New Parenting Book to Get Kids Talking

A new, illustrated, hardboard book has been launched to aid and develop children’s speech.  Published by Little Frog Media, DeeDee and DanDan’s Busy Day is an interactive reading book that has been written by parents of a late talking child.

books to help children with their speech, speech therapy, interactive reading, deedee and dandan's busy day,

Following extensive research into how best to support and encourage their son’s vocabulary, Aneta and Mariusz Wojcik established that reading to their son Daniel was the ultimate way to help, but they still weren’t getting the results they were anticipating.

 

After speaking with a friend who studied English literature, they quickly understood that the problem wasn’t what they were reading but the frequency and how they were reading with their son.  The couple learnt that making a story interactive and engaging for a child assists vocabulary retention and they started tounderstand the importance of word repetition in different, yet similar, sentences.

 

They began to use these methods across a range of recommended books but never came across a publication that allowed them to deliver all they had learnt.  After seeing Daniel’s use of words grow through the techniques they were applying, Aneta and Mariusz decided to write their own book, which encompassed their learnings and knowledge to help other families.

 

Mariusz said: “Our eldest son was a bright two-year-old, but we knew his speech development was behind.  We understand that all children progress at different rates, but we were concerned and knew intervention was needed.  Mywife and I both studied mathematics, so we are natural investigators and wanted to absorb as much knowledge as possible to try to help our son.

 

“As we gained proof that our various techniques were working, we applied the formula and logic to every book we read with Daniel.  There was still a gap in the market though for a book which teaches parents all the elements they need to help aid their child’s speech development – so we decided to write one.

 

“The book gives you everything in one place, so you don’t need to think after a long day.  And with 38 pages and thousands of possibilities, no two reads are the same and the book grows with your child.  It also helps a child to build confidence and start actively asking questions. It is our hope that other families can now benefit from what we learned and, with the help of the book, can overcome any worries while supporting their own child’s speech development.”

‘I loved this book and so did my children. It is so well done and gets children interested. I cannot recommend it enough,’ Catherine Balavage, editor. 

Dee Dee and Dan Dan’s Busy day is priced at £9.99 and is available from Amazon and https://deedeeanddandan.co.uk/.

 

 

Belfast City Guide

If you have never been to Belfast before and are planning to go then you will be in for a treat…


Belfast Facts

A thriving city which always has something going on: Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Belfast may be a small city but it is big on excitement.

There is a population of only 286,000 in the city of Belfast but what it lacks in size and population it more than makes up for in history, events and fun things to do.

First Thoughts on Belfast

Your first impressions of the city is just how beautiful it is. The accent of the resident will also leave an impression. The Irish accent is know to be beautiful and lyrical, as is the friendliness of the Irish people.

Then there will be so much stuff to do that you won’t know where to start.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you are certainly in for a treat as the hit fantasy TV show is filmed in Belfast and the rest of Ireland.

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You can take a tour of Titanic Studios in Belfast where it is filmed. You can also take a Game of Thrones location tour and get a picture of yourself sitting on the throne.

For something else that will also inspire a high amount of awe you might want to go for some real-life history and see the Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. It is situated right beside the real historical site where the world’s most famous doomed ship was constructed. The 6-floor building will also have all of the information you could ever need to know about the Titanic, from her construction to the very tragic end.

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Because there is so much to do in Belfast and you will be surprised at just how amazing the city is, the best thing to do is to sort out your accommodation first. Find a good hotel from Hotel Direct before you leave so you can just relax and enjoy the rest of your visit. After you have dropped your stuff off the first thing you should do is grab a guinness. A trip to Ireland is not fully complete until you have tried this famous beverage.

Whats happening in Belfast?

There are also a number of festivals that happen in Belfast throughout the year.

Check ahead before you leave and you won’t miss out.

Festivals range from Red Bull Music Weekend, Sound of Belfast and the Belfast Restaurant Week.

You can take your pick depending on when you visit but there is usually at least a few great festivals or events running in the city. Catch some live music and you might hear the next big thing. A lot of famous artist have come our of Northern Ireland like Snow Patrol, Ash, Van Morrison, Therapy?, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones.

What about food?

You will also have a good choice when it comes to eating out.

There is a substantial amount of good restaurants in Belfast. Try and have a traditional dish like Irish Stew, Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish which generally consists of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) or soda bread.

Family fun

Belfast Zoo Credit: flikr

There is also plenty of things to do for families. The Belfast Zoo is a good place to start and the W5 interactive science museum will have hours of educational fun to entertain you and your children. For the more sporty and energetic there is the T13 Urban Sports Academy.

Here there is a good range of exciting and sporty things to do: BMX, skateboarding, kick scooter, break dancing, urban art and DJing. Rather handy, the T13 Urban Sports Academy is opposite the Titanic Belfast. So you can catch both star attractions on the same day if you have time.

All in all, Belfast is a wonderful place to visit, not only will it make a good first impression on you, but it will also leave a good lasting one, with wonderful memories and an urge to go back again and again. What are you waiting for?

 

 

Frost’s Night Time Beauty Special

We have reviewed some more amazing night-time beauty products, including a luxury candle that can be used on the skin when it is melted down. Pretty cool. Read on and let us know what you think.

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beautyreviews

Champneys Spa Facial Skin Resurfacing Mask

 

Champneys says: ‘This has natural fruit acids of Bilberry and Sugar Cane, skin appears radiant and renewed whilst an intense blend of Salicylic Acid and Vitamin E leaves fine lines appearing visibly smoother. Enriched with Shea butter and Jojoba Oil to leave skin feeling soft and smoother.’

 

This mask is great for gentle skin resurfacing. This smells nice too. It has AHA in it but is gentle on skin. Good stuff that makes skin more radiant.

 

Phyto Secret De Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream

 

We all know night creams are great for the face, but we often neglect our hair. But this Phyto Secret De Nuit is hassle-free with great results. It is silicone and paraben free and is hydrating and regenerating. It is suitable for all hair types. Contains natural and botanical origin active ingredients, it is a complete concentration that regenerates and protects the hair to leave it de-tangled without residue. You can leave it on overnight and as long as you use the proper amount, you won’t even have to wash your hair in the morning. Great stuff.

 

Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream is available here.

 

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Repair Night Cream

 

This is a replenishing night cream, rich in exotic purple orchid and sweet liquorice which overnight, hydrates the skin and leaves it looking brighter on waking. Used with Champneys 24 Carat Gold Serum, its triple-firming complex helps lift, tone and restores elasticity, so fine lines and wrinkles are significantly reduced and your skin is left looking firmer and full of radiance.

The is a thick and rich cream. This emollient has a gorgeous scent. This cream goes on easily and you only need to use a little. This cream really moisturises and leaves skin looking radiant and well-rested.

 

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Repair Night Cream is available here

 

NSpa Night Repair Cream

 

NSpa say: ‘Apply before bed and let this rich and soothing cocktail of active ingredients nourish and strengthen your skin while you sleep. The cream contains ceramides to help repair skin and a combination of ginseng, natural vitamin E and sweet almond oil to replenish a tired complexion.’

This is a good night cream and is also good for sensitive skin. This contains ceramides which help skin recover from daily stresses and then boosts cell restoration while you sleep. It leaves skin looking healthier and more radiant when you wake.

 

Champneys Spa Facial Replenishing Moisture Mask

 

Champneys says: ‘This intensely revitalising mask with nourishing essential oils of rose and chamomile and comforting aloe vera to rescue dry, dehydrated, stressed skin leaving it, beautifully soft fresh and radiant.’
This mask leaves skin soft and hydrated. It is great for oily skin. It leaves no residue and it smells incredible. It leaves skin looking instantly better, alive and hydrated. Brilliant mask.

 

Champneys Spa Facial Replenishing Moisture Mask is available here.

 

Janjira Art of Siam Therapy Massage Candle

 

This amazing luxury Therapy Massage Candle melts down in to an oil you can pour out and use on your skin. Is a paraben free candle and is made of soybean and coconut oil which makes it kind to skin and contains uplifting notes of grapefruit, tangerine and rhubarb. It helps you unwind and is soothing. A brilliant, original idea, brilliantly executed.

 

What is your favourite night time beauty product?

 

 

Richard Spencer: Hair Q & A: How To Relax Black Hair, Make Hair Grow Back & Does Washing Hair Make it Fall Out?

trichologist, hair, hair problens, questions, hair loss, hair problems, advice, helpDoes washing my hair a lot make it fall out? Male Reader.

Washing hair does not CAUSE hair loss, but people with hair fall problems can experience more hair fall during the washing process, especially if loose hair is captured within the body of the hair.

How do I make my hair grow back? Male Reader

Most male hair loss is associated with genetics. This has a slow, degenerative effect upon the hair follicle. The regrowth of hair largely depends on the condition of a hair follicle. If a follicle is in a weakened state, but not degenerated, the correct and regular amount of blood stimulation can strengthen a hair follicle and encourage regrowth. This would involve trichological therapy and certain stimulants for home use.

If a follicle is degenerated, regrowth cannot occur. A consult with a qualified trichologist should give you the necessary answers and way forward.

What is the best way to relax black hair? Female Reader

Black hair should be relaxed every three months and no sooner. This gives the hair a chance to achieve 3cm of regrowth which will allow less over-lapping of the chemical. One must then make sure the right product is used, the correct strength and the correct time periods strictly adhered to. Please do go to our website for more info. We relax hair in our clinic with the utmost professionalism and care.

My doctor isn’t taking my hair loss seriously, saying it is cosmetic. What can I do? Female Reader

GP’s are not specifically trained to deal with the many types of hair loss that occur with men and women. Therefore, they may not be able to offer the correct diagnosis, advice and treatment.

Trichologists are specialists who are only concerned with hair and scalp disorders and I would advise people to seek their advice when a problem occurs.

How can I cover my hair loss? I never want to leave the house as it looks so thin. Female Reader

I am so sorry. This is such a traumatic position to be in. I completely understand and sympathise with you as we see many women with the same dilemma.

I wonder, have you had any help or advice so far? If not, please do take a step towards seeking help from a consultant trichologist. Make sure they are qualified and registered with the institute of Trichologists.

Depending on the length of time you have suffered with thinning hair, the trichologist should be able to explain what can and can’t be achieved. Don’t delay any further is my advice….and wish you well.


Richard Spencer MIT

The Spencer Clinic Ltd
31 Thurloe Street
South Kensington
London SW7 2LQ

020 7584 4255

info@spencerclinic.co.uk
www.spencerclinic.co.uk

Are You Suffering From Depression?

Most worrying fact of the day: Depression affects 1 in 6 people. Mental Health is now no longer something people have to be ashamed about. Even Glamour launched a Hey, It’s OK campaign and Frankie from The Saturdays talked openly about her depression.

According to Beth Murphy, of mental health charity, Mind, one in four people will suffer from a mental health issue at some point in their life. Depression occurs in 10% of the population at any one time.

Are you depressed?
Lack of confidence
Feeling tired, irritable and tearful.
Problems with sleeping and your memory.
Negative thoughts.
Feeling of guilt or worthlessness.
Changes in appetite.
No longer being interested in thing you once liked.
Being self-critical
Losing interest in people and things.

Every one gets down from time to time, it is when it is continuous that you should seek help.

How to help yourself.
The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) say that the diagnosis for mild depression is diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and a talking therapy. Anti depressants are a last resort and you don’t have to worry about a diagnosis of depression being on your medical records, this is private and confidential. Your doctor will not tell anyone else.
Tell someone you are depressed. Don’t keep it all in.
Talk. It’s a cliche but it does help to talk. Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Get some fresh air.
Exercise. There is strong evidence that exercise improves mood. It also improves sleep, anxiety and stress.
Alternative remedies. Try St John’s Wort.
Antidepressants. If you are worried they are addictive, don’t. They are not.

For more help and advice
mind.org.uk
rethink.org
mentalhealth.org.uk
depressionalliance.org
bacp.co.uk
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 (Hmm, the Samaritans is an 0845 number, not impressed) Samaritans.org