Forever Friends

Forever Friends…a brief history of the bear

It was in 1987, that the artist Deborah Jones pulled out her sketchbook one day and drew the a little bear that would go onto be a very famous indeed !  At the time Deborah then spoke to a greeting cards publisher who agreed to release the forever friends bear design onto a card.

Deborah wanted to develop the Forever friend’s teddy so that it not only would be of interest to children, but also to adults. The idea of the Forever friends bear actually came from a TV show called Brideshead Revisited which was on ITV in 1981. There was a character in this show called Sebastian and he carried a bear around with him……

The Forever Friends bear came under trademark in 1989 and in 1994 was purchased by Hallmark cards.

In 1997 another versionof Forever Friends appeared, called Between Friends which aimed mainly at cards for children. This was then followed up quite quickly in 2000 by a design called Blanc. Forever Friends ‘Blanc’ was a simple plain pencil design on a white card aiming at older people….or the more mature market as they say… This happened to be the last design set Deborah would worked on, as she then went on to retired.

In 2005, Forever Friends was relaunched with a water colour based look, textured paper on cards and a more modern font. As the 2000’s rolled on, a wide variety of other products started to see the Forever Friends design appear, including a baby bedding range called ‘Forever Friends beautiful’ and also another baby bedding range called ‘Forever Friends Little Star’,  that can be seen here at 4little1s.com. Both of the Forever Friends baby bedding ranges include a full matching set of items such as Cot bumper, curtains sheets, quilts and even matching nursery thingies like matching cushions.

FOREVER FRIENDS BEAUTIFUL BABY BEDDING

A delightful design which speaks for itself, Forever Friends Beautiful combines delicate blossom embroideries with damask print and ribbon trims, for an elegant nursery design. This beautiful range includes moses baskets, bedding pieces and complete nursery accessories

FOREVER FRIENDS LITTLE STAR BABY BEDDING

A great baby bedding design, Izziwotnot's Forever Friends Little Star coordinated nursery bedding combines a fresh white backdrop with a zesty palette featuring striking shades of lime green, aquamarine and tangerine. Colourful text embroideries and striped trims combine with blue check and orange star prints to create a striking nursery look mixed with loveable charm. The soft Forever Friends bear is waiting to share the warmest of hugs with your little one! 

Getting Forever Friends look has never been so simple. 4little1s.com is an online nursery bedding and nursery furniture retailer located in the South East of the UK, but shipping internationally. Looking for Forever Friends baby bedding ???? You have found all you need right here….

Yellow Digger Light Switch Covers

Children's Yellow Light Switch Covers

If you are decorating your child's bedroom we know the cost can spiral out of control very quickly, especially during these days of watching your money. That's why we think these Yellow Digger Light Switch Covers are such a great and cost effective solution to light up a room. They are so simple to fit and you do not need to be a DIY guru.

This particular light switch cover features a bright yellow digger with a front bucket and a rear bucker for lots of digging. Black tyres with yellow flecks on them all on a lovely blue background.

Decorative Children's Light Switches

Children's Light Switch Covers


A product line we recently introduced has been these light switch covers for children. Something we were not even aware you could buy, but such a great and simple idea to add the finishing decorative touch to a child's room.

The light switch covers are available from our website (www.4little1s.com) under the lighting section, where we hope to be adding some matching light shades over the coming weeks and months.


The covers simply fit over the existing light switch cover which is usually just plain booooring white. Within minutes these covers suddenly become 'zazzed' up and add a really good touch of fun to the room.....a lightening experience (sorry boss, just had to slip than one in)

These Children's lightswitch covers fit most standard light switches and really bring a room to life. Simple and easy to fit - no DIY skills needed - no screws to remove, no re-wiring - just attach to your existing light switch with the pre-applied tape fixings on the back of the cover! 'REALLY SIMPLE TO FIT' and make such a difference to the room.

Lots of different cover themes available such as fairy, castle, sailing boat, stars etc

• Boys range and girls range available
• Children's lightswitch cover - No DIY skills needed - just fix in seconds
• Children's lightswitch cover - No rewiring needed - No electrician needed here !
• Children's lightswitch cover - No screws or fiddly bits
• Children's lightswitch cover - Fits in seconds and be amazed
• Made from ABS plastic so they are safe with electricity
• Fits any standard 85mm square rocker or dimmer switch (the booring white thing on the wall)
• So easily cleaned, no fuss, no mess...just easy.

So simple, easy, yet so effective - just attach to your existing light switch with the pre-applied tape fixings on the back of the cover! Children's lightswitch covers are great value, easy to fit and make such a difference to a room. Items are in stock and we sent out the same or next day to you via the Post office.


Buy you children's light switch covers TODAY and zaz up their room in minutes !

Forever Friends

Forever Friends Baby Bedding Range

The forever friends baby bedding range is now available at 4little1s.com

See this baby bedding range here: Forever Friends Beautiful Baby Bedding

Children Lightswitch Covers

Children Lightswitch Covers

Let me tell you about these covers for light switches, especially for childrens bedrooms or childrens playrooms. These covers are very simple to fix to all standard light switch cover plates that are already in your home. They simply fit over the top of what is already there...so simple, so effective and so impressive. There is no DIY skills needed, no screws or wiring or electricians needed, they really are fitted in moments and anyone can do it.


 

These childrens light switch covers are such great value and really lift a room so easily. The range includes great designs such as flowers, trains, princess designs and wide range of other patterns and styles.

All simple to fix to the exisiting light switch cover and really adds the finishing touches to your little ones room.

See these CHILDREN LIGHTSWITCH COVERS and others at 4little1s.com

Children's Rugs

Children's Rugs


If you are looking for a rug to finish of you little ones room, make sure you pay a visit to 4little1s.com. Whatever kind of children's rug you are looking for, look for coordinated colours, bright colours and fun images. Children rugs really lift a room and well worth the investment, would be surprised. Rugs not any make sense in a room where the floor is wooden like the picture above to make the floor a great play area, they are also a good idea on carpet.......rugs are excellent at covering up spilt juice and covers it up very nicely !

We have a few ranges of children's rug, ranging from our ZOO ANIMAL RUG which features the faces of monkey, lion, giraffe and hippo.

.....or how about one of our farm animal rugs as seen below.

Or maybe a ladybird rug ?

BabyGlow Sleepsuit

BabyGlow Sleepsuit


As featured on the TV show, The Apprentice, the BabyGlow Sleepsuit is now available at the 4little1s.com website. Click this word BABYGLOW SLEEPSUIT to take you their.

Babyglow Apprentice Sleepsuit - Pink

AS SEEN ON THE APPRENTICE ! The Babyglow Sleepsuit gives you peace of mind as it can help you to see if your baby is too hot. As little ones are particularly sensitive to the effects of a high body temperature the Babyglow Sleepsuit is designed to instantly change colour when the baby's temperature rises above the normal average external body temperature of 36.5C. At this average body temperature the suit retains its normal colour. As the external body temperature of the wearer starts to rise the colour of the Sleepsuit will start to change. Babyglow Apprentice Sleepsuit 100% Cotton Small Baby - 5lbs (2.3kg) Poppers are nickel free to avoid irritation to your baby's skin Machine washable at 30 degrees Blue and Pink suits available Pack of two Please note that you not use bleach or washing liquids or powders with bleach in it when washing the Babyglow sleepsuit. Also do not dry clean the sleepsuit. The BabyGlow High Temperature Indicating Sleep Suits are available in blue or pink and are for sizes small Baby - 5lbs (2.3kg) and not only that they come in a great pack of two. The great thing about the Babyglow sleepsuit range is that it changes colour as your little one gets too hot! - What a great idea !! See more Sleepsuits here Babyglow, Babyglow, babyglow .....

Baby Sleepsuits

Sleepsuits keep your baby snug and warm - see the full range here 

Herb's Garden Baby Bedding Range

Herb's Garden Baby Bedding

Herbs Garden

Herbs Garden from Lollipop Lane

Plush velours in neutral shades of vanilla and pale biscuit are combined with highlights of striking pillar box red, turquoise, orange and sharp lime in Herb’s Garden to create a contemporary bedding range. Soft, cotton jersey, stylish cotton waffle and comfy knits combine beautifully with exquisite badge embellishment and satin ribbon detailing to achieve a truly plush, designer bedding collection. Herbert the friendly donkey in his favourite garden, is lovingly embroidered throughout the range using textured appliqués – a delightful theme for a neutral nursery interior. To create our warm and inviting nursery we painted the walls in a rich cream shade. By adding a oatmeal feature wall and applying the delightful Herb’s Garden wallpaper border we achieved a striking room for baby.

Changing Baby Bags

Changing Maternity Bags - Some Great Brands to Look Out For....

Travelling anywhere with a newborn baby can feel like you're embarking on an intrepid adventure at first. So how do you make getting out of the house easier when you're a new mum? The key is to be prepared but still travel relatively light, and having a functional baby bag (also called a changing bag) you can pick up and take everywhere is a great start.

Whether you decide on lightweight and practical, or flash the cash on some serious baby bag arm candy, the choice is yours! Luckily there's a huge selection of different styles to cater for every mum's needs and tastes - check out our pick of the best changing bags around to help you decide…

Boden

This funky giraffe print bag is stylish as well as practical. It packs a punch as well as all your baby essentials without the bulk.

• External and internal pockets
• Zip fastening
• Removable changing mat with wipeable cover
• Polyester outer durable and showerproof
• Sponge clean only

JellyBean

Funky florals and highly practical, this multi-functioning changing bag has everything you need. The flower illustrations and canvas fabric keep it looking like a day bag, which you can use again and again. Definitely worth the investment.

• Removable nappy changing pad filled with soft memory foam, lining embossed with anti-microbial Agion.
• Smart pockets - see-through mesh, easy to get into, holds just the right amount
• Exterior fabric is waterproof and Teflon treated to fight off the nasties that grow!
• Machine washable, air dry - so unique to all other changing bags.
• Mummy's own area - at the front of the bag is a sunglasses pouch, stretchy key leash, little mummy pocket also provided.

Storksak

This gorgeous satchel-style changing bag looks luxe enough for an everyday bag and is strong enough to hold all your baby bits. Trimmed with chunky antique hardware and faux patent leather, this beauty is a definite must-have for fashion-conscious mums.

• Satchel-style shoulder bag made from a tough water resistant canvas
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Two front pockets, large back pocket and six roomy inner pockets and zipped inner pocket
• Separate thermo-insulated bottle holder will keep liquids warm/cool for up to 4 hours (time will vary depending on external temperature)
• Padded changing mat, detachable inner sak and wipe-clean linings throughout

 Mamas & Papas

Simple yet effective, this uber cool bag is miles different to your average baby bag. The smooth exterior and swish shape makes it stand out from the crowd.

• Spacious, practical and with structured compartments that can also be removed to convert into one big bag
• Insulated bottle holder inside and extra bottle holder outside, zip pockets and slip pockets
• Comes in seven colours that co-ordinate with the Mylo buggy
• Changing mat included

Petunia Pickle Bottom

This quirky boxy-style changing bag is cute, fun and has endless of room for all your everyday essentials. It can be changed from a backpack to a handbag, and is emblazoned with a bright, floral pattern (called Sightseeing in Sumatra) that makes it a joy to use.

• Built-in changing station with detachable changing pad
• Two large diaper/wipes pockets
• Four bottle pockets
• Detachable dirty nappy pouch
• “No more digging” key clip
• Water-resistant liner
• PVC-free glazed wipeable exterior

Wallaboo

Made with lovely soft suede in a variety of colours, this super comfy bag is great for those on the go. No sharp edges, shoulder aching straps or fussy compartments. It even has plush sheep's wool interior.

• Wide, adjustable strap with padded panel
• Two adjustable straps to attach the changing bag to a pushchair
• Padded and washable changing pad included
• Removable thermal bottle holder keeps your baby's drink warm or cold
• Detachable/washable zippered dry bag
• Water resistant interior lining that can be wiped clean

Baby Christmas Ideas

A baby's first Christmas is thrilling for the entire family. The birth of a baby is to be cherished and remembered. Personalized gifts allow you to keep those precious times in a tangible form. Here are some wonderful commemorative gifts ideas, both ready-made and personalized baby gifts that you can give for baby's first Christmas.

Any baby will be delighted with the gift of a snow globe

Musical snow globes are pleasing to baby's senses. Babies find them attractive and are soothed by the music. Specialty shops carry many snow globes with a Christmas theme. It is also a good idea to write what year your baby received their snow globe on the underside, along with his or her name.

Give an ornament for their Christmas tree

You'll enjoy placing baby's first Christmas ornament on the tree as well as subsequent years as time goes by! Many ornaments commemorating baby's first Christmas are available to choose from. Perhaps you'd be interested in ordering a personalized tree bauble with a miniature Santa or angel inside it, or maybe a Christmas ribbon-bedecked baby rattle. Perhaps you might also try hanging a cute little pair of baby booties complete with a commemorative dedication from you, indicating the year of the first Christmas celebration.

Design and make a gift set of your own

Personalized baby gifts are another memorable way to create a very unique present for the baby's first Christmas. Gift sets can be created by combining a number of commemorative photo frames, plush toys and other Christmas themed items. Wrap it in a basket and bring out the creativity in you to make your gift more special.

Have the baby's name embroidered on a Christmas stocking

Christmas stockings have tradition stamped all over them, and even babyhood isn't too soon to get started. You may make your own Christmas stocking, or order an embroidered stocking with the baby's name and year of the first Christmas. When making one, make the socks attractive to the baby with ribbons and bells, but do not overdo it.

Either a hand or a foot print is another option to think about.

An imprint of the new baby's hand or foot would be a creative personalized gift. You can use an ink and mark baby's print on a shirt for mom, dad, or himself; choose to print it on a piece of watercolor paper and have it framed; make clay hand or foot prints; or purchase hand and foot print casts.

Personalize a Christmas plate.

Another way to memorialize Baby's first Christmas is through a personalized Christmas plate. Many stores specialize in items for you to customize with your choice of pattern and inscription. You can put this plate on the top of a shelf in your dining area or in your reception area.

Buy a figurine watch.

One other wonderful holiday or Christmastime gift to mark an infant's first Christmas is a watch including a figurine. If you're looking for elegant, an angel is perfect. More fun for the youngsters are reindeer, Santa, and snowman designs.

Consider choosing a necklace with an image of an angel.

At last, an elegant and truly unique gift you can give for an infant's first Christmas: an angel necklace. Your baby will enjoy the pendant during the Christmas holidays for years to come. A beautifully crafted pendant that is cherished and well-kept will likely become a family heirloom.

There are in fact a number of different gifts you can give an infant to help commemorate his or her first Christmas, including personalized apparel like socks, bodysuits and shirts, or more fun things like music box Christmas CDs, Christmas baby books, personalized Christmas blankets or even Christmas-oriented stuffed animals.

If you are also interested in different personalized baby gifts for any occasion, feel free to also check the baby shower gift shop! Baby Shower Gift Shop for more gift ideas.

New Baby Hamper Gift Website

New Baby Hamper


Announcing the new Baby Hamper Website that is the baby sister company of 4little1s.com 

Our very own Mumpreneur

Mumpreneur Celebrates its Third Year of Trading

From humble beginnings three years ago, the online nursery furniture, baby bedding and baby gifts retailer 4little1s.com was started. From a blank piece of paper around a kitchen table in Surrey and a glass of wine to a profitable company turning over £120,000 ……..not bad for a 'stay at home mum' says Christianne James, founder of the company. Not only that, her plans are to keep going and expand over the next twelve months as we come out of the recession.

I used to work in City for a major International Bank, it was a great job however I always felt there needed to be a work / life balance in place, of which the bank job didn't really offer. It was very one sided, and lets just say, it wasn't on the life side !

Deep down I had always had a keen interest in business and new one day I would set something up. It was reading Richard Branson's autobiography that finally inspired me in that sometimes you just need to give it a go and go for it. You can read, plan, run through spreadsheets, talk with people, look at statistics and so on……but sometimes you just need to get on with it and do it. To be fair, starting a business just as the world was entering into financial chaos did raise a couple of eyebrows around the table, but I had covered the downsides and felt confident the idea would work.

Becoming pregnant, I decided to take a look online as to what I could purchase without the need to go along the high street on a wet Saturday afternoon. It soon became apparent it was not as straight forward as I had thought….that's when I had the light bulb moment of there has to be another way.

Most important things I have learnt

" Its sounds a little corny, but believe and have confidence you can do it !

" You cannot do everything - Get other people to help you, there are experts that can do something in hours which would take you days !

" Create a trusted team around you - Accountant, Website designers, delivery companies, PR, Marketing people etc

" Get a mentor - Someone you can bounce ideas off, or for them to 'tell you how it really is' can be very valuable indeed

" Learn from your mistakes - Don't be afraid of making them, learn, fine tune and move on. If a particular campaign or other piece of marketing didn't work, learn from it and try another tack


Top 10 things I would recommend other mums to do when starting their own businesses

" Get buy in from your family

" Listen to other people

" Create a business plan / roadmap - it helps focus your mind and gives you a framework to work towards
" Set yourself some realistic objectives that you can aim towards

" As Winston Churchill once said - 'Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense '

" Respond to all enquiries - You never know where it may lead

" Technology - Investigate what is available and use it to your advantage

" Social Media - Don't underestimate how powerful a Marketing tool this can be

" Make sure you have backup childcare or work out in advance how you are going to run your business around the children

" Make every minute count

My husband had been working in the City for a number of years in IT and had the technical knowledge, I had spotted a gap in the market for a quality online nursery retail and the rest was history as they say

If only it was that easy, it has been very hard work, long hours and initially was more stressful than the job I had since left. I was fortunate that my husband had invested into the company so at least I didn't have the worry about a bank chasing me for repayments of a loan.

Having confidence in your idea, not afraid of hard work or long hours and just having the stubborn belief it that you will make it happen have all been contributing factors in making the business grow and where it is today.

One of the most important factors looking back, has been having a supportive family who understand the business and are happy to help out during the peak seasons. Having family and people close to you to tell you objectively on any matters whatsoever is worth its weight in gold.

4little1s.com is an online nursery retailer located at www.4little1s.com

Immediate release -

Contact: Christianne James
Position: Director
Email: Sales@4little1s.com
Website: www.4little1s.com
Date: 5th November 2010


See the Mumpreneur website