Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It's Back to School We Go

Unfortunately (for some of us) it's time to dig out that school uniform and put away our stripes and sparkles :( But don't despair here at Sparkle & Spin we have some amazing rucksacks that will add a splash of colour to even the dullest school uniform!!

The Fjall Raven rucksacks are a piece of classic Swedish design and a perfect rucksack for the little ones to take to nursery, school and on outings. It has adjustable straps and is waterproof. Available in a variety of colours it is a great back to school gift!

Introducing Mini Rodini

We love adding new brands to the Sparkle & Spin wardrobe so... drum roll please.. let us introduce new for AW11 the cool cult Swedish brand Mini Rodini. Founded in 2006 by Swedish Illustrator Cassandra Rhodin, Mini Rodini brings us kids clothes that express creativity and humour and that you will want to out your little one in and your little on will love to wear.

Check them out and let us know what you think!

Here Come the Mums....... Zoe Fisher

Please say hello to the lovely Zoe Fisher. Mum to Olivia (6) and Tahlia (4), former advertising executive Zoe decided it was time for a lifestyle overhaul, and after experiencing the positive benefits of Pilates retrained as an instructor and now plans to help re educate our bodiesin the wonderful world of pilates. Check her out at Fisher Pilates.

1. Where do you look for inspiration?
Joseph Pilates parents were told their asthmatic sickly son would never live into adult life. As a result the put Jo out to play all day long whatever the weather (in those days it would have been more recommended to tuck him up tight and hide him from the light and possible germs outside). He became an expert in martial arts, dance and boxing, trained soldiers and was a popular model for anatomy manuals. In creating Pilates he preached that ‘physical fitness was the first requisite of happiness’. I’ve always been a sucker for a story of triumph against the odds and teaching Pilates has led me to some amazing individuals who have suffered real physical set-backs. It is always inspiring stuff.
2. Greatest influence? My family. When I was a young girl, my mother was incredible. She worked hard in the community for people who really needed a voice and I always new it was invaluable. There are many members of my family who work in this way and although we aren’t always connected, I truly admire and respect the work that they do. These core values have always impacted some of the most important decisions I’ve made.
3. What's on your wardrobe wishlist for your son/daughter this season? Dear Sparkle & Spin. I would love to find gorgeous black school shoes for my daughters that can withstand all weather, cope with gymnastics and tree climbing - and still look cool when in civilian clothes.
4. Name your favourite childrenswear designers. I love British brand ‘I Love Gorgeous’ for pretty party clothes and for basics I have always loved the Scandinavians – Plastisock Circus print always gets a thumbs up and I can spot it a mile away.
5. Name your and your child's most treasured possession. Blankies for them and for me, my engagement and wedding rings
6. Earliest childhood memory.
Happily tinkering in the garden on hot sunny days, mum in the kitchen singing loudly while cooking up a storm
7. Describe your perfect family weekend. I prefer not to plan too much but a good balance of exercise, socialising, and down time always makes those two days feel well lived. Some time out of the house with my other half is the cherry on the top.
8. Name the best kept secret in London. The Body Control Pilates Studio in Holborn has some of the best Pilates teachers you will find in London. A few sessions with any of them will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated.
9. Name your and your child's favourite bedtime story. I love the very old fashioned Dorothy Edwards stories ‘My Naughty Little Sister’. Both my girls love them and somehow we all relate…..
10. Do you Sparkle or Spin?
The last couple of years have definitely had me spinning but with a bit of a brand re-launch in the planning I’m nearly sparkling...

Why We ♥ Katvig

As some of you may or may not know one of our favourite brands here at Sparkle & Spin is the brilliant Katvig. There are so many reasons why you and your little one will fall in love with Katvig, here are our top 5:
1. Katvig are almost 100 % sustainable so you can be sure that the clothes your little ones wear work with the environment and not against it!

2. Katvig has worked hard to meet the tough Oeko-Tex Standard 100 proving that their clothes have been produced without any harmful chemicals meaning no need for pre washing.
3. Katvig uses the things we throw away to make super soft fabric that your little one will want to wear. Four plastic bottles can make 1 metre of fabric – I bet you didn't know that!
4. Katvig clothes are made by happy people who have good working conditions and salaries. So you can be sure that every Katvig product you buy has been sewn with a smile!
5.Despite all their eco credentials Katvig produces fun on trend clothing in a kaleidoscope of colours in simple practical designs that let the prints do the talking.
How can you not fall in love with Katvig too?!? Check them out!

I'll Tell You A Secret... Just Promise Not to Keep it ;)

Well things are changing here at Sparkle & Spin!! So we will be shutting up shop and going into hiding for the next few weeks while the shop gets a makeover and we prepare for the arrival of Sparkle & Spin's newest big bouncing bundle Snap!!

That's right we are expecting and we want you all to come along and meet Snap once we reopen in October. Snap is a new exciting photographic studio. With backgrounds in fashion, styling and photography the Snap team will work with you to produce fresh and creative shots of you and your family. Snap will also be offering the ultimate birthday party package for your tweens that want to get creative and have a taste of fashion photography and styling at it's best.

So there's our secret just promise you won't keep it, tell everyone everything and watch this space for updates from us very soon!

PLEASE NOTE: www.sparkleandspin.co.uk is alive and kicking and will be happy to serve you while we're away :)

Music to Our Ears (Almost!!)

When one of the scamps declared at the age of 4 she wanted to play the piano I was a bit stumped about what to do!! Fortunately we live in an area alive and kicking with activities for bump, babies and beyond and as soon as the words left my mouth I was helpfully directed to SE22 Piano School.

The brainchild of Lorraine Liyanage the piano school was started three years ago and now accommodates 60 pupils ranging from 3 to 60. The school has three teachers that specialise in teaching piano to different age ranges and abilities:

Rachel teaches the youngest beginners from age 3. She is currently training at The British Kodaly Academy in specialised music teaching methods for pre-school children.

Gabrielle teaches older beginners and adults in both classical and jazz piano. She also has an interest in teaching advanced level theory, grades 5 to 8.

Lorraine teaches classical piano to intermediate to advanced students and specialises in preparing students for entry to secondary schools on music scholarships. Lorraine has been playing the piano for 28 years now and teaches many different styles of music (we are waiting with baited breath for the day when the scamp can make it through Lady Gaga's Poker Face!!).

Despite being a bit of a sceptic and scared of being singled out as a pushy Mum we can't get enough of the lessons. DD1 is keen to show her skills off to the rest of the family and we can often be found grouped around the piano singing along (very slowly) to Mary had a Little Lamb!! It's music to our ears, well almost!

The piano school's Christmas concert will take place at St Gabriel's Church in Pimlico on Saturday 5th of November. Students are each invited to perform solo pieces to a large audience of friends and family. All prospective students are most welcome to attend just contact Lorraine for more information.

http://www.se22piano.co.uk/

Happy Holidays....

Here at Sparkle & Spin some of us have been taking a break. Stine is just back from her holiday in Turkey and she's been sharing with us tales of sun, sea and more. Check out her holiday snaps! Jealous??? We are!

Here Come the Mums..... Anne Marie Martin

1. Where do you look for inspiration?
When I get time I'll get a few magazines, Grazia etc and see what everyone's wearing
2. Greatest influence? I love Victoria Beckham's style is that embarrassing to admit? She is stylish now :)

3. What's on your wardrobe wish list for your son/daughter this season?

I love Stella's Mcartneys range for children and All Saints is always a hit for our son

4. Name your favourite childrens wear designers

All Saints and Stella Mcartney

5. Name your and your childs most treasured possession

He has some gorgeous hand knitted jumpers and cardigans by my mum!
6. Earliest childhood memory? Of meeting my brother when he was born (I am 3 1/2 yrs older)

7. Describe your perfect family weekend

Away near the coast

8. Name the best kept secret in London

I've heard there's a brand new children's hub of activities, shops and café opening in SE London, but shhhhhh

9. Name your and your childs favourite bedtime story

He loves the Spot books but also the Gruffalo, Stick man and Charlie Cook

10. Do you Sparkle or Spin?

In my line of work Im always spinning!!

Busy Bodies

So it's the school holidays and those six weeks stretch out ahead of us like a lifetime!! Well here at Sparkle & Spin HQ we have some great gifts and toys that will keep those little bodies busy!

Our fantastic wooden sword & shield sets and traditional bows and arrows are sure to spark the imagination and have the scamps charging round the garden.

For wet weather play we have great stamper sets that allow your little one to create their own magical fairy land and we all love this magnetic fishing game from Djeco perfect fun without the wet feet!

Yee Haa!!!! A Sparkle & Spin Production!

It was one of the Sparkle & Spin scamp's big day last week!! The Sparkle & Spin ladies saddled up and put together a good old Western bash with plenty of Yee Haas, a field of giddy ups and a sprinkling of 'taches!! Take a look......

Something for the Weekend... Lollibop Festival

A festival designed especially for the scamps... yes please!! This weekend sees Lollibop Festival camping out at Regent's Park, the three day festival offers all the thrills of a festival vibe but without the hassle of camping or long car journeys. Plus once you have paid your ticket price everything is FREE inside (apart from food, drinks and markets).

Featuring all your little one's favourites characters including Rastamouse, the ZingZillas, the Bopps and others, a beach disco, DJ sets from Dick and Dom and more, arts, crafts, science and dance workshops and competitions we think it's set to be one of the best days out this Summer :) www.lollibopfestival.com

We ♥ Present & Correct

We are very lucky here in leafy South London to have lots of lovely neighbours, at the top of our list of lovely folk are the brilliant boys over at Present & Correct.
Purveyors of gorgeous vintage stationary, handmade goods, vintage items and work by designers from all over the world the shop is just too good. Evolved from a love (verging on an obsession) of all things stationary, the lovely Neal and Mark set up Present & Correct in 2003 and have been busy sourcing beautifully designed objects ever since. The store now includes a range of their own P&C products (lots of which are on our Need list!), so go and take a look. We guarantee you'll find something that will brighten your desk and make you smile :)

Puzzling Puzzles

There has been plenty of head scrathcing and chin rubbing going on at the Sparkle & Spin HQ recently and it's all down to these great new puzzles that have arrived from French brand Djeco. There is something for everyone starting with block puzzles for the tinies up to 100 piece puzzlers for the older kids. We love the great illustrations and bright colours and of course there is no better feeling than when you slot that last piece into place!