Christmas Time's A Comin'

Saturday 22 October 2011 by Jill

I’ve tried to wait until after Bonfire Night to write about Christmas but I’m too excited. I just can’t. The air has that perfect freshness to it at the moment and I can’t help think about holly and ivy and the wonderful smell of pine. And, to be fair, a lot of the major chains have had Christmas items on display since the middle of September, so perhaps subconsciously they’ve influenced my desire to get festive.

Little One Prints has actually been working hard since the summer to get ready for Christmas; adding new designs, launching our new extra text personalisation feature and improving the website speed and capabilities. My second little one is due any day but I’m completely distracted by which design we are going to use this Christmas- there are so many I absolutely love.

Resident designer, Fiona Urqhuart has created a beautiful range of country inspired Christmas designs, giving a real feeling of family and classic Christmas togetherness. I can almost hear “Dolly and Kenney” playing in the background when I look at those designs. Something really new for the Christmas market.

And the always popular Kristy Powell continues to give us a great range of modern designs that are all about quality. The brilliant colours and perfect layouts give a wonderfully modern take on wishing your family and friends a Merry Christmas.

Tip: Little One Prints will be launching their Christmas promotional campaign on Monday 7 November. To make sure you receive these great offers please email hello@littleoneprints.com. Existing customers will receive the email automatically.

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What's in a name?

Wednesday 24 August 2011 by Jill

When we had our son, there was only ever one name. Kees. (Pronounced Case in English) My husband was always very close to his maternal grandfather so when we found out we were having a boy we both knew he would be the namesake, even though the Dutch spelling always throws people off. I personally really enjoyed having the name early on. It created a very clear identity of who was growing inside of me and I can’t think of more perfect name for the comical toddler he has developed into.

This time around we know it’s a girl and choosing a name couldn’t be more difficult. The “short” list is currently at about 20; none of which we particularly agree on. I love Bridget and my husband hates it. He is crazy about Sienna but it doesn’t feel right to me. And unlike during our wedding or first pregnancy, both of our respective mothers have very strong opinions when it comes to baby girl names- something either of us expected. Kees thinks she should just be called “Sister”, which seems to be sticking at the moment.

The challenge is, when you have one child whose name means so much to you, you want to have the same experience with the next child. You want to really love their name and for it to have special meaning. In addition to making it sentimental, you also want to give them a name that will grow with them, that is unique without being over the top and that feels right.

Luckily there are some great naming tools available online. One of my favourites is from babycentre.co.uk. (http://www.babycentre.co.uk/babyname?intcmp=tnav_names_main) One of the challenges for us is most of our favourite names are in the 10 ten most popular names in the UK- and have been for the last 5 years. The last thing we want is to have a daughter with the same name as 5 other girls in her class. But, having said that, I don’t think Apple is quite right either. At this point, I’ll just be happy if we can give her a name within a week of being born. Otherwise, Sister it is.

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Share the Summer Fun

Thursday 11 August 2011 by Jill

I don’t think there is a better time to take pictures of children than the summer. The good weather puts everyone in such a good mood- and our little treasures are no exception. Although I have to admit I find it difficult to keep mine in clothing during the balmy temperatures. But regardless, the expressions of joy and innocence on his face are priceless.

So, what better time to share some of your favourite summer memories with family and friends? Whether it’s your son’s first dip in the water or your daughter’s first ice cream, summer memories are always special. I love how seeing my son experience the best of what summer has to offer brings back my own favourite summer memories.

With such a big gap between Easter and Christmas (the main holidays we send personalised cards), sharing a fabulous (or hilarious) summer snap is a great excuse to touch base with family and friends. I like keeping the card very generic so it can be used just to say “hi”, to extend a heartfelt thank you or even to invite someone ‘round for a summer catch up. Summer is such a fun time of year and something that should really be celebrated. And I personally, can’t think of many images much cuter than my 6 month old in his floppy beach hat. Sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

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Right clothes for the weather

Monday 04 July 2011 by Jill

I think this year everyone is a bit confused. Because the weather was so nice in April, (my son’s birthday on the 8^th has held in our garden) and June was so cold and rainy (two weeks ago my husband came home in his winter coat), it feels like we’ve already had summer. But it hit me today that this is only the beginning of July- summer has just started.

But it has left me confused about what to wear in the morning and more importantly, how do you dress your little one for the ever changing British weather? I’ve gone from putting my son in vests and long sleeve shirts to letting him sleep in nothing but his nappy. And it’s even trickier with a new born. I think there’s a natural instinct that tells you they needs to be warm and in layers but actually, they need just the opposite in the warm summer weather.

To be perfectly honest, I’m partial to letting my son wear as little clothes as possible. We’re in the middle of potty training so letting him run around the house without his shorts or trousers on makes this much easier. However, the challenge comes when we have to leave the house. Birthday parties are the worst. I can usually distract him long enough to get him in the trousers but, inevitably, by the end of the party he has ditched them all together- along with his socks and shoes (somehow he doesn’t mind a t-shirt).

So, as we finish a day that started in the low teens, had crazy rain showers and is now 24 in the sun my plan is to just go with it. I’ve got a small army of cloth changes under the pram. Unless it somehow starts to snow, we should be ready for anything.

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Make the most of our "Saved Cards" facility

Wednesday 08 June 2011 by Jill

We pride ourselves on being 100% customer focused. When we are developing new tools for the website we always think about things we love (and hate) about online shopping. For example, you don’t have to set up an account to order cards from Little One Prints because our Head of IT absolutely hates this about websites. How many times have you simply wanted to order some bin bags but have to give your entire life's story.

So, when we created the "Saved Cards" option we wanted it to be as simple, but effective, as possible. And it works a treat! Whether you want to save your designs so you can get your husband's opinion later on (unlikely, but you never know) or to complete your order during nap time- all you have to do is click the "save card" button during the card personalisation process and simply enter your email address and preferred password in the space provided.

Another great thing about the "Saved Cards" function is that you can actually use it to compare different designs. Having trouble deciding on which of our beautiful cards to use? Simply personalise each of the designs you are interested in, click “save card” and a summary of all of your designs will be listed together. Now just pick your favourite!

Helpful Hint: If you want to edit any of your saved cards, simply click on the “View Card” link under the image and you will be taken back to the card personalisation page.

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Maternity leave begins

Friday 03 June 2011 by Jill

Deciding when to start your maternity leave is always tricky. I think most people try to work as long as possible, to ensure you have as much time with the baby as possible. But, as the big day gets closer being at work becomes more of a physical, as well as mental, challenge. Quick often it is your focus that leaves before you find yourself limited physically.

In Holland, mothers are required to finish work at least 4 weeks before their due date, and can opt for as much as 6 weeks. However, after the first week off you may be regretting your decision to “nest” for a month. There’s only so much to get ready and I found working gave me a nice distraction as we waited for the baby to arrive.

Whatever timeframe you decide to go with, try to decide relatively early on so that you can manage your handover effectively. There’s nothing worse than feeling stressed and overwhelmed during those last few days in the office. Focus on your core activities and make sure that any special projects have been clearly delegated to an appropriate colleague. Depending on the size of your organisation, you may find that some aspects of your job will just have to be parked until you get back.

Overall, whether it’s getting ready for the baby or managing life away from the office, the main thing is to stay relaxed. You are going to need your energy for helping the baby arrive, as well as the days and weeks that follow. Don’t waste time worrying about things that aren’t important, or even critical. The office will manage. It’s hard to believe it now but once that little bundle of joy arrives your mind will be anywhere but in the office.

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Fabulous Maternity Clothes

Wednesday 11 May 2011 by Jill

After days, months or weeks of trying there is nothing more exciting than finding out you’re pregnant. It’s hard to believe it’s true. You look at those two blue lines and you keep expecting one to fade away but it doesn’t. There is a little, tiny baby (or two or three) growing inside of you.

And it’s amazing how quickly your body reacts to your new baby. Whether it’s those first queasy mornings or the first time you can’t button your favourite jeans, it’s not very long before you physically realise what pregnancy entails. While there are some lucky women who gain very little weight and actually don’t need a new wardrobe, the majority of us need a bit of extra space.

My advice is to embrace your new body and enjoy wearing some new clothes- even if they’re just borrowed from your best girlfriend. You need to look after yourself during pregnancy and I think maternity clothes are an important part of feeling good. You want to feel attractive and confident, while you embrace your beautiful pregnancy glow. Having clothes that fit and are comfortable is essential.

And, if I’m being completely honest, maternity clothes aren’t just important for the pregnancy. Those weeks and months that follow giving birth are a transition period and it’s nice to go back to your old clothes when you feel ready- not just because the baby has arrived and you feel you need to squeeze back into your skinny jeans. And remember, you can’t control all the changes with diet and exercise. For those of you breastfeeding, your new cleavage isn’t going away anytime soon, so you might not be right back into those strapless dresses.

We are so lucky with the great variety of maternity clothes available. From Top Shop and Asos to Chloe and Missoni we are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to looking great during and after pregnancy. So, use this great excuse to treat yourself to feel your best!

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Baby wedding etiquette

Tuesday 26 April 2011 by Jill

I was going to say, you can’t live in the UK at the moment and not be aware of the upcoming royal wedding, but I think I can safely extend that to most corners of the world. While most of the coverage I’ve seen has been focused on “the dress”, or Diana’s role in the wedding, it has been fascinating seeing the ever extending guest list.

We have been invited to two weddings this summer but, in both cases, have been debating whether or not to bring our 2 ½ year old son. Luckily, in both cases he was formally part of the invitations, and our friends have extended how welcome he is, but it still leaves the question, should we bring him?

I think with immediate family it’s a pretty easy decision- yes. When there’s at least one set of grandparents (or even pseudo grandparents) and you know the other children and families it can be great fun to bring your child. I know Kees would have a lot of fun playing with his cousins and taking part in the festivities, but when it comes to friends’ weddings it feels a bit different.

Maybe it’s just me being selfish. Up to now, my husband and I have always chosen to leave Kees home. He has been too young to understand what’s going on and I haven’t wanted to be the one with a screaming baby during the ceremony. Plus, if I’m completely candid, my husband and I always end up having the best time at weddings. We love the atmosphere and are usually the first ones on the dance floor and the last ones to leave.

The right answer is always very subjective and dependent on your child, your friendship and the type of wedding you are attending. I guess that’s just common sense. But, importantly, I think it’s important to remember that the right wedding can be so much fun with your child.

I attended a wedding last year where friends (due to breastfeeding requirements) brought their 6 week old baby and it was wonderful. The baby was young enough to sleep through most of the wedding and our group of friends really enjoyed celebrating the marriage, as well as the latest addition to our circle of friends. So, the choice is yours, but don’t be afraid to say yes. Kids can also be the best part of a wedding.

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Best online advice

Friday 11 March 2011 by Jill

Sometimes I wonder what life was like without cash points, mobiles and, of course the internet. Did new mothers spend days in the library looking up their questions and concerns? Did they rely on advice from trusted family and friends to make decisions about their children? Would they have ever thought to not only accept, but actively seek, advice from complete strangers?

We use the internet to find advice on practically everything - pregnancy and childcare are no exceptions. But it can feel like information overload sometimes. Not to mention all of the conflicting opinions. “Gina Ford is a genus.” “Gina Ford is too strict.” “Soya is great.” “Soya is terrible.” Where do you start?

With so many great online parenting resources, we thought it would be useful to highlight some of our favourites:

Babycentre.co.uk: Even though it is a commercial site (run by Johnson’s Baby) it is really one of the best sites in UK. With a wide range of balanced, factual advice it gives you lots of information but emphasises the importance of making the right decision for you and your family, not just what the “experts say”. Also, their weekly/ monthly newsletter throughout pregnancy and childhood are spot on. I always think “that’s exactly what Kees is doing!”
Mumsclub.co.uk: I think this is a great alternative to Mumsnet, which I find can be a bit negative in the tone of its advice and forums. Specifically designed for mom’s running their own business, it has a great selection of advice and interesting products and services.
Askamum.co.uk: Real advice from real moms.
Babyandpregnancy.co.uk: It’s so easy to find what you’re looking for on this site. They have very detailed categories, which makes the advice you receive very specific.
Babylondon.co.uk: Looking for something different? Whether it’s a baby gift, decoration for your own nursery or just an interesting way to spend the afternoon this has to be one of my favourite sites and magazines.

I hope you find these links as helpful as I do. Would love to hear about your favourites too...

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Why professional photos are worth it

Tuesday 22 February 2011 by Jill

Lately, everyone seems to be an expert. Thanks to Jamie Oliver, most people think they’re ready for MasterChef. Gok Wan has created a nation of fashion divas and the endless stream of home improvement programmes makes us think DIY is a piece of cake.

But, from personal experience, I can assure you there is a lot more to being an expert than watching a few TV shows and buying a fancy sauce pan. Just like, there’s more to taking a great photo than upgrading to latest iPhone or purchasing that multi-lens Cannon. Especially for taking photos of children, when you just have to wait for the right moment.

Unlike the UK, where sending a birth announcement is a relatively new trend, in Holland, EVERYONE does it. And the difference between just those cards that use “Daddy’s best snap” versus one taken by a professional photographer is astounding.

I recently went to Amsterdam to visit friends who just gave birth to their first son. Conveniently, the shop below their flat is a bespoke stationery printers. Looking at the various designs in the window, it was easy to tell which ones had opted for the professional photos. The professional images were not just sharper and more beautiful, but they really seemed to capture the essence of the child. There was something truly captivating about the images.

When my friends showed me the slideshow of their photo shoot I was immediately hit with jealously that I hadn’t done the same for our son. The pictures weren’t the staged happy family of the 1980s but rather naturally lit images of his first day at home. The angles, lighting and simple settings were truly stunning. I know these will be photos they cherish forever- and look at often.

Having a baby is an expensive experience- as Helen talked about below. But, even if it’s just one or two shots, I personally, believe, having some professional images taken is worth every penny. After all, we can’t be experts in everything!

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