Tatty Teddy‘s crowd of special friends is set to keep growing in 2012 and January sees the addition of five new My Blue Nose Friends for Tatty Teddy to meet. As usual each one has a name, number and personal profile and all of them are 4″ tall and have the characteristic patches and a blue nose.

All these latest animals feature the new holographic stickers for My Blue Nose Friends. This will give you full peace of mind that you are buying genuine products. The little square sticker is on the removeable tags and features a cute picture of Patch the Dog.

Meet the latest Me to You My Blue Nose Friends:

No 88 Nutmeg the Squirrel

Nutmeg is a kind and considerate squirrel, who loves to hoard things; she’ll try not to drive you nuts!

She has soft dark grey fur on her body, a bushy tail and a white tummy.

No 89 Buck the Beaver

Buck is a hard working beaver who loves to get his teeth into anything; lodge with him and you’ll understand why.

He has soft, grey plush on his body, a flat tail, cute goofy teeth and a white tummy and nose.

No 90 Yabber the Duck Billed Platypus

Yabber is a chattering Duck-billed platypus who has the gift of the gab; whatever the situation he will talk his way out of it.

He has dark blue fur on his body, white webbed feet and lays flat on his tummy.

No 91 Koodo the Antelope

Koodoo is a dynamic antelope who likes to rise to a challenge; she is leaps and bounds above all antelopes.

She has blue plush on her body, white markings on her head and pink horns and hooves.

No 92 Ripple the Swan

Ripple is a graceful swan who goes about things in her own way; but she’ll always stick her neck out for you!

A limited edition character, she has a soft white plush body, pale pink webbed feet, shimmering fabric detailing on her face and white fur with a silver sparkle on her wings. Ripple also has a code that allows customers to unlock special features on the Me to You My Place web site.

Read more about the Me to You Tatty Teddy brand and story on our web site or browse our full My Blue Nose Friends range.

Love and romance are in the air – the new 2012 Valentine’s Me to You Teddy Bears are in!

The collection pictured above features the popular grey Tatty Teddy with patches in an assortment of styles and sizes and would be perfect to  deliver your romantic message on the 14th of February this year.

Me to You Tatty Teddy and My Blue Nose Friends in numbers

Me to You was created in 2000 by Stephen Haines who launched his Sussex based company – Carte Blanche, with a portfolio of just 12 cards. Tatty Teddy – the cute character behind the brand – became an instant success.

Over 75 million Me to You plush bears have been sold since 2000.

My Blue Nose Friends was launched in June 2008 as a range of collectable cuddly toys. In total, nearly 6 million pieces of plush have been sold, enough to fill all the seats at Wembley Stadium over 60 times.

Find out more

To find out more about the heart warming story of Tatty Teddy and how he was thrown out with the rubbish read our Me to You Teddy Bears page.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Want to make this Valentine’s Day a special one? Check out the following articles:

Surviving Valentine’s Day – Whatever your situation – single, in a new or long term relationship, this article will give you tips and advice on how to make Valentine’s Day a success.

Top 10 Valentine’s Gifts – Whether you’re experiencing the first flush of love or enjoying the adoration of your soul mate, we have put together this top ten gift guide for Valentine’s Day.

For those who are planning to propose on Valentine’s Day:

Marriage proposal ideas – Thinking of getting down on one knee?  Our guide to unusual ways to ask your loved one to marry you, may give you some great ideas.

All you need to know about the gas that makes balloons float

Have you ever wondered where helium comes from? Who discovered it? How long do helium balloons float? Is the gas safe? What do we use it for? Is true that there is a shortage?

Whether you’re a curious adult or a kid who’s researching a science project, read our facts about helium to find out more about the mysterious gas.

Where does it come from?

The element is made either by the nuclear fusion process of the Sun, or by the very slow and steady radioactive decay of rock, which is how all of Earth’s helium was made. There is no way of manufacturing it. It is often found underground along with natural gas. The Earth’s  biggest reserves are in North America.

After being extracted, the helium and natural gas mix is cooled. During this process, the natural gas turns into a liquid while the helium stays in gas form and can be separated and stored.

More science facts about helium:

• It doesn’t turn to a liquid until it reaches -270°C! Its boiling and melting points are the lowest of the elements, so it only exists as a gas except under very extreme conditions
• It’s symbol is He and atomic number is 2, so each atom of helium has two protons
• It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert
• It is the second-lightest element – hydrogen is the lightest element
• It is the second-most abundant element in the universe, though it is scarce on Earth

Who discovered it?

It was first discovered by Pierre Janssen, a French astronomer in 1868. While observing a solar eclipse in India, he noticed the yellow spectral emission lines of the element. English astronomer Norman Lockyer later named it helium after the Greek name helios – sun.

It is in only 1895 that Sir William Ramsay discovered the gas on earth.

Safety

People will often inhale the contents of a balloon to make their voice sound squeaky, yet there’s an inherent risk of asphyxiation or suffocation, which may lead to serious injury or death.

While such accidents are very rare, they are a tragic reminder that helium should NEVER be inhaled.

When using disposable helium canisters, make sure you read all the safety instructions carefully.

What we use helium for:

Party balloons

Initially hydrogen was used to make party balloons float. However, it can explode and is highly flammable and was was used mainly for scientific experiments. Hydrogen was eventually replaced by helium and found it’s way out of the science lab to the toy market!

When latex balloons are filled with helium they typically float only for a day or so. The gas escapes through small pores in the latex. You can treat latex balloons with a hi-float gel that makes them less porous and helps lock the gas in.

Foil and plastic balloons are less permeable and can float for anything from 5 days to 5 weeks depending on their size and the material used for manufacture.

The gas can also be used to lift airships and blimps.

MRI scanners

Because of its low boiling point, helium is used to cool the superconducting magnets in medical MRI scanners.

Science / industry

Helium is widely used in science experiments, but also to:

• Maintain the low temperature of the Large Hadron Collider in Cern
• Clean out rocket engines. Large quantities of helium are used to pressurise the interior of liquid fuel rockets, condense hydrogen and oxygen to make rocket fuel, and force fuel into the engines during rocket launches
• Estimate the age of rocks and minerals containing uranium and thorium by measuring their retention of helium
• Prevent the heating of the air in solar telescopes, which reduces the distorting effects of temperature variations in the space between lenses
• Cool infra-red detectors, nuclear reactors and the machinery of wind tunnels

Deep-sea diving

To avoid the problems caused by breathing ordinary air under high pressure, deep sea divers use a mixture of helium, oxygen and nitrogen to breathe underwater.

Shortage

Helium is also a non-renewable resource and scientist are now warning that the world’s reserves of the precious gas are about to run out, a shortage that is likely to have far-reaching repercussions.

The American reserves in Kansas – the largest on the planet, are being depleted at an unprecedented rate. The low cost of the gas is not encouraging recycling of the large quantities used in industry.

Additional resources

Wikipedia article

Why the world is running out of helium
A US law means supplies of the gas – a vital component of MRI scanners – are vanishing fast.

Comforting bed warmers

Don’t we all need a cuddle from time to time? No matter how old you are, it’s always nice to hug a cuddly toy.

Our new range of delightful Aroma Home Hot Hugs bed warmers will provide adults and children of all ages with the ultimate comforting hug.

Hot Hugs are irresistibly cute plush animals with removable tummy inserts filled with natural wheat grains. Just warm up in the microwave and pop it back inside for a gorgeously warm cuddle. Awww!

But there’s more: the wheat grains are infused with a soothing blend of lavender and camomile pure essential oils, so your bed warmer doesn’t only look good, it smells good too.

Just a minute in the microwave infuses the insert with lasting heat and you can count on the natural fragrances to aid restful sleep too.

Aroma Home bed warmers are also made from the highest quality plush fabrics for softness to the touch.

These cute hotties are popular night time companions for children as they will help rock them gently to sleep, night after night.

In fact, with new friends so hot and huggable, little ones will never want to put them down!

From cheeky monkeys and elephants to hot horses and bleating lambs, you’re sure to find an animal to suit most recipients and occasions. Why not treat a loved one – or indeed yourself to one of our delightful Aroma Home bed warmers?

It will make a much loved gift on occasions such as get wells, birthdays or Christmas.

More about Aroma Home

Aroma Home originally started selling microwaveable body wraps infused with relaxing essential oils. Since then they have developed products for kids (like the Hot Hugs range) that are fun, adorable and with bags of character. They are much safer than traditional hot water bottles too, and as the calming aromas aid restful sleep, parents love them too!

Here at Big Fat Balloons we instantly feel for the Aroma Home bed warmers – they are adorable, practical, fun and top quality too. We couldn’t ask for more!

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is Santa’s 9th Reindeer. He is the lead reindeer pulling the sleigh on Christmas Eve as his glowing red nose lights up Santa’s path through the winter night.

Rudolph the reindeer first appeared in a 1939 promotional booklet written by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward.

Rudolph has become a figure of Christmas folklore and the story has been adapted in a popular song and several films. He also features in the popular Christmas poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas“.

You might have on occasion wondered what Rudolph is really up to in the run up to Christmas Eve. We’re just about to unveil the secret and publish Rudolph’s exclusive pre-Christmas diary!

1st of December

Today Rudolph’s had his official picture taken again as we noticed that the old picture just wasn’t doing him justice. Here he is posing in all his splendour!

2nd of December

Rudolph opened the 2nd window of his advent calendar and gobbled up the chocolates for breakfast. He doesn’t recommend you do the same, toast or Weetabix is  better for humans – but he needs the energy, so chocolate’s perfect.

Since, he has been busy preparing parcel boxes to help with the large number Christmas gifts we send out. Here he is looking at a job well done with satisfaction!

Saying goodbye to Happy Go Lucky, the walking pig balloon who’s just got a job acting in a pantomime – who said only reindeer were busy in the run up to Christmas!

3rd of December

It’s important to have a little flying practice everyday… no time to exercise outdoors, so the the warehouse will do.

4th of December

Desk bound for the day – needs to get on with the admin. Don’t be fooled, these days even reindeer have paperwork to deal with!

5th of December

These chocolates definitely look tastier than those in my advent calendar… Is anyone looking?

6th of December

Taking time out of a busy schedule to catch up with a lady friend.

7th of December

On the commute to work. I wish I could use Santa’s Sleigh it’s much better to avoid traffic jams.

8th of December

Can I have a lie in?

9th of December

Don’t they look yummy? Check out my simple marzipan mince pies recipe and try them too!

12th of December

A nice warm bath to start the day!

15th of December

Preparing a large Me to You Christmas teddy bears order – all to be given to children in care.

19th December

Fruity cupcakes! Yum, I need to keep my energy up – Christmas Eve will be busy this year. To bake these yourself, check out my Christmas Cupcakes Recipe.

20th December

Another bright morning… only 4 windows left in the advent calendar. I shall miss the chocolates but I’m looking forward to a nice long sleep on the 25th!

21st of December

With some of the many parcels going out for delivery today. There’s still time for last minute Christmas gifts, just select Guaranteed Special Delivery during checkout to make sure they arrive on time. Due to the large volumes of mail Royal Mail handles in the run up to Christmas other services might take longer.

22nd of December

Finally got the tree up, only 3 days ’till Christmas!

23rd of December

Meeting up with some friends – might go out tonight!

———-

Our Walking Reindeer Balloon is an ideal way to send your Christmas wishes to friends and relatives. We challenge you not to smile and giggle (regardless of your age), as this cute reindeer balloon pokes its antlers out of a large stripy box and then follows you around the room. Yes you heard: it’s a balloon, it looks like a reindeer and it walks, no Christmas fairy tale there!

This 24″ (60cm) reindeer balloon is delivered filled with helium in a large, stripy box. As Rudolph’s feet are slightly weighted the balloon does not rise, instead it hovers just above the floor. When you set off, pulling the string behind you, he will obediently follow – “walking” behind you like a well-trained pet.

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our new range of Nici soft toys and teddy bears.

Taking a group picture proved rather tricky as the horse and rabbit kept on misbehaving, both falling on the koala and knocking him over. We eventually managed to get everyone to cooperate and here they are – all smiling!

Nici plush toys are renowned for their refreshing contemporary designs and are made with soft plush fabrics to the highest quality standards. We’re confident that this new addition to our portfolio will delight our customers and match our commitment to supply quality, well made teddy bears and gifts.

All the soft toys in the range are machine washable, making them practical gifts for children too. Discover a world of Nici friends and choose your favourites. They will make great gifts for adults and children of all ages for Christmas and other special occasions.

Nici are German plush toys manufacturers. The company was launched in 1986 and their innovative soft toys have since captured the hearts of fans around the world.

Since 2008 and the launch of My Blue Nose Friends, Tatty Teddy is no longer alone and lonely but surrounded by a crowd of new friends. November sees the addition of four new loveable characters for Tatty Teddy to meet. As usual each one has a name, number and personal profile and all of them have patches and a blue nose.

Meet the latest Blue Nose Friends creations  by Me to You:

Needles the Woolly Mammoth No 83 – Needles is a hilarious woolly mammoth whose jokes will have you in stitches; stay cottoned on and you’ll have a ball!

Quiver the Emperor Penguin No 84 – Quiver is a daring Emperor Penguin who loves to skate on thin ice; on the flip side there’s no chance of your friendship cracking.

Bengal the Tiger No 85 – Bengal is a prowling white tiger who’ll roar her way to your heart; she’ll never stray far and will always be within a whisker of you.

Alpine the Bernese Mountain Dog No 86 – Alpine is an intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog who would do anything for you; he’ll lead you to the top but won’t bark orders.

New holographic stickers

Carte Blanche – the company behind the Me to You Tatty Teddy brand are also introducing new holographic stickers for My Blue Nose Friends. The holographic security label will give you full peace of mind that you are buying genuine products.

The little square sticker, featuring a cute picture of Patch the Dog, will gradually appear over the next few months on packaging and removable tags.

Read more about the Me to You Tatty Teddy brand and story on our web site or browse our full My Blue Nose Friends range.

A Wonderful Christmas teddy bear

After not being able to source any Storytime bears last Christmas, I am delighted to announce that this popular Gund teddy bear is back in stock!

The new model allows you to easily record the child’s name into the story. Just press and hold the teddy’s right foot. Release the foot after recording and press the left foot to read the story. The child’s name will now be inserted into the story, adding a personalised touch to your gift.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Storytime bear. He measures 43cm (17″) and is made to high standards by Gund. He has super soft, silky caramel fur and a cream snout. The bear wears a red and white Christmas hat. Patiently sat with his book opened, when you press his foot he will read you the classic tale ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ while moving his head and mouth.

Check out our Christmas teddy bears section or our 7 Bestselling Christmas Teddy Bears post for more festive gifts.

About the Twas the Night Before Christmas poem

Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem in 1822. It is also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. The poem is now a Christmas favourite and many families read it on Christmas Eve.

Interestingly it is the first story associating Santa Claus (Father Christmas) with reindeers and a sleigh and it has redefined the story of Christmas as we now know it today.

It was originally published anonymously after a family friend sent the poem to the New York Sentinel in 1823 and was an immediate success. It was not until 1844 that the author claimed ownership when Twas the Night Before Christmas was included in an anthology of his work.

Read the full Clement Clarke Moore poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Teddy bears are one of the most popular gifts for children and loved ones all year around and Christmas is no exception. We’ve put together a selection of our top Christmas teddy bear buys. From traditional bears to seasonal novelty items, you’re sure to find something to suit most recipients and budgets.

1 – Seasonal Christmas Teddy Bears

Christmas themed teddy bears are popular seasonal treats that make cute keepsake gifts for loved ones of all ages. See some of this year’s range pictured above. For a fun alternative to greeting cards, you can have your bear and personal message delivered directly  to the recipient’s home or work address. Popular items include My First Christmas teddy bears, The Snowman soft toy range after the Raymond Briggs animated feature and book, and our bestselling Me to You Christmas Teddy Bear.

2 – Traditional Teddy Bears

The teddy bear was first introduced by Margarete Steiff in 1903. Snapped up by buyers in America and Europe it quickly became a huge success. Today it is a part of almost everyone’s lives. With most of us having at least one teddy bear while we were young, traditional teddy bears are still popular Christmas gifts – often cherished for many years to come.

3 – Paddington Bears

Paddington, the marmalade-loving, duffle-coat wearing bear from Darkest Peru, has to be one of the most famous teddy bears of all time. His well-meaning, but often disastrous attempts at helping the Brown family are still loved by children today. Our Paddington bears soft toys make timeless Christmas gifts for all ages. They are ideal to bring Micheal Bond’s stories to life while reading to children too.

4 – Sesame Street Soft Toys

The colourful, lively characters from Sesame Street have entertained and educated children throughout the world. Thanks to quality cuddly toy manufacturer Gund, the lovable characters from the American TV show are now available as soft toys for everyone to love and cuddle. Despite our efforts to stock up for the festive season, we always run out of several Sesame Street soft toy lines in the run up to Christmas – so make sure you order yours early!

5 – Me to You Teddy Bears

The cute little grey bear with patches is a popular present all year round and a favourite Christmas gift for fans of all ages. The Me to You Tatty Teddy bedwarmer is our best selling Me to You Christmas line.

6 – Flatout Bears

A must have accessory for celebrity parents, Flatout bears will make a truly original Christmas gift for children and adults of all ages. Made from 100% pure Australian sheepskin, these cute teddy bears are incredibly soft and endearing and totally flat – only about one inch thick!

7 – Uglydolls

They’re good, they’re bad, but most of all they’re phenomenally ugly and will make zany gift this Christmas. Uglydolls are a bunch of quirky, colourful characters each with a distinct style and personality. They even have their own A-list fan club, with celebrities including Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Tom Cruise and even President Obama’s daughter, Sasha, was snapped cuddling her Uglydoll friend.

For a warming Autumn recipe and perfect Halloween or bonfire supper, why not try our delicious pumpkin soup? We made the recipe using butternut squash rather than pumpkin which has a sweeter taste, however the soup would be just as tasty with pumpkin.

This recipe is easy to adapt to be dairy free, gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.

For an alternative recipe, you can also check our Easy Pumpkin Soup for Halloween.

This recipe will serve 8 to 10.

Ingredients

• 2 table spoons of olive oil
• 1kg of butternut squash or pumpkin – peeled, seeded and chopped in small pieces
• 1 onion – finely chopped
• 1 leek – chopped
• 1 courgette chopped
• 1 litre of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/4 tsp of dried chilli flakes (optional)
• Bread for croûtons

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently fry the onions, leek and courgette for 5 mins, until soft but not coloured. Add the pumpkin or squash to the pan and carry on cooking for 8 to 10 mins, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.
2. Add the stock and chilli flakes and season with salt and pepper. Bring to boiling point and simmer for 20 mins or until the squash is very soft. You can now blend the soup.
3. While the soup is cooking, slice the crusts from the bread, then cut the bread into small croûtons. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan, then fry the bread until it starts to become crisp. These can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. You can also chop lightly buttered toast just before serving. To amuse children (and grown ups too), why not cut out your bread / toast in shapes with a small cookie cutter?
4. Reheat the soup if needed, taste for seasoning, then serve with scattered croûtons. You can add a little grated cheese or a spoonful of cream before serving.

For ideas to help you to make this Halloween one to be remembered check out our Halloween food for a spooky mood post and our A Tricky Problem for a Halloween Party article.

If you want to scare someone on the spookiest night of the year why not send the one of our Halloween balloon gifts? For decorations to create the perfect eerie atmosphere check out our Halloween party balloons.