Recent Articles

Little Women - Film Review (in: Cinema/theatre/TV)
Dec 30, 2019

Greta Gerwig's film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Little Women, is a triumph and a delight to watch, writes Anne Coates.

Black Beauty at The Purcell Room (in: Cinema/theatre/TV)
Dec 19, 2019

Black Beauty, presented by Red Bridge Arts and Traverse Theatre Company is one of the funniest family shows I've seen. If you are near London this is a must-see, writes Anne Coates.

Waltham Abbey Marriott Spa (in: Stressbusters)
Dec 18, 2019

To celebrate my friend's birthday I took her to Waltham Abbey Marriott Spa. Here are our thoughts.

Shea Moisture Black Soap & Bamboo Charcoal Purification Masque (in: Looking good, feeling great)
Dec 17, 2019

Bestselling and award-winning haircare brand, SheaMoisture, have unveiled an exciting new line to the UK- their iconic African Black Soap & Bamboo Charcoal Haircare Collection. Anne Coates put their African Black Soap & Bamboo Charcoal Purification Masque to the test. 

Best Christmas Gifts for a New Mum (in: Products & equipment)
Dec 16, 2019

If you’re visiting a first-time mum this Christmas, you’re probably wondering what to give them and choosing the perfect present can be hard. Becoming a first time mum is both emotional and exhausting so gifting them with anything to make their life easier is ideal. ‘Mums’-to-be’ naturally prepare well for the big day especially with the nine month build up and advice from their midwives, family and friends urges them to buy the important components to starting a family. However, some of the smaller things may be forgotten, so with that in mind nursery retailer Kiddies Kingdom have put together a Mini Christmas Gift Guide to help you choose a thoughtful present any new mum would love to receive.

Babybjörn Baby Carrier One (in: Products & equipment)
Dec 13, 2019

The Babybjörn Baby Carrier One has a number of handy features, including ergonomic support for developing hips and adjustable straps so that parents can share the load. Victoria Watson loved it.

How to safeguard your student studying abroad (in: Safety)
Dec 12, 2019

So, you have saved the money necessary for your child’s college education throughout the years, and your son or daughter has studied diligently for this opportunity. Now that the date is almost here for your precious child to leave home and go to university for a higher education from a prestigious institution such as the Universidade de Lisboa, the question is, have you covered all the basics to ensure your child’s safety abroad? asks Emily Roberts. 

Free See & Eat eBooks (in: Books for parents)
Dec 11, 2019

Seeing images of vegetables can boost children’s intake – new eBooks have been launched to encourage children to eat their greens. A variety of new resources, based on the evidence that children who are exposed to pictures of vegetables are more likely to eat them, have been launched as part of the See & Eat project, an initiative funded by European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food, led by Professor Carmel Houston-Price at the University of Reading and supported by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

The Taylor Turbochaser by David Badiel (in: Books: children & YA)
Dec 10, 2019

The Taylor Turbochaser by David Badiel and illustrated by Steven Lenton reviewed by Anne Coates.

TRU – Café With Attitude (in: Child-friendly restaurants)
Dec 9, 2019

London’s high street café scene has just been elevated with a game-changing new feel-good food and specialty coffee concept. TRU which has opened its first location on Chancery Lane, London has been designed with health and wellbeing in mind. Its relaxed café and high-quality menu are the perfect antidote to stressful living and poor-quality food and coffee currently available on the high street. TRU has been made for people who believe in better when it comes to food, coffee and experience. TRU is tastier, healthier and faster. 

Lunii's My Fabulous Storyteller (in: Games & toys)
Dec 6, 2019

Lunii has created a publishing house for children and it is unlike any other: paperless and screen-free. Available in nine languages, the start-up’s family favourite ‘My Fabulous Storyteller’ is available now in the United Kingdom and Ireland, stimulating children’s imagination and creativity and encouraging them away from screens. 

Embryolisse Anti-Aging (in: Looking good, feeling great)
Dec 5, 2019

Embryolisse Anti-Aging cream tried and tested by Anne Coates.