North Hampshire

Tot Cross Buns: Children’s cooking classes!

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Classes, Education, Food, Local Mum Businesses, North Hampshire, Special Offers for NHM Readers 0 Comment

picture-1

Children’s cooking classes

Tot Cross Buns is a cookery class for children aged from 2 years old. The business is the brain child of Allison Woolford, a Basingstoke mum who is passionate about cooking and wants to pass on this passion to children – giving them confidence with food and encouraging them to try new tastes and have fun in the kitchen with mum and dad, granny or grandad.

tot_cross_buns-10

Allison says:

‘I am a home cook for my husband and little girl, Lilly. I believe every child should have fun cooking, tasting and exploring food.  I have many happy memories cooking with my Dad from a young age, giving me the inspiration for Tot Cross Buns.”   Classes are educational and fun!   I also have Kerry Marsay on the team who is also a home cook with a passion in baking, she has spent many an hour baking and cooking with her two children.

tot_cross_buns-9

Fun and Relaxed

At Tot Cross Buns we aim to introduce children to food through taste, smell and touch all in a fun and relaxed environment. They’ll be cooking healthy recipes (some treats too!), which have all been tried and tested, and will involve the children every step of the way – and there will be no washing up to worry about!

tot_cross_buns-12

Food Related Activity

The classes will involve cooking anything from muffins and scones to pizza and quiche and while they’re cooking there will be a fun food related activity. This could be anything from exploring textures and tastes to planting seeds.

tot_cross_buns-8

Course Details and Prices

With just 8 children per class the environment is relaxed and friendly – and above all fun. The courses run for 6/7 weeks in line with the school term times and and cost £56.00. Sessions will last 45 minutes, though you should allow an hour, and children will be able to take home their goodies to share with friends and family, if they last that long!  We run classes most days of the week here is our current list:

Day/Time/Location

Monday           10am, 11:30am & 1pm             Carnival Hall, Basingstoke

Tuesday           9:45am                                    Hatch Warren Community Ctr

Carnival Hall Basingstoke

Wednesday      9:45 and 11:15am                     Hook Community Ctr

Thursday          9:45 and 11:15am                     The Point Tadley Community Ctr

Friday              9:45 and 11:15am                     Cliddesden Millennium Hall

Sherfield Village Hall

tot_cross_buns-11

All venues have their own parking outside the halls, including Basingstoke’s Carnival Hall in the town centre.

We also run Saturday kitchens more information on these can be found on our website and facebook pages.

tot_cross_buns-7

Allison and Kerry are CRB/DBS checked with a Food Safety Hygiene Certificate and First Aid Qualification.

Tot Cross Buns are offering an amazing 10% discount to all NorthHantsMum members, just enter code NHM10 on your enquiry form or through Facebook.  

To contact us please go to www.totcrossbuns.co.uk or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/totcrossbuns/

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. 

Swimming lessons for babies in North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Babies, Classes, Exercise, New Parents, North Hampshire, Swimming 0 Comment

Thank you very much to Shona for putting this post together!

Swimming lessons for babies in North Hampshire

Water Babies

Swimming lessons with Water Babies teaches vital life skills as well as enhancing how babies and toddlers learn other things. You can take your baby from birth too.
Swimming lessons take place locally at:

  • Spindles in Hook
  • Hampshire Court in Basingstoke
  • The Village in Farnborough
  • Heather House in Tadley
  • Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
  • Henry Tyndale School in Farnborough

Water Babies

Tadley Pool

The swimming pool in Tadley starts with Ducklings which is the baby and preschool sessions for developing confidence in the water during the early years. Children can then move onto the next stages. Ducklings starts from 6 months to 18 months.  

Tadley Pool – Ducklings

Basingstoke Aquadrome

The swimming pool in Basingstoke Leisure Park starts with Ducklings which is the baby and preschool sessions for developing confidence in the water during the early years. Children can then move onto the next stages. Ducklings starts from 6 months to 18 months.  

Basingstoke Aquadrome – Ducklings

Puddleducks

There are swimming lessons with Puddleducks from 0-4 years and 4-10years. Swimming offers a unique sensory experience and develops confidence in water that lasts a lifetime. The baby/pre-school sessions include rhyme, music and movement. Sessions are offered locally in Ewshot, Yateley and Bagshot.

Puddleducks

Basingstoke Sports Centre

The perfect way to introduce your little one to the water and to build up their confidence. They are 20 minute sessions that run 39 weeks of the year.

Parent and Baby at Basingstoke Sports Centre

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Ideas for Baby Showers: Venues, decorations and gifts from local businesses in North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Birthday Parties, Family Photographers, Gifts, New Parents, Newborn, North Hampshire, Pregnancy 0 Comment

Thank you to Shona for putting this post together. She’s done a great job!

Let us know, via NorthHantsMum@gmail.com, if there are any other venues, decorations or gifts from local businesses that you think should be added.

Miss NHM

Baby Shower Venues in North Hampshire Area

The Parlour Tearoom

Within Viables Craft Centre, The Parlour Tearoom serves homemade cakes and lunches. They are open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturdays. They were also voted Hampshire Life Tearoom of the year 2014. As it isn’t very big this would be best for a small baby shower.

Parlour Tearoom 

Trip Advisor – Parlour Tearoom

For further information, call 01256 325795

The Tea Bar

Right in the top of town, the Tea Bar is a lovely tea room in the day and at night turns into a bar in the evening with music and sometimes live bands. They provide lunches and afternoon teas. Lovely seating and space means tables could be put together for larger groups.

The Tea Bar 

Trip Advisor – Tea Bar

For further information, call 01256 353332

Sundaes Gelato

Sundaes hasn’t been open that long but is definitely a hit! If ice cream, crepes, waffles or just deserts in general are your thing, this is where to head! There are booths, tables and even sofas so a nice comfortable area.

Sundaes Gelato

Trip Advisor – Sundaes

For further information, call 01256 351122

Relaxing Gifts for Mum

Relaxation Session

Relax for Birth provides hypnobirthing, antenatal preparation and Doula support across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and West Sussex. Wendy has worked within the birthing field for over 20 years and supports women and couples to have a positive experience that positively impacts their journey into parenthood.

Relax for Birth

For more information contact 07716 321477 or email wendy@relaxforbirth.co.uk

A voucher for a pedicure

The Beauty Lounge Oakley offers vouchers for a relaxing pedicure for the mum to be. Perfect for a bit of me time and some pampering before the big arrival.

The Beauty Lounge Oakley

Gift voucher for Relax, Stretch and Breathe/Yoga for Pregnancy

NCT offer a course suitable from 12 weeks pregnant right through pregnancy. It enables you to relax, focus on your baby and think about your wishes for birth.

Relax, Stretch and Breathe

Reflexology Session to prepare for birth

Wendy French Reflexology can offer gift vouchers and/or sessions for the mum to be.

Wendy French Reflexology

Birth Doula and Maternity Support Services

Linda Cooks offers treatments such as pregnancy and postnatal massage, reflexology, birth preparation, placenta remedies and mother blessings which all could be a lovely gift for a mum to be.

The Celtic Touch – Birth Doula and Maternity Support

Reflexology Taster Session for mum to be and guests

Jill Lewis can provide taster sessions at the baby shower. Massaging using pressure points can help with stress, back pain and hormonal imbalances.

Jill Lewis Reflexology

Gifts for mum to be and baby

An activity for when baby arrives

Jolly Babies provides various classes for parents and children. Music with Mummy involves singing, clapping, dancing and waving. There are bubbles and simple instruments for babies to explore.

Music with Mummy

Gifts from the Little Barn Gift Shop

There are plenty of things such as gift vouchers, baby products, coconut oil and natural health remedies available, perfect for mum and babies.

The Little Barn Gift Shop

Katie Book Lady

There is every type of book available for new babies including cot and buggy books, cloth books as well as well known children’s titles.

Katie Book Lady – Usborne Books

Unique gift idea – Book about teething

A rarely covered topic that is never discussed in detail, teething can be a nightmare for parents. Having a read about it before baby arrives could be an excellent idea.

Your Teething Baby: From one parent to another

Cuddly toy for the new arrival

Over at Snuggly Sockimals they  make gorgeous animals from brand new socks. All Sockimals are CE tested and handmade.

Snuggly Sockimals

Gift voucher for Ceramic Painting

Pots2Paint have a wide variety of gifts available and you can purchase a gift voucher. They have done commissioned pieces which include a paint with a footprint for every month of a baby’s first year so definitely worth discussing any ideas you have.

Pots2Paint

Babywearing consultation

Carryoncarrying can provide a consultation to find which baby sling works best for mum. There are also packages for groups.

Carryoncarrying

Art Gift Voucher

My Tiny Gallery by Emma Vallis creates artwork, prints and cards that are ready to buy as well as commissioning individual pieces. Name paintings and nursery art are her speciality. You can buy gift vouchers or even a gift for the mum to be.

My Tiny Gallery

Keepsake Gift Voucher

Smallprint captures precious moments with unique items of jewellery hand-crafted in silver. From fingerprints to doodles and drawings, there is jewellery for all. Gift vouchers are available.

Smallprint

Photography Gifts

Photoshoot Gift Voucher

Mum to be could have a gift voucher for a maternity or newborn photoshoot from Your Family Deserve this.

Your Family Deserve This

Photography session/voucher

Agnes Forrai Photography offers portrait sessions, maternity shoots and newborn shoots so you can keep hold of precious memories.

Agnes Forrai Photography

Decorations for a baby shower

Shampagne Occasions

Shampagne Occasions can provide everything you need to decorate your venue for the baby shower. From balloons to decorations, they have everything covered.

Shampagne Occasions

Sweet Treats

Over at Sweet Treats they make party favours for baby showers as well as sweet cones and a sweet cart for hire.

Sweet Treats

Innocent Cakes

Based in Basingstoke, Innocent cakes provides cakes, cupcakes and cake pops made to order.

Innocent Cakes

Personalised chocolates

Owow Chocolates, based in Old Basing can make some personalised chocolates for your baby shower needs.

Owow Chocolates  

A variety of gifts available from Doveys Occasions

Doveys Occasions can provide lots of different gifts to suit any budget including sweet cones, sweet filled bottles, wish trees, gift baskets and candy carts.

Doveys Occasions

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Warm Swimming pools suitable for babies and young children in North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Babies, Berkshire, North Hampshire, Surrey, Swimming, Toddlers 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could recommend any good and warm swimming pools for a 3 month old and a 5 year old.

Thank you very much to everyone who responded and thank you to Shona for putting this post together! 

These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order. 

IMG_0175

NHM Readers Recommend Swimming Pools

Alton Leisure Centre

Jason said: Alton Leisure Centre  

Alton Leisure Centre

Tadley Pool

Wendy said: Tadley is the warmest local pool but not sure they do a baby’s session on a Friday. The Sport Centre has a shallow pool which would make it easier.

Heather said: I’d go to Tadley, it’s warm and there’s no chlorine.

Caroline said: Tadley pool is nice and quiet. They have great sessions for very little ones where they raise the floor too.

Peta recommended Tadley Pool.

Karen said: You are better off in water that’d be chest height if you just going with baby as you can walk with them at a comfortable height without bending over. The raised floor is good for older children. I would recommend Tadley Pool for that reason.

Tadley Pool

Sports Centre

Lisa said: Sports Centre in Town

Kelly said: I have a 5 month old and a 5 year old. I found the Sport Centre in Town was great for my first attempt. Very warm, not too deep and small enough to focus on both kiddies. Left my pushchair in the changing rooms although they do have buggy lockers and took carseat onto poolside.

Caroline said: Town is nice and warm. 

Ellie said: Good and small pool would be great with a 5 year old as well.

Sports Centre

Farnham Leisure Centre

Natasha said: Farnham Leisure Centre from 11am in the teaching pool on a Friday

Farnham Leisure Centre

Coral Reef – Bracknell

Peta recommended Coral Reef.

Karen recommended Coral Reef.

Coral Reef

Coral Reef is now closed for refurbishment until 2017

Aquadrome

Karen recommended the Aquadrome.

Aquadrome

You can read my review on the Aquadrome on NorthHantsMum.

Related Posts

Swimming Pools in North Hampshire suitable for Babies and young Children

Water Babies

Review 2015: Frensham Common

Paddling Pools/Splash Pools in North Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Holiday Clubs in North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in After School Clubs, Basingstoke, North Hampshire, Parents, Summer Holidays 0 Comment

Thank you very much to Shona for putting this post together!

Holiday Clubs in North Hampshire

Koosa Kids – from 4 years to 13 years

Koosa Kids offers holiday activities in various place. Locally there is Alton, Tadley and Fleet. There are over 350 activities including; drama, water play, cricket, football and Go Karts. Children are grouped by age and will be allocated a Coach and Assistant Coach. There are Paediatric First Aiders around at all times. Koosa kids accept childcare vouchers. If you book 2 children a 3rd goes free.

Prices: Days start from £19.75 per day and you get an 8% discount if you book a whole week.

Session times: Open from 8.15am to 6pm daily.

Koosa Kids

TGZ Holiday Club – from 4 years to 12 years

Based at Farnborough Grange Nursery and Community Infant School this holiday club includes a wide range of activities such as arts, sports and games.

Price: £10 per session (8.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 5.30pm), £15 per short day (10am-4pm) or £20 per longer day (8.30am – 5.30pm)

To book please email: Claire Dixon

Premier Performing Arts Creative Holiday Camps – 5 years to 16 years

This club is at the Vyne School. It gives children the opportunity to be creative, perform and make new friends. All staff are DBS checked and experienced performing arts coaches. The fun filled workshops are themed and enable children to have an unforgettable dance and drama experience. At the end of the workshop, come and see how they have developed! Week 1: Meet the BFG, Week 2: The Lion King Week 3: Olympic Super Hero Training Camp, Week 4: Introducing… the Pop Icons!

Prices: £20 per day (special 15% discount if booked by 2 weeks in advance. To become a Premier member (FREE) go to the book online link below and you then can get sibling discounts and other discounts.

Session times: Sessions are 9am to 3.30pm but can book extended time (8.30am-5pm) for only £5 which includes a healthy snack.

For more information call 01953499040.

Book online

To book with Childcare Vouchers email using this link requesting the form.

Premier Sport ‘Inspire to Engage’ Holiday Sports Camp – From 4 years to 13 years

This club is at the Vyne School. It gives children the opportunity to experience a varied range of sports in a safe and enriching environment. All staff are DBS checked. The days are designed to have a healthy sporting experience with other children their age.There will be lots of games and activities including fencing, archery, lacrosse, dodgeball, football, tennis and many more. There are 4-5 different sports per day

Prices: (£17 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance). 9am – 12.30pm is £12 per day (£10.20 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance) and 8.30am – 5pm is £25 per day (£21.25 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance). To become a Premier member (FREE) go to the book online link below and you then can get sibling discounts and other discounts.

For more information call 01953499040.

Book online

SCL – Club Energy & Soccer Schools – 4 years to 12 years

SCL has been running holiday activities for more than 10 years and have been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for their holiday activities at Easter. They run across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and the London Boroughs. For 4-5 year olds, their days will be like they are at nursery; activities will be set out to cover the EYFS 7 areas of learning with a key worker for each child. Within Club energy these are the plans: For 6-8 year olds there is an activity programme where children can improve their social skills, team building and individuality. For 9-12 year olds there will be a wide range of activities to challenge and motivate them. There is also the Soccer Schools which provide: 4-5 year olds with an introduction to football through fun and imaginative games and practices. 6-8 year olds with a focus on player development through enjoyable drills and sessions. 9-12 year olds with skill specific drills and tactical awareness.

Prices: Standard day (9.45am – 4pm) £22 per day or £88 per week. Extended day (8.,30am – 5.30pm) £25 per day or £100 per week. There is a 25% sibling discount and they also accept childcare

vouchers.

For more information call 03456445747

SCL – Education through sport

Fun House – 4 years to 14 years

Fun House runs a Holiday Club from their location at Daneshill Industrial Estate. They were awarded a ‘Good’ from Ofsted. They provide a well planned and organised play environment which allows children to explore, experiment and make decisions for themselves.

Prices: Long days are charged at £25 per child per day or £105 per week. Short days are charged at £19.50 per child per day. There is a £3.50 per child per day charge for lunch. They do accept childcare vouchers.

Sessions: A full day is from 8am – 6pm. A short day is 9am – 3.30pm

Fun House

Cornerstone Holiday Club – 6 years to 11 years

Cornerstone offer a Holiday Club during school holidays which is held in a private contained room at Playdays Play Centre. For more information send an email. You can also have a look at their facebook page.

For more information call 01256818118

Spotlight Centre – 5 years to 16 years

Spotlight is a charity working with over 600 children every week during term time providing fun activities. They run a holiday club where all staff are DBS checked which includes art and crafts, games, sports, dance and drama plus much more.

For more information call 01256325420

Spotlight Centre

ISIS Holiday Club

ISIS run an after school club during term time and offer a Holiday Club during all the holidays. They have a big outdoor space and a park very close by which they use for outdoor games. Indoors they provide arts and crafts, games, computers, a reading area and a quiet area. There is also a place for children to complete their homework.

Prices: £25 per full day which includes all activities, mid morning and afternoon snacks. £3.50 per hour for a minimum of 5 hours.

For more information call 07516828567 or 07516209578

ISIS Afterschool and Holiday Club

Willowdene Funky Monkey Holiday Club – Pre-school children

Funky Monkey is the pre-school holiday club. Children have access to a broad range of activities and resources including games, craft, cooking, reading, construction and role play plus many more. There are also opportunities for outings to the park and on nature walks.

Prices: £5.90 per hour for 2 year olds and £5.60 per hour for children aged 3+. Breakfast served between 7.30am and 8.30am for a charge of £1. Lunch served between 11.30am and 12.30pm for £2.50. Tea is served between 4pm and 5pm for £2.50.

Sessions: from 7.30am to 6pm.

Funky Monkey Holiday Club

Willowdene Club Holiday Club – Reception age +

Willowdene Club Holiday Club offers children a wide range of activities including free areas for reading, writing, role play and computing as well as activities such as arts and crafts, cookery and games.

Prices: £2.70 per hour for school aged children. Breakfast served between 7.30am and 8.15am for a charge of £1. Lunch served between 11.30am and 12.30pm for £2.50. Tea is served between 4pm and 5pm for £2.50.

Sessions: from 7.30am to 6pm.

Willowdene Club Holiday Club

Tetra Brazil – from 5 years to 15 years

Tetra Brazil works from Sherfield Park Community Centre during the summer holidays. They provide players with an authentic Brazilian based coaching for football based on techniques and tactics used by some of the world’s best players. Tetra Brazil has 5 phases (age groups) however for holiday clubs they only operate phases 2 -4. Phase 2 (5-7 year olds) focus on ball familiarity and developing a passion for the game. Phase 3 (8-11 year olds) focus on technical proficiency in a competitive environment. Phase 4 (12 – 15 year olds) learn team tactics, performing under pressure and understanding good match preparation.

Prices: Half days cost £7.50 per session and full days cost £15 per day. For Monday – Friday half days £30 and Monday – Friday full days £60.

Session times: Half day is 9am – 12pm and a full day is 9am – 3pm. You can also book a full week of half days or full days

For more information please call 03302233613

Tetra Brazil

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NorthHantsMum’s 5th Birthday is today!!!!!!!!

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Blogging, My Experience, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, NorthHantsMum, NorthHantsMum Community 1 Comment

Today is the fifth year anniversary of NHM. Yup, that’s right, I started NHM five years ago today. So I’m afraid you will need to allow me a post of reflection and self-indulgence (there’s a surprise! Lol) :-D.

Five years is a long time. Five years feels like a significant milestones. After five years I still haven’t gotten used to having an alter-ego! Lol.

A lot of time and passion has been poured into NHM in five years. A lot of love and tears also. NHM is so much more than a hobby for me now, it’s a part of me, a key part of my life. When I think back to the time in my life when I started NHM, when Miss NHM was three months old, it is literally a lifetime away. I am a different person to the one who started NHM. So are my husband and our daughter.

I cannot express to you how amazing my family are. Mr NHM has ALWAYS been hugely supportive of NHM and this has been incredibly important. Miss NHM is now five years old (obviously) and I still can’t believe it. She’s five years old ALREADY??!?!!! I love them both more than you can imagine.

Louise-65
Us

NHM has been SUCH a positive influence on my life. I’m a much better person because of it. I have met SO many wonderful Mum’s (and Dad’s!) through NHM. I am INCREDIBLY grateful for the many amazing friendships and opportunities NHM has created for myself and my family.

There has also been a lot of heartbreak and stress during these past five years, with NHM and also with everything that has happened in my life beyond NHM, but it’s been my “rock” for so long. Even when it feels like everything else is falling apart around me I know that I have this AMAZING network of parents supporting me, encouraging me and telling me to keep going. Having something bigger than myself, this network of people who rely on and support me, is pretty AWESOME!

They say we leave fingerprints on the lives we touch. I wonder how many lives I’ve touched with NHM in the past five years and how many more lives NHM will touch. It’s a pretty awesome thought! Having all this positive influence on so many people has got to be a good thing, right?

Thank you!

I would also like to say thank you to my amazing team of supporters who have helped to keep NHM going during the past five years.
  • Abi – for your passion and drive with all things technical and your faith in NHM. I literally couldn’t be where I am with NHM were it not for your belief in me. I’m going to miss your techie support TONNES.
  • Sophie for all of your marketing support and for designing the latest NHM logo.
  • All of the lovely NHM secret writers who step in at a moments notice to attend and write up events and who have taken the pressure off me on a number of occasions.
  • To the fabulous NHM Marketing team (Shona, Hayley, Gemma, Chloe and Yvette) who are made up of a key number of extremely talented ladies who are giving up their time so willingly to help others.
  • Everyone who has ever been involved in a NHM event. The meet up’s (should I start these again?) and the Expo’s. Between us we have raised over £2500 for charity, which is phenomenal! Especially, Lynne, Sophie and Lowri my willing volunteers who gave up their precious time to help out.
  • To all of the local Mum’s who run their own businesses and have supported and encouraged me with my networking endeavours.
  • Everyone who contributed to my “birthday blogging tree”. I love it!
  • Mr NHM for his constant love and support and for learning how to load the dishwasher PROPERLY in the past five years :-D.
  • Finally Miss NHM for being my daily inspiration. I love her more than anything, even NorthHantsMum :-D.
001
My “blogging tree” which is one of my most treasured possessions. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed.

What happens next?

I’d like to say I have big plans for what happens next on NHM but, truth be told, I have an awful lot going on in my life outside of NHM at the moment and I feel the need to focus on the basics. Time to focus on the bits I love, like the sharing of information and knowledge and supporting my fantastic readers (that’s YOU!). The big plans are going to have to wait for a bit longer.

I would also like to say that I’m going to celebrate tonight but life goes on and today I will be attending the funeral of a much loved man who was a significant figure in my life.  So today I’m going to think of how grateful and blessed I was to have known him and for him to have been in my life. Then on Friday I’m going to focus on how grateful and blessed I am to have NorthHantsMum and all of the friendships and opportunities it’s created for me in the past five years and celebrate with a cheeky glass of Prosecco.

Yay to “Proseco Friday’s” 😀

As always THANK YOU. Thank you for reading, for commenting, for your support, feedback and love during the past five years. I literally couldn’t do it without you.

Here’s to the next five years on NorthHantsMum! Cheers x

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Readers Experiences: Hypnobirthing in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Basingstoke, Classes, New Parents, Newborn, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Pregnancy 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone had any experience of hypnobirthing, has anyone used it and if they have any feedback.

Thank you very much to everyone who responded and thank you to Shona for putting this together!

These were the responses I received.

NHM Readers Experiences of Hypnobirthing

Michelle said:

Yes for my second child and really recommend it. I was very sceptical before I knew about it, but after practicing it I would definitely recommend, had a much better labour than the first!   

Kirsty said:

I had for my first child. It made me feel confident and relaxed in a situation I had no control over and taught me to work with my body. It’s very powerful and a great tool during labour

Cerys said:

I haven’t used it but, as an antenatal teacher (and not a hypnobirthing practitioner so not trying to sell anything), I would highly recommend it.  

Lizzie said:

Yes for both my labours – wonderful experience. I managed a back to back birth centre water birth and a home water birth with no pain relief.  

Wendy said:

Yep I used hypnobirthing for my second birth and had a wonderful experience.  

Corissa said:

Yes – it’s wonderful. I’d highly recommend it. Using the techniques during labour made me feel calm, in control and able to ‘observe’ the contractions without tensing up or needing any pain relief. I have since used the techniques at the dentist to have fillings without anaesthetic.

Naomi said:

In a total different light. I had an emergency c section at 33 weeks due to pre eclampsia with my first. So went on to have a planned section at 38 weeks following lots of bp issues that never turned into pre e with number 2. It was a very worrying pregnancy but I was determined to have a better birth experience and not let anxiety spoil it for us. We attended hypnobirthing sessions at 26 weeks once we had come past the possibility of him being prem. And it was just so very helpful. I wished I had accessed more and accessed private, individual support really. But the techniques and information we gained from that one session was used lots by my husband and I in those difficult last couple of weeks. Even at difficult appointments and certainly in theatre. We had such a healing happy pleasant experience. And if I were to have another I would invest more into it as it’s amazing.

Beata said:

Used hypnobirthing for my first baby and it was a freebirth at home and I recommend it highly. The best thing I ever did for all of us. 

Flick said:

I used it for my second child and it was amazing!! I only needed 2 puffs on gas and air at the hospital and I dealt with most of the labour at home – I was only in hospital for 20 mins before my daughter was born. Having not used it the first time round and done so the second, I can see what a huge difference it makes!! I was a lot calmer because of it and baby number 2 is chilled out as well. She’s 6 months old now and I can look back on a happy birth experience this time.

Marie said:

I run pregnancy classes, and have had mixed feedback from women I teach who have tried Hypnobirthing. Some rave about it, others are like “that was a waste of money”… I really think it depends on the person and their ability to go into themselves. I never used it, but put my own methods into practice instead, which I found worked for me. 

Lottie said:

I haven’t done hypnobirthing but I cannot recommend the confident birthing workshop enough! It was brilliant for me and my husband and really helped in labour. It’s all about positivity, breathing and relaxation techniques.

Liane said:

Yes for my second and it was a much more empowering experience. Highly recommended it. 

Vikki said:

Wow! So much choice for women… Fab! I’d add ‘go for it’, I believe that the more tools you have in your tool kit, the more options you have in labour and as previously mentioned, these are techniques that last a lifetime. I certainly use my breathing techniques regularly.

Sarah said:

I did a class but ended up being induced and was extremely stressed so didn’t help. Ended in c section due to baby being distressed. But I’m sure it would’ve been amazing for a normal natural labour.

Stephanie said:

I had all 3 of my babies using Hypnobirthing. I didn’t attend any courses, just followed some CDs and materials I purchased on amazon. I am thankful to have given my babes such a gentle entry into the world and loved being about to walk around, shower within an hour of all 3 births. Even if the ultimate result is not hypnobirth, it’s a beautiful tool to help relax late in the pregnancy and prepare for future sleepless nights.

Victoria said:

Hypnobirthing was the most life changing experience. …can’t recommend enough.

Lisa said:

I used hypnotherapy for both my boys’ births. It was Natal Hypnotherapy rather than Hypnobirthing but it was fabulous. I’d highly recommended hypnotherapy!

IMG_0717

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Readers Favourite places to feed Ducks in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Outings, Walks 1 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook for their suggestions on where are the best places to feed ducks in Basingstoke and North Hampshire. 

Thank you very much to everyone who responded! and thank you to Gemma for putting this post together! 

Here is also a link to show you what food we should and shouldn’t feed the ducks, thank you Liane for the information: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/keeping-our-ducks-healthy/six-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-feed-ducks

008
Alresford Ducks!

NHM Readers Favourite places to feed ducks in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Eastrop Park

Rachel said: Eastrop Park

Amy: There are ducks in Eastrop Park in town xx

Bartons Mill

Jade: Bartons Mill

Sherfield on Loddon

Saretta: Sherfield on Loddon has a lovely duck pond too 🙂

Abbie: There is a great duck pond in Sherfield-on-Loddon with loads of ducks and there is a nearby park, pub and cafe!

Basingstoke Canal

Karen: Basingstoke Canal near King John’s Castle in Odiham

Thatcham Discovery Centre

Kelly: Thatcham Discovery Centre

Amber:  Second the Thatcham Discovery Centre! Lovely walk around the lake and a good park too.

Jen: Definitely Thatcham. But get there first thing as we’ve been later in the day and the ducks weren’t hungry as so many people had fed them already!

Wendy: Thatcham sells you suitable food, tells you what the birds are called and has a brilliant playground too.

Fleet Pond

Kathryn: Fleet Pond

Winchester Silk Mill

Elaine: Whitchurch Silk Mill. We even sell duck and swan food to feed them properly!

The Vyne

Juanita: The Vyne 🙂

Dannii: The ducks are always hungry there too.

Winchester Leisure Centre

Donna:  I would also recommend Winchester Leisure Centre – we always pop down there for duck feeding and the park is perfect for toddlers.

Sherborne St John

Edie: There’s a lovely duck pond by the church in Sherborne St John with very tame (and fat!) ducks.

Ruza: Sherborne st john

Alresford

Fiona: The stream in Alresford is beautiful for a little walk and you have the High Street bakery for a treat and a large play park too.

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,Google+,Facebook Page, Facebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Homeschooling in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Basingstoke, Education, NHM Networks, North Hampshire 6 Comments

(I think this post is quite apt after yesterday’s “school announcements”! ;-))

PS: I have a secret homeschooling group on Facebook which has several families who homeschool in the local area included. If you would like to be added, please email me at NorthHantsMum@gmail.com.

Homeschooling in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Before Miss NHM was born, I only vaguely knew about home schooling. I knew some people who had been home schooled but never really thought more about it.

Once Miss NHM was born, this all changed. I read a LOT of parenting blogs when I was on maternity leave and learnt about Montesori and Waldorf Steiner Education. I also read more and more about homeschooling.

I knew before Miss NHM was born that the school system was constantly being changed, however it was only once Miss NHM was born that I realised how much this could actually affect my daughter, and thus, me.

I am very dissolusioned with the school system in this country, and that’s before Miss NHM even starts school. I have many friends whose children have been through the school system, despair at how their children were used as guinea pigs, all dependent on which political party got into power. I don’t want this for Miss NHM.

Schools also seem to be very subjective. You have no choice, as Pam recently commented on NHM, over the class or teacher that your child is put with.

I would LOVE to home school my daughter but I have absolutely no idea where to start. But, since starting NHM I have learnt that there are more and more people doing this.

Unfortunately as I’m the main earner in our family, it really isn’t an option, but that doesn’t stop me doing the research and learning more about it.

It seems to be quite big in the US and they have a lot more resources over there for homeschooling than I’ve found in the UK.

I’ve also discovered that as homeschoolers, you are entitled to discounts at local softplay locations and museums, which is good to know because the cost of home schooling always worried me.

Having just gone through the very stressful process of gaining a place at Infants school for Miss NHM, I’m still very intrigued by home schooling but it’s not right for our family…yet.

We have a very audacious goal of taking a year “out” when Miss NHM is around 10 years old, and travelling the world. At this point we will need to home school Miss NHM so I need to ensure that I’ve done all of my research by then!

After all of my research I am still unsure of the difference between “homeschooling” and “unschooling”.

There are actually several families in Basingstoke who “homeschool” and “Unschool” and in my very privileged role as NorthHantsMum I’ve come to know of some of these families.

If you are already home schooling or are interested in maybe home schooling in the future, let me know and I will add you to my “secret” home schooling group on Facebook.

Also, if you have any resources that you’ve got from homeschooling, let me know, as I’m planning on putting together a future post on resources from the UK and US, that could be useful for a family who are home schooling.

Parents new to Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Basingstoke, New Parents, North Hampshire, Parents 0 Comment

I’ve had several messages recently from Mum’s who have moved to the area and stumbled across NHM.

I have had some lovely feedback saying how helpful the NHM posts have been with finding out what is available in the area and keeping tabs on what is going on.

I thought I would do a summary post for parents who are new to the area, which brings together all of the previous posts and some of my suggestions. 

Hope they help!

Tips for raising children in a new area

1. Review the Day pages on NHM

I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help myself! lol. These pages give you a summary of what’s going on each day for children aged 6 and under.

They are sorted by day, so you can click on the day and see an alphabetical list of classes that are available on that day.

2. Find a Mum network in the area

There are lots of  very good groups on Facebook which support Mum’s in the area. I’ve put together a page which has a list of all of the groups that you can join via NorthHantsMum.

3. Join the secret “Mum’s and Dad’s new to Basingstoke and North Hampshire” NHM group on Facebook

Contact me directly at NorthHantsMum@gmail.com to be added to this group.

The following posts may also be useful

Softplay Centres

Swimming Pools in North Hampshire suitable for Babies and Children

Days out in Hampshire

Reviews

Do you have any other suggestions for parents who are new to the area?

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!