l'mamita autumn 2013

ESSENTIAL READING FOR MUMS, DADS AND ALL THE FAMILY

advice • health • education • style

AUTUMN 2013• ISSUE EIGHT • FREE

All you needfor Autumn!

INSIDE:AUTUMN FASHIONS,GETTING YOUR LITTLEONES IN A SLEEPROUTINE, HALLOWEENTIPS, SAVING FORYOUR CHILD’S FUTURE,THE BEST OF THE JUICEFESTIVAL AND MUCHMORE ...

4 Autumn 2013 www.lmamita.co.uk

AUTUMN 2013 • ISSUE EIGHT

L’Mamita Magazine…Welcome to

L’MamitaCONTENTS

IT’S AUTUMN which means the kids are back at school, thechunky knitwear is coming out, pumpkin carving skills are soon tobe tested and the countdown to Christmas begins (for the well-organised among us, anyway). This issue is packed with the latest autumn fashions and back toschool accessories. Dave Gibson provides his tips on helpingyour kids get back into a good night time routine after thesummer holidays. We look at the new exhibition at Seven StoriesNational Centre for Children’s Books – back for a second timeto celebrate and author and illustrator's 90th birthday: thinkhungry tigers and plump moggies! Check out our essentials formaking this year’s Halloween scarily good. And George Slackfrom Brewin Dolphin advises parents and grandparents on thebest ways to provide a financially secure future for their littleones. We also look at the highlights of this year’s Juice Festival. Nowin its sixth year, the ten-day festival dedicated to young peoplein Newcastle and Gateshead, is set to be the best yet with aprogramme of inventive and exciting activities andperformances for all the family to enjoy. We hope that you enjoy this issue and we’ll see you again oncewinter has set in and the festive season is just around the corner.

Directors : Mick O’Hare, Mike GrahamslawCommercial Director : Martin Stout Sales : Chris TurnerConsultant : Luccia Graham

[email protected] : Alison CowieEditorial : Jessica Laing, Lauren Dimmick, Kris Mason.Design : John Haxon, Kevin Wright

Copyright L’Mamita Ltd 2013

While every care is taken in compiling the contents of thismagazine, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the effectsrising thereof. The views expressed are not necessarily the viewsof the publisher.

All material is copyright. Reproduction of any part of themagazine is forbidden except by written permission of thepublisher. No responsibility will be taken for the return of materialsubmitted.

L’Mamita is published by L’Mamita Ltd, 5-11 CauseyStreet, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4DJ.Tel: (0191) 284 9994 | Fax: (0191) 284 9995Web: www.lmamita.co.uk /www.accentmagazines.co.uk

10 FASHION

6 BITS AND BOBSA little bit of news

8 EVENTAutumn’s must-see

exhibition

28 Zzzzzzzz

Beat the bedtime battle.

13 JUICE FESTIVAL The best of the fest revealled.

36 ASK THE EXPERTTips on saving for your child’s future

42 WHAT’S ON

Up-coming family events

www.lmamita.co.uk Autumn 2013 5

© Judith Kerr

L’MamitaNEWS

The power of PeeboezStep aside Moshi Monsters, there is anew crew of characters soon to be inyour child’s life. The fun and quirkyPeeboez is a cute bunch of illustratedcharacters offering a range of onlineactivities, from stories about fairy tales,growing plants and crazy adventures togames that enhance memory and spelling.Created by a Newcastle-based company,the Peeboez have already been wellreceived and there’s now plans to expandinto TV programmes and gaming apps.You can visit Peeboez at their website:www.peeboez.com

BITS & BOBSAn alternative way

to calm your kids?

ToddlerCalmis a new book aimed at parents of children aged 12months to four years which turns mainstreamparenting techniques on their head and challenges themost popular parenting methods used today, such astime out, the naughty step and sticker reward charts.Written by mother and psychologist Sarah Ockwell-Smith, the book sums up the techniques used in thepopular ToddlerCalm classes, which have only been inexistence for 18 months and already runs in over 100locations worldwide. It questions our current beliefthat in order to tame toddlers you need to ignore orpunish their bad behaviour and reward the good withlots of praise. Check it out for yourself whenToddlerCalm is released October 3 (Piatkus), priced£13.99.


Vibrant prints,

classic designsNative Belle Boutique haslaunched an eclectic range ofclothing and toys for childrenaged two-10. The clothingcollection, from the small butwell-formed company founded byformer London College ofFashion student Emily Croxford,combines simplicity, durabilityand comfort with colourful printsand textures. All items arehandmade in England in supportof British trade and arebeautifully finished.www.nativebelleboutique.com

The little cup with big benefits

New Babycup is the first little cup for babiesand toddlers. By JoJo Maman Bébé, it isdesigned as a general drinking cup – from sixmonths to 2.5 years – and is ideal for weaningbabies and as a milk-feeding cup for newbornsor premature babies, alongside breastfeeding.With no lid, handles or spout, the Babycupinstead is a miniature cup with a slim drinking-edge for little mouths and a tinycircumference for little hands to reducespillages. www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk


L’MamitaEVENT

THE TIGER COMES TO TEA

.... TWICE!A RETROSPECTIVE OF ONE OFBRITAIN’S BEST-LOVED AUTHORSRETURNS TO SEVEN STORIESNATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’SBOOKS.

To celebrate Judith Kerr’s 90th birthday, Seven Stories’Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit exhibition is back, untilFebruary 2014.

Home to a life-sized tiger (ready for tea, ofcourse!) and a giant cat’s basket, (perfect for curlingup with a good book), the exhibition also showcasesalmost 80 years of original artwork created in Judith'schildhood and as a refugee, in her early career as aillustrator in war torn London and during her familylife which inspired the books that are still loved bychildren today.

Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit: A Judith KerrRetrospective attracted more than 44,000 visitorswhen it was first on display at Seven Stories in 2010.The writer and illustrator’s first picture book, TheTiger Who Came to Tea, began life as a bedtime storyfor her own children and was published in 1968.

It soon became a classic and by the time it celebratedits 40th anniversary in 2008, it had been translatedinto 11 languages and had sold more than five millioncopies.

Other works include the lovable Mog series,beginning with Mog the Forgetful Cat in 1970 anddrawing to a close with Goodbye Mog in 2002. Judithhas also written three semi-autobiographical novelsfor older children with her Out of the Hitler Timetrilogy, drawing on her own childhood experiencesescaping Nazi Germany through Switzerland andFrance before finally settling in London in 1936.

www.sevenstories.org.uk

© Judith Kerr

© Judith Kerr


L’MamitaFASHION

WINTERWARMERS

Boys printbabygrow, £17,Rocha by JohnRocha atDebenhams

NO MATTER WHAT THEIR AGE, WRAP THEM UP IN

STYLE THIS SEASON…

Bobble hat, £6,Marks &SpencerChunky

Fairisle furhat, £10,Monsoon

Parker coat,£50, J byJasper Conradat Debenhams

www.lmamita.co.uk10 Autumn 2013

L’MamitaFASHION

Gloves, £9,Marks &Spencer

Faux fur gilet,£16, Next

Girls pinksuede boots,£19, Next

Cable knit cardigan,£16, John Lewis

Sashe military coat, £45,Monsoon

tag with scarf t-shirt,£14, Monsoon

Quilted hooded jacket, £34,John Lewis

Girls buckleboots, £14,George at Asda



L’MamitaADVERTISER’S

ANNOUNCEMENT

Award-winning tuitionHELP GIVE YOUR KIDS THE EDGE.Explore Learning provides award-winning tuition forchildren of all abilities. Voted ‘SupplementaryEducation Provider of the Year’ for the past two yearsrunning at the prestigious Education Investor Awards,the company is expanding rapidly and over 500children from Tyne and Wear now attend its tuitioncentres in Sunderland and Newcastle.

As Explore Learning members, children workwith tutors who are great educational role models,enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators.

Each child has an individualised learningprogramme tailored to meet their needs, and allExplore courses map to the National Curriculum,complementing the work they are doing at school.

The centres are open 7 days a week, and areOfsted registered, meaning that families can useChildcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Also,because children attend up to twice a week on adrop-in basis, Explore tuition can fit easily into your

busy family routine – there is no need to commit tothe same day and time every week.

There’s independent proof of the benefits too –research by the Institute of Education at ReadingUniversity showed that “Explore Learning members’improvement in maths was 30 per cent higher thanthat of the comparison group after controlling forgender, age, year group and special educationalneeds.” The research also highlighted that, “Buildingconfidence, overcoming shyness to put up their handto ask for help, being more independent and lessreluctant to try without assistance were all elementsthat parents recognised in their children and directlyattributed to Explore Learning.”

Find out how your child can benefit from ExploreLearning membership today! Complete a free trialform at www.explorelearning.co.uk and one of ourexperienced tutors will call you to arrange a freetaster session for your family.

L’MamitaFEATURE

Get juicy!A FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO THE REGION’S YOUNG PEOPLEIS SET TO BE THE BIGGEST YET, THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM.

Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s festival for children and young people, returnsOctober 25 to November 3, promising ten days of fantastic family-friendlyperformance, art, theatre, music and Halloween activities to engage, entertain andinspire your kids – whatever age they are. Here, L’Mamita checks out the very best

of this year’s progamme ...


L’MamitaFEATURE

JUST JAM INTERNATIONAL DANCE CITY, NEWCASTLEOCTOBER 26-27

Some of the best b-boys and b-girlsfrom across Europe and beyondwill once again be battling it out atthe Just Jam one-on-one battle onSunday October 27 as part of JuiceFestival. B-boys and B-girls fromBirdGang, Ill Abilities and GhostCrew will also be sharing theirbreakdancing skills in a series ofspecial workshops at Dance Cityon Saturday, October 26.

ZIGZAG ZIGZAG BY INNE GORRIS ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CENTRE,OCTOBER 28 - 30

Inspired by David Grossman’s much-loved story, The Zig Zag Kid, this livetheatre production tells the story of 12-year-old boys Nono and Chaim andtheir magical adventures which see theirlives change forever.

THE BIG JUICE READ GATESHEAD CENTRAL LIBRARYAND NEWCASTLE CITY LIBRARYOCTOBER 26

Author Tommy Donbavand is joined byperformers from NORTH YoungCompany to celebrate this year’s BigJuice Read, Fangs, the story of the secretagent Vampire.

A SPOOKY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM DISCOVERY MUSEUM, NEWCASTLEOCTOBER 31

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a museum after it closes at night? Now’syour chance as Discovery Museum hosts a night of Halloween adventure on the creepi-est night of the year, including a spooky circus, ghostly trails and lots more fun activitiesfor all the family.


L’MamitaFEATURE

JUICE ART JAM III COMUSICA ARCHES(BEHIND SAGEGATESHEAD)OCTOBER 26

Top names in the UK UrbanArt Scene once againdescend onNewcastleGateshead foranother day of inspiringgraffiti artwork. As well asthe chance to leave yourmark, there’s also theopportunity to try yourhand at clothingcustomisation and learn newdrawing skills from Bristol-based artist, Andy Council.

A MAGICAL WORLD LAWNMOWERS INDEPENDENT THEATRE COMPANYNOVEMBER 1

Specially created for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, andtheir families, take a journey through rooms and corridors that spring tolife with music and theatre and become part of the performance.

JUICE FESTIVAL FINALE PARADE STARTING AT BALTIC SQUARENOVEMBER 3

Become a dream catcher in thisspecial pre-bedtime parade across theGateshead Millennium Bridge. Comedressed in your best onesie andcelebrate Juice Festival in style withlive music from Sage Gateshead’syoung musicians and some specialpuppet creations from UnfoldingTheatre.

For more information and tobook tickets, please visit:www.juicefestival.co.uk



Creative play for

Gosforth art auction

KIDS 1ST CREATES SPECIAL CHARITYARTWORK WITH THE HELP OFNEWCASTLE CLOWN DOCTORS.

The children at Kids 1st Gosforth nursery madepieces of art with Newcastle Clown Doctors to sellat their charity auction which was held on September14.

The Clown Doctors is an innovative programmeoffering hospitalised children opportunities to takepart in artistic play. It aims to relieve them of fear andinsecurities and to empower the children tounderstand and come to terms with their situation ata traumatic time in their lives.

The Children’s Foundation are currently raisingfunds so the Clown Doctors can continue their workin the Great North Children’s Hospital. Long termsupporters of The Children’s Foundation, Kids 1stNurseries, showed its support by holding anauction

of the children’s artwork in the Gosforth nursery.Nuritza Daghlian, programme leader of the

Clown Doctors said: “The work the Clown Doctorscarry out in the Great North Children’s Hospital isinvaluable. They are raising smiles all over the wards.We are extremely grateful that Kids 1st Nurseries aresupporting us to continue this work.”

The auction will took place in September at thenursery for the children and their parents. Theartwork of both the Clown Doctors and the childrenwas auctioned off along with items donated byparents and local businesses. In total, the nurseryraised £500 for the charity!

Libby Nolan, fundraising manager of TheChildren’s Foundation said: “Kids 1st Nurseries havesupported The Children’s Foundation for many yearsand this project has really inspired Gosforth to getinvolved. We are hugely grateful for the continuedsupport and this will enable us to continue to fundthe Clown Doctors work in the Great NorthChildren’s Hospital.”

L’MamitaCHILDCARE


L’MamitaCHILDCARE

Kids 1st and Steps star supports

Josie’s Dragonfly Trust

FAYE TOZER JOINS KIDSST WYNYARD NURSERY FOR ASPECIAL DAY OF FUNDRAISING.

A Wynyard nursery held a Dragonfly Day for NorthEast children’s cancer charity, Josie’s Dragonfly Trust,on August 16 with a special guest visit from FayeTozer from Brit group ‘Steps’.

During their Dragonfly Day, the children fromKids 1st Wynyard participated in sponsoredtoddles, teddy bears picnics and a dance-a-thonraising more than £1500 for the charity.

All of the children also made dragonflypenny collectors to collect spare change athome. As a patron of the charity, Faye joined thechildren to watch their dance performance andto tell them about the charity they were raisingmoney for.

Kids 1st also sponsored the charity’s thirdannual Dragonfly Ball on Saturday September 7. Aspectacular evening and the biggest event to beheld at Close House this year, the event raisedmore than £35K.

Entertainment was provided by Paul Pashleywho was joined by his swing band and there werefabulous prizes and plenty of Dragonfly Surprisesthroughout the night.

The Dragonfly Ball raises funds to brighten thelives of children and young people living withcancer.

Money raised goes towards providing cashgifts and Dragonfly Dreams to the one in threeyoung cancer patients who have no hope of a cure.

The charity was set up six years ago byinspirational teenager Josie Grove shortly beforeshe lost her battle with leukemia. Josie’s DragonflyTrust now supports hundreds of children each year incancer wards across the UK by offering a moment ofhappiness to create special memories with family andfriends.

For more information on Kids 1st visitwww.kids1st.net, Twitter: kids_1st or call(0191) 461 877.

L’MamitaFASHION

BACK TOSCHOOL

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! SENDTHEM TO SCHOOL SMILING WITH FUNSTATIONARY AND ACCESSORIES…

Girls rucksack, £12, Marks &Spencer

Hello KittyClassic Range,£1.99-£14.99,John Lewis

Wild & WolfOctonautsrange, £3-£8,John Lewis

Boys rucksack, £16, Marks & Spencer


L’MamitaFASHION

Boys reflector shapes,£3.50, John Lewis

Girls My VeryHealthySnacks!lunchbox,£5.99,HunkydoryHome

Colour your own pencil case,£6.50, Paperchase

Roboticshomeworkplanner , £6,Paperchase

Frame Academystudy planner ,£7, Paperchase

Heartreflector tag,£3.50, JohnLewis

Pencils A4notebook, £6,Paperchase

Boys YayLunch!lunchbox,£5.99,HunkydoryHome



Diddiu - cool comfortableand ready to go!HI, I‘M MARISA, MUM OF TWO AND CO-FOUNDER OF WWW.DIDDIU.COM – ABRAND NEW ONLINE KIDS CLOTHING SHOP.

A close friend of mine and now business partner Ugne – acommercially savvy, business-minded powerhouse – and I – abusy mum with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, creative butchaotic mind – put our heads together and Diddiu was born!

We quickly understood what was important to not onlykids but parents, too. High on the agenda: edgy design, anamazing cut, comfort, delectable fabrics and of coursedurability. Highest on the agenda, though - fun! Our goal overthe next 12 months is to grow in to a one-stop-shop forhead-to-toe uber-cool Diddiu style.

Although juggling life as a working mum is hard andoverwhelming at times, I love taking the hard work out offinding fun, fashion-forward clothing for other parents.

Look forward to new, exclusive, stand out brands forkids and their cool parents, too..

L’MamitaEDUCATION


A clearpurpose

A YEAR AGO DAVID TICKNERTOOK THE HELM ATNEWCASTLE SCHOOL FOR BOYS- THE REGION’S ONLY INDEPENDENT,ALL-BOYS SCHOOL FOR AGES THREETO 18. HERE, HE EXPLAINS HOW HEHAS REDEFINED ITS PURPOSE.

One of the first things I did when I becameheadmaster at Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) wasto review the school’s aims.

Having been at NSB for nearly six years, Istruggled to recite them – and so did most of thestaff. So we redefined our aims and there are nowonly two.

The first is to deliver the highest levels ofindividual academic progress and achievement for allboys and the second is to develop boys and youngmen of excellent character.

In the classroom, we work hard to add value toeach and every boy’s academic performance. From agefive in Year 1 all the way through to the Sixth Form,our boys sit sophisticated, but user-friendly and ageappropriate, online assessments to establish an annualbaseline for their current abilities. These tests areoverseen by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring– a world leader in assessment – based at DurhamUniversity.

The tests provide valuable data to informteachers trained in its interpretation to allow them tosupport each boy’s learning and to maximise theirprogress.

As important as it is that boys leave NSB with thebest possible qualifications, it is not the full story.

Our second aim is a broader one. We also focuson our boys’ personal development – in theclassroom and beyond – in the rich variety of co-curricular opportunities and the sensitive pastoralcare we provide.

Weseek to develop the personal qualitiesin our boys and young men that will prepare them tolead happy, fulfilled and successful lives.

We value and actively promote in our boys awhole range of qualities and attributes – care andrespect for others, humility, perseverance,commitment, service, responsibility, resilience,determination.

Lessons learnt navigating, in a team, in challengingconditions, on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in thewilds of Northumberland, or practising for weeks onend to perform in a musical ensemble at a concert infront of a large audience of adults, provide valuableopportunities for personal growth. They developqualities that mean our leavers all have ‘somethingabout them’.

Clarifying our aims has given the School renewedpurpose and a shared understanding within ourcommunity of what we’re trying to achieve; adding thegreatest possible value in the classroom so that eachboy achieves his best while also developing importantpersonal qualities and skills for life. You are verywelcome to visit us at any time to see our work inprogress.

We are holding open days at our Senior Schoolon Saturday September 28 and at our Junior Schoolon Saturday October 12. Both events run from 10amto 12.30pm.

www.newcastleschool.co.uk


LEARNING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES ISONE OF THE BEST GIFTS THAT YOUCAN GIVE YOUR CHILDREN. PETITSPOUSSINS PROVIDES LANGUAGETEACHING SERVICES TO MUMS ANDTODDLERS, NURSERIES, SCHOOLS,TEACHER TRAINING, PRIVATETUITION AND EVEN ADULTS IN THEIRSISTER COMPANY THE LINGOLAB.

We deliver both French and Italian classes, andprovide a top quality learning and teachingexperience.

Our curriculum is based on years of development.It is unique and dynamic, described as ‘a breath offresh air’ by those who have been exposed to our funteaching style. Our motto is ‘Making Languages Fun!’

and our curriculumis based on highquality teaching, asis the service weprovide.

One of themost frequentlyasked questions is,‘My child is onlytwo, is it not toosoon to learnanother languagewhen theirmother tongue is notestablished?’

On the contrary, this is the best time, in fact evenearlier – the earlier the better.

At Petits Poussins we want to ‘Inspire ThroughLanguages’ by teaching children from 10 months toany age. We have specially trained bilingual teacherswho deliver the curriculum solely in the targetlanguage. We provide you with the opportunity tohave someone, not

only to speak to your child in the target languageevery week, but also train you and your family how tointegrate the new language into your daily routine. Inthis way, your child’s intrinsic ability to pick up asecond, third or even fourth language can beoptimised.

Besides the cognitive and social benefits, learninga second language from as early an age as possible isoften seen as one of the best brain foods and mentalstimuli you can give your child. It will continue toprovide benefits throughout their lives and open updoors in their future careers.

Furthermore, studies have shown that it canimprove educational attainment, planning,

memory retention and even multi-tasking. TheLingoLab provides French and Italian to adults. PetitsPoussins provides French and Piccoli Pulcini Italian tolittle ones and their families.

Please ‘like’ and follow us on Facebook andtwitter and visit our website at www.petitspoussins.co.uk

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START LEARNING ASECOND LANGUAGE, SAYS PETITS POUSSINS.


ANNOUNCEMENT

L’MamitaFEATURE

BEAT THEBEDTIME BATTLE

IF YOUR KIDS’ SUMMERHOLIDAYS INCLUDED LATENIGHTS AND NO MORNINGALARM CALLS, THEY MAY BESTRUGGLING TO GET BACKINTO A USUAL SLEEPROUTINE. HERE, DAVEGIBSON, SLEEP EXPERT ATLONDON BED MAKERSWARREN EVANS SHARES HISSLEEP ADJUSTMENT TIPS TOHELP PARENTS AVOID THEBEDTIME BATTLE NOW THENEW TERM HAS BEGUN.


Getting children back into their normal sleepcycle is vital in terms of making sure they getenough sleep. It is recommended that childrenfrom five to 11 years of age need 10 to 11hours and from 11 to 17-year-olds needbetween eight-and-a-half and nine-and-a-quarter hours. However, all kids are differentand typically you know your child is gettingenough sleep when it’s easy for them to wakeup refreshed in the morning.

It’s been shown that children with chronicsleep deprivation are more likely to havedifficul-ties learning, paying attention, and areeven more likely to be overweight.

The following tips will help you get yourchild back into the correct routine andhopefully keep them sleeping well and for thecorrect amount of time.

1. Adjust bedtime by 15 minutes each day untilyou reach the ideal time. Once in this pat-tern it’s important to keep to the same timeeven at weekends.

2. Make it easier for them to ease into night-time, reduce light towards the end of theday, tilting blinds and keep off any brightoverhead lights.

3. Develop a routine of 30 to 45 minutes ofcalm activities before bed, which can be re-peated in the same order such as a bath orreading a story to cue your child’s mind thatit is bedtime.

4. Help them to switch off by limiting theamount of technology in the evening. Don’tlet them use televisions, mobiles, laptopsand tablets within an hour of bed as oureyes are sensitive to the ‘blue-light’ theyproduce which affects our body clock andkeeps us awake.

5. Create the right environment in thebedroom by having it set up for good sleep,which is dark, quiet, and cool. Lower bodytemperatures indicate to the body that it isnight-time (i.e. the sun has gone) howeverhave extra blankets on hand in case they getcold in the night.

6. Don’t allow mobile phones in the bedroom.One study of children between 13 and 16found that 62 per cent of them used theirmobile phones in bed, and that even thosewho used phones in bed less than once aweek doubled their chance that they wouldfeel tired the next day.

7. Get your kids to exercise more in the day,as it reduces the time it takes to get tosleep and increases the total time we sleep,although make sure it’s finished about twohours before bed, to allow time to settledown.

8. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime andavoid caffeine; both will keep your childawake. If your child is allowed caffeinateddrinks they should be avoided within sixhours of bed.

9. As soon as your child awakes try toencourage them to get out of bed and intobright light or opening the curtains as soonas possible. This quickly adjusts theirmelatonin lev-els and will make it far easierfor them to get to sleep in the evening atthe right time.

10. Finally, set an example by having your ownsleep schedule that you stick to, and don’ttry to catch up on sleep at the weekendsas it is important that you all maintainyour schedules throughout the week.

Read more sleep advice from Dave atwww.warrenevans.com/blog


COME AND JOIN US FOR OURHALLOWEEN ACTIVITY WEEK,HALF TERM FUN.

ADVENTURE VALLEY in Durham is the NorthEast’s Premier Farm Park Attraction and features 7action packed play zones. There have been lots ofnew additions for 2013, one of which being ‘FortyTowers’; a massive, wooden play castle allowing childrento let their imaginations run wild while playing in thetunnels, walkways, slides and climbing areas.

Open every day from 10am, the whole family canget involved in the daily interactive animal activityschedule. You can expect to meet all kinds of animalshere from mini beasts to ponies, alpacas and reindeer!

Adventure Valley Golf, which opened in 2012, hasproved to be a popular activity among all ages. Those ofyou wishing to play the 18 hole, Wild West themedadventure golf course can do so without having to visitthe whole park. The same can be said for the brand newROLLER DISCO (check website for skating times).

Thre is a great mix of indoor and outdoor fun and awhole day can be spent here leaving you wondering how

the time passed soquickly!

All-in-all, Adventure Valley is a fantastic family dayout! Keep an eye on www.adventurevalley.co.uk fordetails of their forthcoming Halloween and WinterWonderland events.

Adventure Valley is offering one lucky reader of L’Mamitaa free family day ticket to enjoy all the fun activities onoffer. The ticket allows free entry for two adults and twochildren and must be used within the schools’ autumnholiday period. To be in with a chance of winning thisfantastic prize, simply email your name, address andtelephone number [email protected] with ‘AdventureValley Competition’ in the subject line. Entries to bereceived before October 12, 2013. The winning entry willbe drawn at random and the editor’s decision is final.

BE ADVENTUROUS


L’MamitaFEATURE

L’MamitaFEATURE

MAKE YOUR HALLOWEEN

FRIGHTENINGLY GOODCHECK OUT LAUREN DIMMICK’S SPOOKY TIPS THAT

WILL HAVE YOUR HALLOWEEN ALL WRAPPED UP – LIKE

AN EGYPTIAN MUMMY

PUMPKIN CARVING• The bigger the better. Not only are bigger pumpkins easierto carve, they will stay fresh for longer too.

• Save the seeds. Toasted pumpkin seeds are tasty and healthy.• After charving, soak your pumpkin in a bleach and watermix (one teaspoon bleach to one gallon of water), drythoroughly and rub inside and out with vegetable oil. Thiswill prevent shriveling.

• Draw your desired pattern on a piece of paper beforehandand tape it to the pumpkin to use as a guideline.

• Sprinkle the bottom of the pumpkin with cinnamon for alovely fragrance once lit.

GAMESHosting the party this year? Try

out these party games to make

sure the kid have a spook-tastic

time.

• Brain digging: get a large bowl

and add a few tins of cold

spaghetti. Put in six marbles,

three one colour, three

another. Blindfold the kids and

get them to dig for the

marbles. One colour signifies

trick, the other treat.

• Apple hanging: a dry

alternative to apple bobbing;

hang apples to the top of the

door with string, put your

hands behind your back and

try and take a bite.

• Pin the tail on the black cat: a

spooky take on pin the tail on

the donkey. You could also pin

the broomstick on the witch.

TASTY TREATS

They may not look to appetising, but they’ll still taste

delicious.

• Mummy-dogs: get some hot-dogs and cut them in half. Cut

dough into thin strips and wrap them around the dogs,

leaving a gap for a face. Use a toothpick to dot on mustard

eyes.

• Eating worms: crush some bourbon biscuits and mix them

into a bowl with chocolate mouse and jelly snakes.

• Cheesy fingers: cut some cheese strings in half, and make

cuts for knuckles and slice off the top at an angle. Use a

toothpick to dap ‘blood’ (tomato sauce) around the severed

nails.


COSTUME

We all know there’s a variety of scary costumes for sale in the shops but why not make your

own?

• Get a cardboard box, cut out arm, head and leg holes: cover in tinfold and decorate as a

robot or paint white and decorate with black circles to make a dice.

• Dress your child in pink, add pom poms to ankles, wrists, add some cloth ears and a tail

(with more pom poms) for the perfect poodle!

Autumn 2013 33www.lmamita.co.uk


L’MamitaADVICE

ASK THEEXPERT

BREWIN DOLPHIN’S GEORGE SLACKANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ON THEBEST WAYS TO PROVIDE A MOREFINANCIALLY SECURE FUTURE FORCHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN.

Q. I want to start a savings account for my newbornson but don't have much spare cash(approximately £50 a month). What's the bestoptions for me?

A monthly savings plan, such as an initial £50pmcontribution into a stocks and shares IndividualSavings Account (ISA), is a great way of building alump sum to help pay for more expensive items andtreats for your son, such as special school trips, hobbyactivities, driving lessons and a first car or even helpfund university or further education expenses at age18. If you use your own ISA allowance, then you canaccess the money at any time and you are in fullcontrol over the funds you have accumulated.However if you opted for a Junior ISA, in your son’sname, then no one has access to the money beforehe reaches age 18 and at that age he has completecontrol over the accumulated fund, allowing him tospend this money on whatever he wants rather onwhat you originally intended. Also, be aware that ifyou placed the money in his name then if anybrothers and sisters come along you may feelcompelled to start similar savings schemes to treat all

equally, so you may prefer to stick to saving onelarger plan in your name.

Q. My wife and I are both retired and have saved all

our adult lives. We want to start a savingsaccount for our twin grand-daughters. Howshould we go about that?

There are various options, depending upon howmuch you wish to save, what access you want yourgrand daughters to have to the money and how muchcontrol you wish to keep. If you are thinking about a regular savings plan ofbelow circa £310pm each you could invest the moneyin a Junior ISA for your granddaughters, provided theydon’t already have one and that they have not got achild trust fund. The accounts would be in theirnames, but opened and managed by a parent orguardian. There are no permitted withdrawals untilage 18 at which point the ISA becomes an adult oneand they would then have full access to the money.If you wanted them to have access to some of themoney before age 18, you could set up a monthlysavings plans in your own name but designated for


their benefit. This means that savings plans areeffectively held in trust for them, they still get fullcontrol over the money at age 18 but you keepcontrol of the money beforehand and withdrawalsare allowed. For cash accounts, you could ask their parents toopen high interest building society savings accounts intheir names and you could contribute to these. Other options include investing up to £3000 for eachgrand daughter in NSI children savings bondsprovided they are aged under 16 or starting up achild tax exempt savings plan with a Friendly Societyfor a fixed monthly contribution of up to £25pm, fora minimum of ten years, with an encashment date anytime after their 16th birthday.A grand parent can open up and contribute to thedesignated unit trust monthly savings plan, the NSIchildren savings bonds and the £25pm FriendlySociety policies for their grandchildren. However,their parents or guardians would need to open up theJunior ISAs or Building Society accounts to which thegrandparents can contribute.

Q. My children are five and ten. Am I too late to

start saving for university for them?

You are definitely not too late but the earlier youstart saving the more manageable the monthlycontributions will be. Full time study at university isexpensive. The tuition fee loan will currently pay upto £9000 pa for the cost of the actual tuition itselfand this is paid directly to the university but yourchildren’s’ accommodation and living costs,estimated to be at circa £12,000 pa if living awayfrom home, need to be paid for. So at present, for atypical three year course, that is £36,000 whichneeds to be found. While there is a maintenanceloan application available of up to £7675pa thisdepends upon complex parental householdincome rules and where in the country yourchildren wishes to study. So, your savings will certainly

help and hopefully allow your children to enjoy andbenefit from the full university experience.Assuming that your children start university at age 18,and you wish to save £36,000 for each, the monthlycosts would be £176pm for the five year old and£318pm for the 10 year old. This assumes that youcontribute each month until each child reaches age18 and that the investment returns are 4 per cent panet of tax & costs.

For more information visit www.brewin.co.uk

Past performance is not an indication of future performance. The value of any investment and any income can fall and you may get back less than youinvested. No investment is suitable for all people and should you have any doubts you should consult an authorised financial adviser. Any possible taxadvantages depend upon individual circumstances and are based upon current legislation which are both subject to change

The information contained in this article has been taken from public sources and is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigationcannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily the views held throughout BrewinDolphin Ltd. No Director, representative or employee of Brewin Dolphin Ltd accepts liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use ofthis document or its contents.


ANNOUNCEMENT

FINDING THE RIGHT

BALANCENUTRITIONAL THERAPIST KATHERINE NEAL IS ABOUT TO BRING AREVOLUTIONARY WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME TO THE NORTH-EAST FORTHE FIRST TIME. HERE SHE TALKS TO AVRIL DEANE ABOUT WHY METABOLICBALANCE IS SET TO BE SUCH A WINNER.

So what is Metabolic Balance?METABOLIC BALANCE® is a unique award winning weight loss programme which uses real food without anygimmicky or expensive tasteless meal replacements. But the real beauty of the plan is that your plan is unique to youand is based on your individual biochemistry.

You must have helped lots of people lose weight over the years. What is so different about Metabolic Balance?

YES I have and while some people do well and find it relatively easy to lose weight, others struggle to achieve resultsfor their efforts. Metabolic Balance promotes hormone balance and after detailed blood test analysis each plan isindividually designed based to restore an optimum balance. Fat burning and weight loss happen almost as a side effectas a result.

Is it a new thing or has it got a proven track record?METABOLIC BALANCE originates from Germany where it was developed by doctors and nutritional scientists. Itarrived in the UK in 2008 but has mainly been available in London until now. After hearing of outstanding results fromfellow Nutritional Therapists, I took the training, was very impressed and can now offer the programme here in theNorth East. It is only available through a qualified Nutritional Therapist.

What does it involve?THE CORNERSTONE is a personal nutrition plan developed on the basis of a blood test and health information. Onthe plan, you readjust your current daily eating habits and follow a dietary plan that fits your individual profile, which ishealthy, completely balanced and tailored for you. This bespoke 4-stage programme has all the elements you need toresolve your personal weight issues permanently as well as ensuring optimum health and well-being. It takes intoaccount any likes or dislikes and gives you lots of options to choose from.

How does it work?THE PROGRAMME promotes hormone balance primarily by regulating the amount of insulin your body produces.Metabolic Balance has helped people suffering from all kinds of health problems including Type 2 diabetes; rheumatism;migraines; insulin resistance; high blood pressure, fatigue, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, allergies, skin disorders etc.Other reported improvements include increased energy, better sleep and an increased feeling of well-being.

So how long do you need to stay on the programme and how much should I expect to lose?I WOULD always recommend people commit to a 3 month period which can be extended if required. Everybody isdifferent but the average weight loss for the 3 month period could be sizeable – and definitely noticeable.I am happy to offer a FREE 30-minute consultation to anybody interested, to explain the plan in moredetail and allow them to decide whether it is for them.

For more details contact Katherine Neal on (0191) 215 929207914210899 or visit www.nutritionalknowhow.com


Autumn 2013 39www.lmamita.co.uk

40 Autumn 2013

L’MamitaTHEATRE

Autumn 2013 41

A ZANY and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is delightfully brought to lifeon stage for the very first time, and will be at MillVolvo Tyne Theatre October 20 and 21.

The production of Claire Freedman and BenCort’s Aliens love Underpants will offer stunningeffects, madcap action, original music (and lots ofaliens of course!) to delight the whole family. Quitesimply, you’ll laugh your PANTS off!Tickets are priced £12 or family of four for£44. For further information and bookingsvisit www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk or call0844 4939999. For lots of fun Aliens stuff goto www.aliensloveunderpants.com

Reader giveaway!L’MAMITA HAS TWO FAMILY TICKETS(2x adults, 2x children) FOR ALIENS LOVEUNDERPANTS TO GIVE AWAYTo be in with a chance of winning, simply email your name,address and telephone to [email protected] ‘Aliens Love Underpants giveaway’ in the subject line.Deadline for entries is October 17. Terms & conditions apply.

CATCH THE STAGE PRODUCTION OFTHE BEST-SELLING CHILDREN’SBOOK AT MILL VOLVO TYNE THEATRE

© SJS photo

Aliens LoveUnderpants

How to Hide a LionThe Bowes Museum, Barnard Castlewww.thebowesmuseum.org.ukCome and celebrate the opening of thenew children’s exhibition at Bowes Museum.With a wide range of family fun activities on offer,children will have a day to remember making pop-upiceberg cards, lion masks and even designing theirown moving suit of armour! Children must beaccompanied by an adult, for whom normal admissionapplies.

Beamish Bonfire EveningsBeamish Museumwww.beamish.org.ukFor a spectacular fireworks display withbonfires and plenty of autumn fun, guaranteed, head tothe events field atBeamish Museumon November 2and 5.

Skating @ Life Centre for Life, Newcastlewww.life.org.uk

Get your skates on and head down to The Centre ofLife for winter’s favourite pass time. This popular attraction graces Newcastle every year and is fun forall ages.

WHAT’S ONL’Mamita

EVENTS

OUR ROUND-UP OF THE BEST FAMILYEVENTS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD ...

Jesterval Baltic Square, Gateshead www.newcastlegateshead.com/whats-onLooking for a giggle? Head down to BalticSquare on October 5 and 6 (from noon) where therewill be family-friendly entertainment as part of theJesterval Comedy Festival. Prepare to have your sidessplit with silly gags and hilarious jokes.

Frankenstein: Escape the Monster Centre for Life, Newcastlewww.life.org.ukExperience an exciting escape fromFrankenstein! Expect to be blasted by foul odors,ghoulish smoke and sprayed with ominous liquidsthroughout this 4D thrill ride.For safety, children must at least 1.2m tall to beadmitted.

Disney on Ice - Dare to DreamMetro Radio Arena, Newcastle, www.metroradioarena.co.ukDo you Dare to Dream? Join this on-ice spectaclewith your favourite Disney Princesses. This newproduction combines two stories of the modern dayPrincesses, Rapunzel and Tiana with the classical SnowWhite and Cinderella.

Time Travellers Go ... Victorian

Spooky FunBelsay Hall, near Morpeth,Northumberlandwww.english-heritage.org.ukIt’s time to get spooky down at Belsay Hall, Castle andGardens this Halloween. Ghost hunting and creepycrafts are are on offer, as well as grave robbing storiesthat will chill your bones!

October5-6

Oct 5 -Nov 8

Oct 8-13

Oct 26-Nov 3

Oct 29

Nov 2 &Nov 5

Nov 9-Feb 23



L’MamitaMOTORS

A FUTURE THAT’SELECTRICA REFURBISHMENT OF LLOYDNEWCASTLE’S SHOWROOM IS SETTO REVOLUTIONISE CUSTOMERS’EXPERIENCE.

Lloyd Newcastle is one of only 47 BMW i agentsnationally and are currently undergoing a significantrefurbishment of its premises on Barrack Road in abid to provide an unsurpassed customer retailexperience.

Accommodating over 20 new BMW modelswithin a contemporary showroom, the new LloydNewcastle retail premises will be able to showcasethe entire BMW range, including the revolutionaryBMW i models.

Despite the scale of the refurbishment, LloydNewcastle will remain open for business during therenovation works, offering all usual facilities.

A number of improvements to the customerenvironment are being implemented. Two new BMWGeniuses, specialists in customer care who are notsales-focused, can discuss customers’ requirementsand present the intricacies of the BMW productrange using new technology.

An interactive Virtual Product Presentationfacility will be installed, allowing the customisationand animation of cars on a 47 inch screen. Visualisingdifferent models, colours and options against a rangeof different backgrounds will provide a uniqueexperience for new car buyers.

In addition, individual power supplies to eachshowroom car will allow all electronic features of thecars to be demonstrated to customers before theyexperience a test drive.

Keith Watson, dealer principal, says: “We are trulyexcited about offering what we believe will be theNorth East’s premier new BMW facility.

“Showcasing such a wide selection of models in acutting-edge environment, driven by the latesttechnology and encompassing BMW corporatebranding, as well as the arrival of our two BMW

Geniuses, cements our dedication to the first-classcustomer service that customers expect from LloydNewcastle.”

Lloyd Newcastle has become a BMW i agentahead of the launch of the new BMW i3 later thisyear.

As well as the sale of BMW i vehicles, thedealership will have technical capability to service andcarry out repairs on the cars, a specialist task giventhe presence of high voltage batteries. BMW i alsoencompasses 360 electric, a range of premiumservices aimed at easing the transition to e-mobilityincluding maintenance packages, access to chargingpoints and the rental of a conventional car in case ofrequirement for increased luggage capacity or longerjourneys.

Chris Brownridge, marketing director of BMWUK, adds: “We are delighted that Lloyd Newcastle isjoining us on this ground-breaking journey into e-mobility. Significant investment in their BMWpremises demonstrates a shared confidence in thefuture of BMW, and particularly BMW i.”

Customers can register their interest in BMW i, orin any of the BMW range, by contacting LloydNewcastle on (0191) 261 7366. More informationon BMW i can be found atwww.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk.

l'mamita autumn 2013

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