North Somerset Women's Show REVIEW

KELLY:

Myself and Ashlene went to the North Somerset Women's Show last Sunday (20/11/11) over at Cadbury House, it was great! Lots of different exhibitors...Jewellery, hats, handbags, food, spiritualists, photographers, make-up artists...you name it, they had it! A great day for us mum's to get pampered! There was also different demonstrations going on throughout the day. Claire from "Just Brilliant – Supercharge your life!" talked about phobias…and managed to cure one lady that was scared of spiders, it was amazing!

We then saw Julia Croft, she’s a hypnotist, so I decided to be hypnotised…it was fantastic, it was so weird, she spoke very calmly and ask me to relax my body starting my head downwards, you could actually feel each body part relaxing, and Julia’s voice just sounded like mumble, but sub-consciously I knew what she was saying…then once I was fully relaxed, she started to wake me up, this time working upwards, it was so amazing, totally stress-free, I felt like a new person afterwards.

The next demonstration was by Kelly from the “Wine Tasting Company” based in Churchill, we got to try 3 different types of Wine, the white wine was nice, didn’t like the red wine, but then we got to try “chocolate wine”, it was absolutely delicious! I never realised there was so much to learn about wine!

We spoke to lots of exhibitors…the first one was “All Wrapped Up”, they sold beautiful little gift boxes personalised with messages. Then we spoke to two lovely ladies from “Slimming World”…Sharon Townsend and Christine Thorpe, they showed us pictures of themselves before Slimming World…such a transformation from then til now, they looked fantastic! Then we met Georgina from “Picture Framers”, she was the first person to recognise us from the “sofa”, we felt like celebrities! We then saw Diane from “Rose & Amber” in Meadow St, W-s-M, some beautiful jewellery, and very reasonably priced, we also got a free charm bead. Then spoke to Leslie from “Avocado”, she had a lovely selection of different foods, we had a sample of her “chutney” it was beautiful, she has done really well as she only started her business September/October time.

All in all it was a great day, and if there’s another show next year, I really recommend going!

- by Kelly Moss – Presenter @ Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa

ASHLENE:

On Sunday 20th November 2011 Kelly and I attended the show on behalf of Weston-super-Mum. We were kindly invited by Caroline as we interviewed her on the sofa the week before.

The show catered for many women of all ages, as the show included Fashion makeup, Jewellery and many other wonders of the world... For example we meet a lovely lady at Salt Yourself Out who gave us samples of salts, and peppers from the ancient worlds, from Peru, India and even black Hawaiian lava sea salt, which comes from a small Volcano.

We tasted many samples and the experience was amazing the taste buds in your mouth exploded.

There was also a familiar face to Weston at the show the lady from Rose and Amber where Diane knows what she is talking it comes to fashion.

Many of demonstrations were put on in the upper level and we did attend a few. For Example we adored the Wine tasting demo where I really have learnt a lot about wines that I never knew. And for the first time I actually tasted my first red wine which in fact didn’t taste at all bad.

While at the event Kelly and I were recognised from Weston-super-Mum show which was shown to the stall holders and it was an amazing feeling. The first person whom Recognised us was a lady from Picture framers Georgina .

As we arrived to the show we were greeted by Caroline who really made us welcome.

Another of the demonstrations was for NLP ... Supercharge your life. Basically N=Thought emotion L=Communicate body language. P=Habitual way of phobia and Behaviour. This NPL was developed in the 80s and to be honest I really think that this works. This demo put on by Justbebrilliant.

The overall experience of the day was Fantastic and I know that Kelly and Myself really enjoyed it and to be recognised as Celebs was just the best.

So Ladies Go Enjoy when the next show comes to town… Well Worth it....

by Ashlene Bishop - Presenter @ Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa

Now watch that interview with Caroline Sparks

Newsletter - 29th November 2011

This Saturday, 3rd December, is our Christmas Coffee & Bounce at Vintage Community Church (the old Purple Sheep). Author Amy Trevaskus will be reading from the new Ping and Pong book, Santa! We will be making Christmas decorations and cards with the children and, don't forget, this is our last Weston-super-Share collection of the year so please bring your food and toiletry items to help support other local families. See you there, 10-2

Win a family ticket for 4 to see Bath Time at Tobacco Factory Theatre!

News, views and discussions:

* See a list of events going on around the town! Tell us about yours

* Abbi urgently needs a Childminder!

* What are your views on the Teachers' Strike?

* Gina and her mum are looking for somewhere to volunteer on Christmas day

* Review of Gail Richardson's new ecological, educational book for children, I am Going to Save the World

* Photo of the WsMum Children in Need Pajama Party in Weston Mercury! (18/32)

* Children's Theatre comes to the Blakehay, Weston! And Weston-super-Mum are joining in with the creative fun.

I am Going to Save the World – Written and Illustrated by Gail Richardson

My daughter and I sat together and read this on the computer as an ebook. She wanted to take sole control of the mouse, so I read aloud while she listened and did the all-important page turning.

I am Going to Save the World is written in clear, accessible language for children, whether it’s read to younger ones by parents or read by older ones themselves. The illustrations are sweet and tell us everything we need to know, complementing the writing perfectly.

I quizzed my five year old on some of the ecological issues as they arose and was so impressed to find out that yes, she did know about composting, recycling and leaving only footprints! We finished the book, she asked a couple of questions and then we read it again. This time, before I read the words I thought I’d see what she remembered of the story. She’d been paying attention and the message had sunk in quickly: wear a jumper if you’re cold instead of turning on the heating; take bags with you to the supermarket to save plastic and when you leave the room, turn off the lights.

This book is fully engaging and not only did we both enjoy reading it but, afterwards, she sat at the computer with her pencils and paper to copy some of the illustrations and words.

She reckons her cousin, Joel, would like I am Going to Save the World for Christmas and she’s put in an order with me for a hard copy to call her own, which she’ll be probably reading to herself by then. It’s a done deal because Gail Richardson’s work is already saving me money in energy bills!

By Becky

Order a copy of I am Going to Save the World here.

Newsletter - 21st November

Apes and Debbie organised a very successful Children in Need night at Vintage Community Church (the old Purple Sheep) and raised £116.37. Great to see so many families there, thanks all for coming and for your generosity. Here are the winners of the colouring competition - brilliant photo, taken by Apes!

News, Views and Discussions:

* Have a look at what's going on this week on our Events Wall, including Yoga Bugs (for Kids), Baby Sensory, Splat Messy Play, Pre- and Post Natal Exercise, a charity fundraising Medieval Ball and a free concert for kids at the Colston Hall

* Do you have any questions on how to keep your children safe? The No-Secrets Team is at Barcode every Thursday 10-12, as part of the WsMum Cafe with Toys drop-in. All welcome, it's free and the Brandon Trust serve coffee and cake :-)

* New at Barcode - Just for Dads Drop-in, organised by Weston Central Children's Centre. This Saturday, 26th November, 10-12.

* Denise has more baby clothes/items than she knows what to do with. Does anyone know of a local charity/refuge she can pass them to?

* Debbie tells us the Splat Messy Play this week is Winter Wonderland :-)

* New Competition!! Win a family ticket for 4 to see Bath Time at Brewery Theatre, Bristol, this December.

* We're sourcing raffle prizes for our Christmas Coffee & Bounce, if any local parents and businesses could donate a little something. Thanks x

* If you'd ever like to post anonymously, here's how: http://www.westonsupermum.com/forum/topics/anonymous-posts

Slightly Fat Features - Variety in the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

We got to the Tobacco Factory Theatre early to bagsy prime seats in the centre front row of the auditorium. And then, I couldn’t help but wonder whether this was an ill-advised move at a comedy variety show.

They were kind. Although, as we left the theatre, the Slightly Fat Feature’s drummer, Matt, did comment that my 5-year old looked a bit less scared now it was all over. She wasn’t scared but I did get my fair share of cuddles of unsurety throughout the performance, especially when said percussion man had offered her one of his knocked out Tic-Tac teeth (we’d just eaten a whole box between us, coincidentally).

As is her way, she sat opened mouthed through much of the utter silliness before her. I giggled throughout the majority of the evening. The show reminded me of being in a festival circus tent, such as Watchet has to offer: nothing too rude, definitely OK for young children, in all its pantoesque innuendo.

Initially, I cringed mirthfully when two of the performers put a row of toy dogs in a line to smash them with a hammer to play out “How much is that doggie in the window.” She got it. I got it. We were there.

50 magical tricks in 5 minutes, all completely awful and fun – congratulations. Evel Kenil on his unicycle jumping 4 double decker buses, so slapstick. A duel for the love of Anna, a female member of the audience, entertaining and a little jumpy up there at the front. Escapology, what a build-up. A Vegas Elvis harping on about healthy eating, spear that pepper! Miniature Cowboy, please sit on my lap next time.

Guest performer, Les Bubb, was excellent. Mime and comedy done well. “Balloons aren’t really that heavy, are they, Mummy. Is he pretending?” No flies on my daughter.

On our way back to the car, she gave thought to how a man could really be sawn in two. “Maybe there were two men. One on was on his knees and another one in the other box?” she said sleepily. You’d have to stay up all night to catch these kids out. Wayne Marvell, you were her absolute favourite, something about the eyes ...?

Slightly Fat Features in the Factory runs at the Tobacco Factory Theatre until Saturday 29^th October. And yes, it’s very much recommended if you like a laugh, whatever your age.

Review by Becky

Newsletter - 23rd October

It's finally here! Monday 24th October sees the opening of Our Children's Art Exhibition at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Come along from 1 to 4pm to enter the Waterstones Donkey Poetry Competition and be in with a chance to win a £30 gift voucher at their Weston store.

Thanks so much to Karen Blake, who has mounted and hung a selection of the paintings done by the kids at Boomfest and Weston Community Show held in the summer - beautifully presented.

Also, Crystal D'esprit has taken a lot of care to display the rock art and wooden sculptures made by the children at this month's Wonder of Sculpture event at Worlebury Glade. Keep your eye on MUSE for more brilliant work that Crystal will be doing soon.

Thanks too to Keith Ramsey at Minedeep Photography, who has taken some lovely photos of our children at work!

And a special mention to all of our sponsors who have made this exhibition possible: Mums Diary, Coochy Coo, Connies, printing.com, Click Tat Photography, Weston-super-Grandad John Condron, Loves Cafe, Bootcamp Somerset and Coco Brown's Cafe! We love you all ♥

If you can't get to the Museum on Monday, don't worry, the exhibition runs until Tuesday November 1st. FREE entry to the the Courtyard and Gallery.

Also this half term, print off your special Weston-super-Mum 20 % off voucher for Connies in Waterloo Street, redeemable on Thursday 27th October on all things to make and in the cafe!

Competitions:

* Win a family ticket for 4 at the Tobacco Factory Theatre's Family Variety Show on Tuesday 25th October, 7:30pm

* Win a ticket for 2 to The Baby Show at Earl's Court, 28th-30th October

Halloween:

* Friday 28th October, 4-6pm: Free Spooky Party at the Play Area of Weston Woods, run by Action Pussycat

* Monday, 31st October, 6-8pm: Halloween Party in Grove Park. Free

* See our forum for more Halloween Events, posted by our members

For lots more events happening this week, please see our Events Wall

News, Views and Discussions:

* Catch the Early Bird ticket to Dreamland Adventure at the Blakehay Theatre this Christmas. Only £6 when you buy before November.

* See My Fair Baby's special Sofa Show on our home page.

* The Children's Centres are looking for volunteers

* Kelly is looking for classes in Weston for 1-2 year olds

* Karen B has collated your responses about Theatre in Weston and posted your thoughts to The Friends of the Playhouse, Weston

A big thank you to all who came to the successful Back to the Meadows street party on Saturday. The place took on a whole new vibe and we got to meet lots of the traders, whilst having some good, old-fashioned fun!

Newsletter - 17th October

Weston-super-Mum Events:

* Thursday, 20th October, 10-12: Cafe with Toys at Barcode. Come and enjoy a hot drink and cake, while your little ones play in a safe and comfortable environment. Free (drinks 50p). All families welcome. Cafe run by Brandon Trust, with thanks ♥

* Monday, 24th October - Tuesday 1st November: Our Children's Art at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Paintings and sculptures made by the kids at various Weston-super-Mum events this year. We're hoping to have a gallery opening on Sunday 23rd. Please check the event for updates on this! So excited about this exhibition!!!

* Wednesday, 27th Oct, all day: 20% off at Connie's for all members - don't forget to print off the voucher here

For all other upcoming events, please check our Events Wall!

Views, news and Discussions:

* Do you know of anything going on in our area for Halloween and Guy Fawkes' night? Please tell us!

* Nikki is looking for toddler dance classes in Weston

* Find out all about the Dreamland Adventure pantomime at the Blakehay Theatre

* Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween - advice from Liz Hughes, Inspector with Avon and Somerset Police

* Weston-super-Share: Thank you from Weston Foodbank

* Find out more about Back to the Meadows this Saturday. Becky interviews Mary and Holly.

Win a ticket for two to The Baby Show at Earl's Court this weeks (pick the day you prefer!)