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SQUASH YOUR CARTONS - FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A HOLIDAY OR A TV! Fancy a trip to Panama? Or maybe a cool eco-TV? To encourage more people to squash cartons before recycling them, Tetra Pak is offering prizes to the most imaginative squashers! To enter, simply upload a video of you or your kids squashing cartons in the most creative way you can think of.

Hello from MNHQ...

Where, since our Daily Mail's been a bit unpredictable lately, we're delighted that Mumsnet: the Pregnancy Guide is landing on doormats (and bookshelves) nationwide. Do pick up a copy and feel free to tell us and Amazon what you think of it (assuming you love it, that is :))

After this week's webchat with children's, schools and family secretary Ed Balls, it's on to labour policy of a whole different kind: NCT chief exec Belinda Phipps braves the MN webchat hot seat next Thursday (17 Sep, 1-2pm).

Oh, and do check out our changing bag reviews - newly rated and updated for nappy-luggers everywhere...

Now for this week's parenting news...

Flu schools closures unlikely: State schools probably won't be closed in a second wave of swine flu, children's secretary Ed Balls said this week. He said policy had moved away from shutting schools and towards preventative hygiene steps by pupils and teachers. "The best advice is to keep schools open," he said. "If your child is showing symptoms of swine flu, keep them at home and either ring your GP or go onto the special helpline or website that we have to get the best advice." It was better, he said, to sneeze into the crook of your elbow than to spread droplets into the air, and children should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly. (Daily Telegraph 09.09.09)

Top names revealed: Jack was the most popular boy's name last year for the 13th year in a row, it was revealed this week by the Office of National Statistics. Oliver was in second place and Thomas in third. For girls, Olivia was the top name, pushing Ruby into second place. Emily and Grace were third and fourth, and Isla and Summer, at number 36 and number 23 respectively, were the highest climbers. Lexi, a diminutive of Alexandra, was a new entrant to the top 100 for girls, rising 40 places to number 73. Riley, the Irish name that has been popular in the US for a decade, was the fastest-climbing name for boys, rising 24 places to number 33. (Times 09.09.09)

Other stories in brief

FREE TENA LADY SAMPLES! Did you know that one in four women is affected by bladder weakness? Net Doctor is partnering with TENA Lady, offering samples to those who meet the requirements. Also available from the site is a free Pelvicore Technique DVD. 

Hot threads

Competitions

This week's prizes are:

It's easy to enter (and keep an eye on winners' corner to see if your name has come out of the hat). 

GOT A CHILD AT SCHOOL? TAKE OUR POLL AND YOU COULD WIN A £250 VOUCHER! The School Food Trust would like to know about the school meals in your child's school - or why you choose to give your child a packed lunch instead). The survey is open to all mums in the UK with at least one child at school. Everyone who takes part will be in with a chance of winning a £250 voucher for a store of their choice.

Quote of the week

RambleOn loses patience with Emma's Diary: "Her bloody pregnancy is sooooo far removed from mine. I hope in the next edition, she finds out at week seven that her lovely supportive Nick is shaggin' a 17-year-old in the back of their van."

Looking for an early autumn day out? Mumsnetters suggest:

Find more Mumsnetter recommendations for great days out near you in Mumsnet Local - and once you get home, please add a review in our Days out/Attractions section.

Blog of the week: Hell is plumbers part 2
bluedogs gets a (welcome) shock to the cistern: "The bell goes and in walks Adonis the plumber. He is polite, articulate and knowledgeable. He is also one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen. Which is distracting, as I want to say, 'What are you doing fiddling with my soil pipe (oo er, missus) when you should clearly be strutting around a catwalk?' End of plumbing hell."
Bursting to blog? Why not start your own?

Recipe of the week: BlingDreaming's lamb shoulder stew
A lovely, chuck-in-the-pot, chunky stew that makes the most of yummy seasonal autumn lamb and squash and is a zillion times easier (and cheaper) than you'd think.
Review this week's recipe here - or why not post one yourself?

That's all, we're off to give Emma a reality check...

Love,
Mumsnet Towers

TAKE PART IN THE JOJO MAMAN BEBE BUGGY FUN RUN - AND HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY. The JoJo Maman Bebe Buggy 2.5km Fun Run takes place in London's Battersea Park at 10.30am on 15 September 2009. Sign up and help make a difference to less advantaged parents, babies and children.

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