“Super-Mum”preneur Clare Wingfield is “One to Watch” as the UK’s first ‘What’s On 4 Juniors’ regional franchisee takes on the coveted South East!

Mumpreneur Clare Wingfield is the newest member to join the multi-award winning ‘What’s On 4’ international team as she takes on the What’s On 4 ‘Junior’ activity websites & BabyExpo Baby Show events in the coveted South East Region  - www.whatson4littleone.co.uk, www.whatson4schoolkids.co.uk, www.whatson4kidsparties.co.uk and www.babyexpobabyshows.co.uk

Having spent two years in New York after a glittering career in the City, Clare returned to leafy Surrey with husband Andrew and daughters Leah and Natalie.  Super-Mum Clare designed and built her new home recently and is now ready for her next challenge, soaring ahead with What’s On 4.

The What’s On 4 Junior websites and Baby Expo Events licenses have recently been offered across 12 regions of the UK and, with only a handful of places available, Clare swiftly seized the opportunity to be part of the international What’s On 4 business in her Region – the South East.

Clare says “With my youngest now at nursery it’s time for me to take on a new challenge!  Having a young family is a perfect excuse to get out, explore new places and meet new people, especially when you have just arrived in an area – but you have to know where to go and what’s on offer and that’s why I’m really excited to be running the What’s On 4 websites and BabyExpo Baby Show Events in my area”

The What’s On 4 websites promote thousands of activity businesses across the UK and attract over 75,000 visitors each month.  Clare is now responsible for the South East, with its tremendous fan and advertiser base and where What’s On 4 was launched by founder and MD Sam Willoughby from home countyHampshire over 7 years ago.  In addition, the BabyExpo Baby Shows are one of the most successful Baby Show brands in the UK, attracting 150+ exhibitors and around 4,000 visitors. Not being one to waste time, Clare’s event planning is already underway ~ so watch this space!

Clare joins at a pivotal time for What’s On 4 as the franchise programme gathers increasing momentum – paving the way for blanket national coverage across the UK, region by region. The  7^thAnnual What’s On 4 Junior Awards with Konfidence have broken all records with nearly 60,000 votes now in from the UK alone and as What’s On 4 continues its international expansion, more and more parents and carers from around the world are enjoying these fantastic websites packed full of inspiration, information, activities and fun!

Bev O’Sullivan and Marilyn Bradshaw, the Master Franchisees for the What’s On 4 junior business in the UK say “Clare’s track record has shown that she is success-driven and ready for the challenge of running one of our most exciting Regions. We’re thrilled with Clare’s plans and have absolutely no doubt the Clare is “one to watch” in the Mumpreneur arena!”

If you would like to follow Clare’s footsteps and run our What’s On 4 Junior businesses in YOUR region then please email marilyn@whatson4.co.uk for more information.

 

• For more information on our What’s On 4 Junior Business Opportunities see http://www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/franchise.asp or email marilyn@whatson4.co.uk or call 0121 288 1228
• * For more information on What’s On 4 Ltd, the multiple website and events programme as well as the global expansion into the Australian, Irish, Singapore, Swiss and soon, New Zealand markets visit www.whatson4.co.uk
• For further information on What’s On 4 Ltd and BabyExpo email suzanne@whatson4.co.uk or see http://www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk
• The Seventh International What’s On 4 Juniors awards with Konfidence are approaching a very exciting climax with a record number of votes and nominations received. Voting closes May 28 and the live awards will take place as part of BabyExpo Brighton on June 30. For more on the awards visit www.whatson4littleones.co.uk

 

 

Activity Discounts and Freebies

What’s On 4 Me have scoured the web to bring you all the best ACTIVITY DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES all in one place, and we’re adding more each day ~ so follow this Blog and check back again soon!

 

See here for National and Online Discounts or use the map to find your regional Activity Discounts!

Decline in Mineral Content of a Medium Apple

Reblogged from Live Life With Minerals:

• 

A recent report in the Daily Mail stated that an apple a day is not as good as it used to be.

Fruit and vegetables are being gradually stripped of the natural goodness which makes them beneficial for health, experts have found.

An alarming drop in essential minerals means that the apples and greens of today are nowhere near as good for us as those eaten 50 years ago.

Read more… 330 more words

Decline in Mineral Content of a Medium Apple

National NO SMOKING Day! Ten Chances to Win an E-Lites Starter Pack!

Ahead of National No Smoking Day (13th March) and to mark the launch of its new TV advertising campaign E-Lites, the leading UK brand of electronic cigarettes, is offering not one, but ten What’s On 4 Me fans the chance to win an E-Lites starter pack with refill E-Tips each worth £33.98 RRP.

Created for smokers, E-Lites electronic cigarettes offer a harm reducing alternative that recreates the sensation of a tobacco cigarette without the smell, smoke, legal restrictions or impact of passive smoking.

Designed to look, feel and taste like the real thing, E-Lites electronic cigarettes are made using the latest technology and contain a nicotine solution that users inhale as a vapour without any of the tar or carbon monoxide found in a tobacco cigarette.

Available in Regular, Light or Menthol, E-Lites electronic cigarettes are distinguishable by their unique green tip, which upon inhalation lights up to alert those around you that it’s not a tobacco cigarette.

Not only are E-Lites less harmful to a smoker’s health, but they also cost around 70 per cent less than tobacco cigarettes.

Each winner will receive an E-Lites E80 starter pack which comes complete with a USB charger, rechargeable battery and 2 E-Tips (equivalent to 80 traditional cigarettes). E-Lites will also throw in an extra pack of E-Tips, giving each winner the equivalent of 160 ‘cigarettes’.

To view E-Lites’ first TV advert, featuring its dancing ‘Gangnam’ baby click here or for more information about E-Lites visit www.e-lites.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @ELitesUK.

10 lucky What’s On 4 Me fans can win an E-Lites starter pack each worth £33.98 to celebrate National No Smoking Day (13th March) – ENTER HERE

Win a pair of Yurbuds Sports Earphones!

Yurbuds, maker of the sport earphones guarenteed not to fall out, have teamed up with What’s On 4 Me to offer one lucky winner a pair of these fantastic sport earphones.

Each yurbuds earphone model is designed to contour to the human ear for perfect comfort ergonomics and premium sound quality, even while in motion. The ultimate training accessory, yurbuds are sweat proof, water resistant and provide ambient noise protection allowing outside sounds to be better heard.

When in training, athletes often turn to their music to drive themselves forward; yurbuds are committed to motivating and inspiring all fitness enthusiasts through their earphones. Constantly evolving to meet the needs of every customer, from
the endurance athlete to the more casual user, yurbuds understand that no two ears are the same prompting the company to launch their top ranges in UK, experience the soft silicone and twist-lock technology to ensure a pitch perfect run without the worry of your earphones falling out or hurting.

One lucky What’s On 4 Me fan can win a pair of yurbuds sports earphones.

Just enter here!

SOUP YOUR WAY TO A SENSUOUS VALENTINES NIGHT

Anyone who has lovingly prepared food for another knows its potential power. Silky-smooth and sensually-satisfying is the way to go for a hot Valentines night this year and Lobster Bisque is hard to beat, say nutritionist and author, Fiona Kirk.

As far back as the late 1800s, the aphrodisiac powers of seafood were championed, which is easy to understand as it’s got the lot. It is a rich source of iron which increases blood flow to our sex organs, zinc which increases the production of testosterone, the ‘libido lifter’ in both males and females, Omega 3 fats which boost our mood and iodine which makes us feel vivacious and ready for whatever the night might have in store!

This slightly extravagant soup takes a little time to prepare but right from the first spoonful you just know that your efforts were worth it and the rest of the evening is going to take you and your valentine into a very good place.

Lobster Bisque

Enough for 2 with plenty left over for a late night snack!

Steam 2 lobster tails (frozen is fine as long as you defrost them completely), shell side down over a pan of simmering salted water (about a pint and a half) for 8-10 minutes or until the flesh is cooked through but not tough. Remove the lobster, save the water for the stock, take the flesh out with a couple of forks and set aside.

In another fairly large pan, gently sauté the lobster shells in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil for 5 to 6 minutes. Add a couple of large glasses of dry white wine, 24 fluid ounces of chicken stock and the water used for steaming the lobster, bring the whole lot to the boil and keep at a rolling boil until the liquid is reduced by half (takes around 45 minutes).

In the meantime, sauté 1 small fennel bulb, cleaned, trimmed and finely sliced and 4 shallots, peeled and finely chopped in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft and transparent (don’t let them brown). Add 3 medium-sized tomatoes, skinned, de-seeded and chopped, 2 tablespoons of white rice, 1 tablespoon tomato puree, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 bay leaf, 1 sprig of thyme and stir until well-mixed.

When the stock is reduced, strain it through a fine sieve, return to a clean pan then slowly stir in the vegetable/herb/spice mix. Bring back to the boil, turn down the heat, add at least 2 tablespoons of brandy (it’s Valentines night after all!) then simmer gently for another 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and thyme and liquidise the whole lot (you will probably have to do this in two batches) until velvety-smooth. Return to a clean pan and keep on a very gentle simmer until just before serving (or refrigerate overnight and reheat – gently!)

Just before serving, slice the lobster flesh into bite-sized chunks and add to the soup with a dash of lemon juice and a few tablespoons of double cream, heat through for 5 minutes or slightly longer if you can possibly wait and serve in cups, mugs, bowls or just dig into the pan together with very big spoons!

For more (slightly less extravagant) soup recipes and her 10 day Flab Fighting Soup Diet see nutritionist Fiona Kirk’s eBook Soup Can Make You Thin, £4.99 available through www.souperydupery.com

For more ideas for Valetine’s Day, Slimming and Fitness activities near you see www.whatson4me.co.uk

toptable diners reveal their top 25 most romantic UK restaurants

In anticipation of one of the most romantic days of the year, toptable, a leading consumer destination site for restaurant bookings in the UK along with its parent company, OpenTable, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPEN), revealed today their diners’ top 25 most romantic restaurants. The list reflects the combined opinions of approximately 400,000 reviews submitted by verified toptable diners for nearly 4,000 restaurants across the UK.

The top 25 shows French cuisine as the hot choice for romance ahead of Valentine’s Day this year, accounting for almost half of the list, while Italian and British are also proving popular romantic cuisines. Despite the growing popularity of Asian food amongst UK diners, there was no room for Chinese, Indian or Thai cuisine in the top 25, with the list consisting entirely of European restaurants.

“Romance can mean very different things to different people but a gorgeous meal, perfect service and warm atmosphere make for an undeniably romantic combination. Each of these restaurants offers a different romantic experience, but all are truly best of class,” said Lucy Taylor, head of restaurant relations at toptable.

“When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the top restaurants fill up quickly so it is always best to book early. However, many diners still wait until the last minute and plenty of availability can be found on toptable.co.uk. Last year, almost 30% of bookings for Valentine’s Day were made on the 13^th and 14^th February,” she added.

Fred Sirieix, General Manager of Galvin at Windows, which was included on the list commented, “We are obviously delighted to be recognised as one of the most romantic restaurants. It is especially humbling knowing the distinction is based on diner reviews. We strive to create singular experiences for all our guests and when it comes to romance this quality is especially important.”

The top 25 romantic restaurants in the UK are generated from approximately 400,000 reviews collected from verified toptable diners between January 2012 and January 2013. All restaurants with a minimum “overall” score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the percentage of qualifying reviews for which “romantic” was selected as a special feature.

toptable top 25 romantic restaurants in the UK:

Apsley’s A Heinz Beck Restaurant – London, Belgravia

Chapter One – Kent

Chez Bruce – London, Wandsworth

Clos Maggiore – London, Covent Garden

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – London, Belgravia

Galvin at Windows – London, Mayfair

Galvin La Chapelle – London, Spitalfields

Gauthier Soho – London, Soho

Kendell’s Bistro –Leeds

L’ortolan – Reading

Petrus– London, Belgravia

Quantus Restaurant & Bar – London, Chiswick

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – London, Chelsea

Roux at The Landau – London, Oxford Circus

Seven Park Place by William Drabble – London, Green Park

The Fat Duck – Bray

The French Table – Surbiton

The Greenhouse – London, Mayfair

The Grill at The Dorchester – London, Marble Arch

The Ledbury – London, Notting Hill

Theo Randall – London, Belgravia

Thirty Six by Nigel Mendham at DUKES LONDON – London, Green Park

Topes – Kent

Trinity – London, Clapham

Viajante – London, Bethnal Green

About toptable Reviews

The toptable reviews program helps diners find restaurants that best fit their dining occasions.  Diners who recently honoured a toptable reservation are invited via email to submit restaurant feedback using an online form. Visitors to toptable can access reviews for thousands of toptable restaurant partners across UK. The toptable reviews program has generated more than 2 million reviews by verified diners in the UK.

For more ideas about how to spend your Valetine’s Day and to wiin great Romantic Prizes see www.whatson4me.co.uk  

New Book And Campaign To Support Fathers And Families Of Those Suffering From Postnatal Depression

After going through postnatal depression in 2011 with his wife and suffering from depression himself Mark Williams has set up a new charity called “Fathers Reaching Out” which supports fathers and families of those suffering from postnatal depression.

Mark found that while there was support for his wife there was no support for fathers and families and a lack of education, research and awareness about the illness in general.

In January 2012 Mark set up a website called www.fathersreachingout.com as a point of contact for fathers and families and has also published a book on Amazon called “Mark Williams Reaching Out” about his personal experiences of postnatal depression and depression.

Postnatal depression is often a major cause of families breaking up due to the high stress levels it creates and the lack of education or support to combat this. While the mother receives treatment and support the father has to deal with the newborn baby, the partner’s depression and work in isolation.

Mark comments “When I was at my deepest, I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. I was told I had to go on a waiting list for counselling which after sixteen months I am still waiting for the phone call. I went to free counselling through a drink programme, which was the starting point of my recovery.”

He continues, “Since then in the last 12 months I have turned my life from a negative into a positive, and now feel strongly about helping others in the same situation as me. I was just given medication and that was that, and feel that a simple outreach project could not only save the government money, but stop families from breaking up.”

Mark says “One of best things for depression, that worked for me was structure. Going to the gym is always great, and also exercise classes, as you are more likely to eat healthy foods and meet positive people. Small steps each day will get you to your final goal…depression free. Always remember this is a illness,and you will get better.”

Mark has raised awareness through public speaking to people from the NHS and the mental health charity MIND amongst other resources. Mark has also been asked to appear on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, Radio 5 live and other networks. He has many followers and now receives emails from all corners of the world, from professors to people who have been through the experience themselves.

Due to Mark self funding the ‘Fathers Reaching Out’ project and all his hard work in awareness he has been awarded ‘Inspirational Father of the Year’ in Wales, The Welsh selection for the Pride of Britain Awards and was even short listed at the Mind Media Awards hosted by Stephen Fry. He has also had an article published in a journal for health visiting.

Mark hopes to help even more people and take his campaign from strength to strength. He would like help with a project he is starting along side Fathers Reaching Out, which will involve going into shelters for homeless, prisons and other places where people can help others and also better themselves by taking part. Marks aim is also to educate students in schools and employees in companies around the country that they must seek help before it gets to breaking point, like it did to him.

Since speaking out about his illness and the effect of postnatal depression, Mark has been delighted with the results. He has had people who he has known for many years come up to him saying they too have suffered in silence.

Mark notes, “People are more willing to open up when they know that they are talking to someone who has been through the same situation themselves and don’t feel judged. Many people including myself were afraid to seek help, and didn’t know how people would react to the situation. I know this is a illness, that anyone can have in their lifetime as the figures show 1 in 4 will have a mental illness in their lifetime.”

Mark concludes “If we can start talking about this illness called depression, people will be more likely to come forward and seek the help quicker and start the recovery at the earliest point.”

Follow Mark Williams on twitter @fathersreaching or see www.fathersreachingout.com for more about the campaign.

For more support groups and ways to increase your positivity, search www.whatson4me.co.uk for classes and groups near you.

Best Valentine’s Day Discounts Announced

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the best exclusive discounts have been announced to help lovebirds celebrate the day affordably.

Hundreds of thousands of online shoppers have already begun their romantic shopping, according to the UK’s most popular discount website, with just two weeks until Valentine’s Day.

The top ten most popular discount codes for Valentine’s gifts on www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk are listed below, including ways to save money on gifts, experiences, jewellery, perfume, flowers and romantic breaks.

Shoppers hoping to take advantage of these fantastic Valentine’s Day discounts should act quickly, with many discounts expiring within the next week. The majority of the discounts are only available exclusively through MyVoucherCodes.

1. Figleaves: Exclusive 15% Off Full Price Items in the Valentines Shop at Figleaves, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/figleaves

2. The Body Shop: 40% Off Online Orders at The Body Shop, ends 04/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/the-body-shop

3. H. Samuel: Exclusive 5% Off Orders at H.Samuel, ends 31/01/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/hsamuel

4. BuyaGift: Exclusive 20% Off Everything at BuyaGift, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/buyagift

5. Thorntons: 15% Off Everything at Thorntons, ends 04/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/thorntons

6. The Perfect Cellar: 15% Off Champagne and Flute Gift Sets at The Perfect Cellar, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/the-perfect-cellar

7. Fragrance Direct: Exclusive 10% Off All Orders at Fragrance Direct, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/fragrance-direct

8. Serenata Flowers: Exclusive 15% Off Everything at Serenata Flowers, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/serenata-flowers

9. Red Letter Days: Exclusive 20% Off Everything at Red Letter Days, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/red-letter-days

10. Lastminute.com: Exclusive £30 Off All Holidays at lastminute.com, ends 03/02/13 – http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/lastminute.com

And for those still hoping to find a date for Valentine’s Day, there is an exclusive discount available through MyVoucherCodes, offering 3 Months Subscription for the Price of 2 at eHarmony: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/eharmony

Mark Pearson, Chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, commented on the discounts:

“Valentine’s Day can be an expensive time of the year so soon after Christmas. It used to be that people considered saving money on romantic gifts as somewhat cheap, but every year the number of people using our codes and deals to enjoy an affordable Valentine’s Day rises, so it seems to be much more acceptable these days. After all, it’s the thought that counts!”

See more Activity Discounts from What’s On 4 Me

Childcare Costs now make it Unaffordable For Most Mums To Return To Work ~ What’s On 4 have a Brand New Solution…!

What’s On 4 brings you the opportunity to run your own work-from-home business with the Award Winning “junior” What’s On 4 websites and Baby Expo Events www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk, www.whatson4littleones.co.uk, www.whatson4schoolkids.co.uk and www.whatson4kidsparties.co.uk

With recent news of childcare costs being prohibitive to mothers being able to go out to work, it will be welcome news to many mums that What’s On 4 have now launched their regional businesses for mums to work-from-home!  The opportunities are ideal for mums looking to get back into work and running a business from home.

Marilyn Bradshaw and Bev O’Sullivan are leading the way in creating flexible working opportunities for mums across the UK by expanding the very successful What’s On 4 brand of websites!

Our family of What’s On 4 websites has been bringing information about local activities, clubs, classes and events, catering for all age groups from newborns to over-60’s, for over seven years now, since their creation 7 years ago by What’s On 4 founder Sam Willoughby.

Now with over 75,000 visitors each month to our What’s On 4 sites, over 50,000 subscribers, and over 50,000 social media fans, these websites are immensely popular with adults, parents, grandparents and carers.  What’s more is that these businesses are about to be launched as regional businesses across the UK.

As working mums themselves, Marilyn and Bev understand the need for home-based business opportunities and this is a major driving force for them.  Marilyn has two boys under the age of six and in the past 2 years has already taken the UK by storm with What’s On 4 Me (www.whatson4me.co.uk) – the adult “arm” of the websites.  As Master Franchisee she has provided many mums with part-time, flexible working opportunities.

Marilyn says “Being a mum and running a National business from home is the most perfect combination I could imagine.  Having already developed 12 local business owners across the UK for What’s On 4 Me I am completely driven to do the same for our What’s On 4 “Juniors” business. These opportunities give the flexible working arrangement that many families need these days.”

Joining forces with Bev O’Sullivan, mum of three children under 10, means that they can quickly expand the “Junior” websites www.whatson4littleones.co.uk, www.whatson4schoolkids.co.uk and www.whatson4kidsparties.co.uk, including the extremely successful and popular BabyExpo Events www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk to create these desperately needed work-from-home opportunities.

Bev says “Since coming on board with the What’s On 4 Team by running South Yorkshire What’s On 4 Me, my work life balance has changed dramatically for the better.  To now be able to run the children’s side of the business of What’s On 4 gives me the unique ability to also offer this lifestyle to others – and run a successful business.”

Marilyn and Bev have a wealth of business accolades between them including Awards for Best New Business Idea, North East Woman Entrepreneur Finalist and Best Brand Winner to name just a handful.

What’s On 4 “Juniors” will benefit from their combined entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen and drive the growth of the What’s On 4 family of websites across the UK – creating dozens of flexible work positions all across the UK.

Interest has already been registered for many of the local What’s On 4 business regions and discussions are underway with potential candidates.

However ~ DON’T MISS OUT!! If you feel that you would like more information about running What’s On 4 in your region, including the availability and cost, then contact Marilyn Bradshaw, 0121 288 1228, marilyn@whatson4.co.uk for more information!