CELEBS’ HAND ME DOWNS UP FOR GRABS ON E-BAY CHARITY AUCTION!
JOHNSON'S® Baby is to launch its first Celebrity Hand-Me-Down charity auction from the 23rd-30th May, giving real mums the chance to own baby items used by celebrity mums like Melanie C and Edith Bowman!

JOHNSON'S® Baby understands and cherishes the magical moments between parents and their babies, and the auction will give real mums the chance to share in the magical moments celebrities have spent with their children, by bidding for some of their prized possessions. Experts in baby skincare for over 100 years, and committed to the healthy development and well-being of babies, the company is holding the auction to raise money for TOMMY’S, the baby charity.

JOHNSON'S® Baby surveyed real mums to find out their most magical moments and the results reveal that:
· 57% of mums and their newborns shared their first magical moment when they touched for the first time, whilst 19% of mums said it was the first time their baby smiled at them

· Mornings (49%) and bedtimes (19%) are key times for these magical moments

· Bathtime (21%), cuddles (33%) and singing and reading (31%) are the magic moments mums say their baby enjoys the most

· When asked how these special moments with their baby make them feel, mums have described feeling ‘ in awe’, ‘overwhelmed’, ‘blessed’ and ’euphoric’, with one mum simply saying she felt ‘just so happy, content and proud’

As part of the auction, mums will be able to bid on celebrity inspired packages including a baby bath from Geri Halliwell and a blanket from Melanie C, whilst Edith Bowman has decided to pamper a new mum with a hamper of goodies. Mums will also have the chance to bid on items donated by Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tamzin Outhwaite, Natasha Hamilton and Holly Willoughby.

Discussing the auction, Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of TOMMY’S, said “We’re delighted to be working with JOHNSON'S® Baby on the Celebrity Hand Me Down charity auction. As a charity, TOMMY’S relies on donations to continue its vital research into pregnancy complications, and to provide information for parents-to-be. The money raised via the celebrity auction will allow us to continue helping women to experience the magic of motherhood, whilst giving real mums a once in a lifetime opportunity to own their own piece of celebrity magic.”

To be in with the chance of winning one of these exclusive and sentimental items the charity auction will run from 7:00pm on 23rd May 2010 until 7:00pm on 30th May 2010 at http://www.ebay.co.uk/johnsonsbaby

Minimum Time, Maximum Results: To celebrate 20 years of success, Elemis takes its awardwinning products to the people with the “Treatments on Tour” SpaBus, whilst also raising essential money to help vulnerable children through Mothers4Children Charity.

Setting off on a 20th anniversary nationwide tour in May 2010, the Elemis SpaBus is an eye catching royal blue customised London bus that proudly bears the Elemis 20th anniversary livery and is flying the Union Flag. With beautiful spa interiors on both the Lower and Top Deck, Elemis welcomes you on-board for MAXIMUM RESULTS in MINIMUM TIME.

Elemis has created five unique and luxurious 15 minute facial and body spatherapies to choose from for just £10, each is performed by one of the professional ‘Elemis Angels’ either on an Intelligent Massage or Spot-On Shiatsu chair whilst you’re fully clothed for instant relaxation and rejuvenation.

Elemis aim to raise well over £50,000 for the Mothers4Children charity. This will be achieved from the £1 donation from each treatment and £1 from each skincare kit sold. With a target of seeing over 30,000 people during the campaign and perform one hundred therapies per day. Treatments on Tour The UK tour is growing day by day with the bus stopping at some amazing UK events, including Wireless Festival*, Polo In The Park, Marylebone Summer Fayre, Clothes Show Live and Cartier Polo*. In addition the bus will visit some of the leading UK Shopping Centres, Corporate Headquarters and Spas, plus many other high-profile fashion, lifestyle, sporting and community events. *Details are being finalised and will be updated online at www.elemis.com and on Twitter @ElemisSpaBus

Skincare and Body Re-Fuelling On entrance to the Lower Deck, the fully trained ‘Elemis Angels’ will carry out each spa-therapy so you’re in professional hands. Take a seat and put your hand out for a mini Exotic Hand & Arm Massage, attend a beauty workshop and have a 1-2-1 professional lifestyle and skincare consultations. There will also be chances to win Elemis’ prizes!

Head upstairs onto the Top Deck where the SpaPod treatment area contains two Intelligent Massage chairs and two spot-on Shiatsu Chair. You can choose from a Skin Booster Facial, Chill-Out Shoulder and Scalp Massage, Exotic Hand & Arm Massage, Sole Rescue Foot Treatment or Re-Charge Power Back Massage. Each therapy is 15 minutes of pure bliss to take you on a relaxation and rejuvenation journey - all guaranteed to relieve aches, pains and leave you radiant with a bounce in your step.

Buy on-board in the Spa-Store and raise money for charity... Elemis has created a selection of Union Flag print canvas cross-body bags, available to buy on the Elemis SpaBus or online at www.timetospa.co.uk from May until October 2010 for £15 with £1 from each donated to Mothers4Children. Face & Body Starter Kit for her is packed with a mix of good travel sizes including Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash 50ml, Exotic Frangipani Bath & Shower Cream 50ml and there’s also Elemis’ new Eau de Parfum 4ml. Time For Men Starter Kit for him is a packed with Daily Moisture Boost 20ml, Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml, Energising Skin Scrub 20ml and Skin Soothe Shave Gel 30ml for a refreshed face and body everyday! Festival Survival Kit for him or her in a choice of pink or navy bag is filled with essential travel size products and sachets including Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml, Pro-Collagen Hand & Nail Cream 20ml, Exotic Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Wash 50ml, Eau De Parfum 4ml plus toner wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask and more - everything to keep you festival-chic and help give you a little beauty sleep! All Kits RRP £15 with £1 from each sale donate to Mothers4Children charity

Follow the Elemis SpaBus online... From May you can follow the ‘Elemis SpaBus’ on Twitter @ElemisSpaBus and you check the schedule at www.elemis.com/BreakingNews/SpaBusDetails

NEW FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE FROM PAPILLON SHOES FOR CHILDREN MARYLEBONE LANE, W1 -

May 2010: Papillon Shoes for Children (www.papillon4children.com) announces the opening of its new flagship store. Located at 98 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QA, the children’s shoe boutique houses the full Papillon collection for both boys and girls and the launch of its new summer range.

At over 1,230 sq ft, the boutique will offer guests a unique shopping experience for children in a relaxed environment – fun cartoons will be projected on to the wall, games will be offered to keep little ones amused – and showcase the entire exciting range of shoes suitable for every occasion – parties, weddings, school, babies first shoes and stylish seasonal collections.

Run by the three partners, Nicole Robinson, Maggie Snouck and Felicia Brocklebank, Papillon Shoes for Children was born out of the desire to create better and more stylish shoes for children – all tried and tested on their own children. Designed in-house and on trend, the shoes are all made from the highest quality materials and finest workmanship in Europe.

Maggie Snouck from Papillon Shoes for Children says: “It’s a very exciting time for us. We are thrilled to be opening our flagship boutique and we’re proud that we have created a very special space in which to show our entire collection. We feel that the boutique completely epitomises what the brand is about – it’s fun, classical, stylish – all rolled into one. We hope that we have created a fun shopping experience for both children and parents alike and they enjoy visiting the boutique as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

As well as offering superior shoes for children, Papillon Shoes for Children (whose first boutique can be found at 43 Elizabeth Street London SW1) prides itself on its specialist foot knowledge and takes ‘foot health’ seriously. The team is expert in the bone structure and requirements for healthy foot development and all children are professionally fitted. Parents are welcome to come into a Papillon boutique at any point for a free check and to ensure shoes are well fitted at all times. Sizes start at 22 (UK 4) up to a size 41 (UK 7) with prices starting from £35 for baby shoes and from £49 for children’s shoes.

For further information on Papillon Shoes for Children and the collection, please visit: www.papillon4children.com

DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK SUPPORTS OUR ARMED FORCES
Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire is supporting our armed forces by offering all serving military personnel and their families discounted entry on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th June.

As part of the Armed Forces’ Day celebrations, the award-winning theme park will open its gates to serving members of the army, navy and air force, along with their families, for just £17 per person.

To receive this discount, a valid military identifaction card must be presented when purchasing tickets on the day of the visit. This will allow a maximum of four people per ID card to receive the discount.

Coling Bryan, managing director, Drayton Manor Theme Park comments: “We’re extremely proud to be able to show our appreciation and support of our armed forces during this special weekend. The men and women who make up the armed forces community do a tremendous job and deserve our respect. We’re delighted to be able to offer our token of gratitude and welcome servicemen and women as well as their families.”

Home to some of the biggest, wettest, and scariest rides around, Europe’s first and only Thomas Land™ attraction, and a 15-acre zoo, Drayton Manor Theme Park has something to suit everyone.

For full details about opening times, or more information about the park visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the 24-hour information line on 0844 472 1950. Drayton Manor Theme Park is on Twitter www.twitter.com/Draytonmanor and Facebook www.facebook.com/Draytonmanor for regular updates and news.

BEN 10 FEVER GRIPS THE LOWRY OUTLET MALL
Alien Force fever is set to take over the Lowry Outlet Mall as Cartoon Network star Ben 10’s alter ego Humungousaur pays a visit on Saturday 22 May.

Humungousaur headlines the Lowry Outlet Mall’s Ben 10 event and will be appearing at various intervals throughout the day between 11am and 4pm.

The mighty Humungousaur’s heroic role as Ben 10’s alter ego in the hugely popular TV show sees him changing shape and size to overwhelm his enemies and take battle to a whole new level.

What’s more you could be in with a chance of winning a Ben 10 goody bag packed with colouring sets, activity books, toys, socks and lots, lots more! All you need to do is bring a picture that you have drawn, of Ben 10, to the Mall. Hand the picture in at the information desk with your name, age and phone number on the back, your picture will then be judged and a winner picked from the entries! *

The Lowry Outlet Mall has everything for a family day out all under one roof, offering free entertainment and events all year round, an on site cinema, restaurants and stores offering up to 60% off RRP all year round.

For more information please visit http://www.lowryoutletmall.com or follow us on http://twitter.com/lowryoutletmall

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S MAY BANK HOLIDAY FUN!

With a long weekend around the corner, it’s time to organise a fun way to enjoy the extra day off. Northamptonshire hosts some great Bank Holiday fun in a county that boasts beautiful countryside, exciting adrenaline activities, gorgeous historic houses and gardens and great hospitality.

To plan a Bank Holiday trip visit www.britainonshow.co.uk.
Here’s our pick of some great things to do this Bank Holiday in Northamptonshire...

Family Holiday Monday at Sulgrave Manor - Kids can dress up as Tudors, take a special tour and discover how the Washington children lived and played at the Manor in the 16th century. Meet Mr Washington and write with quills, handle some unusual objects and even pose with sword in hand! A great family day out. For more information on Sulgrave Manor and trips to Northamptonshire visit: http://www.britainonshow.co.uk/

Crick Boat Show on The Grand Union Canal at Crick on the 29 – 31 May. The premier inland waterways show which has more than just boats - it offers an action packed, great value, family day out - as well as a chance to discover the magic of the waterways and get out onto the water!

Festival of Country Life - This country life event is set in the parkland of Lamport Hall from 29 - 31 May from 10am - 5pm. Traditional crafts demonstrated include cane restoration, chair making and willow basket making. Lots for kids, including free Punch and Judy shows and children's longbow workshops.

Boughton House Gardens - open for visitors daily except for Saturday noon - 5pm. Often described as the ‘British Versailles’ this house has a Grade 1 listed park surrounding the main house, with avenues of lime trees and carefully tended lawns – a real garden spectacle! Landscape and Garden Tours available.

Open 10 Alfred East Gallery – until 19 June and open to all artists. An outstanding display of work by artists in the region, including paintings, prints, drawings, photography and sculpture by established and emerging artists from the local area.

Antiques & Collectors Weekend at Deene Park - on 29 - 31 May, Open Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 9am - 4.30pm, Mon 9am - 5pm. 150 stands in marquees and outside pitches.

The Ideal Shoe –Featuring work boots, school shoes and sports trainers, this exhibition looks at the design and technology involved in making a shoe 'ideal' at Northampton Museum until 13 June from 10am-5pm Tues - Sat, 2pm-5pm Sundays.

Cottesbrooke Village Gardens - On Sunday 30 May the gardens will be open in the village of Cottesbrooke from 2 - 5.30pm. Cream teas and plants for sale. Entrance fee is £3 and all proceeds are in aid of All Saints Church, Cottesbrooke.

For more information on trips to Northamptonshire visit: www.britainonshow.co.uk.

MAKE A BREAK FOR CARMARTHENSHIRE THIS HALF TERM
- Keep the kids entertained with duckling days, rambling and more –
Take the kids on a trip to Carmarthenshire this half term for a whole raft of events designed to entertain and delight the whole family. From a festival of walks and Duckling Days for wildlife lovers to a night of super sleuthing in honour of Sherlock Holmes, there’s something for everyone, no matter how old or young. And with special offers and late availability at some of the region’s finest resting places, a half term trip to Carmarthenshire is affordable fun too.

The events

Hike through the hills at the Llanelli Festival of Walks - 28 - 31 May

What: Take the whole family on an amble through the Welsh countryside with the Llanelli Ramblers who organise this Spring Bank Holiday festival that attracts hundreds. There are 18 different walks and a variety of coast and countryside routes to choose from, taking walkers into Brecon Beacons National Park, the Gower Peninsula, along Millennium Coastal Path, past Bronze Age circles, Roman camps, Norman castles and even into Dylan Thomas country.

Where: Those taking part in walks using the train should meet at Llanelli Station. All other walks start from the Selwyn Samuel Centre/Leisure Centre Car Park, Llanelli. All departure times can be found on the website.

Cost: £15 per adult (for one walk a day), children coming with their parents are half price

For more info: http://www.llanelliramblers.org.uk/

Have a ‘quacking’ time at the National Wetland Centre’s Duckling Days - 29 May - 6 June

What: For one week only each year the National Wetland Centre Wales offers visitors the chance to get up close to their ducklings during a special tour of the hatchery and duckery. This year, the Duckling Days fall over half term giving you the perfect opportunity to introduce your little darlings to some sweet little ducklings. Daily tours take place at 12pm, 2pm & 3pm and last approximately 45 minutes.
Where: Stretching over 450 acres on the Burry Inlet, the National Wetland Centre Wales in Llanelli is magnificent mosaic of lakes, pools and lagoons and home to countless wild species from dragonflies and little egrets to over 600 of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos.
Cost: £7.75 for adults, £4.25 for children aged 4-16 years, £21.60 for families (2 adults & 2 children, 4-16 years) and free for children under 4.
For more info: http://www.wwt.org.uk

Beach Huts of the future at the Oriel Myrddin Gallery – Until 3 July

What: An international exhibition of over 60 Beach Hut models designed by artists and architects, which creatively re-imagine the British beach hut for the first time in three hundred years - there’s even one that looks like a giant cheese!

Where: Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen, 10.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Saturday.

Cost: Free entry

For more info: http://www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk

Solve a mystery or two with Sherlock Holmes - 31 May - 4 June

What: Mystery and intrigue abound in Newton House as Dinefwr Park and Castle opens its doors to an evening of Victorian drama. Bring the family (and your wits) for a glimpse into the past as the School of Theatre and Performance at Trinity University College bring the famous sleuth to life. Will you be able to solve the mysteries in time? Can you outwit the greatest detective of them all - Sherlock Holmes!?
Where: Dinefwr Park and Castle, 6.30 pm – 8.30pm daily
Cost: £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)
For more info: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

‘Quack Pac’, magic and music at the National Botanic Garden of Wales - 29 - 31 May

What: Enjoy magic, music and madness at this three day Bank holiday celebration in the grounds of Wales’ most loved gardens. Watch in wonder as the ‘Quack Pac’ demonstrate their duck herding skills, shepherding ducks through tunnels, over hurdles and even down a slide into a pond much to the delight of kids (and big kids too!). Marvel at the magic shows complete with fire juggling and balloon modelling and get a little bit crafty at the three day arts and crafts fair with demonstrations for the whole family to enjoy.

Where: National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, 10.00am – 6.00pm daily
Cost: Entry costs £8.00 for adults, £6.50 for OAPs and £4.00 for Children (5-16). Under 5s enter free and family tickets (for 2 Adults and up to 4 children) are also available for £19.50.
For more info: http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk

Let off some steam on an old fashioned train ride - 30 &31 May

What: Overlooking the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay, Pembrey Country Park’s Cefn Sidan beach is recognised as one of Europe’s finest with eight miles of pristine sands. There are also numerous adrenalin thrills on offer from a 130 metre dry ski slope, the longest toboggan run in Wales and Go Ape tree courses to death slides, Zorbing and horse riding on the beach. And over the bank holiday weekend, you can also have some good old fashioned fun as the Train Club takes over the park’s miniature railway to run steam train rides.
Where: Pembrey Country Park
Cost: £1.50 adults, £1.00 Children
For more info: www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk <http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk>

Where to stay

Horsey mini-break – save 10%
What: Take a midweek mini break at Five Saints Riding Centre in the Cothi Valley, Carmarthenshire and save 10% - the perfect half-term getaway for equine enthusiasts. The horsey holiday includes three nights B&B and 2 full day rides down forestry tracks and across mountain moors.
Where: Five Saints Riding Centre, Gilfach Farm, Pumsaint, nr.Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Cost: From £239 per person, based on four sharing (saving 10%)
More info: http://www.fivesaints.com

A county cottage and menagerie of animals in the Welsh hills – plus bring your own pets too

What: Swallow Cottage at Cwmdwyfran Farm is surrounded by peaceful countryside, a small bluebell woodland and luscious views over the Gwilli Valley. The farm is home to a menagerie or animals great for the kids to enjoy - a donkey called Percy, two goats, some ducks, cats, the family Labradors and a growing collection of horses and ponies – without forgetting there’s space to bring along your family pet too. The cottage is kitted out with everything a family could need - an open plan kitchen, dining and living area and French doors leading out onto a balcony and private deck.
Where: Cwmdwyfran Farm Holiday Cottages, Cwmdwyfran, Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthenshire
Cost: Swallow View Cottage costs £495 for 7 nights starting from 29 May (sleeps 4)
For more info: http://www.cwmdwyfran.co.uk

Budget B&B for the seriously potty

What: Siramikis a delightful B&B come pottery studio where visitors can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Brechfa Forest – great for walking and biking – or get their creative juices flowing with a session on the potters wheel. All bookings made in May will receive a 10% discount.
Where: Siramik, Lanclynadda, Alltwalis, Carmarthen
Cost: From £32 per person per night (saving 10%) included breakfast
More info: http://www.siramik.co.uk

Cottage comforts in Wales’ loveliest valley – 20% discount

What: Maerdy Holiday Cottages, close to the boutique town of Llandelio, was once the home farm of the historic Robert Peel Estate and now houses five delicious holiday cottages overlooking peaceful pastureland. Walks straight from the cottage doors provide bounties in abundance for country lovers, bird watchers and serious hikers alike and at 20% off over half term it’s seriously good value.
Where: Maerdy Cottages, Taliaris, Nr.Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Cost: Dan Y Cefn, sleeps 6, and is available for £540 for a week starting 28 May – saving £135. Quore FREDA for the discount.
More info: http://www.maerdyholidaycottages.co.uk

Stay at the B&B with the best breakfast in Wales - free garden entry included

What: Allt y Golou’s claim to fame is its award for the ‘Best Farmhouse Breakfast in Wales’. Worth a stay just to try out the delicious freshly baked bread, farmhouse eggs and local trimmings. But that’s not all, if you book a three night stay in this idyllic farmhouse they’ll throw in free entry to either Aberglasney Gardens or the Botanic Gardens of Wales which are both close by.
Where: Allt y Golau Uchaf, Felingwm Uchaf, Carmarthenshire Cost: From £195 for a three nights stay, based on two sharing

For more info: http://www.alltygolau.com


A retreat for ramblers in Brecon Beacons National Park

What: Ramblers retreat at Rhiw Ddu (meaning Black Hill due to the Black Mountain location) is a bijoux barn conversion in the Brecon Beacons National Park – a perfect spot to blow away those cobwebs and get a taste of the great outdoors , with walking, cycling, biking and canoeing available on the doorstep. Plus book before the end of June and save 10%.
Where: Rhiw Ddu, Gwynfe, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire
Cost: Rambler’s Retreat sleeps 4 and costs £473 for a7 night stay starting 28 May (saving £52).

For more info: http://www.rhiwddu.com

For more information about Carmarthenshire visit http://www.discovercarmarthen.com or call 01267 221901

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