Health + relationships

Make the most of your physical and mental health and wellbeing and personal relationships with advice, guidance and thoughts from The LDN Gal.

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - trampolines

Toddler trampoline session in Oxfordshire

Jump Inc Bicester is a trampoline and inflatable park in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

The urban playground offers open jump, SEN, unlimited bounce and toddler sessions.

We visited for the unique Toddler Sessions.

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - inflatable course

Is Jump Inc Bicester toddler friendly?

The Toddler Sessions are very much tailored to little people.

Located within a giant warehouse, Jump Inc Bicester offers toddlers (mostly) free roam of their 18,000 square ft site.

They can enjoy the trampolines, performance zone, ninja obstacles, basketball hoops, foam pit and inflatables.

However, for safety, certain areas are closed during the session and parent supervision is a must throughout. Please note, the giant leap platform and wipe out area are not available.

This trampoline and inflatable park is the perfect place to burn off some energy in a safe and controlled environment.

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - basketball court

What can we eat and drink?

The onsite café sells a selection of refreshments and light snacks. 

When is it open and how much does it cost?

Jump Inc Bicester is open for toddler sessions on the following days:

  • Monday from 9 – 10am (1 hour)
  • Friday from 10am – 12 pm (2 hours)
  • Weekends from 9 – 10am (1 hour)

All sessions cost £5 for a toddler and two free adults. Please note, you must purchase hybrid grip socks at £2.50 each for your session. However, these are reusable during future sessions.

So, what did we think of the toddler session at Jump Inc Bicester?

This urban playground is simply a great time. It’s affordable, fun and a stimulating environment with plenty to do.

The toddler session is definitely worth trying. There’s lots of space to roam and it’s accessible for confident little walkers. Our soon-to-be two year old was immediately jumping and running around.

In addition, numbers are limited so it wasn’t too busy which was nice. Saying this, I’d expect more people on weekends.

It’s simple, if you’re looking for a unique and fun thing to do with a toddler in Oxfordshire, look no further than Jump Inc Bicester!

Would you go trampolining with a toddler?

Stephanie xox

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - trampoline and inflateable park

? £5 for a toddler and two adults (£2.50 each for reusable hybrid grip socks)

? Open for toddler sessions: Monday and Friday from 10am–12pm and on weekends from 9–10am

?️ Located in Bicester with limited parking available onsite

? Jump Inc Bicester, Unit 5, Talisman Business Park, Bicester, OX26 6HR

✅ Pushchair friendly

☕️ Onsite café

? Toilets and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities

⚠️ Must sign a waiver and watch safety video beforehand

?Book a toddler session

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Why Cheeky Wipes are my go-to for menstrual health ?

Periods are not fun but there’s little you can do to escape them. For those looking for a more eco-friendly alternative when tackling their menstrual health, Cheeky Wipes are here to save the day.

After giving birth and dealing with postpartum bleeding, I knew that I needed a better solution. When my periods eventually returned, it was time to take action.

Cheeky Wipes offer something for everyone. From people starting their first period, postpartum bleeding, endometriosis, all the way through to those struggling with incontinence.

Their wide selection of pants includes high-waisted, mid-rise, and low-rise styles, all catering to varying levels of flow.

How do Cheeky Wipes reusable period pants work?

The pants feature four layers to ensure you feel dry and clean throughout the day and can also be used alongside pads:

  • Top layer – a layer made from moisture wicking material to leave you feeling dry
  • Absorbant layer – a layer for comfort, offering the same protection as 2.5 tampons
  • Leak-proof layer – a waterproof layer to ensure no leaks
  • Outer layer – a breathable layer which offers comfort

Are reusable period pants expensive?

Okay, so Cheeky Wipes are an initial investment and the Reusable Period Protection Kits start at £22.99. These include washable pads alongside the pants.

They also offer reusable baby wipes, make-up wipes, and nappies, alongside so much more. They support their customers from birth to old age.

So, what do I think?

Honestly, I will never go back to buying disposable sanitary pads. The pants alongside the pads leave you feeling clean and fresh throughout the day and are easily washable time and time again to reuse again.

I really like the high-waisted pants, they’re pretty and offer such nice coverage. Another thing to add is they don’t feel bulky in any way, the pants and pads are thin and discreet, despite the amazing protection they offer.

If you’re looking to take the plunge into eco-friendly menstrual health, you can save 15 percent on your first order at Cheeky Wipes.

Stephanie xox

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Boobie Bears travel the world to raise breast cancer awarenesss ?

Boobie Bears for Breast Cancer | The LDN Gal

Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’ raise breast cancer awareness

Boobie Bears are from the creative genius of Scarlet of Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’. What started out as a fun pasttime to connect with friends exchanging ‘Boy Bears’, has turned into a micro movement.

In essence, the concept is simple. Scarlet sends out her travelling Boobie Bears from her home in Winterton, North Lincolnshire in the UK, with a very special mission.

After developing cancer herself in 2018, Scarlet decided her bears could help to raise awareness of breast cancer. Boobie Bears are sent out to travel the world, bringing a smile to all who come across them and their heartfelt message.

In February 2018, Scarlet was told she had Paget’s disease, a form of breast cancer that affected her nipple. When asked about her diagnosis, Scarlet said:

“I had a tiny flake of skin on my nipple that wouldn’t heal. Paget’s disease doesn’t show on a mammogram or ultra sound.”

After an operation in March 2018, Scarlet lost a nipple, lots of breast tissue and had to undergo a reconstruction. After three weeks of daily radiotherapy, the cancer was gone!

“I wanted to turn a negative into a positive and send the girl bears out for breast cancer awareness.”

Boobie bears are not looking to raise money, they’re simply on their adventure to raise awareness. Scarlet said: “We are asked all the time to donate money to what seems a million charities and I just wanted to raise awareness.”

So, where do Boobie Bears come from?  

Scarlet sources her bears from her own pocket, picking them up from charity shops and car boot sales. In addition, she asks her Facebook followers for teddy bear donations where possible.

“People in my village have been amazing and I often get up in the morning to teddy bears being posted through my letterbox.”

As the bears leave Scarlet and travel on, their adopted finders post on Scarlet’s dedicated Facebook page, Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’.

These prompted Facebook posts help spread the message. As well as creating an oh so cute travel diary. So, when it’s time for a Boobie Bear to move on, it’s carefully left in its next destination. Afterward, it’s ready to be adopted once more and continue its journey.

“I’m very proud of my Boobie Bears and their feedback. A few ladies have had their boobs checked after seeing one of my bears, which I think is amazing.”

Tracking Boobie Bears worldwide

Over 300 bears have been sent out so far. Unfortunately, they do not always turn up online. However, Scarlet keeps a track of the ones that do. She adds people’s photos to dedicated albums, illustrating their journeys.

“The bears are everywhere from Skegness to Australia, to the Caribbean and Europe – and lots of places in between.”

Scarlet will continue to send out Boobie Bears for as long as she can. With this in mind, she hopes her grandchildren will carry on her Boobie Bear mission when she is gone.

“It really is amazing to see where they go and what they get up to.”

She gives bears out to friends, family and colleagues to take on adventures, as well as leaving them wherever she goes. She’s been posting them to people all over the UK too, so that they can join in on the fun!

You can keep an eye on Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’ page for all of the Boobie Bears adventures. You never know, you may even find one of your own some day!

What do you think of the Boobie Bear concept? Where would you take your Boobie Bear?

Stephanie xox

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High Intensity Hiit trampoline workout at Rebound Revolution Bicester ?

Rebound Revolution Bicester

Rebound Revolution Bicester review

Rebound Revolution Bicester offers a selection of workout classes including a High Intensity Hiit Workout Class. On realising the newly opened trampoline park next door did fitness classes, I was intrigued and decided to take the plunge.

So, let me hit this post off by establishing something. I’m pretty unfit at the moment. You know when you get a little bit busier and a little more indulgent, well the lb fairy has certainly paid me a visit over the past few months.

I guess it’s time to do something about it and I’ve made the executive decision to get my backside into gear and shift a few pounds. Looking around, I was a put off by the local gyms which seemed to all want to wrangle me into a 12 month contract. No thank you.

So, what did I think of the trampoline fitness class?

I was pretty terrified walking across but what could be more fun than bouncing yourself fit eh?  Arriving, I was given a pair of grip socks (included in the price) and ushered over by the peppy and lovely instructor.

At times during this hour-long session, I could have dropped to the floor. However, the feeling afterward was incredibly euphoric. Essentially, workouts are great for your physical and mental health.

After an intense mixture of aerobics moves, circuits, stretches and yoga positions, resistance and core training, I felt sweaty as hell and pretty damn accomplished. I’ll be returning and would highly recommend anyone give trampolining workout classes a try.

Finally, the fantastic class aside, the trampoline park itself is great. It offers 50 trampolines, a climbing wall, giant leap platform and airbag, wipeout area, basketball hoops and foam pit.

Book a Rebound Revolution Bicester workout class.

Would you ever try a trampolining fitness class? How do you stay fit? 

Stephanie xox

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Dressing for your body shape, not dress size

Body Shapes-tile

Why you should be dressing for your body shape and not your dress size

Dressing for your body shape is so important. The amount of times I’ve been out with my female family members and friends and heard the frustrated cries from their dressing room while jumping about in an outfit is ridiculous.

Worst thing is, I too have been guilty of exclaiming ‘why doesn’t it look right?!’ before giving up and slinking off for a coffee and depleted chat.

Shopping can be both a pain and a joy. When it comes to finding the perfect outfit, the amount of damage changing room blunders can cause us girls is shocking.

I’ve decided to take Trinny and Susannah’s 12 body shapes as a definitive guide to help you dress to suit your body shape. It’s time to avoid body criticism and dress to show off your best assets!

A guide to different body shapes

APPLE: Average chest, larger tummy, flat bum and average legs.

BELL: Small shoulders and chest, small and short waist with large thighs and bottom.

BRICK: Broad shoulders, undefined waist, average tummy, flat bum and large thighs and calves.

CELLO: Large chest, hips, bottom, and thighs with a  short waist and slim lower legs.

COLUMN: Slight waist, long legs, same width shoulders, and hips.

CORNET: Broad shoulders, small breasts, undefined waist, slim hips, and long slender legs.

GOBLET: Broad shoulders, large chest, undefined waist, narrow hips, and long legs.

HOURGLASS: Large chest, small and short waist, big hips, and generous thighs.

LOLLIPOP: Large chest, slight waist, slim hips, and long legs.

PEAR: Small chest, long waist, flat stomach, and large legs.

SKITTLE: Average chest, slim waist, average stomach, large thighs, and calves.

VASE: Large chest, longer defined waist, hips to match, slim thighs and legs.

Which body shape am I?

Still confused about your body shape? Use the diagram below.

Trinny and Susannah Body Shape Quiz

Dressing for your body shape

Now, onto dressing for your body shape. Here’s what to opt for to flatter the following shapes:

Apple: 

To avoid attention to your midriff, wear clothing that elongates your figure and adds structure. Items such as blazers, ruched dresses and shirts, tunics and empire tops that gather below the bust and flow outwards. ‘Opt for bootcut and flat fronted trousers to lengthen and compliment your legs. The use of large vertical print and patterns also works a treat on highlighting your best assets. Avoid baggy, tight and high-necked clothing that will swamp your figure.

Bell: 

The bell, like the pear and skittle, means you’re bigger on the bottom. As bells naturally have a narrow top half, balance needs to be restored to keep you in proportion.  To do so, use volume in clothing to increase your upper half. You need to avoid use of the same colour, v necked clothing and long jackets which will emphasis. Use of turtle and cowl necks, vests and frilly shirts will make your upper half appear larger and your lower half smaller. Wearing pleated heavy fabrics and wide trousers will cover and compliment your widest parts.

Brick: 

Draw attention and create the illusion of a waist with the use of belts and dresses that clinch your midsection. Avoid shapeless clothing and opt for well fitting and structured items that compliment your figure. Strapless items will broaden your shoulders and mini skirts will throw off the proportions of your lower half. Opt for draped fabrics to create curves. Fitted tops and knitwear will compliment your figure. In addition, patterned items will create shape and panelled skirts will define your waist and elongate your body.

Cello: 

The cello is voluptuous and often tall. Everything remains proportionate with a defined waist which needs to be focused on. Wear fitted items that flatter your figure and chest and stand tall. Items such as scooped and V necks, long fitted jackets, empire waist clothing and wide-legged trousers will define and flatter your slim torso, long legs, and large thighs.  Avoid mini skirts, skinny jeans, and polo-necks as these will draw attention to larger areas.

Column:

Like the brick, you must draw attention and create the illusion of a waist. It’s key to use belts and items that clinch your midsection. Use solid colours when choosing clothing. Be sure to avoid prints which will fail to highlight your slender figure or create curves. Opt for high waisted or wide legged trousers. These will frame your waist and show off your legs. Additionally, you can get away with wearing round necklines which will balance your frame. However, avoid cropped items as they’ll elongate and emphasise your long limbs.

Cornet: 

Cornets have athletic and slender figures. Be sure to draw attention and create the illusion of a waist with belts and dresses that clinch your midsection. Shapeless clothes are a no-go. They will throw off your proportions even more. Opt for asymmetric clothing that creates shape and proportion. Skinny jeans will give the illusion of curves and show off your long and slender limbs, as well as flared dresses.

Goblet: 

Known for larger upper halves and slender legs, goblets must take the emphasis off their upper body to create proportion. Avoid baggy clothing (such as shift dresses and wide legged pants), bright colours that will create emphasis on your top half and create disproportion and high neck lines. To compliment, choose empire waisted tops that cinch your waist and flatter your midriff. Wide-necked tops compliment your chest and low-rise trousers skim your hips to compliment slender legs.

Hourglass: 

An evenly proportioned shape that needs simplistic and fitted clothing that works with your natural curves. Opt for items that compliment your chest, hips, and waist and avoid shapeless items. Wrap dresses work well to define your shape, as do scoop and v necklines, three-quarter length sleeves, small belts at the waist, pencil skirts and skinny jeans. Hourglass shapes must avoid layering, baggy clothing, tunics, chunky knitwear and high necklines. These will swamp and covering up throws off proportions and can lead you to feeling and looking frumpy.

Lollipop:

Lollipop’s are tall and slender with long limbs and a sizeable chest so the idea is to broaden your hips and shoulders to maintain proportions. Avoid high necked and high waisted clothing that will over emphasise your chest, long legs and create unbalance, shapeless items are a no go also. Opt for fitted items and draping fabrics to create curves, wide neck lines that will compliment your chest and bring in your waist and flared trousers to balance out your chest and make the most of your slender legs.

Pear: 

Pear are a slim shape with wide thighs, not necessarily hips (a common misconception). To create proportion you must balance your small upper and wide lower half. Opt for items that compliment your chest, hips and waist and avoid shapeless items such as tunics and wrap dresses. Wide and straight-legged pants are great for slimming thighs and adding length to legs, especially dark colours. An A-line skirt works wonders too when covering thighs and creating a classic look. High necks are good to broaden your torso. Avoid skinny jeans that will hug your wider half, mini skirts that will elaborate your thighs and bright colours on your lower half. These will draw unwanted attention and throw your proportions off  balance.

Skittle: 

Similar to the pear, skittles have wide thighs and calves along with voluptuous legs. Once more to create proportion you must balance your small upper and wide lower half. Opt for fitting clothing on your upper half to draw attention away from your lower, detailed blouses work wonders also. The addition of a flared skirt will skim your thighs and highlight your enviably small waist. Like the pear, wide and straight-legged pants are great for slimming your thighs and adding length to your legs. Avoid skinny jeans that will hug your wider half, mini skirts that will elaborate your thighs and calves and bright colours on your lower half that will draw unwanted attention and throw you off balance.

Vase: 

A vase closely resembles an hourglass but with a much longer and gently curving torso that must be complimented in similar ways. With long limbs, it is best to show them off with straight leg trousers and high waisted pencil skirts. Opt for fitted shirts to compliment your waist. It’s best to keep clothing simplistic and to avoid covering up with layers, especially baggy or high necked items that will swamp you.

The key to dressing for your body shape is to understand your proportions and flatter them. At the end of the day, wear what makes you happy and confident!

What do you think of the Trinny and Susannah body shapes? Do you dress to suit your shape?

Stephanie xox

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