MAGAZINE
Mums and Dads-to-be pampered at The Dorchester Spa, Mayfair
BABIES & KIDS
A SEAT IN NATURE
Our Wooden Toad Stool set is a unique twist on traditional children’s seating with red and white spots which will add an enchanted feel to your room.
Made from solid European beechwood these are quality stools that are built to last – and will certainly stand out in any bedroom, nursery, or playroom.
COSY CHIC
Adorable and incredibly cosy, 100% handmade sheepskin moccasins, traditionally crafted in the Polish Mountains. Each pair is lovingly handmade using traditional techniques passed down the generations of a Polish family. The suede soles are hand-moulded, then hand-stitched to soft sheepskin uppers. The uppers are hand-embroidered using luxury yarns. Each beautifully crafted pair is unique. thesmallhome.co.uk
ON SAFARI
Our safari animal wall stickers will quickly transform your little one’s space into a magical scene! The full set contains a giraffe and her little one, a baby zebra with a little bird on its back, a baby jaguar sitting on a branch and two squirrel monkeys on a vine. onetrickpony.design
Toadstools are immediately recognisable as a symbol for fairyland – they are magical and will bring a sense of fun to the bedroom or playroom as fairies and pixies join in the fun. wayfair.co.uk
FANTASTIC MR FOX
Decorate your little explorer’s space with our wooden fox wall light. Illuminated by 10 warm white LEDs, our colourful night light is a must-have accessory to brighten up your little one’s bedroom. lights4fun.co.uk
IN THE BOX
Perfect for storing toys, books, blankets and games. The large box makes it simple to keep everything neatly organised inside and is complete with a hinged lid and soft close. Featuring a grooved design and cut-out handles. houseandhomestyle.co.uk
SLEEP CONSULTANT & SPECIALIST NURSE VICKY SCOTT
Everyone benefits from a good night’s sleep, it helps with learning and managing emotions.
Research highlights the importance of giving children the opportunity to sleep at least 10 to 11 hours per night throughout early childhood, so the bedtime routine is important and begins at teatime!
All you need is one to two weeks of gentle behavioural training to help your children’s’ long-term intellectual development.
Amazing growth hormones are secreted in young children during certain sleep stages, so children need to sleep soundly and transition through these stages, which also helps to prevent obesity.
Please do contact me to discuss your family’s unique, individual sleep plan
www.moresleepmoresmiles.com vicky@moresleepmoresmiles.com Tel: 07391 501589
INSPIRING EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE
The pedal-less bike teaches children 3+ how to balance on two wheels while building their confidence on a bicycle. Created in a range of colours to match paint options available to Bentley customers, the Balance Bike has been conceived with the same meticulous attention to detail and style as Bentley Motors’ designs.
Diamond-quilted handlebars echo the luxury detailing found in Bentley cars, with the iconic wings emblem prominently positioned below them. The ‘Bentley’ name is painted across the frame of each Balance Bike for a distinctive reference to the brand. Four smart and striking colourways are available, matching the exclusive paints used on Bentley’s cars. Children and parents can select their favourite colour from a choice of Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red.
Safety is always paramount to Bentley of course. An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power, so they can ride with confidence – a feature not available on many other balance bikes on the market.
The magnesium alloy frame is inspired by the sleek lines of Bentley cars and can support up to 35 kg of weight, despite the frame itself only weighing 650 g – made to be portable yet robust. Aluminium wheel rims can withstand high degrees of curb weight but do not add bulk to the bike, allowing children to effortlessly push themselves forward, while the air-filled 12-inch rubber tyres ensure absolute comfort.
For further comfort, the ergonomically designed adjustable seat is made from eco-leather and features the Bentley wordmark and a carbon
The Balance Bike joins a range of exciting Bentley products for children, including the Bentley Trike, teddy bears, blankets, ride-on cars, wooden garages and puzzles. Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450.
For more information and to purchase The Bentley Balance Bike visit miniobjectsofdesire.com Tel: 0330 330 0126 Email: Info@mood-kids.com
“An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power”
DISCOVER THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE FOR CHILDREN AT MOOD KIDS
The Bentley Balance Bike inspires adventures big and small.
Children from 3-years+ can travel and explore on the pedal-less bike, teaching balance and building confidence for future adventures.
Features include diamond-quilted handlebars, Bentley emblems and colours to match the Bentley paint palette, bring a touch of the brand to its youngest fans
Available in a choice of colours: Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red. Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450. Can be delivered boxed or built, for the same price. For more information visit
WWW.MINIOBJECTSOFDESIRE.COM
David Bowie, George Ezra and Mabel inspire baby name choices
By Alex GreenThere has been an increase in the number of David Bowie-inspired baby names following the musician’s death in 2016, data shows.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of boys registered with the name Ziggy, a reference to his acclaimed 1972 album Ziggy Stardust, at birth in England and Wales rose from 49 to 136 between 2016 and 2021.
The number of boys registered with the name Bowie rose from 35 to 78 in the same period.
Bowie, one of the most influential and revered musicians of recent times, died of liver cancer on January 10 2016, two days after his 69th birthday.
Recent years have seen his legacy continue, with his estate launching an NFT series and Bowie received a stone on the Music Walk of Fame in London.
The success of singers George Ezra and Mabel may have also driven a change in the popularity of baby names.
There were 14 times the number of baby boys named Ezra in 2021 compared with a decade before.
The name was just outside the top 50 most popular names given to boys in 2021, with 1,226 registered that year.
It rose in prominence at around the same time the singer-songwriter found fame, with an 89% increase in 2015 after his debut album Wanted On Voyage topped the charts.
The number of baby girls named Mabel also peaked in 2021 at 885 following large increases in 2018 and 2020.
The ONS said this may have been influenced by the success of pop singer Mabel, whose breakthrough single Finders Keepers was released in May 2017.
The success of recent Star Wars films may have also had an impact.
The number of newborn boys named Kylo rose more than fivefold to 54 in 2016 after Episode VII: The Force Awakens was released, introducing audiences to villain Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver.
The count peaked at 189 in 2020, after the Jedi hunter turned his back on the dark side.
The number of Landos has also risen since the appearance of Lando Calrissian, played by Donald Glover in the later Star Wars films, rising more than fivefold from 13 in 2019 to 74 last year.
The name Finn (John Boyega), one of the trilogy’s main characters, also rose in popularity from 512 registrations for boys in 2015 to 788 in 2021.
The ONS suggests this could also reflect the popularity of Peaky Blinders, in which Harry Kirton played the youngest son of Arthur Shelby named Finn.
Other names that have seen a rise in recent years include Saint, the name of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s son, and Otis and Maeve, from the Netflix show Sex Education.
The popularity of the Pixar films Luca and Raya and the Last Dragon may have also caused a boost in the popularity of those names.
“The number of baby girls named Mabel also peaked in 2021 at 885 following large increases in 2018 and 2020”
Mums and Dads-to-be pampered
There’s nothing like having a little bit of ‘me time’ when you’re pregnant - so a spa day is a great way to revitalise and get prepared for your new little arrival!
While mums-to-be may be the most deserving of some TLC, finding the right beauty treatments when pregnant can be difficult. It’s not always clear which beauty, spa or cosmetic treatments are safe to have during pregnancy.
As a rule, you should avoid any heat treatments while pregnant – such as the sauna, hot tubs, steam rooms and body wraps – as your body temperature should not be increased. But you can still indulge in some R&R and enjoy treatments such as manicures, pedicures, most facials and pregnancy massages.
The Dorchester Spa offer treatments designed for pregnant ladies – aimed to cleanse the mind and soul in a private, soothing space in which to find some therapeutic calm. They have crafted their space around every desire so you are free to find your own way to take time for yourself, whatever that may be.
The treatment begins with a gentle olive grain exfoliation, followed by layers of warming rose gel, oil and cream. While cocooned in your rose wrap, a wonderful scalp massage will calm and soothe the mind.
Duration: 60 minutes
Aromatherapy Associates Pregnancy Massage Relieve stresses and strains, heavy legs and an aching back with this all over body massage. Includes a relaxing and rejuvenating scalp and facial massage.
Duration: 60 minutes.
Mum’s the word Spa Day
PREGNANCY TREATMENTS
The following treatments are suitable from the 14th week of pregnancy and for nursing mothers.
The Dorchester Signature Pedicure
Their signature pedicure is infused with anti-ageing ingredients formulated to cleanse, exfoliate, treat and hydrate, leaving your feet smooth and radiant. Specially designed to energise and invigorate, this treatment is completed with a flawless application of your preferred polish.
Duration: 60 minutes
Aromatherapy Associates Rose Cocoon
Precious essential oil of damask rose works on capillary circulation, renewing the skin whilst soothing the emotions and lifting the spirits.
Let The Dorchester Spa’s expert therapists relax your mind, body and soul during your aromatherapy massage and facial. Enjoy a foot massage treatment and a file and polish for your toes or fingernails to finish.
Duration: Allow up to 4 hours.
THE DETAILS
To make an appointment or to discuss your pregnancy spa treatment preferences, please call the spa reception team on +44 (0)20 7319 7109
at The Dorchester Spa, Mayfair
For the father-to-be The Dorchester Spa
offer a range of bespoke treatments created specifically for men’s skin and a gentlemen’s grooming parlour providing the finest traditional grooming services for over 30 years.
More than just a lovely indulgence, professional facials can improve both his physical and emotional wellbeing.
Aromatherapy Associates Men’s Facial
Extensive research and development has resulted in a new and improved skincare collection specifically formulated for men. Combining cutting-edge technology with the finest quality ingredients, the Refinery collection is rich in essential oils and plant extracts. This deep cleansing and brightening facial leaves his skin looking clean and luminous.
Price: From £110 Duration: 60 minutes
Valmont Men’s Facial
An exclusive fatigue-fighting, moisturising treatment for men, using powerful products and massage techniques to decongest the eye contour area and rejuvenate the skin. Available for a choice of durations: Express, complete and intensive.
Price: From £165 Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
La Prairie Cellular Energizing Back Ritual
Many men will benefit from this intensive
treatment for the back. A cleansing, exfoliating and mask application hydrates and pampers this often overlooked area, while a heavenly back, foot and hand massage lets him drift away.
Price: From £120 Duration: 60 minutes
It’s a Man’s World
The opportunity for him to take some time out and enjoy this package, which includes a deep tissue massage followed by a moisturising 90-minute Valmont Facial. Just the ticket to help him unwind and refocus.
Price: From £362 Duration: Allow at least 3 hours
Committed to delivering smooth skin.
Chest Wax Duration: 60 minutes
Back Wax Duration: 60 minutes
THE DETAILS
To make an appointment please call the spa reception team on +44 (0)20 7319 7109 or email
spa.tdl@dorchester collection.com. dorchestercollection.com/en/ london/the-dorchester/spa
The Dorchester Spa at The Dorchester Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
A unique school model
FOR SUCCESS
Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in a secure rural location, and under 2.5 hours from the capital by train, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate welcomes girls and boys aged from 3 months and support them through four schools - Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). This unique model made up of four smaller schools is designed to maintain a nurturing family atmosphere and sense of individuality, with each school having their own Heads and staff teams.
King’s Magna is Queen Ethelburga’s middle school, supporting the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House and the demands of GCSEs. This supportive, vibrant and caring school environment ensures students can grow and mature into their teenage years with confidence. Visitors often comment that there is a ‘palpable sense of respect’ between students and staff, and amongst students themselves.
Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s, comments “Our King’s Magna students set the example for the rest of the Collegiate to follow with their capacity to excel in times of change, and their determination to make the best of their interests, skills and talents. We expect a great deal and they rise to the challenge, whether that be developing their independence, their motivation, their personal and social skills, or their achievements.
“No longer the Chapter House age class-based children, not yet the public exam, career and skills developing senior school students; our King’s Magna students develop the foundations for future
success with their academic studies, their broad range of activities and interests, and above all else their infectious enthusiasm in all that they take on.
We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners. Our innovative, modern programmes of study foster curiosity and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9.”
The Queen Ethelburga’s Admissions Team can provide further information and help arrange a visit to see for yourself what makes them so special.
Visit qe.org or email admissions@qe.org
“We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners”
Focus on… VITAMIN D
Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice, discusses the benefits and importance of vitamin D.
“V
itamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones and helps regulate calcium levels in the body. The consequences of Vitamin D deficiency are cardiomyopathy (a condition which affects the heart muscle) and seizures in infants; poor growth and rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults which may present as bone pain. There is some evidence to suggest that Vitamin D may protect against heart disease, cancer and diabetes but this is currently inconclusive.”
Are you at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
• Pregnant and breast feeding women
• Infants and adolescents
• Those with reduced sun exposure - countries in the northern latitude including the UK winter season
• Those with darker skin as they need more sunshine to make Vitamin D.
• If you wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• People with limited diets including vegetarians and vegans
“Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D, as our body creates Vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin. It is important to follow safe sun exposure and not allow your skin to redden or burn and use sun protection if you plan to be out longer in the sun. It has been recommended to have between five and 30 minutes of sun exposure to your unprotected face, arms, legs or back between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. two to three times every week to produce enough Vitamin D for your body. Your body can’t make Vitamin D if you are indoors by a sunny window as UVB light can’t get through the glass, so it’s important to be outdoors.
In the UK winter months, sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB to make adequate Vitamin D, so we rely on food source or supplements like oily fish, eggs, fortified yoghurts, cereals and infant formula milk.
Those considered to be at risk can take Vitamin D supplements. A daily dose of 400 units is considered to be safe for most age groups. It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women take 400 units daily.
If there are medical concerns, further testing can be performed by a simple blood test. Those that are deficient can be prescribed higher treatment doses of Vitamin D, although medical advice must be followed as too much Vitamin D can cause toxicity. Enjoying the sun safely, while taking care not to burn, can help to provide the benefits of Vitamin D, without unduly increasing risks of skin cancer. Your GP can provide you with further personalised guidance should you have concerns.”
THE DETAILS
The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)
Tel: 0207 935 1000
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP services
thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services londonocchealth.com
“In the UK winter months, sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB to make adequate Vitamin D”
YOUR LOCAL URGENT CARE CLINIC
Easy access to expert and efficient healthcare without the wait.
GET IN TOUCH
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road NW8 9NH
Call the team: 0207 432 8300
Find out more: hje.org.uk/ services/urgent-care-clinic
ACCESS DOCTORS WHEN YOU NEED THEM MOST
Designed for life’s slips, trips and falls, as well as those unexpected minor illnesses, the clinic is ready to give you the care you need, no appointment necessary. Open seven a days a week, and trusted by the St John’s Wood community for over ten years, this new facility offers almost instant access to doctors when you need them most.
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY SERVICE
The improved clinic has a designated children’s waiting area and treatment rooms, and is for all the family, including children aged one and up.
A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS
The clinic can treat minor injuries and illnesses; including sprains, strains and fractures; cuts, burns and grazes; eye and ear infections; stomach bugs, and colds. If you’re not sure whether you should come in, give the friendly team a call and they can help.
If needed, instant referrals can be arranged for tests and scans (including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI), physiotherapy, and specialist consultations –all under one roof in John & Lizzie’s comfortable
VISIT THE URGENT CARE CLINIC
The clinic is part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, which is a short walk from St John’s Wood station. Initial consultations with a doctor cost £120. If you need any scans, tests, or further treatment, these will be charged extra.
OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday
8am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm) Weekends
8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)
The Kensington Wing
The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.
Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.
To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.
THE DETAILS
If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk
The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.
The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.
The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.