Friday 15 June 2012

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Idea


My boys give daddy a picture book for Father's Day
It's always a successful gift! Children can choose the book. They get excited giving it. It's a thoughtful gift. Picture books don't cost the earth and are read all year round. Bed time is extra special! 

Here are a few of EastKentMum's recommendations.


My Dad by Anthony Browne


This is a real winner by Kent’s very own author/illustrator Anthony Browne. Wonderfully detailed and amusing illustrations demonstrating that dad really can do anything. He is as wise as an owl and as daft as a brush. He's fantastic at football and as soft as a teddy bear. Ahh!



What Does Daddy Do? 

by Rachel Bright

One dad is a teacher, another dad is a fireman …  but what does Daisy’s daddy do? Lots of comedy moments offering an insight into a child’s imagination (e.g. Daddy’s boss is a dragon so he must fight dragons!). But of course the most important job of all is that he’s Daisy’s daddy! 

No mums in this book so works well for single dads too.


Spot Loves His Dad 
by Eric Hill

Spot is always a winner with little ones! A lovely bedtime story involving dad and Spot doing lots of activities together: playing football in the park, eating ice cream at the seaside and sharing a bedtime story. 

No mums so works for single dads too. 


We’re Going On a Bear Hunt 
by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

This is a classic involving a mum, dad and their three children. Every child will want to go on a bear hunt after reading this one. I bet many a dad will want to pretend to be a bear and chase their little one around the room after reading it too!



Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born 
by Jamie Lee-Curtis Illustrated by Laura Cornell

This is a heart-warming story for parents to share with their adopted son or daughter. It is sensitively written and unique in its delivery. 


“Tell me again about the night I was born. Tell me again how you would adopt me and be my parents. Tell me again about the first time you held me in your arms.”


Guess How Much I Love You 
by Sam McBratney Illustrated by Anita Jeram

This is a heart-warming story. Many a Dad will be told he is loved to the moon and back after this story!

Tuesday 12 June 2012

East Kent Mum visits Margate and hears what Mary Portas has to say

Latest News on Mary Portas in Margate

It was a great event and inspiring as I'm in the process of creating a business plan and investigating funding to start up a relevant business there. Plans for for what I want the business to be are currently secret but more to come on that over the coming weeks.

I was delighted that it was made easy for me to attend by choosing an event that the whole family could go to so I didn't feel awkward or need to arrange childcare support. This is something which is key to my philosophy in setting up a new business.

Why is Margate involved?

"Margate has been chosen as one of the first 12 towns in the UK to become one of the so-called Portas Pilot Towns. It will receive £100k of government money."

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Queen-shops-Mary-Portas-Margate-today-public/story-16346436-detail/story.html 

It was encouraging to see a reasonably good turnout and to feel a buzz about the place. I put my name down at various stands in the hope that someone will be in touch shortly.

The local Town Crier called for everyone to post their ideas on Post-It notes at the back of the old shop. Some great ideas there so let's see what happens.

Concerns about the project already being reported


Some local people and businesses are allegedly voicing their concern over the contracts imposed on them by the television company creating a documentary with Mary Portas. 

This issue wasn't raised by anyone I spoke to at the event. My experience so far has been positive, open and supportive. 

However, it is wise to be aware. Read the following to find out more on the issue:
http://www.retail-week.com/property/mary-portas-high-street-review/retail-disquiet-over-portas-tv-show-grows-as-gagging-clause-imposed/5037549.article?blocktitle=Most-commented&contentID=-1

East Kent Mum makes new friends

I managed to make lots of new contacts and promised Lynda and Steve from Never Mind the Cupcakes that I would mention them in my blog. I look forward to getting to know Lynda and Steve over the coming months and sample some of their magic Margate cake creations! 


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Mind-the-Cupcakes/142535269206336