Celebrate National Insect Week with the National History Museum Shop

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National Insect Week (20th to 26th of June 2016) will be officially launched at BUGS exhibit ZSL London Zoo on Monday, 20th of June, 2016. Every 2 years, the Entomological Society holds a National Insect Week, to inspire people of ages to learn about insects.

Find an event in your area by clicking here.

The National History Museum Shop is offering a delightful range of insect themed toys in honour of National Insect Week which all inspire a love and respect of insects.  Our panel of budding young entomologists had the opportunity to test out two of the products:

Bug Safari £12.00

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For the buddying mini naturalist in your life, look no further than the Bug Safari.

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This kit comes complete with equipment designed by naturalist Nick Baker and includes a field lens, bug tongs, magnifying pot, tweezer, a paint brush and a graticule. A child can easily access each of the equipment as it is designed with a child in mind. An adult may need to assist with the oversize bug tongs as they may be difficult to some children to operate. The magnifying pot is a good size to ensure that most insects can be studied well.

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In addition, a detailed guide is included which explains how to use each tool as well as a fact filled guide of common insects that you and your child are likely to encounter throughout the UK. The guide provides the location of the insects, the best time of year to find them, their food source as well as any special safety warnings.

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The guide encourages children to seek out insects for further study and at the same time to be very gentle with each creature to ensure that no creature is harmed during the inspection period.

Armed with this guide and the included equipment, along with an adult for supervision, your child will be inspired and ready to explore the world of insects.

This kit is suitable for children ages 5 years and up, under the supervision of an adult.

To purchase, please visit:

www.nhmshop.co.uk/bug-safari.html

 

Creepy Crawly Torch and Projector £7.00

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Bedtime routines for nature lovers will no longer be boring with the introduction of the Creepy Crawly Torch and Projector. This compact and innovative torch and projector comes complete with 24 insert disks which when inserted projects illuminated insect images up to 1 metre in width, encouraging visual learning. 24 insects will mesmorise your child from spiders, a butterfly, a ladybird, a praying mantis and many many more! Perfect for a child who loves nature and insects! A silver chain keeps the torch chained to clothing to ensure that the torch doesn’t get misplaced. This product comes complete with replaceable batteries. Our 5 year old tester was immediately drawn to this product and from the moment his mom showed him how to use it, he was smitten! He carries this torch and projector around with him at all times and can’t wait for bedtime to explore the insect projections. Highly recommended.

To purchase, please visit:

www.nhmshop.co.uk/torch-and-projector-creepy-crawly-nhm.html

 

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To see the full range of items available from the National History Museum, please click here.

All sales support the Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

Merrell All Out Charge

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All Out Charge

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Product Description:

Charge on the trail with this running shoe that cinches to your foot to become a cradle of stability and agility to tackle tricky terrain. Feel secure with the upper’s specialized 360º fit that moulds to your foot. Impact-responsive Unifly™ cushioning underfoot gives you sensitivity and connection to the ground for better control, while offering a protective buffer to smooth out pointy rocks and roots.

UPPER / LINING
• Mesh upper
• Reflective details for increased visibility in low light
• Removable footbed treated with M Select™ FRESH shoe odour control
• HyperWrap 360 Degrees Fit System locks the foot in place to enhance natural stability and agility

MIDSOLE / OUTSOLE
• 6mm Drop / 20mm Cush / 27mm Stack Height
• Moulded nylon arch shank
• UniFly™ midsole connects you to the trail, protects you from the terrain
• 5mm Lugs depth
• M Select™ GRIP tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it
• Vegan friendly footwear

Women’s Sizes: 3.5-8.5
Women’s Weight: 241g (1/2 pair)

Technology:

  • Merrell select grip with versatile outsoles for slip resistance on wet and dry terrain

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User Review:

We all know how important exercising is for our health and well-being. Merrell has a full line of shoes and clothing to support an active lifestyle. It is so important to invest in good quality shoes that will carry you through your active lifestyle. Merrell has recently launched the All Out Charge which we are reviewing today. The All Out Charge is available in 6 beautifully vivid colours. The first thing that you will notice is how lightweight the shoe is yet it doesn’t fall short on quality. This is the ideal shoe to pack when you are travelling as it won’t take up much weight. We were impressed with the outsoles which allowed us to access both wet and dry terrain safely without the fear of slipping. The UniFly cushioning underfoot helps to minimise the rougher terrain beneath your shoe and helps to give you a smoother run. Above all, the superior comfort of this shoe will have you keep reaching for the All Out Charge time and time again. Merrell M-Select Fresh insole to keep your shoes odor free and ensure the longevity of the shoe.  HyperWrap 360 degree system locks the foot in place and this will help to prevent injuries and discomfort. Please note that this style runs wide and it will suit runners with a wider foot. Overall, the All Out Charge is a fantastic running shoe. Highly recommended.

 

PURCHASING:

To find a store near you, please click here

To see the full range from Merrell please click here.

Eco-shopping with Value Valet

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Canada’s premier online health and beauty store!

Value Valet is a division of Value Drug Mart Associates Ltd.—a name many consumers and businesses have come to trust to provide exceptional service and outstanding value since 1978. Value Valet is an Edmonton-based company, 100% Canadian-owned, founded on the principles of strong independent ownership and outstanding community spirit.

“For years, the people behind Value Valet have been in the business of delivering value—sourcing the right products, getting the best brands at competitive prices, and developing a streamlined distribution network that is accurate, timely, and responsive. Our 85,000-square-foot Distribution Center is continually replenished with what our customers are looking for and regularly updated with products that meet every individual’s needs. In short, we know service and we know value. And now we’re giving you the keys to roam our aisles.”

Nothing beats the convenience of being able to shop from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Value Valet offers a full range of products for the entire family; with an increasing focus on eco-friendly items: from Health and Wellness, Personal & Beauty, Baby & Kids through to Grocery as well as many other categories.

A member of our panel had the opportunity to experience shopping online first hand from the Value Value Website. The well designed website made navigation quick and effortless. The well defined categories enabled our tester to browse through the entire range of products and with the additional assistance of the search bar, was able to find what she needed.

The chosen items were delivered promptly and a day ahead of schedule and our tester was very satisfied with her online shopping experience.

Here are our top eco-friendly picks which are available from Value Valet:

 

For Baby

487314ALEVA NATURALS Baby Calendula Skin Remedy 50 ml

 

487371ALEVA NATURALS Sleep Easy Baby Wash 240 ml

 

483370FARM BUDDIES Organic Plush Toy Pirate Pig

 

483479FARM BUDDIES Organic Teething Rattle Boxer the Dog

 

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DIMPLESKINS NATURALS Sweet Cheeks Body Balm 30 g

 

52530DIMPLESKINS NATURALS Boo Boo Goo Cuts and Scrapes Salve 30 g

 

For Mama

 

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 DivaCup Model 1

 

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Healthy Food

541698CANADA HEMP FOODS Organic Hemp Protein Powder 454g

 

blueberryTASTE OF NATURE Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields Organic Food Bar 40 g

 

chaiTAZO Tea Organic Chai 24

 

 

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

483180SPOONK Acupuncture Massage Organic Hemp Mat

 

491993ISOLAR BACKUP Battery Charger

 

568238GREENCASE Ipad Case

 

To view the full range of products, please visit the Value Valet Website.

 

All images copyrighted Value Valet.

Fulton Umbrella & Rainwear Accessories Top Picks Winter 2014

 

 

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Founded in 1956 by engineer and inventor Arnold Fulton in a small factory in London, Fulton has grown to become the largest supplier of umbrellas and rainwear accessories in the UK today.

Quality, technical innovation and fashion design are at the heart of Fulton ideology and they use only the highest quality materials and exacting engineering standards before we hand-finish every product.

Their long-standing British heritage and quality design have been recognised across the world and they are honoured to hold a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty The Queen, and previously to Her Majesty The Queen Mother.

Their in-house fashion design studio and technical research department ensure that Fulton continues to lead the industry, brightening up the dullest of days.

 

Kensington-2 Porcelain Blue £20.00

 

Tiny – 2 Country Garden £19.00

 

Open & Close 101 Folding Umbrella RRP £20.00

Open & Close 101 Folding Umbrella

Strength and convenience combined in an automatic ultra flat design

– Flat compact case designed for easy fit
– Opens and closes easily at the press of a button
– Offers substantial cover for a compact umbrella
– Flexible frame to enhance wind resistance
– Convenient ultra flat design
– Umbrella measures 23cm long when closed, 97cm when open

After going through so many flimsy umbrellas which were destroyed after a single use in stormy weather, we decided to find a high quality folding umbrella which could withstand harsh weather. We found it in the Open & Close Folding Umbrella which is designed to be strong and flexible against the elements. Store in your hand bag so that you are one step ahead of the unpredictable UK weather.

 

Showermac £25.00

 

Showermac – stay dry in style with this fashionable, lightweight and compact mac from Fulton.

– Showerproof
– High performance soft feel fabric
– Tailored fit with tie belt
– Detachable hood
– Folds into handy compact bag

This feminine showermac is our top pick for rainwear for 2014. Keep your showermac stashed compactly in your bag so that you are always ready when the rain comes pouring down. Also available in black.

PURCHASING

Shop online from the comfort of your home and or contact Fulton to find a retailer in your area.

To see the full collection, please visit Fulton.

 

All images copyrighted Fulton.

NEW Bumbleride Indie 4

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Bumbleride Indie 4Indie 4 is an all terrain stroller designed to bridge the gap between urban errands and off-road adventures while adapting to babies at any stage. Infants will be able to face parents with the included Bassinet while the roomy, forward-facing seat allows older children to ride comfortably.
FEATURES:
  •     Four, off-road ready air filled tires in city friendly sizes.
  •     An all wheel suspension perfect for all terrain versatility.
  •     A compact space-saving standing fold and new auto locks.
  •     Adjustable handle, large easy-access storage basket and eco-conscious fabrics.
  •     Retail $599.99 with included Bassinet.
Indie 4 offers peak performance no matter where life’s path takes you
Available Spring 2014

 

For further information, please visit www.Bumbleride.com

 

All images copyrighted Bumbleride.

Ingrid & Isabel’s Bellaband

 

Ingrid & Isabel was founded by Ingrid Carney. When Ingrid was pregnant with her first child back in 2001, she had a fashion crisis one morning when her belly had popped overnight and she was no longer able to button up her pants. This crisis was the inspiration for the development of the Bellaband.

The Bellaband is a stretchy band with seamless construction which you wear over your unzipped or unbuttoned pants to keep them secure against your body allowing you to still wear them. This versatile band is a “must have” in your pregnancy wardrobe and can be worn throughout the pregnancy and postpartum/nursing stages.

When you are in your early pregnancy and your non maternity pants are no longer fitting, simply grab your BellaBand and pull it over your unzipped or unbuttoned pants. This will allow you to wear your non-maternity pants longer. By folding over the Bellaband, you will have an additional layer to effectively conceal your button/zipper. The Bellaband is also wonderful for concealing your bump which peeks out from your non maternity tops which are getting shorter and shorter. The Bellaband is designed in such a way that it will appear as if you are wearing a tank under your tops with a layering effect. The Bellaband will enable you to have a far greater choice of styles to wear during your pregnancy, without the huge investment.

The Bellaband will allow you to continue wearing your pre-pregnancy pants during your pregnancy

 

Folded over for extra coverage

As you progress in your pregnancy and you start to purchase maternity apparel, you may find that your new maternity pants are too big. The Bellaband will prevent your pants from slipping down below your belly, allowing you to wear your maternity clothes sooner. Worn as one layer, the Bellaband is also useful for smoothing out your belly, allowing you to wear fitted maternity tops. After baby is here, you may find that your maternity clothes are too big and your non-maternity pants are too small. The Bellaband will once again come in handy as it will keep your maternity pants in place and also allow you to wear your non-maternity pants unbuttoned or unzipped. For nursing moms, the Bellaband can be worn higher up to cover your tummy while you are nursing, thus allowing your to wear your nursing bra with any style top, with the addition of the Bellaband underneath.

Wear the Bellaband throughout pregnancy and post partum

 

New Bellaband Lace updated design

Bellaband Lace now featuring a stay-put silicone strip.

The new improved Bellaband Lace (as well as the Everyday) features a stay-put silicone strip for more hold and added length for extra coverage.  The silicone strip really helps the band adhere to your pants, preventing the band from riding/rolling up your pants.

Stay-put silicone strip

The longer length is wonderful for those with a long torso and also gives you more versatility when wearing your Bellaband, especially as your belly gets larger and also for the post-partum period. We love the feminine lace which looks gorgeous under any top! A Bellaband that is both stylish and functional – simply genius! Available in black or white.

Bellaband Organic (Original Design)

Eco-moms to be will love the Bellaband Organic. This version is made from 95% organic cotton is a wonderful choice in the warmer seasons. The super soft organic cotton feels wonderful against your body and is ideal for those with sensitive skins. The Bellaband Organic is the original style Bellaband and does not feature the silicone strip. Available in white and sand.

Bellaband Organic

 

PURCHASING

Shop the Ingrid & Isabel online boutique or find a store in your area.

 

For additional information please visit www.IngridandIsabel.com

 

All images copyrighted Ingrid & Isabel.

Zulily – Daily bargains for the entire family

Many of the products that we review in our publication can be found on clearance at Zulily.com

Daily deals are posted and there is always a fantastic selection of products for the entire family each day. You pay a shipping fee on the first product that you purchase and after your purchase, you will receive free shipping on all your remaining purchases for that day. Please keep in mind that when you select the free shipping option, your order will typically take a few weeks to arrive. If you are not in a great hurry, this website may be a great fit for you. Consider ordering for the coming season and anticipate the needs of your family. Please read all the terms on their website before purchasing.

Zulily ships to over 100 countries worldwide! See what great offers are available right now on Zulily.com

Happy Shopping!

 

 

 

Zulily

 

 

iHerb.com Vitamins, Supplements and Natural Health Products $5 – $10 off your first order

Established in 1996, iHerb.com offers discounted prices on over 600 well known brands and over 17.000 health products. From Supplements to Bath & Beauty Products, from to Sports Products, iHerb.com offers a full range of products to support optimal health. These products are offered at terrific prices and are conveniently delivered to your home. iHerb.com stocks many of the items that we have reviewed including Hemp Protein Powder, Health Food Bars and Superfoods. The website is very easy to navigate; simply type in the name of the product that you are searching for and the results will be displayed in categories for you to select further. Customers can rate their experience with the product and product reviews are displayed, which can be helpful to shoppers.

iHerb.com operates out of an Environmentally-friendly, 360,000 sq. ft. commercial building in Morena Valley, California, USA. Their walk-in refrigerator/freezer for temperature sensitive items ensures that your health products are safely stored, preserving their integrity. Our staff members have been customers of iHerb.com for many years now and have experienced outstanding customer service. Shipping is speedy, the products arrive in great condition and have long expiration dates and best of all, the prices are great.

PURCHASING

Shop for health products from the convenience of your home. iHerb.com ships internationally (selected products) so now everyone can take advantage of the great deals.

BARGAIN ALERT

Save $5- $10 on your first order (first time customers)

Coupon Code: ZIP733

To your Health!

 

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Belly Bandit™ Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap

Postpartum abdominal wrapping has been around for centuries and many cultures around the world continue to partake in this practice. Until recently, it was not widely performed in the USA, but thanks to companies like the Belly Bandit, postpartum belly wrapping has become simple and yes, even stylish.

You are probably wondering what on earth all this belly wrapping is about? Applying an abdominal compression garment to your mid section, after you have given birth, can assist you in helping you gain your pre-pregnancy figure faster. In addition, postpartum wraps may help reduce the swelling of the uterus, decrease bloating caused by water retention, support your legs & back and provide additional comfort and support for breastfeeding moms. An abdominal support garment is often recommend to moms who use a front carrier to carry their baby, especially where a diastasis has been diagnosed. The traditional abdominal compression garments used around the world take the form of a long piece of fabric which is cumbersome, difficult to put on and take off and can be very uncomfortable in warm weather. The fabric will often look very bulky under clothing. Most of the modern postpartum wraps on the market are poorly made, poorly designed and feature fabrics that are very uncomfortable to wear, often not allowing your skin to breathe. In comes the Belly Bandit™ to the rescue, with their line of beautiful and high quality postpartum belly wraps which are doctor recommended. For more info check out “what makes us so special.”

Belly Bandit™ offers 3 collections:

*Belly Bandit™ Couture featuring gorgeous designs

*Belly Bandit™ Original featuring black and neutrals

*Bamboo Belly™ Bandit featuring Oeko-Tex certified Bamboo fabric

We receive samples of the Bamboo Belly Bandit™ to test. The Bamboo fabric has passed the Oeko-Tex Std, meaning that the fabric has been tested to ensure that it is free from harmful substances. Bamboo is the ideal choice of fabric for a garment such as a postpartum belly wrap. Bamboo fabric is soft to the touch, has moisture wicking properties, is anti-microbial and is very durable. The bamboo belly bandit™ is proudly made here in the USA and the quality of this garment is superb. The designers have mom’s comfort in mind with features such as a tagless design, a well tailored shape for maximum comfort and five inches of adjustability to stay snug as you shrink. The belly bandit™ is available in various sizes and arrives beautifully packaged. The belly bandit™ comes with an informative insert with clear instructions and additional useful hints and suggestions.

We enlisted the help of 3 moms (who had recently given birth) to try the Belly Bandit™ for a period of 6 weeks.

Trisha age 25, first pregnancy:

“As thrilled as I was when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child, I secretly was dreading the expanding belly and extra pounds and my thoughts soon raced to the postpartum period. Most of my friends had given birth to their first baby and I had seen their postpartum bodies and I admit that I was afraid! I didn’t want to be stuck in maternity clothing well after I had given birth (as they had) and be asked when was my baby due! At the same time, I wasn’t prepared to go on a diet or take on a strict workout schedule because I knew that it wouldn’t be healthy or practical with a newborn. I was really excited to test out the belly bandit. I was impressed that they offer a Bamboo version, since I am trying really hard to live a green lifestyle. The belly bandit is super easy to put on. I love the natural cream color and I find the fabric to be super soft. It is very well made and I was so impressed that it is made in the USA and not in some factory in China. Usually, I have a difficult time finding clothes that fit me since I am 5″3 with a short torso. The dimensions of the Belly Bandit did not overwhelm my body and fit me perfectly. My husband commented that I looked more svelte underneath clothing which gave me that extra boost of confidence that all new moms need. I wore the belly bandit for 6 weeks and each week I could fasten the belly bandit tighter and tighter to my sheer delight! I really loved being able to see how my tummy was shrinking! I am extremely impressed with my 6 week tummy, and so are my family and friends. I will definitely be recommending this product to every pregnant mama for their postpartum period. Thank you for helping new moms get back to shape simply, without starvation or crazy workouts.”

Gloria, age 28, 2nd pregnancy:

“I am originally from West Africa. In my culture, postpartum belly wrapping is normal and I was really shocked that Americans weren’t familiar with it. Belly wrapping has so many benefits, besides the obvious aesthetics and helps a women make a smooth and quick recovery from childbirth. I grew up watching family members bind each others abdominal areas following birth. After the birth of my first baby, my mother and sister flew into to help out and insisted that they would bind me up. They used a long piece of fabric and it took forever to bind me up. It was summer and I was dealing with all this extra fabric, plus my wackly postpartum thermostat. The minute they returned home, I pulled it off and didn’t go near it again. I was so happy to have found a modern alternative that was far more comfortable, looked attractive yet provided the same level of support. I didn’t overheat during the summer while wearing the bamboo belly bandit and I was truly thankful for the beautiful bamboo fabric! I am a strong babywearing advocate and I am carrying my newborn baby in a sling, as I did with my first. With the Belly Bandit, my back feels very supported and the wrap allows me to carry my baby in a sling for longer periods of time. I will continue to wear the Belly Bandit for back support while I babywear!”

Jessica, 3rd pregnancy age 35:

“I hadn’t heard of an abdominal compression garment for the postpartum period before and I was intrigued! Since I have been pregnant 3 times, my body has gone through its share of expansions. I was seriously prepared to wear my maternity clothes until 6 months postpartum, as I had done after my first and second pregnancies. Juggling 2 kids and a newborn while managing a household would mean that I would have even less time to workout and cook really healthy meals. I couldn’t wait to open up the package and try on the belly bandit. I wasn’t familiar with bamboo fabric and loved how it felt against my skin. No-one could tell that I was wearing it underneath my clothes, although people did comment on how fabulous I was looking. When I took it off to wash it, I realized just how supportive it was, and how it really minimized my lower back pain. I would recommend buying 2 so that you have one to wash and one to wear. The results? After 6 weeks of wearing it regularly, my tummy was significantly smaller after this 3rd pregnancy than it was with the 1st and 2nd. This is a tough accomplishment and I am sold! I only wish that I had used the Belly Bandit with my first 2 pregnancies. I have never been so happy to box up the maternity wear and gift it to a friend of mine. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to any new mom, regardless of how many pregnancies that they have had. Thank you!”

The Belly Bandit website is well designed and easy to explore. A good place to start is the FAQ section. Find a store in your area that carries this product here or shop the online store here.

*Although Belly wrapping has had a long standing history of safely, please consult your health care professional prior to use. Not for use during pregnancy!

Earth Day 2014

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Today is Earth Day! The focus for this year is on Green Cities. Learn more about the campaign here.

 

Take action to create sustainable cities and join a global movement

 

Learn more here

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