nonstopmama

Hot off the red carpet …

nonstopmama — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:33:51 +0000

We have a new beauty love at nonstopmama: Moroccanoil haircare. Brilliant for taming dry, frizz-prone locks behaving badly (school run scary hair, anyone?), this range of simple, naturally nourishing argan oil-enriched treats makes a real difference in restoring softness and shine. No, really (that did sound a bit shampoo ad. So, we’re enthusiastic). Particularly good for [...]

Quick change

nonstopmama — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:53:51 +0000

Taking off nail polish the traditional way – bottle of remover balanced precariously somewhere, endless cotton wool balls – can be a time consuming and, honestly, whiffy business. Two alternatives get our vote, for making quick colour changes less of a chore. We first came across the ‘dip and twist’ nail polish remover on the other [...]

Suits you, mama

nonstopmama — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:47:38 +0000

After running our review of the first Spanx ‘Slimming Swimsuit’, we were contacted by the online boutique Beau Dame Lingerie, which specialises in expertly, um, constructed ’shapewear’. We’d already heard about Beau Dame from a Dutch mama, who raved about the fact that it stocks plus sizes, too, and has a wide range of pretty [...]

Jeanius!

nonstopmama — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:59:47 +0000

We’re always fans of a ‘forgiving’ skirt at nonstopmama (the word ‘flattering’ never sounds great, does it?). This one, just in at Gap, is surprisingly so, with a slim but not at all skin-tight shape, hitting only just above the knee (can we say forgivingly again?) and not bad at £35 (you can now buy [...]

Broadway and beyond

nonstopmama — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:07:41 +0000

A shout-out to all West End and Broadway-lovin’ mamas prone to belting out the classics from behind closed shower curtains: well worth catching, the small group of principal performers that make up Beyond the Barricade are currently on UK tour with their “Theatre Concert”. Nonstopmama loved the show, which features back-to-back songs from musicals including Phantom [...]

A deep breath, bottled …

nonstopmama — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:23:42 +0000

We love a multi-tasking beauty product at nonstopmama – anything to help a girl feel more pulled together (’polished’ may be pushing it) in as little time as possible – and here’s one of our latest discoveries. It’s not new, it’s just (we think) fab: Aveda’s Energizing Composition (£18). A bit of a treat (although [...]

In the swim

nonstopmama — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:45:23 +0000

At home or away, during the summer holidays most of us spend more time poolside. With the importance of safety and slowly building children’s water confidence uppermost in parents and caregivers’ minds, nonstopmama asked Laura Molloy – mother of two, a qualified swimming instructor and founder of Swimbabes - for some pro tips. Swimbabes offers [...]

The Little Big Club Live in Concert – Giveaway

nonstopmama — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:12:48 +0000

This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been informed. Calling all London-based nonstopmamas: we’ve got a treat for fans of Bob The Builder, Barney & Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, Fifi Forget-me-not and Pingu (phew!). All of these favourites feature in The Little Big Club Live In Concert, one of this year’s most buzzed-about [...]

Summer house

nonstopmama — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:34:00 +0000

How to make the very most of being at home during the summer holidays? Nonstopmama asked Anita Kaushal, author of the beautifully presented Family LifeStyle Home and Travel books (Thames & Hudson), to share her tips for bringing a breath of fresh air to your daily surroundings. An interiors stylist, Anita also has her own [...]

Sunshine and showers

nonstopmama — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:09:50 +0000

Proof that fab-smelling, feel-good beauty treats don’t have to blow the budget, we’re loving Johnson’s new 24 Hour Moisture Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash With Shea & Cocoa Butters (£2.99, available now at chemists and supermarkets), which has the most yummy, made-for-summer scent and helps to get skin glowing (it’s a great one to use pre-self-tanning). Another [...]

A dream come true …

nonstopmama — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:24:26 +0000

Meet the new Joseph! Last night, nonstopmama went along to see Keith Jack make his debut in the lead role of the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and directed by Bill Kenwright (we didn’t take much persuading. We love a great show and left with [...]

501 Days Out For Kids … Giveaway

nonstopmama — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:04:00 +0000

This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been informed. Are we nearly there yet? In some cases, yes, and others, almost! With the summer hols upon us, what better giveaway than a big, glossy book filled with ideas for days out to suit all tastes and budgets – from big ride theme parks to museums [...]

Tress relief

nonstopmama — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:59:55 +0000

One of our dear friends at nonstopmama is in the midst of a hair crisis (a perm that left her locks frazzled, and in urgent need of some professional TLC). It’s still a work in progress, but we gave her the latest damaged hair treatment trio from US salon brand Bumble & Bumble to try [...]

Catch the Buzz at Disneyland Paris

nonstopmama — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:52:56 +0000

Hot on the cowboy heels of Toy Story 3 (hitting UK big screens on 19 July), a new land devoted to the much-loved movies – Toy Story Playland – is due to open at Disneyland Paris on 17 August. Featuring a Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, RC Racer (a sky-soaring, authentically luminous orange Hot Wheels track, [...]

Crazy colour

nonstopmama — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:10:31 +0000

We have a new beauty love at nonstopmama: neon, flashback-to-the-Eighties (but even more so) nails. Yes, there are a gazillion around and, also, we worried if we could pull it off at, er, let’s just say we did flouro the first time around. Then we had a play with Models Own Nail Polish (£5 ) in [...]

Teddy Bear’s BBQ, anyone?

nonstopmama — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:09:08 +0000

If only all barbies were as easy to bring inside when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Designed to have “everything that can be found in a real BBQ” (or not if, as in our case, attempts have been limited to impossible-to-light disposables), this seriously smart new offering from Little Tikes – the [...]

Five minutes with … Emma Forbes

nonstopmama — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:29:20 +0000

We’re loving Forbes Style, a new website created by TV and radio presenter Emma Forbes. Based in London and mum to Lily, 13, and Sam, 11, Emma’s site has inspiring yet practical ideas aplenty, from a failsafe cupcake recipe to making fab, vintage-looking cushion covers using scarves from Top Shop; organising the perfect (i.e. non-embarrassing) [...]

Lash fantastic

nonstopmama — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:39:39 +0000

So, the UK beauty pack is buzzing about the impending, hotly awaited arrival of the Tweezerman Pro Lash Curler (pictured left) next month. Already a huge hit in the US, the eyelash curlers – launching exclusively at Harrods in July – promise to be as popular as the must-have tweezers (nonstopmama relies on the fab, butterfingers-friendly Wide [...]

Charming idea

nonstopmama — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:25:32 +0000

Charm bracelet fever continues and they’re a great, sure-to-be-loved gift idea (as long as you choose a charm that’s actually compatible with the recipient’s bracelet, as we recently learned to our embarrassment – ah). One name to check out is Kit Heath, an award-winning silver jeweller whose new Beachcomber collection features ‘pebble’ charm beads, inspired [...]

Five minutes with … Charlotte Pearl

nonstopmama — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:59:23 +0000

We’ve long been fans of the Pink Lining range of gorgeous, oh-so-distinctive bags – the ‘Yummy Mummy’ changing bag and carry-all has become a modern classic – and accessories for mamas on-the-go (we featured the fab Christmas stockings, with all profits going to the NSPCC, last winter). So, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to [...]

In the picture

nonstopmama — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:59:14 +0000

Since personalised gifts always go down well with children (from named mugs to photo jigsaws et al), we were keen to check out the It’s Your Story range of books which star the recipient with their name and photo (both feature throughout). The result is a real treat and done very well. Other special details are woven [...]

Five minutes with … Louise Galvin

nonstopmama — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:36:01 +0000

Celebrity colourist Louise Galvin has the sort of golden, impossibly well behaved-looking mane that prompts us to tear pictures out of glossies to present to our own colourists, with an apologetic “I know it won’t look exactly like this, but …”. (Mine is always ready for it. She even pauses to see what I’ve rustled [...]

A vision in kindness

nonstopmama — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:12:21 +0000

As any parent of a child who wears glasses knows (those at nonstopmama included), it can be all too easy to take for granted the blessing of having expert treatment for such important care so readily available. Especially when it comes to treating problems in the youngest of children, when it’s important to catch them [...]

Tana’s sunshine soup!

nonstopmama — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:38:55 +0000

Hoorah, the weather’s looking more promising as the half term hol gets underway. Hopeful of a scorcher (or some blue skies and sunshine, at least), we couldn’t resist passing on an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. recipe for ice-cold Gazpacho soup which we stumbled on in Tana Ramsey’s book home made. The perfect hot weather, bung-everything-into-the-blender meal solution, it couldn’t [...]

Pass the popcorn …

nonstopmama — Mon, 31 May 2010 09:04:17 +0000

Hot on the heels of our Half Term Hot List last week, nonstopmama recommends checking out the National Family Week website, where you can snag some fab deals and discounts on a wide range of family activities and days out from 31 May until 6 June. Offers include theme parks, zoos, wildlife parks, museums and heritage [...]

Get the picture

nonstopmama — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:21:42 +0000

This is such a sweet book. An original alternative to regular, fill-in-the-blanks educational books for pre-schoolers, Doodle Numbers by Taro Gomi encourages children to, for example, draw two puppies by an empty (doodled) kennel. Or add in 10 houses on a pre-sketched street. Or write the number three on a boy’s shirt, and so on. [...]

In the swim …

nonstopmama — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:49:25 +0000

When we heard that SPANX had done swimsuits, we joked we’d be tempted to wear them around the clock. Actually, we nearly did. They’re not kidding when they warn you, on the tag, “our one piece suits are snug to put on, but comfortable once you’re in!”. But, true to their word, the ‘Slimming Swimsuit’ we [...]

Five minutes with … Chloë Butcher

nonstopmama — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:58:16 +0000

As nonstopmama loves getting the expert scoop on up-against-the-clock beauty, we jumped at the chance to interview Chloë Butcher, nonstopmama and hotly sought after make-up artist. Chloë’s work has appeared in glossies including Marie Claire and ELLE and has graced countless international catwalks, pop videos and red carpets. With two little girls to keep her on her toes (pictured), [...]

Flower power

nonstopmama — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:37:52 +0000

As effective as it is super-cute (we know it’s meant for little girls, but we admit we love it, too), the new Tangle Teezer Magic Flowerpot makes light, fast work of just-got-up cot/bed hair. You pull out the flower to reveal the brush, based on the original and totally genius Tangle Teezer, which detangles without [...]

A real Diamond (sorry) …

nonstopmama — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:20:43 +0000

So, last night, we enjoyed a girls-of-the-eighties (er, mid-late seventies, even) night in with a couple of friends, a nostalgic DVD (OK, it was The Jazz Singer), chocolate (Divine Dark, with raspberries – YUM), strawberries (token healthy snack entry) and a bottle of rosé (the sun’s out!). This morning, it took a bit more of [...]

Half term hot list

nonstopmama — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:35:12 +0000

Best to be upfront about this: we’re not your born ‘big riders’ when it comes to theme parks. Waving from a steam train going at 2 MPH we can do. Anything nippier or higher and we’re holding the ice creams and on photo duty (both important roles, and the latter a cheaper option than the [...]

Wave reviews

nonstopmama — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:36:06 +0000

Wriggling sunscreen targets and sand in your picnic aside, one of the more relaxing things about being at the beach is the sound of the waves lapping onto the shore. Recorded at Chesil Beach, Dorset, the Pure Chesil CD instantly transports you surfside, wherever you are – in the living room doing a spot of stretching [...]

Annabel Karmel giveaway and tips for nonstopmamas

nonstopmama — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:53:56 +0000

This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been informed. Nonstopmama last interviewed Annabel Karmel after the launch of The Princess Party Cookbook. Her latest book, Top 100 Pasta Dishes, has just been published and features as many takes on the busy family favourite – making the most of pasta in all its shapes and sizes [...]

Five minutes with … Nancy Kanter

nonstopmama — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:38:24 +0000

Based in L.A., nonstopmama of three Nancy Kanter is senior vice president at Playhouse Disney Worldwide. We jumped at the chance to ask her for a behind-the-scenes peek into business of bringing much-loved shows to the small screen, including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and – most recently - Jungle Junction. The latter, Disney’s first major, [...]

On the ball …

nonstopmama — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:32:35 +0000

… from buggies to ball games. From the makers of Swingball comes something new that won’t get in a tangle or leave telltale holes in your grass (unless your ‘lawn’ is crying out for some pre-summer TLC already, in which case this won’t be such an issue, but that’s a gardening post for another day). One [...]

Hot wheels

nonstopmama — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:34:34 +0000

Nonstopmama’s back, neck and shoulders are thanking über-funky buggy brand Micralite for the opportunity to put its new Fastfold Super-lite stroller through its paces. It is, in a word, whizzy – in every sense. It looks fab – very aerodynamic, you almost feel the occupant should be shown the emergency exits and offered duty frees [...]

Cool idea

nonstopmama — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:19:08 +0000

Ah, ice pops. As integral to a Seventies childhood as Spangles, Sindy dolls and the get-busy-with-the-fizzy Soda Stream (not that we had one, but how I coveted my friend Katherine’s …). Back on topic. Nonstopmama of three and founder of Lillipops Iced Soothies, Denise Soden came up with the idea for her new, grab-them-from-the-freezer pregnancy treats [...]

A few of our favourite things …

nonstopmama — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:34:47 +0000

… or, an express round-up of the yummier new treats nonstopmama has been sent to, erm, ‘look at’ (crumbs? What crumbs?). Ahem. Those that disappeared most quickly are, in no particular order: • the fab-tasting, family budget-friendly cakes by Respect Organics. The Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, Banana Loaf and Ginger Crush Loaf (the latter two are dairy-free) [...]

Jean genie

nonstopmama — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:15 +0000

When we make a mummy-friendly discovery at nonstopmama, we like to share it – immediately. Our Bank Hol weekend find was the Curvy shape jean by The Gap. If you’re looking for a pair of jeans that sit nicely, not naffly (if that makes sense) below the waist – so you don’t have to keep hoiking [...]

Bobbi’s brush with genius

nonstopmama — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:03:50 +0000

Never underestimate the all-forgiving, transformative power of a great bronzing powder. The right one will take you from luminously pasty to “You look well”- glowing in one sweep. The best compact bronzer we’ve come across is NY-based make-up artist (left) Bobbi Brown’s classic Bronzing Powder (£23.50). Available in five shades, it goes on smoothly, looks natural [...]

Do the bump …

nonstopmama — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:28:50 +0000

So, given that this nonstopmama doesn’t need any help in the hair va-va-vooming, body-creating department (quite the opposite, taming it with ten thousand different serums and creams is my daily challenge), we gave a (very) willing, fine-haired mama the hot-from-the-US Bumpits hair volumising combs to review. She loved them. A mother of two and part-time nurse, [...]

Heartland DVD Set Giveaway

nonstopmama — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:37:01 +0000

This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been informed. Girls and ponies, ponies and girls … An award-winning TV series which nonstopmama has yet to catch up with, Heartland is a family drama set in the Canadian Rockies. Based on the bestselling novels by Louise Brooke, the action takes place on a ranch for [...]

Floored by florals

nonstopmama — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:28:05 +0000

Cath-mania continues apace. A sweet and fun alternative to laminate or lino (that suddenly sounds very Seventies – having flashbacks to our old ‘back kitchen’ at home, here), Cath Kidston’s new vinyl floor covering would work well for small spaces like loos, utility rooms and even childrens’ bedrooms (since carpets and sneaky crafting sessions don’t [...]

Pietra or Electra?

nonstopmama — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:29:56 +0000

It’s no secret that nonstopmama is a huge fan of the FitFlop (funky, great for cranky backs and less than perfect posture. Plus, the whole thing about getting a workout without realising it – what’s not to love? Founder Marcia Kilgore told nonstopmama why she created them in an interview last winter). So, while the glossies [...]

Happy hols!

nonstopmama — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:18:11 +0000

Nonstopmama is taking a break for the Easter hols and hopes to meet you back here, week beginning 19 April. Up next: how to bring spring into your home (freshening things up, without spending a fortune), do a seamless self-tan (it’s nearly bare legs time), great family days out and more giveaways (including a full [...]

The Blue Peter moment …

nonstopmama — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:59:40 +0000

For all nonstopmamas who never got their Blue Peter badge, here’s our big moment to shine (or not. My ‘arty-crafty’ efforts as a Sunday School helper suggest otherwise. Most five year olds are better at sticking and cutting out than me). As promised last week, here is the special ‘how to’ video made to mark Fairy [...]

Wet, wet, wet

nonstopmama — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:26:59 +0000

Call them April Showers come early. Whatever, sending children out in something lightweight but showerproof is definitely the order of the day. So why not go cheerily bright and bold? Nonstopmama’s favourite picks include this traditional-with-a-twist mac by Mini Boden (from £34, for ages 2 to 13, at boden.co.uk) and the funkily striped, 100% waterproof jackets [...]

Here’s one they made earlier …

nonstopmama — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:02:46 +0000

Nostalgia trip alert! We don’t know when the original Fairy washing up liquid bottles were phased out, but growing up in the Seventies, the tall white and green bottle for “hands that do dishes” was always sinkside in our kitchen. So, for old times’ sake, nonstopmama can’t pass up the special, 50th Anniversary edition bottle. The [...]

Fight the frizz

nonstopmama — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:46:48 +0000

If TIGI discontinued its Bed Head Small Talk, we know many a curly-haired nonstopmama who would stage a (frizzy) protest. Now there’s an image. This is one of those genius, not shouted-about gems that, once discovered, there’s no going back, such is its fabulousness. While it’s billed as a ‘3-in-1 thickening, energising and styling cream’, don’t [...]

Dress up for Great Ormond Street!

nonstopmama — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:55:34 +0000

OK, time to dig out and dust off the Peter Pan video – the Fifties original can still be found on DVD, at Amazon – and get inspired. From, 26-30 April, Great Ormond Street Hospital is asking children to ‘think happy thoughts and take part in Peter Pan Week 2010′! The week will culminate in an [...]