New book in the successful Things to do now that you're... series. Fun, uplifting as well as practical ideas to explore. Young modern design Excellent gift for arrival of new baby Well priced for impulse purchase

Elfrea spent seven years writing and performing with community theatre groups and Theatre in Education projects. After a period of teaching creative writing in a women's refuge she went on to become an English teacher and is now a full time freelance writer. She has written for a range of print and web based publications including specialist Education magazines and edited an award winning website. Elfrea also writes for radio and screen and has just completed a feature film script. She brings a unique perspective to writing about children, having worked with toddlers, mothers and teens in all environments: from the classroom, to circus fields, festivals, protest camps and an eclectic range of venues across the UK and Europe. In addition to teaching in schools she has also taught on survival camps for families - leading workshops in primitive skills such as shelter building, wild fire, food foraging and pottery. Whilst teaching in a secondary school Elfrea piloted the Adopt an Author scheme, working alongside Celia Rees. She was also involved in cutting edge initiatives to integrate understanding of Multiple Intelligences (from kinaesthetic to emotional) in education.

CHAPTER ONE. Spring - New Beginnings. A new start; finding your feet as a mother. Sowing seeds, gardening (anywhere from a window box to an allotment). Sharing seeds, stories and songs. Learning to dance; to music and with your new life. Gentle remedies to heal your body, mind and spirit. Affirmations to nurture confidence, and ways to feel at peace. Newborn. Finding your feet, learning to adjust and celebrating motherhood. CHAPTER TWO. Summer - Reaching Out. Going out and stepping out into the world. Ideas for building networks and a sense of community with others. Clothes swaps, picnics and buggy blockades, watching films with other mothers, swimming, massage. The first three months. Moving out into the world, activities and interests to share with other mothers. CHAPTER THREE. Autumn - Getting Cosy. Watching and discovering more about the natural world: learning about the stars; birds and animals; plants and hedgerows. Ideas and quick recipes for natural cosmetics, 'super foods' and gentle pampering for you and baby. A range of ideas for art and craft ideas to inspire creativity: painting, clay work, photography, mosaics etc. Three to six months. Watching your baby grow, the pleasure of sharing new experiences with them. CHAPTER FOUR. Winter - A New You. Developing new skills and building confidence, celebrating your new self as a mother. From juggling to learning to DJ, or playing an instrument - ideas for skills that will tone your body, inspire your mind and, often make your baby beam! Exploring ways to ease the path back to work, or feel energised if staying at home. Six months to a year. CHAPTER FIVE. Celebrations - Special Times and Sacred Spaces. Celebrations of all kinds take on a new significance when you are a Mum. Tips and ideas that explore ways to mark the special days and holidays, from Christmas, to Easter and Halloween. Learn about festivals and celebrations from other cultures; Diwalli or Solstices. Keepsakes - looking at ways to create a record of your child's first year in pictures and words. Happy Birthday. Reflecting on your journey so far, celebrating your baby's First Birthday and honouring your Birth Day. Looking forward to the next year together. CHAPTER SIX. Holidays - Further Shores and Faraway Places. Travelling with babies is easy; ideas, anecdotes and tips from around the world. Places to go, things to see, finding the confidence to get up and go. Closer to home - rediscovering the pleasure of family and friends, day trips and camping. One and beyond. The joy of baby babble, and ideas for a baby who is on the move. Looking forward to the rest of your lives together...