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The Importance of Bedtime Reading

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The Importance of Bedtime Reading

So how important is bedtime reading to you as an adult?

Hands up all you parents who have a read of a chapter or two before you go to bed yourself.

So, now as a parent how many of you actually read to your children before they go to sleep?

Now don’t get me wrong there are days when maybe you have got home from work late to find chaos at home. By the time you have battled your way through dinner and the bedtime routines of baths etc, there may be a few nights that go past without a story. Am I right?

We can’t always be perfect ( although we are most of the time of course!) but I would reckon that a good majority of us DO read to the kids before they go to sleep.

This was something I did almost religiously with my boys when they are young. Mr B is not a big reader but I am. I knew it was important for the boys to enjoy books before they could master reading. So, the importance of bedtime reading was something I prioritised.

I am proud to say that both my boys are avid readers today, so that must be something I have done right at least!

Anyway, for those of you who maybe don’t read to the kids at bedtime, for whatever reason, check out this programme  online to help with the possible stress that bedtime reading can sometimes cause.

The Importance of Bedtime Stories

Watch our live show with Becky Overton, British children’s bedtime story writer, and TV presenter Helena Dowling to discuss why bedtime stories are so important for our little ones.

Show date: Friday 22nd March

Show time: 12:30pm  

Many parents can find bedtime stressful, but that needn’t be the case. Reading bedtime stories can really help your children relax and fall asleep more easily, and create an emotional bond between parent and child. Not only does a bedtime story help create a sense of occasion but it can also give children something to really look forward to before they turn out the light.

While some of us might lack confidence in our ability to read to our children, some of us are unsure of what tone or volume to use, or even what stories are suitable for bedtime reading – fear not, help is at hand.

So if you are worried about how you can read your children bedtime stories, don’t know exactly what the benefits of reading with your little ones are or want to share your tips and advice to other parents, then log onto our live show.

Becky Overton, a British Children’s Writer, whose stories are featured on A Bedtime Story with Arnie & Barnie on Nick Jr. and read by well-known celebrities such as Greg Rutherford and Kimberly Wyatt, is on hand to answer your questions, alongside TV presenter Helena Dowling and Holly Driscoll from Dolly and Daydreams.

Becky Overton, Helena Dowling and Holly Driscoll join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/the-importance-of-bedtime-stories on Friday 22nd March at 1pm

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/the-importance-of-bedtime-stories

For more info check out http://www.nickjr.com/read

Teaching your children through Apps

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Teaching your children through Apps

So what do you think? A good or bad idea? Unfortunately we are in a technical age where this is becoming second nature! In fact I have to ask my boys how to do some bits on the laptop occasionally. But it doesn’t all have to be Play stations and Xbox’s and kids zoning out to mindless shoot ’em up games. With I phones, tablets and I pads children from a very early age can get in on the act for educational stuff and learn to be comfortable with technology at the same time.

Check out the web show below for tomorrow:

Log onto our live and interactive show where Jon Bentley discusses how to make sure your children are getting the most educational benefits from technology

Show date: Tuesday 29th January 2013

Show time: 12.30pm

There’s no denying that smart phones and tablets have become an essential part of life for millions of us, changing the way we work, socialise and communicate. Whilst they use to be solely the domain of businesspeople and the most technologically advanced, now they’re popular throughout the generations and even amongst pre-schooles.

Research from Vodafone shows that savvy toddlers first start using smart phones or tablets at a tender 2 years 4 months and that many parents are using Apps to help their children learn to read, write and count.

But how can parents make sure their little ones are benefitting from the technology and aren’t accessing inappropriate material?

Log onto our live and interactive show with Jon Bentley, former Gadget Show presenter and Libby Pritchard from Vodafone, who will discuss how children can benefit from smart phones and tablets and how parents can make sure their children are using these devices safely.

Jon Bentley and Libby Pritchard join us live online at www.studiotalk.tv on Tuesday 29th January at 12.30pm

Click here to submit questions before the show

 

 

Who’s interested in becomming part of a Blogger Broadcast Ambassador programme?

- TracyB 4 Comments

Sounds like something you have an interest in for the New Year? I have had many dealings through this company and have enjoyed a great PR relationship with Jessica Feldman who has given me opportunities to telephone interview a TV celeb, and review a brand new car to mention a few. They deal with companies from a wide range of products and brands.

Check out the details below:

Want to be part of the brand spanking new Blogger Broadcast Ambassador Programme?

 

Markettiers4dc is launching a new Blogger Broadcast Ambassador Programme and is looking to recruit Mummy and Daddy Bloggers to review products like shoes, clothes and toys for your kids, and stuff for you such as cars and fashion & beauty products which we will send on behalf of brands that we are working with.

 

All we ask in return from you is that you review these products with a video camera that we will supply you with. We will also give you the opportunity to record podcast interviews with celebrities and industry specialists on a number of parenting topics and take part in our live TV shows which you can stream live through your own blogs. Ideally, you will post your reviews in your blogs, tweet about them and upload video to sites such as YouTube and Facebook as well.

 

To help you produce the best quality videos or podcast, those who are selected as Ambassadors, will also receive broadcast media training and some tips on video and audio production, together with a goody bag from us, including video cameras!

 

If you are interested in getting involved, want more information on the clients we work with, or want to know more about the programme contact: bloggerambassadors@markettiers4dc.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Phineas and Ferb

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Anyone love drawing? Cartooning? Phineas and Ferb?

What do they all have in common…………..check out below:

JOIN THE CREATORS OF PHINEAS AND FERB FOR A LIVE CARTOON MASTERCLASS

Show date:           Thursday 28th November

Show time:             5pm
Dan Povenmire and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh created the hit animated TV series Phineas and Ferb in 2008, which has gone on to become the number one rated show on Disney XD, watched by over 10 million people in the UK[1] which is half of all kids! The dynamic duo were also behind some of the most popular cartoons of recent decades, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Now you have the chance to have all your questions answered by the show’s creators, learn about cartoon animation and even learn how to draw your favourite characters from the show.

The series, which has just been nominated for two BAFTAs, has seen cameo appearances from a host of British stars including David Beckham, Jonathan Ross and Jamie Oliver, and centres around the adventures of Phineas and his English stepbrother Ferb, played by British actor Thomas Sangster. The step-brothers set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their 104-day summer holiday count, much to the annoyance of their older sister, Candace, voiced by High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale.  Meanwhile their family pet Perry the Platypus is actually a secret spy trying to save the world from the evil Dr Doofenshmirtz.

Not only did creators Dan and Swampy develop the series concept together, they also voice the show’s villain Dr Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram respectively.

So have you ever wondered what goes into producing a series like Phineas and Ferb and where the creators get their inspiration from?  Well now’s your chance to put your questions to Dan and Swampy, find out about their favourite episodes and learn how to draw characters from the show, straight from the experts!

To find out about more about this Emmy award-winning show, grab your pen and paper and join us live for this cartoon masterclass.

Live Interactive tech-IQ Test!

- TracyB Leave a comment

Go on admit it would you know what tablet does what, and I’m not talking about the kind you get at the chemist!!

I for one struggle with new technology, I am a true ‘technophobe’, always thinking that if I try something new I will probably break it! In fact it is sad to admit that I rely on my OH and my 14yr old to get me through anything I need for the blog………….ssssshhhhhhh don’t tell anyone.

So here is your chance to find out all about the latest gadgets and which one does what!

Log onto our live and interactive Tech-IQ test, with Pollyanna Woodward where she will be testing the nation’s tech savviness and advising us on the latest ‘must have’ gadgets in the run up to… Christmas!

 

Show date: Friday 16th November 

Show time: 2.30pm

Do you know what Wifi means? Or how to Tweet? Can you download music, upload photos and use an app?  Do you know the difference between a tablet and a laptop? And is it true that the younger you are the more attuned to technology you are?

The internet, smart phones, tablets and social media are now categorised as essential to millions of us, but just how much do you really know about gadgets and the big World Wide Web we orbit? Moreover, have you ever tested your Tech-IQ to figure out whether the products you buy and use are actually suited to your technical ability and lifestyle?

With gadgets such as tablets continuing to dominate our Christmas wish list this year, how many of us actually know our Nabi from our Nexus or will match the tablet with the task?

And should we be taking into account our technical ability when we are buying new products or putting them on our Christmas list? Luckily for us, one of the UK’s largest technology retailers Argos, has teamed up with Pollyanna Woodward to help match up which tablets suit what Tech IQ.

To find out how her own family compare, Pollyanna will be joined by her mother for a family tech-off.

 So how good are you?

Log onto our live and interactive Tech-IQ test with Pollyanna Woodward, where we will be testing how tech-savvy you actually are and what tablets and gadgets will suit you and your family

 

 Pollyanna Woodward joins us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/live-techiq-test on Friday 16th November at 2.30pm

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/live-techiq-test

FOR MORE INFO CHECK THE WEBSITE

argos.co.uk

 

Ok who mentioned the ‘C’ word……….Christmas!

- TracyB Leave a comment

It’s sad that we haven’t even experienced our summer yet *cough* and already Christmas is being mentioned!!! Shoot me now!

But in all fairness if you have kids it’s best to get organised and be ahead of the game, so………………………………………………………………………..

Sneak Preview Of This Year’s Must-Have Christmas Toys

Log on to our live and interactive WebTV show to get the inside track on Argos’ Top 10 Christmas Toys countdown

Show date: 19th July

Show time: 3pm

Christmas may still be five months away, but millions of children will already be starting to think about what they want in their stocking come December the 25th.

Every year, there’s a must-have list of toys that all children are desperate to get their hands on, so what will be the big hits of 2012?

Last year it was all about talk-back toys such as Dance Star Mickey, a talking robot for girls called Fijit and Sesame Street Let’s Rock Elmo. In previous years it was all about kids’ construction toys, with the Real Construction Deluxe Workshop topping Christmas wish lists in 2010.

As the UK’s leading toy retailer, Argos will once again announce their Top 10 Christmas Toys list, a prediction of this year’s most-wanted toys and games.

Over the years many parents and grandparents have come to rely on the annual list to get the inside track on what will be on children’s Christmas lists so they’re ahead of the game when they start their festive shopping.

So what will be the new craze this year? Will digital toys continue to dominate or will we see a return to the retro? Log on to our WebTV show where all will be revealed.

We’ll also be discussing the importance of toys and how different types of toys not only keep your children entertained but also help them learn and develop key creative and problem solving skills.

Watch our live and interactive WebTV show from the launch of Argos’ Top 10 Toys Christmas event with [Richard Woolfson Child Psychologist, Mummy blogger and Toy Buyer at Argos]

The above guests join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/sneak-preview-of-this-years-musthave-christmas-toys

on 19th July at 3pm
Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/sneak-preview-of-this-years-musthave-christmas-toys

 

 

Check out the new Butlins Hotel

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Check out the new Butlins Hotel

Butlins has a certain reputation. It’s a bit like Marmite, you either love or hate it.

So for those of you who may need convincing check out this new fab Butlins hotel in Bognor Regis  complete with all the mod cons of the 21st century!! Have a sneak preview on tomorrows show at 2pm!

Join Angela Griffin as she takes an exclusive look around Butlins’ newest hotel

Log onto our WebTV show where we’ll be at the opening of the iconic British family holiday resort’s Wave Hotel and Apartments in Bognor Regis

Butlins

Show date: Monday 2nd July

Show time: 14:00
Summer holidays are something that we all look forward to – they are a chance to get away from the madness at home and they give us the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy time with our families.

Holidays give both children and their parents a chance to relax from the grind of everyday life, and research shows for kids, the best holiday is one in which they can simply spend time with their family and where everyone is happy and relaxed.

Butlins recognise this and has played a massive part in the history of our nation. For many of us as kids, summer was not complete without a trip to one of their seaside resorts where the iconic Redcoats would greet us at the gate, signally the start of an exciting and action packed holiday.

The resorts have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1930s and this summer the quintessentially British holiday company will open its newest hotel in Bognor Regis.

The Wave will stay true to all of the qualities that have made Butlins a household name for 75 years, but will also reflect the changing world we live in with all the mod-cons such as dedicated games room with Wii, PS3, DS or Band Hero games, a Kindle library and iPod docks in every room a big part of the new hotel.

Log on to our live interactive WebTV show where Angela Griffin will join Jae Hopkins from Butlins and mummy blogger Antonia Chitty at the opening of the Butlins Wave Hotel in Bognor Regis for a sneak preview of the nation’s newest and most exciting family holiday resort.

 

Angela Griffin and Antonia Chitty joins us live online at www.studiotalk.uk

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/join-angela-griffin-as-she-takes-an-exclusive-look-around-butlins-newest-hotel

Top tips on getting your family involved in party planning.

- TracyB Leave a comment

With all the celebrations coming up you can find great hints and tips for parties, picnics, tea party’s all over the Internet.

I think it’s important with any occasion ( birthdays, Christmas, Easter etc) that the kids get fully involved otherwise I think it would be difficult to celebrate these events as they get older. I believe in the importance of celebrating things along the way and would love my boys to still be doing some of my little traditions when they both have children.

If your the same and love to get the children involved then tune into a great WebTV show today at 3pm.

With last year’s Royal Wedding celebrations still a fond memory for most; the excitement is now building for this summer’s celebration – The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! It is fast approaching and many of us are preparing to party – and panic!  

Whether you are attending one of the thousands of street parties that are set to take place, or having your own Jubilee celebrations, there are lots of ways to get the whole family involved and take the pressure off at the same time…

The Flour Advisory Bureau is launching a campaign to remind people to Love their Loaf this Jubilee year and to help us avoid any catering crises, they have put together an invaluable free party planning tool kit to help people across Britain plan effectively for what looks sure to be a record breaking few months of socialising and entertaining.

From classic buffet recipes, tips for truly modern sandwiches, delicious drinks to pour and advice on handling your guests, the guide contains everything you might need to deliver a Jubilee party to remember.

Over half of those planning on organising parties during this summer of celebration, whether it is street or back garden based, proudly proclaim they will be making everything, or almost all of their party food from scratch. But what will feature on our menus and what quintessential British dishes are the must-haves for our patriotic parties?

Tune into our live and interactive webTV show where celebrity baker, Paul Hollywood, and event planner, Catherine Borowski, show you how to party plan as a family.

Show date: Thursday 24th May

Show time:  3pm

Tune into our live and interactive webTV show to hear more from Paul Hollywood, Celebrity Master Baker and judge on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off and event planner Catherine Borowski.

Paul Hollywood and Catherine Borowski join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/party-planning-masterclass on 24th May 2012 at 3pm

Click here to submit questions before the show: http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/party-planning-masterclass

Would you pass your driving test again?

- TracyB 2 Comments

Answer to that for most people would be a big fat NO!

I have been driving for 20yrs now and lots of things have definitely changed in that time. The roads are much busier, some the junctions now can be very confusing and now we are sign mad to the point that it can be difficult to take in all the information!!

I recently had the ‘opportunity’ *cough* to attend a Speed Awareness course ( thanks to being snapped doing 37 in a 30mph road!). I hold my hands up and at the time didn’t really think that was that bad as I am an ex driving instructor and generally drive defensively, however I was in a rush that particular day as my youngest was nearly late for a panto performance ( but I appreciate there are no excuses).

Anyway, I’m no snob but I was really expecting a room full of chav’s and boy racers with attitude! To my surprise everyone was just like me, and by that I mean normal ( whatever that is!), a range of ages and personalities.

We met our course instructors and I was hoping that we wouldn’t be quizzed too much.

I hate to admit it but I actually enjoyed it! They weren’t condescending or asked about what you were caught doing, and they were light hearted but definitely got their point across.

One of the best things they said that I know I will never forget is

‘If you went for an operation and the surgeon last trained 20 years ago……..would you be happy for him to carry out the surgery?’

Err NO!

Even though I went through driver instructor training a few years ago as well I was amazed at how much I had already forgotten! It truly is frightening.

The driving test is so difficult now and for a good reason. They need to know that the people they are putting out on the roads are safe. Even the theory test and hazard perception test could put some of us through our paces.

There were some videos to watch on the day and they were straight to the point, and put any thoughts of further speeding to rest. Even a few miles over the 30mph could prove catastrophic.

Most people there thought that the most dangerous roads would be the motorways but they would be very much mistaken. It’s our normal urban 30mph roads that have the most horrendous statistics for accidents, injuries and fatalities!

So how much of the Highway Code could you remember? if you were asked would you know the relevant stopping distances?

Check out this video with Quentin Willson below to see that you are not alone. There are lots of us around who have been driving for many years and have fallen into all the same old bad habits.

Interactive test Web TV show with Quentin Willson

So how many of the signs would you have recognised?

It’s amazing isn’t it- actually how little we can remember!

So I would urge anyone who happens to get snapped on a speed camera to take the course instead of the points on their license. For me if I had taken the points I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. But after doing the course I have slowed down for the right reasons and I realise that even a few miles over the limit could mean fatalities and that I could not live with on my conscience……………………………..COULD YOU?

Mums half hour!

- TracyB 1 Comment
Mums Half Hour Episode Five: Join Us Live 
 Love it or hate it almost everyone has an opinion on breastfeeding! Did it work for you or did you feel a failure for either not giving it a go, or trying but being unsuccesful? Do you breastfeed in public?
 With kids comes exhaustion, we have all experienced that. Do you have a child with a sleep pattern from hell?
 Halloween- do you celebrate? Do you think it’s over rated? How do you keep your kids entertained over Halloween?
 
The panel discuss all of these issues on the show on friday 14th Oct @ 13.30
No one understands these issues more than our panel of mums for the next episode of Mums Half Hour. Joining us live and answering your questions, are Penny Jenner, Pamela Hey and Amber Spain. With half term looming, the panel will be discussing breastfeeding from pumps to positioning, how to tackle disruptive sleep patterns and sharing their own personal experiences and tips on what’s worked for them.
This webTV show will be live and interactive, with the panel taking your questions and thoughts so if you have something to say, they want to hear it!

Our panel join us live online at www.youtube.com/startriteshoes on Friday 14th October at 13.30 to discuss breastfeeding, and dealing with difficult sleeping patterns.
Don’t forget you can click on the link and submit your questions in order to be involved with the show
 
 

For another chance to win a year’s supply of Start-rite shoes, log onto www.youtube.com/startriteshoes and submit a question along with your contact details