Online and in the shops: In Bloom

Bloom, Ireland’s largest garden and food festival, runs over the June bank holiday weekend in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

Children up to age 16 are free; up to three children may attend with each paying adult. There are children’s activities including Food Dudes, a book clinic, and a baby-and-toddler chill zone. New activities, this year, include hands-on fun playing with Bruder, Rolly and Siku farm toys at Fun on the Farm. There’s also a new garden area, where children will be able to plant and water flowers.

Tickets are on sale on www.bloominthepark.com.

SOFT TOUCH: This cute little guy is part of the new LEKA range of soft baby toys, from IKEA. Suitable for babies from six months up, these cotton stacking rings can be machine-washed and tumble-dried, €6; www.ikea.com/ie/en.

nLADY SHAVE: Now that warmer weather is here, we’re all keen to get beach-ready, but busy mums don’t always find the time for beauty routines. The Remington cordless lady shaver, €29.99, follows the body’s contours, allowing for comfortable and quick shaving, and the aloe vera strip helps to minimise dry patches. It can be used dry or in the shower, and features an anti-slip grip for comfort and control.

PREGNANCY STYLE: When you are pregnant and shopping for a special occasion, like a wedding or party, it’s not easy to find the right mix of comfort and style. Cork-based Bumps’n’Babies has sourced a range of summer dresses designed to be versatile: easily dressed-up for a special day, or dressed-down for everyday summer wear. Owner Catherine Daly recommends letting accessories make your statement, choosing a fascinator to wear with a simple dress, or adding a bright clutch and scarf. “If you’re confident in your pregnancy pins, go all out with a short frock, like The Lady Loves Coral, €85, and team it with wedges or cute, sparkly sandals,” she says. Bumps’n’Babies showroom is 20 minutes from Cork City and open by appointment, or buy online at www.bumpsnbabies.ie.