Author Archives: Eddy Gibson

1. Creative things to do this spring

   April 5, 2016 1:01 pm Comments Off on Creative things to do this spring

   Creative things to do this spring

   The clocks have gone forward and the days are seeming that bit brighter and warmer which means we can start getting outside and doing the things we’ve been meaning to do all winter. Plus there’s loads of holidays approaching, we’re already in Easter, whit, summer, all the bank hols it never ends! So it’s good to have some ideas of things to do in the bag!

   As always we have had a trawl round and found some things that are a little bit different to keep you and the brood entertained this spring.

   

   Cress egg heads
   These little cress heads give us loads of nostalgia! Its great getting the kids in to growing things especially with lots of opportunities to get in the garden ahead, so why not start with these little egg cress heads. They are really easy and the kids will see them sprout over time! Find out how

   

   Egg box wind chimes
   Use up your old egg boxes and make some homemade wind chimes, they brighten up the garden on sunny spring days and will keep the kids entertained for a bit. Find out how

   Check out some more ideas on making wind chimes here

   
   Sushi fun
   Baking fairy cake after fairy cake can get a bit boring, so why not get in to making some easy sushi. Its a bit of a change from the norm, adds a bit of culture and won’t make them sick by licking the bowl! Find out how

   

   Chester film screenings
   Check out the cinema this Easter, there’s loads of free films and viewings from just £1.99! Find out more

   

   Chester Eggstravaganza
   Chester is running their eggstravaganza event up to 17th April, there is loads of activities planned in. Including film screenings at the museum, eggs on pegs city wide trail, birds of prey at the town hall and much more – find out more

   

   Spring offer!
   Whilst the kids are off and the sun is coming through the clouds, why not book in a photoshoot and capture those smiles! We have a fab spring offer on check it out here

   

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2. Creative things to do this half term

   February 11, 2016 2:52 pm Comments Off on Creative things to do this half term

   Creative things to do this half term

   Half term is just around the corner and it can be a bit tricky thinking of new ways to entertain the rabble everyday! So we have had a scour around to see what you can do, see and make this half term. So, we have had a scour around to see what you can do, see and make this half term, including crafts, activities and whats hot at the cinema!

   The library gets crafty
   Half term is a good opportunity to get stuck in to some arts and crafts with the kids isn’t it? Or are you one of these non-arty types who can never think of what to do?? Well fear not! Chester City Library hosting a whole week of creative activities that you can take your clan to and join in. You don’t have to stay for ages either you can literally just drop in, make your own deep sea creature and then go for a walk round town. Find out more

   

   
   Staying in?
   If the weather is looking a bit on the grim side and the kids are running riot, you’re tearing your hair out and you need to get you thinking cap on for things to do but are up the wall, take a look at some of the good ideas ‘mums in the know’ have come up with for indoor activity. We really like the photo challenge, get the kids to take photos of something in particular, then award the most creative. Find out more

   

   Go to the flicks
   If you were in to Goosebumps when you were a bit younger you may want to take your older kids to the cinema to see the new film, starring and directed by funnyman Jack Black. The authors creations come to life in the film, so its full of gruesome monsters and ghouls, check it out in 3D. Watch trailer

   

   Happy New Year!
   Yes, it’s a bit late in the day to be saying this now but not for those who celebrate the Chinese New Year. February marks the year of the monkey, so why not use this as some inspiration to create some stuff at home, either craft or cooking! Check out these ideas Monkey craft paper bag

   

   Monkey cake pops

   

   Spring is coming!!
   With spring just round the corner it may be a good time to get in the garden and get the kids helping out with weeding, hoeing and whatever else there is that can make them as muddy as possible!! Or all this mess may not sound to appealing, so stay clean and get them on the case with decorating some plant pots ready to pot their own little seedlings. How to

   

   Why not take the opportunity to get some photos done in the half term? We have a fab Mothers day offer on at the mo, that includes a free framed 7×5 print with your photoshoot. Check out the offer!

   

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3. Best of 2015

   January 20, 2016 2:51 pm Comments Off on Best of 2015

   Best of 2015

   2015 at Bounce saw some great family shoots as always,but this year we’ve found ourselves further away from the studio lights, and instead out on location or using natural light to take our portraits.

   With the same approach as always, we focus on capturing the biggest smiles and natural shots, but these two styles add their own look and feel to create unique and striking portraits.

   We take natural light shots using the light from a window, which is well known with photographers for having an atmospheric quality that makes for really special images. And capturing simple close ups in natural light can produce some of the most lasting memorable portraits.

   Natural light

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   The right outdoors location adds so much to portraits, with bold colours, hazy sunlight and beautiful scenery making the perfect compliment to a family portrait. With the kids free to run outdoors its never too hard to capture those natural moments.

   Out on location

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   Fancy some shots like these of your own? Book your photoshoot now with our fab Jan sale offer!

4. Christmas countdown

   November 30, 2015 3:30 pm Comments Off on Christmas countdown

   The countdown has begun!

   Oh dear god, is it that time of year again?? Feels like we have only just put last year’s decs away and yet again were scrabbling round in the loft for the fairy lights and other glittery articles. Whether Christmas fills you with gorgeous festive joy or sheer sweat breaking dread its coming and we’ve all got jobs to do – hosting one of the many feasts or shopping for those hard to buy for relatives it’s all gotta get done and within the next three weeks eeek!!

   

   We have had a little scour of the net to see how we can be a little bit help of this year, from wrapping gifts to making your own decs and seeing santa we have pulled some ideas together to help you along your merry way this December.

   All wrapped up

   After trekking the shops for hours, the last thing you want to do is spend another 10 hours wrapping or making a hash of it because you’re running out of time. Check out these vids netmums have collated for quick wrapping tips…

   

   Gift idea

   Struggling for ideas of what to get Aunty Mabel or your little ones teacher? Well grab yourself a wicker basket, Hobbycraft have some great ones and fab accessories to make them all Christmassy and fill them to the brim with some chosen items. You could go down a themed route with cheese and wine, bath essentials or a mixture, its up to you. Plus its cheap, easy and thoughtful.

   

   Storytime at the zoo

   Head down to the zoo to meet father Christmas. He will be there up to 24th December and will be reading stories during the day before the lantern event in the evening. Find out more here

   

   Fun Christmas crafts

   If you manage to get all your shopping done before the kids break up then you may have time get them involved in some christmassy crafts.

   Reindeer pinecone ornaments

   These look really cute and seem quite easy to master. Also you can make use of those pinecones the kids collect on walks. Check out how to make them here, you don’t need much stuff and they look really effective.

   

   Do you wanna build a snowman?

   No not Frozen again I hear you scream! But, the film certainly fits the season. Wow your kids with these little homemade Olafs, a lady off the net has shared a ‘how to’ guide on making these little snowmen. Plus, they must be easy as they were one of the tasks she got everyone involved in at her daughter’s birthday party check them out here.
   

   

   
   White chocolate, raspberry and strawberry rocky roads

   Whilst having a little search for some desserts with a difference I came across these, they look so festive and would be perfect for your homemade hamper, a gift for a teacher or just to scoff yourself. The recipe.

   

   With all that family time why not book a Christmas photoshoot this year? You can get all the clan together and get that photo you’ve been meaning to do for years! Book it with our Christmas offer!

   

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5. Remember, remember the 5th of November!

   November 5, 2015 3:34 pm Comments Off on Remember, remember the 5th of November!

   Remember, remember the 5th of November!

   Bonny night is so much fun, wrapping up warm, waving around sparklers and writing your name in the air whilst devouring tonnes of treacle toffy and hot dogs and then the anticipation of seeing the bangers, Catherine wheels and glittery bright colours lighting up the sky.

   

   The only thing that can put a bit of a dampener on the event is trying to find somewhere to haul the family to, not to mention the inevitable rain!

   

   We can’t do anything about the rain, but we have found some places to head to over the next few days, check them out below…

   Thursday 5th November 2015 – Barrow Parish Council are holding their annual bonfire and display, from 6.30pm – fireworks start at 7pm.

   Friday 6th November 2015 – Get down to Ellesmere Port Lions Club Firework Spectacular at Whitby Park. Opening at 4:30pm and fireworks start at 7:30pm.

   Friday 6th November 2015 –  The Elton Scout Club are hosting a Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular. They are lighting their bonny at 7pm with their fab display due to start around 7.30pm. School Lane, Elton, CH2 4PJ.

   Saturday 7th November 2015 – Just down the road at the Shrewsbury Arms there is a Firework and Bonfire Display. Warrington Road Mickle Trafford from 5pm- 7pm

   Sunday 8th November 2015 –  Finish off the weekend at The Chester Fields Country Pub & Restaurant, Mickle Trafford they are holding a massive bonny and display!

   

   Lots of choice in and around Chester to make sure you and the family don’t miss out!

   Why not check out our brand new offer on family portraits we have just launched for Christmas!

   

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6. Happy Halloween

   October 16, 2015 12:47 pm Comments Off on Happy Halloween

   Happy Halloween

   So, the kids have been back at school for a few weeks and the colours on the trees are changing which means the next thing on the list is Halloween!

   

   Are you throwing a party and need to think of some quirky ways to entertain the kids? Or Just wanting to get the house a bit more ‘spookified’ ready for the hoards of trick or treaters that are about to descend?

   Or you may be looking to head out somewhere with the family – we have had a look around and got together some fun and different ideas from the net for you to have a go at or visit…

   Halloween bubble wands

   Get ting a bit bored of the average bubble?!? Well bubbles just got a hell of a lot more interesting (for those of us that particularly like bubbles that it is), with the help of some wire and a cinnamon stick. Really easy to make, just shape the wire around a scary biccie cutter and stick in to a cinnamon stick! Find out more here

   

   Glitter pumpkins
   
   Instead of just carving out a pumpkin this year, get some glitter out and give them a sparkle. These look really different than the normal scary faced veg, with a little bit of twinkle and some bow decor they look really cool and pretty. Find out how to here

   

   Chester’s Spooktacular!

   The city centre are in partnership with the Chester Bid Company to bring you and your family a whole week of free Halloween activities. Running from 24th – 31st October, there will be all sorts going on such as; Halloween themed film viewings, family ghost tours, a chocolate workshop and a creep crawly challenge. Find out more here
   

   

   No nonsense costumes
   Want to get a bit creative with your kids costumes, but seriously have no time to be stitching, sewing and whatever else! Check out these easy ‘no sew’ costume ideas

   

   Last minute party treats

   Check out this article from Buzzfeed, they have collated 14 easy to make treats for Halloween that look really effective. We especially love the hotdog fingers!

   

   Lets go outside!

   Capture those autumn colours before they disappear with a family photoshoot for only £20!

   Book a family photoshoot for just £20 (usually £25) and receive a FREE 7×5 print. Find out more

   

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7. National Geographic Traveller Photo Contest 2015

   August 5, 2015 1:55 pm Comments Off on National Geographic Traveller Photo Contest 2015

   National Geographic
   

   The National Geographic Traveller photo contest winners have been revealed this week, and there truly are some killer shots.

   10 photographs were awarded top prizes by judges and the winners were chosen from 18,000 entries. Some of them are just un-real, they look like paintings you can’t believe it’s a photograph – but they are! Strict guidelines on photo shopping means these images were pretty much taken as seen.

   Check out some of the best below.

   Grand prize: Whale Whisperers
   Photograph: Anuar Patjane

   

   Taken whilst diving in the Revillagigedo [Islands], Mexico, with a humpback whale and her calf.

    

   Second place: Gravel Workmen
   Photograph: Faisal Azim

   

   Working in a place filled to the brim with gravel and dust, these three workmen lookout of a nearby glass window, taken in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

    

   Third place: Camel Ardah
   Photograph: Ahmed Al Toqi

   

   Camel ardah in Oman is one of the traditional styles of camel racing, the main purpose of this form of racing is to show off the riders skills and the beauty and strength of their camel.

    

   Merit: Catching a Duck
   Photograph: Sarah Wouters

   

   Two boys in the midst of a Thai waterfall stream trying to catch a duck.

    

   Merit: Kushti, Indian Wrestling
   Photograph: Alain Schroeder
   

   

   Kushti is a form of wrestling in India, wrestlers immerse themselves in a clay pit mixed with salt, lemon and ghee. At the end of their workout they cover themselves in the earth to soak up their well earned sweat and avoid getting cold.

    

   Merit: The Power of Few
   Photograph: Stefane Berube

   

   Photographer Stefane waited all night to capture the endangered white rhino, skulking about in grassland to get a good shot whilst focusing on being safe it didn’t seem to be happening. But he awoke to this scene the next morning.

    

   Merit: A night in Deadvlei
   Photograph: Beth McCarley
   

   

   A calm night spent in Deadvlei captured this beauty, the moon was so bright it highlighted the subject, the 900 year old camelthorn trees and the surrounding sand dunes ,whilst the night sky was so dark and clear, illuminating the never ending milky way.

   
   Merit: Sauna in the sky
   Photograph: Stefano Zardini

   

   Situated in the Dolomites, this sauna is sky high at 2,800 metres.

    

   Merit: Romania, Land of the Fairytales
   Photograph: Eduard Gutescu

   

   Crisp white frost over the village of Pestera.

    

   Merit: Highlanders
   Photograph: Bartłomiej Jurecki

   

   A look at traditional haymaking in Poland, where many locals still use scythe and pitchfork to sort the hay.

   http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/photo-contest-2015/gallery/winners-all/1

   Check out our location gallery of people in places.

   

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8. Creative stuff to do with the kids this summer

   July 30, 2015 2:36 pm Comments Off on Creative stuff to do with the kids this summer

   It’s quite a long time six weeks and it can be hard thinking of creative stuff to do with the kids every day. Plus, it can be a bit of a dear do, with holidays, days out and numerous ice cream purchases.

   So if you need a bit of inspiration this summer to entertain your little minions fear not! – we have once again trawled the net and found some creative things to do and fun days out that are a bit different from the norm and don’t cost the earth…

   

   DIY rain clouds an art/science project

   July so far has been a bit wet, so hoping for much more sun in August! However, this is England and we can’t be too optimistic, so for those rainy days why not try out this fun yet educational little project with your little ones. Part art, part science you just need a few bits of household stuff to create stunning rain clouds in a jug. They look fab and it means you can do a bit of teaching in between baking and watching the Lego Movie…Check out how to here

   

   Wind in the willows – Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre – 4th July – 29th August

   Why not pop along to the Grosvenor Park and take a little picnic to see The Wind in the Willows with the kids. Follow Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger on their journey and enjoy some family time. Running time is about 2 hrs 30 mins with an interval and under 12s are free, so its well worth a watch. Hurry though as tickets are selling out fast. http://www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk/

   

   Paper plate Jellyfish

   Can’t think of anything other than colouring and sticking stuff together with glitter to do? Check out these paper plate jellyfish, dead easy to make and minimal mess! How to make.

   

   The Wizard of Oz – Roman Gardens Chester – 15th July – 22nd August

   You may fancy popping down to the cinema in the hols, why not go and watch a classic in the Roman Gardens in town. It’s a nice change from being indoors and its an excuse to watch the Wizard Of Oz again, plus under 12s go free and you can take a picnic and a blanket to sit on. http://www.moonlightflicks.co.uk/

   

   Bake

   Everyone loves a bit of baking and it wouldn’t be the hols without giving it a go. Try out this retro marble cake with the kids. How to make.

   

   If the sun comes out…

   If we are lucky enough to see a bit of that lovely sun, it’s time to let the kids run off a bit of steam in the garden. Add a bit of fun by getting them to help you make a homemade sprinkler. Just grab an empty plastic bottle, pierce with holes, and duck tape the hose to the end of it – dead simple, hours of fun.

   

   Top tips to tire them out

   Week three, still another three to go, your knackered and have started to think that the stress of getting uniforms and lunches ready, and doing the school run is just as fun as going out for a large drink with your pals. Your wrong! This means you need a break – here are some ideas to let them burn off some energy.

   No trampoline? No worries, let them jump on the mattress for a bit, they’ll be knackered after this and need a good snooze.

   Build a den – Get a load of blankets, sheets and the like, move some furniture about, you know the drill and get them to help. Once built and they’ve had a bit of den time get them to help with all the tidying up. This can take ages and can use up a good few hours.

   

   Dancing – Pop some tunes on and get them dancing, musical statues and general larking about doesn’t need to be reserved for parties.

   Book a shoot!

   Thinking of getting some photos done? summer hols gives you loads of time for photo opportunities, plus you can take advantage of our fab summer offer.

   

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9. The worst baby names

   July 21, 2015 11:29 am Comments Off on The worst baby names

   Worst baby names

   So we were only just revealing the top baby names of 2015 the other day, and since then the worst names in existence have come out.

   People were asked to reply to a post on a recent Rediit thread and there are some right shockers on the list!

   Here are a few of the worst…

   Britney Shakira Beyonce – yes, that is her full name and she would be addressed with the full version all the time.

   

   Kaizyle – Paisley was in the mothers top names, but she deemed it too ‘normal’

   Revlon – a little boys mummy’s fave brand of make-up.

   Mazen – Because ‘it was mazen when he was born’

   HellZell – the mum liked Hazel, however the dad was a biker and into Hells Angels, so they got creative!

   

   Gabriel and Grabriel – twins! the latter defo got the raw end of the stick.

   Brixx and Ryot – Two little brothers…

   After reading these we found a few more after a trawl on the web…

   Like – The young couple were so obsessed with Facebook they decided on ‘Like’ for their newborn.

   Obamaniqua – The urban dictionary describes this one as ‘A ghetto-fabulous African-American that loves president Barrack Obama.’

   

   Jammy – because they didn’t know the correct spelling of Jamie

   L’ORÉAL, JOOP AND DKNY – A real life story from one of the mags, a woman called her little girl L’oreal and her boys Joop and DKNY

   

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10. Top baby names 2015

    July 16, 2015 10:19 am Comments Off on Top baby names 2015

    Top baby names 2015

    The top baby names for the first half of 2015 have been revealed, by nameberry – has yours made the list? See below!

    Topping the boys names is rather unusual – Atticus. This seems to have come back due to the release of ‘Go Set a Watchman’ which is a novel focusing on the characters from 1960s classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

    As for girls, it won’t come as a surprise that Charlotte is currently in the top spot, obviously after the arrival of the Royal Princess.

    Check out the top 100 names so far…

    

    Girls

    1. Charlotte
    2. Amelia
    3. Olivia
    4. Isla
    5. Ava
    6. Violet
    7. Cora
    8. Eleanor
    9. Lucy
    10. Penelope
    11. Evelyn
    12. Adeline
    13. Hazel
    14. Imogen
    15. Aurora
    16. Alice
    17. Claire
    18. Adelaide
    19. Elizabeth
    20. Arabella
    21. Khaleesi
    22. Scarlett
    23. Emma
    24. Rose
    25. Evangeline
    26. Genevieve
    27. Ivy
    28. Lila
    29. Nora
    30. Beatrice
    31. Quinn
    32. Caroline
    33. Eloise
    34. Harlow
    35. Grace
    36. Luna
    37. Esme
    38. Matilda
    39. Aria
    40. Aurelia
    41. Mia
    42. Ella
    43. Clara
    44. Everly
    45. Iris
    46. Anna
    47. Mae
    48. Mila
    49. Thea
    50. Maeve
    51. Isabella
    52. Maya
    53. Ellie
    54. Seraphina
    55. Poppy
    56. Harper
    57. Clementine
    58. Emily
    59. Sophia
    60. Josephine
    61. Ruby
    62. Jane
    63. Isabel
    64. Wren
    65. Chloe
    66. Elodie
    67. Hadley
    68. Willa
    69. Nova
    70. Audrey
    71. Julia
    72. Stella
    73. Eden
    74. Eliza
    75. Juliet
    76. Hannah
    77. Cordelia
    78. Sienna
    79. Lydia
    80. Olive
    81. Piper
    82. Evie
    83. Lily
    84. Sloane
    85. Sadie
    86. Willow
    87. Margaret
    88. Emmeline
    89. Annabelle
    90. Lola
    91. Madeline
    92. Ada
    93. Gemma
    94. Eliana
    95. Daisy
    96. Zoe
    97. Emilia
    98. Florence
    99. Abigail
    100.Mabel

    

    Boys

    1. Atticus
    2. Asher
    3. Ezra
    4. Silas
    5. Declan
    6. Wyatt
    7. Oliver
    8. Henry
    9. Milo
    10. Jude
    11. Levi
    12. Jasper
    13. Leo
    14. Kai
    15. Jack
    16. Finn
    17. Theodore
    18. Sebastian
    19. Miles
    20. Liam
    21. Austin
    22. Eli
    23. Beckett
    24. Felix
    25. Caleb
    26. William
    27. Ethan
    28. Theo
    29. Benjamin
    30. Andrew
    31. Oscar
    32. Elijah
    33. Thomas
    34. Ryker
    35. Owen
    36. Julian
    37. James
    38. Isaac
    39. Josiah
    40. Sawyer
    41. Zachary
    42. Soren
    43. Bodhi
    44. Axel
    45. Alexander
    46. Jacob
    47. Grayson
    48. Luke
    49. Lachlan
    50. Archer
    51. Emmett
    52. Luca
    53. Lucas
    54. Everett
    55. Beau
    56. Jayden
    57. Ryder
    58. Ronan
    59. Samuel
    60. Harrison
    61. Daniel
    62. Hudson
    63. Roman
    64. Noah
    65. Callum
    66. Charles
    67. Arthur
    68. Gabriel
    69. Dashiell
    70. Maxwell
    71. Jonah
    72. Graham
    73. Charlie
    74. Hugo
    75. Rowan
    76. John
    77. Lincoln
    78. Jackson
    79. Xavier
    80. Knox
    81. Matthew
    82. Weston
    83. August
    84. Griffin
    85. Rhys
    86. Nathaniel
    87. Zane
    88. Simon
    89. Logan
    90. Tobias
    91. George
    92. Nolan
    93. Wesley
    94. Nicholas
    95. Aryan
    96. Maddox
    97. Elliot
    98. Nathan
    99. David
    100. Bennett

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