AwardThe Parent’s Choice Foundation has selected Springfree™ Trampoline as one of the winners of its coveted 2009 children’s toy awards, a huge honor that we are very proud receive.   

Established in 1978, The Foundation is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys and is trusted by parents for their objectivity, respect, and expertise in child learning and development, helping make informed decision about the right products for their children.

According to the Foundation, Trampolines were not usually recommended however the Springfree™ Trampoline’s unique design has changed history.

Although our judges are not in the habit of awarding trampolines, the Springfree™ Trampoline had so many unique safety features that they couldn’t deny.  Our testers, ranging in age from six to sixty-six, found skills they hadn’t known, confidence that needed reawakening, and a hefty dose of much needed family fun.  If your family has been thinking about a trampoline, this is highly recommended and worth serious consideration.

This Award reflects Springfree™ Trampoline’s commitment to safety and innovation and is a testament of parent’s belief in choosing the safest products for their children. Trampolines provide so many developmental and health benefits but until the Springfree™ Trampoline the benefits were outweighed by the risk.

For more information about The Parents Choice Foundation please visit…http://www.parents-choice.org/aboutpcf.cfm

Erin & Emma meet Alison Braun

Erin & Emma meet Alison Braun

 “You need to get out of your comfort zone and jump for joy” says the inspirational Alison Braun.

 The once self confessed overweight mother stole the hearts of the Australian nation in the 2008 Biggest Loser competition.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alison at the Sydney Women’s Expo where she shared her journey of shedding over 50 kilos, and reintegrating to ‘life on the outside’.  So many people praised how fantastic she looked and how much they loved watching her on TV.  Asked how she deals with the attention, her reply, ‘[it’s]…Just Humbling’. 

 Now Alison travels around Australia aiming to inspire women to get fit – and the key according to Alison is the power of the mind. 

 When I heard Alison encouraging people to ‘Jump for joy’, I automatically thought of my experience trying to get mothers to have a jump on the Springfree™ Trampoline.  At the event I offered many mothers the opportunity to have a bounce, but their response was “Oh No… I couldn’t jump I would probably fall apart”. But once they make the decision to get out of their comfort zone, and give it a go, they have an absolute ball!

Alison is proof that your body can do amazing things, when you’ve got your head right.

So I propose a mission to all mothers, women and anybody who hasn’t jumped out of their comfort zone for a while – go crazy!  Try something new, do something different – heck get out to the backyard and jump on the Springfree™ Trampoline if you’re one of those mothers who thinks… Geez that looks fun but I couldn’t do that!!

antenatalReading the first line of news article ‘Blokes finally have a good excuse to head to the pub when their partner is pregnant’, I was trapped! When have Australian blokes ever needed a excuse to go to the pub? 

 I needed to read on to find out what qualifies as a ‘GOOD’ excuse to  leave your waddling partner at home, tired and swollen, to go have a drink with the boys.

Then there was the word EDUCATIONAL… obviously this article was orchestrated by a group of men sitting around the poker table one night in a brainstorming session on how to get away from the hormonal wife…

What they were really talking about is a concept called Beers and Bubs – a 2.5 hour session aimed at men who are too busy to make ante-natal classes or find it hard to speak up in a clinical environment. The group discusses pain relief, birth etiquette and caesareans over a meal, beer or soft drink. 

 How do you feel about his concept?  Good idea or lame idea?  I asked some of the Springfree™ Trampoline mothers what they thought…

 Trudie – Costumer Service & Mother of 4.

 What a joke. If they have time to go to the pub why do they not have time to go to an Anti-Natal class?

 Tanya – Assistant Marketing Manager & Mother of 2

 I know my husband squirmed all the way through antenatal classes.  I found often the men wouldn’t join in the conversations as they didn’t appear to want to share their feelings and thoughts in front of the women or perhaps felt they weren’t entitled to contribute as they weren’t as impacted by the pregnancy as the women.  A male only group environment would enable them to share and discuss the experience from a man’s perspective, having the ability to be completely open and honest about their circumstances and learn the role a man can play in the pregnancy, birth, and then nurturing of the child – the men I know seem to feel lost and unable to contribute and they’re reluctant to discuss issues with their partner for fear of upsetting them or being misunderstood. They want to help, but have little idea how.  Learning these skills can not only help them become more included in the process, it would benefit their partner greatly and encourage a more harmonious environment for the child – and its cheap therapy!  Antenatal in the pub – what man wouldn’t go! 

 Leanne – Administration and HR Manager & 15 Weeks Pregnant

 I do like the idea that they can feel comfortable in an environment and feel as though they can talk more freely.  We are yet to start ante-natal classes but other fathers have already got my husband dreading some of the things he will have to sit through.

Blogged: Erin @ Springfree Trampoline Australia.

Tuesday 13 October 2009

‘Run child run’… it worked for Forest Gump… but it seems modern kids aren’t only sedentary, but not getting the right nutrition either.

Considered an epidemic, child obesity is a world-wide issue and will continue to be at the forefront of medical and psychological research.  That’s why 300 schoolchildren and their families in the UK took part in the ‘EarlyBird Diabetes Study’ – to find out what happens in childhood that can lead to the development of diabetes in later life.

In summary the EarlyBird Diabetes Study conducted by UK’s leading obesity charity found that:

  • Kids generally aren’t doing enough exercise or eating the right food
  • There is Evidence of a link between overweight parents and children with a weight problem
  • Obese mothers are 10 times more likely to have obese daughters
  • Obese fathers are 6 times more likely to have obese sons

obesity 1 

After reading the findings, I wonder if you too will have the same reaction as me…. DUH!!!!! 

Of course there are genetic factors to consider but one would assume these findings are a no brainer – you are a product of your parents. You eat what they serve; you pick up habits (good and bad) from your parents and of course if they represent an unhealthy attitude or routine towards food, you are more than likely to share this! 

But what is causing real controversy in Britain is the idea to introduce educational sessions in pre-natal classes to those who are overweight on how to avoid over-feeding your children.  Midwives are worried that this type of action will jeopardise the health of pregnant women and their babies.

What do you think?  Do you think these classes could be successful in combating obesity or cause more trouble to the state of health?

Not to plug ourselves too much, but let them get a SpringfreeTM Trampoline – I mean you won’t have to bribe the kids to use them, and they’ll be outside exercising!

Research:

http://www.earlybirddiabetes.org/findings.php

Blogger: Erin, Communications Coordinator.

Down here in Australia, Woolworths is the largest supermarket chain, a bit like a Loblaws, Tesco, or Safeway. Anyways, they decided to make a new logo, and Apple is a bit concerned Woolies is stepping on their turf.

Frankly, we’re surprised this is still water cooler conversation.

I have to be honest, when I first saw the new Woolworths logo, Apple (as in technology giant Apple) never came to mind. 

 So when Apple mounted a legal challenge to prevent Australia’s largest retailer from using it, it got me thinking – does anyone else see the similarity?

 Woolworths insists the new logo is a stylish W or a piece of fresh produce and I have to agree with their justification.  But where the issue lies and what apparently has got Apple ‘Spooked’ is the very likely chance that Woollies will diversify into a technology giant as well, making them direct competition in the Australian Market.

 So I put it out to our Marketing Team here at Springfree™ Trampoline to see what they think about the similarities of the logos and Apple’s extreme action to protect its brand:

 Emma, Marketing Coordinator:

Are they using the same graphic designer?

Woollies new logo is catchy and the colours suit the brand, but it does look like Woolies have gone a little stale in original ideas department…

 Tanya, Assistant Marketing Manager:

Not apples and apples. 

Apple don’t own every apple shape around.  Think God invented the original. The Woolies brand perfectly represents the positioning they’ve been building over many years – fresh food people.  Whilst I understand and appreciate the need for trademark protection, Apple are taking it a step too far – beyond being completely different categories, the visual representation and logo treatment is completely different. Even if Woolworths did market computer equipment at some future point – they’ll never have access to market Apple.  It’s not a PC – it’s an Apple and there’s nothing in the world like it.  Apple have given Woolies a great compliment in making this claim, however in doing so have they not lowered their own brand appeal, even a little?

 What Apple’s really scared off…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  What Apple’s really scared off…

 

 

 

 

 

Kristen, Marketing Manager

When you’re talking about technology equipment compared to an FMCG industry, it’s pretty hard to draw any linkage that could challenge Apples business or equity. Outside of category it’s hard to see the concern, but I can understand the desire to seek protection if there’s a belief it would eventually be used in their class – technology.

That said, brand protection is an interesting concept. In protecting their ‘brand’, seems like they may have threatened some of their equity and consumer love. You only have to plug Woolworths into Twitter and you get gems like:

-          Apple taking a bite out of Woolworths?

-          I’ve given up all hope on Apple if they act like this

-          Apple’s joking, the Beatles were using one long before them…

 So what hurts more – someone using a brand stamp that may or may not be a piece of fruit similar to yours, or a whole bunch of people (your consumers) thinking you’re making a big deal?

 

Full Article:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/biz-tech/apple-claims-woolies-is-getting-fresh-with-new-logo-20091005-gi5g.html

South Australian ‘ladies that lunch’ have again raised the profile (and cash) for child safety and injury prevention.

Named after the magnificent racing mare, Makybe Diva, Adelaide’s exclusive girls Diva Club was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Kidsafe SA branch.

DivaLunchThe luncheon fundraiser has grown and is now Kidsafe SA’s most profitable fundraising event of the year, helping them to raise awareness for accidental child injury.

And their latest luncheon was no disappointment – with hundreds of raffle tickets sold to win an SF40 Springfree™ Trampoline. The ladies had their DIVA glare going when long time Kidsafe supporter, Jo Connolly won.  Well not really, everyone was stoked for her, but let’s not ruin a good story.

Springfree™ Trampoline is very happy to be able to partner with Kidsafe as we both share a united vision – to keep children safe!

For more information on Kidsafe Australia please see www.kidsafesa.com.au

For any further info on Springfree™ Trampoline, please visit the Springfree Trampoline website.

Thanks for reading – until next time, safe jumping!

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kids_playingYou just need to spend some time in your local playground to notice the unique names of kids these days, but this phenomenon now has a name – ‘The Revolution in Baby Naming’.   Gone are the days to give  your kids common names such as Margaret and  Jane  - the challenge is on for parents  to come up with new names to make their kids stand out in the playground.

Researchers from San Diego State University and the University of Georgia analysed the names of 325 million children born in 1880 or later and found just nine per cent of boys born in 2007 were given a “top 10″ name, compared with 32 per cent in 1955.  For girls, only eight per cent had a top 10 name in 2007, versus 22 per cent in 1955.

According to Pamela Redmond Satran from Nameberry.com’s and co-author of 10 books on baby names, in another 10 or 20 years, to name your child Jennifer or Jessica, Jason or Justin will seem as outrageous as Gertrude or Myrtle today.

With popular culture paving the trend you just need to look at this year’s celebrity baby names to get a feel for the future.  The question is how far can names really go?  Nicole Richie named her kid Sparrow, Bono had a Memphis and of course no one can forget little Apple, child of Gwyneth Paltrow. And taking it right up a notch, ‘My Name is Earl’ star Jason Lee named his kid Pilot Inspektor! (What the??!)

But if everyone is trying to come up with fancy and outrageous name to stand out, won’t they all just fit in?

Canada’s top girl names of 2008

1. Emma

2. Mikayla

3. Sarah

4. Sophia

5. Maya

6. Danica

7. Emily

8. Ava

9. Isabella

10. Lily

Canada’s top boy names of 2008 (distils multiple spellings)

1. Ethan

2. Aiden

3. Lucas

4. Kaden

5. Jayden

6. Nathan

7. Logan

8. Noah

9. Liam

10. Jack

Full Article:

http://www.vancouversun.com/What+baby+name+Distinctive+tags+common+ones/2047797/story.html

SpringfreeTM Trampoline has a new famous fan – TV presenter Jody Rigby.

On her show Garden Angels, she couldn’t stop raving about the SpringfreeTM Trampoline in last week’s episode on the Lifestyle Channel.

Get up and personal with Jody on her Springfree!

Close and personal with Jody on her Springfree!

The backyard legend even had a jump on a Springfree SF90! Over 133,031 viewers tuned in to watch the segment which was all about great new outdoor features for the backyard.  What can we say… the Springfree™Trampoline is without a doubt a crowd puller!

Springfree’s Assistant Marketing Manager, Tanya, gets to know Garden Angle Jody Rigby

Springfree’s Assistant Marketing Manager, Tanya, gets to know Garden Angle Jody Rigby

Garden Angels is a 12-part half-hour practical gardening series on The Lifestyle Channel.  At 7:30pm every Thursday, The Garden Angels provide advice on turning your outdoor living space into a feast for the senses, a place to grow your own food, and relax in with family and friends.

Did anyone see us on the show???  Or has anyone famous jumped on your Springfree™ Trampoline?? Let us know by leaving a comment or posting to our Facebook fan page.

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For any further info on Springfree™ Trampoline, please visit the Springfree Trampoline website.

Thanks for reading – until next time, safe jumping!

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Dawn Fraser may be an Olympic legend and Australian icon to us, but to six-year-old Jackson she is just his Grandma and a popular one at that after his recent sixth-year Birthday celebration.  Like Dawn, Jackson suffers from Asthma and as a role model for Jackson and thousands of children around Australia; she is proof that there are no barriers to living a fulfilling and active life!

Dawn Fraser, Jackson and The Jumbo Squircle

Dawn Fraser, Jackson and The Jumbo Squircle

“I’ve been teaching Jackson how an active lifestyle can help combat his illness, and this was one of the reasons why I wanted to get him a Trampoline.  To keep my Asthma under control I started swimming and for Jackson trampolining is something that he loves to do and is great for his health at the same time,” Fraser Said.

“Jackson has wanted a trampoline since he could walk and talk but in the past living in Sydney we lacked the space and not to mention the dangers and all the stories you hear about children seriously hurting themselves.  My daughter Dawn-Lorraine came to me and said that Jackson wanted a trampoline for his birthday and I was very hesitant even though I could see the physical benefits with jumping until I came across the Springfree Trampoline.”

Dawn-Lorraine was once the Executive Director of New South Wales Trampoline Sports Association where she played a pivotal role in getting trampolining into the Olympic Games (Olympic Success must run in the Blood!)  She was already convinced after witnessing a number of trampoline injuries that she had to get Jackson the best in safety and she has every reason to have these concerns.  Statistics show that traditional trampolines cause over 6,000 admissions to Australian hospitals each year.

Dawn, Dawn-Lorraine and Jackson

Dawn, Dawn-Lorraine and Jackson

“I tried to tell Mum about these Springfree Trampolines that I had come across but she didn’t really understand how a trampoline could bounce without springs!  We went and visited the Springfree showroom on the Sunshine Coast and when we saw the trampoline design we were convinced.  You cannot put a price on child safety especially Jacksons and the Springfree’s are amazingly safe,” Dawn-Lorraine said.

Jackson is now the proud and very happy owner of the newest and biggest Springfree model called the SF80 Jumbo Squircle.

“Jackson goes out and has a jump on his Springfree before school and after school every day. Springfree’s  Jumbo SF80 has a huge area for him to jump, run and roll around in and I even love getting out there and having a jump too.  Mind you I am exhausted after 10 minutes of jumping so I don’t know how the kids do it!”

“All of Jackson’s friends think that his house is the coolest now because of his Springfree and they all come over and take turns and I love that! I would rather have the kids in my backyard under my supervision than out playing on the streets,” she concluded.

Dawn Fraser officially calls the Sunshine Coast home now to be with her Dawn-Lorraine and Jackson.  Although she has to travel back to Sydney regularly to fulfill her work commitments with NRMA and the West Tigers, she gets to enjoy ‘Grandma Time’ with Jackson every afternoon at 4:30 and Dawn couldn’t be happier.  As for Jackson becoming a swimming superstar like his grandmother, Dawn said he is extremely active and coordinated little boy and he can choose what he wants to do.  At the moment Jackson loves his soccer, nippers and little athletics.  Watch this space; you never know Jackson may become Australia’s next champion Trampolinist!

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