LEMON Magazine - Autumn Edition by Lemonsmagazine

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F O R CO O L K I DS & R EA L MOT H E R S

BACK TO SCHOOL Style On the Go!

MOTHERHOOD AT DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES Embracing the Challenge

MYSTICAL MOTHERHOOD Spiritual Practices

CLOSET

Nicky Hilton

@catarinaarosa

BACK TO SCHOOL? BOSS MUM, BÁRBARA PERINO

We’re just back from vacation and, let me tell you, I’ve been at it like a travel addict! They opened the borders and I did not stop! First to the amazing “gypset” Italian island of Panarea (sans kids), and then to Greece, the Maldives and Dubai (this time with my babies)! Make sure to check out the website for my tips on these destinations too. Now that we’re back home, the questions emerging are “How long are schools going to remain open now? Is the virus under control? Should we vaccinate our child?” If I had to guess, I would wager that schools will be open for a while before something changes and then something else and then something else again. The virus under control? Not yet, but life goes on. And about vaccination for kids, I still don’t know what to think. But enough of this virus! In this edition you will find a super cool dad, a mum with super powers, an amazing family home, lots about travel and, as always, the latest trends in kids fashion! The editorials are TOP, and once again we thank all our teams, especially my in-house team, always turning up with their A-game. Yesterday I told my older child that school was about to start again and he practically went into shock: “What? But I’m not ready! What?” He has anxiety about school because of his ADHD. I think I also had ADHD back in the day, but the label didn’t exist at the time (nor was today’s level of help available either). I must confess I’ve tried everything with Zion: Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, “conventional” medicine, changes of diet, everything you can image. It’s so difficult when your child loses their confidence and things are harder for them than other kids. But I also believe that

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his emotional intelligence is up to the challenge. He is an indigo kid. And even if it’s a bit tough, I know he will be a great and successful human being. That’s my Zion, now 13 and sweet as always. Another year, another cycle of attempted treatment. This time we’re trying Chinese and Japanese medicine and he is responding well. I definitely find them less invasive than taking pills every day! And of course, us parents are currently gearing up for another year of school and busy mornings too. I truly hope you enjoy this edition and please share your thoughts about vaccination for kids and ADHD with us via Instagram! Your mum boss, B @ _barbaraperino

Boss mum wearing Karavan Clothing

I’m Coming Over Happy Memories Are Made of You and Me Together

Let’s Smile! Shopping Pages

Acid Choices Oliver Furniture

Fast Questions 5 Brands Talk About Their Day-To-Day Work, Aspirations and Achievements

Power Mum Chriselle Lim

Motherhood Shopping Pages

Lemonising Wooden Story

Supa Dupa Shopping Pages

Too Cool for School Hurry Up, It’s Time for School

Mystical Motherhood Spiritual Practices

Back to School Shopping pages

Cool Dad Jacob Pedrana

Motherhood At Different Ages and Stages Embracing The Challenge of Motherhood at Different Stages

Wonderkid Akira Akbar

Raw Family Andrea Duclos

He’s Fresh! Shopping Pages Staycation Peace And Quiet for You

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Arty For The Little Ones

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Family Home Graciela Raquel Gauna

Walpole Bay Timeless As the Tides

Closet Nicky Hilton

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Home Shopping Pages

Body- Positivity Accounts You Must Follow

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Together again! Time for Work and Time for Fun!

Travel Oceania With The Awol Family

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School Bell Shopping Pages

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Sexual Pain After Pregnancy and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy A Simple Solution for A Taboo Topic

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Never Lose Your Smile Breast Cancer

The Way Shopping Pages

Autumn Tan? Yes, it’s Possible! Shopping Pages

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Recipe The Perks of Plant-Based

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LEMON Shots A Quarterly Dose of Love for Our Favourite Brands…

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The Mum Issue All Mums Have Issues. It Just Happens That I Have More…

Back To Street Untamed Freedom and Stories Untold Streets Of Fire Shopping Pages

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Mummy Confessions Let’s Get Real for A Minute

Beautiful wildflowers, grow untamed

Everything, in time

FOUNDER & EDITOR- IN - CHIEF Bárbara Perino P E R S O N A L A S S I S TA N T T O T H E E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F Isabel Matias Go where you breathe free

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Bárbara Perino

FA S H I O N E D I T O R Annah Segarra

Don’t just exist, live

EDITOR IN CHARGE L a r a Fr a n co G o m e s Be steady in the soul, and free in the spirit

WRITERS Ana Roque Erica Loi L a r a Fr a n co G o m e s

ISSN 218 4 -7 3 8 Xv

Become the love you search for

PHOTOGR APHY Carmen Ordónez Fr a n c k M a l t h i e r y Gemma Booth L e o n i e Fr e e m a n Ulla Nyeman

Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable

OWNER All Things Lemon Lda VAT P T 515 2 0 45 4 4 PRINTING KO PA w w w. ko p a .e u

CONTRIBUTORS Claire Russell Manuela Marques

Give it to the universe

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Erica Loi c o m m e r c i a l @ m y l e m o n m a g a z i n e .c o m ONLINE m y l e m o n m a g a z i n e .c o m Instagram lemon.mag FB lemon.mag g

ART DIRECTOR Pedro Leitão Escape the ordinary

PROOF READER Ke n n i sTr a n s l a t i o n s

No one sees what you see, even if they see it too

STYLING Annah Segarra C a p u c i n e Te r r i n Emma Macfarlane Julie Vianey Tr a c e y J a co b

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MAKE-UP & HAIR Amy Sachon Jo Gilling w ater María Borrás Tina Monzón

Go on, burn a while

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F O R CO O L K I DS & R EA L MOT H E R S

BACK TO SCHOOL Style On the Go!

MOTHERHOOD AT DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES Embracing the Challenge

MYSTICAL MOTHERHOOD Spiritual Practices

CLOSET

Nicky Hilton

Exist loudly

DESIGN P a co t e d e A ç ú c a r D e s i g n g e r a l @ p a c o t e d e a c u c a r d e s i g n .c o m Diogo Sargento | Image Retouch Shut terstock | Image Bank I L L U S T R AT I O N Catarina, a Rosa @catarinaarosa

Storm in your eyes, peace in your smile

Jumper The Animals Observatory Collar stylist’s own

molo.com

“I’M COMING OVER!” Happy memories are made of you and me together, playing free. It’s that simple! I always know there are good times ahead when you call and say you’re coming over. Photography Gemma Booth Styling Emma Macfarlane M o d e l s Va l e n t y n a - G r a c e a n d G a l o r, F r i e d a - K i d s L o n d o n , Drew and Niamh - Bruce and Brown

VALENTYNA Cardigan Molo Top Wynken Trousers The Animals Observatory Socks Bobo Choses Pumps and belt Sticky Lemon NIAMH Scarf Sticky Lemon Collar Wolf & Rita Polo neck Repose AMS Pants Bobo Choses Socks Repose AMS Trainers Tiny Cottons Jacket The New Society FREIDA Shirt Molo Cardigan Fish & Kids Belt Repose AMS Skirt Bobo Choses Leggings The Middle Daughter Socks Wynken Trainers Stella McCartney

NIAMH Shirt The New Society Dress Tambere Pants and trainers Tiny Cottons Socks Monkind Cap Repose AMS DREW Crown and jacket Misha & Puff Dress Tambere Bag Zara Belt Repose AMS Tee Bobo Choses

FREIDA Shirt Molo Cardigan Fish & Kids Belt Repose AMS Skirt Bobo Choses Leggings The Middle Daughter Socks Wynken Trainers Stella McCartney VALENTYNA Cardigan Molo Top Wynken Trousers The Animals Observatory Socks Bobo Choses Pumps and belt Sticky Lemon

DREW Crown and jacket Misha & Puff Dress Tambere Bag Zara Belt Repose AMS Tee Bobo Choses NIAMH Shirt The New Society Dress Tambere Pants and trainers Tiny Cottons Socks Monkind Cap Repose AMS

FREIDA Knit Hat Wolf & Rita Shirt Rachel Riley Cardigan Bobo Choses Trousers Caroline Bosmans Socks Wynken Belt Repose AMS Pumps Sticky Lemon

VALENTYNA Shirt Bonnet à Pompon Jacket Misha & Puff Belt Sticky Lemon Trousers Fish & Kids Pumps Sticky Lemon

DREW Jacket Wander & Wonder Belt Bobo Choses

DREW Shirt Rachel Riley Dress and t-shirt Bobo Choses Mittens Misha & Puff Leggings The Middle Daughter Trainers Stella McCartney

VALENTYNA Dress The Middle Daughter Cardigan The Animals Observatory Belt Bag Sticky Lemon Trousers Il Gulfo Jacket The New Society Socks The Animals Observatory Sliders Bobo Choses

FREIDA Shirt The New Society Dress The Animals Observatory Denim gillet Stella McCartney Belt Repose AMS Trousers Misha & Puff Socks Bobo Choses Sandal Young Soles

FREIDA Shirt Tiny Cottons Dress, belt and socks Repose AMS Pants Bobo Choses Pumps Sticky Lemon NIAMH Jumper Bellarose Skirt Wolf & Rita Trousers Monkind Socks Collegien Shoes Young Soles DREW Shirt The Animals Observatory Cardigan Fish & Kids Jacket Repose AMS Belt Bobo Choses Skirt Tiny Cottons Socks Jimmy Lion Trainers Stella McCartney

VALENTYNA Dress Strawberries and Cream Tee Repose AMS Belt Sticky Lemon Trousers Il Gulfo Socks The Animals Observatory Pumps Sticky Lemon

FREIDA Shirt dress Repose AMS Jumper The Animals Observatory Tights Bobo Choses Trainers Stella McCartney

NIAMH Knit cardi Finger In The Nose Cardigan Fish & Kids Tee Bobo Choses Belt and skirt Repose AMS Trainers Tiny Cottons Socks Arket DREW Jacket Suuky Polo neck The Middle Daughter Dress Bonmot Leggings and belts Repose AMS Trainers Stella McCartney Socks Bobo Choses

D i g i t a l O p e r a t o r M a r i j a Styling Assistant Coco Blossom Thanks to Rabbits - Winter and Echo (Black & White Podkin de Pom Pom and Grey Blue Fuzz y Dusk)

NIAMH Glasses Very French Gangsters Top The Animals Observatory Top Molo Skirt The Middle Daughter Pants Play Up Socks Hundred Pieces Trainers Tiny Cottons

LET’S SMILE! W h e n you l oo k a t m e a nd s m i l e, I s m i l e r i g h t b a c k a t you. I c a n’t he l p i t, w ha t a m I t o d o? L i f e is a l wa ys l ig h t e r, s i m p l e r a nd h a p p i e r w h e n eve r I ’m w i t h you !

Stella McCartney

By Emma Macfarlane

Wolf & Rita

Nellie Quats

Bobo Choses

Fish & Kids

Wolf & Rita

Molo Play Up

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The New Society

Very French Gangsters Sticky Lemon

Nellie Quats

Sticky Lemon

Wander & Wonder

Play Up Play Up

Bobo Choses

Raspberry Plum

Bonnet à Pompon Meri Meri

Rachel Riley

Young Soles

Caroline Bosmans

Tambere

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ACID CHOICES

OLIVER FURNITURE Danish brand OLIVER FURNITURE is based just north of Copenhagen, sandwiched between the power of the ocean and the magnificence of the forest. Founded in 2003 by cabinet maker and designer Søren Rørbæk, Oliver Furniture has nature at the core of its DNA. By Erica Loi Photography courtesy of Oliver Furniture

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Responsibility and sustainability are inseparable for Oliver Furniture. All their products are made at modern European furniture factories operating under fair and sustainable conditions. Their furniture is made with wood sourced from certified forests and other controlled sources. All the companies that Oliver Furniture use to produce their products have a strong sustainable ethos. They work together on the basis of honesty and loyalty and have a common professional understanding of furniture making. It goes without saying that all their products are treated with non-toxic, water-based lacquer and paint. Beautifully created furniture from inception to the modern-day family home is at the core of the brand’s

scope. The furniture design is seamless, allowing each product to blend into the family home. The design is clean and linear, creating space for imagination and creativity. The furniture is made in a way to encourage our children to create their imaginary worlds in blanketed forts, whisper tales at bedtime and read under the covers. Most importantly, the designs are cleverly constructed to stand the test of time. Longevity and quality is what Oliver Furniture does best. www.oliverfurniture.com

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FAST QUESTIONS

DAY-TO-DAY We ask five brands about their day-to-day work, aspirations and achievements. By Erica Loi Photography rights reserved

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EDX EDUCATION

Edx Education is an educational toy brand established in 1996 by Australian founder, Murray Jackson. Murray’s background is in mining, steel and oil, a long way from the educational toys industry! Murray was inspired to start Edx Education due to the lack of quality school and educational products available in the Australian market and chose to base the company in Taiwan because of its high-quality manufacturing capability. Here we ask Heather Welch, international brand manager, based in the U.K., some questions:

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How big is your team? Who is the head designer and what’s his or her background? Edx Education is a bit scattered around the world, with around 40 people in head office in Taiwan alongside the manufacturing teams, and smaller offices in the UK and Canada. Edx Education’s Product Team works with educational experts and consultants in conjunction with our Head Creator,

Pony, who has designed many of our educational products and the original Rainbow Pebbles. What is Edx Education’s ethos? Developing an educational experience for children through play-based toys and hands-on learning – as we like to say, learning through play or learning without realising it. What exciting projects do you have coming up with Edx education? We are excited to launch a new and improved STEAM range in 2021 for kids aged four and up to combine play with science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. Little engineers and builders will have fun with the construction ranges! What one thing would you say to parents about buying toys for their kids? What should they look out for? Look for a toy that is safety compliant to your country’s standards, has educational value and multiple uses: open-ended toys create and foster

imagination, allowing children who are naturally curious to explore and experiment through play-based learning. Parents should opt for an active toy that a child can play with, rather than a toy that plays with a child. What three tips can you give to our readers to develop “play” towards educational learning? Follow the lead of the child. Allow the child to participate in unstructured play using their imagination. Children will communicate through their play. Remember there are many types of play from quiet to active, parallel to associative, and so much more. Simplicity is key. Providing simple activities for the child is best. Find toys that will work for multiple uses and ages – from water play, inside or outside play, etc. – and provide hours of entertainment. Encourage and engage. If you find you need to encourage your child, start by showing them how the activity works then allow them to see how they would like to play with it. www.shopedx.co.uk

STYCH ACCESSORIES

Stych began from a desire to design accessories for the whole family and in a way which is easy to make a gift of. Clare Weston and Jo Galvin launched at the end of 2019. Here we ask Clare, co-founder of Stych, some questions.

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How big is your team? Who is the head designer and what’s his or her background? This time last year there were only two of us: me and Jo. Now we are a team of six. I am the designer for Stych. I specialise in kidswear and accessories and have designed for premium and high street retailers. I worked for WGSN trend forecasters as a kidswear trend specialist and designer, which gave me the insight and knowledge to be a better designer. Both Jo and I have combined experience in design and buying and both love an accessory.

Jo is meticulous in developing the perfect shopping experience for the customer and delivers the highest level of performance. We are very lucky to have a launch pad of Smallworld Accessories, for which we were given the task to create an online accessories brand. We were given an opportunity to create a brand that makes you smile, perfects gifting for the whole family and creates a playful experience.

What exciting projects do you have coming up with Stych? We’ve had some challenges this year, but one of our original ideas was to create a slumber gift set. We have developed Stych printed organic pjs with matching accessories and we are pleased to be broadening our offer for boys with more gender-neutral styles, all gifted in a bag of course. A perfect stocking filler for the night before Christmas.

What is Stych’s ethos? We want to slow the cycle of accessory buying down and believe in making people smile. We want Stych to be mostly about gifting thoughtful accessories that are to be kept and handed down. Our gifting includes Stych printed boxes and bags, which are to be filled, gifted, kept and reused. And to create pure joy when both gifting and receiving a gift.

What’s your favourite accessory designed by you? I often grab my glue gun and bury my head in my fabric box where I recycle and keep old samples and fabric swatches. I made a clip with some vintage lace found in a flea market, added tulle, filled it with some sequins and created a beautiful shaker bow clip and headband, which has been placed into production overseas and is available for purchase online. It’s

good to always create something new with something old. What one accessory would you take on a desert island and why? A jersey headband. It’s perfect to keep your hair in check, could be multifunctional as a bandeau ‘bikini’ top, makes a good bandage if you’re injured and could even be used as a slingshot to get a mango out of the tree! www.stychaccessories.com

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DOTTE dotte was launched in 2020 by good friends Samantha Valentine and Louise Weiss. They were both so frustrated with the lack of options when it came to shopping second hand for their little ones that they decided to do it themselves! They wanted to create a community space that offered parents a fully circular solution to the fastest area of fashion – and dotte was born! Their community can now buy, sell, donate and recycle all in one place. How big is your team and what is everyone’s role? We’re currently a team of four – with more joining us in the near future! As community and collaboration are at the heart of dotte, we very much apply this to our ways of working. Even though we all look after the running of specific areas of the business (for example Steph runs our marketing and Corrie looks after our social media), we all pitch in with everything – from content to customer service. It was really important for us to create an open and transparent work environment from day one.

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What are dotte’s values? We have six values which echo through everything we do: be kind, be you, be free, be in it for the journey, be better together and be open to discovery. As well as our values, two things that sit at the very heart of our mission are community and sustainability. More than just a marketplace, dotte is fundamentally a community of parents learning how to live a more sustainable family life and celebrating each other’s achievements along the way. We’re discovering a different, slower way to clothe our kids. One that goes beyond high street and habit and celebrates the joy of everyday shifts towards more sustainable living.

What exciting projects do you have coming up with dotte? We have so many exciting things up our sleeves! But one of the things we’re particularly excited about is our resale collective. Some of the most progressive kidswear brands out there are choosing dotte as their official resale partner, such as Tobias and the Bear and Turtle Dove London. These designers are really embracing resale culture and are encouraging their customers to resell outgrown clothes on dotte, which is really exciting! And the best bit? Parents who sell any of these brands on dotte will actually get rewarded by the brands themselves for doing their bit in the form of discounts and other perks! Whoop! We’re so proud to be working with these gorgeous brands. Supporting parents to adopt an ethos of

‘buy better, then resell’, rather than ‘buy fast, then trash’, is such an important part of our mission. What one thing would you say to parents about buying second hand for their kids? What should they look out for? At dotte we’re all about buying less and buying better. We can automatically extend the life cycle of our kid’s clothes by choosing brands that are sustainably made and longer lasting over those that are cheaply (and unethically) produced (see our resale collective for some of the best sustainable brands out there!). But we’re not about guilting people about their purchasing habits – just by shopping second-hand on dotte you can single-handedly save around 2,000 litres

of water (based on WWF calculations for the manufacture of one cotton t-shirt). That’s enough to fill 444 prosecco glasses! Small lifestyle shifts like this can have a hugely significant impact on our planet – and deserve to be celebrated! How easy is it to sell on dotte? In the words of our community member Amy Sharp, “I’ve been listing on other sites for years and found it time consuming and pretty unsuccessful generally. Dotte has been so much easier, whether I’m listing a one-off or a group of items. It takes minutes and is really straightforward. I’ve made quick sales and won’t go elsewhere!” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!

What three tips can you give our readers in terms of living more sustainably? I read something recently that really hit the nail on the head… “It’s about millions of people doing things imperfectly rather than a handful of people doing this perfectly.” Start with one thing that you can easily build into your life. Swap your toothbrushes first. Switch to a sustainable toilet roll subscription like “Who Gives A Crap.” Small changes that don’t overwhelm you. Oh, and of course, try out dotte! Not only will you clear some space in your kids’ wardrobe, but you will also earn some money AND do a massive favour for your planet. Just list a single item and you’ll see how easy it is. www.wearedotte.com

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MONKIND

Valeria Popov studied fashion design and has always dreamt of having her own sustainable fashion brand. It was only after both her kids were born in 2011 and 2013 that she started to explore kid’s fashion and realised that it was something she really wanted to do. Her husband Stewart joined the managing department and MONKIND was born in 2014 in Berlin, where they’re still based with their Store and Studio.

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How big is your team and what is everyone’s role? Our Core Team is Stewart for the managing/wholesale part, me for the Design, and Merle is managing the Berlin Store’s team of 5 and our Web shop.

What are MONKIND’s values? From the outset we have focused on finding the most sustainable, natural and organic fabrics in the market and producing them in the most sustainable way. We focus on designing unisex pieces that are easily mixed and matched and are also made to last. That “Berlin vibe” mixed with easy-going comfort and a muted colour palette is our identity. What exciting projects do you have coming up with Monkind? We love to collaborate with other creatives, illustrators, artists, photographers and other brands. I think we can all enrich each other. This Autumn we have a collaboration with Berlin based illustrator ‘Gretas Schwester’, who came up with some fun prints for AW21. For next spring we have teamed up with a Portuguese shoe brand to create some

very cool sandals made from recycled and organic materials. How are your collections sustainable and what questions should we be asking when buying items? We only use organic and natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, lyocell and wool. We try to avoid using any kind of fossil fuel-based materials. Accessories such as buttons are made from wood or coconut, tag labels are from cotton, and packaging is made from recycled materials. Visiting our production partners in Portugal frequently also ensures that our quality standards are met as well as the working conditions for our workers. When buying clothes nowadays, there is unfortunately a lot of greenwashing. Look closely at where the items are made, what the brand says about the production and

materials used, and watch out for vague marketing-terms such as “green”, “fair”, “conscious”. What’s the best thing about working in a family-run business? The best thing about running a family business is that we’re always together. The kids have been part of building this business and have grown up with it. For them to experience first-hand that hard work and passion pay off is what we always wanted them to experience. It’s also been really exciting to get their feedback about new collections. They were, are and always will be our best critics. www.monkind.com

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POWER MUM

INSPIRING BEAUTY Chriselle Lim is a stylist, Digital Influencer and an inspiration for women all over the world. By Bárbara Perino Photography courtesy of Chriselle Lim Illustration Catarina, a Rosa @catarinaarosa

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Chriselle founded her blog The Chriselle Factor and launched her YouTube channel to chronicle her daily musings and personal style and to help women discover their true beauty. She started off her fashion career as a wardrobe stylist and is now one of the most influential tastemakers on the web. LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: It’s so nice to interview you! What are you up to at the moment? Chriselle Lim [C.L.]: Finally putting my two girls down for bed and catching up with some work while face masking! LEMON: Where are you currently? C.L.: Los Angeles, California LEMON: Our magazine is proudly influenced by mums like you! Tell us a bit of what changed when you became a mum? C.L.: I was still the same person on the outside – I loved fashion, beauty, travelling, and so on… But on the inside, I became a different person. My purpose and reason for being completely changed. That is how my company Bumo was born. I was frustrated with the lack of options working moms had once they became a mother and decided to create a system that would enable parents, especially mothers, to stay in the workforce and continue their career QUESTIONS FOR THE GIRLS C&C Blue or pink? Pink Dress or trousers? Trousers Playing indoors or outdoors? Outdoors Chocolate or strawberries? Chocolate

while they are an awesome present parent. Bumo is all about integrations – work and parenting don’t have to be a binary decision anymore… they can co-exist, and we believe that the future of family is all about integration. LEMON: How old are your girls? C.L.: They are 6 and 3 years old. LEMON: Would you say they are more like you or their dad? C.L.: My oldest looks like her dad but has my personality (more introverted and quiet). My youngest looks like me but has the personality of her dad (more social and outgoing). LEMON: Give us three adjectives that describe C&C? C.L.: Chloe: observant, thoughtful and determined.Colette: silly, adaptable and easy-going LEMON: What’s the biggest challenge of being a mum? C.L.: Allowing your kids to experience all the hard emotions – sadness, anger, fear, etc. It’s easy to just coddle them and protect them, but sometimes the best thing you can do is let them experience these things on their own so they can build their confidence and strength. Let them fall, but instead of you picking them up, teach them how they can pick themselves back up.

"It’s easy to just coddle them and protect them, but sometimes the best thing you can do is let them experience these things on their own so they can build their confidence and strength.”

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LEMON: What is your daily routine? C.L.: I wake up at 6 am and meditate and read for about 30 mins. If I’m lucky I’ll get a 30 min work out in (I use the Pvolve app). By 7:30 the kids are up and it’s all about getting them ready, breakfast and so on. Usually, we are out the door by 8:30 - 9 am. Between 9 and 3 is when I get ALL my work done. I pack my schedule with all the meetings I need to take and film the content I need to film for the day. 3 to 5 pm is when I take the kids to their extracurricular activities like horse riding and then from 6 pm is dinner time and we go into the night-time routine from there. The kids are usually in bed by 8:30 pm and after the kids go down, I catch up on a bit of work, usually with a face mask and a candle… I’m all about double duty! LEMON: What activities do you most like doing with your kids? C.L.: One of my favourite things is to be outdoors! Whether it be bike riding or horse riding or swimming. We always like to take advantage of this amazing weather here in LA! LEMON: You are not just an amazing mum, you are a super influencer and entrepreneur. Tell us a bit about Bumo? C.L.: Thank you! Bumo was born out of necessity. I had this idea after I had my first child Chloe and realised the lack of options parents had, especially mothers. I felt like I had to make a binary decision of being a great parent OR a career woman. It was either I put my kid into day-care and not see them at all for the rest of the day so I can work full time OR I stay at home with my kid all day and give up on my career. So I decided to start Bumo, which is essentially a workspace for working parents with fully licensed on-site childcare. It’s nothing ground-breaking, which is why I was so shocked that it had not been done before. There have been iterations of it but not fully executed to the extent that Bumo is. Most places are not fully licensed, which means legally they cannot feed or nap a child, nor can they change their diapers. And that is why it was important to get Bumo fully

licensed, so if a parent needs to use our space all day, they can come in with their kid and be there ALL DAY. They can integrate their parenting life with their workday, having a little lunch with them, a snack break, a mummy & me class. It’s all about integration. We believe that the future of family and work is all about integration LEMON: What inspired you to start Bumoparent? C.L.: I personally needed it myself and all the other working parents around me were just struggling for more support. It was my community that really inspired me to start Bumo. LEMON: Now let’s get down to fashion… What is the C&C style? C.L.: Oh goodness, well both Chloe and Colette do NOT allow me to dress them. They are very specific about what they like. Usually the brighter the colour the better, more sparkles the better, and if Elsa’s face is on it... then we are on a winner. I don’t believe in trying to force kids to wear certain things. Fashion is an expression of oneself and I allow my kids to wear what they feel most excited about!

LEMON: Do you have any favourite kids brands? C.L.: There’s so many cool brands out there for kids. Zara kids is always reliable but there are other cute brands such as Hart+Land for cute pjs and basics, Lovely Littles has some cute stuff, and I also love the subscription programme Dopple! For kids’ accessories, my go to is In Favor Of. LEMON: Do you have any favourite brands? C.L.: This is a hard question for me as I have A LOT of favourite brands and cool new brands pop up every day. I really love to wear Isabell Marant, The Frankie Shop, Victoria Beckham... LEMON: How would you describe your style? C.L.: Classic and timeless with an edge. LEMON: Where do you see your family in 5 years? C.L.: Healthy and happy kids that are confident. I would also love to do a bit

of travelling together with the girls! That would be a dream! Also my girls are obsessed with horses, so maybe by then they will have their own horse and a little barn… That would be a dream! LEMON: What’s your top teachings to your girls? That you would like for them to take into their adult life? C.L.: Never silence your truth – always use your voice to speak up, even if it’s scary. To be brave and always lean into your fear! LEMON: What do you think of when you think of lemons? C.L.: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! When life throws you a curveball, know that you will come out of it stronger, wiser and better than you could ever have imagined! thechrisellefactor.com @chrisellelim

QUICK QUESTIONS Skirt or shorts? Skirt City or beach? Beach Lemon or peach? Lemon Dinner with the gals or the hubbie? Dinner with the gals

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MOTHERHOOD A teacher, a nurse, a cook, a chauffeur and a friend. My mum is all these things and more. And yours? By Boss mum

De-sunglasses at Wolf & Badger

Saint Lauren

Royal Fern

Wildthings at Anthropologie

Matla at Wolf & Badger

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Zimmermann

Victoria Beckham Laines London at Wolf & Badger

Gucci

Holzweiler

Mango

Khaite

Gucci

Carolina Curado

Allie Black

Annie Bing Josefinas

Punica

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LEMONISING

WOODEN STORY Founded by Grandfather Borowy in 1969, Wooden Story creates toys and furniture from the woods to your home. Now it is Gosia and Wiesiek Borowy’s fabulous brand to grow and share with us all. By Erica Loi

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Wooden Story is a sustainable artisanal toy brand that really does use only the most ecological of materials. Compared to most toys on the market, which make up 95% of the industry, Wooden Story is in the unique 5% which adheres to very strict rules, including using only FSC certified wood (avoiding tropical forest wood, for example, which is a home to so many animals) and eco certified paints, beeswax and botanical oils instead of chemical top coatings or varnishes. A Wooden Story toy is as natural as you can get. The craftsmanship is incredible. It takes 2 hours to produce a standard machine-made toy, compared to 3 days for a Wooden Story toy. This includes the manual sanding, polishing and waxing. We speak to Gosia Borowy, co-founder of the brand: What’s in store for Wooden Story in AW21? We are so excited to be launching a totally new line of products. The line is connected to our granddaughter Antonina. Her presence in this world has made my dreams become reality. The collection is a big surprise and lots of fun! We can’t wait to launch it! Also in September we will name the winner of our PURE design contest at the Maison & Objet (our official Partner for the contest). What’s THE toy to buy from the collection? I would recommend all our toys of

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course, but if I had to choose one then I must admit I’m in love with the Magic Forest and Secret Garden collections. They are full of magic and secrets and they light up my imagination. Wooden Story is one of the most natural toy brands in the world. What new and innovative projects are you developing? Firstly, we do everything possible to stay as we are, by which I mean being as sustainable in our production and products as we possibly can. This is the most important thing. We continue to help the bee community by adding honey bearing flower seeds to our toy orders. We encourage you to plant honey flowers wherever possible: on balconies, meadows, parks, in a pot on the windowsill. We are also working with the FSC organisation to save the forests.

Describe the day-to-day work that goes on behind Wooden Story HQ. There are so many things going on every day at Wooden Story. The day is usually buzzing, full of jobs to get done, tasks, surprises, passions, new ideas. But there is always time for coffee and a chat in order to create together. We have meetings throughout the day with all the different teams about production, orders and the best solutions for new ideas. Nature is your biggest inspiration at Wooden Story, but what else makes your imagination run wild to create such magical toys? The real inspiration is all our world. Our point is to look beyond the usual areas of beauty. Not to focus on a special place or moment but to open our whole heart, mind, senses and feelings. If we are positive and open then the inspiration will come and fulfil our imagination, mind, body and soul. Will you be at any fairs in 20212022 that our readers can come and visit you at? Yes, we will be at Maison & Objet in Paris in September 2021. Have you thought about expanding into toys for older children? Educational toys for school age perhaps? All our toys are already educational and in the Montessori or Waldorf range. However, we are creating a surprise collection for older kids in winter 2021.

SHOPPING AT WOODEN STORY

Wooden blocks in tray

Doll set beech and walnut

Twist the blocks

Wooden storage crate on wheels

Wooden needle set Rainbow blocks

Heart teether

30’s car in a box

Vintage bowling set

Rabbit teethed

Swirling spinner toy Rainbow blocks in sack

Pram

woodenstory.pl

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TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL “Hurry up, it’s time for school” or “Go to bed, it's a school night!”. Every day, it’s always the same. My parents just don’t understand, it takes some time to look cool, man!

Photography Carmen Ordónez Styling Annah Segarra Creative Direction Carmen Ordónez and Annah Segarra Hair and Make - up Tina Monzón – Kasteel Ar tist Management for Guerlain, M a r í a B o r r á s , O o r i b e a n d Te r m i t e r M i x O f i c i a l Models Melania, Ada – Sugar Kids

MELANIA Cap and dress Wander & Wonder T-shirt and socks The Campamento Shoes Manuela de Juan ADA Cardigan Bobo Choses Sweater The Campamento Dress Kids on the Moon Glasses Very French Gangsters Socks Bobo Choses Shoes Manuela de Juan

Cap Wander & Wonder T-shirt Molo Shirt Wolf & Rita Dungarees Bonnet à Pompon Shoes Manuela de Juan

MELANIA Dress Wolf & Rita Shirt Wynken Foulard Cyrillus Bag Sticky Lemon

ADA Cardigan and shirt Bonnet à Pompon Dress Kids on the Moon Cap Wynken

MELANIA Cardigan, t-shirt and belt Wolf & Rita Dress and socks The Campamento Shoes Manuela de Juan

MELANIA Cap and dress Wander & Wonder T-shirt and socks The Campamento Shoes Manuela de Juan

ADA Cardigan Bobo Choses Sweater The Campamento Dress Kids on the Moon Glasses Very French Gangsters Socks Bobo Choses Shoes Manuela de Juan -

MELANIA Sweatshirt Bobo Choses Skirt Wynken Scarf Bonnet à Pompon Backpack Sticky Lemon

Coat Zadig & Voltaire Sweater Little Marc Jacobs Skirt and socks Bobo Choses Scrunchie Wolf & Rita

Photo Assistant Rober t Gascó

Created to support and empower mamas like you from bump to baby & beyond. We invited our amazing community to feature in our latest shoot to celebrate the making of a mama, including Deborah and her little one Kimberly. As a new mum, she’s learning to love her ‘new’ body; being grateful for what it’s achieved and welcoming her stretch marks as a “badge of honour”. At MORI, we’re here to help mamas embrace all the changes being a mother brings, so her beautiful body has not been retouched, and no mama’s ever will be.

Deborah

save 20%

11 weeks after giving birth, with Kimberly

use code: LEMON20

babymori.com Join our community @babymoriofficial #IamaMORImama

*20% off full price items, for new customers only, with code LEMON20. One use per customer. Valid until midnight on 31st October 2021. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Only valid for use at babymori.com. Cannot be redeemed in any retail partnerships stocking MORI.

made for mamas, by mamas

BACK TO SCHOOL N ew c l ass , n ew t e a c he r, new lu nc h b ox , new p e n c i ls , n ew b oo k s . . . s a m e o l d m e t houg h , n o t wa n t i n g t o g e t u p s o e a r l y ! By Annah Segarra

Givenchy

Paul Smith

Little Marc Jacobs

Billie Blush

Molo

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Bonnet à Pompon Wolf & Rita

The Middle Daughter

Timberland

Sticky Lemon

Toastie

Start Rite

Mustard Made The Campamento

Toastie

The New Society

Stella MacCartney

Wooden Story

Stych

Bobux

Tia Cibani

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COOL DAD

PAINT ME PERFECT Jacob Pedrana is a 36-year-old artist/surfer from North Bondi in New South Wales, Australia. He’s a father to Ryka and shares parenting duties with his ex-partner and close friend Kendal Lee Schuler. He enjoys getting in the ocean every morning before coming back in to paint. His passion is creating a great world for his beautiful son! By Bárbara Perino Photography courtesy of Jacob Pedrana

LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Let’s do things a little differently! I’m currently on a surf vacay with a couple of friends in the Maldives and each of them will ask you a question too… Is that, ok? Jacob Pedrana [J.P.]: Hey, yeah, that’s good for me! LEMON: Here we go! Me first! You’re such a cool dad and I love your art and vibe! How old is your child? J.P.: Thank you for the kind words. My beautiful boy is four and a half. LEMON: Where do you guys live? J.P.: We live in North Bondi. Close to the water. LEMON: What changed after you became a dad? J.P.: Not much changed. Other than having my best little mate help me out with the painting. I’ve always wanted to be a father and I couldn’t have asked for a better son. LEMON: What’s a perfect day for you and your little one? J.P.: The perfect day for me is waking up and talking about the dreams we had. Then coffee (of course). After that we decide where the day will take us. Usually to the beach and then the studio LEMON: And your daily family routine? J.P.: Our daily family routine is eating well and getting some sunshine. We eat meat in my household and make sure it’s from good sources/butchers. The paints I use aren’t organic though. LEMON: Is your kid arty? J.P.: Ryka is arty. Runs in the blood. LEMON: What do you do in your spare time? J.P.: When I’m not painting, I’m either surfing or procrastinating.

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LEMON: Ok, now to my friends. Sorry in advance for any weird questions!  Marco: What inspires you to paint? J.P.: My inspiration for painting is my son. I’d like to show him that you can make a good living off creating. They should push this more in school. Pedro: Do you get time for yourself? J.P.: I get heaps of spare time, which is used wisely. Zé: Do you imagine your son following in your footsteps? J.P.: I want Ryka to find his passion, and if painting is that, then I’ll be chuffed. Rute: Have you and your son made any artwork together? J.P.: Yep, we paint most nights. It’s not for sale though. Rute: What’s the funniest and the worst comment you’ve received about your work? J.P.: Nothing really funny, just nice feedback usually. Sometimes I get trolls and haters, but I just send them love. Rute: What’s your favourite colour? J.P.: Pink. Rita: Are you single? J.P.: Yep. Rita: Can I get your number? Please e-mail it to LEMON Magazine headquarters! J.P.: We’ll see... Dacia: Where’s the best place to surf in the world? J.P.: Bondi. LEMON: Thank you for being such an inspiration and all the best! PS – Feel free to send me a paiting! @jakeypedro

Putting their Rite foot forward. Part of the Start-Rite family startriteshoes.com

HE’S FRESH! Dedicated, relentless, brave, strong… and let’s just keep them fresh! Here are some super cool pieces for all the baby daddies out there! By Boss mum

Maison Les Énervés at Wolf & Badger

Alanui at Mr Porter

Etro at Mr Porter

alanui

Pangaia

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Good & Well Supply Co. at Urban Outfitters

Mango

Standard Cloth at Urban Outfitters

Huf at Tillys

Jacques Marie Mage at Mr Porter

Dries Van Noten at Mr Porter Ohema Ohene at Wolf & Badger

Sandro

Happy Nuts at Urban Outfitters

Lacoste

Vans at Tillys

New Wave

Paul James Knitwear at Wolf & Badge

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What to Pack for a Playful Staycation with Kids? Whether you’re flying abroad or staycationing, the thought of travelling with kids and keeping them entertained without the usual host of toys at hand can be a daunting one! So before you head off on your holidays, here’s a few of my top tips for what to pack to ensure a playful break for them and a bit of peace and quiet for you! By Early Years Specialist and Play Coach, Claire Russell

First things first, you’ve got to get to your destination! Audio books are fantastic for warding off that dreaded backseat chime of ‘are we nearly there yet?’. Plus, kids can listen on a tablet with a pair of headphones leaving you free to tune in to your own grown-up choice of music. There’s also the old classics such as spotting things out of the window, I spy, counting numbers and letters on registration plates – check out Journey playPROMPTS! for 100 quick and easy play ideas. Don’t forget snacks either – opt for things like apples that take kids ages to eat!! When it comes to your suitcase, pack those items that can be played with in a variety of ways and used to make games,

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especially if it’s raining! Cards, washi tape, mini whiteboards, post-it notes, pens and pencils, colouring-in books, dice, chalk, small figurines/animals/cars, a small pack of building blocks, tubs of play dough, stickers, novelty notebooks, etc. If space is limited, don’t panic and don’t underestimate the play potential of everyday items that can be found in your accommodation. The novelty of exploring a new place, opening doors and cupboards to see what they lead to can all provide plenty of entertainment! And with a little creativity you can put together some really fun activities. If you’re self-catering, kitchens are always a good place to look. Plastic bowls, spoons, sieves, trays, etc can all be used for pre-

tend play, sensory play or water play (outside of course or in the bath!) while also boosting kids’ hand-eye coordination. Other ideas include making a den using the bedsheets or filling a basket, box or the empty suitcase with a collection of items and leaving your child to it – you’ll be amazed at what games their imagination can come up with! Another favourite of mine while we’re away is role play! Keep it simple, it doesn’t need to look Pinterest worthy. Just a few key items can go a long way. For example, grab a pot of coins, a phone calculator, a notepad (always to be found in hotel rooms along with a pen) and something to sell i.e., clothes or food, and you’ve got yourself a shop or a cafe! Pretend playPROMPTS include lots of ideas for role play using items found around the house. Role play is great for encouraging a wide variety of skills including creativity, writing, numbers and social skills! If you’re planning on eating out while you’re away, put together a restaurant pack. Fill a zip lock bag or pencil case with all the plastic crap you have! Party bag fillers, kinder egg toys, happy meal gifts… they might seem hideous to you,

but they are perfect for keeping kids occupied at mealtimes. They’ll love the novelty of seeing little toys they rarely play with and if they accidently roll off the table and are lost, it’s no big deal. Again, a colouring book and pens/pencils are perfect, and I also recommend having a well-charged iPad or equivalent in your bag too. Plus a pack of Eating Out playPROMPTS!, of course. Finally, don’t forget a selection of their favourite story books. Not only for bedtime reading but also for curling up together after a busy day of sightseeing or running around a beach. Find my list of recommended toys for travelling at www.amazon. co.uk/shop/play.hooray and let the holidays begin! www.playhooray.co.uk @play.hooray Mum to two, Early Years Specialist and Play Coach, Claire Russell, is founder of playHOORAY! and the designer of playPROMPTS activity cards designed to equip parents with realistic, fuss-free play ideas. She also has an app – the playPROMPTS app – and is author of The playHOORAY! Handbook featuring 100 Fun Activities for Busy Parents Who Want to Play, available to purchase via Amazon.

SUPA DUPA Little fingers, tiny toes, button nose and baby eyes. With our little ones by our side, all our plans become a surprise and that’s ok – that’s life! Here are some supa dupa cool items for your baby! By Annah Segarra

Meri Meri

Wooden Story Sticky Lemon

Bobo Choses

Artistes Amoureux

Il Gufo

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Monneka at Tutete

The New Society

Aden+Anais

Stella McCartney

Rachel Riley Nada de Lazos

Stych

Bonnet à Pompon

Wander & Wonder

My Little Cozmo

Suuky

Mori

Minimalisma

Piupiuchick

Coral

Wolf & Rita

Bobux

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MYSTICAL MOTHERHOOD

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To celebrate the release of her memoir A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again, author and mother-of-two Emma Howarth reflects on the challenges that inspired her to spend a year exploring the mystical world and the positive effect that embracing spiritual practices has had on her children. Read on for tips, tools and ancient wisdom that you too can use to help ease the pressures of life in the modern world. By Emma Howarth Photography courtesy of Emma Howarth

We all know motherhood has its ups and downs: first smiles and sleepless nights, tiny toes and toddler tantrums, elation and exhaustion. One minute you’re gazing adoringly at the magical being(s) you have created thinking you’ve finally found the answer to life, the universe and everything; the next you’re eating a discarded fish finger off the kitchen floor wondering quite how it came to this. It’s not just me, is it? Ever dreamt of escaping the ‘motherload’? Or wished you could get away from it all (even if just for a little while)? Perhaps you’ve fantasised about jetting off on an Eat Pray Love-style quest for inner peace? Or simply wondered if there’s more to life than this? Or where the magic went? If you’re reading this beside a mountain of laundry while the To Do list in your head spirals out of control, I’m going to take a guess there’s a ‘Yes’ in there somewhere.

A few years ago, I found myself at the bottom of a down that had me dreaming of just such an escape. A perfect storm of stressful life events (a relocation, a couple of big work moves, an untimely death in the family) left me feeling exhausted, broken and totally burnt out. I felt lost and hopeless and like a one-way ticket to paradise was exactly the answer I was looking for. Sunsets, scenic views, yoga at dawn… I was pretty sure that would solve everything! But then I remembered I had two daughters, a job, a husband and a diary filled to bursting with dentist appointments and soft play birthday parties! When you’re a mother, the show must go on, right? There was no way I was going to be running away to meditate on a rock anytime soon.

Even though I couldn’t disappear off to India or Italy or Indonesia to find inner peace, I still wanted to find a way to feel better, live better and explore new ways of being – and so in the eye of that storm I hit upon an idea. An idea that became a year-long project in which I explored a different mystical or spiritual practice (everything from meditation to manifestation) every month from the comfort of my own home. A project that became a book: A Year of Mystical Thinking. A book that tells the story of how I made my life feel magical again and explains how you can do it too – even if you don’t have much in the way of disposable income, free time or opportunities to fly off on a solo jaunt to Bali. That’s not the half of it, though. Because it wasn’t just about me! One of the most surprising take-homes of my mystical year was actually the impact it had on my two daughters (aged six and eight at the time). Children are natural believers! Unicorns and magic are as real to them as bedtime and broccoli, so it wasn’t long before they joined me on my path to inner peace! And the knock-on effect was magical. As we got stuck in to a slower and more mindful pace of life, we discovered new and inspiring ways to deal with classic childhood troubles like bad dreams, playground squabbles and spelling test stress. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, there’s magic to be found in the mystical world – myriad ways to ease life’s stresses and rise above its strains. And if you can take the small people in your life along for the ride too, all the better! Here’s how to get started and make your own life feel magical again.

"Children are natural believers! Unicorns and magic are as real to them as bedtime and broccoli, so it wasn’t long before they joined me on my path to inner peace!”

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Mystical Kids Take your children on a mystical adventure with this toolkit of tips and tricks. For more information on all of the below, check out A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again. Vision Boards A vision board is a visual representation of hopes, dreams and life goals that serves to focus the mind and send a message to the universe about what you’re calling in! And given that making one is basically a long grown-up cutting and sticking session (you simply gather inspirational images you love and stick them to a piece of cardboard), it’s pretty much impossible to keep the kids away. You can make a vision board anytime you like but the start of a new school year and/or January are particularly poignant. Creating one together can be a great conversation starter about what matters most and about our hopes for the future. My girls love covering sheets of card in pictures of dream pets, toys and holidays. And you know what? Once it gets on that vision board, a lot of it comes true! Crystals Children are natural magpies so chances are that if you get into crystals, they will too. Powerhouses of the earth, these beautiful stones are said to hold vibrational energy that can help soothe anxiety and boost our self-love vibes. Pop a selenite tower by the bedside of a sleepless baby or offer your school age child a selection of tumble stones to stash in their school coat pocket. Rose quartz for love; citrine for positivity; tiger’s eye for creative prowess. Use them as handy pocket-sized symbols of strength and resilience and/or reminders that someone cares. Affirmation cards School-age children in particular can benefit from using affirmation cards: cards featuring positive statements to repeat out loud each morning. We love to start the

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day right with the YesMum Mini cards by Hollie de Cruz. A quick card pull on the walk to school sets the scene for positive thinking in the best possible way. Aromatherapy Investing in an essential oil diffuser is an easy way to tap into the soothing power of aromatherapy. Try lavender for sleep, peppermint for concentration (great for homework time), orange for good vibes or eucalyptus to clear the air (and nasal passages!). Moon magic A big part of our mystical year incorporated slowing down enough to notice the seasons, watch the sunset and get up close and personal with the moon. And kids love a spot of moon magic (plus it’s basically a science lesson). Teach them the difference between the full moon (the one you can see) and the new moon (the one you can’t) and all the phases in between and they’ll soon become experts on waxing, waning and when you can spot an afternoon moon. We like to make a wish on the first crescent after the new moon and leave our crystals out to charge on the full moon, but the biggest benefit of tuning into lunar energy is the way it creates an easy way to acknowledge the ebb and flow and cycle of life. A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again is published by Hay House on 14 September 2021.

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MOTHERHOOD AT DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES

Giving birth to, caring for and raising children. Motherhood is not easy and the path has its ups and downs, but mothers all around the world say it is a truly rewarding experience. While we know that having a baby is a challenge at any age, is the energy of a mum at 20 the same as one at 40? We spoke to two women who embraced the challenge of motherhood at very different stages of life. Let’s hear their stories! By Ana Roque

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ELISABETE BECAME A MOTHER AT 41.

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“I left my mum’s house to get married at 38, so I was never going to be a young mother.” Still, it was a quick leap from marriage to wanting to get pregnant. “We wanted to have kids, but before getting married, it was not an issue that kept me awake at night. After getting married, I started to have this desire.” Elisabete and her husband started to try, but things took a long time. “I could not fall pregnant so I started to get treatment in the maternity hospital. We did a series of exams over three years trying to understand what was going on, and we finally arrived at the right diagnosis. From there to falling pregnant was very fast.” Elisabete had hyperprolactinemia, a condition characterised by overproduction of prolactin, the hormone responsible for post-partum breast milk production. One of the symptoms of this hormonal disorder is infertility and that was the problem in her case. The solution was pharmacological and simple. The pregnancy ended up going well despite some mishaps along the way. “First, there was a huge risk of miscarriage. Then there was the question of having a baby with a disability... I had an amniocentesis and everything was fine! When I got the call with the results, I knew we were going to have a girl.” Delivery was by C-section under general anaesthesia. “The doctor didn’t give me a choice. It was a high-risk pregnancy and he was an ‘old school’ professional. But everything went well, so it was perfect. This was 1994 and, if it were today, maybe things would be different, of course, but I have no regrets.” Despite being very much a desired pregnancy, Elisabete’s post-partum was not easy. “It seems that maturity is not everything. I do not think I was prepared for my baby’s arrival. It was like I changed into someone else overnight and did not know who I was any more. I cried a lot, all the time, about everything. My husband is an excellent father but in the first few months, he went overboard. I was not prepared for that impact at all. It got better over time.” Becoming a mother at 41 is the only kind of motherhood Elisabete knows, but she can identify at least one flaw, if you can call it that: “I think being an older mum made me more relaxed in some ways. Even as a first-time mother.

I was no longer a girl, I knew what I wanted and had more maturity. On the other hand, I feel like I have never had much patience to set strict rules at home.” Elisabete explains that contrary to the idea that parents educate and grandparents spoil, there were times when she felt almost like she was spoiling her child. “I do not feel like I failed, but there were things I was not upset about. If I were younger, maybe I would be more rigid about some things. But my daughter never had big tantrums. She was all right, there was never really that need.” As for the generation gap, Elisabete says it was never a problem. “In my teenage years, I couldn’t share everything with my mother. Things were different and she was rigid. An excellent mum, but a rigid one. I did everything a teenager did, only on the sly. I was also part of the April generation [Elisabete was 21 at the time of the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974 in Portugal], and particularly rebellious. As a mother, I never wanted my daughter to hide things from me, so I never banned her from anything. I always tried to explain to her the pros and cons of everything she asked me to do, but the final decision was hers.” The same goes for topics that are taboo in many homes. “I speak as a mother, but I think my daughter always felt free to talk to me about everything. I feel that there are no taboos because I never allowed them to exist. We are not best friends, we are mother and daughter, but I know she does not hide big secrets. She will have her issues, but there are no taboos.” At 69, Elisabete claims that she misses a baby at home and that she is ready to be a grandmother. “Children bring a lot of joy and at my age, I could already have grandchildren. I know my daughter is not at that stage yet, but she thinks about it a lot. She’s already told me that she does the maths to try to figure out how old I will be as a grandmother. Until then, I have several great-nephews to take care of and I do not want to put that pressure on her. I was a late mother myself, it would not make any sense. On the other hand, precisely because I had her at 41, I know that she feels comfortable not having a baby at an early age. She is always telling me that the fact that I was a late mother relieves her and gives her time to think about having kids at a different, older age”.

CAMILA WAS 24 YEARS OLD WHEN SHE HAD HER FIRST AND (AS YET) ONLY CHILD. “I never went to university and I started working as soon as I left high school. Me and my boyfriend bought a house in 2014, got married in 2015 and had our baby boy in 2016. It all happened really fast, looking back.” On becoming a mum at such a young age, Camila says she never thought that much about it. “My maternal instinct was not that great. It was not something I thought about too much. I knew that being a mother would be part of my plans at some point. I knew I would want to have kids, but it was not a priority. At least until the day it became one.” From the time Camila got married, it started to make sense to get pregnant. “The idea of having a baby started growing on us and suddenly getting pregnant was all I wanted. Having a child was a priority.” The pregnancy arrived quickly and went smoothly. “It was a very special time for me. I had a relaxed pregnancy and I loved being pregnant. In the end, it was a vaginal delivery, easy and fast. Everything went really well!” Motherhood, especially in the first few months, is a true challenge of strength and resilience — the sleepless nights, the cramps, the undecipherable cries, all this is challenging. At 24, the task may be easier because we have the energy to cope. Camila felt this way. “I completely mastered the first few months. Sleep deprivation is really the worst part, but it never bothered me that much. Everyone is different, and our experiences with pregnancy are too. I do not want in any way to discredit the experiences of other mothers. In the future, even I may have a different experience, but the truth is that for me, at that time, it was easy.” Five years later, Camila wants to go through it all again. “My son is almost six years old. He is autonomous, within the limits of his age, of course, and I really miss having a baby to care for, to pamper. Also, he wants to be ‘the big brother’. I really want to have more children.” She defines herself as a laid-back mother and, at the same time, a born caregiver. “My son is as sweet as candy. He is smart and has a lot of energy. He arrives

home completely worn out from playing, jumping and running around. I am always waiting for a call from school saying that he hurt his knee or arm. He is a kid and it is normal for that to be the case, but if I was not relaxed, I would always be panicking.” Although her experience of being a young mother was very positive, looking back, Camila can see that maybe she was in too much of a rush to get pregnant. “My son is the most important person in my life, there is no one I love more in the entire world, but I feel like I rushed through the whole thing. I would not change anything, because the pregnancy gave me that little person that I love the most, but there was more time than I thought. At the age of 24, you can date more, travel and mature. I think being a mum at a young age is an amazing experience, but waiting a few more years will be just as amazing.” At 24 she was still a girl herself in some ways. “Maybe I was still ‘the daughter’. We could have taken more time for me and my boyfriend to be ‘kids’ in our twenties, to do nonsense things and have fun... Basically, to do things that we can no longer do. The responsibility of being a parent is a job for life. And the truth is I really love being a mother.”

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WONDER KID

GIRL CRUSH Akira Akbar is our 14-year-old girl crush. She is an inspiration for young girls to be the most powerful and authentic versions of themselves! By Lara Franco Gomes Photography Lydia Canbakal Make-up Christine Hazelhurst

From an early age, Akira would often sing and dance for the clients at her mother’s hair salon. It was one of her mother’s clients who suggested she attend a commercial audition, a first taste of success which ignited her passion for performing. Now you can find this amazing actress starring in the Walt Disney box office hit “Captain Marvel” and in the Netflix movie “We Can Be Heroes”. She’s also appeared in some major hit television series like “Family Reunion” and “This is Us”, and her credits include a stint on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Criminal Minds.” Outside of acting, Akira enjoys being a pre-teen. She roller skates, makes and edits her own YouTube videos, and spends time with family and friends. At school she enjoys studying maths, history and English and loves to write and share stories.

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LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Tell us a little bit about your life as a pre-teen girl? Akira Akbar [A.A.]: I love skating, shopping, thrifting and hanging out with my friends in my free time! LEMON: How do you feel about being so young and having already achieved so much in your career? A.A.: It’s amazing! I feel very lucky to be able to do what I’m doing and I hope I can inspire others like me! LEMON: What role have you enjoyed the most? A.A.: I like all of them, but playing Fast Forward in “We Can Be Heroes” was super fun because I got to work with a bunch of kids my age! LEMON: Is it more demanding to shoot a movie or a TV show? A.A.: I would say doing a TV show is more demanding because you get a new script every week and most of the

time they shoot back-to-back, so they expect you to nail it every time. LEMON: You were a model before being an actress and worked with big brands like Nike and Levi’s. How did acting become part of your life? A.A.: I would always watch TV and memorise lines from shows and it made me realise that I wanted to see myself on TV one day! So since modelling and acting are in the same business, I mentioned it to my agent and she signed me up right away. LEMON: What’s been your biggest scare while working? A.A.: My biggest scare was when I worked on “Captain Marvel”. When I first saw the skulls in full costume, I freaked out because they were so detailed. I thought they were real! LEMON: What’s one dream you would like to see come true? A.A.: Me being in a horror film or show is definitely a dream come true of mine! I also really want to live in New York. That is my dream place to live. LEMON: Who’s your inspiration? A.A.: My mom is someone who inspires me daily. She encourages me to work hard and supports me in everything I do. LEMON: You are very powerful and authentic. What’s the message you want to give to other girls? A.A.: The message I would like to give to young girls is that they can do anything they want by working hard and achieving their goals! LEMON: We heard you love to sing. What’s your favourite song of all time? A.A.: I love singing “Love On Top” by Beyoncé, just because it’s a classic and it’s one of my favourite songs.

THIS OR THAT

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Beach or pool? Pool Dog or cat? Dog Spaghetti or pizza? I love both! Dancing or singing? Dancing Summer or winter? Both Nutella or peanut butter? Peanut Butter Be invisible or able to fly? Be Invisible Instagram or Twitter? Instagram Sandals or sneakers? Sneakers, but sandals on a hot day Vegetables or fruit? I like a bit of both!

LEMON: And is singing your favourite hobby? We know you love to roller skate too… A.A.: Honestly, I just love to sing in the car or the shower. I don’t really sing professionally because I don’t have the confidence for that yet! LEMON: Tell us a bit more about your passion for making and editing YouTube videos. A.A.: I love editing because it’s something I can do for hours without getting bored. I also love making the videos with my family and friends. LEMON: Is it difficult to reconcile school with your career? A.A.: At times, but overall, not really. Right now I go to a private school and thankfully everyone has been super helpful with my schedule, so I’ve been able to keep my grades up and keep working. LEMON: How do you keep yourself disciplined? A.A.: Probably shutting off my phone or not hanging out so I can focus on my work. It’s easy to get distracted so doing what you need to do to get your stuff done is the best bet. “Work hard, play later” is definitely my motto. LEMON: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? A.A.: Equality. I would absolutely love for everyone to be treated equally and for the world to be at peace. @akira_akbar

Meri

Meri Meri Lemon Ad_ƒ.indd 1

09/08/2021 09:52

RAW FAMILY

COMPASSION, CURIOSITY AND LOVE

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This is a girl who believes that synchronicity and interconnections exist everywhere — we just need to pay attention. Her name is Andrea Duclos, but she usually goes by ‘Drea’ (hence her handle Ohdeardrea). Let’s meet her and her beautiful family! By Bárbara Perino Photography courtesy of Andrea Duclos

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She’s curious for life, has a lust for exploring, and feels a deep love and concern for the earth. She’s been that way forever! She hopes to inspire us to love the earth, the universe and ourselves… and she really does, doesn’t she?

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LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: How about that Instagram account! Seriously, I spent at least an hour looking at it and dreaming! You are beautiful and so inspiring, congrats! How’s life these days? Andrea Duclos [A.D.]: Thank you! Life is great! A constant adventure. Up and down. Forward and back. It’s a great big adventure and I’m here for it. LEMON: So you are our beloved raw family. Why do you think we chose to interview you for the September edition? (Be honest, you rock!) A.D.: Ooof, I dunno—you couldn’t find anyone else? I’m kidding! I’m hoping it’s because our crazy, unconventional lifestyle drew your attention in the best sense. September often feels like a flowing, free month, which suits our family perfectly. LEMON: Where is home for you? A.D.: It’s a little bit everywhere these days. We have a yearly lease in a small beach town in Nayarit, Mexico. We love it there so much. But we just escaped to Guatemala this summer and are now proud owners of an off-grid farm out there! Mexico will be our home for a few more months until we make the official move to farm life in Guatemala. LEMON: What’s the best way to describe your family? A.D.: “Strange and awkward” according to my ten-year-old Marlowe Paloma. I wouldn’t disagree with her. Though I do think we’re more than that too. Like, really fair, kind, easy and free. LEMON: What’s a day like in your family’s life? A.D.: Well, right now we’re spending our days eating fruit for breakfast, tuktukking through Mayan towns, taking raft trips to our farm property and making plans for our future. But I guess this is technically “vacation life.” In Mexico there is still a lot of fruit (actually more). Marlowe Paloma goes to an off-grid school in the

jungle and has circus class a few days a week. My husband Alex and I have been working on new career plans. I’m in the process of revamping my blog. And we were in the process of opening a restaurant, but this new farm dream swooped in—so now we have A LOT to do to prepare for that. We usually eat fruit all day until about 5 when we have early bird dinner. Then we head off to the beach to catch the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen (we’re going to miss those). LEMON: A free spirit and consciousness are some of the things that are most present on your social media. What’s the most important message you would like to pass on? A.D.: I think both of those things are very true. I’m just trying to live the best version of my life I possibly can. It’s a very real life with some ups and downs, but I do my best every day to become a better human. I hope others can find inspiration in that. I’m a big believer that if we can declutter our lives and let go of the things that do not serve us, we can call in the lives we truly want. I like to think that people who visit my social media pages see this and believe it’s possible in their own lives.

QUICK QUESTIONS Beach or forest? Beach Making love or sex? Love Shoes or barefoot? Barefoot North or South America? South Sea or river? Sea The Rolling Stones or Gotan Project? Neither

“I’m a big believer that if we can declutter our lives and let go of the things that do not serve us, we can call 1in the lives we5 1 truly want.”

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LEMON: And your lovely daughter, what kind of little human being do you see in her? A.D.: Gosh, she’s just so kind and centred. I know I’m biased but she’s just truly a great human. Other than the occasional laziness, I can’t say she has many (if any) negative traits. And maybe the laziness is just a form of self-care, who knows. She’s a really good human. LEMON: If you could choose three words that are the most important to you for your daughter to take into her future, what would they be? A.D.: Compassion, curiosity and love. LEMON: Is she more like mum or dad? Or is she a unique being? A.D.: She is my child for sure. She shares some amazing eyebrows with her dad, but other than that she’s all me. Well, maybe she gets some musical skills from him too. We’re both introverted and intuitive. She’s more carefree and adventurous like me too. She’s also very non-attachment—which I think is such an amazing trait for someone her age to have. LEMON: She follows you guys everywhere. What’s your top destinations for a family trip? A.D.: I don’t think we’ll be traveling too much these days with all the new restrictions and things in place. But we’re bussing back to Mexico from Guatemala soon. And then

SPOTIFY Seven songs you love! Under the Sun – by DIIV Something Holy – Alice Pheobe Lou Forest Nativity – Frances Bebey Warm my Soul – Blundetto This Wild Darkness – Moby Cumbia del Monte Fuji – Frente Cumbiero Celebrate – Holy River

we’ll drive right back here in 6 months or so. We might be doing a big family trip to Colombia next year for my grandmother’s birthday. Other than that, we’ll probably be doing small trips in Guatemala, if at all. I think we might be pretty tied into farm life. LEMON: And Paloma Sol, tell us about your dream that came true? A.D.: We’ve been wanting to buy land and have a food forest of our own for a very, very long time. Our dream finally came true this year. This month we purchased 3.8 acres of land at the base of a volcano in Guatemala. It stares at two other volcanos (one is active) and it’s only accessible by boat. I know we’re a little bit nuts, but in the best way. LEMON: What’s the big plan for Paloma Sol? A.D.: Sustainable family retreats, farm to table dinners, farm tours, and so much more. We’re still a way off from all of that, but we know it’s not crazy for us to think we could start hosting people next year. I really look forward to bringing like-minded families to come celebrate nature with us. LEMON: Where do you see the farm in a couple of years? A.D.: I really see it as a connecting space. I’m so grateful for the community I have to connect with online – and now I get to have a real-life space to connect with those very same people.

The farm is still a bit rustic, but in a few years, we should have an entire grid network of solar set up and hopefully beginning the process of making our dream home then too! Until then we’ll be living in a tent, heh. LEMON: You talk about manifestation. Can you tell us three things that are crucial in manifesting our dreams? A.D.: Letting go, clearing your mind, trusting the outcome. LEMON: If you could change just one thing in the world what it would be? A.D.: Oof that’s tough. There’s a lot of things. Either more compassion or more curiosity. I think our entire species could benefit from both. Maybe curiosity because that tends to lead to compassion. LEMON: Who “wears the pants” around the house? A.D.: That would be me. I don’t usually want it to be me, but it’s me. Though it’s usually shorts. LEMON: How do you guys’ juggle parenthood with the farm and all your other projects? A.D.: Parenthood is very much entwined with our life. It’s not separate. LEMON: What’s changed since you guys became parents? A.D.: More fun. An extra plane ticket.

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LEMON: Do you take time just for yourselves? A.D.: Yes and no. Maybe not as often as many—I don’t really feel like I need private time in general. But I do. Just yesterday I hung around and did nothing all day while Marlowe Paloma and Alex were out. But honestly, I could spend every day with her and not need alone time. We’re both pretty quiet people, so we can just sit quietly and read alone for hours. Alex and I probably don’t take enough time away though. We make it a point to spend around two hours alone each night after the kiddo goes to bed. And we’ve done a few solo trips without her. But it’s been a while. LEMON: Now, daddy describe mummy. Alex Bustamante: Honestly Drea is amazing, and I’m not just saying that. She’s beautiful, radiant, and just the right amount of awkward. Her passions and interests are so unique and particular. Think quirky but very specifically quirky. Sometimes I feel like she is totally fearless, always willing to waive any potential risk to make anything happen. She constantly is pushing for more out of all of us and of life. I’ve always said that one day I’m going to write a book about everything unique about Drea, release date TBD. LEMON: And you, mummy, describe daddy! A.D.: Alex is handsome, serious and grounded. He is the type that likes to learn how things work, to follow guides, to live within outlines and structures. We share common interests (music, food, design, etc.) but different ways of looking at the world. It can be tricky at times, but we find the balance. He’s a great chef, but he’s skilled at most things because he takes the time to understand and learn the process. Oh, and he has great eyebrows. LEMON: What’s love? A.D.: Respect, kindness and compassion. LEMON: Does the little one know what she wants to be when she grows up? A.D.: It’s changed a few times. But it seems like an author with a focus on sustainability is still high on the list. LEMON: What comes to mind when you think of lemons? A.D.: Mint lemonade. And my husband, Alex. He’s OBSESSED with lemons. We didn’t have a lemon for over a year because #mexicolife. But the farm has tons of citrus trees and I’ve never seen him happier, haha. Life literally handed us lemons ;) @ohdeardrea

“We’ve been wanting to buy land and have a food forest of our own for a very, very long time. Our dream finally came true this year.”

L E MO N A R T W h e r e d o t h ey l i ve?

F i n d t h e c o r r e c t s h a d ow

G O O U T S I D E , P I C K U P AU T UM N L E A F S AND GLUE THEM HERE

it 's colouring time

FAMILY HOME

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL Graciela Raquel Gauna is a freelance stylist and a mother of two amazing boys. On her Instagram account she shares a little bit of her day-to-day life and her home. She’s a beautiful mind with a great sense of aesthetics. By Lara Franco Gomes Photography courtesy of Graciela Raquel Gauna Illustration Catarina, a Rosa @catarinaarosa

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LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Hello Graciela! Graciela Gauna [G.G.]: Hi! I’m so happy to be doing this interview! I feel really flattered that you guys asked me to do this. So, thank you for having me! LEMON: How are you and your beautiful family doing? G.G.: We are doing just fine! We are all happy and healthy and that’s the most important thing. I always try to focus on the positive. But I must admit that I’m a bit exhausted from the last year and a half with home-schooling my boys and working from home at the same time. But we just got back from a little trip to Italy, which was so good for the four of us. Just enjoying time together as a family. LEMON: We absolutely love your home! Where do you find inspiration when decorating your home? G.G.: That’s so kind of you, thank you! I find my inspiration in books, magazines, Pinterest and Instagram. LEMON: How would you describe your house’s style? G.G.: I really like to keep it simple, minimalistic and timeless. I like natural textures, like wood and linen, combined with some funky design pieces. Lately I’m also thinking a lot about adding some colour in our home. To paint some walls for example. But I think my house style can be described mostly as Scandinavian. LEMON: What is your favourite room in the house? G.G.: I think the kitchen because I love to cook! LEMON: Do you feel that your home décor style changed when you had kids? G.G.: The only thing that changed was all the toys! LEMON: What’s your favourite piece from your kids’ rooms? G.G.: They don’t have a lot of stuff in their rooms, but I really like their beds. Gabriel’s bed was made by my husband, who has his own construction company (@calisinterieurbouw) and he can create everything (lucky me). So when Gabriel needed a new bed, he made one. My other favourite piece is the vintage wardrobe in Gabriel’s room that my mum found. She always finds the best vintage design pieces. But if you ask the boys, they will definitely say the gym rings! LEMON: So your boys each have their own room, right? What was the experience of them sleeping together in the same room like? G.G.: They have their own rooms again now, yes, but I have to admit that they have been sleeping together again for some nights recently. School just started and we still have to get back to routines. But them sleeping together in one room, despite the large age gap of 4.5 years, was a great idea. Neither of them is a great sleeper and one night when I was trying to get them down together in Gabriel’s bed they both slept so well. So we decided to put Kaya’s bed in Gabriel’s room.

THIS OR THAT

Tub or shower? Shower Wood or tile? This is a hard one...I like both, but if I had to choose, then wood! Bare floor or carpet? Bare floor Plants or flowers? Flowers (I’m not so good at taking care of plants... but I always love homes with lots of plants) Ceramic or glass? Definitely ceramic Accent pillows or throw? Accent pillows

SPOTIFY

10 songs you love to hear around the house Angus & Julia Stone – Snow Jose Gonzalez – Open Book Altin Gun – Bulunur Mu Kings of Convenience – Mrs. Cold Carla Bruni – Quelqu’un m’a dit Bon Iver – Flume Jack Johnson – Banana Pancakes Kings of Leon – Muchacho Angus & Julia Stone – Mango Tree Feist – 1234

I think it gives them a secure and safe feeling. They don’t wake up scared in the middle of the night because there’s always their sibling to snuggle up with. They sleep better together and, in my opinion, it kind of makes sense: just as we adults prefer to sleep with a companion in the room, why wouldn’t we allow the same for our kids? I know all kids are different, but for our boys it worked out so well! LEMON: What are the main pieces that turn a house into a home? G.G.: Personal things make a house into a home, like photos and art. LEMON: What are three pieces you think should be seen as an investment for life and three that can be bought cheap in big shops? G.G.: Investments for life include a really good espresso machine (I can’t live without good coffee), design lamps and art. While I try to shop mostly in local shops instead of big stores, three pieces that can be bought cheap would be plates and crockery, baskets, and bed linen.

LEMON: Do you mix décor trends? If so, how? G.G.: To be honest, I don’t do décor trends. I try to invest in timeless pieces that I will love for years. But I do love mixing vintage with design. LEMON: What are your favourite colours for home décor? G.G.: Mostly neutral and natural colours, but also blue, green and pink. LEMON: And favourite textures? G.G.: Wood, linen and knit. LEMON: What is the best decorating lesson you’ve ever learned? G.G.: To invest in timeless pieces. LEMON: Complete this sentence: A living room should be… G.G.: Cosy and comfortable. LEMON: What’s the best DIY decoration piece you’ve ever made? G.G.: To be honest, none. LEMON: Do you prefer patterns or plain simple colours? G.G.: I prefer plain simple colours. LEMON: How do you choose artwork at home? What do you look for? G.G.: For me, choosing the right piece is just a feeling! LEMON: Can you tell us three brands you absolutely love for home décor? G.G.: TAKT, MOEBE and HAY. LEMON: Complete this sentence: Home is… G.G.: Home is where my family is. It could be anywhere. @gracielaraquel

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HOME T h is is t h e p l a c e w he r e I c o o k and clean, laugh and dream, f e e l s a f e a n d wa t c h t i m e g o by. T he r e is n o b e t t e r p l a c e t o b e, no t f o r m e ! Placemat by Matthew Williamson at Amara

By Boss Mum

Djeco

Anthropologie

Fais

CakeStand by GraceSouky

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Anthropologie Moulin Roty

Gucci

Anthropologie

Oak Console by Anthropologie

Mustard Made

That Rebel House Paper Pulp by Ferm Living

Pyjama Set by Their Nibs

Stanley Print House Pouf by Ferm Living

Assouline Travel Books

Djeco

Mustard Made

Gucci Coral

Fruit Bowl by Urban Outfitters

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Together again! School has begun. Time for work and time for fun! Although this year’s vacations came to an end, I’m happy to see all my friends together again!

Photography Ulla Nyeman S t y l i n g a n d C r e a t i v e D i r e c t i o n Tr a c e y J a c o b Hair and Make - Up Jo Gillingwater Models Scarlett and Skylar - Grace & Galor Ky r a h - K i d s L o n d o n

KHYRA Dress The Campamento Belt Repose AMS SCARLETT Polo Love Brand & Co Jacket John Lewis Skirt Iets Frans Bag Topshop DIXIE Dress and bag Repose AMS Jacket Molo

DIXIE Shirt Givenchy Cardigan The Animals Observatory

SCARLETT Jacket Iets Frans Socks Iets Frans Shorts and top Falcon Shoes Bronx SKYLAR Shirt Kauli – Kidswear collective Jumper Long Live The Queen Dress Christina Rhodes Shoes Young Soles

DIXIE Dress and belt Repose AMS Socks and shoes stylists’ own SCARLETT Polo neck Christina Rhodes Jacket Iets Frans

KYRAH Polo neck stylists own Dress The Campamento Belt Repose AMS Boots Young Soles

DIXIE Dress Wander & Wonder Jacket Givenchy Boots Young Soles

Shirt Kauli – Kidswear collective Jumper Long live the Queen

SCARLETT Top Falcon Jacket Iets Frans

KYRAH Hoody Mayoral – Children salon Jacket The Animals Observatory

KYRAH Jacket Tambere Polo neck Mayoral Track pants Kids On The Moon

SCARLETT Jacket Iets Frans Socks Iets Frans Shorts and top Falcon Shoes Bronx

SKYLAR Shirt Kauli – Kidswear collective Jumper Long Live The Queen Dress Christina Rhodes Shoes Young Soles

Hoody Christina Rhodes Coat Wynken Skirt Jacadi – Kidswear collective Shoes Start Rite Dress Wander & Wonder Jacket Givenchy

Shirt Wolf & Rita

S t y l i n g A s s i s t a n t H i l d a Ko s u n e n D i g i t a l A s s i s t a n t A n n a O l s z e w s ka

SCHOOL BELL I wa ke u p e a r l y, m a ke my wa y t o t he b us s t o p. T h e s c h oo l b e l l r i ngs , i t ’s t i m e f o r c l ass ! I f i n d my d es k w i t h my na m e. I ’m b a c k t o s c h oo l a g a i n ! By Tracey Jacob

Repose AMS

The Campamento

Amarante Bonmot

Wolf & Rita Petite Bateau

Oeuf

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Molo

Belle Chiara

Tiny Cottons

Bonet à Pompon

Finger in the Nose

Wander & Wonder

Start Rite

Bobo Choses

Il Gufo

Bobux Play Up

Kids on the Moon

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SEXUAL PAIN AFTER PREGNANCY AND PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY – A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR A TABOO TOPIC 1 3 0

Sexual pain in the post-partum period has become commonplace without us realising it. And still not enough is said about it. We wanted to find out more about the subject and about possible solutions. With the help of a specialist, we will explain how pelvic physiotherapy can help you! By Ana Roque Photography courtesy of Silvia Charepe Dias

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Silvia Charepe Dias is a birth doula, a breastfeeding consultant, and a women’s health physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic health. She lives in Epsom and works between Surrey, London and Portugal. She also gives online consultations to patients throughout the world. She told LEMON that sexual pain after pregnancy “has become normalised, especially after vaginal births, but also after C-sections.” And by normalisation she certainly doesn’t mean that post-partum sexual pain is a normal condition that does not deserve our attention. “Sexual pain is not normal, either before, during or after pregnancy. If there is pain, it is because something is not right.” Silvia thinks there is a very concrete reason for post-partum sexual pain. “I think it is often caused by a cascade of interventions that lead to more serious and difficult-tocure lesions of the perineum, such as episiotomies or more severe lacerations that require stitches. These are very uncomfortable and cause a lot of post-partum pain.” This is precisely where Silvia comes in as a pelvic health physiotherapist.

PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY This branch of physiotherapy treats all kinds of pelvic disorders. It aims to “treat and promote the health of this area of our body” which, for Silvia, is an especially neglected area for many women. “We grew up with an idea, passed down to us, that pelvic dysfunctions are normal, especially during pregnancy, post-partum and during menopause. That what we have to do is learn to live with them and that there is not much we can do.” But this branch of physiotherapy is much more than sexual pain. “We’re talking about sexual pain, leakage of urine with a laugh, cough or a run, the uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in the vagina, often associated with prolapse... Women hear from other women, from family members and, unfortunately, from health professionals, that this is something normal and that after having children, or at the time of perimenopause, this is what happens.” Fortunately, things don’t have to be like that. “In the majority of cases, there is a lot that can be done. If you cannot completely eliminate symptoms, you can gain a lot in quality of life.”

WHAT DOES A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO?

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“Pelvic health physiotherapists are trained in active listening, empathy and in putting patients at ease. We talk about urinary, intestinal and sexual function with the same ease with which we talk about shoulder pain.” The techniques they use are the same as those a more general practitioner would use on other parts of the body, but on the pelvic area. “In the first session, we carefully go through the patient’s history. We have a very detailed conversation to learn more about the patient’s past and present life, medical and surgical history and symptoms. There is a lot of empathy, understanding and a desire to understand what has brought

the patient to this situation.” This is followed by a complete patient assessment, in which the physiotherapist analyses the patient’s posture, movement, breathing pattern and muscle function, and then a specialised assessment of the pelvic floor muscles. “An internal vaginal examination may be necessary, but it will always depend on what the patient wants.” Silvia explains that internal palpation can be done in other sessions or not at all if it is not relevant or if the patient is not comfortable with it. “We have other tools to assess muscle function.” In the end, an intervention plan is made which will promote the patient’s knowledge of general and pelvic health and dysfunction and will “give her the tools to take care of herself and become a protagonist in her own recovery. Included in this plan are exercises to do at home and the scheduling of upcoming sessions, which can be face-to-face or virtual.”

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK A PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST? “During the pre-conception period, pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause, even without symptoms, it is a good idea to have a check-up to understand how the body is adapting to these very challenging phases for the pelvic floor. I would say that best practice is for the woman to make an appointment when a couple starts to think about getting pregnant to see if everything is OK and so the physiotherapist who will accompany her during the pregnancy can get a baseline.” Silvia says it is a good idea (though maybe not essential) that the health professional know the woman before the changes typical of pregnancy appear. “During pregnancy, depending on each patient and their goals, it is also good to get a follow up. Sometimes one or two appointments are enough.” As for post-partum, all women should have at least a postnatal check-up between six and eight weeks after giving birth. “Later, by the period of perimenopause, pelvic health physiotherapy is important for letting the patient know that everything is OK and to learn about what the body goes through at that stage of life and to maximise the quality of life.” “Other cases require examination of a certain pathology or dysfunction, including lumbar, pelvic or sexual pain. Pain is almost always a warning that something is going on in our body and we should never just accept it. Other situations include incontinence of liquids, solids or gases. These are signs that the pelvic floor may be in need of a little help.” Moreover, “any sexual dysfunction, changes in sensitivity, difficulty in reaching orgasm, unsatisfactory sexual intercourse, sexual pain and difficulty in penetration” are good reasons to seek out a pelvic health physiotherapist. Other reasons to seek advice include “a sensation of heaviness inside the vagina, which can be an indicator of prolapse and which will benefit from the supervision of a pelvic health physiotherapist.”

PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY DURING PREGNANCY Physiotherapy plays a very important role during pregnancy. “It helps the woman get to know her body and the changes she will go through and teaches her strategies to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy. The physiotherapist can also give the woman tools to put her baby in the best possible position for childbirth, suggesting some strategies to prepare the perineum for vaginal birth and providing a plan for muscle strengthening.” This is all done to prepare the woman’s body to carry the pregnancy forward in a healthy way, with quality of life and so that the post-partum recovery is as good as possible. “Some situations of pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy can be prevented. If caught early on, they are much easier to treat than when they have already established themselves.”

POST-PARTUM Check-ups are required in the post-partum period. “We assess the movement, posture, breathing pattern, the functional capacity of the abdominal wall, whether there is diastasis, whether it’s functional, whether it is interfering with the general movement of the woman’s body. We evaluate the pelvic floor and scars, if there are any. It is a very complete and detailed assessment.” For Silvia, physiotherapy should be sought out after all types of childbirth. “After a C-section, even though the way of delivery was not vaginal, there was a pregnancy and the body underwent important changes for nine months. Furthermore, there is a deep abdominal scar.” This abdominal scar and the perineal scar, in the case of a vaginal delivery, must be worked on so that they heal and recover in the best possible way. “It is very important to learn how to work the scars, to massage them. The pelvic physiotherapist is a skilled professional who can help the woman with this.” There is also lots of talking involved in postpartum pelvic physiotherapy. “We talk about the birth, about how the patient is feeling and how the first stages of motherhood are going. Then we make a plan. There are exercises for rehabilitation, but it depends on each woman’s goals, her level of physical exercise before and during pregnancy, how the birth went and how she feels. Other techniques may also be needed. We always make a training plan for the pelvic floor, which can include strengthening, but also respiratory release techniques or relaxation and massages when there is a scar.” Obviously, everything depends on the symptoms of each woman. “I try to give all the tools possible so that people can do their best at home with my guidance, without a large number of clinical sessions required. In cases where rehabilitation of the pelvic floor is needed, in cases of incoordination, muscle weakness or imbalance, techniques such as biofeedback can be used.”

LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Are there many people seeking you out for post-partum sexual pain? Silvia Charepe Dias [S.C.D.]: Many people seek help when they resume sexual activity, especially when it comes to penetration. More in the UK than in Portugal... But I believe there are many more people who could benefit from professional guidance and who do not seek help. There is this idea that after having a baby it is normal to have pain during intercourse, so people do not look for a solution. This does not help at all. Sexual relations are not satisfactory and the condition may get worse. LEMON: What are the main causes of sexual pain after pregnancy? S.C.D.: I would say that perineal scars are one of the most common, but also changes in the muscle tone of the pelvic floor. Muscles may be over-reactive, working harder than they should, with a higher tone than they should have. The pain may also be due simply to a lack of lubrication. This is an easy situation to fix. In other cases, the pain is due to structural situations typical of post-partum. LEMON: Is urinary incontinence after childbirth normal under any circumstances? S.C.D.: No. The loss of urine, even if it is just a few drops during high impact activities or in rare situations, is never normal. One should always seek professional help from a pelvic health physiotherapist to try to understand the cause of the leakage. People tend to associate it with a condition of pelvic floor muscle weakness, but this is not always the case. There are many other situations that can lead to urine leakage. LEMON: In the event of post-partum sexual pain, should one first go to a pelvic physiotherapist or a gynaecologist? S.C.D.: Ideally, the person should be accompanied by a multidisciplinary team. Assessment by a gynaecologist is no substitute for assessment by a pelvic health physiotherapist. Other professionals are often needed, such as a sex therapist. Teamwork is always the most recommended – the complementarity of various professions makes it possible to address all situations of sexual pain and get the best possible results. physiodoula.co.uk @physio_doula

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NEVER LOSE YOUR SMILE

Portuguese superstar radio host Joana Cruz considers herself lucky to have been able to do what she loves and get paid for it for more than 20 years now. At 42, life changed when she found out she had breast cancer. By Lara Franco Gomes Photography courtesy of Joana Cruz

This is a story about intuition, courage and strength, always without losing her smile.

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LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: How did you find out you had breast cancer? Joana Cruz [J.C.]: I learned that I had breast cancer in early January 2021. A month earlier, I felt a small imprint on my chest, like a pimple under my skin. I always did regular exams and I rushed to get this analysed. The initial assessment actually reassured me that it was not cancer and to do the exam again in six months. But during December 2020 the signs were evident. Intuition was telling me to repeat the exams. I went to bed at night and felt a tingling in my breast. So I decided to repeat the exam elsewhere and then did a biopsy and an MRI. The results were unmistakable: breast cancer. LEMON: What were your initial thoughts and feelings after learning you had cancer? J.C.: My first thought was let’s solve this. I never asked “why me?”. My focus was well defined from the start: to understand what needed to be done to prevent the situation from evolving and always remaining optimistic. I was never afraid of what was coming, but had a lot of trust in my doctors. I just

thanked the universe and myself for not ignoring all the signs to get a better look at what was going on. Our bodies are constantly telling us what they need, we just need to listen. Fortunately, it was this speed of action that ensured success and final victory. LEMON: What were the different stages you went through? J.C.: I had treatment that started with chemotherapy and surgery at the end. Twelve weekly chemo sessions plus another four fortnightlies. About 5 months in all. Luckily I was able to maintain a good mood and enthusiasm throughout the whole process. Knowing that I was going to the hospital for treatment always gave me joy, because I knew I was going to the place where I would be treated. LEMON: What helped most to keep your spirits up during the entire treatment and recovery process? J.C.: Without a doubt, the support of family and friends. And even strangers offering support through social media were a huge help. I felt a wave of love I would never have expected. It was probably because I deserved it! Another thing that helped me a lot was self-love. Moments like this spur us on to love one another more than ever and so love was never lacking.

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LEMON: Do you think it was a more difficult experience during the pandemic than it would be under normal circumstances? J.C.: Confinement didn’t make things harder. I think it maybe even slightly helped that people were more available to support me, since they weren’t so distracted with their lives. At the hospital, it gave me even more security, because the pandemic forced everyone to wear masks and only those who needed treatment could enter. Without all the crowds of people, patients feel more secure when going to the doctor. LEMON: How did you deal with the effects of treatment on your body? J.C.: The side effects I was supposed to have, I didn’t have. Nausea, vomiting, cancer sores, etc... These were things that didn’t happen to me. I always thought I would not get any of these symptoms and I think that positive thinking helped me. The whole process went beautifully and the only visible thing was hair loss. My hair, eyebrows and eyelashes were gone. But I solved that too from the beginning with wigs and false eyelashes and eyebrows. I wanted to put on as brave and beautiful a face as possible. I believed that way I would never look in the mirror and feel sick. I think it’s very important that we work on maintaining self-esteem. LEMON: What was the most difficult thing for you during the entire process? J.C.: I don’t think I had a difficult time. I had moments of great joy, always with acceptance and enthusiasm for the process. I always saw everything very calmly and that helped me not break down, because each stage was a victory for me. And every minute a joy to live. LEMON: When did you feel your lowest physically? J.C.: I’ve never been down physically. I still did some exercise, like Pilates, walks and even when I started to get a little more tired, I just accepted it and thought “I’ll just relax and not waste energy unnecessarily!”

LEMON: The greatest help someone gave you? J.C.: My greatest help was my family, even just in terms of logistics. My grandmother made me meals every day, making sure I got a good variety of food and that I didn’t have to cook. And my mother, sister and brother-in-law were right next door, so they helped me with the groceries and everything I needed. LEMON: Do you think that all your positivity had an influence on your recovery? J.C.: No doubt about it. Being and thinking positive is 50% of the cure. Doctors do their part and we do ours. It’s not just a myth that if we manage to clear our minds of bad things, we only attract the good ones. Things happen all the time that prove that it’s worth controlling the negativity around us. If we can attract bad thoughts, we can also attract good ones. The choice is ours. LEMON: How did the final surgery go? J.C.: The final surgery was great! I love a good anaesthesia: you have a nice nap and then when you wake up all the medical work is already done. You don’t have to worry. Of course, it’s a little uncomfortable when you first open your eyes, but calmly and in a few days you start to recover mobility and soon you’re as good as new! LEMON: How do you feel now? J.C.: I feel great. I always have and feel very grateful to the universe and to all those who helped me, directly or indirectly, in this situation. The only thing to say is thank you! LEMON: What’s the biggest lesson you learned out of everything you went through? J.C.: The biggest lesson is something I already knew about, but that at some point I got distracted from fulfilling: we have to be faithful to ourselves, to what we want for ourselves and always follow our intuition. Awareness of who we are and the constant discovery of values is something we need to work on every day. It’s as simple as that. LEMON: Is there anything you didn’t value before and that you do now? J.C.: I didn’t value hugs and kisses because I’ve always been the kind of person who doesn’t like to be touched. But now a good hug feels so good! And it’s a hug that I also send to all those who are or could be in a similar situation in the future: enthusiasm, strength, no fear… and it can only go well! @joanacruz

BREAST CANCER By Maria de Lurdes Orvalho, radiologist and head of the Breast Imaging Unit at Hospital da Luz. Photography courtesy of Maria de Lurdes Orvalho

FACTS • Among women, breast cancer is the leading cause of premature death and represents around 30% of all cases of cancer. • Each woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. • Age is a risk factor, with only a quarter of breast cancers occurring before the age of 50, and less than 5% before the age of 35. That said, in Europe, the incidence of breast cancer is growing among younger women (< 45 years). • Breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for only around 1% of cases. • The good news is that the mortality of breast cancer has been declining, mainly due to earlier detection and improved treatment. • Mammograms are the best method of early detection, whether in population screening, in symptomatic patients or as a prophylaxis. • The United States has seen a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality since 1990. • One in six cases of breast cancer occur in women between the ages of 40 and 49. • Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease and are not considered to be high risk. WHY ARE MAMMOGRAMS SO IMPORTANT? Mammograms are a non-invasive technique to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities and are the only test that has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. They can detect breast cancer in its early stages, long before it is palpable, improving survival and potentially making treatment less invasive.According to the American College of Radiology, women should start annual mammograms from the

age of 40, though the recommended age and frequency vary according to different international associations. Breast cancer is not a single disease but rather a number of different diseases with distinct biology. PREVENTION Primary forms of prevention, such as the protection provided by vaccines, do not exist. What is available is the possibility of early detection through imaging tests such as mammograms, but also ultrasound in younger age groups and MRIs in high-risk groups. A healthy and active lifestyle that avoids obesity, sedentarism and excessive alcohol consumption is the best means of protection against all types of cancer. Smoking is a particularly strong risk factor. Having breast cancer is a risk factor for developing contralateral breast cancer. Ionising radiation can induce the development of breast cancer, especially during childhood and adolescence, as for example in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Only 5 to 10% of cases of breast cancer are due to hereditary mutations in highly penetrant genes. The risk of breast cancer is related to the number of first-degree relatives (mother, aunt, sister) affected and the age of diagnosis. The genetic study of healthy family members at risk for hereditary cancer should be carried out with genetic counselling. Higher breast density (a higher level of opacity) identified during mammography is one of the strongest and most prevalent risk factors for breast cancer. Nulliparity and older age at first birth have also been associated with an increased risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer. While there is still some debate about breastfeeding and breast cancer risk, most

evidence suggests that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. Manual self-examination of breasts is a simple act that any woman can and should do without anxiety in order to get to know more about this important part of their body. Self-examination should be done after the menstrual period when the breast is softer. While 20 is considered a good age to start monthly palpation, it can be done at any age after puberty. Only those who know your breast will be able to detect changes that justify seeing a doctor. Although it is especially useful in young age groups not covered by prophylactic or screening mammography, the main objective is the detection of impalpable breast cancer. Most changes young women detect in their breasts on examination are benign, but medical advice should be sought. Persistent pain is not always related to cancer. That said, medical advice should be sought in the event of any change in the breasts, including changes in the skin and/or the nipple, the presence of nodules, excretion of fluid from the nipples, increased density at certain points or underarm swelling. In addition to clinical examination, doctors may request a mammogram and ultrasound, or just the latter for younger age groups or during pregnancy. Radiologists may consider it necessary to perform a biopsy, which consists of image-guided collection of breast tissue for a definitive diagnosis. It is a painless process performed under local anesthesia. In other circumstances, imaging alone is enough. In addition to being the screening test in confirmed high-risk patients, MRIs can be performed in complex situations to better assess the extent of tumours and contralateral breast cancer. While they use no ionising radiation, they do use paramagnetic contrasting, and as such are not indicated during pregnancy. MRIs are the exam of choice for the study of breast implants.

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@ c a@ t acrai nt aarairnoasaar o s a

@catarinaarosa

ADVENTURES ARE THE BEST WAY TO LE ARN .

A deeply rooted Nordic brand with 100% natural qualities. The TIMELESS collection reflects a time where time stood still, but days were never the same. Inspired by a childhood on the Faroe Islands and the way kids play. The key is freedom of play and the accent is comfor t. Colours are calm as the winter mist and warm as the fallen leaves on the forest ground. Qualities include alpaca, merino wool, seamless silk and GOTS cer tified Organic Cotton. www.minimalisma.com

WALPOLE BAY Step back in time, take a deep breath. Try to remember what you came here for, search for the answers within. We will always remain, you and me, for our love is as timeless as the tides. Photography & Concept Leonie Freeman St yling & Ar t direction Julie Vianey Hair and Make - up Amy Sachon Models Peter and Honey

PETER Top Tiny Cottons Cardigan Burberry – Childsplay Trousers The Animals Observatory Hat Wynken HONEY Dress Emilio Pucci – Childsplay Jacket Elsy – Childrensalon

HONEY Dress Emilio Pucci – Childrensalon Trainers Stella McCartney Suitcase Antoine et Lili vintage PETER Turtleneck Tiny Cottons Blazer Gucci – Childrensalon Trousers Piccola Ludo – Childrensalon Trainers Asos

HONEY Turtleneck Gucci – Childsplay Jacket Elsy – Childrensalon Skirt Gucci – Childsplay Shoes and socks The Animals Observatory Spectacles Very French Gangsters

PETER Jumper Gucci – Childsplay Trousers The Animals Observatory Trainers Asos Suitcase Antoine et Lili vintage HONEY Polo shirt Gucci – Childsplay Jumper Gabriel et Valentin Skirt Lanvin – Childrensalon Boots Maison Mangostan

PETER Jumper Tambere Jacket Gucci – Childsplay Shorts MSGM – Childrensalon Trainers Asos Hat Wynken

PETER T-shirt and pants Molo – Childsplay Cardigan Gucci – Childsplay HONEY Blouse Raspberry Plum Trousers Wynken Trainers Givenchy

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HONEY Jacket dressing gown Raspberry Plum

HONEY Jumper The Animals Observatory Trousers Raspberry Plum Trainers Stella McCartney Collar stylist’s own

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BODY POSITIVITY Scrolling through Instagram can be tough sometimes. Everybody looks so perfectly flawless you end up feeling bad about yourself. We’ve all experienced this, but we have found the solution: here are some body-positive accounts you must follow! These inspiring women deliver great inspiration and empowerment. Just know this: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! By Lara Franco Gomes Photography rights reserved

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@jadasezer Jada Sezer ran London’s marathon in just her underwear to prove that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes. This beautiful girl is an absolute inspiration.

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@laurennicolefk Lauren Nicole always has cool fashion inspirations and trendy outfits. She also offers some pretty good skincare tips. Definitely worth checking out!

@tessholliday Tess Holliday is one of the top bodypositive influencers. Look her up if you are after some awesome fashion tips and female empowerment. She celebrates every body type and colour.

@raeannlangas Raeann Langas has an amazing sense of fashion and encourages women to stay body positive and love every bit of her own body. In every way a must-follow!

@ashleygraham Ashley Graham is the body positivity superstar! She was just 12 when she was discovered at a model and talent convention. Since then, she’s been rocking it all over the world! She is a beautiful woman who inspires us to love ourselves no matter what. A truly empowering smile!

@alexmichaelmay Alex Michael May is a traveller, model, speaker, writer and creative. She takes fashion inspiration for body positivity to another level and her love of colours and prints redefines our fashion sense. If you don’t follow her yet, you have a lot of cool videos to catch up on!

FAMILY TRAVEL

TRAVELLING OCEANIA WITH THE AWOL FAMILY Kinga, Courtney, Chloee and Leo are a family of four. Actually, they are a “four plus one big dog” family. But they are a very special one. Besides their day-to-day life and

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routine, they enjoy every second of their free time to travel and collect family memories. And as we know, these are forever. Meet the AWOL Family! B y A n a Ro q u e P h oto gr aphy c o u r t e s y o f t h e A W O L Fam i l y l l u s t r at i o n C at ar i n a , a Ro s a @ c at ar i n aar o s a

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The AWOL Family lives on the Gold Coast in the North of Australia. Kinga, the mum, is a physiotherapist who works in paediatrics. “In my day job, I get the pleasure of helping little people.” Courtney, the dad, has a background in elite sports. “My husband competed at two Olympic games and now also works across some of the world’s premium outdoor brands in marketing, content and tourism.” As for the kids, “Chloee is in high school and is active across a range of sports, and Leo is in primary school. His favourite game is Australian football or AFL.” It’s fair to say that sport runs in the family. Besides their normal daily life, the family travels a lot and shares everything with their more than 12 thousand followers on Instagram. “We are not the typical travel blogging family. We have not packed up the house and left to travel full time. We both have jobs and commitments at home, kids at school and sport on the weekends. I suppose what travel and adventures we get up to relate a little bit more to families in a realistic way while living the busy life (working a full-time job) society throws at us. That is where the AWOL comes from. Sometimes we just pack up and leave for a weekend or week, but the reality is we still have to come back to our commitments at home.” While travelling, each family member has a role, but the main aim is to enjoy each destination to the fullest. Kinga is mostly on the camera taking photographs and Courtney is on the video cameras and drones. “While we love creating content of our trips, we always try and make sure that the first reason we are on the trip is to experience what it is, let the kids have an adventure and have some fun. That makes things as authentic and enjoyable as possible.” The AWOL Family travelling journey started about twelve years ago. “Initially, travel was all about my husband’s job

racing around the globe. We got to go to a lot of countries and spend time living in different cultures, but it was never really a holiday. Chloee spent the first five years of her life living between Australia and Europe, with a little holiday in between somewhere in Asia. That was the beginning of the travel experience. Since 2016 we have seen more of our own backyard in Australia, especially around Queensland, and our closest neighbour New Zealand.” About travelling as a lifestyle, Kinga is not sure about it. “Dayto-day real life must go on. We travel to explore, sometimes we travel for work, but most of the time we travel for time as a family and to see new things.” When travelling with this family, you can expect a bit of everything. “We love nice resort accommodation, but we also like to camp by ourselves with not much more than the tents we take. I suppose where you would not find us is the

LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: What is your favourite destination? AWOL Family [A.F.]: Our home state of Queensland has the best of most things. Reefs, islands, beaches, rainforests, outback and great hiking. Favourite destinations change over time depending on what we want to do and what stage of our life we are at. If you were to ask the kids right now where they like to go, it is a little island two-hour boat ride off the Queensland coast to Lady Musgrave Island. It is one of the easiest places and cleanest reefs to swim with the turtles. LEMON: Where have you not gone yet but really want to go? A.F.: We still have not done the Western Australian coast and some of the more remote places in central Australia. If you wanted one place, Kakadu, Northern Territory. LEMON: How many countries you have visited? A.F.: We have never really thought about it, but at a guess, I am assuming at least 20 to 30. Maybe more, if you count how many European countries fit into the size of a map of Australia. LEMON: Do you prefer city or nature tourism? A.F.: No question, we prefer nature tourism.

place in between, busy caravan parks, city holidays. Travel for us generally revolves around some type of activity or the complete opposite of pure relaxation.” Since the pandemic started, things have not actually changed that much for them when it comes to travel. “Down in Australia we have been lucky that we have been able to travel domestically most of the time and that was our plan anyway. Australia and New Zealand are big enough with enough different terrain and experiences that you need more than a few years of the pandemic to see all of it.”

“We are not the typical travel blogging family. We have not packed up the house and left to travel full time.”

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“In New Zealand people like to go to the mountains but I think the real gem is the Fiordlands National Park and Milford Sound.”

TRAVELLING THROUGH MAGICAL OCEANIA Australia, New Zealand and Oceania in general are dream destinations for many of us who have not had the luck to visit them yet. In Kinga’s opinion, this continent’s magic lies in “the variety of different environments you have in one region. The Great Barrier Reef, deserts, rainforests, Alp style snowy mountains in New Zealand… There is something for everyone.” The AWOL Family lives in “one of the nicest tourist cities one will come across in the Gold Coast. It has some of the nicest sand beaches and surf on the planet, but then 20 minutes’ drive inland some of the nicest rainforests you will come across as well. Drive another few hours inland and you can be camping in the bush and dodging kangaroos with your four-wheel-drive.” Here it is again, Oceania’s magic — the variety of landscapes.

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LEMON: What is your favourite destination in Oceania for a family vacation? A.F.: It is hard to pick one, but the place we go for complete relaxation and to do nothing each Christmas is Port Douglas, in northern Queensland. LEMON: What is unmissable in Australia? A.F.: You do not want to miss the reef in Australia, but you also cannot say you visited Australia without seeing the real outback, so a trip to Alice Springs or north into Kakadu or Western Australia would have to be on the list. LEMON: What about New Zealand? A.F.: In New Zealand people like to go to the mountains but I think the real gem is the Fiordlands National Park and Milford Sound. LEMON: What are the three best places to explore as a family across Oceania? A.F.: Picking only three places, first, a stay at Heron Island in Queensland where you can swim straight off the beach with

an abundance of wildlife, reef sharks, rays, fish – all from a pristine white sand beach. Then skiing in Queenstown New Zealand, not only for the skiing, but also to experience the town, to take a drive through the mountains and use it as a base to see the South Island. Finally, a trip to the red centre, Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, to do some kind of remote camping in the outback. Maybe a trip out to Kings Canyon or, if you want the real tourist experience everyone always wants, to see the big rock Uluru. LEMON: What is the best way to experience Oceania as a family? A.F.: Different forms of transport will offer you different experiences. Maybe the best way is to combine them all with a road trip to a location where you can go out on the boat — cannot beat those two together. One of the best experiences you can do around the Whitsundays in Queensland is charter your own boat even when you do not have much boating experience. All it takes is a few hours getting some tips and away you go around the beautiful islands for days on your own catamaran. LEMON: We know that you usually visit natural parks. Do they have a special place in the AWOL Family’s heart? A.F.: National parks encompass still so much of the land in Australia. It is amazing that these places are still protected, but you can use them to have outdoor experiences. Whether it is a national park for mountain bike tracks 20 minutes from our doorstep, or on an island 60 km from the coastline, it is an amazing resource to have for the future. LEMON: What makes camping such a good family experience? A.F.: Family camping whether it is for one night or for a week is that time to get the family together without the distractions

of modern technology. It is amazing what kids come up with when they are in the outdoors and have to use their own imagination to play. Also, nothing beats sitting around a fire at night with a few cold drinks and marshmallows. LEMON: What about Tasmania? What is there to visit with the kids? A.F.: Tassie is all about the outdoors and wilderness. The lodges up around Cradle Mountain any time of the year are always a great place to go and visit. You will see wombats just cruising around, wallabies at your doorstep and some of the most beautiful hikes in the region. LEMON: What are the best tips you can give to those who want to get to know Oceania? A.F.: Make sure to get away from the cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland are just where you fly into internationally. The real Australia is all about getting in a car or boat and doing some kilometres to see what is around the country. LEMON: Finally, we need to talk about food... What can we expect when travelling to Oceania? What are the main delicacies? A.F.: Oceania’s food is multicultural. You can find pretty much anything from around the world. But if you want local, we’ve got some of the best beef in the world, or fresh fish and prawns on the BBQ on a hot summer’s night. awolfamily.com @awolfamily

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THE WAY The c hoice you make no ma t ter wha t, the friend you make without knowing, the train you take no ma t ter where it ’s going... the way to who you really are, your peace of mind ! By Boss Mum

Hevea at Smallable

Organic Zoo

Garbo & Friends at Smallable

Gabriel et Valentin

Lale for Inka

Organic Zoo Lemon Hair Lovers Gabriel et Valentin

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Piupiuchick

Quincy Mae at Smallable

Liewood

Hydro Flask at Tillys

Cantê

Maison Labiche at Smallable

Fendi

Kaws X Sons + Daughters Natural Insect Repellent MoskiShield Djeco

Ykra

Latitid

Liewood

Fish & Kids at Smallable

Eastpak

Igloo at Tillys

Maison Magostan

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BACK Sherpa fleece Stella McCartney Kids Under sweater Minimalisma Metal skirt Karl Lagerfeld Kids Belt pouch Dolce & Gabbana Socks Bobo Choses Sneakers Moncler Enfant

Jacket Bobo Choses Sheep jacket Bellerose – Smallable Pants The New Society Hat Tia Cibani

STREET Untamed freedom and stories untold. That’s who I am: adventurous and bold. I belong to the throbbing heartbeat of the open road. Photographer Franck Malthiery S t y l i n g C a p u c i n e Te r r i n

Jacket Finger in the Nose Sherpa fleece The Campamento Dress The Middle Daughter Hat Tinny Cottons

Pullover Misha & Puff Mesh pants Chloé Belt pouch Stella McCartney Kids Sneakers Moncler Enfant

Jacket Tia Cibani Pullover Wynken Under sweater Minimalisma Trousers Zadig & Voltaire

Sherpa fleece Marc Jacobs Cardigan Tiny Cottons Pullover Finger in the Nose Trousers Kenzo Bucket hat Wynken

Jacket Moncler Enfant Sherpa jacket Scotch & Soda Jacket and trousers Play Up Hat La FéFche Glasses Very French Gangsters Sneakers boots Fendi Kids

Sherpa fleece DKNY Skirt The Campamento

Jacket Little Creative Factory Jumpsuit Wolf & Rita Hat Wynken

Vest Dolce & Gabbana Pullover Bonnet à Pompon Under sweater Minimalisma Trousers Moncler Enfant

STREETS OF FIRE W i t h wa r m t h i n you r he a r t, you c a n t r a ns f o r m a f r os t y d a y. By Capucine Terrin Play Up

Bonpoint Lacoste

Bobo Choses

Dsquared2

Weekend House Kids

Uniqlo

Toastie

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Mustard Made

Dolce & Gabbana

Start Rite

Molo

Meri Meri

Bobux

The Animals Observatory

Rachel Riley Tia Cibani Molo

Stella McCartney Kids

Petit Bateau

Jeune Premier

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@catarinaarosa

JUST ONE LIFE . JUST ONE . SO RUN LIKE YOU ARE ON FIRE TOWARDS YOUR WILDEST DRE AM!

IN THE CLOSET

FASHION SENSE A member of the Hilton family by birth, born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Nicky Hilton is a fashion designer, businesswoman, socialite, model, instagrammer and mother of two beautiful girls. By Lara Franco Gomes Photography courtesy of Nicky Hilton Illustration Catarina, a Rosa @catarinaarosa

Nicky Hilton feels lucky to have two daughters because she feels they entertain each other 24/7. She has been living in Malibu with her family for the last few weeks of summer and is gearing up to get both her kids back to school safely. Her oldest, Lily-Grace, will be entering kindergarten at a new school, which she finds exciting. She also just launched her Nicky Hilton x French Sole Fall/ Winter 2021 Collection and so we spoke to her to find out a bit more about her fashion choices!

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LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Has motherhood changed your way of looking at fashion? Nicky Hilton [N.H.]: Definitely. When I’m dressing my kids, I’m all about practicality, which means as few buttons and zippers as possible. LEMON: What is your go-to piece? N.H.: I do love my pair of dungarees from my Dotty Dungarees collection. There’s something so sweet and childlike about them. And I’m very much into the one and done piece. LEMON: What’s the most precious piece of clothing you own? N.H.: My dress from my christening that my mother kept for me. LEMON: Do you have a fashion role model? N.H.: My mum is someone’s whose style I really admire because she’s always stylish yet comfortable at the same time. It’s very effortless.

LEMON: What’s your favourite style of jeans, the one you think is most flattering? N.H.: I’m a skinny jeans girl. Even though I just heard skinny jeans are going out of style, I’m sticking with them. LEMON: You created an adorable collection of children’s apparel for Dotty Dungarees. What was that experience like and how does it feel to see your girls dressed in your designs? N.H.: I loved collaborating with the Dotty Dungarees team. The company’s run by two mothers and I had so much fun putting my unique twist on this children’s staple. I love when my girls wear the collection and I love seeing other people’s children in the collection too. I’m constantly getting tagged on Instagram of people putting their little girls in the line, it’s really sweet. LEMON: What comes to mind when you hear the words “decluttering your closet”? N.H.: I am very strict about getting whatever no longer fits out of the closet because it makes getting dressed in the morning so much more difficult when there’s all this stuff and clutter. LEMON: Do you still have any of your childhood clothes? Do your daughters wear them? If so, how do you feel about that? N.H.: My mom saved a lot of Paris’s and I’s holiday dresses that my daughters wear. They’re really beautiful in all the holiday velvet and lace trims. They don’t make clothes like that anymore.

THIS OR THAT

Glitter or nude? Glitter Comfy or stylish? Both Silver or gold? Silver Denim or leather? Denim Shorts or trousers? Trousers Daywear or evening wear? Evening wear High heels or flats? Both Scarf of hat? Hat Dress or jumpsuit? Dress Necklace or earrings? Necklace

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LEMON: How long do you think we should hold onto something in our closet that we don’t wear? N.H.: I tend to hang onto things a bit longer, but I think at the three-year mark it’s ok to retire something and give it to a new owner. LEMON: Which items in our closet should we invest our money in, and which are ok to buy on the cheap? N.H.: I think it’s important to invest in the classics because they will be in your wardrobe for years to come; like a great blazer, trench coat or black dress. And I tend to not spend as much money on trendier items because they don’t have a very long shelf life. LEMON: Do you have a favourite piece for business travel? N.H.: My travel is all about comfort, not style. Typically to the airport I’m in yoga pants and a comfortable sweater with sneakers. LEMON: How to dress for business casual but still look polished? N.H.: I think throwing a blazer on with absolutely anything

immediately dresses you up and gives you some polish and sophistication. LEMON: Can you tell us some of your favourite brands to wear? N.H.: I love Brock Collection. It’s very feminine, Victorian, has lots of florals and lace and is very romantic. LEMON: And for the kids? N.H.: I love Maisonette’s line Maison Me. I think it’s really cute, age appropriate, good quality and well-priced. LEMON: Tell us a little bit about the Nicky Hilton x French Sole Fall/Winter 2021 Collection? N.H.: I continue to design different loafers and ballet flats. I think they’re the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. I live in my mine. One of my favourite pairs we’re launching is the shearling Teddy loafer. I am a huge teddy coat girl and wanted to make a cute and comfy pair to run around in in New York this fall. frenchsoleshoes.com/collections/nickyhilton @nickyhilton

AUTUMN TAN? YES, IT’S POSSIBLE! Terracot ta, golden brown, plum, copper, rust, c hocola te… these are the colours we want to hold onto from summer into autumn. Bu t as time flies by, so does our summer tan fade. So we’ve put together some really cool produc ts to help you keep tha t bronzed look all through the new season. By Cool Mum

Patrick Ta Major dimension eyeshadow palette Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush matte bronzer

Kiko PH lips enhancer Mac Face and body foundation

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Dior Bronzer self– tanner natural glow

Marc Jacobs O!Mega gel powder eyeshadow

Huda Beauty face and body highlighter

Stila Glitter & glow liquid eye shadow

Tarte Cosmetics Brazilliance 2 HR Express self–tanner

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

Nars Blush orgasm

Mark Jacobs Under (cover) perfecting coconut face primer

Milk Makeup flex foundation stick

Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot mascara

RMS Beauty eye polish

Isle of Paradise Self–tanning water

Patrick Ta Major dimension precision gel eyeliner

Urban Decay X Prince Let’s go crazy eyeshadow palette

Maybelline Tattoostudio gel pencil eyeliner

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RECIPE

THE PERKS OF PLANT-BASED

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Plant-based diets are seemingly here to stay. Attracting an increasing number of converts in recent years, this diet is said to be healthier and more sustainable than omnivorous diets. Another growing trend is prejudice against plant-based diets, however, with some who claim that such diets are low in protein and not fully nourishing. There are also those who question their suitability for young children. To find out more about this issue, we spoke with a family that follows a plant-based diet and sought the opinion of a nutritionist to dismantle the myths about plant-based food. By Ana Roque Photography cour tesy of Inês Cerdeira Abreu and Maria Julia Rosa Illustration Catarina, a Rosa @catarinaarosa

Inês Cerdeira Abreu and her husband Francisco “are a (not-soyoung-anymore) couple” and parents of two: Martim (five) and Pilar (three). The two little ones love to spend time in nature, preferably with a bunch of good friends, music and food! Martim and Pilar are super independent and have lots of personality. “I am not saying this because they are mine, but they truly are special kids. We try our best to teach them the importance of kindness, friendship, loyalty and honesty and to respect animals and nature, because we are part of it.” Inês lived in London for 12 years, studying and working in fashion and textiles. These days she works with food. “I think I am increasingly gravitating towards food... Working, breathing, and learning by the day. I have also created a food styling and photography project with a friend, so I guess anything foodie is really where I am heading!” Inês started on the path of studying food and nutrition around five years ago when the kids were born. “I consolidated my knowledge with a Plant-Based Chef course and so far, from workshops to classes, to mini caterings and cooking for retreats, I have done a bit of everything.” She told LEMON that “food is not only fuel... it is medicine; it heals the body and soul. And the sooner we teach our children the importance and value of food, the sooner they become adults with a profound consciousness and respect for their bodies and for mother earth.” LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Is your family vegan, strict vegetarian or fit under any other label in particular? Inês Cerdeira Abreu [I.C.A.]: We are 90% plant-based. At home we barely eat any animal product, but we had to expand our options for travel and when the kids stay with the grandparents. They absolutely love fish and so do we, but we tend to eat it more when we are on holiday and preferably from places where we know the source. LEMON: When did you change your diet and what made you do so? I.C.A.: I started looking at food with a different perspective in around 2008, but it was only when my kids were born that we adopted a healthier, more plant-based diet. I started looking around and wanted to avoid a lot of the processed foods you find in supermarkets. I was especially concerned about sugar... We also watched a lot of documentaries and became more aware of the practices of the food industry. Francisco helped a lot in that transition as he had been a vegetarian on and off since he was 19. LEMON: What is a healthy and balanced diet for you? I.C.A.: I believe balance is key. We were brought up in Portugal, a country with a big food tradition, so it is hard to leave behind some of those flavours that take you back down memory lane. If we really take care of each other at home, reducing our consumption of animal products, avoiding gluten and processed foods, we can have the odd cheat day occasionally. But the good thing about changing the way we eat is that our taste changes and we stop craving foods we used to eat.

LEMON: Have Martim and Pilar ever consumed any animal products? I.C.A.: They eat yoghurt, eggs, and cheese now and again, but they are not that into that stuff. When we are at big events or parties, they always ask if they can eat A or B, because they know that meat is not part of their menu and they have never shown any curiosity in trying it. Even with sugary foods, they really want to be part of the gang, but after a bite or two of cakes and sweets they normally leave it. We have never offered this kind of food to them. LEMON: Did you go to a nutritionist to help you develop your kids’ diet? I.C.A.: They are regularly seen by our paediatrician and by a homoeopathic doctor. The doctors have never opposed their diet as they have been very healthy kids. LEMON: Do you take any kind of supplementation? I.C.A.: Yes, especially from September to March. We drink green juice pretty much every morning, take cordyceps and reishi, propolis and other food supplements. The kids also take Lisobacter and Bio Kult during the winter months to help their immunity. LEMON: Is there is a lot of misinformation about plant-based diets? I.C.A.: Absolutely. A lot of people still associate them with low immunity and diseases, when the total opposite is true. We still get a lot of unsolicited opinions about the kids’ diet, especially when it comes to avoiding sugar. LEMON: Plant-based dishes are colourful and very beautiful. Do you feel that you need to be more creative in the kitchen? I.C.A.: I felt that when I didn’t know how to cook. I guess that is what scares most people. But as soon as you become aware that all these beautiful rainbows of fruit and veggies have the power to heal you, to help you think clearly and share more love, that creativity and experimentation will come naturally. Just get into the kitchen and have a go: you may fail a few times, but eventually the magic will happen!

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LEMON: Do you think your kids will follow the same diet when they’re more grown up? I.C.A.: I hope and truly believe so. They are growing in an environment where a lot of people have a similar mindset and go to a school where their diet is totally respected. They love, respect and understand the cycle of nature, and always help me out in the kitchen. They eat and love a lot more ingredients that many adults have never tried or heard about. LEMON: Has the rest of your family adopted this diet? Do they respect your food choices? I.C.A.: They have not fully adopted the diet but are quite healthy in general and totally respect our decisions. The most difficult part are sweets. We always ask the grandparents not to go too far, but we have different understandings of what that is.

STARTING AT SCHOOL

LEMON: Did you have any special concerns when choosing your kids’ school? I.C.A.: Absolutely. I chose their school not only, but mainly because of the type of food available. LEMON: Did you feel any difference in treatment due to the type of food the kids were eating? I.C.A.: Never. Their school menu is beyond incredible. I wish I could eat there every day! LEMON: Have you ever felt any kind of judgement or prejudice from other people? I.C.A.: From parents, educators, or teachers, never. From family and other adults, yes. People tend to think it is just a phase, that they will discover foods we don’t give them, that we are not being flexible enough and the kids are missing out on the best of life: meat and sugar. To be honest, in the beginning, it did bother me, and I used to respond in an angry way. Nowadays I don’t bother saying a word. Smile and wave is my motto. Everyone is on their own path. @oneofus_kitchen

TROPICAL SALAD

Ingredients: 1 cubed tomato; 1/2 cubed mango; 1 cubed avocado; 1/2 lemon (juice only); Chopped peppermint; Chopped cilantro; Salt; Pepper. Method: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and leave in the fridge to marinate for around 30 minutes. Then simply enjoy and be happy!

ENERGY BALLS

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Ingredients: 260 gr of Medjool dates; 4 tablespoons of peanut butter; 4 tablespoons of liquid coconut oil; 2 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder; 6 tablespoons of chia seeds; 160 gr of chopped almonds; Shredded coconut to roll the balls. Method: Blend the dates, peanut butter, and coconut oil until smooth. Then mix in the cocoa, almonds and chia seeds and blend again. Hand roll the mixture into little balls in the shredded coconut and keep them in the fridge for an hour before eating. Enjoy and spread the love! Recipes by Inês Cerdeira Abreu

THE SPECIALIST’S OPINION Maria Julia Rosa is a vegan nutritionist and the proud owner of Vê, a vegan restaurant in Brazil. She has more than 27 thousand followers on Instagram. Before becoming a nutritionist, Maria Julia studied business administration. She first became interested in vegetarianism after reading Gandhi’s autobiography. “And after watching the documentary Earthlings, I have never eaten animal products again. When I discovered veganism, I decided that I would dedicate my life to understanding this much-needed choice for the world and spreading it to everyone around me. It has been eight years!” She is now studying a master’s degree in human nutrition and metabolism at Nova Medical School in Lisbon and teaches on three postgraduate degrees. In her activity as a nutritionist, she does online consultations for “patients seeking to improve their quality of life.” LEMON Magazine [LEMON]: Some people have the idea that a vegan diet consists mostly of lettuce. What would you say to these people? Maria Julia Rosa [M.J.R.]: For those unfamiliar with them, plant-based diets may seem dull, monotonous, and lacking the necessary nutrients. But on the contrary, by changing your diet you discover new ingredients and seasonings, news ways to cook and add more colours and flavours to a dish, all while improving variety and nutrition. LEMON: What is the best advice for those who want to start a plant-based diet? M.J.R.: Start with the basics. Add more vegetables to your plate; play with new ways of preparing grains, seeds, and vegetables; designate certain days without meat (and other animal products); get into your kitchen more and create things instead of buying ready-made products. Easing into it is a good approach. LEMON: Some people think a vegan diet without animal foods is low in protein. What are the main sources of protein in a vegan diet? M.J.R.: That is totally false. Virtually every food contains a certain amount of protein, and it is very rare for vegans to be protein deficient. On the other hand, omnivores commonly consume an excessive level of proteins, which can lead to kidney and liver complications and weight gain. The main sources of protein in the vegan diet are legumes such as beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans, tofu, and tempeh. Some cereals and cereal derivatives such as oats and seitan are also quite high in protein. Seeds and oilseeds supplement the daily protein total, usually in small portions. LEMON: Do people who follow a plant-based diet always need food supplements? M.J.R. – Everyone’s organism is different and nutritional needs can vary throughout life. This occurs across vegans and non-vegans, so nutritional needs must always be assessed individually. Our modern way of life is quite unnatural, consuming processed

and packaged products, and with little access to nature and the sun, for example. This creates an almost universal need for supplementing vitamin D and vitamin B12, for example, regardless of our food choices. LEMON: Some people say that athletes should not follow vegan diets because a lack of animal foods makes them weaker... M.J.R.: That is another big lie. There is an increasing number of professional athletes adopting plant-based nutrition and achieving great results. One of the most important nutrients for good athletic performance is carbohydrates, and plant-based foods are more balanced in macro-nutrients and rich in the bioactive compounds essential for muscle recovery. LEMON: Are plant-based diets suitable for children? M.J.R.: As long as they are properly planned, as any diet should be, plant-based diets are suitable for all stages of life, according to the American Dietetic and Nutritional Association. LEMON: Do you need to take special care when feeding a child on a vegan diet? M.J.R.: Children grow fast and have a very high nutritional demand. In this sense, foods with good caloric density and a good variety of ingredients are essential. The nutrients we should highlight are iron, which is present in legumes, seeds and nuts; calcium, which is present in dark green vegetables, in some seeds such as sesame and chia, and in fortified foods such as milk and vegetable yoghurts; and vitamins D and B12, which should be supplemented prophylactically in the absence of individual assessment. LEMON: For those who want to become vegan, do we need to get the advice of a nutritionist or can we transition independently? M.J.R.: Ideally, everyone should have some nutritional support, as healthy eating is one of the pillars for disease prevention. But nothing prevents people from making their dietary transition on their own, especially nowadays, with so much information available on social media. Sometimes nutritional monitoring can help you take the first steps more safely and will facilitate the whole process, reducing the chances of giving up in the future. LEMON: What are the benefits of a plant-based diet compared to an omnivorous one? M.J.R.: Studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower rates of non-communicable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. LEMON: Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years. Is it a trend or is it here to stay? M.J.R.: We know that in addition to being very healthy, this diet has an ethical component related to animal wefare and environmental protection. Our planet is cryingout for change and we can all start with our plate. I hope this is a trend that grows more and more widespread! Maria Julia Rosa @anutrivegana Restaurant @ve_gano

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LEMON SHOTS A quarterly dose of love for our favourite brands… By Erica Loi

PAPERBOAT Get ready for some October half-term sunshine with matching swimwear from this beautiful Portuguese brand. www.paperboatpt.com

KIDSWEAR COLLECTIVE Pre-loved baby and children’s luxury site, Kidswear Collective, now has a permanent space at Selfridges, London, and a new online presence at www.selfridges.com. Launched in 2018, Kidswear Collective sources stock from private sellers, samples and garments used in fashion shoots, and pieces from popular influencers. www.kidswearcollective.com POLARN O PYRET The PO.P flexisize jacket is an exciting new offering that truly shows this brand’s commitment to sustainability. Not only is the lining made from 100% recycled polyester, but a brand-new genius feature allows this garment to literally grow with your child. Perfect for muddy walks! www.polarnopyret.co.uk

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JANOD Spruce up the kids wheels with these gorgeous JANOD balance bikes. Perfect for making the school run a little quicker and more fun! www.littleimps.co.uk

STYCH Spruce up your accessories from kids to dogs… new leads for the pooches and new bags and hair clips for the kids. Everything you need in one place. Accessories can completely change an outfit! www.stychaccessories.com

TOTTER AND TUMBLE Totter + Tumble’s BRAND-NEW release of the round playmat is the design feature every family home needs this summer. This round reversible playmat is being released exclusively in Totter + Tumble’s signature and most popular Scout/Wanderer design. Measuring 140cm/55in in diameter, it has a new level of flexibility to fit in those areas where a rectangle playmat won’t work – making it the must-have interior accessory of the season. www.totterandtumble.co.uk LEMON HAIR LOVERS Get your hair ties in tip-top shape with some elegant bows for back to school. www.lemonhairlovers.com

EDX EDUCATION Educational toys have never been better. Creative, helpful and, above all, a learning tool. Count them, create patterns, match colours and use them as building blocks. These rubber pebbles are so much fun! www.shopedx.co.uk MOLO Molo’s sports collection is created with a unique, highperformance technology called HeiQ Smart Temp, which supports the body’s own ability to cool itself down. The cooling function is activated by body heat and sweat and switches off when the body cools down. Perfect for active and energetic kids! www.molo.com WOODEN STORY These toys are all made with the most sustainable products, from raw wood to final finish. Most importantly, it is a tight family-run business where ethics and quality are at the forefront of everything. Invest in these toys and they will be passed on from generation to generation. www.woodenstory.pl

AO76 The captains of the AO76 ship are sisters ‘Nathalie & Patricia Vandemoortele’, two strong women with unique talent and style. Designed exclusively in-house in Belgium, this kid’s brand is one to remember. AO76 has recently launched BEKINDCREW: their effort to spread kindness in the world. What better way to start with the adults of the future? Kindness is priceless. www.ao76.com

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THE MUM ISSUE All mums have issues. It just happens I have more.

BACK TO NORMAL WHAT? By Manuela Marques Photography courtesy of Manuela Marques

I was never normal. That is to say, I was never someone others would call “your ordinary person”. Back when I was a girl, I never felt I fit in. And I never cared. I actually felt it was a good thing not to belong to any particular group or entourage. Instead, I began to develop my own identity from an early age. Of course, this meant some hard times and a little bullying coming my way (or maybe even a lot!), but I always knew that thinking independently and being true to myself was worth it. But even though I was always resourceful enough to get through an entire school year and live to tell the tale (sometimes barely), I clearly remember that every summer vacation was a blessing and a relief. It was going back to school after that was the problem. It was never easy. For me, or for any other kid. As a matter of fact, we all felt like a nervous wreck a few weeks before the first day of school, with the anxiety of meeting new teachers and the fear of reencountering your personal nemeses. It was a roller-coaster mix of feelings and emotions with no safety belt! Yet somehow we managed to overcome all of that, year after year, because with every beginning would come the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to reset, to start again. And exactly the same happens with our kids. We just forget. This year will be no exception, global pandemic notwithstanding.

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A lot has been said and written when it comes to the wellbeing of our children being raised in a pandemic. Psychologists, teachers, behavioural specialists are all very concerned about the impact these “extraordinary” times will have on younger generations and a series of outcomes are being extrapolated already. And we, in turn, worry. We the mothers and fathers. We worry a lot. So let me put your mind at rest: our kids will be fine! Fuck yeah they will! Kids are little warriors and are used to adapting to all kinds of different situations. We grownups worry so much about the consequences and impacts that our decisions, good or bad, will have on our little ones that we forget that when it comes to change, they are much more ready than

we are. Nature is change. And when you are a kid, you are so in sync with nature that handling change comes naturally. You easily adapt to what surrounds you. The problem starts when we grow up and apart from our true nature and from nature itself. It starts around the time we no longer stop to smell the roses… If anything good comes from what we’re all going through with this pandemic, it’s awareness and acceptance that we cannot keep living the way we were. We desperately need to learn to stop and smell the freakin’ roses. And believe me, it is worth it. Three years ago, I had a near-death experience and I know it sounds like a cliché, but I learned my lesson and began to appreciate anew the simple things in life. Like any kid would do! Naturally. So I cannot help but now wonder: have we all learned our lesson? Have we? As much as I sometimes lose faith in humankind, I like to believe we have learned our lesson, but I’m a hopeless optimist (and a hopeless romantic for what it’s worth) and will always choose to believe that we can be better. We can change. Because nature is change. So worry no more. Getting back to normal is overrated. Our children will begin this school year with the same obstacles they’ve overcome every other year: all the same anxiety about new teachers, friends and bullies, just with the inconvenient restrictions of a pandemic for the second year in a row. But still with the reassuring feeling that they all in the same boat. If we learn our lesson, our kids and future generations will be a better version of ourselves. Because they are way ahead of us! They will be better human beings capable of letting their inner kid live in sync with their adult self and with nature. And, once in a while, they will let that kid out to play and smell the roses. Because believe me when I say: the roses smell wonderfully!  @mypitangas

MUMMY CONFESSIONS

Let's Get Real For a Minute... Sometimes it’s hard to put all the naughty little secrets of motherhood into words, but we believe it’s so important because it makes us feel less alone and more human. By Real Mums

“I cried when I pulled into the driveway. I hate coming home after work just to start working again.”

“Sometimes I need a drink to tolerate my children.”

“I shave the tops of my big toes when I do my legs.”

“I wish I had the time and money to take two vacations: one with the kids and one without.”

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“Most humour goes right over my head without me ever having realised a joke was made.”

“I am too lazy to play with my kids, which makes them bored and crazy, and which in turn makes me angry.”

“I would rather sleep than have sex.”

“If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would turn into one of those people who pop so many vitamins and supplements a day that I need a pill organiser the size of a small suitcase, I never would have believed them.”

“Yes, my husband makes all the money, and the bills are all in his name. But I do all the parenting and housework and a lot of the outdoor chores. I get a say too. If he can’t handle that, then we can’t have a real relationship.”

We invite you to share your secrets with us. They will always remain anonymous and you will be helping other mothers around the world: hello@mylemonmagazine.com

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