Is it summer already...? Or not?! Rain, sun, heat, steam... rain, cold, thunder... I never know what to wear these days!
Well, CorreCoching has undergone some changes too, as of last month we have a new teacher taking the class: she is called Rebeca, half English, half Spanish and very very lovely!
The classes are still every Thursday at 4.15pm, still meeting under the Arc de Triomf and still only costing 5E per class. Although you are free to turn up on the day, it's always a good idea to call Zoe (678 252 134) beforehand to check there's still space and also so that we have your phone number in case the class is cancelled at the last minute (due to rain, illness.. more rain!)
So what are you waiting for?!
Enjoy!
XZoe.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
Happy and Healthy 2008!
Happy new year to all.
This year CorreCoching has it's first promotion- each person who introduces someone new to the class will receive a free pedometer. A pedometer is a device that counts your steps as you walk. Walking 8-10,000 steps per day eliminates the need to do extra exercise and aids in weight management.
Make your new years resolution to do your 10,000 steps per day!!
CorreCoching classes are now on a THURSDAY at 4.15-5.30pm.
The first class back is 10th January.
There is apossibility of an extra class starting on a Monday morning, if you are interested let me know and I will compile a list until there are enough people to do a class.
Salud!
X Zoe.
This year CorreCoching has it's first promotion- each person who introduces someone new to the class will receive a free pedometer. A pedometer is a device that counts your steps as you walk. Walking 8-10,000 steps per day eliminates the need to do extra exercise and aids in weight management.
Make your new years resolution to do your 10,000 steps per day!!
CorreCoching classes are now on a THURSDAY at 4.15-5.30pm.
The first class back is 10th January.
There is apossibility of an extra class starting on a Monday morning, if you are interested let me know and I will compile a list until there are enough people to do a class.
Salud!
X Zoe.
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Nearly there...
Hi guys,
Well, next week CorreCoching classes staert. They are now Wednesday and Thursday at 4:15-5:30. Please be punctual. There are still 2 places left and theyare free taster sessions, so call me of you want to come along.
Some mums have expressed and interest in morning classes (those that have 2 little ones). If there is enough interest I will definately consider it. Let me know your ideas by email correcoching@mac.com.
OK, so see you all soon!
Un beso!
Zoe.
Well, next week CorreCoching classes staert. They are now Wednesday and Thursday at 4:15-5:30. Please be punctual. There are still 2 places left and theyare free taster sessions, so call me of you want to come along.
Some mums have expressed and interest in morning classes (those that have 2 little ones). If there is enough interest I will definately consider it. Let me know your ideas by email correcoching@mac.com.
OK, so see you all soon!
Un beso!
Zoe.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Taking reservations for free CorreCoching classes.
I can hardly believe it's almost the end of September- CorreCoching is almost upon us!
Infact, yesterday I did the circuit (now it's not too boiling to be in trainers, phew) and after that I slept like a log from 9pm! Even though I walk alot, it's not the same as a proper workout.
From now I am taking bookings for the free Correcoching classes that will take place on Tuesday the 6th and Thursday the 8th of November. To reserve your place call me (Zoe) on 678 252 134 and I will put you on the list. I will then call you a week or so before the class to confirm you are still interested.
BTW CorreCoching had its first mention in the press- the Barcelona Metropolitan. The article was very interesting for new mums so I've attached it in the next blog.
Another note is that the CorreCoching newsletter will also be starting in November, so even if you are not ready to start exercising, you can get lots of free tips and advice on exercise, nutricion and life with a baby. Email me at info@correcoching.com and i will put you on the email list.
Un saludo!
Zoe.
Infact, yesterday I did the circuit (now it's not too boiling to be in trainers, phew) and after that I slept like a log from 9pm! Even though I walk alot, it's not the same as a proper workout.
From now I am taking bookings for the free Correcoching classes that will take place on Tuesday the 6th and Thursday the 8th of November. To reserve your place call me (Zoe) on 678 252 134 and I will put you on the list. I will then call you a week or so before the class to confirm you are still interested.
BTW CorreCoching had its first mention in the press- the Barcelona Metropolitan. The article was very interesting for new mums so I've attached it in the next blog.
Another note is that the CorreCoching newsletter will also be starting in November, so even if you are not ready to start exercising, you can get lots of free tips and advice on exercise, nutricion and life with a baby. Email me at info@correcoching.com and i will put you on the email list.
Un saludo!
Zoe.
Barcelona Metropolitan-Catering to little ones
BCN Living /
Catering to little ones
Carrie Frais
01/09/2007
Despite the tight-knit form of the typical Catalan family, many foreign mothers, and mothers-to-be will tell you that Barcelona lacks both professional help and social groups for prospective and new mums. Most Catalan women now return to work when their babies are just four months old—the standard length of maternity leave here—and many do not have the luxury of longer leave, given the low wages on offer. This goes some way to explaining the paltry availability of clubs, groups and services for new mothers, so it has been left up to the foreign community to create its own.
For many, a good starting point is the MSN site BCN Tots. Here, information in English is posted about anything from weekly get-togethers, help and advice to nanny services and items for sale. It is currently run by British mother Rachel Trew, and to access the site it is necessary to register by emailing Trew (bcntots@hotmail.com). The site, and its mums' groups, can be a huge support for many foreign mothers, who tend to find themselves isolated, she said.
“Most Spanish mums return to work after 16 weeks, so for the majority of the city's residents I guess there isn't a need for mother and baby activities during the day. It's such a shame, as in the UK there are all sorts of activities available, like tumble tots and baby signing classes. At least they have baby swimming classes here.”
Another big problem for foreign mothers is finding day care unless they are prepared to hand over their children to a nursery five days a week. This is even the case for babies as young as three months who, in the majority of cases, will have to attend full-time at state-run guarderías due to the overwhelming demand for places. The Playhouse in Gràcia, however, has bucked this trend and differs from most Catalan nurseries in a number of ways: it offers the option of part-time care in English and Catalan, parents are welcome, there are fewer children per teacher and no babies are accepted.
The centre was begun by Sarah Yandell, who was unable to find decent day care for her own two children. “I couldn't find anything that I liked as I just wanted somewhere to take them a couple of mornings a week for a few hours while I had some me-time.I also wanted somewhere child-friendly and where I could stay while they settled in. In the end I took my daughter to a German place called BCN Kinder which was excellent. I realised that the only English-speaking nurseries in Barcelona were very expensive and all up in the Zona Alta or in the suburbs. I wanted to set up a centre that was accessible in terms of price, and also city-centre based. It took me two years to find the right place, though.”
Also tapping into the demand for part-time care are former nanny Julie Stephenson and ex-public relations professional Julia Fossi, who set up Tender Loving Canguros (TLC), a nanny and baby-sitting agency. Julie says that many parents want their children to remain at home, with one-on-one attention. ”We started TLC because we saw a gap in the market for English-speaking child care,” said Stephenson. “We both had babysitters but found that every new person we met wanted to use them and it got a little frustrating when they were too busy to babysit for us. We originally aimed at ex-pats and tourists but now we find we have an equal amount of requests from Spanish/Catalan people who want more English introduced at home.”
Mujer is a boutique-style shop in the San Pere area of the city, which holds weekly get-togethers for new mums to share information and experiences. It is run by British mother Louise Melotte. “I arrived with a four-month-old son from Brighton in the UK—one of the most child-orientated places on the planet. I discovered to my dismay there really wasn't enough in Barcelona for babies. All I could find here was the Ludoteca in Parc Ciutadella where I went about asking mothers to be my friend! I decided to set up ‘mums meets' on my patio at home. Now I have Mujer, a great space where there is information for mums, a place they can chat and relax with their babies, meet other mums and shop for products that aren't readily available elsewhere.”
Not only is there a lack of products here in Barcelona but professional advice can be difficult to find. Without close family nearby, new mothers can feel in desperate need of support and advice at such an emotional time, a fact not lost on Zoe Koumbouzi, who recently trained as a breastfeeding consultant with Alba Lactancia, with a view to establishing the city's first English-speaking breastfeeding support group. “The advice on breastfeeding from paediatricians is pretty confusing. There is little support in hospitals to help mothers to start breastfeeding properly and there is pressure to give babies formula milk at the slightest problem.”
For pregnant women and new mums, Pamela Thompson offers natural therapies for tuning the body at A Mà Teràpies. For older children, the Drama Factory offers theatre classes for ages five to 10 in English. Founded by British actress Sophie Heydel, kids write their own material and are encouraged to develop their imagination. “It's great for their self-awareness, self-esteem and communication skills,” said Heydel. “But above all it is fun.”
Many new mothers said that despite having to search hard for what they want, overall Barcelona is an exceptional place to bring up children. The last words go to a new mum. “Barcelona has loads to offer both parents and children because the weather means children can spend more time outside all year round, and of course there's the beach,” said Louise Vaughan. “I think the lifestyle here is more geared towards kids. The Spanish don't think anything of taking their children out to restaurants for lunch or dinner and I do think, in general, they are much more tolerant.”
Parenting directory:
www.albalactanciamaterna.info
Information about breastfeeding
BCN Tots
bcntots@hotmail.com
Mujer
New mums meet every Monday at 11am
Carders 28
Tel. 93 315 1531 or 616 881 599
The Playhouse
Bilingual nursery in Gràcia
Mozart, 10, bajos
Tel. 93 368 7834 or 661 469 419
www.theplayhousebcn.net;
info@theplayhousebcn.net
The Drama Factory
Improvisational theatre classes in English
Tel. 93 301 4301
www.thedramafactory.com
Tender Loving Canguros
Nanny and babysitting services
Tel. 647 605 989
www.tlcanguros.com;
info@tlcanguros.com
A Mà Teràpies
Natural and holistic therapies for pregnant women and new mums
Tel. 93 451 6572 or 651 591 973
www.amaterapies.com;
info@amaterapies.com
Correcoaching.com
CorreCoching is a way to get active and make friends without having to leave your baby. They do gentle aerobic exercise in the Ciutadella park.
Call Zoe on 678 252 134
Catering to little ones
Carrie Frais
01/09/2007
Despite the tight-knit form of the typical Catalan family, many foreign mothers, and mothers-to-be will tell you that Barcelona lacks both professional help and social groups for prospective and new mums. Most Catalan women now return to work when their babies are just four months old—the standard length of maternity leave here—and many do not have the luxury of longer leave, given the low wages on offer. This goes some way to explaining the paltry availability of clubs, groups and services for new mothers, so it has been left up to the foreign community to create its own.
For many, a good starting point is the MSN site BCN Tots. Here, information in English is posted about anything from weekly get-togethers, help and advice to nanny services and items for sale. It is currently run by British mother Rachel Trew, and to access the site it is necessary to register by emailing Trew (bcntots@hotmail.com). The site, and its mums' groups, can be a huge support for many foreign mothers, who tend to find themselves isolated, she said.
“Most Spanish mums return to work after 16 weeks, so for the majority of the city's residents I guess there isn't a need for mother and baby activities during the day. It's such a shame, as in the UK there are all sorts of activities available, like tumble tots and baby signing classes. At least they have baby swimming classes here.”
Another big problem for foreign mothers is finding day care unless they are prepared to hand over their children to a nursery five days a week. This is even the case for babies as young as three months who, in the majority of cases, will have to attend full-time at state-run guarderías due to the overwhelming demand for places. The Playhouse in Gràcia, however, has bucked this trend and differs from most Catalan nurseries in a number of ways: it offers the option of part-time care in English and Catalan, parents are welcome, there are fewer children per teacher and no babies are accepted.
The centre was begun by Sarah Yandell, who was unable to find decent day care for her own two children. “I couldn't find anything that I liked as I just wanted somewhere to take them a couple of mornings a week for a few hours while I had some me-time.I also wanted somewhere child-friendly and where I could stay while they settled in. In the end I took my daughter to a German place called BCN Kinder which was excellent. I realised that the only English-speaking nurseries in Barcelona were very expensive and all up in the Zona Alta or in the suburbs. I wanted to set up a centre that was accessible in terms of price, and also city-centre based. It took me two years to find the right place, though.”
Also tapping into the demand for part-time care are former nanny Julie Stephenson and ex-public relations professional Julia Fossi, who set up Tender Loving Canguros (TLC), a nanny and baby-sitting agency. Julie says that many parents want their children to remain at home, with one-on-one attention. ”We started TLC because we saw a gap in the market for English-speaking child care,” said Stephenson. “We both had babysitters but found that every new person we met wanted to use them and it got a little frustrating when they were too busy to babysit for us. We originally aimed at ex-pats and tourists but now we find we have an equal amount of requests from Spanish/Catalan people who want more English introduced at home.”
Mujer is a boutique-style shop in the San Pere area of the city, which holds weekly get-togethers for new mums to share information and experiences. It is run by British mother Louise Melotte. “I arrived with a four-month-old son from Brighton in the UK—one of the most child-orientated places on the planet. I discovered to my dismay there really wasn't enough in Barcelona for babies. All I could find here was the Ludoteca in Parc Ciutadella where I went about asking mothers to be my friend! I decided to set up ‘mums meets' on my patio at home. Now I have Mujer, a great space where there is information for mums, a place they can chat and relax with their babies, meet other mums and shop for products that aren't readily available elsewhere.”
Not only is there a lack of products here in Barcelona but professional advice can be difficult to find. Without close family nearby, new mothers can feel in desperate need of support and advice at such an emotional time, a fact not lost on Zoe Koumbouzi, who recently trained as a breastfeeding consultant with Alba Lactancia, with a view to establishing the city's first English-speaking breastfeeding support group. “The advice on breastfeeding from paediatricians is pretty confusing. There is little support in hospitals to help mothers to start breastfeeding properly and there is pressure to give babies formula milk at the slightest problem.”
For pregnant women and new mums, Pamela Thompson offers natural therapies for tuning the body at A Mà Teràpies. For older children, the Drama Factory offers theatre classes for ages five to 10 in English. Founded by British actress Sophie Heydel, kids write their own material and are encouraged to develop their imagination. “It's great for their self-awareness, self-esteem and communication skills,” said Heydel. “But above all it is fun.”
Many new mothers said that despite having to search hard for what they want, overall Barcelona is an exceptional place to bring up children. The last words go to a new mum. “Barcelona has loads to offer both parents and children because the weather means children can spend more time outside all year round, and of course there's the beach,” said Louise Vaughan. “I think the lifestyle here is more geared towards kids. The Spanish don't think anything of taking their children out to restaurants for lunch or dinner and I do think, in general, they are much more tolerant.”
Parenting directory:
www.albalactanciamaterna.info
Information about breastfeeding
BCN Tots
bcntots@hotmail.com
Mujer
New mums meet every Monday at 11am
Carders 28
Tel. 93 315 1531 or 616 881 599
The Playhouse
Bilingual nursery in Gràcia
Mozart, 10, bajos
Tel. 93 368 7834 or 661 469 419
www.theplayhousebcn.net;
info@theplayhousebcn.net
The Drama Factory
Improvisational theatre classes in English
Tel. 93 301 4301
www.thedramafactory.com
Tender Loving Canguros
Nanny and babysitting services
Tel. 647 605 989
www.tlcanguros.com;
info@tlcanguros.com
A Mà Teràpies
Natural and holistic therapies for pregnant women and new mums
Tel. 93 451 6572 or 651 591 973
www.amaterapies.com;
info@amaterapies.com
Correcoaching.com
CorreCoching is a way to get active and make friends without having to leave your baby. They do gentle aerobic exercise in the Ciutadella park.
Call Zoe on 678 252 134
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Setting dates
Hello and welcome to CorreCoching Barcelona.
This blog-link has been added to give you as up-to-date information as possible, please check it from time to time and also before you come to a class if possible, just incase any changes have been made.
The classes will officially start in NOVEMBER 2007. The first week will be FREE taster sessions (with no obligations). Obviously the places are limited so as of September I will be taking reservations, but more on that nearer the time.
Until then, have a good summer, enjoy your new (or older!) babies, and see you in November!
Zoe.
This blog-link has been added to give you as up-to-date information as possible, please check it from time to time and also before you come to a class if possible, just incase any changes have been made.
The classes will officially start in NOVEMBER 2007. The first week will be FREE taster sessions (with no obligations). Obviously the places are limited so as of September I will be taking reservations, but more on that nearer the time.
Until then, have a good summer, enjoy your new (or older!) babies, and see you in November!
Zoe.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Under Construction
It´s June. I´m continuing on a journey which started almost exactly two years ago in 2005 when I was pregnant- I read about a new form of exercise from the UK called Powerpramming. It was done pushing your pram for fatburning and doing lightweight muscle toning exercises designed especially for the post-natal period. It seemed such a good idea not to have to leave your baby, get out of the house, get fit, make friends. I looked all over for a class in Barcelona, but nothing existed...
Fast forward to spring 2006. Me and a group of mums from antenatal classes are steaming around Cuitadella park, we are Powerpramming- or, CorreCoching as we named it. We love it, the babies love it. Unfortunately the group begins to dissolve as mums return to work and summer comes on.
And now in 2007 CorreCoching is coming alive again. This time as a small business venture to get mums active, healthy, happy and together. Let´s get it organised, I thought, a website was born, businesss cards printed, pregnant mums informed...
CorreCoching will be re-born in NOVEMBER 2007... watch this space!
Fast forward to spring 2006. Me and a group of mums from antenatal classes are steaming around Cuitadella park, we are Powerpramming- or, CorreCoching as we named it. We love it, the babies love it. Unfortunately the group begins to dissolve as mums return to work and summer comes on.
And now in 2007 CorreCoching is coming alive again. This time as a small business venture to get mums active, healthy, happy and together. Let´s get it organised, I thought, a website was born, businesss cards printed, pregnant mums informed...
CorreCoching will be re-born in NOVEMBER 2007... watch this space!
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