Natural Mumma
Issue Four November 2017
Taking Care Of Yourself, Your Tribe And Our World
Home Swede Home Scandinavian Inspiration
Golden Fleece The Season’s Most Coveted Woollens
Helping Hand The Best Natural Hand Creams
THE COSY AT HOME ISSUE
Stay snug through the darker nights...
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Our marine wildlife is facing more threats than ever before – overfishing, pollution and plastics, plus far too little protection.
Help us put the life back into our seas Porthcurno Beach © Natasha Ewins
Join the Marine Conservation Society today and receive your welcome pack, free gift and your opportunity to help make a difference to our amazing marine environment - www.mcsuk.org/join
© John Archer-Thomson
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© Frogfishphotography.com
© Andy Bowen
© Dave Boyle
© Tom Shelley
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Marine Conservation Society is a registered charity no:1004005 (England & Wales); SC037480 (Scotland). Company Limited by Guarantee no: 2550966. Registered in England VAT no: 489 1505 17. Registered office: Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7US. AD0008-16
Welcome to Natural Mumma Magazine Contents 4
Afterglow Keeping the winter chills at bay
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Natural Mumma Loves...
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Hands On Our pick of natural hand creams
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Gripping Yarns The truth about ethical knitwear
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Top Ten Winter Style Tips
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Natural Mumma Makes... Fragrant spiced Laksa
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Mysig Scandinavian interior secrets
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Natural Mumma’s Bookshelf Staying Sane & Ahead Of The Game
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his month we’ve embraced the autumn by focusing on ways to get cosy. We’ve kept ourselves busy investigating eco-friendly home insulation solutions, delving into the truth behind the wool industry (and falling in love with Ally Bee’s alpaca beanie and the beautiful Merino wool sweaters
Photo by Gerard Hughes Contact: holly@ naturalmumma.com
from Flock by Nature), perfecting our very own homemade warming laksa
recipe, learning all about the Swedish interior tradition of Mysig, building bonfires with our beautiful cover stars (much love and gratitude to Jantil, Ed, Corben and Ember) and seeking out the best natural hand creams out there. We’re also been quietly building our Christmas Gift Guide which we are so excited to be able to share with you in the very near future. Next month we’ll be throwing ourselves into party season with shimmering natural makeup, ethical party dresses, winter getaways, chemical-free hair styling solutions and a slow cooker recipe fit for a feast! Until then, we have plenty lined up for the website this month too! NMM November 2017
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AFTERGLOW Winter gets closer, and the thought of retreating from the elements to cosy up next to the fire keep us going. But is a touch of up-to-date thinking going to keep us warmer than those glowing embers...?
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he nights draw in and nothing could be better than snuggling up around an open fire. A cosy room, heated and lit by the naked flames. A picture of contented winter bliss, safe and warm, isolated from whatever the weather is doing outside. It’s a traditional picture, and as always the focus is on the heat source. True, the heat being produced isn’t reliant on burning our dwindling fossil fuel supplies, whether that’s remotely in gas fired power stations, or in the home using gas or oil fired heating systems. But the key to a truly cosy and eco aware home needs a more carefully thought
out and holistic approach. And at the heart of the issue is not how we generate the heat within our homes, but how best we use and preserve that heat once it’s there. A home should be properly insulated and draft proofed, while still being properly ventilated poor ventilation not only brings its own health risks but can also cause condensation and damp. In recent years, the effective use of energy efficient materials in house building has come on in leaps and bounds. This has been partly down to a growing sympathy towards the environment in all aspects of our lives, but also has been driven by legislation.
Building regulations demand ever greater efficiency from new properties, and manufacturers have stepped forward to bring a range of new materials to market, which in many cases are both kinder to the environment in both their makeup and manufacture. There are a growing number of ethically sourced and eco sympathetic insulation materials available as an alternative to the ’traditional’ materials such as fibreglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane, and polystyrene. Some older forms, such as those containing asbestos and formaldehyde, have been outlawed because of very present
“The key to a truly cosy and eco aware home needs a more carefully thought out and holistic approach.” NMM November 2017
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health and safety concerns. It’s interesting to note that certain materials - such as fibreglass, rockwool and cellulose - were already manufactured using recycled materials. Sheep’s wool insulation is a natural alternative to fibreglass and rock wool, and brings the added benefit of being able to actively regulate water vapour and humidity. Wood fibre and cork boards are breathable insulation boards made from sustainable sources and are a sympathetic alternative to modern foil backed boards and polystyrene. Foam glass aggregate is made purely from recycled glass and has the added benefits of being freedraining, load bearing and is unaffected by frost. There is a growing acceptance of the use of Structural Insulated
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Panels (SIPs) where an insulator, typically polyurethane or expanded polystyrene, is bonded between sheets of plywood or oriented strand board to make a light and incredibly strong material. SIPs buildings are highly energy efficient, air tight and are almost immune to ‘cold bridging’, meaning very low risk of condensation. The use of SIPs in new builds also brings many other benefits. Houses can effectively be manufactured in a factory, then delivered in sections to be quickly erected on site. For all their benefits, it’s hard to understand why all new houses aren’t constructed in this way. Incorporating these technologies into new builds is one thing, but they can also be utilised in improving the
thermal performance of existing properties, on both small and much grander scales. The need to improve home insulation in older properties is nothing new. Replacement double glazing and the need to roll out additional loft insulation has been touted for decades as a way to improve comfort and reduce the cost of energy bills. But the focus has always been on reducing the impact of heating your home on your wallet, rather than the impact on the environment. Devon- based home insulation company, CosyHome, has been shortlisted for two environmental awards for its work restoring the iconic heritage village of Clovelly. Perched at the edge of a 400 foot cliff in North Devon, Clovelly is famous for its car-free cobbled streets, where donkeys
Read more, learn more: Sips Eco Panels Natural Insulation Blog Mike Wye & Associates
Natural & Sustainable Building Specialists
The Cosy Home Company Energy Company Obligation OFGEM ECO Scheme
and sledges are the only form of transport. The village’s harbour and many of the houses date back to the 14th century. The company worked with the owners of the estate in an attempt to bring Clovelly’s houses up to modern standards of insulation, applying draft proofing and loft insulation to all 120 properties, as well as room-in-roof insulation to sloping ceilings using thermal laminate boarding. Phase two of the project will involve fitting CosyHome’s unique secondary glazing system to all the windows in the properties, reducing heat lost through the windows by 70 per cent. This system uses plexiglass and is fixed by magnets, meaning it is almost invisible outside of the property - crucial where the building is listed. While listed buildings are not legally required to have an energy performance certificate, the Clovelly Estate Company is aiming to bring the
properties up to e-rating which is required by landlords renting out non-listed properties from 1st April 2018. So regardless of where you live, or how old your home is, there’s no reason why you can’t explore the possibilities of making it more energy efficient. As you would hope, the drive for more effective use of energy is not only coming from the private sector, but is also being incentivised by central government. ECO is a Governmentled energy saving scheme funded by energy suppliers. It aims to reduce the amount of energy homes in Britain use and waste, and also ease fuel poverty. The scheme also intends people who qualify to become more energy efficient by providing funding for energy saving measures. The scheme is made of three parts. The Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO), the Carbon Emissions Reduction
Obligation (CERO) and the Carbon Savings Communities Obligation (CSCO). Depending on your circumstances, there may be help available under one of the schemes to help insulate your home or to make it more energy efficient, for instance, by updating your boiler or heating system. All of the schemes are worth exploring, and could make updating your home a little more affordable. At the very least, they can help furnish you with the right information and advice. For the most part, improved insulation is invisible once the work is completed and there’s nothing glamorous about it. Hidden away in roof spaces, wall cavities, window frames and door jambs, it’s not going to warm the heart like the thought of coming home to the cosy glow of the woodburner. But rest assured, the fact that knowing that the heat you’re creating - and the fuel you’re burning - is being put to the best possible use will give you a warm glow inside. NMM November 2017
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Natural Mumma Loves...
All I Want For Christmas... After our launch in August we’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our magazine. We’ve made connections with some fabulous ethical and sustainable brands and have discovered some incredible eco-products. Our Christmas Gift Guide is packed with our favourite ethical brands, offering you plenty of affordable solutions that will delight your loved ones. Featuring festive present suggestions for little ones (from delightful nursery décor ideas to soft toys and fabulous clothes) to all sorts of natural beauty options (including gift sets for expectant mums, courses,
subscription boxes, and some amazing hair and skincare products). Our ethical fashion section will give you all sorts of ideas from ethical swimwear, sustainable accessories, Fair Trade jewellery and beautiful ethical lingerie and sleepwear. We also offer our pick of eco-friendly gifts for the home including delicious chocolates, artisanal candles, artworks, ceramics and consumables. Our gift guide is out on Friday November 10th and will be available for free through issuu, our social media channels and the Natural Mumma website.
Going for Gold Little Saints is very excited that the Familidoo Air Stroller received the Gold award in the Travel Stroller under £200 category awarded by Best Baby and Toddler Gear 2017 by mumii. Familidoo Air is the perfect combination of light weight, cool design and practicality– tipping the scales at just 6 kg, but will carry up to 18kg. The Air has all the features you need in a lightweight, super-compact stroller, including an easy to operate one-handed fold that’s ideal in today’s fast-paced world where time and space are hard to find. A raincover and travel bag are included. The Familidoo Air comes in a range of fun, cool colours with the unique new “Are You Familidoo?” animal print design that sets it apart from the rest of the market. RRP is £149.99 www.littlesaints.co.uk
Fight The Good Fight Global skincare brand MGC Derma has arrived on the UK market. The company specialises in using CBD – an ingredient derived from cannabis. A full suite of CBD-rich skincare products, including CBD BB Concealer Repair Cream and CBD Moisturizing Day Cream are now available across Europe. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is scientifically-proven to promote healing and repair your skin, working together with other nutrients to increase these effects. It interacts with receptors in your skin – called the endocannabinoid system – and provides high antioxidant protection to help to fight signs of ageing. The hemp from which Cannabidiol is extracted is rich in omega-6 and omega-3, helping to protect from sun damage (with the help of antioxidants) and to regenerate the damaged outer layer of your skin. www.mgcderma.com
Tigger & Pooh and an Eeyore Too! Rainbow Designs, The Home of Classic Characters, has launched a stunning new collection of infant products. This whimsical new range of high-quality baby products will bring Disney’s interpretation of AA Milne’s much loved and iconic characters to life. This supreme quality collection shows Winnie the Pooh and his friends in an original style that is ideally suited to babies. The new collection will join Rainbow’s already impressive highprofile brand lineup that includes: Peter Rabbit, Paddington, My First Thomas & Friends, Peppa Pig for Baby, Guess How Much I Love You, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Miffy, Elmer, The Snowman and the Snowdog and Roald Dahl.
Natural Mumma Loves... Action Fashion
Contemporary fashion brand, PHVLO, has announced the launch of its first UK collection. PHVLO is a life performance brand that offers accessible, sustainable and fairly produced designs for an active and mindful lifestyle. The London launch is its first mainline clothing collection in collaboration with Central Saint Martins and a down jacket collaboration with Swarovski, made with upcycled crystals. The collection also features a range of eco sympathetic materials. Eco stretch jersey has been produced to be soft, moisture wicking and gentle to the skin. It holds the pioneering Standard 100 certification by OEKO-TEX®, a worldwide consistent, independent testing body as well as a bluesign® certification, which stands for sustainable textile production. It eliminates harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process and sets and controls standards for environmentally friendly and safe production. Outerwear features Minotech, a modern take on a traditional Japanese water-repellent garment called Mino, originally made of rice straw. Thanks to its
specific weave, it ensures protection from rain but also allows moisture to escape to keep the inside dry. It is not impregnated, very soft and its breathability makes it perfect for high performance wear. The company hope that by creating beautiful products through sustainable production practices and fair remuneration, they can promote positive change . www.phvlo.com
Sleeping Beauty Amly Botanicals has added a third luxurious face mist to their award-winning silver-rich range. Beauty Sleep Silver Rich Face Mist is a powerful youth-inducing bedtime essential that promotes natural healing sleep while boosting overnight collagen production. A star ingredient and ally to maturing skin is snow algae, a single-cell Tip! organism that actively grows on glacial snow and can help to prolong the healthy life of skin cells. At the heart of Beauty Sleep is Amly’s treasured silver-rich spring water, collected from a natural stream which flows through the heart of their organic wildflower meadow in East Sussex. This unique self-replenishing supply filters through ancient mineral-rich rock, making it an incredibly pure source of highly bio-accessible silver salts, trace elements and minerals – all of which are naturally soothing, revitalising and healing. Beauty Sleep is priced at £52 for 100ml. www.amlybotanicals.com
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Muscle Ease Therapy Luxury skincare brand Christopher Courtney London has unveiled its Muscle Ease Therapy range. The collection is developed to counteract the effects of any sporting activities, tight and sore muscles and listlessness. The range is also designed to destress, relax, soothe and calm the mind and body and generally improve wellbeing, circulation and guarantee a deep peaceful sleep when used in the evening. Christopher Courtney London are committed to developing effective and high performance all-natural, toxin-free, eco friendly and aromatherapy professional skincare products and treatments for salons, spas and home use for healthy, beautiful, glowing skin. The luxury range harnesses natural and organic minerals, vitamin rich actives and the power of aromatherapy renowned for its therapeutic benefits, for result driven products to improve wellness, restore, energise and rejuvenate. Products include Thalassotherapy Luxury Bath Salt, Luxury Bath Oil, Luxury Body Oil, Luxury Bath/Shower Gel, Luxury Cooling Gel, Luxury Balm, Luxury Massage Candle and Luxury Massage Gelee. Prices range from £18.95-£54.95, available online. www.christophercourtney.co.uk
Play The Game Orchard Toys have launched three exciting new games just in time for Christmas. These make great gifts for children as young as 18 months up to primary school age. All of the games and jigsaws are made with 100 per cent recycled board and sustainable cardboard, with sturdy, wipe-clean cards and pieces. Traditional favourites are given an exciting twist in Fairy Snakes and Ladders & Ludo. Children aged 5-9 will love the colourful illustrations of friendly fairies and unicorns. Animal Shapes is a simple first colour and shape matching activity for children aged 18 months and over. Kids will love the bright colours and friendly animals on the chunky cards, which can be used for a variety of activities to develop matching skills, improve hand eye coordination and encourage discussion. Orchard Toys’ Games Compendium features four fun games in one box. This compendium set offers variety, fun and great value for money, making it the perfect Christmas gift. www.orchardtoys.com
Natural Mumma Magazine November 2017
NMM Team Editor: Holly Daffurn
holly@naturalmumma.com
Creative: Gerard Hughes mail@gerardhughes.co.uk
Cover Image by Gerard Hughes www.naturalmumma.com Natural Mumma Magazine
is produced by T5 Publications. Contents may not be reproduced, stored or distributed in any form without prior written permission. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure all information contained in this magazine is accurate but the publishers can accept no responsibiilty for effects arising therefrom. All rights reserved.
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Natural Mumma Loves...
Footie Game
Scent To Sleep
These cute and colourful foot Twiddle Ons are able to stay on baby’s feet comfortably and withstand them playing with their foot finder toys. The soft, tactile materials are safe for babies and playing with Twiddle Ons will encourage development of hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skils as well as providing sensory stimulation. Twiddle Ons are available from the Sock Ons website - a one-stop shop for all of those niggling parenting problems.
Skincare brand REN has announced the launch of its & Now to Sleep pillow and linen spray. Enriched with a unique blend of pure essential oils such as frankincense and lavender, it restores calm and pre-sleep tranquillity so your skin can renew and regenerate naturally. The product gradually releases its scent throughout the night. RRP £18 for 75ml.
www.sockons.co.uk
www.renskincare.com
Next Month In
Natural Mumma NATURAL BEAUTY
Product Review: Party Make Up
BOOZY BLACKBERRY LAMB A Sumptuous Winter Feast
SPARKLE & SHINE Ethical Evening Wear
NATURAL MUMMA MAGAZINE ISSUE 5 AVAILABLE FROM 1 DECEMBER 2017 12
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For more, everyday...
www.naturalmumma.com for the latest on: · ethical fashion · natural skincare and beauty · health and wellbeing · parenting and motherhood · healthy living and good eating · ecology and conservation · conscious lifestyle choices
www.naturalmumma.com NMM November 2017
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Hands On WithNat
Our pick of the best natural hand creams to see you through th Logona Daily Care Handcreme This zesty hand cream has a lovely, milky consistency that leaves your skin feeling cared for. With shea butter and jojoba oil for intensive moisturisation, aloe vera for healing and verbena for its anti-inflammatory properties this is a great all-rounder. The lemon verbena fragrance is delightfully uplifting and fresh, and the scent, as well as the soothing effects of this lotion, will last throughout the day.
Sante Hand & Nail Cream
This product has been formulated for demanding, dry and stressed skin. It is intensively moisturising, full of hydrating vitamin E and a great pampering treat for overworked hands. Organic physalis is the magic ingredient in this cream – a wonderful source of vitamin A, essential for skin health and neutralising free radicals. Carambola (star fruit) also fights free radicals and is full of skin-feeding nutrients.
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Botanicals Wild Rose Hand Cream Botanicals hand balms harness the power of plants by using ingredients that are 100% natural and organic. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types, you only need a small amount of this powerful balm. The compact pot is beautifully designed. This Soil Association certified balm also comes in revitalising lemongrass, but the fragrance is divine. The whole Botanicals range is vegan-friendly and delightfully ethical.
tural Mumma
he winter
Neom Nourish, Breathe & Sleep Hand Balm
The perfect creamy balm to nurture your hands through the night. Rich cocoa butter and nourishing shea butter leave your hands feeling silky soft, while the carefully selected essential oils soothe and calm your mind, promoting restful sleep. Work this decadent cream into your hands before cupping your hands over your nose and mouth and inhaling the soporific scent.
Willow Hand & Body Lotion with Rose & Argan
This light lotion absorbs quickly leaving your skin beautifully smooth and soft and with a rich, floral fragrance. Hydrating argan oil softens the skin while organic rose offers a luxurious fragrance. The scent of rose is nurturing, feminine and protective feeling, echoed by the restorative effects of this soothing lotion. Ideal for use over the whole body and for a quick moisture boost on the hands throughout the day.
Kind Natured Shea & Macadamia Hand Cream
Deeply hydrating, easily absorbed and free from parabens, silicone, sulphates and petrochemicals. This lightweight yet effective hand cream has a gentle scent. Featuring nurturing shea butter, with omega 3 rich macadamia to restore moisture and promote suppleness. This cream is ideal for dry skin and with regular use will restore the moisture balance to your skin
Pure Lakes Hydrating Hand Balm
With a subtle, delicate fragrance this beautiful hand balm is the perfect nourishing treat to see you through the winter. With the soothing notes of chamomile and calendula and the chic glass packaging, this natural product makes the ideal gift. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our skin and plays an important role in retaining moisture. Its addition to this rich creamy hand balm results in supple, firm and plump skin. NMM November 2017
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GRIPPING
YARNS The word natural is often associated with products that are pure, better for us and have less impact on the environment but natural knitwear still comes with its fair share of ethical and environmental issues. With a little understanding of the industry, you can be sure to source the best ethical knitwear for yourself and your family...
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atural fibres tend to be far more appealing to the touch than their synthetic counterparts and can often be the best ethical choice. However, you’d be wrong to assume that all natural fibres are ethically superior. The production of wool can be problematic. The environmental footprint of the wool industry, on the whole, is significant. Commercial scale sheep-farming has led to the rise in greenhouse gases as well as creating monocultures which deplete the biodiversity of the soil and
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ecosystems. Less fertile soil, in turn, has a negative effect on food production. As with any livestock rearing, bulk fodder crop production is essential and now occupies 50 per cent of the farmland globally. When sheep are sheared on commercial wool farms, they are sheared hastily without sufficient diligence. This can result in significant injuries to the animals, including tearing of the skin, tail and ears. In Australia, some Merino sheep are subjected to a practice known as ‘mulesing’
where the wool-bearing skin from around the buttocks is surgically removed to prevent flystrike. Without painkillers or after care, this treatment is understandably recognised as barbaric. If you are seeking truly ethical knitwear, then mass production will never be the answer. In most cases, the best alternative is certified wool from native rare breeds on home soils. Labelling on products isn’t always clear. For instance, the “British Wool” label may offer some reassurance but a brand
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Oatmeal Marl Wool & Alpaca Beanie Made from 50 per cent British Alpaca, 50 per cent British Bluefaced Leicester. Ally Bee www.ally-bee.com
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can use this label even if they still import 50 per cent of their wool. If wool is sourced from the right place it can be delightfully ethical. It is hardy, natural and biodegradable. Buying ethical knitwear is not impossible, it just takes a little research. There are plenty of brands out there who are devoted to producing ethical knitwear. Though it is worth remembering that the fleece from a single Shetland sheep only produces one metre of cloth, so prices from ethically-sourced wool brands tend to be higher. When it comes to identifying a fibre as ethical, there is a lot to consider. You have to look at every stage of the process from production, through use and into disposal. You need to look for actual benchmarks of sustainability, eco-credentials and social impact. Check for genuine organic (GOTS) and Fair Trade certifications. Alpaca and llama are a great choice and tend to be farmed more ethically. Alpacas
are not overbred, their feet do not damage the ground and their way of grazing (by leaving the roots of a plant intact) helps to preserve the ecosystem they live in. Brands that have nothing to hide will be happy to share their ethics and philosophy on their website. It is worth taking the time to read the story and ethos behind a brand before investing in their products. While you’re there you can check certifications. Wool blends (unless they are combined with another natural, organic fibre) should be avoided. Do your research as many garments that are labelled as wool blend actually contain acrylic, nylon or polyester. Wool is a fabulous renewable and sustainable fibre. Its versatility makes it ideal for clothing. It provides great insulation, is hard-wearing and can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in moisture before feeling wet making it ideal for outdoor wear. Wool is flame
Products we love... Eloise Merino Sweater in Blush
Knitted in the softest extra-fine Merino yarn, the Eloise sweater is generously proportioned for a relaxed fit with considered detailing – featuring drop shoulders, deep ribbed cuffs and a step hem for longer coverage at the back - creating an elegant silhouette.
Phoebe Merino Sweater in Forest
resistant too, and its dirt repellent and durable properties make it ideal for kids wear. Merino is one of the softest and most comfortable of yarns, beautifully fine and silky giving it a luxurious feel. It is also great for regulating body temperature, as well as absorbing moisture. Merino wool fibres are highly elastic making them the perfect choice for fitted garments. They will stretch to accentuate your shape before snapping back after wearing, with less chance of sagging – resulting in a garment that lasts. The best thing to do is look for brands that avoid fast fashion. Flock by Nature and Ally Bee are both brands who support slow fashion. They offer sustainable garments that look and feel fabulous, which are built to last. Flock By Nature offer complimentary repairs on all minor accidental damage after purchase, encouraging you to treasure your sweater or cardigan for many years to come.
A wardrobe staple, this elegant and lightweight top is perfect for wearing solo in warmer months or for layering in winter. It is knitted from exceptionally fine, high quality Merino yarn giving a super-soft, luxurious finish. Delicate pointelle detailing along the seams elevate its otherwise simple design.
Kate Merino Cardigan This is a generous long length cardigan for luxurious lounging or dressing up jeans. Knitted in extrafine Merino yarn, the construction showcases the drape and softness that can be achieved with this wool. It features a waterfall collar, drop shoulders and side pockets. All available from Flocks By Nature flockbynature.co.uk NMM November 2017
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Top Tips
to stay cosy and stylish this winter
Winter is coming but that doesn’t mean you have to embrace your inner yeti to stay warm. Why get into a functionality vs style conflict when you can have both? Here are some sustainably stylish tips for a warm and cosy winter
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Focus on your feet. Get ready for the icy pavements and cold toes! Take a look at your existing footwear collection and identify any that can be made to see you through the winter. A visit to the cobblers could give an old pair of boots or shoes a new lease of life.
Jazzy Jumpers. Find a well-fitted jumper that complements your proportions. Think about the cut of the jumper, it’s length, the neckline, the colour, the fibre it is made from. It’s worth investing in a couple of staples, then adding adornments in the shape of brooches, collars, detachable cuffs and belts.
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A nice pair of thermal socks layered over tights can help keep your toes warm. Bamboo and hemp are the perfect choice.
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Get close to the skin. What you wear underneath matters. Opt for lightweight breathable thermal underwear - having this invisible layer at the foundation is going to reduce the ‘bulk’ associated with winter style. I love thermal vests, micro shorts and socks.
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Tights ahoy! Oh the joy of 100 denier and wool tights! There is no denying the flattering effect they have on the pins. Shorts, skirts and dresses can remain solid wardrobe staples with the right hosiery. There are so many options; patterns, prints, bold colours or the classic black.
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Don’t pack away your summer wardrobe just yet. Before packing away that floral dress, see if it can be layered with a turtleneck and tights. Darker background prints tend to transition well into winter. Team with black tights and the pop of colours from the floral design will keep your style looking fresh.
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Love layers. This is my favourite part of winter styling. Many women try and layer with chunky knits and bulky fabrics - big no no! Light summer clothes are perfect for layering. Opt for multiple thin layers and stay toasty without added bulk!
Roberta Lee is the founder of Roberta StyleLee and the Ethical Brand Directory & EBD Network. She’s a coach, speaker and stylist, ethical & sustainable style blogger and podcast host on the Inspirational Women Series show. Roberta specialises in working with women find their ‘focus’ ‘build confidence’ and ‘style’ their lives happy. Roberta StyleLee is about inspiring and empowering women to be the best version of themselves from the inside out – and doing it in a responsible way. It’s where ethics, sustainability, conscious consumerism, confidence and personal style all come together! You can find out more about Roberta Lee at www. robertastylelee.co.uk
Belt ‘em up. Belts really come into their own in the winter - ill-fitting jumpers can be transformed, coats can look totally different with a quick belt switch up and when you’re layering, a belt can give you a strong silhouette. If you’re curvy, a belt will give you your shape back.
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Wraps, scarves and bobble hats. We spend so most of winter in our coats but the final piece to any perfected winter outfit is the wrap, scarf or hat. You can wear one coat all winter long, by transforming it with a variety of accessories. The best bit about knits is that you can make them yourself or support local makers.
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Customise. Winter garments are ideal for customising as they tend to have a more solid structure (denim and knitwear are ideal!). Finding treasures to customise your clothing with and making bobbles is a lot of fun and a great thing to do with kids of all ages. It’s a great way to extend the life of a tired garment while teaching children the importance of making things last.
Š Richard Harrington
Beautiful homewares, accessories, fabrics and prints. Designed and created by the sea in Cornwall.
@rockandsaltwater /rocksaltcornwall
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www.rockandsaltwater.co.uk
“Smells incredible, tastes fantastic and is brimming with nutrients...”
You Will Need: For the laksa paste:
“Nothing beats making your own from scratch...”
natural
mumma
makes
4 shallots 5 garlic cloves a thumb of ginger 2 stalks of lemongrass 2 red chillies 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp tumeric 1 tsp paprika 2 tbsp galangal 2 tbsp peanut butter 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp rapeseed oil ½ bunch of fresh coriander For the soup: A few glugs of rapeseed oil 1 ¼ litres of vegetable stock 2 tsp curry powder 1 tbsp soft brown sugar 1 (400ml) tin of coconut milk 150g of vermicelli 1 pack of tofu 1 red pepper 100g baby corn 100g mange tout 2 generous handfuls of spinach 2 large handfuls of beansprouts For the topping: A couple of spring onions ½ a bunch of fresh coriander A few sprigs of fresh mint 2 limes 1 red chilli
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natural mumma makes
Fragrant, Warming Laksa F
rom the Peranakan culture, laksa fuses Chinese and Malay influences. Found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore this beautifully aromatic dish with its rich layers of punchy flavour is a family favourite. You can buy premade laksa paste from most supermarkets, but nothing beats making your own from scratch. Once made, the paste can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week and the finished soup can be frozen. I opted for a healthy, nutritious laksa using tofu and plenty of vegetables, but the beauty of laksa is its versatility - you can add whatever you like. I also used
rapeseed oil because not only is it rich in vitamin E and omega 2 and 6 fatty acids, but it also has the lowest saturated fat content of any cooking oil. I chose a smoked oil for this recipe to add to the flavour. Traditionally, thicker rice noodles are used in laksa but I went for vermicelli noodles as I love their delicate structure and it feels in keeping with the subtle mesh of flavours that you get from this dish. For a more authentic flavour you can use turmeric root. This time I went for the powdered variety for convenience, but I love to use fresh turmeric when I can because of the superior depth of flavour. NMM November 2017
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1Tip!
Add shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chillies, spices, fresh coriander, peanut butter and oil to your blender – whizz up until they form a paste.
Tip!
2
Nam inum alia adicia Am Heat mi, a little in a ipsapid eici Temoil faccum
Nam inum alia adicia Am ipsapid mi, Tem faccum.
heavy based pan and then fry the paste for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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Add the stock, sugar, curry powder and coconut milk to the pan and stir well to combine all of the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture up to temperature and then simmer for 25 minutes. Stir frequently and don’t allow the soup to reduce too much.
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Blanch the noodles in a bowl of bowling water. After 3 minutes (when softened), drain off the excess liquid and add to the broth.
6
Cube the tofu and red pepper, and add to the pan. Add the remaining vegetables beansprouts, mange tout and baby corn.
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Allow the vegetables 5 minutes to soften and then stir in the spinach.
Slice up your chilli and spring onions for the topping. In your favourite bowl, serve up a generous helping of steaming laksa.
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Top with spring onions, sliced chilli, roughly chopped mint leaves and fresh coriander. Finish with plenty of fresh lime juice.
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The beauty of laksa is that you can completely make it your own. Shredded chicken, fresh seafood and eggs are popular choices in South East Asia.
Natural Mumma YouTube Channel You can find this recipe and plenty more on the Natural Mumma YouTube channel www.youtube.com/naturalmumma
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natural mumma makes
And there you have it, a beautiful dish that smells incredible, tastes fantastic and is brimming with nutrients. The perfect warming meal for the winter months!
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MYSIG MAKE THE MOST OF THE LONGER NIGHTS IN SCANDINAVIAN STYLE
Forget Hygge and Lagom, this Winter and festive season is all about Mysig! Translated from Swedish, Mysig means a ‘cosy environment’ which is just what we all need at this time of year. Similar to Hygge, Mysig is a way of being, you feel Mysig and everything you do reflects that. Scandinavian interior experts, Mi Abode, have all the tips you need for creating magical Mysig and enjoying your cosiest, most enjoyable Winter yet. 26
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ART A wall of pictures always look more stylish than frames dotted around the house and also creates calm rather that a chaotic feel. The frames could all match for or if preferred choose different frames with some vintage ones mixed in for a more interesting look. A picture shelf is an all-time favourite and looks lovely over a bed or a sofa. Apart from looking gorgeous, it is also a great way of being able to change the pictures/art when you fancy it rather than ending up with lots of holes in the walls… Two picture rails above each other or a very long shelf makes an even bigger impact. Mix vintage prints, personal pictures, new and old art.
SOFT FURNISHINGS The easiest way to create a “mysig” space is to add throws, cushions, faux fur and stunning blinds or curtains. Have throws and furs folded over sofas and chairs that guests can wrap themselves in or take outside to watch seasonal fireworks.
NATURAL MATERIALS Use materials like wood, concrete, stone, steel, bamboo and soft faux fur to create cosy and interesting spaces. To add more depth mix them with colours and textures and don’t buy everything from the same store. Mix vintage with new. NMM November 2017
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There are lots of elements that can help you recreate Mysig and Swedish Mia Broadbent, founder of Scandinavian Interior Specialist Mi Abode has everything you need to recreate Mysig in your home.
LIGHTING It is so important to have the right lighting in a room and this is key to Mysig. To create the right ambience have different light sources in the room. For example, a floorstanding lamp next to the sofa so that you can read comfortably. A lamp in the window creates a welcoming environment. Add a spotlight to highlight a pretty detail. 28 November 2017 NMM
CANDLES AND LANTERNS Candles are a must for me. Both in lanterns and little tealight holders dotted around. I always have candles on the table when having a meal. My mum says that it keeps children calm during mealtimes (doesn’t always work…) but we do it anyway as that’s Mysig!
ADD GREENERY Collect Christmas tree branches or twigs and arrange in a bucket or a large vase and perhaps add some fairylights or some small decorations. Three mini Christmas trees look great on a windowsill with fairy lights.
MOVE FURNITURE AROUND Try different ways of furnishing your room to maximise the space, creating that comfortable and cosy environment. Make sure to try not to just put furniture against the walls. Create small areas within a room featuring a rug, chairs and a small table to ensure you use all the floor space.
FAIRY LIGHTS ON A LADDER A favourite of mine is having fairy lights or string lighting trailing down a ladder and perhaps following on to being wrapped around a picture shelf with framed prints. This adds a festive feel that can be maintained throughout the year that always provides a focal point to all of your treasured memories.
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NATURAL MUMMA’S BOOKSHELF
J
Staying Sane And Ahead Of The Game by JH Cole
ennifer Cole is a mother of three boys (all under the age of four) and an operations director of a successful facilities management company - so it’s safe to say that she knows a thing or two about time management. She also loves to write and is passionate about helping other parents to realise their full potential. Her brand new book is all about sharing her own tried and tested tips for a happier, easier and less stressful life. It is a refreshingly honest look at parenting. Jennifer talks about her love of motherhood – expressing it as an exciting, enjoyable and at times, a little odd, journey. In her book, Jennifer is frank about her own desire to achieve more as she raised her children than simply being a stay at home mum. There is absolutely no judgement here, Jennifer writes
in a style that is accepting to all but focuses on unlocking your own full potential and suggests that perhaps you don’t have to shelve your dreams as soon as you become a parent after all. Jennifer identifies that being a role model and inspiration to your children (while still putting them first) is perhaps much healthier for everyone than putting your life on hold while raising your brood. The book is full of warmth, wit and encouragement. The tools that Jennifer shares have worked for her, but they are not prescriptive and never undermine your intelligence. Her passion for helping others is clear from the first page. Jennifer also shares a wealth of wisdom and tips over social media and through her website. This book is a great gift for both expectant parents or those who already have young children. It
“It simply offers a new way of dividing up your time and making the most of each moment. ”
shares practical ways that you can continue to run a business once your children arrive – the advice is practical, realistic and achievable. The focus isn’t all on business though, it shares time management skills that can be used to focus on your own personal interests or to learn new skills. It simply offers a new way of dividing up your time and making the most of each moment. The principles at the core of the book focus on ‘time leveraging’ which is simply the process
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of making small adjustments to your daily routine in order to yield impactful results. Jennifer talks about balancing work and family life, finding quality time and also offers tips to ensure that your results last. Jennifer talks about changing your outlook and consciously drawing your attention back to your goals so that you never lose sight of them. She believes that you should try to achieve one thing each day that will help to progress your goals, no matter how small that action. For more advice on how to live a more fulfilling life as a parent, follow Staying Sane and Ahead of the Game on twitter @ JHColeAuthor and on Facebook.
Buy the book here
A Gentle Guide to Pregnancy Loss: Grieving and healing after miscarriage Kindle Edition By Holly Daffurn (author of The Natural Baby, columnist for The Green Parent Magazine and editor of Natural Mumma) This book is about grieving and recovering from the loss of your baby. With the help of this sensitive and supportive guide, you will learn how to both cherish the memory of the past and move on into the future. “This book is aimed at couples and individuals who have lost a baby at any stage during pregnancy. Although the focus is on the grieving parents, I also consider siblings and ways to heal as a family. This could be a useful resource for someone who is trying to understand what those parents are going through. Each person’s journey is different. This book has been written with sensitivity and love, which is how I hope that you will treat yourselves in the months and years following your loss.” Published by Green Books
This informative and inspiring ebook deals with the following: · how to break the news · terminology
· learning to love your body again · pregnancy loss and the father · ways to grieve
· acknowledging anger · the fear of loss
· dealing with panic attacks · ways to heal
· caring for yourself
· healing as a couple
· looking to the future
· thinking about conception · recurrent miscarriage
Click here to buy now NMM November 2017 31 Available through www.naturalmumma.com and online retailers
Not all Rosehip Oils are created equally. 100% Organic Rosehip Oil for deeply nourished, glowing skin: the perfect handbag companion soothes dry skin on face, body & scalp • reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks • targets pigmentation • conditions nails & cuticles • smooth shaving oil • tames frizzy hair • soothes bites and stings
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