Yummy Mummy Magazine August/September 2016 by Fish Media Group Ltd

Yummy Mummy magazine yummymummymagazine.co.uk

@mummymagazine

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER issue 11

THE BABY SHOW YUMMY TREATS FOR MUMMY FAMILIES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON FUN FOR LITTLE ONES THIS SUMMER 150 YEARS OF BEATRIX POTTER LEARNING YOUR ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ARMANI JUNIOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2016/2017 COLLECTION The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

Welcome to Yummy Mummy Club, Issue 11 The biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, The Baby Show with MadeForMums, is the must-attend event for mums and dads-tobe and new parents, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing all the latest essentials for your new arrival, plus a stage programme jam packed with fashion shows and informative talks by renowned baby care experts. Thanks to Jamie Oliver, school dinners are a lot healthier these days. Getting children enjoying healthy food from an early age is the way to help them eat well for the rest of their lives. It’s just as important to make sure the lunchbox your child takes to school provides as healthy and balanced a lunch as what they would eat at home. Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. 2016 marks 150 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter, who has captured our imagination for over 100 years with her beautifully illustrated Tales. Beatrix Potter is still one of the world’s best-selling and best-loved children’s authors. The Connaught with Michelin starred Chef Hélène Darroze, is calling on the next generation of culinary superstars with the launch of ‘Le Petit Chef ’, the ultimate masterclass for children. The young budding Chefs will be granted access to the hallowed kitchens of Chef Hélène Darroze’s restaurant when they are staying at The Connaught with their parents.

Alex Lux Editor

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ.

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Alex Lux •••••

•••••

Editor Assistant Katie Miller

senior business account Manager Vanessa Lane

•••••

Design/ Production Emma Andrews

account managers Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

YUMMY MUMMY

The Baby Show

is returning to Olympia

he biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, The Baby Show with MadeForMums, is the must-attend event for mums and dads-to-be and new parents, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing all the latest essentials for your new arrival, plus a stage programme jam packed with fashion shows and informative talks by renowned baby care experts. As the only Show to feature all the major baby retailers including Mothercare, Mamas & Papas, Peppermint and Babies R Us, as well as major leading brands such as UPPAbaby, Stokke, Tommee Tippee, Britax, Chicco, and iCandy, there are plenty of opportunities to try before you buy and get questions privately in their One-to-One with the exclusive access to amazing discounts! Experts area. Many boutique brands will showcase their new products to the public, making The Baby Show a Highlights of The Baby Show one-stop-shop for all your must-have purchases. at Olympia will include: There’s everything you need including; prams, • Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors amazing car seats, nursery furniture, clothing, feeding discounts and the chance to test and try before equipment, parenting gadgets and more – you buy all under one roof! • Discover irresistible products from The journey into parenthood is boutique brands that you won’t find on 21 - 23 an exciting and memorable time; a the high street october whirlwind of discovery, so you’re • Exclusive product launches and 2016 bound to have dozens of questions. demonstrations from market leading Head to The Baby Show Stage with brands MadeForMums, where expert speakers will • The Baby Show Stage with be on hand to answer any of your queries. For MadeForMums will feature renowned experts, more personal and confidential advice, experts will including baby feeding expert, Annabel Karmel available to answer your pregnancy and parenting MBE, breastfeeding specialist, Clare Byam-Cook,

The journey into parenthood is an exciting and memorable time; a whirlwind of discovery sleep expert Andrea Grace and British Red Cross first aid trainer, Tracey Taylor • NSPCC talking about its national services dedicated to helping pregnant women and new mums • Specialist antenatal classes provided by The Daisy Foundation • Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, baby and toddler wear • Emma’s Diary free Shop & Drop and CollectBy-Car services allowing visitors to leave their shopping bags and pick them up when they are ready to leave • A complimentary crèche where parents can drop off their little ones and enjoy the Show knowing they are being safely cared for • Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting brands

About NSPCC

ChildLine provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact ChildLine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk A free helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection. Adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk

THE DETAILS

The Early Bird ticket price is £11.50 on Friday and £12.50 for either the Saturday or Sunday, while on-the-door tickets cost £20. ••••• For more information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk. 8 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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CONTENTS Healthy mums to be

Your pregnancy week by week

Bumps and the boardroom

The trendiest baby names so far

Ceate a dream nursery

Yummy treats for mummy

Child modelling: a parent’s guide

Armani Junior Autumn/Winter Collection

The Connaught’s cookery masterclass

Families at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Fun for little ones in London

The Barnardo’s Big Toddle

Finding Dory at the London Sea Life Aquarium

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

Family shows at Kew Gardens

150 years of Beatrix Potter

Roald Dahl Centenary Celebrations

Preparing your child for school

Pack a healthly lunchbox

Every child deserves a family

YUMMY MUMMY

Poundbury Fertility

At King Edward vII’s Hospital

etting pregnant is a journey. For some of us it is a short trip, but for others it can be a prolonged and difficult voyage. Poundbury Fertility will support, guide and treat you throughout your fertility journey, whatever course it takes. Their team of leading consultant gynaecologists, dedicated health professionals and support staff are directed by Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Michael Dooley, who has more than 30 years’ experience of helping couples conceive. Poundbury’s team of experts will start by answering two important questions: is there something wrong? And, is there something that can be done? This will determine the best pathway for you, whether you simply need advice or other interventions to help you conceive. Providing personally tailored and integrated care, the extensive knowledge and skill of the Poundbury team enables

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them to support you through any eventuality. As well as offering you world-class treatment, they will leave no stone unturned. As the only hospital in the country where consultants have to be invited to practise, they can ensure that their patients’ needs are in the safest hands. The calibre of these individually selected specialists is matched only by that of their registered nurses, who carry out all aspects of patient care. Patients and consultants tell them that the quality of their nursing care is unparalleled. In fact, patient satisfaction surveys consistently rank King Edward VII’s as one of the best hospitals in the UK. In 2015, 99% of the patients said they

The calibre of these individually selected specialists is matched only by that of their registered nurses, who carry out all aspects of patient care

would return to King Edward VII’s Hospital, and it is a testament to the patient experience here that so many do. The Poundbury philosophy encourages simplicity, clarity and openness working with you to create a holistic programme that is personally tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Together with you, they will create goals that are measurable, achievable and time-related. A diagnosis is fundamental to the success of your journey. THE DETAILS Telephone: +44 (0)20 7467 4590 Email: poundburyinfo@kingedwardvii.co.uk ••••• Website: http://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/ services/poundbury-fertility-at-kingedward-viis-hospital/

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Healthy

mums-to-be Being pregnant is really exciting, and having a baby is the most amazing thing that can happen in our lives.

ere is an essential guide to keeping you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, eating healthily is doubly important. That’s because every day your baby’s brain and organs are growing and it needs lots of the right nutrients to do this. Eating healthily during pregnancy can also help your baby after it’s born, reducing its risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. And for you, being healthier overall can also help lessen the risk of depression after your baby is born.

Eat for you, not for two

In the past, it was thought that you need to eat for you and your baby during pregnancy. But we now know that you only need to eat for you. Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically put on weight. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy means it’s easier for you to carry your baby, and to have fewer complications at birth. It also means that your baby is more likely to be a healthy weight – both at birth and as they grow up.

Foods to include

Eating a variety of foods will help your baby to get the range of nutrients that it needs to develop and be healthy. • Fruit and vegetables: try to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, to provide the vitamins, minerals and fibre your baby needs. 12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

• Starchy foods (carbohydrates): Bread, potatoes, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta and noodles. Try to eat wholemeal versions if you can. • Protein: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, pulses and nuts. Protein provides the building blocks for your baby to grow. • Dairy products: Milk, cheese and yoghurt. These contain calcium, essential for healthy bones.

A healthier baby

Being active during pregnancy means you’re likely maintain a healthier weight and be able to cope better with the physical demands of pregnancy and labour. It also reduces the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and diabetes. Being active can also prevent you from getting high blood pressure, which can result in a stillbirth.

And a healthier you

150 minutes of walking a week makes it easier to get

back to your normal weight after your baby is born. It can also: • Give you more energy, help you sleep better, and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. • Make you stronger, so you can carry the weight of your growing baby. • Prepare your body for the physical challenge of labour. This can help to make labour quicker and reduce the risk of complications. • Help to lessen the risk of depression after your baby is born.

Baby on the way, quit today!

If you smoke while you’re pregnant, your baby smokes too. If there ever was a moment for you and your partner to quit, it’s now. It’s the most important decision you can make for your baby. Know the risks It’s difficult to imagine when you can’t see your baby, but smoking when you’re pregnant is like blowing smoke in your baby’s face. Even other people’s cigarette smoke will pass into your bloodstream and from there into your baby. Smoking when pregnant increases the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth and cot death. A baby whose mum smoked is at least 25% more likely to die from cot death than a baby whose mum didn’t smoke. It may be that you know people who have smoked when pregnant and their baby has been fine – but you are gambling with your baby’s health.

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Raised to shine

The iCandy Midnight Edition

Candy believes in breaking barriers, in never accepting limitations. They are a brand renowned for thinking differently and delivering true innovation, with the belief that both practicality and style can be infused seamlessly together. iCandy aim to deliver a pushchair experience which makes caring for a child as smooth as it can be, each and every iCandy creation is designed to enhance a parents daily life. Never satisfied until this vison is realised, passion sweat and tears go into every design until they are certain the pushchair will enrich every life it touches. With such principles at the forefront of their thinking, iCandy have introduced the world to their latest Designer Collection pushchair, the iCandy Midnight Edition. Brimming with features, styled with no compromise, and formed from the highest quality materials, this beautifully crafted collection sets a whole new standard for pushchair excellence. Parents will take pride in the luxurious look of the iCandy Midnight, buts it’s in the handling where the pushchair truly excels… The fluidity a parent feels from that first ever touch, all from the result of master

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engineering, resulting in a seamless ride for baby. Always intent on changing the way society thinks about early parenthood, iCandy constantly challenge the stereotypical mentality which states necessity and practicality should outweigh personal identity and style. iCandy endeavour to make both functionality and style sit beautifully together. Of course, delivering outstanding practicality, quality and safety is at the core of each pushchair design, but iCandy’s primary ambition is to combine these essentials with a flair for the aesthetic, and a bold quest for luxury. This luxurious pushchair also boasts an abundance of features to ensure maximum comfort, simplicity and ease of use. In short, it comprises all the iCandy magic, but with a new, head turning twist. Its colour palette is inspired by opulent evening wear and designer jewellery. “No minor attention to detail is neglected, this means every element of the pushchair is considered. We don’t simply

change the colour of the hood or change a material, every aspect of the pushchair is reworked to ensure we meet the exceptional standards of an iCandy product. The design is based on sharp immaculate tailoring, with rich, deep blues infused throughout. The deep midnight blue frame with rich luxurious fabrics is complimented with sophisticated touches of rose gold. The traces of rose gold are seen throughout the pushchair, with the leatherette handle bar boasting rose gold stitching, whilst the suspension spring also displays a rose gold finish.” The iCandy Design Team. The pushchair has been crafted to an exceptionally high standard and includes features that will respond to the changing needs of both you and baby. When out and about, this pushchair is forever at your assistance, an extra-large shopping basket holds up to 5kgs, whilst a clever elevation function brings the seat higher and closer to increase interaction between parent and child. The elevators can also be used in world facing mode to bring a child closer to the table when out and about in restaurants, cafes or even at home. Reflecting the qualities of high fashion and individuality, Midnight is truly a pushchair which stands out from the crowd.

YUMMY MUMMY

The trendiest

baby names

of 2016 so far

ew data from online baby name database Nameberry has revealed the hottest choices for 2016 so far – and it seems the latest trend among parents is to ditch gender stereotypes when it comes to picking their child’s name.

Unisex names like Riley and Rowan are proving popular with girls, while Logan and Charlie are fast becoming a top choice for boys. Having been a common name in Sweden for years, Astrid now tops the chart for girls, with a 101% rise in popularity online in the US. Meanwhile

HOTTEST BABY NAMES FOR GIRLS

HOTTEST BABY NAMES FOR BOYS

ASTRID THEA SADIE RILEY ELISE AVERY ROWAN ELSIE FINLEY JADE

JAMES ELIJAH JAYDEN ELLIOT LOGAN CHARLIE JUDE ELIAS ISAIAH ARLO

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many parents are opting for the more traditional James for boys, which is up by 72%. Names beginning with a vowel are continuing to top the table, with 40 per cent of the 50 most popular girls’ names and over half the boys’ names starting with A (still the leader), E, I, or O in that order. The website published its findings from looking at which names attracted the most unique views out of the six million visits they received to their ‘name’ pages over the past month. Nameberry staff then tracked which of the top names had increased by 50 per cent or more compared to the same period last year. Though many of the names are yet to appear on international popularity lists, their experts reckon the current spike in interest is “sure to translate to much wider adoption in the months and years ahead”. Last summer the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported the most popular girls name in Britain was Amelia (having held the top spot for two years) while Oliver ranked first for lads.

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A world S ince the re-branding last year, Vital Baby has gone from strength to strength. As well as having an Award Winning range of Weaning and Feeding products, that includes the truly Unbelievabowl Suction Bowl, 2016 has seen the introduction of the new 8 piece Start Weaning Kit and the 12 piece Toddler Feeding Kit. The Start Weaning Kit comes complete with everything you need to start weaning your baby and the Toddler Feeding Kit has everything required for that next step into self feeding, helping to ensure that feeding time is a stress free and great adventure for you and

of colour

baby. To enhance Vital Baby’s full range which also includes an Award Winning Health & Safety range, Vital Baby are proud and excited to announce the launch of the NEW Bathtime fun range. With summer upon us, as well as being the “must-have” bath toys of the moment, why not enjoy playing with your favourite Vital Baby bath toy outside as they also make the perfect toys for the paddling pool too!! As well as our new range of Bath Toys, we also have

Make bathtime a funtime with Vital Baby’s Swim Rings which are fully connectable and floatable

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our fabulous range of ducks, frogs, fish and critters. Brightly coloured each with a squeak, they will liven up any bath time with lots of fun to be had. Make bathtime a funtime with Vital Baby’s Swim Rings which are fully connectable and floatable and they come complete with 6 colour coordinated animal squirters. Vital Baby’s Swim Rings enable your little one to develop counting skills and have fun learning the names of the animal squirters. They are also perfectly sized for little hands to squeeze and splash. The new Stick & Slide and Float & Slide bath toys bring the water park to bathtime! Vital Baby’s Float & Slide have cute duck squirters that sit on their ski’s and shoot down the slide - see how fast they go! Whilst your little one is having bathtime fun, you will be able to wash them whilst they are distracted. Watch them develop their imagination with their animal friends. Vital Baby’s new Stick & Slide fixes to the side of the bath or on your smooth bathroom tiles. The cute duck and frog squirters sit on their ski’s and shoot down the slide - see how fast they go! You can view the whole range at www.vitalbaby.co.uk and also visit our Facebook page where you can have the chance to win one of the new exciting Vital Baby bath toys. As well as being fun they will assist with hand and eye coordination, colour recognition and make bathtime a more enjoyable time for the whole family. www.vitalbaby.co.uk

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Twinkle Twinkle little star Designing your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nursery is one of the most exciting and memorable projects a parent will do, and is the first step to welcoming your baby into your family.

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Babies need lots of stuff, but keeping surfaces free from clutter is key to a stylish nursery If the rest of your house is sleek and contemporary for example, there’s no reason why you can’t carry the look into your baby’s room. With careful thought, the colours, decorations and lighting can please young eyes and grown-up tastes alike. Be inspired by stylish designs and create a space both you and your little one can enjoy. Stay neutral - If the cot were removed from your nursery, would it still look like a nursery? That’s the ultimate test of creating a stylish room that goes with your home and grows with your child. Painted furniture gives you the flexibility to create a space that really coordinates with the rest of your décor.

Keep it simple

Babies need lots of stuff, but keeping surfaces free from clutter is key to a stylish nursery. Good storage makes sure essentials are tucked out of the way, while wooden flooring allows you to wipe up spills easily. To keep the simple mood, avoid lots of pictures and go for one striking, graphic decal to create an interesting focal point for your baby.

Make it personal

Add personality to your nursery by going beyond predictable character themes. Incorporate treasured family mementos, to create an individual look. Let there be light - Babies are known to have scant regard for the fact that night-time is really for sleeping, but you can train your little one early on (to an extent…). So getting lighting right is essential – for both of you! You don’t want to blast your baby with 100w at 2am, so make sure you have soft lighting for night-time feeds. You will also need sufficient light by your feeding chair for reading. Don’t limit your choice to novelty designs: use the same type of floor and table lights you might choose for a living room or master bedroom.

Nursery furniture

t is important that it is a space of beauty, tranquility but also of practicality. Your nursery has to be functional as well, so before purchasing furniture think about safety and function but also style, the purpose, and the activities that will take place in there. Besides the obvious sleeping and feeding, consider storage and your lifestyle too. Start by measuring your space as it gives you an informed platform to build on. Nursery furniture comes in different shapes and sizes so you need to take a lot into consideration like alcoves and awkward spaces.

Your taste

To prevent being overwhelmed with the plethora of cot styles, look at your home to determine your personal taste. Are you a city slicker or countryloving? Do you love nature and prefer natural woods or even eco-friendly furniture?

The cot tends to carry the bulk of the design so choose that first. Most retailers sell nursery furniture as a collection. This means that you can purchase coordinating pieces like the changing unit, wardrobe, shelving etc. Some companies even supply single and double beds as part of the range so you only need to purchase one item later on and you’ll still have a coordinating bedroom. If space is limited consider purchasing dual purpose furniture, like changing units that have a removable changing top set atop a chest of drawers. This gives its use longevity and it carries on being used long after baby outgrows the nursery. The cot will be the most important purchase in your nursery. You can choose from ‘classic’ and ‘modern’, to ‘vintage’ and it will set the theme for the whole room. Your choices range from wood or iron, antique, traditional or modern to natural finish, painted or eco-friendly. A rocking chair gives you yet another opportunity to add a design touch to your nursery. Functionality should come first, with design being a priority as

you want this purchase to be enjoyed by you and your little one for the years ahead. If the chair you love does not fit your design story, why not have some fun with upholstery to make it work for you?

Baby Bed linen

Nursery bed linen again comes in many shapes, styles and sizes and the same principle applies that we use to choose furniture. Traditional bed linen are quite easily identified, frills, checks, florals, etc. while contemporary baby bedding will be again rather fuss-free and simple. Think neutrals, geometric patterns and crisp predictable styles. For a true luxe design, go for bespoke bedding this is where you or your designer can select suitable fabrics in your chosen theme or colour.

Wall colours

Notice we haven’t talked about wall colours yet. This is because it is easier to match paint to bedding than the other way round. It is safer to choose your bed linen first because you wouldn’t choose one in a colour you don’t love. Once this is safely done, pick a colour from the bed linen. Go for a soft colour as you’re creating a serene space that you’ll be walking into at 2am in the morning! Plus of course your baby needs a relaxing space. If your favourite colour is a deep colour and your space is small, tone it down to a softer shade in the same colour palette. Bold colours pull the walls in and make a small space feel smaller. The reverse is also true; lighter colours make the walls recede.

Finishing touches

Now that the mainframe of your nursery is formed, add the finishing touches to your design. Decorative accessories like a rug, artwork, clocks, etc all place a stamp on your baby’s space. A mobile hung above the cot are perfect to engage and calm a baby. Take time to select one that communicates your design message, pleasing you as much as your baby!

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Parents Urged To Watch St John Ambulance’s

Nursery Rhymes Video To Learn Life-Saving Baby CPR

The characters of Nursery Rhymes Inc. explain the steps to saving a baby who’s unconscious and not breathing:

arents are being urged to watch a video that will teach them how to perform baby CPR. St John Ambulance created the animated video after discovering only one in four parents know what to do if their babies stop breathing. The video is part of their Nursery Rhymes Inc. campaign that features Incy Wincy Spider, Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and the Cat and the Fiddle learning CPR. Sue Killen, CEO at St John Ambulance, said: “We know that a major barrier to parents learning is that baby CPR frightens them, so we’ve removed the fear factor and made it reassuring and as easy as possible to learn. We hope the song will stick in

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everyone’s heads. We’re asking everyone to share the video so that all parents, grandparents and carers can learn what to do in those crucial minutes after a baby has stopped breathing.” St John Ambulance’s survey of 2,000 parents, conducted by OnePoll, found an “unconscious child” is the most frightening scenario for 74% of parents. Most parents who know first aid (62%) learned it through a workplace first aid course, yet the charity said baby CPR is different to adult CPR. Only 26% of parents had learned first aid specifically for babies. The charity hopes the easy step-by-step video tutorial will teach baby CPR in a short, clear and reassuring way to help parents remember what to do in an emergency.

1. Call 999/112 for an ambulance. If you’re on your own, you need to give one minute’s worth of CPR before you can call for help, taking your baby with you. 2. 5 puffs. Put your lips around their mouth and nose, and blow steadily for up to one second. Give five puffs in total. 3. 30 pumps. Using two fingers placed in the centre of the chest, give 30 pumps at a rate of 100-120 per minute 4. Repeat, but with 2 puffs followed by 30 pumps until help arrives. The video features the voices of comedians Adam Buxton and Tim Key.

To watch the video and find more information of baby first aid courses for parents, visit www.sja.co.uk

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What’s in a name? Bundles of Joy is skilled in presenting unique, stylish personalised presents within 24 hours. whatever the name

ewborn Baby, a Christening, 1st Birthday, Baby Shower ... important occasions where we always want to buy the right gift for our relatives and friends, but time or where you live may be the issue and that’s where we can help. Living in the countryside, with 4 children, I really know what it’s like, and that’s why Bundles of Joy was created. Great gifts, free giftwrapping and fast delivery, we never let you down. With a large range of unique, stylish gifts, many that are personalised within 24 hours, you can rely on us to ensure that your order is sent out quickly, beautifully giftwrapped either to yourself or direct to the recipient with your own personal message attached, free of charge in the UK and throughout the world. Unusual names are never a problem for us, as each item in our range are personally embroidered, engraved or handpainted by us inhouse. Newborn Baby & Baby Shower Giving is one of the greatest joys, but there are few feelings as special as being able to congratulate the mummy to be or new parents with a gift that says a big welcome to the new gorgeous baby. Better still, a personalised

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blanket, gift basket or toy box turns a first present into a treasured keepsake that will last for decades and shows how much you care. We know it is important to have your gift delivered quickly, and we personalise in-house to ensure that 95% of our personalised gifts go out within 24 hours. A Christening Invitation ensures you be sharing a special day with a gorgeous baby girl or boy. No one wants to give a gift that has also been chosen by others, which is why we are skilled in presenting individual, unique and stylish presents

made with pewter or silver, or why not a handpainted toy box, chair or picture. Our luxury gifts can include the baby’s full name, christening date and church with your own personal message. Godparents – Whether you’re a parent who wants to give something to a godfather or godmother or if you are the chosen godparent, we can create a unique and unusual present as a treasured memento of this special occasion that will last forever. 1st Birthday Every birthday is special, but none more so than the first! All those months of planning and excitement leading up to the birth are then followed by a whirlwind first year when new parents get used to sleepless nights and caring for the most precious thing they have ever had. The joy of picking a first birthday present is possibly one of the hardest, as it needs to combine longevity with sentimentality and result in something that will live long in their memory and be treasured forever. We have designed collections that are personal, memorable and made to last. Visit bundlesofjoy.co.uk to see our full collection.

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Natural LIVING

aunched almost a decade ago, Natural Baby Shower fast became the leading online retailer of ethical and eco-friendly baby products. We sat down with owner Victoria Hampson to find out a bit more about the business and the secret to her success.

What inspired you to launch Natural Baby Shower?

I launched the company after I was inspired by the natural approach to parenting I experienced during my first pregnancy while I was living in New Zealand. My husband and I realised there was nothing catering for this in the UK so the inspiration for the business was built around that gap in the market. When we returned home we started our journey setting up a business that would cater to parents wanting a natural approach. Our philosophy is “Best for Baby”, offering all the very best products for young families, in one place.

What can parents expect to find at Natural Baby Shower?

We now boast one of the largest product ranges of natural, organic & ethical baby products. We stock everything from clothing and nursery furniture to toys and buggies, all of which have been carefully researched for design and quality. Our online store 34 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

is home to essentials such as nappies, slings, changing bags, toys and a vast selection of organic clothing from leading ethical brands from around the world as well as some exciting up and coming brands who are making their UK debuts exclusively at Natural Baby Shower. However, it’s not just the day-today essentials, we also offer everything you need for the nursery from cots and changing tables to moses baskets and play gyms and we have recently introduced a wide range of premium brand buggies and car seats. We also strive to offer our customers a service and after sales care that is second to none. There is always someone on-hand to answer questions and give advice whether by phone or through our online chat. We want our customers to feel confident in all their decision making and purchases.

Last year you opened your first store, tell us about that.

It was something I had wanted to do for a very long time. Our online store had grown so much since we started and was very successful,

but we really wanted to get our products out into the hands of our customers too. The idea was to create a destination where mums could shop at their leisure without feeling under pressure to buy and also a place where they would feel comfortable asking questions, trying out items like cloth nappies or carriers and seeing for themselves how easy they are to use. We get such a buzz from interacting with our customers face to face and helping them try out new products. The store is generously spread over two floors with a spacious car park and includes a toddler friendly corner with wooden toys and a sofa for dads where they can sit and read a magazine, all aiding an enjoyable, stress free shopping experience.

Where do you see the business in 5 years’ time?

If we continue at the rate we are growing we will need to find a bigger ‘flagship’ store and we also plan to open further stores over the coming years. We even have plans to produce our own label, so you will be seeing a lot more of Natural Baby Shower in the future. To shop online or find directions to the store visit www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

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Anesis Clapham

Aenea Spa has teamed up with Anesis to offer a Yummy Mummy Experience consisting of a reflexology inspired foot and ankle massage, teamed with a luxurious bump wrap to reduce the appearance and prevent stretch marks, finalised with a mother to be pregnancy massage if you are still expecting! 90 mins £90.

The Shala Aman Spa at The Connaught

Post-Natal reflexology is extremely beneficial in helping you to recover and re-balance all body systems following the birth of your baby. It can also help re-balance moods and emotions as you adapt to life with your new baby. Initial consultation is 90 minutes with 45 min follow-up consultations.

The Shala in West Norwood is offering a post-natal massage for mother’s to allow time for self-nurture. Help the muscles release the muscle memory of labour, gently aid healing and help with spinal realignment. These are all important factors in helping your body to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Post-natal massage can be easily done with your baby tucked up beside you, or feeding.

Yummy treatments

for Mummy

You have just brought your beautiful baby into this world – the least you deserve are some serious beauty treatments to feel rejuvenated, relaxed and pampered! Here are just some of the luxury treatments available for new mothers in London

Beauty Works London

While being pregnant is such a magical time, you may not be quite so ecstatic about some of the reminders it has left behind! If you are suffering from melasma pigmentation, thread veins, cellulite or, of course, that ‘mummy tummy’, they offer a range of specialised treatments to restore your skin and your body to its pre-baby best. These include a Deep Tissue Power Massage to reduce cellulite and a Pelleve Radio Frequency to restore stomach firmness. And each and every Monday, they dedicate the entire day at Beauty Works London to Yummy Mummies everywhere! So if you fancy a little ME time after your busy weekend, drop off the kids and drop into their London medispas in Knightsbridge and Crouch End. Indulge in one of their exclusive pamper packages and take advantage of their special Yummy Mummy prices too!

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Beauty Boutique Day Spa

This stylish boutique and spa in Flask Walk, Hampstead offers a holistic approach to beauty therapy, looking at all aspects of treatments and tailoring a complete package to suit each client’s individual needs. And they offer a special package just for you! Yummy Mummy Package – BB Facial + Eyebrow Threading + waxing (half leg & bikini) + BB Manicure and Pedicure - £157

The Chelsea Day Spa Yummy Chelsea Mummy

Feel flawless for your newborn after this head-to-toe treatment. The two-hour session involves a body polish to revive loose and slackened skin, a lymphatic drainage massage to release fluid tension and a New York manicure and pedicure for pretty hands and feet. £125

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Hello! I am Naomi and I am the founder of

Castles for Rascals.

‘I

’m the King of the Castle, and you’re the dirty Rascal!’ - a game played by children for generations, running to the top of a hill and chanting it to your slower opponent! It’s a game full of spirit, fun and imagination. The epitome of childhood. So when I am asked where the inspiration for Castles for Rascals came from, the short answer is from my own happy childhood, with such sweet memories of this classic rhyme, and the desire for my children to experience a similar carefree childhood. So when I had my first child I wanted to create a space full of things that would fuel and encourage this imagination. A space that he would really feel was his own, decorated and furnished with style to appeal to us both. I believe that children have innate good taste and can appreciate cool and quirky things from an early age. I am a great believer in Karma and I wanted to know that the products I gave to my son were from sustainable sources: it was important for

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me to ensure that the workers were treated and paid fairly and be sure that absolutely no child labour had been involved. The more I read and researched, the more I realised how many hidden toxins our children are exposed to every day. So I started asking suppliers about their chemical processes and discovered so much - the benefits of Organic mattresses and bedding, the importance of FSC approved furniture and wallpaper and the ease, oh the ease of washable natural cotton rugs! I am proud to say that we now work with an inspiring group of wonderful suppliers, who all make beautiful products, share our ethos and values and often go the extra mile. You can read more about our suppliers and my thoughts on healthy kids’ bedrooms on our blog http://www. castlesforrascals.co.uk/blog.html Children grow fast and their needs change, so we have lots of great ideas to help you update their bedrooms from easily changeable wall stickers and art to multi-use furniture, bunk beds, convertible cots and adjustable and wall-mounted desks. We also offer a curtain, blind and full upholstery service, what better way to keep your little ones’ rooms tidy than with an upholstered toy box! Castles for Rascals is my curated collection of beautiful furniture, décor, bedding and accessories to make children’s bedrooms come alive and inspire little imaginations! Everything is made to the highest standards and built to last. We are a small company and always strive for our customers to have the best service and experience with us. We are always happy to help

with any questions or queries and we have created a tool where you can make mood boards for your children’s bedrooms by pasting the products you like onto a board. You can print and share them too! So do come and visit us today, we’d love to see you!

Naomi x

Director, Castles for Rascals THE DETAILS

For more information and inspiration follow us on: -

@Castlesrascals

YUMMY MUMMY

The importance of bedtime

and becoming independent Try to stick to the same routine every night at the same time, all year round. On special occasions, holidays or weekends you may wish for them to stay up a little later than usual, but it’s recommended that this is no later than an hour after they would usually go to bed.

t’s well known that sleep is vital to a child’s development. Research has shown that a good nights’ sleep is just as important as a healthy diet and exercise. Children are constantly growing, learning and playing, and need lots of precious sleep to enable their bodies to recuperate. From the age of five to eleven, children need on average 10 to 12 hours sleep every night, and establishing a routine can be a huge help when it comes to happy bedtimes and sweet dreams all round. Consistency is key: developing a routine A bedtime routine of 30 to 40 minutes is recommended, which could include going to the toilet, bath or shower time, tooth brushing, getting into pyjamas, and a bedtime story. You can help them wind down ahead of bedtime with quiet and relaxing activities such as colouring or reading.

Setting the mood: the right environment for sleep The bedroom environment is also important for getting them into the right frame of mind to sleep. Create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere with soft

Create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting as they get ready for bed using lamps or fairy lights lighting as they get ready for bed using lamps or fairy lights. Some children may wish to have a night light on during sleep. Curtains with a blackout lining are useful in the summer to keep the room dark and cool. Computers, televisions and technology in the bedroom are best avoided. This will enable them to ‘switch off ’ both literally and figuratively, and eliminate temptation to stay up late online – which inevitably leads to grumpy mornings! Moving on: the importance of independence Taking charge of their daily bedtime routine is a small yet important step towards independence and learning to look after themselves throughout their adult life. And the more proactive and independent they become at home, the more confidence they will have at nursery, school and beyond. Once you feel your little one is ready to progress from being supervised – which might be around the age of four to five – gently encourage him or her to undertake parts of their routine independently,

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such as tooth brushing or getting changed into pyjamas. As they learn to read, allow them to lead story time by selecting a book and reading to you aloud. Kids love to feel grown up, so be sure to give them lots of positive reinforcement along the way. As they get older and transition into a fully independent routine, you don’t have to lose that special time you share together at the end of the day. Make time for a quiet chat before lights out – and no one’s ever too old for a goodnight kiss from Mum and Dad...! www.aspace.co.uk

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Child Modelling:

A Parent’s Guide

o you think your child has what it takes to be a child model? Modelling can be a fantastic, social and fun experience for children of any age. Every parent thinks that their child is the most beautiful, but what if everyone else seems to thinks so too? Does that mean he or she is a potential child model? The world of child modelling isn’t all glamour. You need to be quite realistic about what a shoot involves. There is a lot of waiting around so parents should be well prepared with plenty of books and games. And even if your child gets a job, there is still no guarantee the pictures will be used. For commercials, they tend to book a variety of ‘types’ of children, not deciding until the day who they will use.

Here are some more tips:

And above all, make sure everyone is enjoying it. If your child stops having fun - don’t continue just because you want them to. To find a reputable agency, it pays to do a little homework. Contact advertising agencies, magazines, catalogues and clothing companies to see which agencies they use regularly. If possible, visit the agency. 42 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Avoid agencies advertising for children; a genuine agency will have enough children applying to them not to advertise

Your agency will send the model book out to clients; set up auditions, or ‘castings’; organise payment (and take around 25% commission) and secure you a licence. The licence is a Government requirement for all children aged from six months to 16 years. It is applied for through your Local Education Authority regardless of whether your child has started school. LEA requirements can vary from area to area, but generally

a licence will enable your child to work between 20 to 30 times over a sixmonth period. The money can vary – from £40 a job to thousands. The average rate is £40 an hour, but you will also get paid for castings (around £25). Advertising pays considerably more than editorial work but it is also much harder to get.

Here are some of the best modelling agencies locally, for kids. All that’s left is to get practicing that pose... Bonnie & Betty Agency Tel: 020 8676 6294 Bruce and Brown Tel: 020 7624 7333 Kids London Tel: 020 7924 9595 Norrie Carr Agency Tel: 020 7253 1771 Urban Angel Tel: 0870 871 0045

Left: Burberry Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection

• Choose your agency carefully. A good model agency will save you time and stress, and help your child’s modelling career, helping you find the best jobs for your child, making sure their needs are put first and the law is complied with. • Don’t waste money on professional photos when applying to agencies. A good model agency will need only to see snapshots to decide whether your child has potential. • Avoid agencies advertising for children; a genuine agency will have enough children applying to them not to advertise. • Don’t rush into signing a contract. Genuine agencies will always want to meet your child in person and will let you read any paperwork in your own time. • Visit the website of the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment (NCEE) for more information on the employment of school-age children. • Be realistic. If you don’t want your child to work during school time, she’s unlikely to get work as most shoots will occur during the working day.

Baby BAMBOOCouture Bamboo Swaddle Super soft, absorbent, versatile blankets are a must have item for all new parents. Perfect for swaddling baby to help settle, for discreet breastfeeding and much more. £15

Short Sleeved Bamboo Body Suit Short Sleeved Adorable One-Piece Body Suit With Open Neck Designed To Keep Your Little One Comfortable And Looking Gorgeous. £14.50 Bamboo Breast & Nursing Pads Ultra-comfortable and super absorbent breast pads designed to fit all breast sizes to ensure mums stay dry night and day. £5.95

or truly baby soft clothing made from ethically sourced bamboo, look no further than Bambini & Me. Their adorable collection will have your mini stylistas dressed from head-to-toe in heavenly fabrics that are not only sumptuous, but

also ensure maximum comfort – and all without breaking the bank. The eco-friendly range, full of quirky prints, includes pieces for babies from 0 to 18 months. As well as helping with temperature control, bamboo clothing is perfect for wicking away moisture from the skin

Bamboo Romper The cutest baby romper available in three colours in a delightful print. Designed to allow movement for even the most active babies and with leg poppers for quick and easy changing. £21

and ensuring breathability. Whether you’re looking for body suits, sleeping bags, rompers, shoes or swaddles, Bambini & Me will make a delightful addition for even the most sensitive of skins. www.bambiniandme.com

YUMMY MUMMY

AUTUMN & WINTER 2016/2017

Collection

Armani Junior Newborn Autumn Winter 2016/2017 (1-12 months; 3-36 months) The Newborn collection consists of a series of playsuits and outfits in jersey, chenille and cotton interlock, with delicate pink muslin details. The graphic prints are miniature versions of Emporio Armani Manga Bear, or feature tiny frogs and balloons on a polka-dotted white and pink background. Hats, patterned wool scarves and the softest nappa leather shoes, either plain or in polka dots, complete the collection and are available in exclusive gift packs.

Armani Junior Boy Autumn Winter 2016/2017 (6-36 months; 4-16 years) Forest Forest is a classically winter theme that takes its graphic inspiration from the work of Ansel Adams, the photographer whose works feature the large American national parks. The colour palette is cold and includes blue, white, light grey and forest green. The use of warm materials such a wool, fabric, velvet and canvas makes the outerwear perfect for sub-zero temperatures.

Lunar A double inspiration for this theme: space and the lunar world and the abstract and action works

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of the artist Jackson Pollock. Brush strokes of strong colours such as bright blue, lime green and fluorescent orange stand out on classical chromatic base of white, black, blue and grey. The mix of textures give life to technical garments with a contemporary elegance, ideal for free time and for more sophisticated occasions.

Armani Junior Girl Autumn Winter 2016/2017 (6-36 months; 4-16 years) Armanissimo Clean lines, attention to detail and the choice of natural and practical fabrics are the basis of Armanissimo, designed for light-hearted and spirited children returning to their school desks after the summer holidays. The graphics are central, with all-over white and blue polka dots inspired by the works of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The outerwear includes the little bon ton jacket in soft wool fabric and the super-light jacket finished with gros grain ribbons. The must have in this collection is the classic 5-pockets with new wearability, snugger but at the same time comfortable with its powerstretch fabrics. The collection is completed by an extensive range of footwear, from varnished pumps to the drummed leather boots, bags and hats.

Artisanal A gutsy and yet sweet theme, featuring a delicate palette that includes pale pink, plain grey, multicoloured, milky white and blue, with decisive

touches of pink glitter. The graphics are inspired by Emporio Armani Manga Bear, the bear wearing glasses in the Emporio Armani women’s collections and are to be found on the little fleece garments, jersey T-shirts and the tricot knitwear. As far as outerwear, of note is the Scottish Montgomery duffle coat, the eco-leather parka and the eco-fur with hood. Accessories include biker boots and slipons, to match bags and hats.

Luxury Capsule For the winter season, Armani Junior proposes an elegant and refined capsule collection that takes its inspiration from the Haute Couture Giorgio Armani Privé range. The collection includes silk velvet garments featuring bamboo patterns, a cardigan that fastens with a jewel button and a tulle dress that is as light as the clouds, in white, red or blue with embroidered polka dots.

‘Frog’ special project ‘Frog’ is a special project for little girls including dresses inspired by the works of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Polka dots of various sizes – white on blue or blue on white – and a picture of a frog recurring as a detail and in prints on little dresses, cardigans, waterproof jackets and sweaters. The navy blue double-breasted jacket has a hood decorated with the outline of a frog, which also appears on the cap, leggings and socks. The collection is completed with polka-dot rubber boots, tall or Chelsea style. Emporio Armani, 020 7823 8818, 020 7491 8080 www.armani.com

Real Down Coated Jacket With Eco Fur Insert On Hood. £390; Grey Denim, Slim Fit. £100; Boots £195

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Eco Fur Jacket With Removable Sleeves, £220; Dark Blue Denim Jeans With Lurex Inserts, £110; Jersey Long Sleeves T Shirt With Hearts Printed, £70; Boots £165

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BOY: Textured Tuxedo Jacket, £320; Textured Tuxedo Pant, £180; Cotton Shirt Whit “Tromp L’oeil” Tie, £110 GIRL: Cotton Black And Silver Dress, £230; Cotton Jersey Turtleneck, £55

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Satin And Tulle Dress, £290; Cachemire Blend Shrug With Jewelry Button, £195

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Shortsleeve T-Shirt With Print, Â£85

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Cotton Sweatshirt With Buttons, Â£125

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Boy: Cotton Jacket, £180; Medium Wash Denim, £75; Cotton Shirt, £85 Girl: Cotton Dress With Tartan Print, £350; Cotton Shirt, £85

YUMMY MUMMY

and Chef Hélène Darroze launch “Le Petit Chef” the ultimate masterclass for children

he Connaught with Michelin starred Chef Hélène Darroze, is calling on the next generation of culinary superstars with the launch of ‘Le Petit Chef ’, the ultimate masterclass for children. The young budding Chefs will be granted access to the hallowed kitchens of Chef Hélène Darroze’s restaurant when they are staying at The Connaught with their parents. The ‘Petits’ gourmands, who are checked into The Connaught, will embark on a step-by-step Connaught Culinary journey, armed with their very own personalised cooking apron, chef ’s hat and wooden spoon to learn how to make a crispy, crumbly and profoundly fruity crumble dessert a la Darroze from the best in the pastry world. ‘Les Petits Chefs’ will explore the underground of the hustle and bustle of a two Michelin starred kitchen as they gear themselves to shout two of the most important words ‘Oui Chef ’! Guided by Hélène Darroze at The Connaught’s pastry chef, children will be presented with this summer’s best ingredients at their designated cooking station, and complete the task of making the crumble dessert. Pineapple, strawberries, apples, bananas and nectarines are just a few of the ingredients children will have on hand to customise their own. Once their work is done, ‘les petits chef ’ will make their way back to the restaurant, and join their parents for a well-deserved meal as the crumbles bake in the oven. Lunch or Dinner complete, back to the kitchen the children go to collect their dessert. The crumble can be enjoyed in the dining room or back in the room en famille over foodie films chosen by The Connaught. Le Petit Chef masterclass and dining experience costs £206 for two parents and one child, or £222 for two parents and two children, including lunch or dinner for parents from the à la carte menu, and a masterclass with the pastry chef for children. The hour-long classes take place at 11am (before lunch)

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or 5.30pm (before dinner). ‘Le Petit Chef ’ masterclass is available weekdays and weekends only to children and parents who are staying at The Connaught. Valid until Spring, 2017. This offer is subject to limited availability. This offer can be booked as an add-on to your stay by calling 0 207 107 8945.

About The Connaught

In the heart of London’s Mayfair, the Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of the Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style. www.the-connaught.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

FAMILIES AT

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

andarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers families the best of both worlds. With an unrivalled location offering fashionable Knightsbridge on one side and leafy Hyde Park on the other, families are treated to a weekend in the capital where any wish can come true. From connecting rooms to a host of personalised amenities, parents and kids alike will feel immediately at home… but with five-star service. Below is an outline of services that the hotel offers or can arrange for families staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Amenities:

• Baby cots, extra beds for littles ones – they also do bed-side rails • Connecting rooms and suites upon request & subject to availability • Children’s welcome amenities which includes 54 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

cookie decorating kit and stuffed animals • Baby Bathtub • Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes from 4 - 12 • Yuyu bottles kid friendly (caterpillar) • Bottle warmers • High chairs • Baby strollers • In room game consoles • Mini umbrellas • Butler’s team • DVD & CD players • Ipod docking station • 17 metre swimming located within the wellbeing and fitness centre

Babysitting:

• Babysitting services – rock-a-by babysitters and Hopes & Dreams are the two companies that they work with. Concierge can happily assist in making the necessary arrangements.

Dining:

• Children are welcome in all restaurants (The Rosebery Lounge, Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) • Tailor-made menus for the little ones in every restaurant with colouring kits available

Additional services available on request

• Alcohol removal service • Luggage storage • Pay TV channel blocking • Croquet set available upon request to set up on the Terrace • Easter Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt • VIP access to Harrods Grotto at Christmas • Riding with the Riding School of Hyde Park • Family day outings arranged by the team to explore the city and the nearby parks, as well as day trips (i.e Harry Potter Studios etc)

THE DETAILS

For reservations please call 020 7235 2000 or email molon-sales@mohg.com molon-reservations@mohg.com ••••• For further information or to book your event, please contact the Events Team on molon-events@mohg.com or telephone 020 7201 3772. 66 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7LA www.mandarinoriental.com/london

From connecting rooms to a host of personalised amenities, parents and kids alike will feel immediately at home… but with five-star service

Children’s Parties by Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park creates sophisticated and bespoke parties that will make every child’s fantasy a reality, from Pirates of the Mandarin with epic adventures, to enchanted Fairy Forests, where dreams really do come true! Keeping an eye on their younger visitors, they specialise in: • Christenings • First year celebrations • Birthday • Bar Mitzvahs • Bat Mitzvahs • Sweet 16 The newly refurbished beautiful Carlyle Room, with state-of-the-art retractable wall, is the perfect location to create momentous celebrations with a real WOW factor for children of all ages. The Carlyle Room is suitable for up to 80 guests with production or 200 for a reception. For clients with larger parties, the beautiful Ballroom is suitable for 200 guests for a dinner dance or 400 for a reception. A minimum number of guests may apply. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s parties include: • A dedicated co-ordinator to assist you in creating a memorable party • Quirky non-alcoholic “mocktails” and cocktails on arrival • Tailor-made family favourite canapés for our mini-Mandarin’s sophisticated palates • Bespoke themes, characters and adventures Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s new outside catering service allows them to bring their legendary experience to your private home or your unique venue of choice.

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Dragon Training School at Shrek’s Adventure! London DreamWorks Tours Shrek’s Adventure! London is taken over by the Vikings of Berk! Until 4 September How to Train Your Dragon’s finest, fiercest faces will be showing guests of all ages what it takes to be a true Viking! After their unique and interactive adventure with Shrek, guests will come face to face with the fearsome, yet friendly, Vikings who will share their knowledge in training dragons while a giant Toothless the dragon soars overhead with Hiccup aboard. The Vikings will be hosting hands-on activities inspired by the popular DreamWorks films such as the Sheep Toss Trebuchet Challenge and a Duel the Dragon game to ensure that all recruits are fully trained before they graduate from Dragon Training School. Young guests can even dress up in Viking clothing to make sure they look the part. Advanced booking is strongly recommended. Book online now at www.shreksadventure.com

Little Ones

FUN FOR THIS SUMMER

There are many amazing places in London to take your little ones…here are some suggestions to keep them entertained over the summer

V&A Museum of Childhood – Meet Bagpuss and The Clangers Come and meet Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Oliver Postgate’s voice and Peter Firmin’s puppets shaped the childhood memories of millions since they started collaborating in the 1950s. As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and The Clangers, the exhibition will go behind the scenes of some of their other creations; Pogles Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine. Come into the world of Smallfilms to discover original puppets, sets and filming equipment. See how characters developed, and learn how Oliver and Peter developed their stop-frame animation techniques. www.vam.ac.uk/moc

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Battersea Park and Children’s Zoo This small, charming zoo in the heart of pretty Battersea Park is family-run with the usual rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens and the more exotic (some endangered) species such as meerkats, monkeys, emus, tortoises, wallabies and talking mynah birds. Feeding sessions take place throughout the day The wonderful outdoor play areas feature a large sand pit, mini trampolines, a tree house, slides, tunnels and, appropriately, monkey bars. The zoo also has indoor play areas, shaded picnic tables, a coffee shop, nappy-changing facilities and a shop for picking up some inevitable souvenirs. Birthday parties can be booked for ages our and over. www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Penguin Beach Live! At ZSL London Zoo Taking place daily at 1.30pm, be amazed at the penguins in their underwater world while the presenters guide you through the lives of these incredible aquatic birds. The stunning show lets you get closer to the action than ever before. Watch the penguins feed as they dive, jump and swim in their huge new pool. There are p-p-plenty of penguins at ZSL London Zoo in the Penguin Beach exhibit – England’s biggest penguin pool. If you want to catch up with them at their finest, plus find out a little bit more about the care and attention that they receive from the Zoo’s experienced keepers, make sure you get down to the penguin pool for feeding times! www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on

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BIG TODDLE 2016

Little steps make a big difference!

The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest and best charity fundraising event for under 5’s. It is all about children helping children by taking part in short sponsored walks. Every year, thousands of nurseries, playgroups, childminders, parents and public venues organise Big Toddles as a preschool activity for young children to raise money for Barnardo’s vital services. A Big Toddle is a fun activity for toddlers, easy to organise, an educational day out for the kids, and a brilliant way for you and your little ones to help transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

Why take part?

1. It’s fun! Children love the Toddle and will have a whale of a time with this year’s animal theme. It always results in proud, happy parents too. 2. It’s easy! Organising your event is surprisingly simple - it’s up to you how big you want your Toddle to be and we will support you every step of the way 3. It’s rewarding! Nothing beats the feeling of helping others and it’s wonderful to see children taking part in fundraising at such an early age. 60 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

4. It’s educational! Barnardo’s provide lots of exciting activities and resources, and participants learn important lessons about how they can help other children.

Toddle is a doddle!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of the UK’s youngest citizens walk, run, skip, stumble and roll their way along short Toddle routes to raise money for disadvantaged children and their families. They couldn’t do this without incredible grown-ups like you, who organise Big Toddles in nurseries, playgroups, parks and back gardens up and down the country. Whether you would like to organise your own Toddle or attend a public event, register via the form and you will be on the path to helping the UK’s most disadvantaged children. You will receive a fantastic free event pack, full of goodies and materials to help you have lots of fun and reach your fundraising targets. Barnardo’s will also keep you up-to-date with the latest news and ideas to Toddle to the top. To register visit www.barnardos.org.uk/ bigtoddle

Barnardo’s believe in children - no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. This belief started with their founder, Thomas Barnardo, and now in their 150th year, they continue fighting to realise a dream of a world where no child is turned away. Today, Barnardo’s run more than 960 services across the UK, working with children disadvantaged by issues including poverty, disability and domestic violence. Last year, they helped transform the lives of 240,000 children, young people and families. With your help, Barnardo’s will always be there for the children who need help By taking part in the Big Toddle, you could help transform the lives of children.

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TO HOST

FINDING DORY EVENT NEW! FOR SUMMER : UNTIL 11 SEPTEMBER 2016

SEA LIFE Centres including the SEA LIFE London Aquarium have teamed up with Disney•Pixar to enable visitors to share the excitement of Finding Dory this summer.

special Disney•Pixar Finding Dory event will be hosted at the Aquarium running until September 11 2016. Visitors will be led on an interactive trail by one of the new Disney•Pixar movie’s star sea creatures Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus. Hank will appear in many displays revealing amazing fishy facts and providing collectible ‘letters’ which will need unscrambling at the end of the journey to earn a reward. Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory tells the story of Dory’s quest to find her own family, with the help of Nemo and Marlin and new characters like Hank that she meets at a Californian marine rehabilitation centre and aquarium. “Like Finding Nemo before it, the new film is likely to inspire an interest in marine life among millions of children, which is why we’re delighted to be associated with it,” commented event organiser

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Jamie Turner. “We have many of the real sea creatures in our displays that the film’s characters are based on,” he continued “and with their help we believe we can reinforce the messages which are at the heart of the film, about the importance of looking after our seas and of sharing experiences with family and friends.” 12 SEA LIFE Centres will be hosting the event: London, Birmingham, Blackpool, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Loch Lomond, Manchester, Scarborough, Weymouth, Cornish Seal Sanctuary and Bray (Ireland). Find out more at www.sealife.co.uk

FINDING DORY EVENT UNTIL 11 SEPTEMBER

Like Finding Nemo before it, the new film is likely to inspire an interest in marine life among millions of children, which is why we’re delighted to be associated with it

BOOKING AND GETTING THERE

• Guests will be booked into a 15 minute timeslot prior to, or upon arrival, to ensure an even better experience at the attraction • Guests are advised to check website to pre book tickets before visiting • Best prices online at www.visitsealife. com/london • Open 7 days a week from 10am on weekdays, and 9am on weekends, with last entry at 6pm • Address: County Hall, Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB • Transport: Closest tube - Westminster • Prices start from £17.95 adult and £13.25 child

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 111 attractions, 12 hotels/4 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. Among Merlin’s attractions are - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, DreamWorks Tours SHREK’s Adventure, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 63

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Ski Famille chalet packages are available from £559 per adult for 7 nights including flights, transfers and half board accommodation. Price is based on Chalet Grand Mouflon in Les Gets from 16th December 2016. Child discounts are available throughout the season with free child places on a number of dates.

High Quality

Family skiing

made simple and fun

any parents are keen to head to the Alps with their children, but don’t know quite what to expect … and struggle to know where to start looking for the right option for their family’s particular needs. Taking young children skiing can be a daunting prospect, but there are specialist tour operators out there who can help. One such specialist is Ski Famille. The company has been established for over 25 years and the sole aim of their small and knowledgeable team is to strip out hassle, at the same time as maximizing fun and relaxation. All of Ski Famille’s catered family chalets have been chosen because they offer fabulous service and superb value in world class ski resorts. Most importantly of all for skiing families, they offer Ski Famille’s exclusive in-chalet childcare. With so many choices available to skiers, it’s

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reassuring to know that there are options that are tailored to the needs of those of us travelling with young children. Catering for families isn’t an add-on for Ski Famille; it’s at the core of what they do. Managing Director Chris Thompson explains, “No matter what week of the season you travel with us we are 100% set up for babies, toddlers and children of all ages and stages. Too often families have to shift their expectations because accommodation or services are more geared to adult groups; we don’t have any all adult groups – so no compromises!” Ski Famille’s À La Carte Childcare packages are provided in the chalet you stay in, meaning no need for a snowy trudge to a centralized crèche in the morning. This makes for a cosy “home from home” atmosphere that quickly puts both parents and children at ease. Childcare options include full and half day sessions for children from 3 months to 12 years old. Ski lessons are available for children from 3 years old and can be arranged as part of the Ski Famille childcare service; the nannies take children to and from the slopes leaving you free to enjoy your own skiing. For the youngest guests, cots, high chairs, off-road buggies, nappies, wipes, baby monitors, sterilisers and more are available free of charge in every Ski Famille property. The nannies and childcare assistants are all Ski Famille employees recruited in the UK and all of the team undergo an Enhanced DBS check, as well as being reference checked and First Aid trained. The chalets themselves are within an easy walk

of the slopes and have been designed, or extensively modified, for Ski Famille guests. Whether you choose a Traditional, Select or Premier Select property you will have the option of booking a family suite (where children and parents have separate bedrooms behind one door) and all chalets have a hot tub, sauna or steam room. In the evening parents are treated to home cooked meals and carefully selected wines served by your chalet staff. What better way to unwind after a day on the slopes!

THE DETAILS To find out more visit www.skifamille.co.uk or call 01252 365 495. ••••• Facebook: www.facebook.com/familyskiing Twitter: @skifamille

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Finding the Philosopher’s Stone Special feature celebrating the 15th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter | Until Monday 5th September 2016

arry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone made its debut cinema debut in 2001 as the first of eight films based on J.K. Rowling’s world-famous series about a young wizard and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fifteen years later, in celebration of the iconic film’s anniversary, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is running a series of special features, offering visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes and discover where the filmmaking magic began. This summer, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will celebrate the epic quest Harry, Ron and Hermione embarked upon to find and protect the Philosopher’s Stone. Filmmakers used a range of special and visual effects techniques to create the various obstacles the trio faced on their journey. Visitors will discover

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how giant chess pieces were made to move, Fluffy the three-headed dog (and his saliva) was brought to life and the deadly Devil’s Snare was taken from page to screen. For the first time ever, there will be a moving display of the Devil’s Snare that the magical trio encountered in their hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone in Creature Effects. Visitors will have the chance to see and even touch the giant tentacles that have been specially created as they were in the films. Head Propmaker Pierre Bohanna went through several processes to create the final version of the Philosopher’s Stone that can be seen on screen. When asked, J.K. Rowling said that the stone should look like an “uncut ruby”. A number of the early versions of the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display at the Tour and visitors will be able to see first-hand how it was created as expert prop makers demonstrate stages in the process. During this special feature, film fans will be invited to learn how one of Ron Weasley’s favourite games, Wizard’s Chess, was brought to life on a large scale by Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson and his team. The giant chess pieces will move across a chequered board, as if by magic, on the Tour’s backlot. In addition to this, vats of slimy Troll snot, buckets of dribbling drool (of the three-headed dog variety) and pools of silvery unicorn blood will be showcased in the Tour and visitors will get

to see demonstrations showing exactly how the gunk and goo were created. They will also have the chance to celebrate the bravery of not only Harry, Ron and Hermione but also Neville Longbottom. His pyjamas will be displayed in the Gryffindor common room as they were when he was placed in a Full Body-Bind Curse by a young Hermione. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter opened its doors on 31st March 2012. The unique attraction offers visitors the ultimate chance to get up close to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Highlights include walking through the Great Hall where so many famous scenes were shot, seeing the treasures stored in Dumbledore’s office and strolling down Diagon Alley. THE DETAILS Tickets must be pre-booked at www.wbstudiotour.co.uk or by calling the Studio Tour’s Visitor Services Team on 0345 084 0900 and cannot be bought at the attraction. ••••• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Studio Tour Drive Leavesden, WD25 7LR

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Family Shows

At Kew Gardens This Summer

WIND in the WILLOWS

with fun-filled laughs and surprises along the way. The Wind in the Willows is Kenneth A favourite of children everywhere, this is Grahame’s classic story of life on the interactive theatre at its very best. riverbank. A rollicking yet gentle Performances: Wed-Fri at 11.30am & adventure with best friends Ratty, 6pm; Sat-Sun at 11.30am & 4pm. UNTIL Mole, Badger, Otter and, of course, Come along and be part of the 28 AUGUST the arrogant, vain and hilarious Toad. adventure! Suitable for adults and 2016 This critically acclaimed, outdoor children of all ages. theatre production set against the magical backdrop of Kew Gardens’ THE DREAM FAIRIES lake, is packed with much-loved colourful Adventure through Bubble Land characters, music, song and laughter. There is fun In The Dream Fairies, the adventurous for young and old alike as the Head Chief Rabbit Honeysuckle unexpectedly meets the fairies from transforms your young ones into rabbits with a Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The Honeysuckle has lost her wings and the Dream young rabbits then join in the riverbank adventure Fairies – cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring

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Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom – have flown off course on their way to Fairy Land. Together, with the help of all the little elves and fairies, they go on an adventure through Bubble Land to find Honeysuckle’s wings and the special map to guide them home. Small children are invited to come dressed as fairies or elves. Suitable for children aged 3-6, this production is an interactive adventure full of sing-along, clapalong songs plus bubbles, acrobatics and, of course, a sprinkle of magic dust that will enthral the young ones throughout the school holidays. Performances: Wed-Sun at 10.30am & 2pm. www.theatreonkew.co.uk Box Office 0871 231 0847

YUMMY MUMMY

150 YEARS OF 2

016 marks 150 years since the birth of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Cinderella, Beatrix Potter, who has captured our as well as her sketches from nature. imagination for over 100 years with her One of Beatrix’s earliest stories, was that of beautifully illustrated Tales. Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit – and after being rejected by several is still one of the world’s best-selling and best-loved publishers, Beatrix decided to publish The Tale children’s authors. She wrote and illustrated a total of Peter Rabbit herself, printing an initial 250 of 28 books, including the 23 Tales, the ‘little copies for family and friends in December 1901. books’ that have been translated into more than 35 The book’s instant success encouraged Frederick languages and sold over 100 million copies. Warne & Co. who had previously turned it down, Helen Beatrix Potter, known as Beatrix, was to reconsider their decision, offering to take it on born on 28 July 1866 to Rupert and Helen Potter in as long as Beatrix re-illustrated it in colour. On Kensington. publication in October 1902, it was an immediate As she was growing up, Beatrix was always bestseller. The following year, Beatrix published encouraged to draw, and she spent many hours The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin and The Tailor of making intricate sketches of animals and plants, Gloucester with Frederick Warne, and the rest of revealing an early fascination for the her legendary tales followed. natural world that would continue In addition to her publishing, Beatrix throughout her life. Although she was keen to license her creations. never went to school, Beatrix She designed and created was an intelligent and the first Peter Rabbit doll industrious student, and herself in 1903, registering her parents employed an it immediately at the art teacher. patent office, making Two of Beatrix’s Peter Rabbit the world’s earliest artist models oldest licensed literary were her pet rabbits. character. Her first rabbit was In addition to toys Benjamin Bouncer, and games, Beatrix followed by Peter published books Piper, who had a including Peter Rabbit’s talent for performing Almanac and painting tricks, and he books for Peter Rabbit accompanied Beatrix and Jemima Puddleeverywhere. duck. She felt passionately Long before she that all merchandise was a published author, should remain faithful to Beatrix Potter drew her original book illustrations illustrations for some of and be of the highest quality. Image Courtesy Frederick Warne & Co and the Victoria & Albert Museum her favourite stories, including Beatrix was a staunch supporter

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of the National Trust from her first visit to the Lake District at sixteen. She followed its principles in preserving her buildings and farms in keeping with the rural culture of the area, and she saved many farms from developers. During her lifetime, Beatrix bought fifteen farms and took a very active part in caring for them. Beatrix died in 1943, leaving the farms and over four thousand acres of land to the National Trust. Today, more than two million Beatrix Potter books are sold worldwide every year – four books every minute! The charming stories have a timeless quality, passed down from generation to generation and discovered anew by many more readers each year. Her books, her art, her Herdwick sheep and her indomitable spirit are all part of her enormous legacy that continues to this day.

Beatrix Potter Your children can experience the magical world that Beatrix Potter created in her books at

he Beatrix Potter™ experience exhibition is where the sights and sounds of Beatrix Potter’s celebrated characters are magically brought to life., featuring 3D scenes from Beatrix Potter’s stories, atmospheric lighting and real sounds and smells taking visitors right to the pages of her beautiful stories. You can step in to Jemima Puddle-duck’s woodland glade and through the trees to see Mr Tod in Tommy Brock’s house and the pigs from The Tale of Pigling Bland. The Peter Rabbit™ Garden is designed to capture the very essence of Beatrix

Potter’s world, from the cos lettuces that Benjamin Bunny nibbled on to the gooseberry bush where Peter got caught in a net as he tried to escape Mr. McGregor. Follow the adventures of Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs. Tittlemouse, then pop in to Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen and smell the fresh laundry. A perfect photo opportunity for the little ones in the family! Find out what Johnny Town-mouse is up to in the countryside and discover Hunca Munca and Tom Thumb in their nursery under the floorboards! Look out for Mr. Jeremy Fisher on his lily-pad boat. Enter Mr McGregor’s greenhouse, smell the tomatoes and discover what is lurking under the plant pots and seed trays. Then step in to Peter Rabbit’s beautiful sunlit garden and discover more about the adventures of Peter and his cousin Benjamin. When you emerge from the wonderful World of Beatrix Potter™, don’t miss a chance to visit the shop and take a little bit of Potter magic home with you. Their fabulous nursery shop nearby also stocks a huge range of adorable baby gifts. And if you have time, don’t forget to pop in the Tea Room!

V&A Museum - 28th July 2016 - 28th April 2017

You can see a display of Beatrix Potter’s work at Gallery 102 at the V&A Museum. Born in Kensington, she regularly visited her local galleries and museums, including the V&A and the Natural History Museum, to foster her study of art and natural history. London was also home to almost all of Potter’s publishing ventures, including her most famous book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. www.vam.ac.uk

THE DETAILS The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, The Lake District, LA23 3BX ••••• www.hop-skip-jump.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 71

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“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” - Roald Dahl

Celebrations

ROALD DAHL CENTENARY 2016 marks 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl – the world’s number one storyteller.

oald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. Born in Cardiff, Roald Dahl (1916–1990) joined the RAF at the age of 23 and began writing, initially for adults, after being injured in a plane crash during WW2. Sitting in a hut at the bottom of his garden, he went on to write some of the world’s best-loved children’s stories. His first children’s story, James and the Giant Peach, was published in 1961, was a hit and every subsequent book became a best-seller. Today, his stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, he has sold more than 200 million books. Many of these stories have

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also been adapted for stage and screen, including the 1971 film classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wes Anderson’s acclaimed Fantastic Mr Fox, and the multi-award winning Matilda The Musical. The latest Roald Dahl story to hit the big screen is Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of The BFG, released last month. There are celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and squiffling surprises for everyone! The Summer Reading Challenge, the UK’s biggest annual reading promotion for children aged 4 – 11, will be themed THE BIG FRIENDLY READ for 2016. Organised by The Reading Agency and the UK public library network, the Summer Reading Challenge launched last month

supports children in reading six or more library books of their choice over the summer holidays. Over 800,000 children take part each year in the UK alone. Roald Dahl’s birthday is 13th September and is always celebrated internationally as Roald Dahl Day. In September, schools, libraries, bookshops and community groups around the world are invited to host their own party for Roald Dahl 100, using a comprehensive party kit, which is free to download from www.roalddahl.com At the same time, the hugely popular Dahlicious Dress Up Day will be marked in schools across the UK in support of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. September will also see the annual Puffin Virtually Live: Roald Dahl Show broadcast into schools, by publisher Penguin

Random House. ROALD DAHL’S TREMENDOUS ADVENTURES is a magical year-long programme of events at Tatton Park in Cheshire. The celebrations range from themed Roald Dahl character trails through the gardens, mansion, farm and parkland to outdoor theatre and cinema treats, a birthday picnic and special events for Halloween and Christmas, all with a Roald Dahl twist. In October, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning production of Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL, with book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and directed by Matthew Warchus, will celebrate its 5th year in London’s West End. The show is simultaneously running on Broadway, on tour in North America and in Australia. In December 2016, an incredible new animation

of Roald Dahl’s REVOLTING RHYMES from award-winning producers Magic Light Pictures will air on the BBC, before going to other global broadcasters. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is Patron of Roald Dahl 100. The Duchess has a strong interest in shining a spotlight in the importance of literacy.

Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. - Roald Dahl, THE MINPINS

THE DETAILS Go to www.roalddahl.com/roalddahl100 to find out more and don’t forget to get ready for the world’s biggest Roald Dahl birthday party on 13th September 2016 by visiting www.roalddahl.com/ party NOW and registering for your FREE Roald Dahl party pack. ••••• www.roalddahl.com www.facebook.com/RoaldDahl www.twitter.com/roald_dahl AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 75

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Yellowbird Education

Excellence in Education

s September knocks on our door we start to get ready for the new school year to begin. Yellowbird Education has enjoyed a busy summer, helping last minute families to find school places while relocating to London, running assessments to help London parents gauge where their child needs support for the forthcoming exams and giving advice on educational plans. YUMMY MUMMY: How would you describe Yellowbird Education’s Ethos? Yellowbird EDUCATION: We pride ourselves on providing a bespoke and tailored service with drive and thoughtfulness to help each and every family we meet. Parents put their trust in us to find the right school for their child. We start by listening carefully to parents educational plan, their wishes, concerns, understanding their needs, their culture and helping them the best we possibly can. YM: What range of services are you offering? YE: Our experienced team can cater for bespoke nursery and school placement for families relocating from abroad, moving from the countryside to London or vice-versa, helping with boarding school searches, to advising parents on the British Schooling system. Our services are fantastically broad: we can assess children and advise parents on the best possible choice of school. Advice for forward thinking parents who want to be a step ahead in mapping their unborn child’s educational future. Yellowbird Workshops run throughout the school year, supporting children to academically 78 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

thrive, they are very well established and very popular!

Workshops coming up: 17th-28th October

YM: What is the latest news at Yellowbird Education? YE: From the autumn term, we are offering more workshops in Creative Writing, Discursive, 11+ Boosters, Handwriting and Interview Practice. Competition is fierce in London and the pressure is on children and parents. Parents need as much information as possible to help their child succeed, giving them reassurance to be able to guide and support their child. YM: How does Yellowbird Education add value? YE: Our dynamic, caring and professional team always support families and help children to do their very best. Thanks to our wide knowledge and experience, we pride ourselves to deliver a bespoke outstanding and flawless service. We are pro-active in our research, and take numerous initiatives to guide our trusted clients through their child’s education, while always trying to be ambitious for them, though realistic and compassionate. YM: How is Yellowbird Education different? YB: This is simple: We really care. We care about each child’s happiness, each family’s contentment, their educational needs and placing a child in the right school for them. Our well-experienced and thoughtful team conduct every School Search and Consultation as if it is his or her own family. A huge amount of thought and effort is put in to each and every clients needs. We always do our best.

Creative Writing Workshops Handwriting Workshops Composition and Comprehension Workshops Discursive 11+ Workshops 11+ Grammar Workshops Interview Practice ••••• Check our website for further information and times. www.yellowbirdeducation.com or call us for more information 020 77310695 / 07912 610366

Luxury Baby & Toddler Leather Moccasins www.moccstars.com info@moccstars.com

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PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR

First Day At School

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ou might be taking the children on holiday this summer but if your child is starting at their first school in September, the butterflies for you, and your child will start now. If you know of prospective classmates, meet up over the summer familiar faces on day one will help. Your child’s first day at school is a big milestone. Yes, your little baby is no more - you’ve now got a school child on your hands! Starting school means a lot of changes for both you and your child, and it is perfectly understandable to have concerns. You’ve probably been working hard to reassure your child that school will be exciting and fun. But you may not feel so confident yourself. Don’t brush these thoughts under the carpet. Starting school is just as important a change for you as it is for your child. So, with just weeks to go before hordes of newly-uniformed four-year-olds pass through classroom doors for the first time, what can parents do to prepare their children, and limit the potential for tears – theirs and yours – on the big day? • There is plenty you can do to help your child adjust to new groups of people - a group activity such as a music or dance class. Story time sessions at your local library provide a great opportunity for your child to meet others of a similar age. Or simply take her to your local park, it’s an easy way for her to interact with children, big and small, that she hasn’t come across before. • Teach your child ‘life’ skills like getting dressed and undressed, using the toilet independently, washing their hands and putting things away – every little bit of independence helps. • Play ‘schools’. Take turns in being the teacher and the pupil. Practice saying ‘bye bye’ to Mummy and Daddy at the gate. Keep these games short and fun. • Involve them. Let them help choose

and waking up time. Move towards the new routine over a few days rather than starting it suddenly the day before. • As you say goodbye on your child’s first day, it may be hard not to shed a tear. If you do have a cry, try not to let your child see. It may make them anxious that you are sad. • Even distressed children soon settle into school. If you are worried, ask your child’s teacher or teaching assistant about strategies they use to help children settle. • If you want to find out more about your child’s school world, get involved. Many schools encourage parents to help with reading, cookery or a school trip. • Put a special treat in their lunchbox – lots of kids love to have a little note from Mum as well.

time you now have for yourself………..join a health club, meet up with friends for lunch or join a mother’s club – these will all help to keep you busy during the school day. Just be rest assured that your child’s school will support your child and help them to feel a valued participant in school life.

As you say goodbye on your child’s first day, it may be hard not to shed a tear. If you do have a cry, try not to let your child see. It may make them anxious that you are sad. ‘school stuff ’ like their backpack or pencil case. Label everything with their name – let them ‘help’ by suggesting where to write it or handing you the pens. • Discuss your own happy memories of school (providing you have some!). Perhaps mention games you played at break time or how much you liked your first teacher. • Get them into a routine that’s compatible with school hours. They might need an earlier bedtime

You will be excited to see your child at the end of his school day, but don’t overwhelm him with questions. Although you’re desperate to know how it went, try to keep your questions simple. Ask who he sat next to at lunch, rather than a run-down of your child’s day. Don’t worry if your child says “I don’t know”, or I can’t remember”. He’s had a lot to take in on his first day. Be prepared for your house to feel empty and quiet during the school hours. Focus on the extra AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 81

YUMMY MUMMY

Pack a healthy T

lunchbox

hanks to Jamie Oliver, school dinners are a lot healthier these days. Getting children enjoying healthy food from an early age is the way to help them eat well for the rest of their lives. It’s just as important to make sure

the lunchbox your child takes to school provides as healthy and balanced a lunch as what they would eat at home. This means plenty of foods that contain the nutrients that children need, and fewer foods high in sugar and saturated fat. If you prefer to send

Save chocolate and cakes for occasional treats. Remember to praise your child when they’ve tried something new to show your encouragement.

your child off to school with a guaranteed healthy lunch, don’t be tempted to give them ‘treats’ that will only make them pine for more!! Make their lunchbox look fun and inviting as well as including all the nutrients they need.

Starchy foods are a good source of energy and should make up a third of the lunchbox. But don’t let things get boring. Instead of sandwiches, give kids bagels, pitta bread, wraps and baguettes. Use brown, wholemeal or seeded bread, not white bread.

Image: www..anotherlunch.com

Preparing your child’s lunchbox A balanced packed lunch should contain: • Starchy foods – these are bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and others • Protein foods – including meat, fish, eggs, beans and others • A dairy item – this could be cheese or a yoghurt • Vegetables or salad and a portion of fruit

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Low-fat snacks for kids • Children often like food they can eat with their fingers, so chop up raw veggies such as carrots or peppers and give them hummus or cottage cheese to dip the veggies in. • Breadsticks and wholemeal crackers are great finger foods that can be spread with low-fat soft cheese or eaten with reduced-fat cheddar and pickles. • Include fresh fruit - vary the fruit each day and get them to try new things, such as kiwi or melon. • You could also make up a tasty fruit salad. Be inventive and encourage your children when they try something new.

YUMMY MUMMY

Will you Love, Honour and Obey?

Only if they’ve signed the pre-nup!

veryone has heard of Pre-Nuptial Agreements, if only because whether or not they have one is the first question to be asked following the latest celebrity marriage breakdown or ‘uncoupling’. However, Pre-Nuptial Agreements are not just the reserve of the super-rich. It may not be the most romantic conversation to have with your partner, however increasingly, before marriage; many couples are considering whether to enter into a pre-nuptial agreement. This is especially true if one party has bought a property or received an inheritance.

What do Pre-Nuptial Agreements Protect?

They are used to protect pre-owned assets such as property, trust funds, a company, shares, inheritance or anything else of any value. A pre-nuptial agreement ring fences assets brought into the marriage by one party and decides how joint assets should be shared, if the marriage were to later break down. The rise in popularity of the Pre-Nuptial Agreement might be attributable to the rise in the number of divorces and people wanting to take a pragmatic approach to separation. I am sure everyone reading this will have heard a horror divorce story and the costs associated with it. 84 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Are They Legally Binding?

There is a common misconception that Pre-Nuptial Agreements are legally binding in this country, as they are in other countries such as the USA. They are not legally binding but following the case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling to uphold the PreNuptial Agreement. The Court stated that when an agreement that is freely entered into by two parties who fully understand the implications of it, it should be given effect unless it would not be fair to do so. Joanne Wescott, Associate Solicitor, specialising in family law at London law firm Osbornes Solicitors comments: “Since Radmacher no new legislation has been passed by parliament on Pre-Nuptial Agreements so ultimately, the Court retain their discretion but this case paved the way for Pre-Nuptial Agreements and provided a structure for the agreement to carry more weight”. For the Pre-Nuptial Agreement to have the greatest chance of being endorsed by the Court, both parties should engage a family solicitor to draft and advise on the agreement. The following factors should be met:•Each party is aware they are entering into an agreement with the intention to create legal relations i.e. a contract;

• Each party has received independent legal advice at the time and are made fully aware of the effect and implications of the agreement; • There has been no undue influence; • Each party has provided full and frank financial disclosure. The earlier the agreement is entered into the better and Law Commission guidance suggests this should be at least 28 days prior to the marriage. Joanne Wescott continues “of course what is deemed fair will change over the passage of time and therefore the Pre-Nuptial Agreement will need to be reviewed. Any children born to the marriage can effectively render the agreement useless and so it is important for a couple to review the agreement ensuring that it continues to meet both parties’ needs.” If you are already married and fear you may have missed the boat then you can enter into a PostNuptial Agreement. Either way, if you have assets to protect and have discussed it with your fiancée then entering into a Pre-Nuptial Agreement now, setting out how the finances will be dealt with if you were to later divorce may save a lot of stress, time and energy so add it to your pre-wedding checklist. Osbornes Solicitors are an award winning law firm based in Camden, London, recommended for family and divorce law. www.osbornes.net

Your Award Winning Local Family Law Firm

The family department handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters. - Chambers & Partners Legal Directory

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Every child deserves a family… I

n England over 4,000 children are waiting for loving adoptive parents. They are a range of ages, from a variety of backgrounds. What they have in common is a difficult start in life and that they can no longer be brought up by their birth families. All these children need a loving, stable home. They need parents who will stick by them through the good times and the bad. They need support and love to help them overcome their troubled backgrounds, make sense of who they are and grow up to be safe and secure. Adoption is a way of providing a permanent family for children. Parenting adopted children, whilst presenting unique challenges, can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to offer love, commitment, time, patience and the motivation to want to understand how your child sees the world, then that is a great start and the rewards will be limitless. It may be that you have a wish to be a parent but fertility issues mean that you cannot have a birth child. Or you may already have a family but feel you still have space for another child. Or you may be single and feel that you have masses of love, security and happiness to offer to a child who has not had a great start in life and/or has ongoing challenges. Or you may have adopted and are thinking of adopting again. Whether you are married or single, divorced or living with a partner, gay or straight, unemployed

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or disabled, and whatever your cultural background adoption may be for you.

What does it take to be an adoptive parent?

Adoptive parents need the same qualities as any other parent. Adoption offers children the love, stability and security of family life they may not have experienced before. Have confidence that you have what it takes! You will need to give your adopted child(ren) lots of individual time, understanding and support. Children who experience unmet physical and emotional needs early in life can have their later development adversely affected, perhaps requiring different parenting techniques to a birth child. That may sound daunting but there is plenty of support available, via your agency and voluntary support agencies. On a practical level, you will need to be able to support a child financially, though you don’t have to be a millionaire or even be a homeowner. You can apply for tax credits to supplement your income when you adopt, and other financial help may

also be available in the form of one-off or regular payments. When you first adopt, one partner will be expected to take time off work for between six and twelve months to help the child settle in. Your child will also need your ongoing support to help them understand about their birth family and why they were adopted. You will need to be able to help discuss their history with them in a respectful way and highlight the positives in their past. Where it is in their best interests there may be ongoing contact with the child’s birth family. This can involve anything from occasional meetings with birth family members or ‘letterbox’ contact once or twice a year. As an adoptive parent, you will need to support your child with whatever arrangements are agreed for contact with their birth family. Adoption is a lifelong commitment requiring skill, empathy, energy, patience – and a sense of humour! But there can be no greater reward than transforming a child’s life forever and building a happy, fulfilled family. Adoption transforms the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in society.