An NHM Reader asked “I am looking for entertainment for my daughter’s first birthday party. So something like Baby Sensory or Caterpillar Music. I am currently checking their availability but need to look for back up in case neither can accommodate me. Would appreciate any suggestions.”
Many thanks for the responses from the NHM community, listed below in no particular order:
Gemma said “I run Jiggy Wrigglers, we are very well established in Andover and heading to Basingstoke so would be happy to come and entertain. If you’d like to know more here’s our page and just pm me.
Victoria said “Defo Dinky Discos! Nikki is AMAZING”
Nikki said “Thanks so much for the recommendations Tanya, Cesca and Victoria. Take a peep at our FB page and full party details on our website. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions”
Lucy said “Dinky Disco! I’ve had compliments for months following our 1 year olds birthday party.”
Claire said “I’m Claire from Baby Sensory. Please feel free to pm me and I can check dates for you”
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What is a doula and why would you want one on your birth or postnatal team?
If you heard of something you could take into labour with you that would make you
More likely to give birth vaginally with neither ventouse nor forceps nor caesarean
Less likely to use pain medications or to have a caesarean birth
More likely to be satisfied with your experience
More likely to have a shorter labour
Less likely to have postpartum depression
Your baby could be less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores (the score used when babies’ health and well-being are assessed at birth and shortly afterwards).
Would you want to give it a try?
According to reviews of research the type of support doulas supply has been shown to do all these things.
You’re probably wondering what exactly do doulas do that can have all these potential benefits? I asked a couple of your local doulas what they bring to your birth team.
Alex and Desiree both work in North Hampshire. As they talk about becoming doulas and what they love about being doulas I hope you will see that the benefits are so wide ranging even for times when that “more likely to” in the research doesn’t turn out to be definitely will. Perhaps we should add to the list, in our experience having a doula on your team will make you more likely to realise how amazing and wonderful you truly are.
Alex with clientsDesiree
How did you hear about doulas or first start thinking it might be for you?
Alex: Unknowingly, I have doulaed for many years. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” sits very closely to me as this is how I started my Doula journey. Then a woman in my village, who I offered support to, asked me if I knew of any doulas in our area. The seed was planted as I supported her and decided to start my Doula journey officially.
Within 2 weeks of deciding to go for it I signed up for my Doula training course and within less than a year I became too busy to continue my long standing medical career. And I love what I do!
Desiree: I heard about Doula’s through my sister as she chose to have a Doula support them through their birth. I was very naive and found it odd and rather ‘hippy’. My sister had the most amazing support from her doula.
Then when was pregnant and began planning my birth I knew I wanted a Doula present and having had a long labour my doula was consistent throughout. It really sealed my desire to be able to offer that same continuity of care, calming presence and support that I received to other women and their partners.
What’s your favourite thing about being a Doula?
Desiree: It’s such a privilege for me to share such an intimate, life changing experience with a woman. Seeing her grow, her strength and her ability to birth regardless of what kind of birth – I truly value that. I love seeing women flourish as they step into motherhood, whether it’s the first time or third time.
Alex: The variety of women and couples I meet and being part of their pregnancy, birth and beyond. I feel extremely privileged being a doula. Seeing women making their own informed choices whatever situation they find themselves in. And then seeing women feeling empowered and those lush newborn baby cuddles at my first postnatal meeting.
What are your top tips for planning a positive birth?
Alex: Gather information, know about your choices, trust your body and your instincts. Never take “no” for an answer unless all resources and options explored. Hire a Doula!
Desiree: Birth is a wonderful journey that can sometimes be smooth and straightforward or it may be windy and long. Birth can be like a picnic – you may have 4 seasons in one day. As much as we can plan, there are unforeseen events that can happen. Whilst it’s great to have a plan, it’s important to know what your options are and know that you have choices. Having a birth plan in place can help. Being prepared for all eventualities puts you in a far stronger position afterwards to feel you retained some choice and control in what happened. Understanding our hormones and our environment plays a huge part in how our bodies relax and function during the birthing process.
Do you have any top tips for new parents?
Desiree: Listen to yourself. Family and friends have the best intentions when they feel they need to ‘offer’ their advice, however there is so much conflicting advice it becomes an information overload. Do what you feel is best for you and your child. Everything your baby needs you already have.
Alex: Restrict visitors, take your time, enjoy getting to know each other, accept help (meals, house chores, childcare for older siblings). Be aware of the 4th trimester. Be gentle on yourself and never compare yourself with other new mums! Sleep when your baby sleeps during the day, even if it’s a cat nap here and there. Get support from a postnatal Doula and don’t feel afraid to ask for help!
Now you’ve had the chance to get to know a couple of our local doulas a little bit. If you decide to include a doula as part of your birth team you will get to know her really well in the antenatal sessions you have together. More importantly, she will get to know you and how she can support you and the rest of your birth team the best way for you. If you’ve got more questions you might like to check out our frequently asked questions page http://www.hampshiredoulas.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/ and always feel free to get in touch and ask more questions if you don’t find yours is answered there.
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Hi! I’m Jaz and I set up Caterpillar Music in Basingstoke in 2012. Our weekly music, movement and sensory classes got so popular that the 2 that I started with quickly grew to 6, then 10 and now we’re at a fabulous 24 weekly classes, many with waiting lists. I found I could no longer run sessions as just little old me, so now we are a team of 5!
Nicky was one of my class leaders that started with me back in 2016. I mentioned to her that I’d love to expand and go even further than where I was (Basingstoke, Bramley and Tadley). After her laughing and saying I do enough (she is actually right- doing this and taking care of my 3 little ones…! but I do love it!!) She said she’d love to come on board and wondered if we could do it together. We get on so well and also have a great working relationship. So we decided to go for it!! We are currently in the process of expanding.
We are setting up our superb classes to Winchester and Newbury and are launching this September.
For those of you that haven’t come to Caterpillar Music let me give you a little idea of what we do… each unique session will include a variety of amazing puppets, instruments, bubbles, parachutes, light shows, sensory equipment and much more. Each week is a new adventure. We could be diving under the sea one week and going to the circus the next.
We currently have over 300 Mums that come each 1/2 term and we often have families stay with us right from their little ones being tiny until they start preschool and even school.
One of the most precious things is to see a little one clap for the first time, or crawl to the puppet bag. We’ve had lots of “firsts” at class and it’s so lovely to be part of the journey that childhood is. We also work really hard on ensuring our classes are relaxed and comfortable for parents and carers and to help everyone feel welcome and “at home”.
We are SO excited for this new journey we are on to bring our sessions to new families. We will be launching in South Wonston, Winchester, Kingsclere and Thatcham to begin with. Once we’ve conquered those areas, no doubt we’ll be opening elsewhere too!
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I recently received a message on facebook from Aideen, asking me if I would like to have my hair done in exchange for a review on NorthHantsMum.
I jumped at the chance! 😀
(There is a special offer for NHM Readers at the bottom of this post :-D)
HAIRaffair Basingstoke
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a “girly girl” but I do take an interest in how I look. I haven’t had my hair cut in a salon in over 10 years as I have always found hairdressers to be very intimidating places, especially as I’m not into fashion.
It turned out that at a recent fundraising raffle I had won a voucher to get my hair cut but hadn’t realised it that it was with Aideen. I actually gave the voucher to a friend who needed pampering more than me, so when Aideen got in contact it clicked that I’d given away my voucher!!!! lol.
I explained to Aideen that I wasn’t really a girly girl and she was absolutely lovely about it. I did know that I wanted my hair to be coloured but I didn’t want her to be anymore out of pocket, especially as she’d been so generous with her raffle donation.
I explained that I just wanted a trim and colour and we agreed that I would cover the cost of the colouring and she would cut my hair in exchange for this review.
About
Aideen decided on her career path when she was traveling around Australia for a year after studying at college and university. She’s always loved playing with hair but at the time she thought that she would end up in a different career. Then she saw that lots of fellow travellers cutting hair and making money flexibly and it confirmed her career decision.
Once back from Australia she worked and trained at Arc in Basingstoke town centre and then progressed to a salon in Odiham where she was assistant manager and senior stylist. Then a couple of years ago, after her son was born, she decided to convert a room in her house to her salon and she hasn’t looked back!
We had a chat when I arrived and Aideen chose the best colour for me based on what I’d told her.
Aideen then applied the foils to my hair whilst we continued chatting.
Once the foils came out, Aideen washing my hair in her fancy hair sink and gave me a lovely mini head massage.
Then Aideen cut my hair and layered it a bit. I didn’t realise how long my hair was as she cut off about 4 inches and it was still really long! lol.
We basically didn’t stop talking for the whole two hours!!! It was really lovely to chat to her and she’s a great listener.
She did a fantastic job with my hair and blow dried it straight as my hair normally has a bit of a kink about it.
I came out of Aideen’s salon literally bouncing. There is literally nothing like having 1.5 hours of being pampered and coming out with a fab new hair colour and hairstyle!
My FAB new hair!!!
When I got home Mr NHM said “something’s different…” which is high praise in our household! lol.
Miss NHM kept telling me how beautiful I looked. She’s not used to me having my hair down.
I felt amazing for the rest of the weekend with my fab new hair!
Tips
Aideen normally works only on Saturdays but if you are desperate, she can fit you in at other times.
Facilities
Aideen’s studio is attached to her house but it’s fab because you literally have it ALL TO YOURSELF!!! She only has one to two people at a time so you have her full concentration.
Baby Facilities
Babies are very welcome at Aideen’s studio.
The perk of Aideen only having one client at a time means that you can take your baby along as there is room for a baby car seat.
If you let her know in advance that you are taking a baby with you, she said she will allow extra time in case you need to focus on your baby at any point. How fab is that!
Aideen is very understanding as she has two small children of her own.
Parking
Is free and on the drive and streets near Aideen’s house.
Prices
Prices are what you would expect for an independent hairstylist with her own studio.
For example, a cut, style and finish is £35.
Rating out of 5
Aideen did SUCH an AWESOME job! I absolutely love it!!! My hair looked amazing.
I will easily give her 5 out of 5 because she made me feel so welcome and really looked after me.
I love the colour and the cut was a really good cut. It was such a luxury to have my hair washed AND dried.
If you need a new haircut and are looking for some pampering at the same time, I highly recommend visiting Aideen’s salon!
Aideen is also very kindly offering NHM Readers a first time discount £5 off cut and £15 off colour and cut booked together.
Thank you Aideen!!!!!!
Disclaimer: This post is a review of HairAffair Hairdressing. My experience was supplied free of charge for the purposes of the review. I was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are my own.
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An NHM Reader asked: “can anyone recommend someone locally who makes memory/keepsake bears from newborn clothes?”
Thank you the the NHM community for your responses, these are below, in no particular order. Thank you also to Juliet for putting this post together!!!
NHM Reader’s recommendations for Memory/Keepsake bears
Amber said “Hi…I am Bramley, Hampshire and I am Sew Memorable…have a look at my facebook page… My Bears have moveable arms and legs and you can choose where each fabric goes…”
Sarah said “I’m in Hook, Hampshire. I post worldwide.”
Other Suggestions
Wendy said “I intended to do this but I didn’t like the idea of the clothes being cut up so my kids cuddly toys wear them. Jelly cat toys fit newborn socks perfectly.”
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Hannah says “The Courtyard, or Beechdown, went to Courtyard had a full massage and facial it’s a mother and bump package it’s soo relaxing would definitely recommend”
Yvette says “The Courtyard in Hatch Warren do an amazing pregnancy massage. I ended up having it done 3 times it was so good!”
Leah says “The Courtyard, absolutely amazing & you feel truly pampered when you leave & relaxed!”
Mary says “Not sure if Winchester is too far, but I had an excellent pregnancy massage when I was overdue with my first baby here. Well worth travelling for”
Nicola says “Hi I hold specialist pregnancy massage qualifications. I’m based in Chineham. My website needs to be updated with more pregnancy treatment descriptions, but please contact me if you need any information.”
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I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could recommend clubs or groups for 3 year olds in Old Basing. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)
These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order.
NHM Readers Recommend Clubs and Groups in Old Basing
Tracey said: Old basing and Lychpit NCT coffee groups group is worth joining their Facebook page sure some in this group will have children going to school next year.
Aimee said: I’ve never been but I know of the Basing Beans toddler group which I think runs on a Tuesday in the Legion. Also, I wouldn’t worry too much about making friends before school….my little boy has just started at OBIS and the induction programme is fab, they have lots of settling in sessions before the summer holidays so get to know lots of people before they even set foot in the classroom. Xx
Kerryann replied: Basing Beans is the village toddler group. Please find our Facebook page or message me. Would be lovely to have you come along!
Heather said: Have you thought about preschools? My son is nearly 3 and goes to Bolton Under 5s preschool. Lots of children from there go onto old basing infants. Other than that we go to basing beans which is great for meeting people.
Heather replied: Why don’t you go along to the nct coffee mornings too? They are on Wednesdays between 10 and 12 at houses around the village. I can aďd you to their Facebook group i think. They have babies and toddlers there. It’s a great way to meet lots of people.
Natalie said: Hi, Yes there’s a facebook page on here called mummy meetup Basingstoke, lots of new mums, next meetup is on friday 12.30-2pm in playden at sports centre. also there’s a group of us on mummy social, we are meeting on thurs for coffee at 11.30 in town if you want to come too?
Hannah said: Basing beans is great fun. My son is also starting next year so feel free to message me as quite often we have preschool get togethers with other mums at our preschool. I’m in basing but my son is at preschool in lychpit.
Claudia said:Cathy Rowe runs Music with Mummy classes in Old Basing. Fab musical classes for preschoolers!
Pam said: We used to go to the playground behind the Millstone pub so my son could get used to lots of children as they stop off after school at about 3.30-3.45. The introduction sessions at the school were brilliant too. Familiarity so no anxiety of the unknown really helped confidence. We also enjoyed sessions at the Active Life centre for preschool children. We did a preschool freestyle session with a class structure without Mum which I thought would help him with the idea of following instructions and behaving independently of my guidance. Good for me too as able to watch what he was doing in the class on their screens too.
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I think it was last week when there was a discussion on “Louise nhm Smith” about some new Mum’s feeling very intimidated at baby and toddler groups. I’ve put a bit more thought into the “code words” idea and have come up with the following. (Yes, I know it’s a bit cheeky using NHM in the “code words” but there have to be SOME perks to what I do here ???).
The code words will be:
“NorthHantsMum sent me”
and when a new Mum says that to someone when she arrives, the organisers of that group will know immediately to take extra special care of her and ensure that she feels welcomed, etc.
If you run a local play group, toddler group or somewhere where Mum’s meet and would like to be included in the post that I am putting together of “Safe and friendly” local Mum groups, please drop me an email at NorthHantsMum@gmail.com.
Hopefully this will help those Mum’s who are new to local baby and toddler groups. Thanks!!
You can find more details for the playgroups and classes on the Activities pages on NorthHantsMum.co.uk.
Playgroups
Munchkins, Thursday 10-11:30 term time, sycamore centre, winklebury.
Basing Beans Lychpit Village Hall: Basing Beans, Lychpit Village Hall, Great Binfields Rd, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8TF, Every Tuesday 10-11.30am, £2
Tuesday Tots: every Tuesday (term time) at Hall for all in Oakridge from 9:45-11:15am
Jiggy Wrigglers classes in Basingstoke, Hook and Fleet.
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Thank you all for the replies we had regarding a question on baby-led weaning from a member of the NHM community: “I need some inspiration on baby led weaning foods for lunchtime and dinner time. I’ve done the cucumber sticks, carrot sticks, pasta but am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions?”
Thank you also to Juliet who put this post together!!
NHM readers recommend – Baby-Led Weaning Ideas
Kelly says “Eggs are good in different forms – scrambled, slices of omelette even egg muffins with different fillings. Pittas, Hummus, Avocado (messy!!!), Savoury rice, Soup!!!”
Natalie says “Banana egg pancakes – easy to do (2 ingredients) make up a batch and they’re good warm straight from the pan & my little one also likes them cold too so good for out & about”
Catherine says “pasta is my fav with mascarpone cheese and some herbs as it’s salt free or sometimes I use an Ellas pouch for sauce. Avocado toast, grated courgette in pancake mix. Peas are great when they get their pincer grip. I also use a lot of preloaded spoons for rice or lentil dishes etc.”
Jennie says “We do a cooked chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheese, chilli sauce and egg mixed together and baked in a Yorkshire pudding tray that goes down well”
Laura says “Mine loved peas and broccoli for weaning and still loves them now at 4. Steam til they’re soft enough to go a bit mushy. But a great intro to green veggies.”
Kimberley says “Maybe add hummus and other dips to bread sticks and carrot sticks.”
Lottie says “With blw I have just always given my daughter whatever meals I am having. She enjoys chilli, curry, gnocchi and bangers and mash at dinner time. For lunches we have crackers with cheese, wraps, quiche and sandwiches. Just have to be mindful of salt intake!!!”
Also like the others said egg stuff so eggy bread, sliced omelette, hard boiled eggs, cheese cubes, sweet potato chips, homemade fish fingers always go down well and tuna pitta pockets (can also make these with puff pastry and freeze!)”
Rachel says “Whatever you are eating….that’s the best bit”
Laura says “The baby led weaning cookbook app is so good! Only £4.99 I think and so many good and easy recipes”
Karen says “Anything you eat.. (except honey if under 1 year). Cut into pieces that are longer than their fist initially so they stick out of a clenched hand. Let them go for it. Don’t worry how much goes in/down. Food before one is just for fun. As they get used to it make the foods smaller, you’ll be surprised how they’ll concentrate until they can pick up that pea! The book baby led weaning by Gill Rapley is fab”
Wendy says “Agree with above just feed them whatever you are eating. The only real rule is no honey until around 12 months. I’ve heard so many people say how much more enjoyable weaning is second time round because there’s no rules.”
Kath says “As the others have said anything you are eating. Often if my little one was on my lap while I was eating she would launch her hand onto my plate to try whatever it was. They do say that if they can’t handle it they won’t be able to pick it up (eg smaller foods like peas etc with that worry of choking). I remember at around 8 months old she got hold of a spare rib while we were having chinese and started munching on that!”
Tara says “Baby led weaning cookbook app is really helpful. Includes advice as well as recipes”
Jade asked “With the carrot sticks are they supposed to be cooked? Will be asking the exact same question in 6 months time”
Kelly said “Entirely up to you and what you’re comfortable with an uncooked carrot probably will only be used for gnawing!!! But quite good for teething!”
Catherine said “I would avoid raw carrot sticks myself and raw apple slices.. whole raw carrot or apple or else cook carrot or blanch the apple”
Karen said “If they’re sat upright, supervised and only putting food into their own mouth then the risk of choking is very small. As baby hits 6 months(ish) their gag reflex moves backwards in their mouth, they may trigger their gag reflex as they learn to put food in their mouth, but that’s what’s supposed to happen, that way they learn how to do it. Have a look at the book baby led weaning by Gill Rapley”
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You may have seen their Lemon Face promotion (which will be starting again in April 2018) on Facebook, which has been hugely popular.
Click on the pictures themselves to see them in detail
I LOVED the pictures that they did for our family in 2016. Absolutely loved them. You can even see one of them at the top of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook. So when Wayne invited me back to review the studio, to see what had changed, I LEAPED at the chance.
Wayne and Lucy are also very kindly offering a Special Offer just for NHM Readers, which is listed at the bottom of this post.
About
The team at Studio 1314 believe in the personal touch, not just in their pictures, but also in the way that they conduct their business.
Once you have made a booking you receive a very professional confirmation email which confirms your booking and provides a link to a slideshow of some of their pictures, a link to a Pinterest board which is a great source of inspiration.
The email also has a really useful section about what to bring to the photo shoot and which clothes would work best.
I really love that they encourage accessorising and personal items as these make the photos even more meaningful.
A few weeks before our photo shoot, Wayne phoned me and we had a really good chat about what to expect and what to bring for the photo shoot. I love that Wayne was interested in what I wanted to get from the photo shoot as well and that he had some great ideas of what to bring along.
The photoshoot
Having been to several family photo shoots since Miss NHM was born(which I am extremely grateful for!) we kind of know what to expect.
However, it’s always a NIGHTMARE the morning of the photo shoot. Trying to get everyone mobilised and in the car and not forget any of our outfits. Mr NHM nearly forgot his outfit this time (facepalm).
When we arrived at the studio (about 15 minutes drive from Hatch Warren) we were all quite harassed as there had been a couple of “discussions” in the car on the way there.
It was sooooo nice to just arrive at the studio and plonk ourselves on the lovely squishy sofa’s.
Wayne was very welcoming and let us catch our breath before looking through the outfits that we had brought with us. He gave us advice on which outfits he thought would photograph the best.
The photoshoot lasted 90 minutes and that time just FLEW by. Miss NHM absolutely loved being the centre of attention (no comment) when Wayne took lots of pictures of her. We also had several family photo’s taken which are just awesome.
I really loved that when Miss NHM was “doing her thing” (total poser. I blame her father!!!) we could just sit and watch on the lovely sofa. It was so nice to see someone else entertaining Miss NHM and to be able to just sit back and enjoy it.
Wayne was very patient with Miss NHM and he made her giggle lots. She’s very photogenic (yes, I am a bit biased) but she can also be VERY stubborn if she doesn’t want to do anything but Wayne had no problem at all with getting her to do the things he needed too, to ensure that the pictures are perfect.
(No, that isn’t Miss NHM. Lol!)
It’s brilliant that the studio is split into several areas. Miss NHM is getting to that age where she’s conscious about her body and doesn’t want to undress in front of someone else, so it was really useful having the dressing area to change in but still be able to talk to Wayne and Mr NHM.
On our way home, I asked Mr NHM if he enjoyed the photo shoot and he said that he did because it was very relaxed and fun. (I often drag him along to these kinds of things and he’s not often that enthusiastic but that previous sentence is high praise from him!!)
Miss NHM talked for the WHOLE 20 minutes that it took us to get home, about how she liked “the man who was really funny” and she liked having her picture taken. So high praise from her too! Lol.
A couple of weeks later we went back to the studio to see the final pictures in the viewing room. This is a lovely big room with a large TV screen, another fab sofa and an area with toys for little ones to play with. It was awesome to see the pictures on a big screen and we are soooo pleased with them!!!
Special Offer for NHM Readers
Wayne and Lucy are also very kindly offering a very special offer for NHM Readers. (Thank you very much!!!)
The first 10 people to contact the team at Studio 1314 and book before May 2018 will receive a Free family photoshoot, a mounted 7×5 inch prints of their choice and a digital file of the same image.
This would normally have a value of £150.
This offer is ONLY open to the first 10 people who book and ONLY available to NorthHantsMum Readers. Yay!
Tips
Make sure you read through the confirmation email and have a look at the pinterest board and the video.
Plan the outfits that you are going to take with you at least a few days before.
Make sure you have everything ready to go the night before your photo shoot so you don’t have a frantic morning like we did!!!!
Food
Wayne has a lovely stash of biscuits and a very wide range of drinks, including tango orange!!
They even had gluten free biscuits available for Miss NHM, which I thought was such a lovely touch!
Facilities
I think Studio 1314 are the only family photography studio in Basingstoke.
The studio itself has a large area where pictures are taken with a couple of sofa’s on where you can sit and watch what’s happening.
There is a separate viewing room which has a very large flat screen TV where you can review pictures and has an area for toys for toddlers and little ones. The sofa is fab in here too! lol.
There is a toilet within the studio and changing area.
Baby Facilities
The team at Studio 1314 are parents so they TOTALLY get what it’s like having children. They even have a baby changing mat available for you to use!
Parking
Is free, ample and next to the studio.
Prices
Please see the website for more details.
Rating out of 5
Definitely 5 out of 5. It’s clear that Wayne is very passionate about what he’s does and ensuring that the customer gets what they want.
Final Thoughts
We LOVE the photo’s that Wayne and Lucy take. Absolutely love them and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have another photoshoot with them.
Disclaimer: This post is a review of Studio1314. The photoshoot was supplied free of charge for the purposes of the review. I was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are my own.
Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there!
