Light a candle and indulge in some luxury ...

Scented candles are sometimes seen as a bit of a luxury aren't they? I think this is because we associate them with beautiful scents and relaxing environments, or simply some time to yourself to help you unwind. And I guess that all of those things are, indeed, a luxury. So if you're going to indulge in a candle, we say, make sure it's a good one. Our Mamissima candles are made from100% natural organic plant wax which means no parabens or black smoke (which is even more so important when you are pregnant). They also contain Essential oils, making the scent as rich, natural and clean as possible whilst allowing you to receive the natural remedies of your chosen scent. Lavender for example is famously known for its relaxing qualities. The Mamissima Candle also has other properties which make them even more wonderful and luxurious. Due to the organic wax and the essential oils, when burnt and softened they can be used as a brilliant and highly effective emollient massage oil or body cream. Warm and full of charming natural scent they are the perfect way to help unwind tired bodies, not to mention filling your home with a wonderful relaxing, heavenly vibe. Available in 3 different scents; lavender, Rose & geranium and Wild Fig 7 Grape.

Baby shower goodies ....

Baby showers are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to spoil a friend and new Mum as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. We've put together a Mamissima Baby Shower Basket, full of gorgeous gift ideas for new babes. Beautiful blankets for cots and strollers will always be welcome and make a lovely gift; choose from the Wool Check Blanket and Dwell Baby Owl Stroller Blanket. Books to journal your pregnancy and first baby stages and a Baby Handprint Keepsake kit to guarantee precious memories. For practical organisation an OiOi Changing Bag has no rival and we have lots of different designs to suit every taste. For newborns Petit Bateau is renowned for its high-quality cotton and a pack of bodysuits is, we think, a staple. For bright and fun choose a Bakker bib or a wooden Pram Chain, and for babies playthings we have some very soft and cute teddies! We will happily suggest ideas for your baby shower gifts, or you can browse through our website for a bit of inspiration for your own ideas.

Time for 'You' ...

Susan and I thought we deserved a little treat at the weekend ... a little getaway with some girlfriends, time-out from work and family, and some 'you time' for ourselves. And we found just what we wanted at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, in Midhurst, West Sussex. It was a gorgeous weekend in a beautiful environment; good company, extremely relaxing and the Spa treatments were wonderful! It comes highly recommended to anyone lucky enough to be able to find the time to get away; it really does do the world of good and also helps get you through the last bitter months of winter. If you haven't got a whole weekend, or even one night, to spare then you could always come along to our very own Wellbeing Clinic here in Brighton and treat yourself to one of our many treatments - you don't have to be pregnant or a new-Mum, we offer treatments to all! Having some 'You' time for body and soul, together with 'Sleep' must be the best medicine in the world.

Timeless classics .....

What's on your little one's Christmas list for Santa this year? Inevitably it will include lots of plastic, lots of 'batteries required', and at least a few things that you personally regard as 'tat'! As parents, we get swamped with all sorts of toys, games and gadgets that we simply don't want to buy for all of the above reasons, and because we know that they simply won't last and will probably break after countless throws, pushes and pulls. That's why we, here at Mamissima, look really hard to bring you beautiful, traditional, often wooden or fabric toys and games that will stand the test of time, can get handed down, will give endless hours of play, and won't look out of place in your beautiful home if you haven't got time to tidy up! Our selection falls under 3 categories, 'Traditional Toys', 'Novelty Toys' and 'Soft Toys'. There is lots to choose from, for boys and girls, and we think parents will be rather pleased with them too! Remember, orders over £50 receive free delivery!

Snug as a bug ....

We might be getting our winter warmers on and wrapping up cosy but what about baby?! Whether it's a little pramsuit, stroller blanket, extra cosy sleeping bag, hand crochet blanket for the nursery, or a beautiful embroidered quilt, we have all aspects of snug comfort completely covered. Not only are these things all essential for your little ones but they also make beautiful gifts for newborns. And remember, all on-line orders over £50 qualify for free delivery!

Winter Warmers ..... & 20% off!

It's getting chilly! Really chilly, and the nights are drawing in, now is the time to get cosy and find some really lovely key pieces which will see you through what looks to be a long winter. We have some great pieces for cosy comfort and wrapping up warm. A winter coat is essential and unfortunately you simply can't get away with last years coat if your bump is a good 6 months on, take a look at these http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Maternity_Coats.html. A long cardigan is a great cover-up, hugely versatile and a great comfort, we love this one http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Long_Grey_Cardigan.html. And if you only get one more key winter piece, we think it should be our fabulous Jeggings by Faire Dodo which will go with absolutely anything, which is a good thing because they're so comfortable, you'll never want to take them off! If you can pop in and see us on Friday evening, 5-8pm, we are offering 20% off everything, including all of the above! 82 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD.

Start as you mean to go on ... Go Green Baby

Here in Brighton, being very 'Green', we're quite big on Organic Cotton. However, if you're still one of the many who has never tried it, or made the switch completely, then maybe this is the season for you to give it a try? Let us introduce you to one of our best-selling labels, Green Baby. Green Baby are the leading eco friendly baby and children's brand on the market and they offer a range of natural, organic and environmentally fiendly products for babies and young children. Take a look at some of the gorgeous new baby clothes for Autumn/Winter http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Boy.html , featuring great fun colours, stripes, stars, appliques prints, all lovingly made for your most precious possessions. And just so you appreciate exactly how lovingly the clothes have been made .... Green Baby produce all of their organic cotton children's clothing and organic cotton baby bedding at Assisi Garments in South India, a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

This community project, managed by the Sisters of Assisi, runs a school for deaf girls and the organic clothing factory was set up to provide jobs for them when they finish their education. It now provides them with a place to live, all their meals and a fair wage.

In the eleven years Green Baby have been providing regular orders for organic kid's clothing all year round, the factory has been able to expand from the original 12 girls to a team of 200. All of the cotton Green Baby uses has been certified 100% organic by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which is an internationally recognised governing body working to guarantee the integrity of organic agriculture.

'Fair trade' is about being fair to the people we trade with to get our products on shelves. That means that everyone in the supply chain, from the cotton farmers to the pattern cutters and everyone in between can bank on the fact that they will be supported, that they will be paid a fair wage, enjoy tea breaks, proper sanitation and work in pleasant and clean environments. It also means that we pay them the kind of prices for their products that enable them to plan for their families and future.

Go for Organic Cotton with Green Baby ... your baby will feel good and you will feel good, everyone's a winner!