With the UEFA Champions League final just days away and the announcement of David Beckham’s retirement from the beautiful game it seems that football is a hot topic for everyone at the moment. Football or Soccer is the world’s most popular sport both in terms of the number of players and fans. Away from the glitz and glamour of the professional football clubs the game has always enjoyed a strong grass roots following here in the United Kingdom.  Football is a great sport for young children. This low contact team sport is something kids can enjoy well into adulthood and they are sure to find friends eager to play the world over. Whether you’re a football fanatic or a new soccer fan, take a moment to reflect on the world’s most popular game with our fun football facts infographic.

AlexandAlexa are the official stockists for the replica kits for kids from all your favourite football teams. Many of these kits can be personalised with your child’s name or a cute slogan. Keep an eye out for our ‘personalise this shirt’ icon on the kit. Contact us for up to date information on replica kits from 16 of the world’s most popular soccer teams.

Be the very first to get your team’s official replica kit, make sure you register your interest for email updates on your favourite team.

The following teams have already arrived and are now available in our FOOTBALL SHOP

ALEXANDALEXA ARE OFFICIAL STOCKISTS OF ALL YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM’S REPLICA KITS FOR KIDS.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY TO GET EMAIL UPDATES WITH THE LAUNCH DATES FOR YOUR CHOICE OF TEAM.

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Dubbed the ‘papa-chef’, David Rathgeber heads up restaurant L’Assiette in Paris and has been invited to cook at some of the world’s top restaurants. The acclaimed French chef has devised 85 beautifully put together and easy recipes to make with the Beaba Babycook Steam Blender.

His book, The Babycook Book, was written for his kids Alphonse and Charlotte and all parents who want to give their babies the best market-fresh fruits, vegetables and ingredients. Each delicious recipe is designed to take your little one past a milk-based diet, gradually introducing the seven food groups and also takes into consideration their requirements for water, proteins, fats and carbohydrates (for energy and the building blocks), and vitamins, minerals and fibres.

He created the recipes in the same way that he devises his restaurant’s menu: “by season, with good ingredients from the market” and says that “each recipe highlights the flavour of one product, sometimes seasoned with a herb, seasoning  or spice, or enhanced with a special paring”.

Here are our favourite recipes from the book for little gourmets in the making:

SALMON BRANDADE WITH SWISS CHARD (pictured above)

Ingredients
At the market: 3 oz wild salmon filet, 1 large Yukon Gold potato, 2 leaves French Swiss chard, 1 sprig thyme, 1 garlic clove
At the grocery store: 2 tbsp prepared milk-based pediatric nutritional supplement, 1 tbsp breadcrumbs, 1 small pat butter, 1 tiny pinch salt

Equipment
Small gratin dish, cutting board, paring knife, vegetable peeler, saucepan, slotted spoon, mixing bowl, fork

Method
Preheat the boiler. Butter the gratin dish.

Separate the green part of the Swiss chard leaves from the white (which we won’t use in this recipe). Wash the green part under running water and cut it into strips. Rinse the potato in water, peel it, wash it, and dice it. Place the vegetables in the steamer basket and cook for 10 minutes (water level 2).

Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the thyme and unpeeled garlic clove. warm over a low heat. When the milk starts to simmer, add the salmon, and turn off the heat. Poach the salmon for no more than 5 minutes so that it remains tender. Remove the salmon with a slotted spoon. Place it in a mixing bowl, break it up with a fork, and set it aside.

When the vegetables are cooked, throw the cooking juices away, and transfer the vegetables to the blending bowl. Pulse 3 times. Mix the salmon with the vegetables. Season to taste with a tiny bit of salt, if necessary. Transfer the mixture to the gratin dish. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top and brown under the broiler for 5 minutes.

COD PETALS AND FORK-SMASHED ZUCCHINI (pictured below)

Ingredients
At the market: 1 small zucchini (courgette), 1 small Yukon potato, 1 sprig of flat leaf parsley, 1 small filet of cod (1.4 oz)
At the grocery store: 1 bay leaf, 3/4 leaves of thyme, 3/4 coriander seeds

Equipment
Cutting board, paring knife, scissors, 2 plates, plastic wrap, mixing bowl, fork

Method
Cut the ends off the zucchini. Wash thoroughly under running water (leave the skin on to give the dish colour).  Cut into quarters lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a knife and cut the quarters into small pieces.

Rinse the potato. Peel with the potato peeler and wash again. Cut into small pieces. Put the vegetables into the steamer and cook for 10 min (water level 2), and no more (to maintain the zucchini’s green colour). Throw away the cooking juices.

Cook the cod filet in the steamer for 3 min and no longer (water level 0.5), so it remains firm. Throw away the cooking juices.

While the cod is cooking, wash the parsley, shake dry, pick off the leaves and cut them into small pieces using the scissors. Place the raw parsley, and cooked potato and zucchini in a container. Smash with a fork. Use a mold to form the smashed vegetables into a circle and drizzle with olive oil.

Push on the cod filets with fingertips to separate the petals.  Place them on the circle of smashed zucchini.

RASPBERRY YOGURT SHAKE (pictured below)

Ingredients
Basic: 1 ‘just for baby’ yogurt for kids 6-12 months old or 1 yogurt made with whole milk for children over 1, 1 tablespoon crushed ice
At the market: 0.33 oz ripe raspberries (6 berries)
At the grocery store: about 1 teaspoon sugar

Equipment
Small knife, cutting board, shatterproof glass

Method
Carefully wash the raspberries and place them in the blending bowl. Blend slightly (1 short pulse).

Add the yogurt, crushed ice, and a little sugar (very little if the raspberries are very ripe). Pulse once more.

Taste and add a bit more sugar, if necessary. Pour into a glass and serve.

Good points: A pretty pink colour, and a good dose of vitamin C.

Beaba babycook Original Steam Blender
Beaba Babycook Recipe Book

The post Our Favourite Recipes From The Beaba Babycook Book appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

With the summer holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get crafty. Little artists-in-the making will love helping to make this fun paper bouquet, which will brighten up any room. Make sure you help little fingers with the scissors and wire. Scroll down for instructions.

You will need:
Thin wire
Brightly coloured crepe and tissue paper
Thin white card
Coloured pipe cleaners
Paints
A paint brush
Scissors

How to Make:
Step 1: cut a 12″ / 30cm piece of wire and fold it in half
Step 2: scrunch a small piece of crepe paper into a ball around the top of the wire, cover it with another piece to secure it
Step 3: cut petal shapes from crepe paper
Step 4: feed the petals through the wire, you can use another piece of wire to secure them
Step 5: cut out your flower base from card or paper
Step 6: paint if desired
Step 7: feed the base onto the back of the petals
Step 8: twist the wire around a pipe cleaner to make the stem
Step 9: display your flowers in vase, or pin them to the wall to brighten up the room!

Shop our art and crafts toy selection here

 Click here for some more ideas for fun spring craft projects

The post Spring Craft: How to Make a Paper Bouquet appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

For most families heading out for the Bank Holiday weekend it’s a time to potter around shops and cities, or partake in family-orientated activities. And, despite their celebrity surname, for the Beckham’s on their recent visit to Paris it seemed that this was very much on the agenda too. With Brooklyn, Cruz, Romeo and Harper in tow, the Beckham family could be seen enjoying the city of lights’ most famous attraction; The Eiffel Tower.

Yesterday Harper’s legendary football playing dad announced his retirement from soccer after 20 years. During that time David Beckham has become one of the world’s most high profile sports people with an unrivalled record as a player for England and an international career with teams Real Madrid, Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris Saint Germain (his current club).

Having fashion heavyweights Victoria and David Beckham as parents (not to mention a Burberry model for an older brother) means that being the youngest Beckham little Harper already has some seriously stylish shoes to fill. But make no mistake about it; despite her tender young age Harper is fast proving that she’s a chip off the (super stylish) Beckham block.

Photo by CAU/BLET/SIPA / Rex Features

LOVE THE HARPER BECKHAM LOOK?

A Splash of Colour

L-R: Stella McCartney Kids Orange Denim Short Dungarees, Roksanda Ilincic Coral Textured Dress, Emma Levine Gold Polka Dot Coral Dress

Super-Cute Summer Jelly Shoes

L-R: Mini Melissa White Cat Shoes, Mini Melissa Black Mini Aranha Bow Sandals, Dolce & Gabbana Transparent Jelly Pumps

A Fun Accessory

Beatrix New York Juju Ladybug Trolley Case, Beatrix New York Dolce and Panna Lunchbox, Beaba Glass Orange Feeding Bottle

The post Out and About With Dad, Harper Beckham Sports Some Cute Spring Style appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

Learn more about tech savvy kids in our article ‘Meet the iGeneration’

Canada Science & Technology Museum
Feed little imaginations with a trip to Canada’s Science & Technology Museum. Little science lovers can push buttons, turn dials and pull levers to experience science and technology first-hand. In this exciting museum, they can discover artifact-rich exhibits featuring marine and land transportation, astronomy, communications, space, domestic technology and computer technology.
http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/

The Science Museum, London
Founded in 1857, London’s Science Museum is world renowned for it’s historic collections, and awe-inspiring exhibits. Little ones can get hands on in the dedicated kids galleries, take part in experiments during the daily shows and learn all about science in the IMAX 3D Cinema.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

Scienceworks, Melbourne
Melbourne’s Scienceworks museum presents technology in unexpected ways. Perfect for challenging curious minds, kids can get hands on with live demonstrations, shows, guided tours and special activities.
http://museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/

Universeum, Gothenburg
Universeum is located in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, and is Scandinavia’s largest science centre. Boasting seven floors of interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to keep little ones amused, including tropical rainforests, huge aquariums and lots of exciting experiments. Explore the Swedish countryside with freshwater fish and birds, visit the sharks and octopuses or step into the space station.
http://www.universeum.se/index.php?lang=en

Cité de l’espace, Toulouse
Located in Toulouse, France, the Cité de l’espace (City of Space) is perfect for little astronauts in the making. With interactive and immersive exhibits suitable for all age groups, kids can learn all about the universe in the Stellarium, build a rocket and get it to take off in the Children’s Base and search for Marcus the astronaut and his robot friend Zap in the Galaxy Maze.
http://www.cite-espace.com/

CosmoCaixa, Barcelona
There are lots of exciting interactive exhibitions on offer for kids at Barcelona’s CosmoCaixa science museum. Little adventurers can experience what it’s like to be in Amazon in The Flooded Forest, which represents more than 100 living species. The Clik and Flash rooms encourage kids to learn about science through play, observation and deduction. And the Bubble Planetarium teaches little ones about astronomy.
http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestroscentros/cosmocaixabarcelona/cosmocaixabarcelona_ca.html

Adventure Science Center, Nashville
Situated in Old Saint Cloud Hill, Nashville, the Adventure Science Center is a fun place to take kids to learn about science, with lots of interactive exhibits for them to get immersed in. Climb the adventure tower, discover the wonders of the universe in the Space Chase wing and maneuver your very own jet aircraft through the wild blue yonder in the Bluemax simulator.
http://www.adventuresci.com/

Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, New York
Located in New York, the Intrepid Sea Air & Space museum is centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11), one of the most successful ships in US history, and now a national historic landmark and one of the most unique attractions in the city. Perfect for keeping little adventurers amused, it’s full of interactive and immersive exhibits. Ride in the A-6 cockpit simulator, visit the Virtual Flight Zone or take a tour inside the Growler submarine.
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Museo Dello Scienza, Milan
Situated in Milan, the Museo Dello Scienza is the largest museum of science and technology in Italy. Little science lovers can discover what’s hidden inside the food we eat in the i.Lab Nutrition, board a real life submarine or activate Leonardo da Vinci’s weaving loom to discover how it worked.
http://www.museoscienza.org/english/

Hong Kong Science Museum
The Hong Kong Science Museum aims to make learning about science engaging and fun. Little scientists in the making can take part in their Fun Science Experiments, join in group activities on their Science Day Camps or get technical in their Robotic Workshop.
http://hk.science.museum/

The post Top 10 Tech Attractions for Kids appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours when planning children’s décor. Colourful kids rooms present a real opportunity to have fun when it comes to creating special spaces in your home. There is no shortage of charming children’s furniture and room accessories in bolder hues and these can easily be incorporated into any house with a bit of careful arrangement.
Make an impact with touches of strategic colour. This approach is manageable for most décor enthusiasts and importantly allows you to adapt the space as your child grows. Try bright pastels in a white room for a softer girly look. You can contrast punchy brights against exposed brick or natural wood to great effect. You might even want to emulate the busy brights style by layering up complimentary tones in contrasting patterns.

INSTANT AND ADAPTABLE COLOUR UPDATES
Rather than committing to bright paint cover why not experiment with wall stickers. Chispum have created a selection of decorative vinyl stickers in stunning ‘Crayola’ brights, including this super-cute rain on the wall design (see above). These wall stickers can be easily applied and are all created in Barcelona!

This week, our favourite soft furnishings brand delivered a selection of giant crochet fruit to our warehouse. These oversized, after-school snacks make a fun but stylish addition to a play-space. Like the rest of the Anne-Claire Petit range the fruit pieces are crafted out of durable organic cotton using traditional Chinese crochet techniques. Check out her selection of mushroom footstools for children.

CHOOSE STAND-OUT COLOURED FURNITURE
These versatile stacking shelves from Sebra are an easy solution for a quick colour update. Arrange them on a wall for a totally unique storage solution. These soft pastel hues look best against white, Sebra also do these lovely little circular tables in sugar sweet colours.

The Lego Accessories range was one of our most popular collections last year. These oversize novelty storage solutions come in a range of sizes and can be stacked to make their own marvellous bedroom structures.

SHOP OUR PAINT BOX BRIGHT HOMEWARE EDIT ONLINE

FOR MORE PAINTBOX BRIGHT INSPIRATION VISIT OUR PINTEREST PAGE

The post PaintBox Brights, Use Accessories to Create Instantly Colourful Kids Rooms appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

Images from AlexandAlexa’s latest NYC shoot, all styles are available at AlexandAlexa.com

Modern parents are becoming increasingly concerned with keeping their kids active. With the temptations of video games, television and the computer always nearby it can be a challenge to give children as much active play as we enjoyed during our childhoods. Summer is fast approaching so we invited personal fitness expert Tom Simmonds to give us some advice on how every family can live a more active lifestyle. The images here are from our recent New York city shoot and feature the latest styles from our sports shop for kids.

As a fitness expert, Tom is well aware of how important it is for growing kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes physical activity per day. Tom gave us some great tips for getting children off the couch and into the sunshine.

 KEEP KIDS ACTIVE THIS SUMMER

The importance of Family Activity:

Active parents are much more likely to raise active children. Children learn by example and by normalising an active lifestyle, exercise will become part of their everyday routine. Combine family time with sport; try a family walk after dinner. As the children become a bit older you might want to invite some of their friends along to keep them interested.

Make it fun!

It is always important to encourage participation rather than competition. Kids are really good at hiding the fact that their under pressure. Negative experiences can lead to an aversion to sport in later life so make the focus on having fun and trying new things rather than winning.

Let them try everything

Like learning a language it is easier for the brain to pick up important physical skills at a young age. Lifelong balance and coordination can be fostered by exposing kids to sports that challenge them in different ways. I work with adults now who really struggle to do some exercises because they missed out on developing key skills as children.

Don’t tell them to sit still

Get the kids to test themselves in lots of different ways. Skipping encourages balance and stability and children will love learning different tricks. Hula Hoops, throw-and-catch and even simple hopping games will all give them the skills they need.

Keeping hydrated on AlexandAlexa’s latest NYC shoot

Water is best

Be aware that children become thirsty much faster than adults, remind them to hydrate regularly. Get children used to the taste of water at the early age and treat it as the go-to option. Juice can have just as much sugar as soft drinks and does not contain the fibre of raw fruit, so keep it as a treat and try to make it yourself.

VISIT ALEXANDALEXA’S SPORTS SHOP FOR A RANGE OF SPECIALIST SPORTS GEAR AND PLAY-ALL-DAY ESSENTIALS

We can’t recommend Tom enough!

Tom Simmonds has worked with members of the AlexandAlexa team, getting their fitness up to scratch. He has also joined us on sports photo shoots to devise some fun activities for our sporty mini-models. His sessions for adults are suitable for all levels, are great fun and get the whole team working together. If you are interested in getting him along to train you or your team at work tssimmo (at)gmail(dot)com

The post Fitness Tips for Starter-Sprinters, Keep Kids Active this Summer appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

If you’re planning a countryside wedding, this carefree look is perfect. Bridesmaids can have fun in play-all-day floaty dresses and floral embellishment on everything from sashes to headbands gives it a romantic feel.

La Stupenderia Flower Waistband Dress
I Pinco Pallino Knit Headband With Roses
Baby Graziella Petal Dress
Baby Graziella Pink Petal Shoes
I Pinco Pallino Jeweled Flower Ballerina Shoes

This super-pretty look is inspired by vintage Hollywood films. In a palette of soft gold hues, dress it up with bow adorned headbands for smart city weddings, or just add sprays of wild flowers for relaxed countryside nuptials.

I Pinco Pallino White Lace Front Dress
Hucklebones Gold Oversized Bow Headband
Little Darlings Ivory Court Booties
I Pinco Pallino Gold Lace Dress
I Pinco Pallino Broderie Anglaise Ballerina Shoes

This romantic look is perfect for elegant city weddings. Choose structured dresses with layers of silk and lace, bow embellishments and diamante adornments. Just add a pretty cropped cardigan if the weather is chilly.

Roberto Cavalli White Beaded Dress
Monnalisa White Crib Shoes
Little Darlings Sequin Front Cardigan
Suzanne Ermann Pink Bow Headband
Torres Kids Embellished Waistband Dress
Armani Junior Patent White Mary Jane Shoes

Little page boys look extra-cute in mini sailor suits and booties, whilst older tots will look super-smart in suits. Choose neutral tones for summer weddings, or navy makes a practical choice.

Little Darlings Ivory Duke Silk Sailor Suit Set
Tartine et Chocolat White Leather Brogue Booties
Fendi Blue Zucca Bow Tie
Boss Navy Suit 

SHOP THE WEDDING BOUTIQUE

Photography: Richmond Pictures 

The post Bridal Party: Wedding Style appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

1. LABYRINTH KINDERMUSEUM
With its philosophy of learning through doing, Berlin’s Labyrinth Kindermusuem is perfect for immersing little ones in educational yet fun activities. By using the senses of touching and feeling your youngsters can explore the museum’s interactive rooms, full of objects and exhibits waiting to be touched, felt, and taken apart. Focusing on a broad range of subjects such as fairy tales, children’s rights, health and cultures of the world, it’s the ideal environment for boisterous young ones to express their creativity through learning.
www.labyrinth-kindermuseum.de

2. MOUNTMITTE
For little ones who love the outdoors, MountMitte is sure to satisfy their need to explore, climb and run. MountMitte is a high ropes course centre which caters for kids aged seven years upwards with its six different courses of varying difficulty. With automobiles, cars and canoes suspended in mid-air, this aerial adventure garden will let your little one explore the skies, and with a compulsory safety harness there’ll be no tears or falls.
www.mountmitte.de

3. BERLIN ZOO
Located in Berlin’s Tiergarten, Berlin Zoo is not only the country’s oldest zoo, with nearly 1,500 different species and around 19,500 animals, it is also thought to be the world’s most comprehensive. Your little one can’t fail to be amazed by the wide variety of creepy crawlies and furry friends on display. Enclosed in surroundings designed to mimic their natural habitats, a day at this bustling zoo will open your kid’s eyes to the fascinating world of nature.
www.zoo-berlin.de

4. MACHMIT! MUSUEM FUR KINDER
Getting your little one immersed in learning whilst in Berlin will be as easy as can be at the Machmit! Musuem Fur Kinder. Housed inside a converted church, the museum offers an exciting mix of interactive activities and experimental exhibitions. There’s a large climbing shelf, a historical soap shop, a house of mirrors and a printing shop. We recommend visiting on the weekend when craft workshops are held – your youngster can get involved in anything from making painted porcelain to paper production.
www.machmitmuseum.de

5. SCHAUBUDE
Conveniently located by the Greifswalderstraße S-Bahn station and tram stop, Schaubude Berlin theatre will keep you and your young ones enthralled with its electrifying mix of puppet, figure and object theatre. Whether it’s traditional or experimental performances, the theatre’s programme offers a wide range of shows to suit kids of all different ages, bringing theatre to life using the expressive power of objects.
www.schaubude-berlin.de

6. DOMANE DAHLEM
In the very centre of Berlin, Domäne Dahlem is perfect for teaching your kids about caring for the environment. Billed as a working farm in the middle of the city, Domäne Dahlem is a country estate, museum and a farm all rolled into one. Young visitors can use their senses to learn about all things ecology thanks to exhibitions, concerts, a bio-farm with real livestock, working fields and charming market days. Meet a whole cast of animals including pigs, goats, cattle, sheep, horses and poultry, or take a tractor ride over to the vegetable garden – it’s the ideal way to get lost in nature in the middle of the city.
www.domaene-dahlem.de

7. TIERGARTEN
Sprawling over 600 acres, Tiergarten is one of the world’s largest urban parks and provides a haven of flora and fauna in the middle of Berlin. Situated next to Berlin Zoo, you’ll find play parks, walking paths, forested areas, meadows and paddle boats on a lake. And, should you and your tot get hungry, you can visit the café at the Victoria Column or the café inside the English Garden. Perfect for picnic and barbeques, it’s the ideal lush setting for you and your kids to relax in the great outdoors.

8. PAUL & PAULA
Located in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, Paul & Paula is a neighbourhood café for little ones which serves a delicious selection of food including sandwiches, cakes and organic ice cream and iced coffees. Not only a café, you’ll be able to peruse Paul & Paula’s select collection of German clothing brands, toys and baby carriers. Or alternatively, the café regularly plays host to kids’ events and activities such as haircutting, flea markets, a puppet theatre, alongside yoga and pilates classes.
www.paul-und-paula.de

9. GERMAN MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY
For the little lover of all things technology, the German Museum of Technology is a treasure trove of gadgets and gizmos old and new. With 14 different exhibition areas, the museum features departments dedicated to automobiles, looms, aeroplanes, locomotives, ships, the printing press and much more. With plenty of activities on offer, the museum will allow your little one to get immersed in activity thanks to workshops dedicated to printing and making paper – it’s a fascinating insight into all thing technical.
www.sdtb.de

10. BERLIN CHAMBER OF HORRORS
Housed in a Second World War air raid shelter, the Berlin Chamber of Horrors will provide a frightfully fun day out for little ones with a taste for the macabre. Across three different exhibitions, your youngster will have the fright of their life in a bunker filled with spine-tingling ghosts and special effects. It’s not all about the horrifying though, your tot can learn all about the magical history of medicine and in the historical air raid shelter museum they can learn all about the building’s history.
www.gruselkabinett-berlin.de

The post Fun Things To Do in Berlin appeared first on AlexandAlexa.

Get the Partington’s look:

1. Stella McCartney Blue Dot Dress and Bloomers £50

2. Lomography Glow Camera £89

3. Petit Bateau Stripe Jumper £27

4. Petit Bateau Leggings £10.50

5.  Converse Trainers £25

Photography: Nicola Walsh

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