Gifts for the Bouncing Baby

So many people I know are expecting a baby or have recently had that little bundle of joy arrive. With this in mind, my blog this week is dedicated to buying a special gift for the new arrival or the mum to be.

The Paddington Bear range from Spode

I've been given a sneaky peak at a new collection that will hit the shelves in June; Britain’s most iconic bear is bringing breakfast to life with two new tableware ranges in association with British ceramic giant, Spode.    

The Nursery collection has been designed for the youngest members of the family, to introduce them to one of the most loved children’s characters of all time.  The collection shows the little bear at Paddington station or enjoying marmalade sandwiches.  Wonderful finishing touches are Paddington’s paw prints and excerpts from the famous books on individual pieces.  

The presentation of cream and duck egg blue is perfect for both boys and girls.  Children of all ages will love the double handled mug (£10), porringer (£13), mug (shown left, £8) and moneybox (£12) plus there are a number of special gift sets that are going to make Christmas, Birthday and Christening shopping a breeze; double handled mug and porringer (£21.50), mug and snack plate (£21), mug and bowl set (£20) and mug, bowl and plate (£28).

The Paddington Nursery collection will be cherished and passed down through marmalade loving generations.

Paddington has been enthralling children ever since arriving at Paddington Station from Darkest Peru in 1958, with just his old hat, battered suitcase, duffle coat and love of marmalade sandwiches.  Now thanks to Spode, a whole new generation of fans can enjoy the national treasure that is Paddington Bear.

For customer information, please visit www.spode.co.uk or call 01782 743 456. 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar tableware range

This spring spare a thought for caterpillars as they trawl the garden for food, as portrayed in Bed time favourite The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Whilst they are a nuisance in the garden, their images are a treat for children and adults at meal times. The very hungry caterpillar range by Portmeirion depicts adorable images from the Children’s classic on host of products, from tableware to gifts, which are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, even if their real counterparts don’t. The products are very affordable Egg Cup (£7.75) Cookie Jar (£21) and double handled mug (£10)

Mamas and Papas

The Mamas and Papas website offers some great ideas for gifts for the new baby http://www.mamasandpapas.com/cat/gifts-books/ 

Something that caught my eye on there was the Barnaby Button range for cots and beds. This item provides padding around the cot or on the headboard, so that the little one doesn’t bump their head against the head of their cot bed. Kids will just love snuggling up to this “bumper” and therefore enjoy a better night’s sleep.

This is a fantastic value item, lovely and thick, beautifully made, and gorgeous. Such a cute bear theme, the product is well-cushioned, and is easy to take care of.

Check out the online shop to view this range – You’ll love it!

Finally don’t forget the mum to be

When considering a gift, don’t forget the mum to be. Recently I purchased some Molton Brown bath and shower gel. There are several fragrances to choose from,  I selected the Yuan zhi relaxing shower gel,  an intensely moisturising bathing therapy to relax the body and mind, and body lotion as well.  Yuan zhi is a wild plant from southern China, used traditionally to balance energies and calm the spirit. My gifts were really appreciated.

I hope you enjoyed reading this weeks blog and found my recomendations useful.

Until the next blog then......

Jack

Royal Wedding Memorabilia

A big hello to all my readers,

We are only one week away from the Royal Wedding, and living in London there is an excitement in readiness for William and Kate’s big day. The city streets are adorned with bunting and the Union Jack is flying high.

It was a beautiful sunny day in the Capital yesterday, and I took the opportunity to have a stroll down the Mall.  The majesty and splendour of Buckingham Palace approached by the Mall decorated with the Union Flag hanging from every lamp post, the wonderful architecture leading to the Palace and seeing the well kept Royal Parks with their beautiful flower displays either side of the Mall all added to creating the right atmosphere for us Brits to feel proud and patriotic.  

Will and Kate’s wedding has given me the inspiration for this weeks Blog, and I wanted to share with you some memorabilia that is available on the High Street that you may wish to collect, as a souvenir of when our future King of England married his beautiful wife Kate.

Royal Worcester has produced a commerative collection featuring a specially commissioned portrait of the couple on a selection of products including a Coupe Plate, Mug, Teacup & Saucer as well as giftware including a Hinged Box and Vase.

The design also features the symbols of the countries within the United Kingdom; the English Rose, the Irish Shamrock, the Scottish Thistle and the Welsh Daffodil.  Unrivalled in its quality, the collection is crafted from fine bone china and finished in 22 carat gold making it a must for serious collectors and those wishing to enjoy this momentous occasion alike.

Prices for the collection start at £15 for a mug. For stockist details please call Royal Worcester on 01782 743 456.

John Lewis have some great fun products that are available to mark the big day, here are two products that caught my eye. Collecting memborbilia doesn't mean that you have to purchase traditional items, there is a great choice avaialable at the moment, I particulary love the plates below:

Join the auction - To mark Will and Kate’s big day, House to Home asked nine top designers to create a one-off commemorative plate. Bid in the auction with all proceeds going to Shelter. For your chance to own one of these unique designs, email your closed bid to livingetcplates@ipcmedia.com Put your chosen designer in the subject line. Bidding ends at midnight on 29 April 2011. Winning bidders will be notified shortly afterwards and will need to pay via a PayPal account. To view the plates click on the following hyperlink http://www.housetohome.co.uk/product-idea/picture/bid-for-livingetc-s-unique-royal-wedding-plates/1
My favourite out of the nine designs is the one designed by Lee Broom.

Visit the The Royal collection shop is fabulous way to buy Royal Memorabilia on line allowing you to browse from the comfort of your home the official Royal Memorabilia collection. Click on hyperlink to access the site http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/

Finally, a tip from me - why not go and buy a post card, with a picture of the happy couple, obtain a Royal wedding stamp and post it on the day of the Royal wedding, it will then be post marked by the post office on the day which will make it a collectors item in years to come.

I hope you enjoyed reading this week’s blog. Until the next blog then……

Jack

Spruce up your home for spring.

Spring time is with us again and Easter is just around the corner.

I love this time of year, seeing the daffodils and the tulips bloom cheers the heart and can make the dullest day seem bright.

In the spring I get an inbuilt motivation to sort out those cupboards, declutter and then get into the shops to purchase some lovely new products, filling the space I have just created.

In Jack’s Nic Nacks this week I have selected some new lines that are out there in the high street, which I intend to go out and purchase for my home, but equally they could make a great Easter gift.


John Lewis, never cease to amaze me with the their choice of products. They have some great affordable Easter gifts in stock at the moment. I've Selected a couple below:




£24 Hotel Chocolate thick chocolate egg

 

Meri Meri Cup Cake holder £9



John Lewis chick egg cups £4 each

 

Easter Things to make and do £9

Easter Dining

I think Easter time is an excellent opportunity to gather the family together for an afternoon treat, and there's something exciting about creating your own table. You don't necessarily need a coordinated dinner service. I've often used a "mix & match" method where you can utilise what you already have, adding those extra Easter touches. Which makes your dinner table your very own unique creation. Below are some designs from Portmeirion, a great British brand that are available on the High Street at the moment."Instead of flowers, create a centre-piece out of fruit or nuts or chocolate: things you can eat after the meal." 

Secret Garden by Portmeirion for John Lewis

 

Sophie Conran White for Portmeirion avaiable from John Lewis



Botanic Garden by Portmeirion available from John Lewis

Here is a personal favourite of mine and a sneak preview of Diane Von Furstenberg's glamorous new tableware which will be available from Selfridges in the near future.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s blog. Next week; I will be giving my recommendations on purchasing Royal Wedding Commemorative items as a reminder of Will and Kate’s big day.

Until the next blog then………….

Jack

 
















Jack's Nic Nacks - Jamie at Home Party

The other day my partner and I had some friends round to our London flat and we hosted a Jamie at home party. Jamie Oliver in collaboration with talented designers and artisans from around the world has created a collection of exclusive household products that are both affordable and very stylish.

If you’re old enough like me to remember in the 60's and 70's when Tupperware was all the rage and people held Tupperware parties, the principle of having a Jamie at Home party is pretty much the same. A Jamie at Home consultant attends your home, as the host you invite friends and neighbours into your home to see the product line and you are rewarded based on the level of sales made at your party. The Jamie at Home Consultant will be there every step of the way to talk you and your guests through the latest collections.

Hosting a Party is easy and lots of fun! Enjoy a unique get together; invite friends and family to browse the fabulous new Jamie Products from the spring range.  There is such a wide range of products to choose from which you can view in the on line spring range catalogue by clicking on the following hyperlink http://www.jamieathome.com/jme-collection.html

I have posted to this blog some of my personal favourites from the Jamie Collection, I particulary love the luna range which I purchased at my party (see the 2nd picture below). I hope these pictures will inspire you to browse the Spring Catalogue further. If after reading my Blog your inspired to have a Jamie at Home party, Simply call the Jamie at Home team on 0844 871 2010 to book your party.

Until the next blog.......

Fondest Wishes

Jack

Mothers Day

Jacks Nic Nacks aims to suggest to you items for your house and home, and gifts for those special occasions throughout the year.

In this first blog, with mothers day only just around the corner, here are a few affordable ideas for £20 or less that your mom and your pocket will adore.

Oil Cloth Shopper for £20 from John Lewis

Practical, but jovial oil cloth shopper bag, featuring Rob Ryan's delightul 'this bell will ring' design.
Highly acclaimed, London based British visual artist Rob Ryan is at the forefront of papercutting and screen-printed visual art. The 'cutting edge', you could say! Having collaborated with the likes of Paul Smith, Vogue and Fortnum & Mason whilst his artwork adorns novels, pop albums and more, the hugely creative Ryan has found time to create these wonderful, whimsical and honest decorative items for your enjoyment; inspired by his painstakingly hand-cut designs.

Cath Kidson kitchen notes from John Lewis - Only £8.00

Featuring one of Cath Kidston's unique floral signature prints, this handy magnetic notepad will not only brighten up your fridge, it will help you keep your home in order!
Easily re-filled with any standard size memo pad, this delightful package features a matching pencil and pencil holder as well as two labelled notepads.

John Lewis Grey Smoky Glass Photo Frames from £13 to £20

Elegant Art Deco-style photo frames, made from double-bevelled smoky glass.

Flutters & Fancies Tea Set £17.50 from John Lewis

Clever, all in one cup, saucer & tea pot set. Made from porcelain and decorated with pretty cakes in a vintage style

Emma Bridgewater Recipe Journal £12.80 from House of Fraser

This beautiful journal will be a real treat for moms who adore time in the Kitchen.

Stamp Collection first class mom mug from House of Fraser £7.20

Next Months Blogg

Next Month Jacks Nic Nacks will give you some ideas for Easter Gifts that dont involve chocolet and putting on the pounds. Until then............

Jack x