A Breath of Fresh Air for the Eyes (and a free place in Leeds city centre for your baby to have a good ol’ crawl!) – Leeds Art Gallery

Remember that Spirograph you got for your 11^th birthday? I’m sure the artist will forgive me, but the current exhibition we took a day out to see last Saturday at Leeds Art Gallery by Australian artist - Nike Savvas: Liberty and Anarchy, was quite like that. In a nutshell, it consists of huge, psychedelic 3D shapes; think a magical family day out on acid minus the comedown (or illegal shenanigans). Crafted on wooden frames, each piece holds hundreds of individually placed, taut, plastic, brightly-coloured ribbons and wool. Every structure has been designed according to an exact mathematic formula. Quite remarkable really. A mixed bag of art and maths.

Most mums I have spoken with give me funny looks when they ask about my weekend and I tell them we took Esmé to a gallery; they have the impression of art being high-brow etc. But that’s a real shame and a loss to themselves and their children. We’ve taken Esmé to a fair few exhibitions now around Leeds, Manchester and Halifax, and she has loved every one of them; she really takes it all in. This exhibition is so accessible, a great entry point to those of the ‘What is art really?’ position. The structures are fun and playful and even if you aren’t interested in art on a deeper level (whatever that in itself means), you will see that they are a spa pampering day out for the eye, which alone makes them worth the visit.  Teenagers would also really enjoy this exhibition. It is very much one for all ages. Oh, and you do realise it is a free day out, right?

Esmé was mesmerised by each of the pieces and kept reaching her hand out saying “Dah, dah”, talking to them and smiling full of wonder the whole way around. Mounted on the walls are black and white high-contrast paintings which are really interesting for babies too, especially newborns, who respond best to black, white and red. It is a great way to visually stimulate them. There is a lot of space and light, which babies love. And the exhibition is short. There are only two rooms, which is just the right amount for them. You don’t want to over-do it.

Just to the left of the installation, there is a whole children’s exploration space. Babies and toddlers can have a good crawl around on the soft mat area and play with stickle bricks. Esmé spent a good 20 mins wrapping herself around the large jellyfish structure made from bright yellow ribbons hanging from the ceiling, which they can pull at and crawl through. There’s also a small model similar to the 3D exhibit with taut, coloured wool that they can push things through or stand up and pull on.

For the older toddlers and children, there’s a long workbench where they can respond to the art they’ve seen. Plenty of markers, good quality colouring pencils, wool and scissors are available for them to make their own mini installations or to just colour and explore. There are also mini exhibitions on display made by local school children such as art galleries made from shoe boxes and cellophane, and a very cute line of coloured strings and labels where they can leave their own messages for other children to find. Questions about the exhibition are on the walls to get them thinking a little more about what they have seen. There’s also a website where they can upload their art. Children love seeing themselves published. So if you have children of different ages, they can all be kept occupied at the same time. There’s also a baby change in this area - really handy.

Come to think of it, even if I haven’t persuaded you by now to venture to Leeds Art Gallery, and you want to stick to your staple shopping day out,  it’s still a great, free place to just come and let your baby/ toddler have a bit of a crawl around. Esmé always gets a bit tetchy if she is just carted around from shop to shop for the day and I am always saying that every city centre should have a free, soft play area to give them 30 mins break here and there. Well, here’s a solution. You could even take it in turns to shop. Most husbands would probably rather grab a take away coffee and sit here with their smart phone while the baby crawls around, rather than follow you around the clothes rails feigning interest in your new wardrobe.

It seems like I’m always including posts about coffee shops, but let’s face it, a latté is the one thing that keeps us connected to an ever-fainting memory of our adult selves. You’ll find the gallery’s café just at the entrance. It’s spacious with a side area to park up plenty of prams or you can even perch them with ease next to your table. Just sitting in the room itself is enough to make you feel inspired, with colourful tiles arching the ceiling, supported by impressive pillars. There is a nice selection of hot lunches and cakes and a decent range of herbal, leaf teas. I ordered a loose-leaf peppermint and when I dubiously only counted up £2 in coins, the waiter let me off the 40p I was short. He also heated up both Esmé’s lunch and her sippy cup of milk in the microwave. Not a lot of places will allow this due to health and safety. Often, they will just offer a cup of hot water to place them in but I find this never heats it up enough for Esmé and she refuses to eat/drink if it’s not warm enough, so this was a huge tick for me.

To the right of the coffee shop, there is also the Central Library. In there, you will find the children’s section. It’s not very big but it’s cute and cheerful and a nice way to wind down after the exhibition. I saw a sign for a Peter Rabbit storytelling week with guest readers and events such as plant your own cress to take home etc. So we will definitely be going back there (Esmé was knocked out in her pram by this stage)

The exhibition runs until 24^th February. So do try to make it and if you do, drop me a comment on how you/your children found it. If you can’t make it by then, there are plenty more exhibitions on the go throughout the year as well as the permanent ones. Enjoy. You can find the details on: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Leeds-Art-Gallery.aspx

A Hot Drink for Mum and a Play for Baby, all for Under £1 at Mega Play

I’ll be honest, there were plenty of days, especially when Esmé was younger, when I felt isolated as a first-time mother. With my family all living over the pond in Ireland and my extended family Macclesfield way, I didn’t have my mum or step mum to pop in to visit like most of my friends do. What made it even harder sometimes was when I’d phone home and my nephew, 6 weeks younger than Esmé, sister-in-law and my sister with her boys were all having coffees, chats and laughs in my mum’s kitchen. Even though I know a lot of people in Bradford, I’d find myself texting friends to arrange meet-ups only to find on many a day that they were all off doing other things. Bring out the violins.

Not that I’m one to wallow in self-pity. You always have to make the most of what you’ve got. Instead of looking at the clock – were there really 8 hours till John returned from work, was it really only 10am and 10 mins since the last time I checked? I got myself out there (I sound like a Gok Wan for mums) and decided I’d make some baby gym friends. Generally an outgoing person, I always chat to new mums when I go out and about. Having a baby is such an easy conversation starter. There are so many other mums on their own out there too who are delighted to have someone strike up a conversation with them. The babies are also more  than happy  to find a new little playmate rather than gawping at your Blue Peter face all day.

Mega Play is just off Thornton Road (behind Lidl and turn left in by Dilbag Cloth House). With plenty of free parking outside, it’s a huge warehouse building renovated into a play gym with lots of run around space. It only costs £1 for babies under 1 and mums/dads get a free hot drink with that. Or you can upgrade to a latté for 50p extra. A great alternative to a coffee shop, you can enjoy a cuppa and a chat in peace while your little one can crawl around. Everyone wins.

There is a separate soft play area for the under 4s including foam steps (where Esmé first learned to climb by herself), a wendy house and a mini slide. The main play area is bigger than any other I’ve been to in Bradford and babies are welcome there too. This is a huge plus for me as Emsé has often got a right lambasting from older children in play centres with tighter spaces. A firm favourite of Esmé’s is the ball pool. I’m sure I’ve lost her in there once or twice. She's had a go at the 4 lane astra slide and the spiral slide too. It’s also a good option if you have children of different ages. Lots of play gyms seem overcrowded and more geared towards toddlers whereas I’ve seen many a ten year old bashing around in here later in the day. An enclosed football and basketball area is a major pulling point for the older ones and there’s even a small go-karting section. Mainly I see the dads try to run their kids off the track on that one.

About 4 or 5 comfy 2-seater leather couches line the walls and there are plenty of highchairs and tables for having your lunch. The adults’ menu has some decent baguettes and sandwiches too – as far as play gyms go. Baby food is allowed and they will heat it up in the microwave, though other than that they are strict about bringing your own food in as they have their own ‘chef’. Wonder what training he underwent to produce those hash browns, mini pizzas and nuggets. Esmé has never eaten pureés, I’ve done lumpy food from the word go and the first time I went there, they wouldn’t allow me to feed her food I’d brought from home (cottage pie). My friend, however, had brought a jar, which they were happy to heat up. I tried to explain that I was doing baby-led weaning to the gormless teenage boy at the counter. He looked confused. My food wasn’t baby food because it didn’t come from a factory. So I got a fork, mashed it in front of his face into a dollop of beige and said, “There you go, now it’s baby food.” They’ve been happy to warm up my mush ever since.

The owner of the place is a good guy too. On a freezing December day, my car (an automatic) was stuck in park and wouldn’t budge. Back into the play gym I went playing the role of damsel with vulnerable, dependent other in distress. Out he came to the rescue. Turns out he was a mechanic for 14 years prior to opening up the centre. Within about 30 mins he had the problem solved and we were on our merry way again. Now ladies, don’t be going down there just to get your car fixed, a coffee and a free play for under a pound.

On the down side, because it’s so big, it can be cold from time to time. It’s also not as bright as other more primary-coloured gyms. I’ve had a few friends pooh-pooh the play gym because of the location. But I’ve never had a problem with that. I used to teach in the school right across the road and as far as I remember, I’ve never seen a flash of a knife or the polish of a barrel. And I would know. You can take the girl out of Limerick…www.megaplaycentre.com

My Toilet Brush Blender

John has decided that he wants to get more than 5 a day into his diet. He’s been saying it for a while but now that January is upon us, the motivation levels are still high. It can be hard to fit it in when you’re busy running around town. John doesn’t eat fruit at the best of times, other than bananas really. Not that he doesn’t like it, I think it is just an effort for him to remember to get it in. But every time we go to a shopping centre, he loves going for a smoothie, especially ones with peanut and muesli in them. An obvious solution then was that the best way to pack as much fruit and veg in is to make smoothies.

Problem- we are a bit low on cash at the moment and don’t want to fork out for a blender, so we decided to make our own homemade one. Off to Morrissons we went in search of fruit, veg, yoghurt, juice, muesli and something tall to blitz them in (we already have an Asda hand blender £4.79). Morrissons is the closest supermarket to us but it is a bit anemic in the kitchenware aisle. We couldn’t find anything there, when lo and behold, I got the brainwave to look in the bathroom section. Yes ladies, I managed to use my baby brain to find a toilet brush and holder that would make the perfect size receptacle for making smoothies in (minus the brush).

We picked up several boxes of frozen fruit as well as fresh fruit. It’s much cheaper and it is great for Esmé too. Just a handful, de-frosted for a few seconds in the microwave is a great addition to her morning porridge. It’s also handy when we are down to bare cupboard day and have no fresh fruit in the house. Frozen fruit and veg is much cheaper than fresh and is of them same if not better nutritional value, as it is frozen within hours of harnessing. Also for those of you still breastfeeding, it’s a great way to down those additional vitamins and minerals as the baby pinches a fair amount of your own. Okay Home Economics lesson over.

Off home we trotted with our spoils. The toilet brush holder is the perfect height to make smoothies, without a single drop of splash back and all for the princely sum of £3!  And the brush, well we threw that under the stairs; I’m sure it will come in handy at some point. Ever since, John’s been like a giddy scientist experimenting with all sorts of homemade smoothies. He’s even blending in veg with fruit while retaining the sweetness. We both feel a lot healthier and have more energy. And there you have it- £7.79, a blender on a budget.

A tip for you- always drink smoothies through a straw to avoid the acids in the fruit staining your sparklers!

Free Storytelling and Craft Activities at Shipley Library

So sad to read today's tweet about  Bradford Central Library in the T&A. I feel the need to fight on behalf of one of our other local libraries – Shipley Library, to avoid at all costs a repeat of such a rapid decline.

When I walk into most libraries these days, all I generally find is a hub of under 25s updating their Facebooks and a smattering of pensioners taking advantage of the free newspapers. I have to say if I didn’t have a toddler, I would have little reason to venture out to my local library either (I do most of my reading electronically or through Amazon) but this is only because there is never a Faber to be found.

Saying that, the children’s sections are definitely worth a weekly visit. When I was a little girl, we were taken religiously to the library to update our books. I still remember by detail some of the illustrations in my favourite ones. Everything about the library entranced me – the smell, the silence (in those days they didn’t let children natter quietly let alone have races from one shelf to the other, like I recently witnessed), the inky stamps and most memorably, the gentle librarians who knew me by name. Last month, I took Esmé to that very childhood library in Clonmel, Ireland and my favourite librarian was still there, filing away. I’m sure she wore the same knitted red cardigan. Now that’s dedication to a cause.

Shipley Library is one of Esmé’s current preferred haunts. We’ve been going there since she was 8 weeks’ old. Every Tuesday at 14:00 sharp, they run a free storytelling and craft time for under 5s. Josh and Tracey are the friendly librarians who run the sessions. They read 3 books between them while the children gather around them on a brightly coloured mat. Well, most children sit, Esmé’s gotten to that stage where she likes to wander off under chairs or tries to crawl up Josh’s legs in a bid to turn the pages for him. After the stories, the children sit around round tables and get to make a craft based on the story theme. Our playroom is now decorated by scaly fish, feathery peacocks, springing frogs…all made at Shipley Library.

The main reason we go back there is the friendliness of the librarians. When we arrive, Tracey always greets Esmé by name and stays behind after the craft has finished to play with the children, read them more stories and make the whole experience more than merely a book drop-off, pick-up exchange. The walls and windows are brightly decorated and the hard board books are within easy low-lying reach of the toddlers. Though I spend half my time re-stacking books Esmé and her little friends have made a game of pulling out of the boxes.

You might already be aware of this but throughout Bradford Council, you can return books at any library. So for instance, you might go to the session in Shipley, then return the books at the Bingley branch if that’s closer to home. You can take out up to 20 children’s books at a time and there are also no charges for late fees on children’s books – try not to abuse this system though, otherwise there will not be enough books to go around for those of us who want regular book changing!

The Bookstart Bear Club is another great initiative and well worth joining. Just sign up with proof of address and your child will get a little book of boxes to be stamped at each visit, one for taking out books and one for visiting the story session. When they collect a certain amount of stamps, they get a certificate and a free prize. We’ve gotten DVD vouchers and a free swimming pass so far. It’s a great way to keep the motivation and reward levels high.

What’s not to love? Your little one will not be disappointed by a trip to Shipley Library.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10138751.Massive_decline_in_visitors_at_Bradford_Central_Library/?ref=rss&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Thought About Your Little One's Rainy Days Yet? Why I Chose the Junior ISA

So Christmas has been and gone, our wallets are lonely and threadbare and probably the last thing on your mind is saving. But maybe it is worth a second thought….

After watching Super Scrimpers on Channel 4 a few months’ back (the half-German, post-war mentality from my mother has never left me), I decided to open a Junior ISA Savings’ Account for Esmé. We are living just within our means since my career move and I had never thought it possible to be able to save much, if at all, in our current situation. At the back of my mind however, I knew it was something I wanted to start as early on as possible. Watching the show gave me the kick-start to realise that even putting in £2.50 per week (the price of a latte) would mount up to a nice little sum by her 18^th birthday – she would have £2,340 plus interest (interest rates vary from bank to bank so it’s worth shopping around).

Another factor you may not have thought about is your extended family. When christenings, birthdays and Christmas come around, your child probably ends up with a barrage of plastic that inevitably ends up battery-less in the bottom of the toy box. Grandparents would much rather see their money well spent, and what better option that to offer them an alternative gift idea that will mount up steadily over the years and help with future study, housing or wedding costs.

We set up a Junior ISA for Esmé around the time of her baby dedication ceremony and a tidy sum soon found its way into her account. All those £20s and £50s from relatives over the years and occasions soon add up. And until children are of school going age, they don’t need all those brand new toys etc. They are just as happy with hand me downs and charity shop products wrapped up in shiny paper. Just give them a quick rub in diluted disinfectant and they are as good as new. I’ve picked up lots of beautifully crafted items that have obviously come from good homes in my local shops. It seems ridiculous to waste money when you can kit out the playroom for a fraction of the cost. Plus the hunt and conquering of the bargain leaves you with a glorious, guilt-free smug feeling.

The difference between Junior ISAs and regular savings accounts is that the money is locked in until your child’s 18^th birthday. And when they hit the milestone, only they can withdraw the cash. This is one of the major attractions for me. It means that when the family budget tightens up at any point before Esmé’s 18^th, we will never be tempted to nip into the savings account to ‘borrow’ money for bills or otherwise, that realistically may never see their royal faces back in again. It also puts family at ease of mind, because let’s be honest, they are probably thinking the same thing themselves about me even though they may never say!

You might already know this but the Junior ISAs are a replacement for Child Trust Funds which were eligible for children born before 2^nd Jan 2011. No tax is paid on any interest received up to £3,600 per annum (if your little one is fortunate enough to come from a large, Roman Catholic Irish extended family). You can opt for a regular account or, if you have a gambling streak running through you - a stocks and shares one where your money is invested and you don’t pay tax on any capital growth or dividends gained.  There is also the option to have both.

I know that you might be thinking: “Well what do I do when I have my 2^nd, 3^rd child? If I do this for one, I have to do it for them all.” That’s crossed my mind too. But I think even if it’s just £2 per child per week, I could probably manage that (and forego my artisan lattes, though probably wouldn’t have the time for such luxuries by then so not much of a loss anyway). Something is better than nothing and remember there is the family too who want to help out with bits when they can.

So, as you are poking your post-Christmas wobble in the mirror and looking askance at those dusty trainers in the bottom of the wardrobe, maybe you might consider a different type of New Year’s resolution this year on behalf of the tiny person in your house – one that you might be more likely to keep.