Mums survival guide dec2013

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Great advice and activities for you and your family

WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE 2013

www.mumssurvivalguide.net

CHRISTMAS

SPECIAL

WI N

TH OF £1,000 WOR ET GI FT H IGH STRE to be VOUCH ERS ERIMAR won with ST 6!

ON PAG E 1

SAVE!

Great value breaks from Real Family Holidays – page 12

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP!

Inspiration • Savings • Great gift ideas and delicious recipes! ...and much, much more inside!

Welcome Welcome to Mum’s Family Christmas Survival Guide!

Well, we’re on the last lap now and we are sure our 32 page seasonal special starting on page 25 will give you a mix of inspiration, advice, savings and tips on some great presents for the whole family.

We know Mum’s readers love a good competition and our thanks go to prize partners Splash We had some great fun baking recently.

See page 43 for the full story.

About (page 4), Drumond Park (page 6), Sterimar (page 16) and Red House Books (page 22) who have guaranteed that some of you will get your hands on some fabulous goodies over the next couple of months!

Regular readers will know we are always trying to find ways of letting our children truly experience the natural world, and on page 9, we’ve enlisted the Marketing Director for Nature, David Bond, to tell us how we can do this with a few simple steps. And on page 12, Real Family Holidays, a brand new initiative from Field Studies Council, are offering outdoor holidays next year at incredibly low prices, at some beautiful countryside locations to enable you to do just that!

As always, we’ve put together a selection of engaging features, great offers, tasty recipes, competitions and prize draws throughout the magazine that will help make winter and the festive season that little bit easier – that, after all, is why we created Mum’s Survival Guide!

Merry Christmas and see you in 2014!

Victoria Howdle, Editor Published by Lincolnbrody Ltd, 98 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JS EMAIL info@lincolnbrody.co.uk EDITOR – Victoria Howdle FEATURES WRITER – Emma Brooks DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Daniel Josty (CREATIVE DPS) ADVERTISING MANAGER – James Martin

Copyright LincolnBrody Ltd No reproduction in whole or part is permitted without written permission. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty related to the promotions in this publication.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change.

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tition e p m o C l a v i v r Su

WIN Contents

Keep Little Ones Warm in & out of the Water!

We have 3 Winter Warmer Bundles worth over £50 up for grabs!

6 BOARD GAMES FOR ALL THE FAMILY! With thanks to Drumond Park, we’ve got 4 sets of ingenious board games to give away just in time for Christmas!

9 BORN TO BE WILD

David Bond’s brilliant film Project Wild Thing gives us a timely reminder that our children can benefit in so many ways by connecting with nature

p31 35 MERRY CHRISTMAS, MUM Take some of the stress out of the festive season and share the load

41 THE MERRY CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF

p9

Now is the time to really indulge our love of baking so we’ve got some delicious recipes guaranteed to win over the family judging panel!

14 THE NATURAL WINTER SURVIVAL GUIIDE

Splash About’s award-winning BabyWrap is perfect for keeping your tots warm in the pool this winter – designed specifically to maintain a baby’s temperature keeping them warmer & therefore happier in the water! The BabyWrap is a mini wetsuit that opens flat for easy dressing & is made from super stretchy soft neoprene for a perfect fit. The BabyWrap comes in 3 sizes, fitting from birth to 30months.

Once out of the pool wrap them up in our Après Splash soft cotton towelling hoodie & trousers, to keep them dry, warm & cosy! This play suit is available with turquoise or pink piping in sizes small, medium & large, fitting children from age 1-6 years.

To win a Splash About ‘Winter Warmer Bundle’ worth over £50 simply answer this question:

How to deal with inevitable sniffles, coughs and colds that come with this time of year the natural way. Plus, we’ve got £1,000 worth of high street vouchers up for grabs from Sterimar!

17 DAWN CHAOS

Keep the kids safe and the car running smoothly on freezing winter mornings

19 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE A selection of fantastic books for your children with the short list for the prestigious Red House Children’s Book Awards. You can also win 4 tickets to attend the awards ceremony in February!

p41 47 I WANT A BIKE FOR CHRISTMAS!

An essential buying guide for those of you purchasing bikes

50 VIDEO-GAMES FOR ALL

Family gaming expert Andy Robertson explains how video-games can have a positive effect on family life

p50

25 MAGIC FOR MUMS!

Welcome to our 32 page Christmas special

What is a BabyWrap? a) - A swimming costume b) - A mini wetsuit c) - A floatation aid

Simply enter online by visiting: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/splashabout by 30th January 2014 To see the Splash About collection visit:

www.splashabout.com No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 3 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 28th February 2014. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Splash About or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Splash About Ltd and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

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57 SURVIVAL MONEY

p25 26 SPEND WISELY

Great ways to keep control of our budget this Christmas

31 INSPRIATION

If you’re flagging as we approach the run in to Christmas, here are some of the wonderful things that make this time of year so special

The experts at the Money Advice Service and the Financial Ombudsman with some wise words on all things financial

62 SWITCHING MADE SIMPLE

It’s never been easier to change bank accounts – here’s how

p57

1993

CHRISTMAS collection 0871 423 5656 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

10% off

& free delivery* Quote MSG32 at website checkout when ordering Visit one of our 57 stores.

See website for store addresses *10% offer not valid on sale items, Silver Cross furniture and travel system, Micro Scooters, gift vouchers, multibuys, or in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is valid until 31.01.14. Free delivery to UK and Ireland.

See website for full details.

20 Y

ears Of Beau tiful Babie

s

Ways to keep in touch: 2013

W I N – for all the family! tition e p m o C l a v i v r Su

BOARD GAMES

Everyone knows that board games are experiencing a huge revival at the moment. They’re a great way to get family and friends sitting down together and having fun… away from all those electronic devices! Here’s your chance to win one of FOUR SETS of games from Drumond Park, the UK’s leading independent games company LOGO Billionaire Everyone’s loving the battle of the big brands… This new cardcollecting game (rrp £24.99, age 8 to adult) gets the players making like crazed business tycoons! You’re purchasing well-known UK brands, such as Marmite, Persil, Nivea, Twix and the VW Beetle – to form companies, then selling them for a fortune! But it’s risky – turn up a ‘bust’ card, and you lose that business… and have to start again.

Mask ‘n’ Ask A brilliant new game (rrp £15.99, age 7+) which up to four children can play together – and they’ll have an extra big laugh when the grown-ups join in too!

You don’t know who or what is featured on the mask you are wearing, and as you proceed around the board, you have to ask questions of the other players (helpful hints are provided) to get your animal or human character right.

Wordsearch Junior

Doh Nutters

This new game (rrp £18.99, age 4+) is an excellent way for youngsters to build their recognition and reading skills – without even realising it! The children race to place their coloured counters on the board once they have spotted the sequence displayed – and the player with the most chips of their colour in place board wins!

Everyone loves playing this classic game (rrp £14.99, age 4+), which has been given a make-over for Christmas 2013. Which will be the first elephant to get three doughnuts on its trunk – and be declared the winner? Doh Nutters is a frantic fun-forall… that even the grown-ups can join in and enjoy!

Taking part couldn’t be easier – simply enter online by 15th December* at www.mumssurvivalguide.net/drumondpark *The winners will be the first 4 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 18th December 2013. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Drumond Park or their agents. Please visit www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions for full terms and conditions.

To view all the new products in Drumond Park’s Christmas 2013 range, to play games on the website or for stockists’ details, visit www.drumondpark.com

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ARCTIC FORCE SNOWBALL BLASTER SOLO £17

LITTLELIFE LADYBIRD TODDLER DAYSACK £20

SNOW SCOOTER £20

A gift that takes you places. Now that is a rare find. The snow toys that turn parks into playgrounds, the weather-proof jacket, the bag that means wherever your journey takes you their favourite toy is always close at hand.

These are the gifts that help little explorers go further. These are the gifts that inspire an adventure.

BARTS KID’S CROOKIE INKA HAT £22.99

KOZI KIDZ VARBERG FLEECE-LINED RAIN JACKET £39

STORES NATIONWIDE | COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM | CLICK & COLLECT

Back to Na ture

Born to Be Wild

When David Bond decided to market Nature to his children as if it were a global brand, he sparked the interests of parents, nature organisations and educators everywhere. In the wake of his funny and timely film, Project Wild Thing, we find out how our kids can get the Wild Time they deserve.

The film that started it all Project Wild Thing In a bid to get his kids off the sofa and outdoors, filmmaker David Bond appointed himself Marketing Director for Nature. Enlisting top branding and outdoor experts, he aimed to develop a campaign to help nature compete with the global brands vying for our children’s attention.

“The reasons why kids, whether they live in cities or the countryside, have become disconnected from nature and the outdoors are complex. I wanted to understand why my children’s childhood is so different from mine, whether this matters and if it does, what I can do about it.” – David Bond

The result? A hilarious real-life story of one man’s determination to get children out and into the ultimate free wonder-product: Nature.

“THIS FILM WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE” Patrick Barkham, The Guardian Project Wild thing is on UK release from 25 October 2013 – visit www.projectwildthing.com/film for further information.

Why do children need nature?

Experts agree that letting children go out to play is one of the best things that parents can do for their children’s health. Outdoor play uses more calories than clubs and tuition1. Also, children who said they ‘noticed and enjoyed their surroundings’ most days (in other words, were connected to their local environment) had much higher well-being scores than those who didn’t2.

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According to a recent study3, children that are exposed to nature; S core higher on concentration and self-discipline

✓ ✓ I mprove their awareness, reasoning and observational skills

✓ D o better in reading, writing, maths, science and social studies

✓ A re better at working in teams ✓ S how improved behaviour overall So what’s the problem?

Time playing outside during the week and at weekends has halved in one generation and children are more inclined to stay indoors and watch television, play computer games and even do their homework, than go outside to play4 and fewer than 1 in 10 children regularly play in wild spaces, versus about half a generation ago5.

“Children are on average spending four and a half hours a day surfing the internet or watching TV” Childwise 2013 Monitoring Trends report Increased screen time is one culprit, but modern fears about safety and dirt also play a large part.

“The odds of being abducted by a stranger are similar to being hit by lightning. But we’re so obsessed that we’ve smothered ourselves in health and safety bubble-wrap.”

David Bond, father and filmmaker behind Project Wild Thing

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“Children have a natural fascination to touch and to feel things. We need to satiate those senses. It’s not the kids that don’t want to put their hands in the mud or jump in the pond or pick up the worm… it’s the adults that have said no.”

Chris Packham, naturalist and TV presenter And it’s not just inner-city kids who are affected. As David discovered while making his film, “Disconnection from nature affects all children: rural and urban, rich and poor.”

And the future?

This retreat from the wild has serious implications.

The British Heart Foundation has spoken up about the importance of an ‘outdoors childhood’ in tackling child health inequalities. Published in June, the State of Nature report, shows that a tenth of species are at severe risk of extinction. If children don’t learn handson about nature, why would they care to save it?

“Three times as many children could identify a Dalek as a magpie. Wildlife alien to indoor children” National Trust, 2008

So what can we do?

The simple answer is ‘get outside more’. But where would you go? What would you do? Perhaps we feel that our little patch of garden, or the local park, isn’t good enough. Actually, it can be. According to the Wild Network any green space, however small, can be enough to start a lifelong connection with nature. Thirty minutes a day can be all it takes to make a difference.

Take the Wild Time challenge Swap 30 minutes of screen time for 30 minutes of Wild Time every day.

A small change with lasting benefits Swapping thirty minutes of screen time for an extra half an hour of Wild Time every day would reduce children’s time in front of screens by an average of ten per cent. It’s a small change that could really boost their health and wellbeing, now and in the future.

Andy Simpson, Chair of the Wild Network, said: “We want parents to see what this magical wonderproduct does for their kids’ development, independence and creativity, by giving Wild Time a go.”

Filmmaker and star of ‘Project Wild Thing’, David Bond said: “We need to make more space for Wild Time in children’s daily routine, freeing this generation of kids to have the sort of experiences that many of us took for granted.

It’s all about finding wildness on your doorstep and discovering the sights, sounds and smells of nature, whether in a back garden, local park or green space at the end of the road.”

Nature is great for big kids too It’s not just youngsters who benefit from a little Wild Time. David Bond found that connection with the natural world is important at every age: “Patients with a natural view from their room recover faster and require fewer painkillers…workers who see trees and flowers are less stressed and report fewer illnesses.

Being among plants produces lower concentrations of stress hormones, lowers blood pressure and

Children’s Gifts for Chilly Weather From Cotswold Outdoor No one has a better range of gifts for children who like to spend time outside than Cotswold Outdoor. From clothing to outdoor toys and games, kids will be happy to unwrap these fun and quirky presents on Christmas morning this year.

One of our favourites, featuring a fun cartoon animal, the Barts Kid’s Crookie Inka Hat (£22.99) is both fun and warm. Thanks to the earflaps, which help stop wind getting in, children will stay so snug and cosy in this hat they might not want to take it off until Easter!

To find more outdoors Christmas gift for kids, head to your local Cotswold Outdoor store, or shop online at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

DAVID BOND’S 10 TOP TIPS FOR A WILD TIME From collecting conkers or snail racing, to playing leaf snap and autumn colour-spotting, Wild Time can be anything you want it to be.

The most important thing is to get out there and have fun.

1 2 3

e’ve all got stuff to do, so try biteW size 10-minute chunks of Wild Time.

T he hard bit: ban the gadgets! Lock up all your mobiles, laptops, games. ut on comfy clothes and maybe P wellies – nothing too smart. It’s all about the adventure not what you’re wearing.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

About the Wild Network The Wild Network is a group of over 900 large and small organisations (including the National Trust, RSPB, Play England and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit) and over 4000 individuals, who have come together to campaign for more wild time for every child, every day.

The Wild Network Goes to Whitehall Throughout 2014, the Wild Network will publish a series of short, focused policy asks to tackle the most serious barriers between children and nature. These will put children, nature and outdoor play firmly on the agenda of the political parties in the run up to the 2015 General Election.

T ake a bag to collect wild treasures, and a notebook to write or draw in. ake sure everyone sticks to the M rules. No sneaking off to text behind a tree. eep it local at first – go into the K garden, park, street or patch of green space.

J ust look around you – see, touch, listen to and smell nature.

boosts the immune system. The more nature we get during childhood, the more we want as adults.”

It’s time we all became Marketing Directors for Nature – by enjoying it ourselves.

Discover more wild ideas, from ten-minute tips to afternoon-long adventures at www.projectwildthing.com, or on twitter @wearewildthing, #wildtime.

Or why not share your own?

Project Wild Thing is on general release in cinemas nationwide from 25 October and is available on Curzon Home Cinema from Sunday 27 October at 7pm (www.curzoncinemas.com/film_on_demand).

All proceeds from the release of the film go to the Wild Network.

References 1. Making children’s lives more active, University College London, 2004 2. The Children’s Society, The Good Childhood Report, 2013 3. ’Agricultural Literacy: Giving concrete children food for thought’, A. Sigman, 2007 4. JCB Kids Fresh Air Campaign, 2013 5. www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/Childhood%20and%20 Nature%20Survey_tcm6-10515.pdf

Join the The Wild Network at www.projectwildthing.com – it is free.

Share your views!

Join the conversation about kids and nature online at: Facebook www.facebook.com/projectwildthing

et through the “I’m bored!” moment G – plant a few ideas then freefall.

Twitter @wearewildthing #wildtime #ProjectWildThing

hift the balance towards free play S and away from adult-supervised play.

Pinterest www.pinterest.com/projectwild

Why not make it a mini adventure – Keep it simple. Take small steps.

And keep it local discovering new places on your doorstep.

YouTube www.youtube.com/user/GreenLionsLtd #wildhour is every Wednesday from 12.30pm – 1.30pm. Join us for an hour of reconnecting kids with nature – via social media

WHAT ABOUT A WILD HOLIDAY? Book a Real Family Holiday now and escape to the outdoors.

Holidays are a great time to rediscover nature. If camping’s not your thing, don’t worry. The Field Study Council’s all-inclusive family holidays combine outdoor adventure with indoor comfort.

Book before the end of December and you could enjoy a week’s holiday from £16.50 per person per night, meals and activities included. (More details on the next page).

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Advertorial

GO WILD

with a Real Family Holiday at Field Studies Council Imagine waking up in a beautiful historic house, in the midst of beautiful lakes, mountains or woodland. Your breakfast is ready, the bed is made. Which leaves only one question: what adventure are you going to have today?

BOOK NOW & SAVE!

ONLY £16.50 per person per night

K

ids love getting back to nature. And now going wild is easier than ever, thanks to Real Family Holidays from Field Studies Council. With bed, board and activities taken care of, you can focus on what matters most – exploring nature and having fun as a family.

Including FULL BOARD & an ACTIVITY a day* For every three nights you book you get an EXTRA NIGHT FREE! Why pay more for your holiday, when what kids love best – nature – is free?

Great value, with memories to last a lifetime

✓ Get active as a family a love and appreciation of nature ✓ Einncourage your children uper-affordable, with all inclusive comfort✓ Sable family accommodation ✓ Stay in the heart of nature ✓ Flexible – stay as long as you like part in varied and exciting activities, mak✓ Tingakenew friends along the way. ✓ A family holiday with a difference ✓ A school holiday break without the high price tag iscover, explore and be inspired by nature, ✓ Dtogether

Field Studies Council is a charity that aims to put families back in touch with nature. Their Real Family Holidays help you do just that. With family-friendly accommodation in stunning settings, you can enjoy a week of nature-based fun and adventure from as little as £16.50 per person per night.

Whether you fancy wildlife watching in Snowdonia or learning to surf in Devon, you and your family will take home stories to tell and memories to treasure.

You get the best of both worlds on a Real Family Holiday – safe, organised and exciting activities, and plenty of free time to explore and do your own thing.

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when booking by December 31st 2013. .

After that the cost is £20 per person per night

The benefits of a Real Family Holiday

Escape to nature with your family on a Real Family Holiday – a summer break with a difference!

Discover Real Family Holidays across the UK find yourself in the midst of an abundance of wildlife, including otters, badgers and bats.

For more information visit: www.visitdevon.co.uk Activities include bushcraft and minibeast hunting, a stone’s throw from the beaches of South Devon.  Kindragon Centre, Scottish Highlands 11 – 18 July and 9 – 16 August 2014 Surrounded by woodland teeming with wildlife, the Kindrogan Centre sits on the banks of the River Ardle in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. Head for Cairngorms National Park where dramatic mountains are covered in lush pinewoods, or explore the rivers, lakes and waterfalls for fun on and in the water.

For more info visit: www.visithighlands.com Activities include Woodland adventures and water sports at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.  Orielton Centre, Pembrokeshire 26 July – 9 August 2014

F

SC have chosen six family-friendly locations, set in some of the UK’s most inspiring landscape to host Real Family Holidays on selected dates during the school summer holidays.

From the mountain peaks of Scotland to the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire, whichever location you choose you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery and amazing opportunities to enjoy and get active in nature.

Accomodation at all six locations can be found in beautiful buildings, from Georgian mansions to stunning country houses in sprawling estates, with a mix of your own twin and family rooms.

The Orielton Centre is located on the edge of the Pembrokeshire National Park, the only coastal National Park in Britain. Head up into the Preseli Mountains, on foot or by bike, or discover the cliffs, crags and wildlife along the dramatic Pembrokeshire coastline.

For more info visit: www.visitpembrokeshire.com Build dens and trap beasts just a skip from the unspoilt Pembrokeshire coast.  Rhyd-y-creauau Centre, Snowdonia 15 – 29 August 2014

 Blencathra Centre, Lake District 22 August – 2 September 2014

For more info visit: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting Enjoy panoramic views and wildlife-packed trails at 300m above sea level.  Start Bay Centre, Devon 4 – 15 August 2014 Located by the stunning Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve this centre really has the best of all worlds when it comes to natural surroundings.

With the South Devon coast and the largest natural lake in south-west England on the doorstep, you’ll

Real Family Holidays offer exceptional value for money, with the following included in all stays:

omfortable accommodation in stunning ✓ Clocations ll meals, afternoon cake and unlimited hot ✓ Aand cold drinks E

xpert advice on how to explore the area ✓ independently ne free activity for all the family per night ✓ Ostayed, with extra paid activities available.

With exciting activities on offer every day, who knows where your Real Family Holiday will take you?

Typical FREE activities* include; ★ Pond dipping ★ Minibeast hunting ★ Den building ★ Bat watching ★ Wildlife safaris ★ Orienteering ★ Environmental art And for a little extra you could enjoy* ★ Kayaking ★ Rock pooling ★ Dolphin watching ★ Wilderness trekking ★ Bird-box building ★ Coasteering & scrambling ★ Surfing & sailing

LOCATIONS

Venture out from the centre and you’ll find local woodland to explore, with the lakes, valleys, hills and mountains of the Lake District National Park all waiting beyond. This natural wonderland is full of wildlife, vast open spaces and exciting nooks just waiting to be discovered.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

* Activities vary by centre. For details visit: www.real-family-holidays.org

With the Snowdonia National Park waiting to be explored, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your holiday adventures. Coastlines, valleys, rivers, woodland and mountains all await – not forgetting the famous peaks of Mount Snowdon itself.

For more info visit: www.visitsnowdonia.info Discover beaches, rivers and woods, with all of the Snowdonia National Park on your doorstep.  Malham Tarn Centre, Yorkshire Dales 15 – 29 August 2014 The Malham Tarn Centre sits in the middle of woodlands, on the banks of the tarn, in the depths of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Among the vast countryside of the Dales on your doorstep you have Malham Cove and Goredale Scar, both well worth putting your hiking boots on for.

For more info visit: visittheyorkshiredales.co.uk Explore the vast and beautiful Dales, including Malham Cove and Goredale Scar.

Book now and enjoy a fantastic family holiday with memories to last a lifetime for less than £400 for a family of four!

If you book before the end of December 2013, the cost per person per night is £16.50. From then onwards it’s £20 per person per night. For every three nights you book you get an extra night free! So, for a family of four planning to stay for a week it will only cost £396 before 31st December 2013 and £480 afterwards.

This incredible value family holiday includes: ✓ Accommodation ✓ All meals, afternoon cake and hot/cold drinks ✓ Expert advice on how to explore the area independently ✓ One free activity for all the family per night stayed – that’s SEVEN free activities for a week-long stay!

Book your holiday to remember NOW at

www.real-family-holidays.org WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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th Survival Heal

The Natural Winter SURVIVAL GUIDE! As the cough and cold season comes around, we show you how to take action – naturally.

I

n the winter months, colds seem to be a fact of life (just when your kids have got over one bug, they’ve picked up something else). Luckily, most winter viruses aren’t serious, but they play havoc with everyone’s routine, with schooldays missed, work disrupted, sleepless nights and grumpy days.

While there’s no cure for the most common winter illnesses, there are effective, natural steps you can take to help keep germs at bay.

Be prepared Conventional medicines like painkillers and cough syrups are great when needed, but they’re only designed to manage symptoms, not help your body defend itself. And if your kids are very young, some over-the-counter products won’t be suitable, so a safe, natural alternative is best.

Kids and colds The science behind that adorable, eternally runny nose

✘ C hildren’s respiratory systems are still

developing (up to the age of 15), leaving them particularly prone to coughs and colds.

✘ T heir immune systems are weaker, making it harder for them to fight off infections. ✘ P arents and carers are more likely to catch colds too. ✘ B abies can’t breathe through their mouth until 6 months of age, so a blocked nose can get in the way of everything, including breathing, sleeping and eating.

✘ A baby can have up to 10 colds a year ✘ B ecause of the way the respiratory system

works, a cold or congestion can lead to further problems like sinusitis, sore throat, fever or ear infections, so catching it early is important.

✘ O nce children go to school and nursery, they

are more exposed to colds and infections. (I think we knew that one already!) so keeping a clean nose to filter all those nasty bugs will be really important.

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Healthy nose, healthy body

How to Maintain a Healthy Nose

Noses. We don’t think about them much – but they play a crucial part in our overall health.

Your nose isn’t just there to help you breathe, smell or taste – it actually works as a filter, and is your body’s first line of defence against airborne infections and irritants. This is because the membranes inside are lined with thousands of tiny hair-like cilia and mucus-producing cells, which trap unwanted particles, and use the nose’s natural moisture to move them to the back of the throat.

But in winter, factors like central heating and cold air can dry out those protective membranes and damage the filtration system, which can cause the cilia working effectively.

Although you can’t always control the temperature or contents of the air you breathe, according to the Allergy and Asthma Network (www.aanma.org), you can take steps to keep your nose as healthy as possible by following these tips:

❝ My newborn daughter was so congested,

she couldn’t sleep or feed properly. She was so tiny, I wasn’t sure what to give her, but Stérimar Baby was easy to use and really worked.

❞

Emma Clare, London

rink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and ✓ Dfluid. warm the air you breathe in cold weather ✓ Hby elpwearing a scarf over your nose and mouth. eep nasal passages moist with saltwater nasal ✓ Kwashes or sprays, especially if you are exposed to dry air, allergens or infection.

hen using nasal sprays, be careful to direct ✓ Wthe spray toward the outer surface of your nasal passage, away from the centre of your nose, to avoid damaging the septum (the tissue that separates the two sides of your nasal passage).

imit your use of medicated decongestant ✓ Lsprays, as some can damage the cilia that clear the nose and sinuses.

Illness Prevention

UPDATE

MEET THE STÉRIMAR FAMILY Products for all ages and sizes...

Stérimar Baby

Do you have a child between 2 and 3 years of age?

For babies & toddlers (from birth to 3 years)

This year, the NHS is offering free flu vaccinations to children aged two and three years old. This not only protects your child, but others they may come into contact with (like babies or grandparents), so it’s well worth doing. There are no needles (hooray), just a quick nasal spray and off you go.

Use Stérimar Baby to help unblock baby’s nose and wash away germ-filled mucus.

Helps baby sleep and eat comfortably – so parents can get some sleep too!

Or use daily, for example as part of baby’s bath time routine, to keep the nose clean and clear.

Find out more, ask your GP or visit the NHS website at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/ Pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspx

Ideal from birth.

DID YOU KNOW? Stérimar is also great for LLERGIES A few sprays ✓ Ahelp clear out airborne allergens, reducing the body’s natural allergic reaction and calming irritation.

EDTIME Helps your nose ✓ Bstay clean and congestionfree in the night – and can even alleviate congestion led snoring – so everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

ORK Remoisturises the ✓ Wnose due to the drying effect of office air conditioning and helps flush out airborne germs before you bring them home.

RAVEL Stérimar 50ml ✓ Tmeets regulations for air travel, perfect to help against dry on-board conditions and airplane germs.

✓ you take could contribute to nasal problems. For instance, diuretic

Nasal Hygiene For children & adults (3 years +) Use every day to remoisturise the nasal mucosa and to keep the body’s first line of defence in top condition.

Great for washing away allergens and helping with long-term problems like snuffly and runny noses. Helps kids learn how to blow their noses properly.

Remoisturises the nasal mucus.

Suitable for pregnant women.

Ask your healthcare professional whether any other medications

blood pressure medications and some anti-anxiety medications have a drying effect on nose and throat; birth control pills, beta-blocker blood pressure medicines and erectile dysfunction medication can increase nasal congestion; eye drops can aggravate nasal symptoms when they drain into the nose with tears.

Mum nose best Keeping the nasal passages clear is important. A safe, natural way of keeping the nasal passages moist is vital and that’s where a sea water based nasal spray like Stérimar™ comes in handy. A few sprays a day helps your body fight infection better as it keeps your nose healthy and flush out germ-filled mucus – before they can take hold. And if you do find yourself with a stuffy nose, Stérimar also helps relieve congestion, its mild salt and mineral composition gently breaks down mucus to help you breathe. Because it’s 100% pure and natural, it’s suitable for everyone from snuffly babies to bunged-up mums – and is perfectly safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding too.

The 2013 natural choice for pharmacists

Congestion Relief For children & adults (3 years +) For when you need a boost to relieve congestion and cold-causing nasal symptoms.

It also helps prevent further infections like sinusitis or rhinopharyngitis.

For parents and kids.

Perfect for anyone who can’t take medication, for example if you’re breast-feeding.

How Stérimar works The 100% natural sea water based formula helps to gently relieve congestion and wash away impurities and airborne contaminants before they take hold. Sterimar gently helps to restore the nose’s protective function to keep a clean and healthy nose.

What makes Stérimar special?

Made from the purest sea water sourced off the cost of Brittany, Sterimar is packed with sea minerals with a reduced salt content to be naturally kind to the nose. It is clinically proven and doctor recommended with no side-effect causing additives or preservatives. Its gentle microdiffusion has been specifically designed to best clear nasal passages while respecting the delicate nasal lining.

The 2012 decongestant of choice of independent chemists.

Stérimar Baby is suitable from birth.

Stérimar Congestion Relief is suitable from 3 years.

Stérimar Nasal Hygiene is suitable from 3 months and pregnant women.

All products are also suitable for people who cannot use medication.

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15

th Survival Heal

NATURAL health-boosters

Dr Sarah Brewer shares her prescription for a cold-free winter.

Eat your greens (and yellows, reds and oranges)

actually more at risk of viral illnesses because of the added physical stress.

Eat a wide variety of fruit and veg (at least 5 portions a day) to maximise your intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While raw or lightly steamed is best nutrition-wise, warming dishes like vegetable soups and stews are great for boosting immunity too. A multivitamin and mineral supplement with vitamin D is also a good idea.

Now wash your hands

Include good oils

Don’t forget your scarf

Essential fatty acids found in oily fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herrings) are also important to regulate the way immune cells react to chemical signals. Aim to eat at least two or three portions of oily fish per week (or take fish oil supplements).

Turns out the old wives’ tale about catching a cold if you get wet and shivery appears to have some basis in fact. When you feel cold, blood is directed away from your peripheries, including your nose, so respiratory infections meet less resistance to their attack.

In other words, wrap up warm.

Get moving When you’re stressed and run down, you’re twice as likely to develop symptoms when exposed to a common cold virus. Apparently high levels of stress hormone and over-worked adrenal glands interfere with our immune system in some way. Regular exercise can boost your immunity by burning off the effects of stress. But don’t get too competitive!

People who train too much or run marathons are

Cold viruses can survive on door handles, phones, toys and other objects for several hours. So wash your hands regularly throughout the day, and teach your kids to do the same. Try to avoid touching your face or eyes a lot, as this is where most viruses enter the body.

many other products, Stérimar is completely natural, free from drugs, steroids and preservatives, and rich in various sea minerals that contribute to our overall health and wellbeing.

Get plenty of rest Sleep is essential for good health on every level, so make time to rest and recuperate. A clear nose also helps you sleep better at night (and can even make a difference with snoring!),

Look after your nose

Take care of yourself!

During winter months, central heating and pollution can dry and congest the nose, so you are more susceptible to airborne infections. Sea water nasal sprays like Stérimar reverse this process by replacing moisture where it’s needed. Regular spraying effectively cleans and clears germs from your nasal passages before they have the chance to multiply. And unlike

As mums, we’re so busy looking everyone else, we often neglect ourselves. If it’s cold enough for your kids to wear a hat, scarf and gloves, you need to wear them too. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, make time for exercise and invest in proper amounts of sleep. If you do get a virus, ask for help and allow yourself proper time to get well.

£1000 WORTH OF HIGH STREET GIFT ‘

VOUCHERS TO BE WON FROM STERIMAR

WIN!

Pamper yourself, treat the kids and keep the winter snuffles away with Stérimar! With thanks to Stérimar, we’ve got 20 fantastic gift sets to give away! Each gift set will contain: ● x1 Stérimar baby ● x1 Stérimar Congestion Relief 50ml ● x1 High Street Gift Voucher – 1 st 5 winners: £100 gift voucher next 5 winners: £50 gift voucher (Gift Vouchers can be used at most next 10 winners: £25 gift voucher high street shops)

Taking part couldn’t be easier – simply enter online by

15th December* at: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/sterimar *The winners will be the first 20 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 18th December 2013. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Church & Dwight or their agents. Please visit www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions for full terms and conditions.

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Survival H ealth Is there any chaos like the chaos of an average family early in the morning? The lost keys, the wrong homework, the pulped school lunch, and always the time rushing on.

Dawn CHAOS T

here is only one thing that can make this early morning mayhem worse. And that is winter. All the same chaos, but now it’s in the dark. And cold. Then there’s the frozen car – an igloo on wheels.

Thank the gods of chemistry that have produced the miracle cures – screen wash and de-icer fluids.

No more risking the loss of fingertips with the improvised credit card, or the even more deadly letterbox driving position.

Screen wash and de-icers are winter safety essentials. But while they do their bit to keep families safe, the products themselves are not without their dangers.

Dozens of children find themselves in A+E departments every winter as a result of swallowing de-icers and screen wash. Both contain amounts of ethanol and methanol, neither substance you want to get anywhere near a child. Although both are essential for safe winter motoring, neither substance is safe for your child to ingest.

And anti-freeze, although it is less common around homes, is even more deadly due to the content of ethylene glycol.

For inquisitive toddlers there isn’t much that isn’t interesting. But the colour and smell of screen wash and de-icer couldn’t be much more intriguing.

The problem is, of course, the afore-mentioned chaos. Every parent knows about keeping dangerous products out of small inquisitive hands. We all know the mantras of keeping products locked away and out of reach.

But screen washers, or skooshers as they are known to the more technically minded, need topped up all the time. De-icers have to be at hand all the way through our long northern winters. So it is difficult to keep track on where they end up – maybe sitting near the back door, or rolling around the footwell of the car.

This is where Bitrex comes into its own. The bitterest substance in the world, a teaspoonful in an Olympic swimming pool can still be tasted .The presence of Bitrex means that it is almost impossible to drink a substance containing it. As a result, families are protected from potentially dangerous products. There’s no substitute for careful storage, but Bitrex ensures that a moment’s inattention doesn’t turn into disaster.

The good news for families everywhere is that two of the county’s leading de-icer, antifreeze/coolant and screen wash suppliers and manufacturers, Halfords and Prestone, have decided to make their products more family friendly by adding Bitrex.

So chaotic families, and that means every family, can protect themselves through the winter by buying a screen wash and de-icer that displays the round Bitrex logo on the packaging. Bitrex won’t solve the early morning mayhem and it can’t make the weather better, but it can give families one less thing to worry about.

To find out more about Bitrex, visit www.bitrex.com WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

17

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Survival F un

Something for

EVERYONE Choosing good books for our children at Christmas can be a bit of a minefield as we all know, but thankfully even the most reluctant reader can easily develop a lifelong love of reading with the right book.

T

he Red House Children’s Book Awards, the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children themselves, have recently released their 2014 shortlist, and we thought, what a great way to point our readers to a selection of titles that are guaranteed to enchant, engage and keep them turning pages!

Books for Younger Children Superworm Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Scholastic) Former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, the brilliant team behind The Gruffalo, are the creators of Superworm! A character who will delight young readers and their parents. The funny and fantastically illustrated story is full of bouncy rhyming verses and has a fun chorus that is sure to have preschoolers joining in as they follow Superworm’s adventures, which include him bravely facing up to the wicked Wizard Lizard and his sinister servant Crow. When Superworm is kidnapped by them, it is up to his animal friends to save him... The quirky illustrations are full of charming details and the unlikely hero of the tale will appeal to children aged 3 and over.

Walter and The No Need To Worry Suit Rachel Bright (HarperCollins) Rachel Bright is a very talented author and illustrator and Walter and the No-Need-to-Worry Suit is the first fantastic tale from the new and exciting Wonderful World of Walter and Winnie series. We all worry, but not quite as much as Walter. As the Seriously Competitive Sports and Funday approaches, Walter’s worries begin to spiral out of control. Will his best friend Winnie and the other Woollybottomers be able to help him? A heart-warming and laugh-out-loud adventure that will relate to young children as they encounter ‘first experiences’, this picture book shows that as long as you have friends around you, there really is no need to worry.

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Books for Younger Children cont...

Hippospotamus Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross (Andersen) Poor Hippopotamus has a spot on her bottomus and it simply won’t go away, despite the best efforts of the numerous animals who come to examine it, offer diagnoses and suggest a wide range of treatments. She tries sunbathing standing on her head, wearing woolly pants, scrubbing herself and other more unpleasant remedies but nothing works. Until, that is, a small boy has a sneaky peek and discovers something he thought he had lost... This is a hilarious rhyming tale to tickle small children.

An inventive, wacky and very funny story from Jeanne Willis that is perfectly complemented

by Tony Ross’ vivid illustrations, Hippospotamus is sure to keep both adults and young readers entertained as they enjoy sharing this delightful picture book.

Books for Younger Readers

How To Hide A Lion Helen Stephens (Alison Green Books) How does a very small girl hide a very large lion? It’s not easy, but Iris has to do her best, because mums and dads can be funny about having a lion in the house. Luckily, there are lots of good places to hide a lion - behind the shower curtain, in your bed, and even up a tree. But Iris can’t hide her lion forever, and when her mum discovers him, he has to run away and hide all on his own.

When the lion sees three robbers stealing from the town hall, it’s his chance to show everyone that he is, after all, a kind (and very brave) lion - just like Iris always said. Author and illustrator Helen Stephens’ How to Hide a Lion is a truly heart-warming picture book.

The Land of Neverbelieve Norman Messenger (Walker) Discover the extraordinary plants and animals found in the fantastical Land of Neverbelieve in this exquisitely illustrated and beautifully told story. When Norman Messenger stumbled upon the island of Neverbelieve, he couldn’t quite believe his eyes: here was a world where chocolate grew on trees, mountains whispered stories, and fish flew in the sky at night, and that’s just the beginning. An enchanting and interactive book which will let the imagination of young readers run wild as they explore Neverbelieve, the incredible land full of gentle, dolllike inhabitants, flowering meadows, magical lakes and spooky dark mountains. This imaginative and page-turning book really does create a world that children (and adults!) will never want to leave.

Atticus Claw Breaks The Law Jennifer Gray (Faber & Faber) When Atticus receives an anonymous message summoning him to a meeting in a sleepy English coastal town, he packs his bags and sets off. The world’s greatest cat burglar likes a good mystery and this time curiosity has got the better of him. The writer of the message, it turns out, is none other than gang leader Jimmy the Magpie. He is mourning the death of his friend Beaky, who has been run over by a Rolls Royce. Now he wants Atticus to steal all the jewels in town and leave the humans baffled. What could be more straightforward? But when Atticus moves in with Inspector Cheddar and his family, he starts to wonder if a life of crime is really for him? Written by Guinea Pigs Online co-author Jennifer Grey, Atticus Claw Breaks the Law really is the purrfect read for children aged 7+.

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Claude In The Country Alex T Smith (Hodder Children’s Books) This wonderful story finds a quiet walk in the countryside turning into a busy day on the farm when Claude ends up mucking out the pigs, feeding the chickens, and even bravely lassoing a fearsome bull!

Great for sharing with a highly lovable lead character, Claude is a rather extraordinary little dog who appeals to this age range immensely. Along with his best friend, Sir Bobblysock, the duo partake in a number of adventures that don’t always go quite to plan.

Books for Older Readers Killing Rachel Anne Cassidy (Bloomsbury) A taut and pacy thriller that forms part of The Murder Notebooks series, Killing Rachel describes how Rose’s mother and Joshua’s father have disappeared. Police inquiries have gone nowhere and the case seems closed. But Rose and Joshua still hold out hope that their parents are alive. Joshua is determined to follow up his own inquiries, which includes working out the meaning of the cryptic notebooks - the murder notebooks - they have discovered. Then Rose hears that her former best friend, Rachel, has died.

Perhaps this death will provide a clue to what has happened to Rose and Joshua’s parents.

The Reluctant Assassin Eoin Colfer (Puffin)

The 5th Wave Rick Yancey (Penguin) The 1st wave took out half a million people, the 2nd put that number to shame. Rick Yancey’s frightening dystopia is now anticipating its 5th hit and no one knows what to expect. Cassie has lost everything, her parents are dead, her little brother has been captured, to be alive in her world is to be alone. She runs from Them on a daily basis as they kill anyone they find scattered across Earth’s desolate countryside. Then she meets Evan. Is he her only hope to rescue her brother and save herself? In this gripping young adult epic The Hunger Games meets I Am Number Four to create the ultimate page-turner.

Action-packed, intense and just waiting to be made into a blockbuster movie!

All the books shortlisted for the Awards are available to buy from www.thebookpeople.co.uk/redhouse

WIN

e 4 tickets to th s Book Award

WIN 4 tickets to the prestigious Red House Children’s Book Awards at London’s Southbank Centre on 22nd February 2014.

With thanks to our friends at Red House Books one lucky family can win four tickets to the star-studded and drama-filled awards ceremony!

And it couldn’t be easier – simply enter online by 31st January 2014* at www.mumssurvivalguide.net/redhouse *The winner will be the first name drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 5th February 2014. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Red House Books or their agents. Please visit www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions for full terms and conditions.

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W.A.R.P The Reluctant Assassin tells the story of Riley, a Victorian boy accused of murder who has suddenly been transported into the 21st century... Pulled into the covert Witness Anonymous Relocation Program, Riley teams up with young FBI Agent Chevie Savano and the pair are forced to flee from the terrifying assassin Albert Garrick, a man who will stop at nothing until he’s hunted Riley down. The first book in the new series from bestselling Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer, this story has excitement, action and humour and also mixes startling sci-fi themes with more traditional storytelling. A thrilling read aimed at children aged 9 and over.

ABOUT THE AWARD AND HOW TO VOTE

T

he Red House Children’s Book Award, now in its 34th year, was founded in 1980 by author and librarian Pat Thompson and is owned and run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

The overall winner is awarded the Red House Children’s Book Award Silver Tree, of which they are the custodian for a year, and an engraved silver acorn which is theirs to keep. Each of the category winners receive a silver bookmark and each shortlisted author and illustrator will also receive an incredible portfolio of writing and artwork created by children inspired by their book.

The ten titles on the shortlist for the Books for Younger Children, Books for Younger Readers and Books for Older Readers categories, as well as 40 highly recommended titles, were chosen by children, who read and voted for the books through the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

Your children can vote for their favourite book by visiting www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk by 24th January 2014

Magic for

Survival C hristmas

MUMS

If the Christmas fairy could bring you the perfect festive season, at no extra cost or effort, what would you wish for?

✓ A family who don’t criticise or argue.

A turkey that cooks itself (and self-peeling ✓ vegetables).

Kids who are delighted with what ✓ they’ve got.

We can’t guarantee to sort it all out for you, but this issue has great ideas for creating a magic Christmas for everyone – and that means mums too. As well as inspiration for gifts, we’ve got top tips for keeping Christmas on budget, saying no to stress and getting some treats for you.

It could well be your best Christmas yet.

ival Guide v r u S t e g d u B Christmas

S

et a budget – It’s not how much you spend on Christmas. The important part is deciding on an amount you’re comfortable with and sticking to it.

Start by just choosing a figure that will work (factoring in your normal bills), then split it into the different areas you need to cover (see our budget breakdown below).

Why do I need a budget?

Once the festive mood takes hold, it’s far too easy to hit the shops, think ‘Oh, but it’s Christmas,’ and spend another £20 on things we don’t really need.

This can add up to hundreds of pounds, so it’s important to take control. A budget will help you be more aware, so you can weigh up the buzz of Christmas spending versus the achievement of doing it your way (a way you can afford).

Christmas budget breakdown It’s easy to go overboard at Christmas by forgetting just how much there is to do. Make sure you include all of these areas in your budget.

✓ Presents and wrapping ✓ Cards and postage ✓ Decorations ✓ Food and drink ✓ Going out ✓ Party clothes ✓ Travel

Once you’ve done that, break it down again into how much you’re going to spend on different items (for example, “Stamps – £15”, “Work drinks – £30”, “Present for neighbours – £5”). If it starts adding up to too much, you can shift amounts around as you go. If you think you’re not going be able to cover everything, don’t panic: there are plenty of ways to lighten the load.

Prioritise, prioritise, prioritise When it comes to Christmas, some things are important to us, while some are just a case of doing what’s expected. So focus on what matters to you most, and find ways to save on everything else.

ather than splash out on a new party outfit, ✓ Rupdate an old one with a new bangle or pair of earrings - or borrow something from a friend.

be a Christmas budget-killer. Rather ✓ Gthanoinggooutto can the pub, get friends to bring a bottle of wine over instead (saves on babysitting too).

elatives on the other side of the country? If ✓ Rthey can live without you, why not Skype on Christmas Day, then plan a New Year get-together (after payday) instead?

By deciding what you are and aren’t going to do, you could save yourself a reindeer’s ransom without really trying.

Don’t go it alone Getting people to pitch in is a great way to share the financial load, while fostering a real Christmas spirit.

If you’re having guests on Christmas Day, don’t be shy of asking them to bring or contribute something, from a case of beer to the Christmas pudding. Divide and conquer.

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Spend As Christmas approaches, we show you how to keep costs down – without skimping on good cheer.

WISELY

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Fun learning games and jigsaws

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£7.50

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arn

un !

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ing Made F

To see our full range visit

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PRESENT SENSE

DOs & DON’Ts

How to save on presents (without being Mr Scrooge)

Be savvy about the grown-ups While everyone loves presents, the average adult doesn’t set that much store by what they get (except something reasonably thoughtful from our other half!). So this is a great place to be practical about festive spending, without anyone missing out.

Ways to save on grown-up gifts

people to agree a set amount for grown✓ Gup etpresents (for example, a fiver per gift), so everyone’s on the same footing.

o secret Santa, so it’s one present each rather ✓ Dthan everyone having to buy ten gifts. o cash-free and exchange home-made vouch✓ Gers for things like ‘an evening’s babysitting’ or ‘an afternoon’s gardening’.

f you’re crafty, some homemade festive biscuits, ✓ Ibrightly wrapped make great inexpensive gifts. If the kids have made them, or can help, it makes them all the more special.

amily photos always make a lovely gift (try ✓ Fshops like Tiger for funky, inexpensive frames www.tigerstores.co.uk).

Don’t stress about the little ones Babies are so adorable, it’s hard not to splurge on them. But realistically, kids under two don’t really know what Christmas is all about. And a three year-old won’t have the same expectations as an eight-year-old. So for this age, it’s not about the cash as about creating special memories (for you).

For your own kids

f you see a present your tot will love that costs ✓ I£1, don’t feel you have to spend more. Take advantage of these undemanding years while you can.

tocking fillers for little ones can be simple - a ✓ Sbiscuit, a piece of fruit, some stickers – they’ll enjoy the discovery and surprise more than worrying about the contents.

mall children don’t know about packaging, so ✓ Sfamily hand-me-downs or second hand shops

DO

✓ ✓ Get guests and family to pitch in. ✓ Shop around for the best deals. ✓ Buy with cash, debit or cheque actor in a little treat for yourself (you ✓ Fdeserve it).

Stick to your budget.

✘

DON’T Take on debt you can’t afford (including loans, overdrafts, credit cards, credit agreements and store cards).

✘ Forget to pay your everyday bills. ✘ Buy on impulse. to unauthorised sellers for cut-price ✘ or Turnknock-off items. They might be fake, ✘

stolen or unsafe.

Feel guilty about doing the sensible thing.

can be great (make sure you go for age-appropriate toys from trusted brands, avoid knock-offs that might not be as safe, and check for any damage or loose parts).

love dressing up, so an old straw hat ✓ Tforoddlers their dressing up box will delight them.

You can find more information on second-hand toy safety from the Trading Standards Institute www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice

Other people’s babies and tots

and brightly-coloured balls. Small ✓ Bkidsoardcanbooks never have too many, and they’ll get years of enjoyment out of them.

f your child has cash-strapped aunts and uncles ✓ Iwho aren’t too hopeless, suggest their ‘present’ could be a day out or some babysitting – a bit of a present for you too!

hink classic: a favourite Roald Dahl book or ✓ Tchildren’s poem anthology, with an inscription

from you, might not be something they’ll enjoy now, but it’ll be a treasure later.

Lots of small children to buy for?

Ikea is great for small kids, with charming, welldesigned toys from as little as £1.50 or £2 each.

Better value for kids and teens As we know, kids can be very demanding. They watch the ads on TV, they want what their friends have, and they’re not mature enough to see past it all. But there are things you can do, for example:

sk family to club together to help get the ✓ Akids a few special presents, rather than

everyone get a mountain of bits and pieces they’re not bothered about.

Christmas, ask your kids to box ✓ Bup efore some toys or items they don’t want

anymore and take them to the charity shop.

This encourages them to think about people who have less rather than comparing themselves with people who have more.

hop around for the best deals and read ✓ Sonline reviews. If you know what you’re

looking for, a comparison site like Kelkoo. co.uk is a great place to start.

to your guns and be positive. A lot ✓ Sof tickfamilies get themselves in real financial trouble over Christmas. If you’ve done your best and stayed in the black, that’s a huge achievement, and don’t let anyone’s complaining take it away from you!

❝ I found a limited edition Buzz Lightyear

toy in my local charity shop for £8. It’s a bit scuffed, but my 3 year-old son adores it. In the shops it would have cost £80.

❞

Mum’s Survival Guide writer

FINANCIAL ADVICE If you’re worried about Christmas expenses, or want more advice about money and debt, get in touch with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

29

Christmas Inspiratio n

INSPIRATION If you’ve got Christmas fatigue already, don’t worry. Emma Brooks will soon have those sleigh bells ringing in your ears for all the right reasons.

1. MAGIC IS FREE Sometimes we try too hard to create a special Christmas, when the answer is right under our noses the whole time. After all, Christmas spirit can’t be bought in the shops and doesn’t take 100 hours to create. All it needs is a sense of fun and a little imagination.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

In the run up to Christmas Make a ritual out of advent calendars. On the count of three, everyone has to open the door at the same time while making an ‘angels singing’ sound effect (“Laaa!”)

Get kids to make their own wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper and letting them loose with pens, paints, stamps or stickers. They’ll love getting creative, and the personal touch will make everyone’s gifts extra special.

On Christmas Eve Make reindeer food out of oats or rice, with a bit of glitter mixed in. Let the kids put it in a bowl in the garden, then secretly tip it out once they’ve gone to bed, so in the morning the bowl is empty.

Make ‘Santa’s footprints’ with icing sugar or flour, using a grown-up shoe or boot as a stencil. Easy to do, easy to clear up and magic for kids.

Cover the door to your living room in wrapping paper. On Christmas morning, kids will have huge fun tearing their way in.

On Christmas Day Have fun with your food. Decorate a dish of mashed potato with a smiley brussels sprout face or break chocolate coins (with the metal wrapper taken off) in half and add ‘shark fins’ to the trifle.

For children just learning their letters, write gift tags with the initial instead of the full name, for example ‘M’ for mummy. Then make a game of matching the present to the person.

Arrange for Santa to bring everyone an inexpensive musical instrument. Then get your mini orchestra to play and sing something together every time they want to unwrap another present.

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2. THE ART OF ANTICIPATION We all know that half the fun of an event is the days and weeks leading up to it, and Christmas is no different. Set aside time for some fun activities to celebrate the build-up to Christmas and you’ll stay in the mood right up until New Year.

Fun festive family things to do in December

obvious, so to help, we’ve put together a little Christmas quiz to inspire you. Fill in your answers, and try to weave them in to your Christmas this year.

3. Watch a Christmassy movie.

What are your ingredients for a magical Christmas?

6. Set a festive email signature.

My favourite Christmas activity is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. Buy a luxurious hand cream.

5. Make cooking glam with a pretty apron.

7. Treat yourself to some flowers.

8. Embrace earmuffs.

9. Listen to a Christmas CD you actually like.

✓ Drink hot chocolate ✓ Go ice skating ✓ Sing carols ✓ Eat mince pies ✓ Watch a classic Christmas movie ✓ Wear mittens ✓ Roast some chestnuts ✓ Bake cookies ✓ Read Christmas poems ✓ Wrap presents together

My favourite Christmas food is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10. A dd a dusting of cinnamon to ‘Christmas-up’ everyday foods (like yogurt). Yum.

My favourite Christmas movie is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Now go, and have a tip-top, fabulous Christmas!

3. THE GLOW OF CHRISTMAS PAST

4. SOMETHING FOR YOU

A big part of Christmas magic is nostalgia, and doing something that connects our present with happy memories. So as well as concentrating on things the kids want to do, make sure you indulge your own Christmas associations, and one day they’ll bring back happy memories for your kids too.

These things are personal, and not always

My favourite Christmas song is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My favourite Christmas smell is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My favourite Boxing Day tradition is . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I know it’s Christmas when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When mum feels festive, it’s definitely contagious.

So don’t forget to make time for all those little things that get you in the Christmas mood.

10 ways to get your Christmas on 1. Wear red lipstick, in a tone that makes you glow.

2. Paint your nails to match.

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CHRISTMAS DVD SURVIVAL GUIDE

e often think of Christmas movies as something for the kids, but watching festive films together is a lot of fun, and a lovely thing to do in the build-up to Christmas. Classic DVDs can be really budget-friendly, and if you’re already registered with an online film streaming service, then you’ll have a lot of these at your fingertips.

Here’s our pick of seasonally-themed films to suit your brood – and something for when the kids have gone to bed too.

WHEN THE KIDS HAVE GONE TO BED…

FOR WATCHING AS A FAMILY

✹ Elf

✹ Life of Brian

✹ The Santa Clause

✹ Trading Places

Young kids’ classics that grown-ups can enjoy

✹ Arthur Christmas

✹ Bad Santa

Too cool for Christmas

Festive thrillers

Seasonally-themed movies that will appeal to young children, and are a treat for you too.

If you have teens, these classics with an edge are bound to entertain (these won’t be suitable for younger kids, so check the rating and use your judgement).

He loves action, you want something festive? Here’s your answer.

✹ The Muppet Christmas Carol ✹ Lady and the Tramp ✹ A Charlie Brown Christmas

Crossing generations If grandparents are over, these classics will delight everyone. ✹ Miracle on 34th Street (either the old or new version) ✹ We’re No Angels ✹ Meet Me in St Louis

For kids of different ages Festive treats with a savvy humour that are harmless for tots but will entertain older kids too.

✹ The Nightmare before Christmas

Thoughtful teens will enjoy these modern classics that are stylish and meaningful.

✹ Millions

✹ In Bruges ✹ Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

✹ Love Actually

Modern fable

✹ Edward Scissorhands

✹ Die Hard

Enjoy some time me time with a bit of holly-tinged romance.

✹ Batman Returns

✹ Scrooged

Irreverent, somewhat rude and very funny, these are great for a night in with the other half.

Girls’ night in

✹ Gremlins

✹ The Hudsucker Proxy

Edgy comedies

✹ The Holiday ✹ While You Were Sleeping

Timeless classic It has to be ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, but if you want a bit of a change try ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (1947) with Cary Grant and David Niven, another classic Christmas fairy tale.

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Survival C hristmas

Merry Christmas,

MUM!

Christmas is supposed to be fun, so how come we often end up so stressed? We take a look at the factors that create Christmas pressure, and our tips for sharing the load. Because mums deserve a magical time at Christmas too.

STRESS FACTOR 1: Doing it all yourself As mums, we often feel we’ve got to be the one who sorts everything out, from decorations and presents to shopping and cooking. Result? Everyone else glides by on a Christmas cloud, while we worry about how long the turkey’s been on and whether anyone’s laid the table yet.

The answer: Team Christmas This year, get the family on board and parcel out tasks to the people you’re sharing Christmas with.

Giving everyone something to do builds team spirit, brings people closer together and, often, keeps them out of mischief. The results might not be as perfect as you want them to be, but when you’re painting your nails instead of doing last minute preparations, we promise you won’t mind a bit.

✓ Do half-and-half: if you have a partner, ask them to sort out presents for their side of the family. Then leave them to it.

✓ Let them do the legwork: older children can help research family Christmas presents on the internet, or help with some of the shopping.

✓ It’s a wrap: have a family ‘wrapping party’, and plan a treat when you’ve finished, like hot chocolate with marshmallows or a trip to the local ice rink.

✓ Horses for courses: if you’re having guests, give them a course to bring like starters, pudding or nibbles. That’s one less thing to do.

✓ Taking turns: at mealtimes, make sure everyone does their bit. For example, half the family help with cooking and laying the table, the other half clear and wash up.

STRESS FACTOR 2: Doing everything at once Life is hectic as it is. Throw in a three-week sprint of festive shopping, catering and card-writing, plus house guests and visiting, and it’s a miracle that Christmas happens at all.

The answer: Get ahead One way to dilute the Christmas rush is to tick some boxes in the weeks, or even months, before. It’s a great way to spread out costs too.

✓ Shopping: shop for presents throughout the year.

This is also a way to grab best deals. Just keep track of what you buy so you don’t overspend.

✓ Frozen assets: you can buy or cook-and-freeze all kinds of Christmas foods, from stuffing and veg WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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“I ALWAYS CHOOSE HERE BECAUSE IT KEEPS MUM AND DAD QUIET.”

Bring the family together for a meal to remember at your local Fayre & Square, with delicious food and great deals always on the menu. Find your nearest Fayre & Square at www.fayre-square.com

25% off food

Valid 2nd - 31st January 2014

Name

Date of birth

/

/

Email

*Terms & conditions: This voucher must be presented when placing your food order and entitles the bearer to 25% off your food bill at a participating pub. The voucher can only be redeemed from 2nd - 31st January 2014 during food service hours. The voucher can be used on food items only.

The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with Spirit employee vouchers including friend & family vouchers. Only one voucher per person, per transaction. Offer subject to availability. Photocopied, defaced or damaged vouchers will not be accepted. Voucher cash value £0.0000001. The voucher is not transferable. We reserve the right to amend, cancel or withdraw this offer at any time. Promoter: Fayre & Square, Sunrise House, Ninth Avenue, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3JZ

PUB RESTAURANT

Make it an ONLINE Christmas The internet has to be the best stress-busting invention for getting Christmas together.

Shopping online lets you:

✓ avoid the crowds. ✓ shop around without the legwork. ✓ stick to your list (and avoid impulse buys). ✓ get it all delivered.

Mum’s Survival Guide Tips for Christmas shopping online

✓ Watch out for delivery costs: choose sites where you can buy several presents, spreading out the delivery cost, or where delivery is free.

✓ Don’t leave it too late: delivery times get longer as Christmas approaches, so allow for that. to canapés and cheeses. Start now and you’ll be well ahead come Christmas day.

✓ Decorations: the best time to buy Christmas decorations is – of course – the January sales. If you’re not in the habit already, start doing it this January and next year you’ll have that box ticked already.

STRESS FACTOR 3: Family feuds Stroppy teenagers, grumpy uncles – every family has its characters, and it’s no wonder that when you put them together in a room at Christmas, sparks fly.

The answer: Change the focus Don’t expect people to change who they are because it’s Christmas – that’s never going to happen! Instead, find small ways to divert people’s attention from any nonsense.

✓ Keep them busy: giving people jobs to do diverts energy away from those personality clashes. Just don’t put your mum and sister-in-law on vegpeeling duty together if they don’t get on.

Stress factor 4: Having no time for yourself

✓ Book a delivery slot now: if you’re getting Christmas groceries delivered, book early to get a good slot.

The answer: Do something for you No matter how well you delegate Christmas, you’re still the one in charge, which is a lot of pressure. With everything on your plate, you need to make time for you.

✓ Down time: every day, plan some quiet time on your own to catch up with a favourite TV show or read a magazine. Explain to another adult family member that this is important, and ask them to cover for you if needed while you de-stress and recharge.

✓ Respect your body: Christmas is a time to enjoy nice treats, but avoid picking at food absentmindedly or because you’re stressed. You’ll be adding a lot of extra calories with no real benefit.

✓ Get out: going out for a walk, or just getting out the house in some way will give you space and

✓ Go outside: organise a walk, trip to the park or game of football in the garden. Nature has a relaxing effect, and a bit of activity helps work off stress. While they’re out, you can get some rest too!

✓ Invite guests: if you have a friend who can’t spend Christmas with family, invite them round.

Not only is it a nice thing to do, but it’s amazing how much better family behave when there’s company.

✓ The toe-rag factor: if someone tends to get under your skin, don’t let it spoil your Christmas.

Accept things as they are, focus on the positive and try to keep a sense of humour.

✓ Leave them to it: if people can’t get along, don’t feel you’re responsible. Grown-ups are accountable for their own behaviour, and that includes respecting the people around them.

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FROM TV SCREEN TO ICE CREAM You can now take your favourite children’s TV Character home in Ice Cream format No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives 6 pack Peppa Pig Ice Cream lollies now available in all good supermarkets

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies / Entertainment One UK Limited 2003. www.peppapig.com

Icefresh Foods Ltd, W: www.icefresh-foods.co.uk E: info@icefresh-foods.co.uk

THE TWELVE TASKS OF CHRISTMAS Do we really do all that?

1. Organising 2. Present buying 3. Cleaning 4. Card writing 5. Decorating 6. Baking 7. Gift wrapping 8. Grocery shopping 9. Visiting 10. Cooking 11. Family-wrangling 12. Tidying up at the end of it.

energise you. If you can’t manage that, try some stretches and deep breathing.

✓ Pamper yourself: Can’t afford a day at the spa?

Make a beauty appointment with yourself to do your eyebrows, nails and a face mask so you’re looking your best.

✓ Plan a mum’s Christmas treat: every mum deserves a reward. Whether it’s a new lipstick or a day out just for you, make it a tradition and you’ll have something of your own to look forward to every Christmas. “ Every December, I treat myself to a gorgeous Christmas tree bauble from a department store. It’s something just for me, and every year I get to admire my growing collection.”

Sarah T, Surrey

Stress factor 5: Wanting things to be perfect There’s no denying that, as mums, we feel it’s up to us to provide the perfect Christmas. Which means a lot of pressure to get every detail just right.

The answer: Aim for fun, not perfection Often, the idea of a ‘perfect’ Christmas is something only mums can see. We feel we’re letting people down if things aren’t special enough, but actually, they’re just happy it’s Christmas. Ultimately, it’s about what brings you joy. If being the Christmas maker and scene-setter is what you love best, then embrace it and be proud. If not, then maybe we’re missing out on one of the most important things about Christmas, which is that it’s there to be enjoyed. When else do you get to eat chocolate before breakfast, wear a silly paper hat and set fire to your dessert?

It’s Christmas. Have fun with it.

Dr Marcia Worrell, Lecturer in Psychology and expert in women’s lifestyle and family issues, says: “Christmas is a lovely time for families, but it can also be stressful. This is particularly true for women, because it often falls on us to make everything perfect. We feel we have to clear the plates, make

sure the presents are beautifully wrapped and find the right gift for everyone. It’s a lot of pressure.

So there’s this tension between what should be a wonderful occasion and all the things that have to be done, which means women often enjoy Christmas less than others.

To get your share of the magic, it’s important to share the load. See who else can help, and get the kids involved wherever you can. As well as giving you more time, this also means you’re not the one responsible for making everything happen, as everyone has a stake in it. The rest of the family will benefit too, as they’ll get satisfaction from seeing their efforts come together.”

(And yes, you can probably think of more.)

There’s this idea of “I should be able to do this.”

The trouble is women often internalise the stress, and are so busy juggling demands and expectations that they don’t think to ask for support, or feel a failure if they can’t do it all. There’s this idea of “I should be able to do this.” When the truth is, it’s a lot to do.

If someone else seems to get more done, it’s probably because they aren’t doing it all themselves.

You’ve also got to accept that if you give a job to someone else, it might not be perfect. Maybe the wrapping won’t be as neat, or the present won’t be what you would have picked. It’s hard to let go of that. But what you’re getting in return is time to share the fun rather than just create it for others.

Another potential stress at Christmas is the idea that everyone’s going to be happy. There are happy families in Christmas movies and on television, and women feel they have to make that happen.

So we tend to tiptoe around people, or play the peacekeeper. It’s another weight to carry.

Recognise that it’s not your job to fix it. Whether it’s a topic that sets someone off, or people don’t get on, it’s their job to manage that situation. You need to know when to walk away.

Christmas, like a lot of things, is about balance.

Balancing the tasks with the fun, not taking on too much, sharing the load and accepting what we can’t change. And build in some rewards for you too.

A happy Christmas means being appreciated and appreciating yourself.

FAYRE & SQUARE If, like most mums, putting your feet up during the festive season is as likely as Thor appearing at your door with some mistletoe, then why not head to your local Fayre & Square with your friends and family and let someone else do all the hard work for you!

No cooking, no washing up, just the delights of relaxing and sharing the festive season with your loved ones by enjoying delicious meals like festive favourites such as Turkey with all the Trimmings on their Festive and Christmas menus, or classic pub dishes like Fish & Chips available at a fantastic 2 for £10 deal.

Plus they’ve got a great selection of truly irresistible desserts guaranteed to bring joy to your world, offered at a great deal price of 2 for £5!

You can’t say fayrer than that!

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erial vo it tr ce Av l a v i v d r A u l S a v i v r u S Ah Christmas... parties, new clothes, rich food, drinks, over-stimulated and excited family members (and children!) – yes, it’s a wonderful time, but goodness it is a recipe for mess too!

2 0 % DISC

OU NT!

Don’t Panic!

A Christmas G ift to you from Dr. Beck mann!

To help

Keep Christmas Clean...

W

ith Dr. Beckmann, the UK’s leading laundry specialist, who knows a little bit about easing the stress that comes with Christmas for most mums. It’s not just about the money we spend over the holiday period on food, decorations and of course presents, it’s also about spending time with the family and enjoying the extra time you have together. Fortunately, Dr. Beckmann have a range of products in their Christmas stocking that can make the festive period enjoyable, stress free and clean!

Dining at Home Cleaning up after the Christmas lunch can sometimes be a bit like cleaning up a crime scene, with the splashes of gravy and the cranberry sauce or the red wine that gets knocked over during the cracker pulling.

The Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Survival Kit comes in particularly handy for ridding clothes and table cloths of those tricky stains. Perfect for any stain emergency, having this on hand means you can remove over 40 stubborn stains at a moment’s notice.

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It is also the perfect solution for rescuing your favourite party dress or work shirt. Just wet the stain, sprinkle on the product and make a paste by rubbing it into the stain with your fingers then leave for 3 minutes before rinsing off. Don’t be alarmed if the stain starts to change colour, that simply means the product is working!

All Dressed Up Christmas means parties and parties mean colourful and sometimes expensive clothes that you want to keep looking good for the whole season.

Dr. Beckmann Colour & Dirt Collector sheets help keep colours looking brighter for longer, just pop a sheet in with your wash.

you keep Chris tmas clean and stain-free, Dr. Be ckmann are offe ring Mum’s readers a 20% discount until D ecember 31st.

Simply visit ww w.dr-beckman n.co.uk and use the offe r code M U MXM AS2013 On e transaction pe r household

Entertaining at Home Don’t let the thought of your carpet or upholstery being ruined by spilled drinks and ground in food spoil your fun!

Dr. Beckmann has something that will work first time, whether you have a red wine stain on your cream carpet or melted chocolate on your sofa.

Dr. Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover works like magic on drink stains such as red wine and the unique brush attachment means you can get right to heart of the stain. It also works great on muddy foot prints, just in case Santa doesn’t wipe his feet!

Christmas Baking

The Merry Christmas Bake Off As a nation, it seems we’ve gone baking mad in recent years – and it’s a craze that looks set to stay. Here at Mum’s Survival Guide, we can’t get enough of it!

W

Image Credit: BBC/Love Productions Ltd/Andy Bruce

ith 3 million UK adults baking every day, and a whopping 23% of us doing it at least once a week, it’s little wonder that the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off has dominated ratings this year – with over 9 million people tuning into this year’s final.

Baking at home is not only popular, it’s trendy too (the show has a younger demographic than the X Factor). This also explains the success of the CBBC’s Junior Bake Off which two seasons in, is inspiring a whole new generation of baking enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a purely seasonal baker, or yearround Mary Berry, Christmas is a great time to get in the kitchen and give everyone (including you) a home-baked treat. So over the next few pages, we’ve teamed up with specialists Symington’s and Dr. Oetker to bring you some fabulous festive recipes, perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

After the success of the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off Everyday, launched this summer to coincide with the start of Series Four, there’s also a sleighful of baking books competing for space in Christmas stockings around the country. Lizzie Kamenetzky’s The Great British Bake Off: Winter Kitchen is complete with Christmas dinner and dessert ideas, while Lorraine Pascal’s A Lighter Way to Bake is perfect for those looking to create lower-fat versions of indulgent foods.

Flour Power And there’s more to this than just satisfying a national sweet tooth, as more and more charities encourage us to turn our passion for baking into a force for good. National Baking Week is now an established event in the Autumn/Winter calendar, helping Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity raise money via their partners’ Bake it Better bake sales. Check out www.nationalbakingweek.co.uk to find out when 2014’s event is taking place.

If you can’t wait that long, don’t worry. This December, good old Wallace & Gromit have asked us to roll out our rolling pins and whip out our whisks to help raise dough for kids in hospitals and hospices. Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake, taking place on 2-8 December 2013, is a brand new annual fundraising event, launched by Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Charity. With over 100,000 people in the UK expected to take part, the BIG Bake will raise funds to improve the quality of life for children at more than 40 hospitals and hospices in the England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

For more information, call 0845 600 1924 or visit www.bigbake.org Image Credit: BBC/Love

dillon

Productions Ltd/Mark Bour

Happy Christmas Baking to you all!

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ing Christmas Bak

Irresistible...

Christmas is the one time of year when it’s okay to treat ourselves and the whole family!

This is why Tesco have come up with four incredibly tasty home baking kits perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack or to enjoy in the evening in front of a classic old movie……

Polar Bear Cupcake Kit Everything you need to make and decorate 6 polar bear cupcakes – just add 1 egg, butter and milk.

The kit consists of individual packs of vanilla flavour sponge mix, vanilla flavour frosting mix, white chocolate curls, white chocolate buttons and a black writing pen.

The kit includes some blue snowflake design cupcake cases.

Yule Log Kit A chocolate sponge filled with chocolate buttercream icing, covered with dark chocolate ganache and finished with a dusting of icing sugar.

The kit consists of a chocolate sponge mix, chocolate frosting mix, chocolate chips and a icing sugar sachet for decorationjust add 1 egg, butter, and double cream. Makes one large chocolate yule log.

Panettone Kit

Christmas Cake Kit

Makes one large lightly spiced and fruity panettone.

Contains everything you need to make and decorate a large Christmas cake – just add butter and 3 eggs.

The kit consists of individual packs of bread mix, seasoning mix and raisins – just add 1 egg, milk and butter.

The kit includes a cake mix, brandy soaked fruit mix, sachet of black treacle, ready to roll white icing and marzipan.

Treat your loved ones to some delicious home baking this Christmas at Tesco.

Available in store or at www.tesco.com

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Christmas Baking

Muddy funtime!

Baking together with your children is not only great fun, it’s creative and educational. Helping to develop an understanding of time, weights and basic cooking skills, it builds their confidence and at the end of it you’ll all be able to enjoy the results! So if you’ve got some budding bakers in the family why not try Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Cup Cakes from Symington’s?

Ben, my 6 year old son, wanted to make some cakes for his baby cousin who loves Peppa Pig. We used the Peppa Pig cake kit, to make Muddy Puddle Cup Cakes.

The simple and easy to follow recipe is a great way to get children excited about baking. As all the dry ingredients are ready weighed, measured and mixed, we just had to open the sachet and tip it into the bowl.

We added an egg and some water and the mixing began – brilliant fun! All kids love to have a go with the electric whisk, but do teach them not to lift it out of the bowl when it’s turned on! Cup cake cases were also provided, which Ben carefully put into the baking tray and then poured in the mixture, sharing it (fairly evenly!) between the cases.

The cakes only need 12-15 minutes in the oven, (just enough time to clear up) so your young chef won’t have too long to wait for the results. Once we’d lifted them out onto a wire rack to cool, Ben began the lovely job of mixing his ‘mud’ (chocolate flavoured icing to us). He dolloped this onto the cakes once they were cool, and then finished off his creations with the sugar pictures of Peppa and George.

He had a brilliant time baking and was thrilled with his lovely light Muddy Puddle cup cakes, all ready for little cousin May to enjoy.

We’ve sent off a picture to enter the monthly competition to win a Peppa prize too (for details see packaging.) Next time, we’re going to try the pancake mix!

Whether it’s baking up a batch of Muddy Puddle Cup Cakes or Pancake flipping with the Muddy Puddle Pancake Mix, you’re sure to have fun with these Peppa pig inspired products.

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.

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Bake Christmas extra special with Dr. Oetker A new take on the traditional cake – beautifully iced and decorated

Mini Christmas cakes Preparation Time: 45 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Makes: 9 Ingredients 500g (1lb 2oz) dried fruit 10ml (2tsp) Lemon Extract 30ml (2tbsp) orange flavour liqueur 75g (3oz) unsalted butter, softened 75g (3oz) dark brown sugar 15ml (1tbsp) treacle 2 medium eggs, beaten 115g (4oz) plain flour 1 Dr. Oetker Baking Powder Sachet 10ml (2 tsp) ground cinnamon 225g (8oz) Marzipan 30ml (2 tbsp) Apricot Glaze A little icing sugar for dusting 1 pack of Dr. Oetker Regal-Ice Ready Rolled Icing white

To Decorate

Dr. Oetker Gold and Silver Shimmer Sprays Dr. Oetker Soft Silver and Gold Pearls

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan assisted oven, 325°F, gas mark 3). Grease and line the 9 x 115ml (4fl.oz) baking moulds or muffin tins. Mix the dried fruit with the lemon extract and orange liqueur, and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar and treacle together until soft and creamy then beat in the eggs.

Sift the flour, Baking Powder and ground cinnamon on top and add the fruit mixture. Carefully mix all of the ingredients together and then spoon half the mixture into the prepared tins to half fill them.

3. Divide the marzipan into 9 pieces and form each into discs to cover the cake mixture in the tins. Spoon over the remaining mixture and smooth the tops. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then loosen with a knife and turn on to a wire rack to cool.

For recipes and information on Dr. Oetker products, visit oetker.co.uk or find us on Facebook facebook.com/DrOetkerBaking

Wrap up the cakes well and store for at least 24 hours before decorating.

4. When ready to serve the cakes, brush the cake tops with apricot glaze. Lightly dust the work surface with icing sugar and carefully unroll the Regal-Ice Ready Rolled Icing. Cut out discs of icing the same size as the top of your cakes and secure on top of each cake. Reserve the Regal-Ice Ready Rolled Icing trimmings. Alternatively, leave the tops uniced.

5. To decorate use the trimmings to cut out stars and snowflakes using small cutters. Spray the stars with Gold or Silver Shimmer Spray, place onto the top of the cakes and decorate with Soft Silver or Gold Pearls as desired.

Decorate the cakes with ribbon to serve.

Note: These cakes are ready to eat within a couple of days of baking, but will keep, well wrapped and stored in an airtight container for about a month.

Christmas Baking

Mmm Chocolate!

With thanks to Dr. Oetker, here are some terrific tips on melting our favourite fix from Lisa Marley, ambassador for the Great Chocolate Bake. And then you can put your new skill to some practical use with an easy to make recipe for indulgent Double Chocolate Bites that will make a great gift idea for the kids to give to grandparents or family friends!

Double Chocolate Bites Tips for melting

CHOCOLATE ou can melt the ✓ Ychocolate over a Bain Marie or in the microwave.

Always stay with the chocolate so make sure it doesn’t catch fire

lways melt your ✓ Achocolate to two thirds melted. Melt the remaining chocolate by stirring. The residual heat will ensure all the chocolate melts

on’t be afraid to experiment with flavour. ✓ DChocolate works really well with powdered cardamom, chilli or nutmeg and even Sichuan pepper. Add a teaspoon or so to your melted chocolate and enjoy. You can add some extra milk and make a spicy exciting chocolate sauce to pour onto your favourite desert

✓ I f you are making a ganache to cover or fill a

cupcake or celebration cake ( 1 part cream to 2 parts chocolate) use any leftover mixture to make truffles. You can roll them in cocoa power or crushed nuts. For a hit of colour why not try Dr. Oetker neon sugar?

or the ultimate hot chocolate add melted dark ✓ Fchocolate and a pinch of cinnamon to hot milk.

Mix together and enjoy!

or a truly decadent cupcake mix melted ✓ Fchocolate into your batter eep chocolate in the cupboard but away from ✓ Kany strong flavoured food. Ideally store in a sealed container

Makes: 24

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

1. Melt 50g (2oz) each of the White, Milk and Dark Chocolate in separate bowls as described on the packaging.

Dr. Oetker Cake Release Spray 75g (3oz) Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ White Chocolate 75g (3oz) Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ Milk Chocolate 75g (3oz) Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ Dark Chocolate 75g (3oz) unsalted butter, melted 200g (7oz) shortbread biscuits, finely crushed

2. Divide the crushed biscuits and melted butter between the 3 bowls of melted chocolate equally and stir each mixture well to bring together.

3. Spray a plate with Cake Release Spray to grease. Divide each mixture into 8 small portions, form into balls and place on the plate.

Chill for 30 minutes to firm.

4. To finish, melt the remaining chocolate as before and drizzle each chocolate ball with a different melted chocolate. Allow to set before serving.

Hints & Tips: Add a few drops of Dr. Oetker Natural Vanilla Extract to flavour if preferred.

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Fun For mum

Fun For Daughter too!

Our range of Duchess Heritage bikes have been a hit across the UK. Offering beautifully finished but practical frames, accessories and reliable components they’re perfect for nipping around the village or into town, enticing you to take the scenic route.

For all those young ladies wanting to ride out with Mum, we’ve created the L’il Duchess to follow in those exact same footsteps. Complete with all the same features but with a healthy helping of fun.

LiL’ DUCHESS 20”

- Size: 11” frame, 20” wheel - Dawes Heritage frame - Hi tensile unicrown fork - Shimano 6 speed gears - Shimano Revoshifter - Alloy V-brakes - Front rattan effect basket - Suitable for ages 6+

If you are looking for a work horse to carry you from one end of a country to the other then this is the range for you. Touring bikes are a Dawes speciality and our Galaxy is world renowned for its quality and reliability. We use the finest components and top drawer alloy, chromoly & Reynold’s steel frames for all our touring range to ensure peace of mind on your cycle holiday.

LiL’ DUCHESS 24”

- Size: 13” frame, 24” wheel - Dawes Heritage frame - Hi tensile unicrown fork - Shimano 6 speed gears - Shimano Revoshifter - Alloy V-brakes - Front rattan effect basket - Suitable for ages 8+

DUCHESS LEAF ORANGE

DUCHESS PLUM

- Sizes: 17, 19” - Dawes Heritage steel frame - Shimano 7 speed gears - Shimano thumb shifter - Heritage stitched pattern comfort grips - Colour matched chainguard and mudguards - Luxury comfort saddle with Webspring technology - Alloy kickstand - Rattan style front basket - Available in a variety of designs

Dawes Cycles have been offering the unique blend of British heritage and cycling performance since 1926. We’re proud to produce bikes for all ages and for all the family. To see our complete range or find your nearest Dawes stockist visit our website:

www.dawescycles.com

Survival C hristmas

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hen it comes to making that all important purchase, it’s wise to get a bike that is fit for purpose, as well as a good fit for the intended user. Bikes have long been a favourite gift at Christmas and your local bike shop should be able to offer invaluable advice as well as a selection of bikes in a variety of sizes.

Not all bikes are made equal and quite often the difference can be reflected in the price. It doesn’t always mean you have to pay top dollar to get a bike with serviceable or longer lasting components, or one that offers a better fit and function, but getting the best product for your budget may need some research or help from your local shop.

Where will they be riding?

If you’re planning to buy a bike for your child then always try to bear in mind their capabilities such as strength, their ability to grow and where they will use the bike. It’s no use buying a bike in the depths of winter if they’ll have outgrown it before the weather turns good enough to get out and about. Also don’t buy a heavy mountain bike if they’ll be riding mainly on tarmac or a road specific bike if they’ll be taking in lumps and bumps and going ‘off road’!

Getting the right size Smaller children’s bikes are normally determined by the diameter of the wheel, not the frame size as with adult bikes. They typically start at a 12” wheel which would suit your average 2-3 year old and go up to 24” wheel for 9-11 year olds. Wheels of 26” diameter upwards then are sized by the length of the seat tube of the bicycle frame. There are some great small framed bikes of size 13”-14” that use a full sized 26” or 700c wheel that have potential to grow with your young teenager to get a long lifespan from the bike.

‘I Want a Bike for Christmas!’

Cycling is not only a healthy activity, it is a great way for all the family to get together, have fun and explore the great outdoors. Our friends at Dawes Cycles have put together this buying guide for the festive season.

For the youngest children try and get a bike that is simple and easy to use. Learning to ride can be done on a balance or running bike that doesn’t have pedals but focuses the child’s attention purely on balance while they push themselves along with their feet. Alternatively, the more traditional method is to get a small wheel bike (typically 12”-16”) fitted with stabilisers. Learning to ride is a key milestone in life so make the process enjoyable and hopefully your child will want to use their bike through life to keep themselves fit and healthy.

Weight Whichever cycle you select, remember that getting a bike that is as light as possible will make cycling easier.

Some kid’s bikes are almost as heavy as an equivalent adult version so proportionally they’re having to work far harder to get the bike moving forwards. If you can get a lighter weight alloy bike with alloy components this will help their enjoyment enormously. Also think about their reach capabilities. The better junior bikes have cranks that are designed to give optimum leverage for smaller legs and gear ratios are adjusted to suit their strength. The same thought also goes into things like the reach of the brake lever, width of handlebar, stem length and even the anatomy of the saddle.

Get advice in store No two children are alike so it’s always better to go to your local shop and get them sized properly.

Taking an estimated guess from an online sizing chart or trying to get the best fit over the phone is ok for rule of thumb but you cannot guarantee it’ll be exactly right for your child. The best advice especially if

you’re shelling out a lot for the best bike possible is to go in store and speak to the experts.

Gears usually appear on bikes of wheel size 20” upwards and once kid’s get their confidence there doesn’t seem to be any stopping them. They’ll soon be proficient at changing gear and will find it less complicated than a lot of adults do so don’t hold them back.

Safety First Finally, think about your child’s safety on the bike.

Always encourage helmet use and allow your child to choose their first helmet. If they like the design they’re more likely to use it and wearing it will become second nature to them. If venturing out onto the roads always ensure lights and reflectors are fitted so they can be seen. This is especially important if cycling in the evening or later. High visibility clothing is also a good idea and there are many fashionable designs available to encourage use. Many schools are now running Bikeability classes which have replaced the old Cycling Proficiency course. Book your child onto one of these courses so they can begin to master their bike, become aware of real world surroundings and behave safely amongst pedestrians and other road users.

Remember this information is to be used only as a guide. Your local independent cycle retailer can show you all types of bikes including a wide range of Dawes bicycles. They’ll happily offer advice on set-up and have a range of neat cycling accessories to make your experience on a bike the best possible.

For more information or to find your nearest Dawes Cycles stockist check the website www.dawescycles.com WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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tmas s i r h C l a v i v r Su

Health & Beauty Gifts

Just for Him

With thanks to our friends in the beauty team at Tesco, here are a selection of their top buys this Christmas. Fantastic gifts to suit every pocket, guaranteed to make your loved ones smile, look good and smell great!

Manatomicals To Hell With Your Caveman Smell Get Fresh Kit

Dove Men and Care Duo Gift Set

Lynx Apollo Manwash Gift Set

£6

£6.50

£7.50

479-4804

581-3025

230-5423

Nivea Men Washkit Gift Pack

L’Oreal Men Expert Wake Up Kit

Joop Homme 75ml Aftershave Gift Set

£12

£15

£30

444-8659

701-1469

429-1129

James Bond Limited Edition Duo Gift Set

Hugo Boss Bottled Gift Set

Armani Diamonds For Men 50ml Eau de Toilette Gift Set

£40

£41

£43

681-7767

Treat your loved ones to great gifts for Christmas. Plus with Tesco’s Clubcard Boost you can double up your vouchers making your budget go even further on your favourite gifts.

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426-8480

720-7412

You can buy in store with your normal shop or you can sit in the comfort of your own home and order online at www.tesco.com/beauty

Survival C hristmas

Health & Beauty Gifts

With thanks to our friends in the beauty team at Tesco, here are a selection of their top buys this Christmas. Fantastic gifts to suit every pocket, guaranteed to make your loved ones smile, look good and smell great!

Nivea Hydrated Skin Gift Pack

Along Came Betty On The Go Travel Bag

Dove Be You Gift Set

£7

£10

£12

Just for Her 401-1112

697-4956

336-1919

Nip+Fab Laser Fix in a Box 2013

Garnier Gift Pack Ultralift & Perfect Blur

One Direction Our Moment Gift Set 50ml

£16.95

£18

£29

306-4981

734-2841

741-1718

Burberry Body 60ml Eau de Parfum Gift Set

Prada Tendre 50ml Eau de Parfum Gift Set

Issey Miyake Ladies 50ml Eau de Toilette Gift Set

£40

£40

£50.50

597-7475

Treat your loved ones to great gifts for Christmas. Plus with Tesco’s Clubcard Boost you can double up your vouchers making your budget go even further on your favourite gifts.

319-0138

469-9027

You can buy in store with your normal shop or you can sit in the comfort of your own home and order online at www.tesco.com/beauty WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Video-Games for ALL Video-game consoles often divide families into gamers and non-gamers – one side singing their praises and the other warning of the dangers.

Andy Robertson helps families escape the divide and make video-games a positive part of a healthy life.

I

help families of all shapes and sizes get the most out of video-games. To enjoy them healthily, and get the best value from them, we as parents need to be present in our children’s game time. Actually, more than that; we need to be active in choosing what, where and when our families play games.

Video-games like Skylanders SWAP Force and Disney Infinity offer an unusual combination of physical and electronic play. Their collectible toy figures grant access to in-game characters by being placed on the plugged in portal peripheral.

They also provide a novel way to continue the imaginative play once the game has been switched off and children take the toys to the living room carpet.

Tearaway on the PlayStation Vita (Sony’s handheld console) offers another unusual experience. You play through an adventure in an imaginary paper world. Using the Vita’s front and rear touch screens and camera, children and parents can explore and interact with the game like never before.

But most interestingly for families are the printable paper-craft models you win in the game. These free templates encourage children to construct physical paper versions of the game characters. My children have spent just as long folding and sticking as they have pressing buttons.

New consoles this year, like the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Wii U, offer families even more ways to play together. The Wii U for example takes the motion gaming premise from the original Wii and introduces a new Gamepad controller with its own screen. A simple change that makes a big difference to how families can play games like Super Mario 3D World and Wii Party U together, or use Wii Fit U without needing to turn the TV on.

Then there is the Xbox One’s improved Kinect camera that frees game-play from sitting on the sofa

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with a controller. My children love jumping around, acting, climbing and racing; all without holding a gamepad. It’s the stuff of imagination and to see them play with the upcoming Kinect Sports Rivals, they are happily lost in the world of the game. Or on the PlayStation 4 games like Knack, where the next generation of visuals and Pixar-style storytelling draws in the whole family.

Beyond the new technology though, it’s having the console in the family room and playing these games together that enables us to get the most out of them. In fact, there are plenty of very affordable games on technology you already own that your children would love to play with you.

For example, during these long winter weekend evenings my family has been enjoying the Wonderbook games on the good old PlayStation 3. This game comes with a big plush A4 pop-up

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book that when placed in-front of the PlayStation Eye camera springs to life with different stories.

Having played through Book of Spells and Book of Potions, the two J.K. Rowling penned Wonderbooks, we’ve moved onto one about BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs. The children think they are just playing a game but the educational value is clear.

My advice to you is dive in and play something together. Whether it’s extending imaginative play with Skylanders toys, folding paper creations with Tearaway, dancing around the living room with Kinect or learning about a prehistoric age with Wonderbook video-games are waiting to offer your family the ingredients for a healthy amount of fun.

Andy Robertson is a freelance family gaming expert for the BBC and runs the Family Gamer TV channel (www.youtube.com/familygamertv).

AND PERFECT FOR OLDER GAMERS...

os Santos: a sprawling metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap cable TV. Amidst the turmoil, three very different criminals risk everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life.

The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world ever created, Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.

All the classic hallmarks of the ground-breaking series return, including incredible attention to detail and Grand Theft Auto’s darkly humorous take on modern culture, alongside Grand Theft Auto

Online, a dynamic and persistent open world for 16 players that will continue to expand and evolve.

Grand Theft Auto V £44 – PS3 623-6251 / X360 288-8014 Available in Tesco stores or at www.tesco.com/direct

Survival C hristmas FAMILY GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS FROM TESCO

SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE Skylanders SWAP Force™ is the third instalment in the Skylanders series and follow-up to the previous two BAFTA award winning games Skylanders Giants® and Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure®

MIX ‘N’ MATCH MAGIC

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et your children embark on an exciting new adventure this Christmas with Skylanders SWAP ForceTM! Building on the franchise’s signature gameplay and collectible toy experience, Skylanders SWAP Force pushes the boundaries of innovation and imagination with an all new play pattern – swapability – that will give your kids more choice than ever before over how their SWAP ForceTM characters fight and move. The introduction of the Swap Force characters provides players with the opportunity to mix and match abilities and powers so your children will be able to separate the figures and then snap them together in new combinations to solve puzzles. Collect all of the characters to experience a whopping 256 unique combinations in total!

Set in a richly detailed next-generation world, the game takes kids on an all-new adventure with 40 new collectible characters each with unique powers and personalities -- 16 new SWAP ForceTM characters, 16 core Skylanders characters and eight new LightCore™ characters. Additionally, fans can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire collection of 100+ characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure® and Skylanders GiantsTM.

The game also includes new features such as flying, climbing, and teleporting – which can be used throughout Skylands. Friends and family can join the fun with drop-in/drop-out cooperative play as well as experience action-packed gameplay in various Battle and Survival Modes that feature all new arenas.

Let them enjoy the magic this Christmas!

Genre: Action/Adventure PEGI Rating: 7+ Website: w ww.skylanders.com

Tesco Exclusive Double Pack £22 – PS3, X360, 3DS, Wii U & Wii 330-9321

Treat your family to Skylanders SWAP Force this Christmas at Tesco.

Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack £55 – PS3

£55 – X360

£55 – Wii U

£50 – Wii

465-0037 725-5744

390-1435

640-0263

£50 – 3DS 464-0162

Available in store or at www.tesco.com/direct WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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*GAMEPLAY MAY VARY ACROSS CONSOLES AND HANDHELD. PLEASE VISIT DISNEY.COM/INFINITY FOR MORE INFORMATION. *CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW, MR. INCREDIBLE AND SULLEY ARE INCLUDED IN THE STARTER PACK. ADDITIONAL DISNEY INFINITY FIGURES ARE SOLD SEPARATELY.

© Disney. © Disney/Pixar. “2”, “PlayStation”, “À”, and “Ô are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo 3DS, Wii and Wii U are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2012 Nintendo.

Survival C hristmas FAMILY GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS FROM TESCO

INFINITE ADVENTURES Introducing Disney Infinity – a new video game where a spark of imagination unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favourite Disney and Disney/Pixar worlds like never before!

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or the first time, players can place realworld interactive figures – characters, power discs and Play Set pieces – on a device called the “Disney Infinity Base” to activate original, story-driven adventures in the game worlds, also known as “Play Sets,” of Toy Story in Space, Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Cars and The Lone Ranger.

In each respective ”Play Set”, players can take on the role of popular characters including Sulley, the naturally gifted scarer; Captain Jack Sparrow, the sword-wielding double crosser; and Mr. Incredible, one of the world’s greatest crime-fighters, and battle enemies, solve challenging puzzles, overcome obstacles and complete a variety of other unique quests.

In the Cars Play Set, your children can become Lightning McQueen, Mater, Holley Shiftwell and Francesco Bernoulli and enter the virtual world of Radiator Springs, where they will prepare the town for a big international racing event.

Within The Lone Ranger Play Set, players can take on the role of the Lone Ranger or Tonto as they set out to bring Butch Cavendish and his gang of outlaws to justice.

Toy Story in Space invites gamers to take on the role of space rangers Buzz Lightyear, Jessie or Woody as they try to help relocate the Pizza Planet Aliens to a new world.

As your children advance through each adventure, they will collect characters, vehicles, upgrades, gadgets and more which they can save to a virtual “Toy Box.” At any time, players can access their personal “Toy Box” and use the items to create one-of-a-kind Disney adventures featuring any combination of characters, environments and items across all franchises.

The possibilities are endless and players are only limited by their imagination!

Genre: Action/Adventure PEGI Rating: 7+ Website: w ww.disney.com/Infinity www.facebook.com/disneyinfinity

Toy Story in Space Disney Infinity – Starter Pack £52 – PS3

£47 – 3DS

£52 – X360

£52 – Wii U

373-2609

780-5103

£27 – PS3, X360, 3DS, Wii U & Wii 461-9686

640-9267

427-8404

£47 – Wii 400-4726

Woody Character £9 – PS3, X360, 3DS, Wii U & Wii 444-4779

Treat your family to Disney Infinity this Christmas at Tesco.

Available in store or at www.tesco.com/direct WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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OUT NOW ©2008 - 2013 Rockstar Games, Inc. Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto, the GTA Five, and the Rockstar Games r marks and logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software. “2”, “PlayStation”, “PS3”, “Ô and “À” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Kinect, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other marks and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Survival C hristmas FANTASTIC GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS 2013 With thanks to our friends in the gaming team at Tesco, here are their recommended best buys.

NINTENDO LUIGI’S MANSION £33 – 3DS 527-9163

MARIO KART 7 £35 – 3DS 213-4666

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND £35 – 3DS 213-2582

LEGO CITY £30 – 3DS 294-5067

PROFESSOR LAYTON 3DS NOT ONLINE

SUPER MARIO BROS 2 £32 – 3DS 351-0570

POKEMON X £32 – 3DS 773-0485

POKEMON Y £32 – 3DS 795-3012

ANIMAL CROSSING £30 – 3DS 238-5389

Disney Infinity £47 – 3DS £52 – Wii U £47 – Wii 640-9267

427-8404

400-4726

Skylanders Swap Force - Starter Pack £50 – 3DS £55 – Wii U £50 – Wii 464-0162

725-5744

640-0263

XBOX & PS3

Disney Infinity £52 – PS3 373-2609

£52 – X360 780-5103

Lego Marvel Superheroes £38 – PS3 389-5249

COD Ghosts £40 – PS3 554-0536 £40 – X360 126-0340

Assassins Creed 4 £40 – PS3 634-7035 £40 – X360 533-7793

Skylanders Swap Force – Starter Pack £55 – PS3 465-0037

£55 – X360 390-1435

FIFA 14 £44 – PS3 741-2475 £44 – X360 166-1918

Batman – Arkham Origins £40 – X360 771-8327

Grand Theft Auto V £44 – PS3 623-6251 £44 – X360 288-8014

Something for all the family this Christmas at Tesco. Available in store or at www.tesco.com/direct WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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say hello to Bar Keepers Friend.

The 'Original and Best' range of specialist cleaners that removes more stains from more places. From work surfaces to pots and pans, stainless steel to tiles BKF is 'Once Tried Always Used'.

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Surviva l Money We hope our Christmas special offers you plenty of inspiration to help make the festive season one to remember. Nevertheless, it is an expensive time so, with thanks to the Money Advice Service, here are some seasonal spending tips to help you make the most of your money during Christmas and in the New Year.

Have a SAVVY Christmas

with a little help from the Money Advice Service Christmas is an exciting time to catch up with family and friends, and it’s only natural to want to ensure everyone has a great time. Research from the Money Advice Service shows over half (51%) of us feel the pressure to please other people and loved ones at Christmas.

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ut Christmas can be financially stressful if money is tight and this can bring added worries over the festive period.

The same research also found more than a third (39%) of us will stretch ourselves financially over the festive season.

“Forward planning is the key to getting ahead” says Jane Symonds at the Money Advice Service. “Getting to grips with the costs in advance of the big day will help you take control of your spending and alleviate some of the pressure” she adds.

Jane offers her tips to help everyone have a savvy Christmas, plus some sound advice to help you avoid a debt hangover in January. Here are 10 top tips to help you save cash this Christmas:

1

Fix your budget

2

Boost your Christmas fund

Even if you have done much of your shopping already, it’s not too late to draw up a Christmas budget to get a grip on your spending. List what you expect to spend on remaining purchases – from presents and decorations to all other expenses such as food, socialising and transport. Then let our Christmas Money Planner do the hard work for you – it’s a quick and easy way to keep on track: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/christmas

Your small change will make a big difference.

You’ll be surprised how much cash you could free up by making small changes to your everyday spending habits, such as forgoing takeaway coffee or food. Use WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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SAVVY SHOPPING The famous Boxing Day sales, which run into January, offer amazing savings on electronics and clothes. Really savvy shoppers can also pick up great quality cards and decorations immediately after Christmas. Pop them away and next December that’s a few less things to buy!

our Cutback Calculator to see how much you can find: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/cutback

3

Online or offline?

Shopping online can be cheaper than the high street, but not always. Check for special offers and discount vouchers both online and in local papers.

When comparing costs, always check if delivery charges are included in the total cost to avoid a shock when you get to the checkout!

4

Tempting treats

A mouth-watering range of festive food appears in the supermarkets running up to Christmas, tempting you to spend more. Keep an eye on special offers – such as two-for one deals. But remember – these only offer true value if you actually need the items on offer.

5

Stock up and freeze it

Take a look at what’s in your freezer now; eat what you can to clear space for freezable Christmas essentials and frozen treats. Buying now and freezing essential items really spreads the cost and also reduces the stress of having to buy everything in one go just before the big day!

6

Get crafty

Homemade gifts always make more of an impact than bought items, and making gifts, decorations, and cakes is definitely more fun than battling through crowds. They often work out a lot cheaper too. Find easy step-by-step guides online to help you create cracking presents – don’t under

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estimate how much friends and family will appreciate the personal touch of a handmade present.

7

Beware store credit

If a high-street shop offers you a store card to pay for your purchase, always stop and think twice. Whilst they will probably tempt you with a tantalising ‘instant discount’, store cards nearly always have hefty interest rates. You are almost always best avoiding them and opting to pay via your usual payment method.

8

Credit warning

Payday loans are advertised as quick access to cash, but can cost a lot more than you bargained for if you don’t repay in full, and on time. You should only take out a payday loan if you are 100% certain that you can repay it on time. Always explore alternatives before considering this option. For example, can you extend your overdraft, apply for a credit card? It’s also worth investigating your local credit union.

9

Post haste

If you post cards to friends and family you can definitely make savings. Delivering local cards by hand and sending others second class will instantly

save cash. For example, a first class stamp is 60p (standard size post of up to 100g in weight) but a second class stamp is 50p. Send your cards second class (the deadline is 18 December) and you’ll have extra cash to put towards other things.

10

Get ahead

After Christmas, if you get paid monthly, it can be a long (painful) wait to payday. In December, as you spend for Christmas, be mindful that you’ll have to set aside some cash to pay the mid-January bills. Refer to your budget (see tip 1) to help you keep a detailed list of your expenses so you don’t find yourself short.

Jane Symonds, Head of Service Delivery, Money Advice Service

Little bag.

Lots of cake.

For homemade cakes just add water, a little oil and your imagination.

There are 5 cake mixes available from larger Sainsbury's, Morrison's, The Co-op and Wright's Mail Order.

For great ideas and a FREE recipe book, why not join the Wright’s Home Baking Club on Freephone 0800 064 0100 Or visit our website www.wrightsflour.co.uk G R Wright & Sons Ltd. Ponders End Mills, Enfield, Middlesex EN3 4TG

@Wrightsbaking Wright’s Baking Mixes

y Survival Mone

The 12 Tips of

CHRISTMAS It’s the countdown to Christmas! For many people it’s the time of goodwill and festive cheer. But, there is no denying Christmas can also be a stressful time no matter what the season holds, from finding the time for your family and friends to simply making ends meet.

S

o, to help lighten your load we’ve teamed up with Santa’s little helpers at the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service that helps you sort out money-related problems – to bring you our top tips on avoiding a Christmas cash crisis.

The 12 tips of Christmas, the ombudsman said to me were…

12

payments bouncing

11

pipes breaking

Remember that bank holidays over the festive period are not working days for banks – so direct debits and standing orders may be taken earlier than you think from your account. You can avoid any late payment charges by making sure you‘ve got enough cash in your account to cover the payments due. It’s tricky at this time of year, but try to have some emergency funds in your account too in case you get any unexpected payments due.

We can’t guarantee snow but it’s definitely going to be a chilly Christmas and New Year. While many people associate flood damage with storms, most of the ombudsman’s flood complaints involve frozen or burst piping. Check that your property is in good repair and if you haven’t used your heating for a bit, test if for at least a week if you’re planning on being away during the winter. If you do find a leak or any damage, let your buildings and contents insurer know straight away.

10

payday lenders

According to recent research, many people will be making it through the festive season on tight finances this year. So it’s no surprise that people fall back on credit cards, store cards or payday loans to get them out of a tight spot. If you

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take out credit, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up to – even if you’re only borrowing for a short period. High interest rates can easily turn a £50 debt into a £100 repayment. Never borrow more than you can afford to pay back and don’t get caught out by surprises in the terms and conditions.

9

ladies dancing

We all love a Christmas boogie. While you’re letting your hair down be wary – the festive season is the prime time for fraudsters to get hold of your PIN or account details. Take care at dodgy cash points or when paying on card at a bar – always be wary of people standing behind you – and shield your PIN from prying eyes.

8

maids a’ mooching

Whether you’re braving the crowds or doing it online – Christmas is a time for shopping! Looking around for the best discounts will save you some cash. Why not have a plan of attack before you hit the high-street? Check out the online versions of the shops before you leave – and set yourself a limit on the key purchases you’re planning on making. Watch out at the till – you may be tempted in to buying insurance or a warranty.

Check if you really need them first – you might be covered by a policy you already have, like your home insurance.

7

savers saving

Come Boxing Day you may not want to think about Christmas again – well at least not for another 12 months anyway. But it’s never too early to start saving for the year ahead. Putting away even £10 a month from January could give you a nice pot to take the sting out of your festive food shop in 2014.

If you’re taking out a tax-free saving plan like an ISA, don’t be fooled by headline-grabbing rates. Ask the provider how long the interest rate lasts – and what it will be if and when it changes.

6

get repaying

If you borrowed money under any special interest-free deals, keep a note of when the deal runs out, as repayments after this date may be expensive. Planning ahead and paying off more than the minimum amount due each month could help you clear the debt much quicker. Most importantly, make sure you don’t miss a repayment as this could mean an early end to any special 0% deals.

5

gold rings!

If you’re lucky enough to receive an expensive piece of jewellery or a gadget this Christmas make sure that you’ve got it covered. Don’t assume your contents insurance will protect it should the worst happen as often policies have a ‘single item’ limit. If you’re not sure, ring your insurer to check.

4

calling banks

3

French holidays

2

turtle doves

If you’re having trouble meeting your financial obligations, Christmas can be particularly difficult. But facing a problem head-on can help sort things out.

If you realise you won’t have enough money to pay your outgoings, contact your bank or lender straight away – it may be able to help. If you find you’re struggling to cope and you need assistance ring a free debt counselling service, like Step Change; they may be able to help.

Whether you plan to spend your festive season whooshing down the slopes or sunning yourself on a beach, don’t forget travel insurance. It’s often something that is left until the last minute – but good insurance can give you ultimate peace of mind. Check what the policy does and (more importantly) doesn’t cover. For example a policy that doesn’t cover winter sports would be no good on your skiing trip! Find one that suits your needs and your plans and remember cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better.

From turtles and doves to cats and dogs – remember that an animal is for life, not just for Christmas. So it makes sense to protect your pet with pet insurance. We often hear from consumers who have attempted to make a claim for treatment, only to find that the insurer won’t cover them. If possible, contact your insurer before paying for any treatment – but if it’s an emergency, get in touch with them as soon as you can.

and the ombudsman can help for free!

Last year, around 3,000 people downloaded the ombudsman’s complaint form on Christmas Day. If you can only remember one of these tips it’s this – if you get stuck with a financial problem and you don’t know where to turn, give the ombudsman a call or find them on Twitter and they’ll point you in the right direction.

FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN Get in touch with the ombudsman visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0300 123 9 123 or find us on Twitter @financialombuds.

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Switching

 MADE SIMPLE

 A new way to switch your current account 

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n today’s world we have the choice and ability to easily change many of the things we use or consume. If we want to try a different brand of washing powder we can simply buy it at the supermarket; if we want to change our mobile phone provider we can. If cheaper gas or electricity deals are on offer we can switch to a new supplier.

It is the same for financial service products too.

Price comparison websites have revolutionised how we choose our car insurance and credit cards, and who we have our loans and savings with. But choosing a bank account appeared to have been left behind. It seems amazing to think how loyal we remain to our banks – research shows that very few of us ever change. On average, people in the UK get divorced more often than they change who they bank with. However, a new way to switch banks - the Current Account Switch Service – launched in midSeptember and it could very well change all this.

The Current Account Switch Service makes the process of switching your current account from one bank or building society to another simple, reliable and hassle-free. You can switch on a date that suits you and the process is now quicker, taking seven working days as opposed to the 18 to 30 working days it used to take.

The new process means that all your existing payments, both those coming in (for example, child benefit payments and your salary) and those going out (such as Direct Debits and standing orders), are transferred automatically to your new account, allowing a seamless shift from one bank to the other. On top of this, for the first time, the process of switching current accounts is backed by a guarantee.

This means that any interest or charges incurred in the unlikely event of something going wrong with

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your switch will be refunded – which provides great peace of mind.

So, if you decide you want to change to a new bank or building society, how do you change and how easy is it?

Anybody who wants to switch simply has to choose a new bank or building society and then get in touch with them to open up the new account. You need to ensure that the details you give your new bank or building society match those held by the old bank, so it is advisable that you take along a recent bank statement and your debit card so your new bank or building society can identify you and link you to your old account.

Then, once your account is open you can choose and agree your switch date. You carry on using the old account up until the switch date, then the old account will be closed, any balance will be transferred across and you can start using the new account.

It is the responsibility of the new bank to take care of moving all your payments from the old account to the new one, as well as providing you with your new card, PIN and chequebook.

The switch will be completed in seven working days; and an additional benefit of the service is that, for 13 months, any payments that anybody accidentally makes to the old account will be automatically redirected to the new account.

That’s how it works. It does not require a busy mum to do anything beyond opening the new account and choosing the switch date. It gives customers more freedom and flexibility to meet their banking needs and

will push banks to improve their customer service.

Anybody who feels they have had bad service will no longer have to put up with it; and the same goes for anybody who spots a better deal - you can simply up sticks and switch.

For more information visit www.simplerworld.co.uk

A Christmas Cracker

Get 20% off at www.dr-beckmann.co.uk using the code: MUMXMAS13

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from