New Year resolutions social media and Channel 4

We all enter a new year armed with various resolutions; get a better job, eat healthier, give up smoking etc, but in reality sticking to these can be an absolute nightmare. In a recent poll held for Channel 4, it was revealed that 95% of us make a new years resolution, and whilst saving money and getting fit are the most popular, over 50% abandon their resolution after only a month.

More than 50% of those surveyed said that sharing a resolution with other was motivating, so those 95% who made one should be interested in the new Channel 4 initiative that uses the power of both peer support and social media to help people to achieve their resolutions.

New Year Revolution http://revolution.channel4.com/ is a 31-day challenge that features fun and provocative daily missions from Channel 4’s new TV presenters including and the trainers at Fat Fighters. The public can choose from 3 New Year revolutions: ‘get fit’, ‘save money’ and ‘try something new’, then every day for the 31 days of January a specific mission is set by the relevant TV presenter, e.g. Mrs Moneypenny from Supercrimpers if you choose the ‘save money’ revolution.

The public will be able to follow their progress as each daily mission completed will end up on a personalised online ‘Wall of Achievement’. There is potential for internet stardom too as some users will be featured on the New Year Revolution homepage if they are the first to complete a revolution or upload great content.

The challenge is fully integrated into Twitter and Facebook which allows your social networks to see what you’re up to and offer encouragement. Users will be encouraged with videos clips from each presenter and will be able to tweet and post a message on Facebook about their completed mission, as well as uploading clips to YouTube.

Celebrity New Year Resolutions

Kourtney Kardashian

“To push the limits a little more when it comes to fashion design.” Her personal — and perhaps more challenging — goal: “Be nicer to Scott!”

Rizzle Kicks

“Stop being a prick”

Kelly Osbourne

“Every year I’ve had a New Year’s resolution, I haven’t stuck to it. I’d say, ‘I’m not going to eat this’ — or ‘I’m going I’m going to be vegetarian.’ Then it was vegan, and that made me sick! For me it’s about staying positive and focusing on the now and not the past. You can’t change what happened — I try to take a lesson learned and turn it into a positive.”

Natasha Bedingfield

“I’m very excited because I’m hopefully going to get my driver’s license — that’s been a resolution every year! So finally this is the year, and for my birthday I’m getting a car!”

Jessica Biel

The New Year’s Eve star admits, “I’d like to learn another language. But I say that every year — I’ve said that for about 12 years now!”

Delta Goodrem

“I am really looking forward to the next year. [I want] good health and happiness, and enjoy playing music and being around my friends.”

Related posts:

1. Parents New Year’s resolutions Many parents often make New Year’s resolutions but most find...
2. Obesity is now serious issue for final year primary school children New figures from the NHS Information Centre have revealed that...
3. The Baby Show 2011 – 4 venues this year The UK’s biggest baby show will once again returning this...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

There are plenty of shows for adults to enjoy in the West End, with a wide range of plays on offer, but what about the kids? What shows can the children enjoy so that they can witness the magic of the West End from an early age? With Christmas around the corner it’s time to look at the range of children’s shows that are lined up for the season, which prove that the West End has something for all the family.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without The Gruffalo and the show is set to returns to the capital once again this year, giving theatre tickets-holders a chance to witness Mouse as he concocts the story of the Gruffalo and then finds himself face to face with his ‘creation’. This year there’s also The Sooty Christmas Show at the Garrick Theatre, in addition to Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure and the usual classics like The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre.

So make sure you pick up box office tickets for the wide range of children’s shows that stand-out in the West End this Christmas.

Related posts:

1. Hairspray The Musical – Now with Phil Jupitus and Belinda Carlisle If you are looking for a Christmas family treat in...
2. Keeping Kids Entertained at Weddings with Activity Boxes Children at wedding receptions can be a delight or a...
3. Merry Mache – Christmas toy kits using recycled newspapers Merry Mache An alternative to standard, plastic Christmas fillers and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Meccano Creative Challenge will be an integral part of qualifying for the Beaver and Cub creativity badge. Beavers and Cubs will have to complete several creative challenges exclusively using Meccano, and these will include creating models that are personalised, unique and individual.

Beavers and Cubs are also eligible to enter the Building Britain with Meccano challenge which is a nationwide event. This will involve both designing and building an iconic local British landmark such as Blackpool Tower or the Angel of the North.

All those who participate will be invited to attend the Beaver/Cub fun day which is to be held in June 2012 at Gilwell Park and their models will be placed in position on a ginat map of the whole of the British Isles. A star prize will be awarded to the pack or colony whose model is deemed to be the best by the Judge Sue Barrett, who is the country manager for Meccano Uk Ltd.

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano Toys (UK) Ltd, says: “The Scout Association is a perfect fit for Meccano. Our brands are valued and trusted so the fit is excellent. Our mission is to promote traditional play that encourages children to stretch their imagination. The other beauty of Meccano is the collaborative qualities that it brings. Parents can join in with their children, in the same way that leaders and peers can work together to make ever more creative constructions.

“To celebrate our partnership with The Scout Association, we are launching the ‘Building Britain with Meccano’ competition for Beaver and Cub groups across the country. When groups register to attend the Beaver/Cub Fun Day at Gilwell Park in June 2012, they will be invited to take part. Entry is on a first come first served basis. Each successful entrant will receive a supply of Meccano from which they will construct their model of a local landmark.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work towards a badge and to enter a competition which could see them winning piles of Meccano prizes.”

Simon Carter, Assistant Director, the Scout Association said “The Meccano partnership is a great fit with Scouting. The Scout Movement encourages young boys and girls to be creative in all that they do. Meccano provides the perfect tool to harness the creative thoughts and ideas contained within every Cub Scout.”

See Meccano at www.meccanouk.co.uk join www.facebook.com/MeccanoToys or follow us at www.twitter.com/meccano_uk

Related posts:

1. Halloween will include Apple Bobbing for Britain! Halloween will include Apple Bobbing for Britain! This years Halloween...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Halloween will include Apple Bobbing for Britain!

This years Halloween could give a much needed boost to both children’s health and to the British economy. That old adage of an apple a day keeping the doctor away has an element of truth buried in that hackneyed expression, The British grown Rubens Apple are particularly gaining prominence for their dietary and nutritional benefits for both adults and children, as well as being a great healthy snack when your on the move.

Advances in apple growing techniques combined with bumper crops have really put the British apple back on the map, and by offering the trick or treaters that come to your door a Rubens apple you will be helping them to eat a healthy diet, instead of encouraging them to gorge themselves on the pile of sweets they normally collect.

The health and nutritional benefits of apples include acting as a preventative medicine for our bodies, making it even more important that these great British fruits become part of our staple diets.

Health Benefits Include:

• Cholesterol levels can be reduced by up to 16% by eating 2 apples a day. Pectin in Apples is associated with lowering LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
• One apple a day provides the same amount of fibre as a bowl of bran cereal
• High levels of antioxidants found in apples can be beneficial to lowering levels of lung cancer and other cancers.
• Apples included in a daily diet can also build a good defence against osteoporosis through trace elements of boron
• Apples have also been shown to have beneficial effects against diabetes and help in promoting weight loss through their fat burning qualities

The apple’s association with Halloween also goes back into history with apple bobbing being one of the customary party games dating back to at least the 18^th century. And this year bobbing for British apples can be a fun a nutritional game which also benefits the economy.

This year more British apples will be vying with imported varieties for prominence with a new British grown apple variety, the Rubens, (voted Britain’s tastiest apple for two years running) taking part in the spooky festivities. The Rubens apple will join other British favourites as part of the festive fun ensuring that children could receive a tasty treat and not be tricked into cheap low nutritional value sweets.

Related posts:

1. Spooky Halloween Cocktails with Vimto Limited Edition Halloween Bottles A fiendishly good limited edition of the nation’s favourite fruity...
2. Blackpool Zoo gets into the Halloween mood Blackpool Zoo gets into the Halloween mood Halloween is being...
3. Include kids in back to school shopping Parents are setting out to the shops with lists of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Blackpool Zoo gets into the Halloween mood

Halloween is being fully embraced this year by Blackpool Zoo and there are many ghostly activities that are going on. Half term will be filled with fun activities for children which include pumpkin carving, which will be happening at the Children’s Farm every morning.

Once they have carved their pumpkin out they are able to fill it with treats for the animals at the zoo, they will then be able to go around the various enclosures and offer the animals treats.

Pumpkin hunts are also going on everyday and children will have to go around all the animal enclosures to discover all of the pumpkins. In addition to these special Halloween activities there will also be all the usual events going on, this includes being able to learn about the animals as well as feed them. Children will also be able to interact with the animals in the Children’s Farm.

The marketing coordinator for the zoo is Jude Rothwell and she has said, “The events being run by the zoo this half term ensure that children will have an enjoyable day out. At Blackpool Zoo there is something for the whole family to enjoy.” For those who want to find out more about the activities that are taking place during the half term week then they can visit: www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk. Booking online will also entitle you to a ten percent discount.

Related posts:

1. Spooky Halloween Cocktails with Vimto Limited Edition Halloween Bottles A fiendishly good limited edition of the nation’s favourite fruity...
2. All Aboard: Stories of War at Sea Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North Uncover the secrets of the deep this October half term...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This survey was conducted to try and find out what parents attitudes were to after school activities such as swimming and dance lessons. When asked if their children attended any of the activities that were available, 42% of respondents said yes. While 34% said that their children didn’t take part in any of the activities at their school 24% said that took part occasionally.

When the third who had stated that their children didn’t take part in any activities were asked the reasons why, more than half, 52%, said that they had had to cancel activities that took place out of school hours in a bid to save money.

Furthermore, 8% claimed that their children did not take part in leisure activities after school hours because they ‘couldn’t afford’ the classes.  In addition, 27% claimed that their children simply ‘didn’t want to attend classes out of school’.

Of the quarter of respondents who stated that their children ‘occasionally’ attended after school activities, the majority, 48%, admitted that their children were ‘too lazy’ to attend the activity every time. Furthermore, 14% admitted their child didn’t frequently attend that activity due to the ‘expense’.

Mark Pearson, chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, commented on the findings:

“A previous study revealed that some British parents feel anxious when the school holidays are approaching due to the extra costs involved in entertaining their children. With this in mind, as a money saving website, we thought it would be interesting to see what other issues make parents feel concerned about money when it comes to entertaining their children.”

He continued,

“It wasn’t too surprising to see that many children are simply too lazy or don’t want to join in with out of school activities, but it is sad to discover that such a large amount of parents cannot afford to let their children attend fun activities. After all, not only do the kids have fun but the parents get a break!

“Sites such as MyVoucherCodes.co.uk can offer a great deal of support to parents as there are array of discounts on great products and days out; all of which will keep the children entertained at a fraction of the cost. After school activities can be expensive, but making savings wherever possible can really help cut down on the expense.”

Related posts:

1. What’s On 4 School Kids awards – Voting has Begun Online voting is now open for a new award scheme...
2. Big Toddle – Coronation Street’s Tina O’Brien Urges Parents to Get Involved Former Corrie star and mum Tina O’Brien is teaming up...
3. Include kids in back to school shopping Parents are setting out to the shops with lists of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

London 2012 open to everyone via Gold Challenge

The charity challenge known as Gold Challenge, which is a partnership between Team GB and the British Olympic Association, has launched a great range of challenges that will allow families to both harness the excitement surrounding the upcoming London 2012 games by taking on both Olympic and Paralympic sports and raise money for charity at the same time.

Those families who are seeking activities to fill the long summer holidays can now take on their own Gold Challenge and enjoy playing sport together. Families and youngsters aged 7-15 can sign up free of charge and choose their challenges for a wide range of options which are all family friendly.

The challenges available include the exciting ‘5 Sport Challenge’ where groups and families can take on 4 different Olympic and Paralympic sports, the Family Activity Challenge where families are encouraged to learn different Olympic sports together and the 2012 Challenge, where challengers have to complete 2012km, as part of a group or individually, in one or more of the Olympic and Paralympic track sports.

Gold challenge proudly boasts over 125 charitable partners including Cancer Research UK, Scope, Oxfam, Right to Play and the NSPCC. Families can take part as a team made up of at least one adult (16+) and at least one child between the ages of 7 and 15.  Adults can be family members, carers or youth leaders.  Anyone under 16 must receive parental permission to sign up to the Gold Challenge.

Gold Challenge is partnered with British Olympic Association and Sport England and is part of the official mass participation legacy programme for London 2012.

Related posts:

1. The Little Gym – Olympic Camp Activity Week this August The Little Gym is getting ready for 2012 with its...
2. Kellogg’s give £3 million to get kids swimming A major new £3 million sponsorship deal for British Swimming...
3. MARS Refuel Drink Fund providing money to try new sports Research for Mars Refuel Drink says that  Torvill and Dean...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

In just one day huge savings can be enjoyed on 1000s of must have baby and maternity products; try before you buy to find the perfect products; chat with midwives and health experts; and gain expert product advice whilst watching live demonstrations.

Melanie Hall, Show Manager for The Baby Show said, ‘We’re really excited about 2011. With four Shows we’re bringing together the best products, people and brands to create an unrivalled great day out, made easy. Whether searching for the perfect product or gaining advice from leading experts within the parenting world, The 2011 Baby Shows are a must attend for every parent or parent-to-be.’

For those who are unsure of what to buy The Show offers shoppers the chance to try before they buy – ensuring that the products purchased suit your lifestyle. Plus, there’ll be plenty of unique and useful products, not available for purchase anywhere else in the country, which will make parents and babies safe, happy and healthy.

What’s more, The Baby Show will have nappy changing, feeding and play areas making visiting The Baby Show one of the most pleasurable shopping experiences for parents and babies. And, for all those heavy bags there’s an area to drop shopping off and ready for collection by car service making visiting the show a breeze.

The Baby Show is the only place to host all the UK’s leading baby and parenting brands all under one roof with the likes of Mothercare, Pampers, Britax, Tommee Tippee and Plum Baby all showcasing the latest products, gadgets and technologies. The Baby Show features the best people with the best brands making it a great day out, made easy.

Website:  http://www.thebabyshow.co.uk/

Related posts:

1. Organic Baby Bedding from The Little Green Sheep The world of baby products and pregnancy is not somewhere...
2. Creatures Baby and Toddler Bath and Body Toiletries A new range of baby and toddler bath and body...
3. Sleepytot Baby Comforter Sleepytot, the innovative baby comforter launched in September 2008 and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This February half term (Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 February) at Imperial War Museum North in Manchester find out how some furry friends joined the sailors aboard ships and submarines.

Learn how some of these maritime mascots saved lives during battle. Join in with free, hands on activities for all the family inspired by the animals in the All Aboard: Stories of War at Sea exhibition.

Kids can make their own animal puppets and masks to take home during the interactive and creative workshops in the Learning Studio. Younger children under five-years-old can also join in the fun with music and storytelling sessions. Call 0161 836 4064 to book onto these free sing-a-long sessions.

All Aboard: Stories of War at Sea is the Imperial War Museum’s first ever large-scale exhibition to look at life at sea in wartime. This free exhibition reveals stories of bravery and adventure at sea, from 1914 to the present day. It contains many objects on public display for the first time, as well as a variety of interactive activities for families.

Among the four-legged friends you will encounter are:

Tirpitz the Pig

Tirpitz was rescued from the German warship Dresden which was sunk in May 1915. A sailor from HMS Glasgow noticed the pig in the water and after nearly being drowned by the frightened animal, succeeded in rescuing him. Tirpitz was the HMS Glasgow’s on board mascot for the next year.

Simon the Cat

Simon is the only cat to be awarded the Dickin Medal and even features in a film called The Yangtse Incident. Simon was the mascot of HMS Amethyst when it was attacked by Communist forces in 1949. 25 crew members were killed and Simon the cat was badly injured in the incident but he recovered and kept the crew entertained while they were under siege for 101 days. He also kept with the ship’s rat and mice population under control.  He was later awarded the Dickin Medal for ‘behaviour of the highest order’.

FREE ENTRY – DONATIONS WELCOME www.iwm.org.uk/north

Recommended for ages 4 and upwards

Related posts:

1. All Aboard: Stories of War at Sea Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North Uncover the secrets of the deep this October half term...
2. Family half term holiday ideas New research reveals that three quarters of people strongly agree...
3. Christmas Art Exhibition featuring Fairytales by Antonio Nocera The World of fairy tales in the artworks of the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.