Christmas Wednesdays at Columbia Road

 

Before we know it, Christmas will be upon us! Some are organised and have already started Christmas shopping, or at least created a wish list of wanted goodies!

Columbia Road, a historic spot in London's East End, famous for the Sunday flower market and a unique collection of shops, are again hosting 'Christmas Wednesdays at Columbia Road'. 

The Wednesday late night opening evenings provide a perfect opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts and support independent stores, with seasonal refreshments, music and entertainment!

The road's Elphicks Gallery, worked with the local Columbia Primary school to create this year's poster. The winning artwork, designed by Oleanna Pereira, age 7 captures the charm of this famous street perfectly.

30th November

7th, 14th and 21st December

Columbia Road Market

Columbia Road

London

E2 7RG

I Get a Kick Out of You

 

Here at Bubble and Speak, we love British brand Pippo Kids' Footwear's recently launched new funky footwear styles!

 

 

The new range for next year includes some great Hi Top sneakers, available in a great selection of retro-inspired colours!

 

 

Don't miss Pippo Kids' Footwear collection at Bubble London, on 29 & 30 January!

Anorak's Wishlist

By Cathy Olmedillas - Anorak

Yay, it’s the festive season! I love Christmas mainly because I love gifting, and seeing my nearest and dearest’s faces when they unwrap their presents. Magical!

Here’s Anorak’s guide to buying happy things for the festive season for kids & grown-ups.

Herb Lester maps

Wonderfully researched maps with great themes, such as Clandestine London (my favourite) or It’s Nice to be Alone in Paris.
 

KickCan & Conkers

If there’s one blog I visit regularly it is the wonderful KickCan & Conkers. Founder, Deborah, has impeccable tastes and her finds never ceases to amaze me. The brilliant news is that a shop will be added to it in the next couple of weeks! I cannot wait to see Deborah’s selection, I am sure it will be fabulous.

Chicken Rhythm 

Chicken Rhythm’s iron-on patches are so cool that I have been known to iron them on just like that, even when a garment does not need patching up. The perfect stocking fillers.

Twisted Twee

When it comes to fun presents guaranteed to make you smile, such as Ride-A-Dad tee-shirt, political pants or man tote bags with the statement “I have totally forgotten what she sent me out for”, Twisted Twee are simply my favourite.

Studio Tipi 

Studio Tipi are a couple of very talented Canadian illustrators whose work is simply enchanting. Their Christmas cards capture perfectly the happy (& nostalgic) folklore that surrounds the festive season, which I love.

Boys&Girls

I love this range because it is genuinely cheerful, with all its bright colours and happy statements.

Playmobil

Playmobil features high on our list to Santa this year. I love the fact that after all these years, Playmobil is still loved by kids in pretty much the same way as we loved it in the 70s. Besides, everyone is happy in Playmobil land, even the ghosts.

Pale Cloud

We're excited to welcome back Pale Cloud this January, as they look forward to the debut of their Autumn Winter 2012 Collection at Bubble London.

The collection will feature the classic lines and fashion forward styles, combined with luxurious qualities that Pale Cloud has become renown for.

Pale Cloud will also be introducing two new facets to the Autumn Winter 2012 Collection.

Visit the Pale Cloud stand at Bubble London on 29 & 30 January to find out more!

Competition Time!

The 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow in 2014.

If you're aged 6 - 15 years old, you are eligible to take part in a fantastic competition to design the official mascot for the XX Commonwealth Games!

Not only will the best design be transformed into the Glasgow 2014 Mascot, but you will also win four tickets, travel and accommodation to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, to see your mascot for yourself!

Visit the Commonwealth Games website to download the application form, read the judging guidelines and watch some great videos full of design tips!

Good luck getting creative!

(Closing date for entries: Friday 2nd December)

And The Winner Is...!



Congratulations to The Fine Cotton Company, on receiving the Silver Award for Best Eco Product for their Seville Organic Bed Linen Collection at the House Beautiful Awards.

Prize Winners The Fine Cotton Company will make their Eco-friendly Bubble London debut this January!

Founder Jane Robson struggled to find quality, organic bed linen for her daughter Mei who suffered from skin allergies. Inspired by the gap in the market and a passion for Eco friendly products, Jane decided if she couldn't find the product she was looking for, she would simply create it herself!

Don't miss The Fine Cotton Company at Bubble London 29 & 30 January!

Small Wonder

Bubble London showcases some of the cutest baby collections for autumn/winter 2012, featuring the softest knits and sweetest prints.  Simply irresistible….

1. Bob & Blossom  2. No Added Sugar  3. Paz  4. Red Urchin  5. Tutto Piccolo  6. Name it  7. Helen Gordon  8. Miski Wawa  9. Pili Pala  10. Toby Tiger  11. Toffee Moon  12. Cri Cri  13. Andy & Evan  14. Smafolk  15. Agatha Ruiz De La Prada

Buyer registration for the show is now open - click here to make sure you receive your complimentary tickets.

Beau Loves ...

Beau Loves... has gone from strength to strength since its launch at Bubble London in 2010.

We love that all the pieces are fun and quirky, yet functional for our little monsters.

Don't miss Beau Loves... at Bubble London on 29 & 30 January 2012!



A taste of Christmas

The wait is over...Winter Wonderland is here! Now in its fifth year, Hyde Park is once again transformed into a magical venue with an ice rink, circus performances, rides and a Christmas Market.

A stop by Santa's Grotto is sure to bring some festive cheer to your little one's face!

Winter Wonderland 2011

Hyde Park

London W2 2UH

From 18 November to January 2012



BBC Children in Need

Year on year, Children in Need raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for disadvantaged youngsters in the UK.

So far, the BBC's charity has raised over £600 million, through fabulous fundraising events and generous donations.

Every November, the Children in Need appeal show takes place, broadcasting a whole evening of entertainment with many celebrities participating in live performances in order to raise awareness and plenty of money for the cause.

This year, the appeal show is today, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Along with tuning in tonight, check out the BBC Children in Need website to find out what's going on in your local area and how you can get involved in fund raising yourself.

Children in Need Appeal Show

Friday 18th November

7.00pm and 10.35pm

BBC1

All hail Movember!

Who says kids can't have a little fun for Movember? These adorable soft sole leather baby shoes by Starchild are instantly recognizable, colourful and fun.

Don't miss Starchild at Bubble London on 29 & 30 January 2012!

Crayon Cushions

We always love discovering new products which are a combination of being both fun and functional.

Israelean nursey product company Minene have launched a range of booster cushions, which have a special crayon holder within the design, keeping with their vision to create practical yet stylish products for the new generation of parents, babies and toddlers.

The cushions come in four different designs, all with crayons and colouring book included, whether your little ones prefer poseys or polka dots!

Sweet Home with Lulu & Nat

Home and lifestyle brand Lulu & Nat mixes vibrant colours with an exotic Indian edge and the results are striking. The range includes hand-printed bedding, embellished cushions and wall arts.

Already stocked at Liberty, SCP and Bonton in Paris, Lulu & Nat will exclusively exhibit at Bubble London on 29 & 30 January 2012.

A Must-Read

This week marks 100 days since the riots took place around the country. Yesterday’s Evening Standard featured a great article on four Londoners including Liz Pilgrim, owner of Baby E in Ealing who were caught up in the violence.  

Click here to read the moving piece!

Dylan's Candy Bar

"Come with me and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination"

When Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, watched Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at age five, it inspired a dream to one day open her very own candy store.

In 2001, Dylan's Candy Bar opened in New York City.

Now at 15,000 square feet, it is officially the world’s largest candy store, featuring over 5,000 types of candy, along with gifts and beauty products.

 

Venture up to the third floor cafe where along with private party rooms available for hire, and bubblegum furniture, you'll discover over 100 ice cream and frozen yogurt flavours, 18 types of Belgian hot chocolate and even a cocktail bar for big kids!

  

Dylan's Candy Bar

1011 Third Ave
New York City

NY 10021

Monday-Thursday 10am - 9pm
Friday & Saturday 10am- 10pm
Sunday 11am - 9pm

Designer Pudsey Collection

The iconic Pudsey Bear has been transformed for this year's Children in Need with a launch of the Designer Pudsey Collection.

A collaboration with many famous fashion designers has seen Pudsey become reinvented as each create their own unique version of one of the world's favourite bears. Recreated in many different fabrics, colours and patterns, Pudsey is now a sure piece of fashion history.

Fans of Pudsey and the designers involved are able to bid on one of the one-off bears from the collection in Children in Need's online auction to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Liberty London were just one of the teams involved in creating a premium Pudsey! Their bear and the rest of the collection will be exhibited in store at Liberty from until the 19 November 2011.

Here are just a few of our favourites:

Johnathan Saunders

Erdem

Kate Hillier

Topshop

Designer Pudsey Collection

7 - 19 November 2011

Liberty London

Regent Street

W1B 5AH