Natural Mumma
Issue One August 2017 Issue One
Taking Care Of Yourself, Your Tribe And Our World
Stay Safe In The Sun
Protecting yourself without chemicals
Passionate Parenting Ways to bond as a family
Make a Difference
Marine conservation, social enterprise & conscious consumerism
Feed Your Skin
Your essential natural skincare routine NMM August 2017
1
La JEWELLERY BY LISA ANNE
Page 2 Advert
jewellery that doesn’t cost the earth... Our range of ethical jewellery is lovingly hand crafted in Britain from high quality recycled and Fair Trade materials. Including recycled and Fair Trade silver, bronze, brass, copper and Fair Trade Gold.
Come and visit our website to browse all our exquisite pieces or pop into our Ludlow luxury boutique.
www.lajewellery.co.uk info@lajewellery.co.uk 2
August 2017 NMM
Welcome to Natural Mumma Magazine Contents 4
Natural Mumma Loves...
9
On The Rocks with Marine Conservation Society’s Richard Harrington
10
Natural Mumma’s Skincare Saviours
12
Closer & Closer Attachment Parenting Demystified
17
APUK’s Michelle McHale’s Top Tips for Dealing with Tantrums
18
Higher Purchase Social enterprise success the OneSquin Story
22
Natural Mumma Makes Beachy Lemon, Ginger & White Chocolate Cupcakes
26
Protect Your Skin In The Sun
30
Book Review Milli Hill’s The Postive Birth Book
A
fter months of dreaming, planning and hard graft it’s an absolute delight to welcome you to the very first issue of Natural Mumma Magazine. We’ve had a ball trying out some beautiful chemical free and cruelty free skincare products, researching sun safety and delving into Milli Hill’s fabulous new book for our reviews page.
Our guest features from the passionate Michelle McHale from Attachment Parenting UK
and Richard Harrington from the Marine Conservation Society have opened our eyes as well as our minds. We’ve been inspired by the compassion behind the story of OneSqin - the first beauty brand to donate all of its profits to charity. To further celebrate National Marine Week we’ve indulged in Beachy Lemon, Ginger & White Chocolate Cupcakes. We’re brimming with ideas and enthusiasm for future issues and have some fantastic treats in store for you with a strong and heartfelt focus on ethical fashion, natural beauty and conscious lifestyle choices.
Photo by Gerard Hughes
Holly wears: A selection of La Jewellery by Lisa Anne Makeup by Green People: Age Defy Tinted Moisturiser in Ivory, Mineral Powder Blush in Rose, Velvet Matte Lipstick in Damask Rose & Lip Primer. Contact: holly@ naturalmumma.com NMM August 2017
3
Natural Mumma Loves...
Fun In The Sun Close have announced some beautiful new additions to their swim range, designed to make trips to the beach or pool fun and hassle free. The baby cosy suit contains an integrated swim nappy with the unique ‘seal to skin’ binding to keep any little accidents safely contained leaving you free to enjoy your swim together. The toddler snug is designed to be worn over a swim nappy if needed and to help make change times quick and easy, the gusset simply poppers open. Both suits feature a fleecy inside layer, and offer UPF50+ sun protection, keeping your little ones warmer and safe whatever the weather. The Beach all-in-one Suit features an integrated hood to provide the ultimate protection from the sun for your little one both in and out of the water.
Up to 50% off the vibrant Swedish designs at me&i in their Summer Sale 100% responsibly made 4
August 2017 NMM
And to top it all off, the Pop-in Peaked Sun hat has a softly elasticated band to help it stay put even when your little swimmer is on the move, and the generous legionnaire style panel will help protect the back of their neck and ears. The full Pop-in collection is available now in a range of charming prints including Edie Monster, Herman Monster, Rocket and Kokeshi Doll - as well as the limited edition Campervan design. www.closeparent.com
Editor’s pick: The latest Ready 14.0 Eyeshadow Palettes from bareMinerals for sultry neutrals with a flawless finish
Nature’s Jewels
Drawing inspiration from the natural pallettes and fantastic worlds of anime films, the beautiful new ‘Ghibli’ range from Sue Gregor features a range of individually handmade pieces incorporating real flowers and leaves. Hydrangea flowers, geranium, box hedge and fern leaves are dried and pressed then used to create the designs. The process developed by Sue Gregor creates pieces which are reminiscent of fossils. The fine organic detail, down to the veins of the leaves, show on the embossed surface of the acrylic. As a result, each individually handmade piece is unique. www.suegregor.co.uk
The Numbers Game Keeping children entertained on long journeys or when the weather doesn’t play ball can be a challenge. New from PLYT Games is NumBugz, seven games in one neat package. The games are a mix of numbers, strategy, memory and logic games and they range in complexity so there really is something for everyone. The bright little Bugz come in a handy bag that fits easily in a pocket or handbag. NumBugz has already been endorsed by National Numeracy and is recommended on their family maths toolkit as one of the best NMM games available. August 2017 5 www.plyt.co.uk
Natural Mumma Loves... Celebrating 10 Years Of Hugs To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Caboo have announced four beautiful new prints for its range of +organic baby carriers. The sophisticated, mum led designs take inspiration not only from current trends but also the countries in which Caboo now sells. The range consists of the Sofia with its soft tessellating shapes, and a Latin vibe. The Olivia, an iconographic floral repeat with a subtle Asian twist.
The Orla with a strong bold Scandi feel and the Emily, an understated floral repeat with a nod to great British values. In addition, Caboo are releasing a special Tenth Anniversary print to celebrate a decade of ‘happy mums and dads’ baby wearing. This print will only be available through sling libraries in the UK. www.closeparent.com
Tip!
Tip!Muslinor ActioMust Have
New from Cheeky Chompers, the and is available in four gorgeous prints, MultiMuslin is one beautiful organic have been especially designed for Nam inum aliawhich adicia Am ipsapidto mi,its eici Tem muslin with six clever uses. Thanks thisfaccum new range. The prints include Silver vendaeped. truly thoughtful design, this innovative Stars, Zebra Dreams, Rosy Days and product cleverly brings together six Cheeky Hippo. It is machine washable, baby essentials in one, incorporating BPA and phthalates free and 100 per a nursing cover, burp cloth, attachable cent safe to chew on. shade for pushchairs, blanket, A fantastic innovation, the MultiMuslin swaddle, and two soft silicon removes clutter from your changing bag teething rings attached. by bringing together six solutions in one The MultiMuslin starts life as brilliantly breathable organic muslin
6
August 2017 NMM
essential product.
www.cheekychompers.com
A Stroller Ready For ActionFor The award winning Omnio Stroller brings exciting new opportunities for off road exploration with the younger members of the family in tow. Winner of the ‘The Gadget Show Live: Invention of the Year Award’ features sleek, innovative design and attention-grabbing wheels. These ingenious devices offer 360-degree manoeuvrability from a fixed position, providing superior agility and control, and with puncture-proof tyres, this stroller can handle the roughest of off-road adventures. Folding to compact proportions, the stroller can easily be worn on the back when not in use, enabling parent and child to explore the wilds on foot together. When your little one tires, the neat pack quickly unfolds to become a sturdy stroller capable of carrying a child up to 22kg in weight. www.omnioworld.com
Natural Mumma Magazine
Wooden High Speed Train
August 2017
NMM Team Editor: Holly Daffurn
holly@naturalmumma.com
Creative: Gerard Hughes mail@gerardhughes.co.uk
Cover Image by Dawid Sobolewski www.naturalmumma.com
This must surely be the toy of choice for any train loving tot – a Bigjigs wooden replica of a Southeastern high speed. The family run firm has linked up with one of the country’s biggest rail operators to make a pint sized version of Britain’s fastest domestic train service. With its distinctive big wheels that run along tiny wooden tracks, the toy will be an ideal addition to any toddler’s train set. And while it won’t reach the 140 mph top speed of the real high speed trains, it is sure to inspire the imaginations of youngsters across the country when it goes on sale. The wooden toy replica trains, which are recommended for children aged three and above will be available through high street retailers. www.bigjigstoys.co.uk
Natural Mumma Magazine
is produced by T5 Publications. Contents may not be reproduced, stored or distributed in any form without prior written permission. All rights reserved.
© T5 Publications 2017 NMM August 2017
7
Natural Mumma Loves... LĂźks Linen - Handwoven Unisex Scarves Handwoven from 100% cotton, these scarves are gentle on the skin, eco friendly and machine washable.
WIN
Beautiful Handmade Jewellery
Natural Mumma has teamed up with La Jewellery to bring you the chance to win a beautiful bangle and necklace from their Nectar Collection for Amanda Hamilton. Each piece is handcrafted from recycled silver, brass and copper in a small studio in Ludlow Shropshire.
8
For your chance to win, simply email enquiries@naturalmumma.com with the subject line AUGCOMP The winner will be drawn on 31/08/17 August 2017 NMM
© Stuart Askew
On the rocks
© Richard Harrington
by Richard Harrington Marine Conservation Society
© Richard Harrington
Life between the tides is a world within a world, and rockpools are like a miniature version of the ocean. If you look carefully, you can find examples of almost any animal kind you could ever think of finding in the sea, or anywhere else for that matter. Spiny-skinned animals like starfish and urchins, shiny anemones and seaweeds, animals that look like plants and snails the size of your hand. A host of different fishes can be found amongst the toes of paddlers, amid shallow seaweeds, and even on top of rocks exposed at low tide. The common blenny, also called shanny, is adapted to survive out of water for a number of hours. And in the calm of a rockpool, they are often quite approachable – children are usually great at spotting them (NB: their beak-like mouth used for munching barnacles can give a bit of a nip).
If you're exploring the seashore, there are just a few things to remember...
At the beach you might even see seals, dolphin or sharks (well, dogfish or catsharks, which are their largely harmless smaller relatives, and perhaps their eggcases known as mermaid's purses).
Do slap on the suncream, but avoid those that contain microplastics - these will be marked on the ingredients lists as polyethylene, polypropylene, or a related plastic derivative.
You don't really need a net to catch animals as these tend to scrape up seaweeds and other life. It's far less damaging to encourage a fish towards a bucket that will house it for a short while before it is returned to the water. Leave those limpets and anemones stuck on to the floor, as they'll not survive the ordeal of being prised off. But while you need to be aware of sharp rocks, slippery seaweed and, of curse, the tide, do go out and explore.
And why not do a two minute beachclean - a quick sweep of the beach around you is a useful activity and actually quite heartwarming to do.
The Marine Conservation Society runs the
in September (15th-18th) sponsored this year by Waitrose - www.mcsuk.org/waitrose NMM August 2017
9
Natural Mumma’s Our pick of the best natural beauty products for your skin
incognito Second Skin Moisturiser With aloe vera, Korean ginseng and calendula extract this dual purpose creamy moisturiser and after sun is the perfect way to keep your skin hydrated through the summer months. I especially like the addition of Java citronella to keep insects at bay, and the environmentally friendly sugar cane plastic packaging is brilliant. For every kilo of renewable sugar cane used, 4.6 kilos of CO2 is removed from the atmosphere.
A’kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil
Urtekram Coconut Shower Gel & Body Lotion
I love how quickly this dry oil absorbs into the skin and how smooth and soft my skin feels afterwards. This delicate scented oil is ideal for deep hydration and protecting the skin from free radicals and the signs of ageing. It leaves your skin feeling supple and looking healthy, and with its Omega essential fatty acids it feels like you are really feeding your skin.
With a refreshing exotic fragrance this shower gel and body lotion are ideal for the summer. Brimming with organic virgin coconut oil these products leave your skin deliciously nourished and silky smooth. With 100% natural ingredients and 20% from organic farming, this ECOCERT certified vegan product is gentle enough to be used by the whole family.
10
August 2017 NMM
Silvan Skincare – Lip Balms & Body Balm The natural balms from Silvan smell divine, as well as leaving your skin beautifully moisturised and soft to the touch. With organic rice bran oil to protect against premature ageing, organic avocado oil for natural sun protection and the nourishing softening benefits of organic jojoba and cocoa butter these balms are the perfect addition to your handbag.
Skincare Saviours Harbour Elements Truly Gentle Cleansing Balm Beautifully gentle, British made & fragrance free. I love how this cleanser melts away makeup and leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed and rejuvenated. With a silky consistency, this cleanser is highly effective without being harsh.
OneSqin All Purpose Skin Cream Made from 100% natural ingredients, the cream has an ointment-like consistency, it is absorbed quickly and leaves your skin with a pleasing luminosity. Great for soothing dry flaky skin, shaving rash and other common problems as well as doubling up as an effective night cream treatment.
The Better Skin Formula Cleansing Set & 50/50 Serum
Clean Beauty Co Prime Time Facial Polish
Rawgaia Organic Goji Goddess Nutrient Mist
Natural skincare expert Claire Robilliard creates a bespoke range of products specially formulated for your skin profile. They not only smell wonderful but under her guidance you create a simple skin care ritual that feels beautifully indulgent as well as teaching you about your skin’s individual needs. All ingredients are organic, plant-based and wild-grown.
This deliciously fruity facial scrub not only sloughs away dead skin cells leaving you with seriously radiant skin, but it also acts as a primer leaving your skin ready to absorb all the nutrients from your serums, toners and moisturisers. It utilises 100% natural, high performance ingredients. It also smells delicious, and is vegan and cruelty free too!
An organic superfood toner that leaves your skin feeling hydrated, refreshed and renewed. The rose scent is intoxicating and I love the instance radiance this product brings. Can be worn for a fresh bare-faced look or over makeup for an additional burst of nutrients and a subtle glow. Handmade in Brighton from cold pressed certified organic ingredients. NMM August 2017
11
CLOSER &
CLOSER
12
August 2017 NMM
The concept of attachment parenting is often misinterpreted a recipe for over-dependancy or the route to a true and lasting bond with your children?
NMM August 2017
13
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF ATTACHMENT PARENTING * Co-sleeping (in the same bed or room as the parents, or staying with the child until they have fallen asleep) * Babywearing and close physical contact * Feeding on demand (although the preference is on breastfeeding, attachment parenting is open minded and non-judgemental so could also refer to bottle feeding) *Responding to crying (rather than letting a child self-soothe parents who opt for attachment parenting tend to prefer to comfort crying children)
T
here seems to be a fair amount of confusion over what attachment parenting is. Attachment is purely the scientific name for the emotional bond that forms in any healthy relationship, so attachment parenting simply refers to practices that strengthen the emotional bond between a parent and their child. There is a misconception that it is focused around parents and children spending every waking minute together. Space and freedom is a crucial part of building a healthy relationship, and guiding children towards independence is important to the majority of parents. You may well be practising attachment parenting
14
August 2017 NMM
without being aware of it. The beauty of the practice is that it is non-prescriptive. It may mean various things to different people. However, using the term can be helpful when it comes to identifying likeminded parents or seeking out events that resound with a similar ethos to your own. Although there are no hard and fast rules, attachment parenting tends to centre around certain elements that facilitate bonding, such as co-sleeping, babywearing and physical contact, feeding on demand and responding to crying. The Department of Health recommends that babies spend the first 6 months of their life in a cot in their parents’ bedroom.
Some parents decide to share the bed with their newborn too, believing that it strengthens the bond. It also means that the whole family often has less disruptive sleep and breastfeeding is easier. If you do decide to cosleep then you must always do so with caution. Some parents feel safer using a “sidecar� arrangement, so the baby has its own safe space but also benefits from being beside their parents. Babywearing is simply the act of carrying your child around in a sling or carrier. As well as being immensely practical (taking the strain off your arms and leaving your hands free for other things), it is a great way to strengthen the bond.
After nine months in utero enveloped in warmth to a steady soundtrack of your heartbeat, the outside world can feel like a huge shock to the baby. Many parents are now honouring “the fourth trimester” to allow their babies time to adjust after birth, as well as giving their own bodies the time they need to recover. The physical closeness babywearing brings stimulates the production of ‘the bonding hormone’ oxytocin. It is also released through breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact (with either parent). When a baby is held close to a parent like this, their
survival needs are being met and they are generally calmer. The motion is also soothing to a little one, and babies that are carried in this way tend to be a lot less fractious. Through babywearing, dads can bond with the child while allowing their partners time to recover during the postpartum period. As pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments, it is advisable for women to avoid heavy lifting after the birth. Attachment parenting isn’t just something that you practise with little ones. Developing a strong emotional bond with your children is something that
most of us strive to do continually as they grow. APUK (Attachment Parenting UK) is a wonderful organisation that offers a range of resources and local groups so that parents who are passionate about developing a strong bond with their children, have a safe space to seek advice, guidance, make friends and learn new skills. As with any aspect of parenting, it is important to go with what feels right for you. Learning, listening, seeking advice, staying perpetually curious but ultimately making the decisions that feel right for you and your family.
CO-SLEEPING DOS & DON’TS * Never share a bed with a baby or infant if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs
* Don’t practise co-sleeping if you are severely sleep deprived or exhausted * Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or chair * Ensure there is no danger of your baby falling from the bed or getting trapped between the wall and mattress * Avoid the use of pillows * Use light sheets rather than a duvet and ensure they are away from your baby’s face * Always put your baby to sleep on their back rather than on their side or front
NMM August 2017
15
10
Top Tips for Dealing with Tantrums
from Attachment Parenting UK’s Founder & Director Michelle McHale www.attachmentparenting.co.uk
1
5
2
6
3
7
9
4
8
10
Children’s brains are in rapid development and a tantrum happens when the child’s emotional overspill tips them into their primitive reactive brain - don’t try to reason, bargain or coerce your child when they aren’t neurologically capable of sophisticated thinking - it will only add fuel to the fire. Tantrums are not personal - the child is not seeking to deliberately upset, annoy, frustrate or harass you. Your feelings may look like a response to the situation but, less obviously, they are the inevitable result of your thinking about the situation.
Tantrums generally last less than five minutes and follow a pattern which peaks in anger and subsides into sadness. When feeling acute anger a child may not want physical touch but as they feel sadness will often soften into a cuddle - don’t take any perceived rejection personally - your child really does need you. A tantrum is rarely connected to the apparent trigger. When a broken biscuit results in a tantrum think of the biscuit as the vehicle for the release of tension a tantrum can be a healthy self-regulating healing tool to process stress.
16
August 2017 NMM
A tantrum can’t be managed, it can only be respected. It’s easy to think we need to ‘do’ something in response, but the most helpful thing for the child is for the adult to be calm, loving and warmly attentive. Our well-being will support the child returning to their own well-being - our default setting. You may feel panicked and try to distract a child from strong feelings - these strong feelings are never permanent & like stormy weather, there is always a calm which follows when your child will often experience feelings of relief, peace and relaxation.
Ignoring children in their distress sends the message that you’re not there for them when they are experiencing something challenging. Your child needs your loving, comforting presence no matter how much it may appear otherwise.
In public places it can be easy to have a lot of personal thinking about the imagined judgement of others - notice your thinking and remind yourself that thoughts aren’t facts, they are simply your ideas! If it helps, focus on your child’s words and body language so you can offer them as much warm attention as possible.
If your child’s tantrum can be stopped in its tracks by giving the child what it wants this is less about a lack of self-control and more about experimenting with strategy (something adults do too - just a bit more subtly!). These situations invite us to be clear on our boundaries and hold them with firmness and kindness. If your child becomes hysterical or at risk of harming themselves/someone else, try changing the environment (going outdoors can help) or focus on something which will bring your child back into their body such as laying them down, stroking their back, or holding them (but don’t restrain them).
Embracing attachments, expanding the family
30th September 2017 For all parents (expectant and TTC), professionals & carers of children of all ages Speakers from; -
Positive Birth Movement Consent Based Education Dangerous Dads Network APUK: Emotional Resilience Positive Discipline Course Toddlercalm Sleep Baby & Child Massage Carrying Matters
Poetry / Improvised Storytelling / Mothers Writing Babes-in-arms Welcome / Exhibitors / Unique Goody Bag Delicious Vegan Lunch / Steiner Creche / Sling Checks / BYOB Choir
St Matthias, Bristol Steiner Academy, Fishponds, BS16 2JP www.attachmentparenting.co.uk/conference NMM August 2017 17
18
“small acts when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world”
August 2017 NMM
HIGHER PURCHASE
E
very month millions of women and girls across the UK buy tampons. Imagine if every time someone purchased these essential products, they could help a girl in need. Well that’s precisely what the founders of community interest company, OneSqin, did. So simply by using everyday items, conscious consumers can now, thanks to OneSqin, fight inequality. OneSqin is the brainchild of two men, Neil Richmond and Sinisi Jovic, who met through their work in the luxury lifestyle sector. The pair readily admit that they are more used to managing high net worth individuals and family offices, and captaining super-yachts across the globe, than developing organic health and beauty products; but a commitment to quality products, great customer service and a passion to create a sustainable business model means they’ve found themselves launching the first beauty brand to donate all of its profits to charity. NMM August 2017
19
Neil Richmond explains: “Sinisi and I have had the opportunity, through our work, to witness the power of extreme wealth and be part of a lifestyle where luxury is simply the norm. We’ve met some amazing people who take their good fortune very seriously and
20
August 2017 NMM
have a philanthropic attitude towards their wealth; ensuring they support people in need and charitable causes. “Our work has also taken us across the globe, and we’ve both seen the impact that a lack of education and poverty has on communities, and most damagingly, on young girls.
“When we decided to launch OneSqin we instinctively knew that the beneficiaries had to be those who need the most help; which was why we chose to support girls to be able to stay in school and education for longer.” Initially the pair focused on producing an organic allpurpose skin cream, based on a recipe Sinisi had developed to use on his own daughters when he realized that the commercially available creams contained a whole host of ingredients he was not keen to use on the skin of his small children. It was during the conversations about scaling up the production of the skin cream that the pair considered other essential products women use on a
daily basis, and the idea of an organic, high quality tampon was developed. Neil continues, “We couldn’t quite believe that there wasn’t already a business or charity making tampons for good causes. But to us it makes perfect sense. Take a product that millions of women and girls regularly use. Make a quality, organic and easy to purchase version of the product, which pro-social users can happily switch to, making a positive difference when buying essential products.” Tampons, and the original multi-purpose cream, are available to pre-order via the OneSqin website following a successful KickStarter campaign earlier this year which means that production is now on-track to deliver the first organic tampons to customers by October. The tampons are made with certified organic, t o x i n - f r e e cotton, and the simple compact applicators are made with bio-plastic produced from sugar cane, and manufactured in Spain in a factory powered by hydro-electricity.
Whilst the OneSqin cream, developed in a familyowned, artisan lab, is packed with plant extracts. The community interest company idea is a growing phenomenon as consumers become more aware of the impact of collective purchasing power driving social change. Ethical consumers can ensure that their buying habits create a positive difference for others, rather than just boosting profits of corporates and shareholders. In the UK businesses like ethical water brand, Belu, are helping shoppers choose an alternative. OneSqin is now joining the charge and helping girls get, and stay in, education, through its chosen charity, Nurturing Minds, with support for the
SEGA Girls School in Tanzania. Neil explains, “OneSqin has become a movement. We’ve been encouraged by the amount of support that we’ve received. There’s clearly a market for our products, and there’s definitely a need to help more girls, globally, to access education. Right now period poverty is an issue being debated in the UK, and I’m certain that it will be tackled sensitively and positively. We know that there are also girls in developing countries that need our help. Let’s hope that breaking the tampon taboos and talking about periods here in the UK will encourage more women, who can, to make their regular period purchases really count and help another girl living a very different life.”
NMM August 2017
21
A striking centrepiece for a seaside picnic
Great fun to make for children of all ages!
You Will Need: For the cakes: 110g/4oz butter 110g/4oz caster sugar 2 free range eggs 110g/4oz self-raising flour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of milk zest of an unwaxed lemon 22
August 2017 NMM
For the beach: 140g/5oz butter 280g/10oz icing sugar yellow food colouring 75g shortbread 75g ground almonds 2 tablespoons of ground ginger For the sea: 100g white chocolate blue food colouring
natural mumma makes
Beachy Lemon, Ginger & White Chocolate Cupcakes When I was asked to create ‘summer-themed’ cupcakes for a Bake Off Challenge on Channel Mum, I decided to combine my love of the beach with some of my favourite flavours. These cupcakes taste delicious and the addition of almonds means they aren’t completely without nutritional value. There is plenty of scope for getting the kids involved – from mixing to moulding sugar sea creatures, children of all ages can join in. I was particularly pleased with how the ‘edible sand’ turned out. You could use the same principles to decorate a larger cake for a summer birthday party or a striking centrepiece for a seaside picnic. NMM August 2017
23
Tip!
Tip!
Nam inum alia adicia Am ipsapid mi, eici Tem faccum
1
Preheat your oven to gas mark 4 (180) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake cases (I prefer to use reusable ones).
2 3
In a large bowl, cream together 110g/4oz butter and 110g/4oz caster sugar.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat 2 free range eggs, then gradually add the eggs to the mixture beating as you go.
4 5
Fold in 110g/4oz of sifted self-raising flour.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of milk and the zest of an unwaxed lemon and continue to fold until combined.
24
August 2017 NMM
Nam inum alia adicia Am ipsapid mi, Tem faccum.
6 7
Spoon the cake mixture into the cupcake cases until half full.
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes (until golden brown and the cakes no longer ‘sing’ when you listen carefully to them).
natural mumma makes
Natural Mumma YouTube Channel You can find this recipe and plenty more on the Natural Mumma YouTube channel www.youtube.com/naturalmumma
8
While the cakes are baking (and during the cooling process) you can get on with preparing the decorative toppings.
9
In a clean bowl combine 140g/5oz butter with 280g/10oz icing sugar add a couple of drops of yellow food colouring. Mix until the icing is smooth and without lumps, and the colour is consistent.
10
Crumble 75g shortbread (although homemade shortbread is simple and delicious, for the purpose of this recipe you may as well buy shopbought) into a bowl (either using your fingers or in a sealed bag with the help of a sturdy rolling pin). Add 75g ground almonds and 2 tablespoons of ground ginger to create your edible sand.
14 15
Position your icing creations on the beach side of each cake.
Leave the cakes in a cool place so the chocolate can harden at a steady rate (try to be patient and avoid the fridge so you don’t lose that beautiful lustre).
And there you have it, so simple yet effective beach-themed cupcakes with a wonderful flavour combination and a lovely summery feel!
11
Create decorations in royal icing (use food colouring to add interest) – you might like to make some shells, beach hats, sea creatures etc. This is the part that children may like to get involved with.
12
Once your cupcakes are cool, you can spread buttercream roughly on half of each one spooning the crumb mixture on top and tapping lightly to remove any excess. You needn’t be too precise as you are creating the effect of a coastline, so rough edges and asymmetrical curves are to be encouraged!
13
To create the ocean, melt before adding blue lines using a cocktail stick dipped in. Pour the white chocolate onto the remaining half of each cupcake and add further marbled effect blue lines using a cocktail stick & blue food colouring. If you overwork this you will turn the chocolate blue so just play around enough to create a sense of movement. NMM August 2017
25
PROTECT YOUR SKIN IN
SKIN IN THE SUN We are all well-versed in the dangers of sun exposure, especially when it comes to protecting our children’s delicate skin but how easy is it to keep our family safe without relying on potentially harmful chemicals?
U
ltraviolet radiation constantly bombards the earth from the sun, and it’s this which can potentially damage the skin, from sunburn through longer term effects like premature aging and in the extreme, forms of skin cancer. Before the discovery of UV radiation in the early 19th century, scientists believed it was the heat of the sun which caused the damage. But by the early 20th , there was a much deeper understanding of the nature of light and the effect it could have on human skin.
26
August 2017 NMM
Science now tells us that the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the main causes of damage to the skin. UVA rays are long-wave solar waves that penetrate the skin more deeply and are considered to be the biggest cause of skin ageing as they damage collagen more quickly, resulting in wrinkles and changes in the texture of skin. UVB rays are short-wave solar waves that are more potent than UVA in causing sunburn and are the chief culprit in the development of skin cancer.
There’s nothing new in protecting your skin from sun damage, either for health or beauty reasons. Ancient civilisations used a variety of plant derived products to ward off the worst the sun could throw at them. The Egyptians used rice bran extracts, jasmine and lupine products to protect their skin and reduce the risk of tanning - fair skin was seen as more attractive and tanning highly undesirable. Zinc oxide paste has been known to be an ultra effective sunblock for centuries.
T
THE SUN
NMM August 2017
27
Ingredients to avoid: Oxybenzone Octinoxate Homosalate Octisalate Octocrylene Avobenzone Paraben Preservatives
28
August 2017 NMM
Many of these ingredients have now been rediscovered and are used in modern sunscreens and sunblocks. Gamma oryzanol is extracted from rice bran oil and is often used because it has antioxidant and UV absorbing properties. Much is claimed for Jasmine essential oil but it has proven qualities in regards to skincare, especially in the treatment of dry, brittle, or dehydrated skin. Synthetic sunscreens have not been around for very long, the first were introduced in the 1920s. The first commercially available sunscreen was produced in 1928 in the United States and consisted of an emulsion made of PABA (Para-AminoBenzoic Acid) benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate. This was effective in blocking UVB rays but offered negligible protection against UVA rays. Modern sunscreens absorb
some types of UVA radiation by incorporating benzophenones such as oxybenzone, or chemicals such as dibenzoyl methane, but these are not risk free. Chemical sunscreens can cause allergic reactions and have been found to accumulate in body fat and breast milk. There is also evidence to suggest a link to hormonal disruptions including early onset puberty, low sperm count, and breast cancer. There is also a risk that some chemical sunscreens oxidize under the sun whcih can lead to potential free radical formation. These ingredients are also less effective in doing their job of protecting against UV damage. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays, but as they are absorbed into the skin as opposed to forming a barrier on the surface, they also allow UVA rays to penetrate deeper.
Products we love... If you wish to avoid chemical sunscreen ingredients when selecting UV protection, look out for Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Avobenzone on ingredients labels. You should be wary when choosing products for you and your family. The healthier option is to choose mineral sunscreens as these form a barrier on top of skin. A true sunblock does just that - completely blocks UV. It protects the skin by reflecting and scattering the sun’s rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common ingredients in sunblock - think thick white stripes across the cheeks and noses of lifeguards. But due to their sticky nature, sunblocks are not suitable for whole body use. We’re now very familiar with the rating of suncreens by the use of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). These numbers indicate how long you can stay in the sun - for instance, an SPF of 15 allows to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than if your skin was totally unprotected. But always remember that there are issues with the SPF model. No sunscreen should be expected to remain effective for more than two hours without reapplication, and that’s without taking into account sweating, washing or wearing off. And more importantly, the SPF only takes into account the reddening of the skin, the reaction of the skin to UVB rays alone - it doesn’t give any indication of the level of protection the product will afford you against the more sinister UVA. When it comes to staying safe in the sun, you really can’t be too careful. Opt for products that use natural ingredients, apply them properly and teach your kids to look after their skin while enjoying a glorious summer.
bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen
This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF 45
Cowshed SkinCeuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF 30
Green People Organic Children Sun Lotion SPF 30
This Works Perfect Legs Skin NMM August 2017 29 Protector SPF 30
BOOK REVIEW T
he Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill focuses on freedom of choice and the importance of a woman feeling in control throughout childbirth. The writing style is warm and friendly, but the book is also completely packed with vital information. Whether you are hoping to give birth at home, in a midwife-led birth centre or in hospital; The Positive Birth Book offers advice on every aspect of childbirth. There is a wealth of information on caesarians (elective and emergency), and Milli’s take on the “woman-led caesarian”is wonderful. Packed with enough science and evidence to offer credibility, the text never feels heavy or
difficult. The writing style is accessible and each concept is introduced without bias. There is a beautiful positivity to the book, but it also offers great slices of reality. It is honest and down-to earth, as well as being deeply inspiring. The focus is on guiding women to the most positive birth experience available, and as founder of The Positive Birth Movement, Milli Hill is the perfect voice. The Positive Birth Book is beautifully broken up into easy-to-read sections, so it doesn't ever feel overwhelming. There are lots of personal stories throughout which offer a realistic view of childbirth. New topics are introduced with the sorts of
Milli Hill - Photo by Bill Bradshaw
The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill
questions that often trouble pregnant mums. The whole purpose of the book is to completely take the fear out of child birth, and it certainly achieves what it set out to.
“Birth can be a very beautiful thing: the perfect expression of your body at its healthiest and most vital.”
T
30
August 2017 NMM
he core of the book is focused on Milli’s “steel beams of birth” - basically that women have choices and human rights. She encourages women to learn about childbirth, empowering them to give birth in the way that feels right for them and allowing them to own their birthing experience. Milli covers areas that are often overlooked or glossed over and she does it with great sensitivity.
The small section on 'Giving birth as a survivor of abuse' was written with a great deal of tact and compassion. There isn't discussion about how women who have been abused deal with childbirth, and Milli's gentle yet informative writing style offers reassurance. This is a wonderful resource for expectant women and their birth partners. The pages lack colour, but the dynamic illustrations by Kate Evans are exquisite There is a delightful series, where she really brings the spirit of childbirth to life and of course, the words had their own vibrancy. The visual childbirth tool is a great resource too.
“The Positive Birth Book urges women to wake up... and demand more information, more options and more respect in the birth room.”
I
sat and read the book cover to cover and found it easyto-read, entertaining (at times it is laugh out loud funny) and fascinating. The clear index also means that parents can dip in and out when they are looking for specific information. This book is a wonderful resource for first time parents who are unsure
of what to expect during childbirth and are looking for honesty, insight and guidance. For women who have already given birth there is still plenty to glean from the book. Each birth is different and I can imagine that women who are looking to have a more positive birth experience next time round would find a great deal of comfort in the book. The book also touches on the fourth trimester, with some fantastic advice for breastfeeding and details about what to expect after the birth. There are also clear signposts for readers who want to research and explore topics in more depth. It is refreshing to read a book on childbirth that reaffirms that women matter. Milli highlights the fact that many people
take great glee in projecting childbirth in a negative light. This is a book that will give women confidence, allay fears and arm them with the knowledge that will allow them to make choices and take back the control. This books celebrates childbirth as it should be; beautiful, inspiring and with a healthy focus on the woman giving birth.
The Positive Birth Book is published by Pinter & Martin and is available now in all good bookshops. www. positivebirthmovement.org
ADVERTISEMENT
What the critics say about ‘The Natural Baby’: “Samantha and Holly empower parents with the information & wisdom to help them make the best choices for their families... They have the perfect set of complementary skills and knowledge to write about natural parenting...Here is a book that will act like a best friend.” - Melissa Corkhill The Green Parent magazine “Absolutely brilliant! I wish I’d had it when I got pregnant.” - Katie Hill My Green Pod Magazine “With practical, helpful advice on every aspect of life as a new mum” - Naomi McElroy The Irish Daily Star “The only baby book you’ll ever need” - Sparkles & Stretchmarks NMMbookshops August 2017 31 Available through www.naturalmumma.com and all good
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
32
© Frogfishphotography.com
© Andy Bowen
© Dave Boyle
© Tom Shelley
August 2017 NMM
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