cream, 'Smitten Kitten' baby pink and 'Funky Black' black.

Now Emma likes dancing around the house like a loony so the Legruffles were instantly the best thing since sliced bread, they were 'amazing' and 'funky', also "Wait till Beth see's these she is gonna be sooooooo jealous!" ... I got the feeling that Emma really really likes them :)

You can also wear Legruffles on your arms, Emma says that they are really warm, soft and comfortable and she prefers them on her arms rather than her legs.

Allisia (13 months) came to visit, for lunch I gave her a sandwich and some cheesy puffballs ... nice idea except she was wearing some lovely white jeans. Knowing that my sister-in-law wouldn't be impressed with orange stained jeans, we popped the Legruffles on Allisia to cover her trousers ... they did the job and she looked cool :)

They also worked well to catch her as Allisia is just starting to run, well I think she is trying to walk but once she gets going she cannot stop - the Huggalug Legruffles protected her legs when she toppled over, especially on our hard kitchen floor.

Legruffles are sized to fit babies and kids, they stretch that much that they even fit me! Although as with Emma they are better on my arms than on my legs.

If you need to wash them (like I will as ours are covered in cheesy puffs) you can hand wash them in cold water - however do not tumble dry them as apparently they shrink! So just pop them on the line or over a cool radiator to dry off.

I can't see them lasting a long long time if worn a lot, they are quite thin and not particularly hard wearing. They aren't really an 'everyday' wear so for parties and special occasions I see no problem with the quality.

Huggalugs Legruffles are available now to order from select retailers only.

For more information please contact:
UK: sales@cn-sales.co.uk

Australia & other international : info@huggalugs.com.au
USA/CAN: huggalugs@aol.com
FR: contact@huggalugs.fr
ZA: ally@4akid.co.za
FI: info@pompoli.net

http://www.huggalugs.com.au/

Our rating: 7/10

Patak's - Oven Bake Easy Biryani

Patak's - Oven Bake Easy Biryani

I was asked to try Patak's new oven bake range and I was very excited at testing it, I quickly scanned the instructions and skipped off to Tesco to buy some chicken and rice.

Now if you ever meet me in the flesh you will see that I enjoy my food ;) I especially like tasty food that is full of flavour without being too spicy. With the jar stating 'Medium and Aromatic' I knew I was onto a winner with the whole family as even Emma likes a good curry now and again.

So there I was in my kitchen looking like a contestant on Ready Steady Cook, I even wore an apron to look authentic and away I chopped .... 2 chicken breasts thinly sliced (chopping board and knife straight into the sink to avoid contamination - hands washed).

I found my largest oven ready pan with lid and put it onto the hob ... splashed in a little olive oil and gently browned the chicken for a few minutes.

All was going well, I read the instructions clearly printed on the side of the jar as I cooked and followed them exactly (which is odd for me as I normally pretend to be a great cook, throw in some extras and generally muck it all up!).

Next step was to add in the jar of Patak's Biryani Sauce, "easy-peasy-biryani" I did that added a drop of water to the empty jar gave it a shake and made sure every single drop of sauce was in my oven dish.

Then horror of horrors struck .. the recipe on the jar states 'Basmati Rice' and I had brought 'Long Grain' !! What could I do? surely you don't have to use the exact products do you? So I weighed 150g of long grain rice and tipped it 'uncooked' into my chicken and sauce. You have to add in 4tbsp of water so I measured it with my tablespoon set (that only gets used on special occasions) bunged it in ... gave it all a big stir and put it back onto the heat.

After a minute the mixture began to bubble, after stirring well I put the lid on and popped it into the oven to cook through (35 minutes as stated on the jar).

Now I have a fan oven so I set the temperature a little lower and checked my fabulous smelling Indian meal after 20 minutes, good job I did as I needed to add a little more water (and give it a good stir). As I used Long Grain I cannot comment as to whether the amount of water stated on the jar is correct for Basmati Rice, so if you do substitute ingredients please do so at your own families taste-bud risk and check cooking regularly.

Well well well after 30 minutes (fan ovens cook quicker) it was ready! The rice was fluffy, the chicken fell apart it was so thoroughly cooked and the whole dish smelt divine.

We served our medium aromatic biryani dish with Patak's Mini Nan Bread (grilled for a few minutes to warm through). Everyone loved it - even Emma (age 8).
My Dad had come round for his dinner and he tucked into it, the jar states 'serves 2-3' but we easily got 3 adult portions and 1 child from the jar ... with added nan bread we all had a good sized portion.


Great for busy mums as you just throw it all in the pan and put it in the oven - no mucking about!

Patak's also have different levels of spice available: Mild & Fruity and Hot & Spicy. A level of spice to suit all tastes.

http://www.pataks.co.uk/recipes/easy-aromatic-chicken-biryani.aspx

Family rating: 9/10 .. but next time I will buy the correct rice ;)

Earth Baby Organics

Earth Baby - Organic Baby Products

EARTH BABY ORGANICS is not just another organic baby care line. It is as special as your baby’s needs. They use their own OleoSpheres™ technology. This amazing technology was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Technology of the Year Award in the personal care category.

Earth Baby kindly sent me some products to review including Tiny Bubble Baby Shampoo, Cuddle Soft Baby Lotion, Soothe 'N Comfort Diaper Rash Cream and a gorgeous Cosmetic Bag.

I'll start with the cosmetic bag, first impression was 'wow its huge!' ... but it isn't huge ?? Priced at $13.50 this is a well made double skinned padded bag.

Suitable for carrying baby bits around or for your own cosmetics it is spacious and sturdy. I have zipped the zip back and forth and not once has the fabric got caught in it (which is what normally happens to me).

The cosmetic bag isn't waterproof but it is made from a very tight weave cotton, I am presuming that you could wash this bag in your washing machine (low heat - gentle wash) as it seems very hardy.

I am impressed as all 3 full size products fit inside and it is still small enough to put into your hand luggage.

The Soothe 'N Comfort Diaper Rash Cream is a really good handbag sized tube. Good quality packaging and closure means no worries about leakage in your bag.

The Diaper Rash Cream has a soothing sensation. The all-natural zinc-based cream heals, protects and prevents diaper rash. Soothing oat protein, comforts irritated skin and leaves a protective barrier that is bacteria-free. A touch of rosemary has little bottoms smelling fresh and clean.

What I like about it is the texture of the cream, it is thick but rubs in easily - you could even use this as hand cream if you have very sore dry hands (although I would suggest it to be an overnight treatment). Being light it is quite oily and leaves a slight shimmer on the skin.

Soothe 'N Comfort Diaper Rash Cream doesn't smell like typical 'bum creams', it doesn't smell clinical as the fragrance contains Chamomile Oil, Lavender Oil and Vanilla. However it does smell 'oily' which is hard to describe.

Priced at $13.00 for 2oz/57 grammes it is a good priced for a quality product that is hypoallergenic and phthalate free.

Tiny Bubble Baby Shampoo reminds me of holidays! Why? I don't actually know ?? I think the fragrance reminds me of a posh suntan lotion that I once used (you know one of those pricey brands). Again the fragrance contains Chamomile Oil, Lavender Oil and Vanilla, but this smells delicious and not oily like the diaper cream.

Anyhow ... the shampoo runs easily out of the bottle which has its good and bad points: Good because if you are washing babies hair it is easier to dispense onto babies hair without having to squeeze. Bad if you are heavy handed (like me) as you end up with far too much shampoo, plus also if the bottle falls over it runs everywhere.

You only need a small amount of Tiny Bubbles Baby Shampoo, it foams nicely forming lovely smooth white bubbles and washes out just as easily. Hair felt clean and conditioned and my hands felt very soft and silky.

Being tear free is great as if you accidentally get the suds into babies eyes then they are easily washed with clean cool water without much screaming involved. Psssttt.... you can also use the shampoo to wash your dog, doggy comes out clean and shiny with a lovely coat and doesn't have sore eyes!

Priced at $15.00 for 6 fl oz / 177ml it is a fair price for a good well balanced product.

Cuddle Soft Baby Lotion is again very light, a little goes a long way and your skin smells divine.

Again the fragrance is familiar and matches the shampoo and diaper cream. The lotion soaks into the skin easily and doesn't leave baby feeling slimy or filmy. Skin feels cool to the touch and refreshed. Good for mum too as my hands feel lovely and silky, again without that sticky slimy feeling.

Containing a moisture-rich blend of cocoa butter, essential oils of chamomile, vanilla, and honey the lotion takes the joy of snuggling to a whole new level.

Priced at $16.50 for 6 fl oz / 177ml it is quite pricey but a little does go a long way and so one bottle will last quite a while.

You can find more Earth Baby Organic products and information on their website: http://www.earthbaby-organics.com/

I like their range, you know that all products are organic and there are no 'added nastys' being put onto your babies skin. Suitable for all babies even your newborn.

My rating: 9/10

Earth Baby Organics is a USA company based in Beverly Hills, CA 90210

EasyReach Magnetic Spice Rack

EasyReach Magnetic Spice Rack

The most positive point about this product is the idea .. its original, handy, space saving and easy to use. I like the way the packets are easy to see so that you don't forget you have them (say goodbye to finding dusty posts of mixed herbs at the back of your cupboard), re-ordering is simple and you can plan your meals by seeing what spices you have available.

What puts me off is the price. For a sticky strip of magnet 60cm long and 5cm wide and 6 magnets (although they are quite strong) costs £10.95, personally I feel this is a little pricey.
http://www.thespicery.com/pages/spicey_bits/easyreach_spicerack.html

However ... the spices can be purchased in teaspoon sized packs, which is a brilliant idea! these cost 59p-69p each which isn't bad as the ingredients are fresh and you would only purchase what you require (saves on wastage). http://www.thespicery.com/pages/spices_menu/spices_choice.html

The idea is to stick the magnetic strip inside your kitchen cupboard, then use the magnets to hold the spices onto the strip, as they are inside the cupboard they are out of sunlight and you can easily see what spices you have in stock and what you need to purchase. Simply spicy!

With nearly 200 ingredients in single-use teaspoon sized packs you will be spoilt for choice, plus they sell recipe kits too which sound really tasty. http://www.thespicery.com/pages/recipe_kits/world_kitchen_recipe_kits.htm

For more information please visit: http://www.thespicery.com/index.html

My rating: 6/10