Latest news with #Issy
7NEWS
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Best Picks editor and mum on the seven best products every new parent needs
Speak to any new parent and alongside talk about sleep deprivation, a sudden love of caffeine and baby poo (yes, really), there will also be a hefty amount of time dedicated to chat about various gadgets and products. From self-soothing bassinets to high-tech feeding chairs and travel prams that pop up and down with just one hand, in 2025 there really is a gadget for everything — and some are more worth parting with your hard-earned cash than others. After spending the best part of the last 10 months off with my new daughter, Isabel, I have tried and tested dozens, nay hundreds of baby-related items. And there are some that I find myself instinctively recommending over others. Below, I reveal my top seven buys for new parents or expecting mums and dads. You can thank me later. 1. Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper, currently $1496.25 Let's just start with the most expensive item and get it out of the way. If you have a baby that likes to be rocked to sleep (doesn't everyone?), this cult gadget is going to be a gamechanger in your household. After using one with my first daughter, Florence, I couldn't wait to get this baby bassinet out for Issy — and boy, did it deliver. Promising to add one to two hours of sleep per night with constant calming womb-like motion and sound, my daughter loved the soothing, cocooning nature of the Snoo when she was going down for naps and bedtime. The device was arguably even more of a gamechanger second time round, when I had less time to settle Issy down for a sleep while a rampant toddler wreaked havoc downstairs. I know it's expensive, but the fantastic thing about Snoos is they genuinely work — and you can't put a price on eight hours sleep. 10/10 recommend. For more information and a limited time deal on Happiest Baby, head here now. 2. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light, $479, The Memo While the Snoo was a gamechanger in those early days of sleep, sadly it's not always feasible to lug it around with you when you're on the move. Enter the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light in Black, currently $479 at The Memo — which came with us on any number of trips during Issy's first year: to the UK at Christmas, the Swiss Alps in January and Noosa just last month. Next level easy to put up and down, we loved the convenience and lightness of this travel cot. The cot also comes with a super-comfy mattress and travel bag included for your little one, so all you need to worry about is remembering their sleep sack and a cot sheet in order to get a good night's kip on holiday. If you're a frequent flyer, you'll be delighted to hear that the travel cot weighs just 6kg and is quickly and easily checked in as oversize on most airlines. It will also last up until they are about three years old, so plenty of time to get some bang for your buck. 3. Tripp Trapp Feeding Chair by Stokke, $399, The Memo Okay, this one is worth its weight in absolute GOLD. It's honestly that good that I am contemplating buying a second one for my toddler. For a long time with my first daughter, people had told me how much I needed a Tripp Trapp Feeding Chair, a high chair that promises to 'grow with your family and child', and can be used from six months old well into childhood. But I hadn't realised just how good they are until I got my hands on one for Isabel. Aside from looking amazing (and going perfectly with my black dining chairs at home), Tripp Trapp's functional, versatile design allows your child to sit, eat and interact with the rest of the family at mealtime, creating important bonds and routines while developing language and social skills. It's easy to clean, easy to work and can ergonomically be shifted and moved up and down as your child grows. Right now, we have Isabel in the newborn weaning version of this chair, but I am genuinely considering adding a second into our lives for three-year-old Florence. You will not regret investing in one of these game-changing chairs. 4. Lovevery Looker Play Kit, $130, Lovevery I have long been a fan of the Montessori-inspired American play brand, Lovevery, and have owned several of their 'Play Kits' for my daughter, Florence. And so I couldn't wait to snap up the 0-12 Weeks Play Kit for Issy, which is stuffed full of developmentally-appropriate toys that help to build new brain connections and process their surroundings. This particular kit includes an adorable mobile, a play gym or pram accessory, black and white card set, standing card holder, mittens, a wooden book, rattle and more. The great thing about these kits is you don't have to think too much about the best possible toys for your child, but can rather let Lovevery do the hard work for you. Devotees can sign up for a subscription to the play kits, meaning one will land for your little one every three months. Or you can just dip in and out when you need some inspiration. 5. Dreamegg White Noise Machine, currently $59.99, Amazon Australia A good white noise machine is a must in a busy household with kids. And I can't go past the excellent Dreamegg White Noise Machine, currently $59.99, from Amazon Australia.. The clever little machine is stylish enough that it will look good in your child or baby's nursery, but efficient enough to ensure that they have surround sound white noise pumping all night. The white noise machine has seven different white noise sounds that you can choose for your child, as well as seven fan sounds and 10 relaxing natural sounds such as bird, sea wave, brook, lullaby, crickets, rain and fetal tones. It also has an in-built optional night light which emits enough brightness for baby night feeding, or for when your toddler suddenly decides they are afraid of the dark. The machine can be set to play the white noise continuously, or on a 30, 60 or 90 minute auto-timer. It will remember the last setting of light, sound, volume and timer - so you don't need to keep pressing all the buttons again when you take your child for another nap or sleep. I have used this white noise machine religiously with both my children, and it has been an absolute life-changer. Not only does it keep my kids peacefully asleep at night, but it means we can pad around the rest of the house, playing music and watching TV, without living in fear of waking them. 6. Stokke YoYo3 Travel Pram, $720, Stokke Australia When I gave birth to my first daughter, Florence, three years ago, I had a firm idea of what kind of pram I would push her around in each and every day. Something big, something supremely comfortable and something with massive wheels and great suspension – the Range Rover of prams, you might say. And while I do still use my beloved UppaBaby Vista 2 pram on any given week, it wasn't long after giving birth that I realised that in actual fact what I needed was something zippy. Enter the Stokke YoYo 3, which I have been using religiously during my maternity leave. Combining a super lightweight feel (it's 6.2 kilograms) with thoughtful features (a one-handed fold is a godsend, while the shoulder strap is fantastic for carrying the buggy when it's folded up), it's everything I could ever want in a pram and more. Not only this, but unlike many other lightweight, cabin-approved prams, the basket can carry 10 kilos worth of shopping – double what the previous model the YoYo2 held. I now can't imagine life without it, and urge anyone looking to invest in a pram to buy this one ASAP. 7. Kitchenaid 13-Cup Food Processor, $361, Appliances Online If there is one item a newly-weaning parent needs more than any others, it's a blender. The past few months have seen me pureeing, blending and mashing all number of fruits, veggies and proteins for my little girl. This 13-cup Food Processor by Kitchenaid, currently on sale for $361 at Appliances Online, is the bees knees in cooking. You can chop, shred, precision slice, knead, mix and puree everything from fresh veggies to cheeses, doughs, sauces, salsa and more, all by way of a stylish 13-cup bowl that looks good on your benchtop. You can also store all of the parts handily inside the bowl, so there's no faffing around looking for a part when you're next cooking. It's worth noting just how good Appliances Online are in terms of service and delivery, with the store turning out my blender within 24 hours after I ordered it on the brand's easy-to-use website.
CAF
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Chloe N'Gazi: Algeria's Iron Wall Harbouring Africa's No.1 Dream at Chiamaka Nnadozie's Expense
In the heart of Morocco 2024, as the group stage dust settled at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, one name quietly but firmly echoed across the continent, Chloe N'Gazi. The 29-year-old Algeria shot-stopper not only posted three clean sheets in as many games and a tournament-high number of saves, she also emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage, edging out Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year. What makes her rise even more compelling is not just her heroics between the sticks, but the journey, a story woven with French discipline, Algerian heart, and unwavering ambition. From Marseille to Morocco: The Rise of a Determined Guardian Born in Meudon, France, N'Gazi's football journey has seen her climb through top French clubs like PSG, Issy, Fleury, Orleans, and Le Havre, before settling at Olympique de Marseille, where she currently guards the posts. Despite enduring a challenging six-month spell without game time last season, the Marseille custodian stayed the course. Her patience and perseverance have paid off, culminating in a historic group-stage performance for Algeria. 'For me personally, I am happy because I work a lot. I had a hard season as I didn't play for six months. Now, I am really happy; it's a big achievement,' she shared in an exclusive interview with 'It is a big achievement also for the team. I think it is teamwork because my defenders help me a lot. Now we can dream of big things.' Her defining performance came in the goalless draw against Nigeria, where she stood tall and outshone her counterpart, Nnadozie, widely regarded as the best in Africa. 'I know last year she (Chiamaka) won the best goalkeeper award in Africa. She deserved it because she had a big season. For me, it's good, I want to be the best goalkeeper in Africa. I think we have to prove that in competitions like WAFCON. I am really proud to get closer to Chiamaka.' Now, with the group stage accolades in her hands and Algeria in the knockout rounds, N'Gazi has already proven she's more than just competition, she's a contender. Beyond the Gloves: Identity, Roots, and Responsibility Though born and raised in France, N'Gazi proudly wears the Algerian jersey — a decision rooted in family, heritage, and passion. 'My cousin, Lilia Boumrar, played for Algeria and told me about the love the people have for football. Since I came here, I know Algeria is a big country… It's different from other countries because people are really counting on you. They really like soccer. You have to be good every time.' Her connection to Algeria is deepened by cultural ties — especially in Marseille, a city with a significant Algerian population. 'Even though we didn't grow up there, that is where our ancestry comes from. That is really important for me because family and ancestry matter. That's the roots. It's important for Africa to grow. We have to come back from where we are from,' she alluded. 'It's not that hard because I play for Marseille. There are a lot of Algerian people there. Marseille and Algeria are kind of the same — supporters and fans are really hard on us. We need people counting on us and it's a good pressure.' Chasing Greatness: N'Gazi's Dream to Be Africa's No. 1 Inspired by legendary German keeper Manuel Neuer, N'Gazi is driven to modernize her game and make her mark among the continent's elite. With her breakout group-stage showing, already crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage — she has carved a path toward her ultimate goal which is to be named Africa's best. "My first role model is Emmanuel Neuer because he changed goalkeeping for me. With him, we became more like a field player also," she admits. 'My personal ambition in this competition is to be nominated for the best goalkeeper. I want to keep growing because I know I am not there yet. Even if I'm 29 already, I'm getting to my best level.' N'Gazi respects the rise of fellow African keepers, particularly her group-stage rival. Still, she remains humble, knowing the climb is never steady. 'There are lots of competitions in France and lots of keepers are getting better like Chiamaka Nnadozie at Paris FC. Trying to get to their level is important," she acknowledges. 'You can go up one day and then the next day go really low. You have to keep grounding every time. Believe in yourself because if you don't, nobody is going to do it for you.' Her eyes are fixed on helping Algeria advance, but her heart beats for the broader movement of women's football in Africa. 'We want to go as far as we can. With what we did and showed, I think it's not just a dream now, we can really do it," she assures. 'CAF are doing great things in showing the games so that more people can see us play. It's a great thing for African women's football. 'Thank you for following us. We need you for the next game. We see all your comments and it's helping us a lot. Please continue to cheer us.' Coach's Trust: Chloe's Crucial Role in Algeria's Ambition Behind Algeria's defensive resilience stands a coach with immense belief in his No.1. Algeria head coach Farid Benstiti, who guided N'Gazi through a slow tournament start, now sees her as the heartbeat of their ambitions. While statistics praise her consistency, it's her ability to rise at the right moments that has truly impressed. 'Chloe started slowly the first game but after that she came out very strong. She has the quality at the highest level because she is tall, dynamic and technically very good with the foot and hand. She is calm. We are very happy to have a good goalkeeper like Chloe,"' he opens up with all smiles, to 'Chloe didn't have too many important things to do but when it was at a time that we needed her, she was really efficient. The coach and team need a strong goalkeeper at those crucial times and Chloe was really present in those times.' Benstiti points to her relationship with her backline as a cornerstone of Algeria's strength. With a tough quarterfinal against Ghana ahead, the coach is counting on N'Gazi more than ever. 'She is mature for now. Chloe helps the defenders and vice versa. They are friends, which is very important. We really feel that defenders with Chloe are close to her. They all help the team and that is very important," he anticipates. 'The next step for the team depends on the grip — and about Chloe because Ghana will have opportunities. The games are now 90 and more than 90 minutes. The players will be tired and we will also have opportunities. 'That's why the goalkeeper at this time of the competition is 50% of the team. PSG won the Champions League because of their goalkeeper. Everybody speaks about the players and the coach, but I think the goalkeeper was unbelievable at that time. 'We need Chloe at more than 100% of her quality to help the team win the quarterfinal.' With a commanding presence, deep-rooted pride, and the full backing of her coach and teammates, N'Gazi is no longer just Algeria's last line of defense but also their symbol of belief, their group-stage MVP, and perhaps, their ticket to continental glory.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Young country diary: Staring into the big eyes of a brown hare
Each time I see a brown hare, I'm usually in a car and worried it'll get knocked down, but recently I almost stood on one. I was walking through the grass in my wellies one morning when I saw a pair of big, brown eyes peering up at me. The body didn't move, and I've since found out that hares freeze when they sense danger. Its ears were long, velvety, folded straight down behind its head, reaching its bony shoulders. I couldn't see its legs but I knew they were strong and long … Suddenly it bolted, showing me just how fast its legs could go. I tried to chase it but couldn't keep up, not in wellies. They can reach up to 45 miles per hour. The long grass parted ahead of me as her body rocked like my old hobby horse, zig-zagging through the meadow. I wish I could have touched him or her. I bet its fur would be warm and silky against my hand. It ended up on the hill, its rounded back black against the sun and those ears, alert now, pointing like fingers to the sky. I think she was a doe (a female) as they are bigger than the bucks (the males) and sometimes punch them when they're angry, especially in breeding season from spring until summer. Yes, I think she's definitely a female and my new best 11 Read today's other YCD, by Joscelyn, 10: 'An explosion of emerald butterflies' To submit an article for consideration in Young Country Diary, please fill out the form here (or, if that does not work, as has been the case recently, try the form here). The deadline for submissions is Monday 30 June
Edinburgh Reporter
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Oldest rockhopper in town
Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo recently celebrated their oldest penguin when Northern rockhopper Nestor turned 32 years old. The 20 inch tall penguin has been dubbed 'oldest rocker in town' — and he even has a mate exactly half his age. The oldest penguin of any kind at Edinburgh Zoo, he is also believed to be currently the third longest-lived rockhopper penguin in the world. Nestor celebrated his birthday chilling out in the shade in the attraction's Penguins Rock, with his long term mate, 16 year old Issy. Edinburgh Zoo animal keeper Katherine Burnet, said: 'Nestor is a really nice boy and our oldest penguin. 'At the ripe old age of 32 now, he can be a little slower than some of the other penguins in the colony, but he's lovely to work with. 'It's amazing to think he's the third oldest rockhopper in the world. He's already lived over twice the lifespan of a rockhopper in the wild.' Rockhoppers are among the smallest penguins, easily recognised by their bright yellow head plumage and red eyes. The species has declined by 90 per cent in the wild since the 1950s and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Nestor hatched in France in 1993 and also spent time in Belgium before coming to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction in 2006. He can be identified among the other rockhoppers in his colony by the unique blue and pink coloured band on his right wing. Nestor can be found spending most of his time around the pool with long term partner Issy. They can be seen waddling around their enclosure or preening one another on their nesting ring in a shaded area to the rear of the colony. Katherine said: 'Nestor and Issy have been pair bonded for a few years now and he takes really good care of her. There may be a 16 year age gap but they make a really sweet couple. 'They tend to go around the enclosure together and wherever you see one you often find the other. They have certain spots they frequent. 'Nestor is quite a chilled out boy. He tends to avoid any drama going on in the colony, although he can be quite protective of Issy and he will tell the youngsters off if they come too close to his nest. 'He's also pretty smart so when it's sunny or hot you'll find him in the shade keeping cool.' Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 100 Gentoo, Northern rockhopper and King penguins. The attraction is famed for its Penguin Parade, which first took place in 1951 when a keeper accidentally left the gate open and a few curious penguins left the enclosure. The parade became a much-loved daily ritual until March 2020, when it was stopped to avoid people gathering in large crowds during Covid. The Zoo now hosts the 'Wee Waddle', a reimagined version, which is completely voluntary. Penguins are not coerced into taking part or leaving their enclosure. There is also a small, 'penguin-sized' fence separating the birds from visitors along the short route. Edinburgh was previously home to the world's oldest rockhopper penguin. Mrs Wolowitz was killed by a fox that broke into the enclosure in 2022, just months after she celebrated her 35th birthday. The world's oldest rockhopper is now thought to be 34-year-old JT in Moody Gardens, Texas, a year older than 33-year-old female Janet who lives at Montreal Biodome in Canada, and two years older than Edinburgh's Nestor. Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Keeper Katherine Burnet PHOTO Alan Simpson The penguin enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wimborne woman organises fayre to raise funds for cancer research
IN A bid to represent Dorset in a national competition, a Wimborne woman has organised a charity fundraising fayre at the end of this month Issy Johnson, 19, from Wimborne, is one of 10 finalists for the Miss Dorset competition and hopes to represent the county on a national level while also raising money for Cancer Research UK. She said: 'I never thought I'd get to where I am now so to get to the next level would be amazing. As part of her pageantry and to give back to the community, she has organised a family friendly fayre to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a cause she said is 'close to her heart'. Read more: Pub announces music lineup for Wimborne Folk Festival 2025 Issy Johnson (Image: Issy Johnson) The fayre will be held on Sunday May 31 and Monday June 1 in Conels on Haslop Road, a private garden hosting its first ever event. She said 'Cancer affects everyone. I know people that have died from cancer or are suffering from it and I just want to help as much as I can.' The fundraiser will have live music, including performance from authentic tribute band 'The Beatles Experience', local artists and activities for children to take part in. She previously entered the competition in Surrey and is hoping to exceed the £2,000 she raised last year. Despite being born and raised in Wimborne, Issy said she has not had an 'average' childhood. See also: Purbeck Cider Company launches first non-alcoholic cider After leaving school at the age of nine-years-old, she travelled all over the world with her family, spending time in countries like the United States, Japan and Russia. She added her experiences living abroad helped her 'become more adaptable and open-minded' and 'pushed' her to 'connect with different types of people', skills she hope will aid her in the competition. However, she said since she and her family have returned home, she has been 'more invested in the community'. The winner will of the regional competition will be announced on Sunday, August 3, at the Village Hotel in Bournemouth. The successful Miss Dorset will then go on to represent the county in Miss Great Britain 2025, with the national Miss Great Britain 2025 final taking place on Friday October 17. The Miss Great Britain is a national beauty contest held annually in Britain since 1945 and is Britain's longest-running beauty pageant.
