Absolutely Mama April 2018

APRIL 2018 I S S U E 1 5 • £ 3 .9 5

Mama

Blame

GAME

IN FULL BLOOM

ALESHA DIXON

Nursery 2.0

Banish mum-guilt

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

MOTHER, PRESENTER, POPSTAR, AUTHOR

INSIDE PEARL LOWE’S RURAL FAMILY HOME

ISSUE 15 • APRIL 2018

Colour Crush

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THE FUTURE OF CHILDCARE

A fresh palette for spring

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S 06/03/2018 16:13

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Š2018. All rights reserved Young Soles. Photography by Emma Donnelly.

A cool treat for little feet www.youngsoles.co.uk Use code ABM18 for 10% off all orders Promotional code only applicable to footwear bought from the official Young Soles website. Offer expires 30 April 2018.

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mama WELCOME

c ontent s APRIL 2018

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42 52

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AGENDA Mama Loves

37 Insta-Mama

What’s On

39 Woman in Work

New in stores this April

18

Top local events and activities

20 New Books

Fab, fresh reads for little ones

ESSENTIALS 26 Babe Watch

All the baby kit you need

28 Colour Crush

Grown-up shades and earthy tones

ON THE COVER:

Madderson London

MAMAHOOD 32 Lightning Girl

Alesha Dixon on the inspirations behind her brand-new book and mini female superhero

Chloe Thurston shares the reality behind her social media account

Peanut’s Michelle Kennedy on making it in the tech industry

FASHION 42 Fashion Notes

Charlotte Kewley’s monthly picks

54 Streets Ahead

Little Marc Jacobs’ latest looks

WELLNESS 68 Lizzie Loves

Three wholesome family recipes

70 Going Guilt-Free

Emily Thorpe tells us how to eschew parental shame

28 HOME & INTERIORS 82 In addition

Th e latest best buys and chic items for your nursery and home

84 Designer Home

A wonderful tour around one seriously stylish Islington abode

TRAVEL 95 Let’s Escape

Tots’ top travel kit and three Asian getaways to book now

96 A Trident’s Tale

Why a trip to Halkidiki in Greece is an absolute must

RESOURCES 110 Nursery 2.0

We weigh in on the future of London’s Early Years providers

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mama WELCOME

GRAY LABEL P.28

Editor’s

YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK BY JAMIA WILSON & ANDREA PIPPINS P.20

LETTER

BODEN P.42

INSIDE PEARL LOWE'S COUNTRY RETREAT P.88

A

s the quest for gender equality and parity gathers pace, increasingly us parents are asking ourselves to what extent we can raise our children without the confi nes of gender stereotypes. Th is month we got to talk to Alesha Dixon about her debut children’s novel, in which she’s created a young, black, female superhero who by her very nature challenges some of the dominant tropes in our culture. It can only be a good thing to see more positive role models such as this – and I’m referring as much to Dixon herself as to her protagonist.

Talking of progress, in this issue we also take a look at the new breed of Early Years providers. They’ve tapped into the need to diversify and deepen what an Early Years setting can offer to its customers – especially as more and more parents are choosing to work from home or freelance. Clubs like the new N-Family in Stoke Newington take a “360” approach, where parents can get childcare, enjoy family time, socialise and access expert advice in one place – and all in the kind of design-led space they might choose to hang out in in their free time. Trendy new workspace providers are also getting in on the act, building top-end crèche facilities into their new openings. Exciting times.

Hel en Ba r on

LITTLE CREATIVE FACTORY P.26

E DITOR

@hel_bow helen.baron@zest-media.com

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s @ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama .co.uk

Group Editor: KATY GILLETT Editor: HELEN BARON Editorial Assistant: GEORGIA MCVEIGH Fashion Editor: CHARLOTTE KEWLEY Commercial Director: LEAH DAY Commercial Manager: ROCHELLE STREATER Marketing Manager: ANGIE KOLECI Art Director: PHIL COUZENS Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA, LINSEY CANNON

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Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN, CATHERINE PERKINS Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Directors: GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT

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Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

April 201 8

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E In the swing of spring pastels have power this April

NICE CUT

Goat Homegrown British womenswear label Goat launched its inaugural Kid by Goat capsule in March, featuring chic, scaled-down versions of the brand's best-loved dresses. Ideal everyday and occasionwear for girls aged seven to 12. goatfashion.com

SKI STYLE ME + EM

With colder months behind us, now’s the time to look ahead to new hues that lift spirits. ME+EM’s workwear essentials and ski-inspired pieces will keep you looking on-trend on and off the piste. Consider the January collection a sartorial breath of fresh air for your wardrobe. meandem.com

Girl Power

Mud p u p py If you’re looking to ensure your kids are woke, these playing cards are the real deal. Featuring illustrations by Lydia Ortiz and words by Emily Kleinman, they introduce little ones to famous and inspiring femmes from history. £10.99; abramsandchronicle.co.uk

Good Hydration

St ay S i xt y Ditch plastic single-use bottles and embrace the future of portable hydration, with this super-stylish bottle from London brand Stay Sixty. Made of stainless steel, it has a handy carry loop for your convenience. £29.95; staysixty.com

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ma m a LOVES

PAPER CRAFT

Studio Snowpuppe These Dutch origami experts produce a huge range of beautiful light shades in folded paper. High quality fabric cables and fittings come in contrasting colours for a stylish contemporary look that adds a touch of fun to any room. studiosnowpuppe.nl

THINK PINK

C a r ve n Taking inspiration from the streets of Paris, Carven’s Resort ’18 collection embodies the edgier side of French fashion with eye-catching geometric prints, 1930s-inspired cinched-waist dresses and boxy silhouettes. carven.com

r’s editock pi

Face Up

Tr i l o g y It’s easy to forget that what we put on our bodies is as important to wellbeing as what we put in them. New skincare range Trilogy does away with nasties and uses pure plant oils to balance and nourish. Prices vary; marksandspencer.com

SOFT FACE

Gia n n in a C a p i t a n i This merino wool cushion cover

by Giannina Capitani is made in collaboration with Alice Dansey-Wright – a simple line drawing that creates a winningly wry expression. £95; gianninacapitani.com

Lilac Love

Tiba + Ma rl Pastel perfection, the lilac Miller changing bag-cum-backpack from Tiba + Marl ticks every one of our spring style boxes, then adds a few more of its own for good measure. £120; tibaandmarl.com

Wheely Good

B a nwo o d B i kes Is this the cutest balance bike ever created?

We’d put money on it. Designed in Berlin for safety and style, it’s available in cool white, racing green and a range of other tasteful shades, with helmets to match. £138; bobbyrabbit.co.uk

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Nordic Nippers

30 March-2 September V & A Museum of Childhood

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rosendahl_Design_Group

Century of the Child exhibition explores the influence of kids on some of the bestloved Nordic designs, from BRIO to LEGO. It celebrates the cultural exchange of iconic ideas between Britain and Nordic countries, and there’s a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. vam.ac.uk

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W H AT ’ S ON Spring into April with colour overloads, pivotal productions and plenty more...

3 O F TH E B E ST E X H I B ITI O N S Colour, comics and stories – these are the best exhibitions this April

Colour: The Rainbow Revealed Until October 2018 Horniman Museum

Discover the world of colour and how it shapes the planet at this award-winning exhibition. It’s a sensory explosion. horniman.ac.uk

Dawn of Super Heroes Until 9 September 2018 The O2

Trace your favourite superheroes through history with this exhibition from DC Entertainment. A must for comic book fans and illustrative arts enthusiasts. dcexhibition.co.uk

editor’s pick

Kaleidoscope 13 April  Half moon

Watch your little one discover colour for the first time with this interactive exhibition that changes with every blink. It’s inspired by research that shows how baby begins to categorise colour with the development of sight. This compilation of gleaming and twinkling lights will put a smile on even the smallest of faces. halfmoon.org.uk 18

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A World Inside a Book Until September 2018 Discover Children’s Story Centre

Take a peek at the genius behind the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler books with Discover’s new exhibition, which brings the stories to life before your very eyes. discover.org.uk

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agenda

WHAT’S ON

Tiddler 8- 9 April Watford Palace Theatre

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales returns to the stage with four of the best-loved stories from awardwinning author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson. The production will transport you under the sea with Tiddler, into the jungle with Monkey Puzzle and onto a farm with A Squash and a Squeeze – plus there’s a visit from The Smartest Giant in Town. This fast-paced production will entertain both children and adults alike.

20 Clarendon Road; watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

MORE MAGIC FOR CHILDRE

ME AND MY BEE

4 - 6 April Wilton’s Music Hall

acked with energy, laughs and gasps, the time-travelling duo Morgan and West return to the stage with their production of More Magic For Children! It’s suitable for children aged five and above, so expect the unexpected, shocking magic tricks and a flair for the dramatic – with a big dollop of showbiz thrown in. It’s guaranteed to have you laughing from the get-go.

1 Grace’s Alley, E1 morganandwest.co.uk

P

Throughout April Various locations

political party disguised as a party-party disguised as a show – there’s a hidden agenda behind Me and My Bee: it aims to raise awareness about the importance of bees to our ecosystem. It’ll emphasise how children and adults have an effect on the environment and show what we can do to help. A fun way to raise awareness about a growing issue. thisegg.co.uk

A

3 Top Shows to See

TH E CA NTE RV I LLE G H O ST 19 -22 April Peacock Theatre

A fresh revival of a classic, the London Children’s Ballet performs their interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s timeless story this April.

Portugal Street, WC2A; peacocktheatre.com

TH E WATE R BA B I E S

B EG I N N E R S

This heart-warming marionette performance of a chimney sweep turned waterbaby is dream-like and poignant. Follow his journey into a surreal and wondrous aquatic world.

Longfield Hall, SE5; stringtheatre.co.uk

This beautiful production reminds audiences that there is an adult in every child and a child in every adult – and shows how both reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

147 Tooley St, SE1; unicorntheatre.com

15 April String Theatre

Until 15 April Unicorn Theatre

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We love

BOOKS Inspiring illustrations, fabulous feathers and influential people make up these best new reads

Wo r d s G E O RG I A M C V E I G H

CREATURE COMFORTS ANIMALKIND

by Pablo Salvaje

Watch as the inhabitants of the starkest savannahs, the busiest jungles and the coldest climates come to life before your eyes. Th is exceptionally illustrated book offers a peek inside the lives of animals of all shapes, colours and sizes, reminding us that we can learn from the behaviour and instincts of the animals we share the planet with.  £14.99, prestelpublishing. randomhouse.de

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Belly fun T H E W O L F, T H E D U C K AND THE MOUSE

by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

It turns out that being eaten by a wolf isn’t such a bad thing after all – especially when his tummy becomes a playground. A charming story of friendship and an unlikely alliance. £12.99, walker.co.uk

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BOOKS

Mama loves

PLUMAGE B I R D S A N D T H E I R F E AT H E R S

by Britta Teckentrup

Following the success of her fi rst book, This Egg, Teckentrump returns with another peek into the intricate world of birds - this time focussing on the feather. The perfect mix between science and art, it skillfully answers all questions with this colourful explosion.  £11.99, prestelpublishing. randomhouse.de

C E LE B R ATE TH E S E A S O N JAN E FOSTER ’ S SPRINGTIM E

by Jane Foster

Nurture nature

The fi rst in a four-part seasonal series, this colourful encapsulation of springtime is the perfect way to celebrate warmer weather. Foster’s clever, bold designs are immediately captivating.  £8.99, templarco.co.uk

A BIG GARDEN

by Gilles Clément & Vincent Gravé

Landscape designer Gilles Clément and illustrator Vincent Gravé pool their skills to show how gardens teem with life whatever the season. Planting, harvesting and insects are included, expressing the connection between humans and nature.  £19.99, prestelpublishing. randomhouse.de

WHAT, WHY?

A DA T W I ST ’ S B I G P ROJ EC T B O O K FOR STELLAR SCIENTISTS

by Andrea Beaty & David Roberts

The perfect book for budding young scientists who question everything.

Ada Twist is back with a STEM project book to guide readers through the scientific process and provide the answers. Build experiments and keep the questions coming.  £10.99, abramsbooks.com

TA LE NTS & TA LE S YO U N G , G I F T E D A N D B L AC K

by Jamia Wilson & Andrea Pippins

Celebrating the lives of 52 iconic and influential black figures, from Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams, this book will inspire the younger generation to chase their dreams no matter what.

Track the lives of these men and women who blazed a trail through life, often in the face of massive adversity.  £14.99, quartoknows.com April 201 8

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THE MAKING OF ME

The writer, illustrator and performance poet Laura Dockrill on happy days at The Brit School in south London ABSOLUTELY MAMA: What sort of school was Th e Brit School?

LAURA DOCKRILL: It is magical and special. When I fi rst stepped into the building I immediately felt at home. I had struggled in my previous school to fi nd a footing, as it was very academic, and felt a huge amount of pressure, and was further and further away from what I actually wanted to do. But The Brit School was my habitat and home to my species; it’s an open-minded, free-thinking, risk-taking school that encourages and empowers young people to take leaps and be brave and experiment with form and genre. I am eternally grateful to it.

AM: What was your favourite subject at school?

LD: Theatre. The theatre department was a scrubby little layout of three rooms, all painted black with the most simple of set-ups. Our costume bit was basically made up of a wig, an old moth-eaten armchair, a few weird outfits and a mop. But that was all we needed, the space was a blank canvas.

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AM: Which teacher influenced you the most and why?

LD: I have had a lot of wonderful, inspirational teachers in my life.

Nick Williams, then the principal of The Brit School, always gave me time in his office to tirelessly go over my essays and poetry, and always encouraged my writing. Then there was Miss Bamford, who taught me at primary school. She was a solid punk with a shaved head, dyed ox-blood red. She had a pierced nose, tattoos and ginormous, wonderful boobies – so great that we would deliberately fall over in the playground just to get a hug from her. I always loved that she came to school dressed like herself.

It gave her not only an informality and genuine softness and likeability factor, but made us feel we could trust her, like she was legit ONE OF US. AM: Did you have a special place at school?

LD: Those rooms at The Brit School.

They were cold, intense and completely black, littered with scraps of poetry, crisp packets, browning

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apple cores and flattened Ribena cartons. And we were obsessed with them. With the curtains closed and the spotlights on full, we would often be still there at 7pm on a Friday just “hanging out”, making up stuff (and school fi nished at noon on Fridays).

Q&A

Converse, ill-fitting jackets, had bitten-down, painted, chipped nails, knotty hair and was usually eating a tin of tropical fruit in syrup.

AM: What effect did school have on your character? Did it change you?

LD: Yes, for all of the above reasons.

Sometimes I meet people and I can’t help but think, “I wish you got the chance to go to Brit”.

AM: What beliefs do you think they instilled in you?

LD: It endorsed my love and verve for theatre, language and literature, but also allowed me to play across other strands and mediums, pushing me and guiding me. It spoke to me like an adult but let me think like a child. It made me think freely and work collaboratively and actively; and understand rejection, competition, kindness. It practises and demonstrates the importance of valuing and respecting art across all of its many borders, strands and disciplines. The school showed me how to work hard. To trust that enough is never enough, there is always more to do; more reading,

more talking, more ways to be active.

That it is illegal to be bored and even worse to be lazy. But, also, I thank it for infusing me politically and socially, bolstering myself as a woman, supporting me as a young feminist and helping me fi nd a confident voice in the competitive world of writing.

AM: What is your most vivid memory?

LD: So many, they all roll into one kind of blurry dream... it was such a happy place. I felt like I really got the chance to thrash out my emo-teen years there – it was a bit like rehab in that way. I remember lots of fi rst encounters, meeting people who have since gone on to become my best friends.

AM: Were you ever too cool for school?

LD: No. I talked to and loved everybody. I wore multicoloured tights, leopard print

AM: Where did you develop your love of writing and drawing?

LD: I have always written and drawn. I’m obsessed with fairy tales, Greek mythology and Roald Dahl.

I’ve always believed that words and art go together in some way. I like the way words and art look on a page/ screen/stage together. Then I am obsessed with the way humans talk, move, explain themselves. Both my parents raised me to love people, to enjoy the art of conversation and proper storytelling. I think both of my parents led me to believe that the process of an artist is just as important as the end product of the art itself. So I enjoy fi nding stories within stories. I’ve always been fascinated with a broad, vibrant, experimental approach to making art. And making mistakes, too. I fi nd enjoyment and freedom in just whirling away the hours with a pen and a stack of paper.

AM: Tell us about your latest book.

LD: Big Bones is about a young girl who loves her body. It is an endorsement of body positivity, food, confidence and womanhood. I loved writing it. I wrote it in a really weird time in my life when I turned 30 and thought “WAIT A SEC, WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?” It is a bit of an apology and love letter to my younger self and a conversation with my younger readers.

AM: How would you sum up your school days in five words?

LD: Escape, play, surreal, magical, precious.

Big Bone s wa s publi she d by Hot Key Book s in March 2018 April 201 8

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Under Cover •STORKSAK•

If you prefer to use a nursing shawl, this one from Storksak is made of organic cotton and comes in grey marl, charcoal or navy. Side poppers allow for a seamless transition from shawl to scarf, cape or poncho. It’s stylish yet beautifully functional. £35; storksak.com

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Babe Watch

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Stylish must-haves for spring tots

Wo r d s H E L E N B A RO N

1. Stay Afloat

2. Knatty Mat

Splash About This introductory learnto-swim Go Splash jacket is lightweight, slim but robust – and will pack flat in a suitcase. Puncture-proof foam floats ensure a safe learning experience for children aged 12 months to six years. £17.99; • swimbabes.co.uk

Leander As changing mats go, this one tops the wish list. Minimal in design, it complements any contemporary interior, is slip-resistant, wipe-clean, resilient but soft. Try using it as a playmat under a baby gym. £82; • nubie.co.uk

4 3. Prints Charming Mainio We adore this Scandinavian brand’s signature bold prints, and this season’s first drop does not disappoint.

Fun, graphic but completely wearable, the line includes everything from rainwear to baby bodysuits. Prices vary; • mainioclothing.com

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4. Hats off

5. Nappy Happy

Stella McCartney Kids We love the ice cream motif adorning key pieces from the latest Stella collection.

While baby will still need to be kept in the shade, this sweet design should keep harmful rays from her head.

Just don’t forget to pack it when you’re off on hols! £30; • en.smallable.com

Bambino Mio This gift set from Bambino Mio is an ideal introduction to reusable nappies and includes award-winning cloth starter essentials. It’s as easy to use as a disposable and has a booster sheet for ultimate changing convenience. £39.99; • bambinomio.com

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6 6. Shoe People Bobux The UK now benefits from this podiatrist-approved New Zealand import, which combines cool street styles with high-performance shoes designed for baby’s developing feet. And they withstand rough and tumble. Prices vary; • bobux.co.uk

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BA BY

10

7. Tee Total

8. Sleep Well

9. Colour Crush

10. Tutu Talks

Bobo Choses A key piece from one of our faves, Bobo Choses. A sweet tee in the most delectable of cool summer shades, it’s made from organic cotton and sports three poppers (adjustable for varying head sizes). It’s perfect for the poolside. £28; • en.smallable.com

Meri Meri Our favourite partywear brand has launched its fi rstever collection for babies.

Expect unisex pastel shades, soft organic cotton, musical toys, rattles, nursery décor and adorable quilted sleeping bags (like the one pictured). £50; • shopmerimeri.com

Lindex Lindex not only offers contemporary basics such as bodysuits and baby wraps in a dizzying variety of genderneutral colourways, but they also have a sustainable range made with organic cotton. Ten per cent of profits go to Wateraid.

• lindex.com

Little Creative Factory Paysanne chic is delightfully showcased by this Catalan brand in the latest collection, which features feminine additions to its signature spartan style. We’ve singled out this darling baby tutu with the bold black trim. £61; • scandimini.com

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Rich Pickings

We’re crushing on grown-up shades and earthy tones Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

Burnt Orange TINY COTTONS

In the mood for something brighter?

This premium-quality brand from Barcelona knows how to do subtle prints and grown-up colour. Slogans, stripes and grids are recurring themes, too. Go for bold with this new arrival – a burnt-orange tank blouse.

Pair with bright blue for maximum effect. £47; scandimini.co.uk

CUT THE MUSTARD

Salmon Pink

GR AY LABEL

PACIFIC RAINBOW

This Parisian label is obsessed with beach lifestyle and designs bikinis, swimsuits, tankinis and trunks with trend-savvy young ones in mind. Pink never looked so good. £42; en.smallable.com CAMP BESTIVAL: THE GRANDADDY

A contemporary take on functional apparel for kids.

Year-round basics sit alongside seasonal additions, and we always look forward to the everexpanding colourways. For SS18, our picks are the blue-grey and strong mustard shades; worn more commonly in autumn, they look awesome transferred to a summer jumpsuit. Prices vary; thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

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essen t i a ls KIDS editor’s pick

Lavender Trail OUTSIDE THE LINES

We love this brand’s sophisticated take on girls’ dresses. Some hot pink embellishments feature in the new collection, but what we’re really drawn to are the paler shades of pink and purple found in grown-up textures such as linen. outside-the-lines.co.uk

ROSE TINTED STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS

Remember when cool eyewear for kids was hard to come by? Well, that’s no longer a problem. Conjure up feline finesse with these pink wonders from Stella McCartney Kids. Absolutely perfect peepers. £98; en.smallable.com

NEW DAWN BOBO CHOSES

The season’s dusky pinks, corals and sunset shades are typified by this adorable, wide-brimmed sun hat from childrenswear leader Bobo Choses. Channel ’70s rose-tinted nostalgia while also keeping cool.

It’s a summer must-have. £28; scandimini.com

Mellow Yellow NUMERO 74

This decidedly European brand (Spanish, French, Italian) specialises in handmade linen from a women’s co-op in Thailand, and is respectful of artisanal traditions. The collection features simple but classic designs for the season in deliciously summery, washed-out shades. en.smallable.com

CANDY COLOURS HUNDRED PIECES

From the easy-to-wear range, this simply cut dress is pink without being “too pink”. The latest collection is retro-inspired – lots of faded California hues, stripes, cactus motifs and floaty designs. Layer with a tee on cooler days. £62; en.smallable.com April 201 8 | 29

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Ap p Happy • IN THIS SECTION •

Mamas are mobilising, and nowhere moreso than online. In this month’s Woman in Work feature, we talk to Michelle Kennedy, the mother and tech entrepreneur intent on using her app, Peanut, to connect and empower women across the world. peanut-app.io

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mamah o od PROFILE

I N H E R O W N W O R D S Pop star turned TV presenter Alesha Dixon reveals her latest literary venture

by HELEN BA RON

I

t’s fair to say that Alesha Dixon’s life to date has had something of a whirlwind quality, at least to the outside observer.

Born in 1978 to an English mother and Jamaican father, she was raised in Hertfordshire before moving to London in her early 20s. A childhood punctuated by divorce, dysfunction and domestic violence (Dixon’s mother experienced abuse at the hands of a partner) gave way to an adult life in which her talent for dance, music and performance created rare opportunities.

Her fi rst real success came with Mis-Teeq, the urban-influenced girl group formed in 1997, in which Dixon rapped and sung. The quartet (that later became a trio) went on to release three Top Ten, double-platinumselling albums and a string of chart-topping singles. By the time they broke up in 2005, they had entered the nation’s consciousness sufficiently enough to earn a greatest hits compilation – and Dixon became a household name.

A series of well-received solo albums followed, but this time around Dixon was intent on broadening her reach. In 2007, she

~

“I WAS INSPIRED

BY MY OWN DAUGHTER, WHILE READING STORIES TO HER EVERY NIGHT”

~

competed on – and won, with the highest ever average score – the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, then took up a position on the judge’s panel for three seasons from 2009.

In 2012, she left Strictly to become a judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, a role she’s maintained to this day. Busy, much? And this isn’t even an exhaustive rundown of all Dixon’s projects – others of which have

included a street dance series for Children’s BBC, voicing a character in hit kids show Powerpuff Girls, launching her own jewellery line and fragrance, and supporting all manner of charities and good causes.

To cap it all, in 2013, Dixon gave birth to her daughter, Azura – and now, almost five years later, she’s adding another string to her already plentifully strung bow: that of children’s author.

Dixon’s debut novel, Lightning Girl, is out this month. Aimed at kids aged eight and above, it’s the story of 10-year-old Aurora Beam, who is surprised (and not a little appalled) to discover that she’s the daughter of a crime-fighting superhero, and has inherited her mum’s ability to shoot lightning bolts from her fi ngertips.

Sound like fun? It is – but not always for Aurora, who feels that her powers make it even more difficult to fit in with her friends and the other kids at school. It’s a book that marries superhuman adventure to the most human, everyday anxieties. But where did the idea come from?

“I’ve always been a writer,” says Dixon, “whether it’s been through songs, poetry…

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~

but I didn’t want to do the obvious, go down the autobiography route. I was inspired by my own daughter – when you’re reading stories to your child every night, as a creative person, your mind’s always coming up with new ideas. So [writing a children’s book] just felt like a natural fit. And I’ve got the bug for it now! I cannot wait for it to be released, so I can get feedback from children.

“For me, whenever I take on a new venture, it’s really about whether I’m passionate about it and feel I can make my mark. I’m really excited about the character of Aurora Beam; it’s lovely to create a young, female superhero and I think she’s a really powerful, positive character. I hope children are inspired by her – and by her friends, who may not be superheroes but who defi nitely contribute to her success.”

What I fi nd interesting about her book, I say, is how Dixon places so much emphasis on the everyday details of her hero’s life – her emotional quirks and vulnerabilities. Also, the fact that she’s opted for such a contemporary setting and story, one that plays against traditional gender stereotypes. Did she make a concerted effort to echo real life rather than penning an escapist fantasy? “Defi nitely.

Aurora and her whole family are inspired

“My mum is a very spiritual individual who has taught me a lot about life, compassion, spirituality, precious stones and their healing powers. You see a lot of that in the book in the character of Aurora’s mum, Keana. My mum has essentially been my best friend and biggest inspiration. She taught me how to be a good person and showed me that life is about giving and helping others – any good quality I have is probably from my mum!”

Dixon is clearly excited about the book, so much so that a sequel is already in process – and her enthusiasm is infectious. But has writing a book proved more challenging than all her previous endeavours? After all, achieving success in the music business is no mean feat – and pivoting to TV presenting can’t be as easy as she made it look.

“You know what, writing this book has been such an enjoyable experience.

I’ve had such great support from the team at my publisher and it’s been really exciting to get their feedback on ideas as the story takes shape. It’s a real privilege to write for children, and a responsibility, too.”

Is she aware of blazing a trail for her daughter and others like her – girls who might be tired of the gender stereotyping of yesteryear, and of the inequalities that still exist today?

Was it important for her to challenge outdated tropes in her book?

“We live in a multicultural society and it was important to me that that was reflected in the book. Each character in the book is so different, with their own qualities. In real life, no two people are alike and that’s what makes every one of us special. I want every child to be able to pick up the book and identify with something in it. And it’s so important for me to have a young black girl on the front of this book.”

It strikes me that Lightning Girl is the perfect next chapter in Alesha Dixon’s whirlwind story – a combination of electric energy and human emotion of the exact same sort that drives its creator.

“MY MUM IS MY BEST FRIEND. ANY GOOD QUALITY I HAVE IS PROBABLY FROM MY MUM!”

by my family. I can see a lot of myself in Aurora, a lot of my daughter in Aurora. She’s a normal girl trying to fit in, she’s not the most popular girl in school, but she tries to be liked. And when she fi nds out she’s got these powers it’s a bit of a burden, because she sees it as another reason other kids might not like her. And yet on her journey, it’s the people she fears the most, the ones who seem most judgemental, who end up being her best friends, who support her and believe in her. And even though she’s a superhero, when it comes to the end of the book she can only succeed because they all work together as a team.

“I think that’s a really important message.

At school, it’s so competitive: who’s the fastest runner? Who’s the smartest? Who’s going to go on to be the most successful? But I actually believe that in life it’s relationships that are most important.”

Is it also deliberate that Aurora’s powers are handed down through the maternal line? Does that say something about Dixon’s relationship with her own mother?

~

Lightning Girl by Alesha Dixon is out 5 April. Published by Scholastic Children’s Books; scholastic.com April 201 8

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JUMP INTO SUM MER

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mamah o o d

INTERVIEW

INSTA MUM Chloe Thurston – the stylist, blogger and mama-of-five – bares all @chloeuberkid

Q You have a great eye for kids design. What changes have you seen in the industry over the years?

A I think the introduction of social media apps, such as Instagram, has seriously fuelled the demand for fast fashion for kids. Independent brands can be seen internationally and sell out within minutes – although, now, with more noise developing around sustainable fashion, I think there may be a movement to longer-lasting items that can be used throughout the seasons and passed down to siblings.

Q How instrumental is Instagram for bloggers and small businesses?

A These days it’s essential for small businesses and bloggers to be using Instagram. Society is so fast-paced; parents in particular have so little free time that the easiest way to reach them is by tapping in on the few minutes they have to relax and flick through some pretty photos.

Q We love your “messy room” pictures, as well as your styled images. Do you think people want to see “real life” shots as much as aspirational ones?

A I think people like to see pretty pictures the majority of the time – nothing inspires me more, anyway!

They can make you doubt yourself, though. My particular trap is comparing my house to Scandinavian minimalists with no children – so a dose of reality is always welcome.

Saying that, I do get a lot of people who say they have panic attacks just looking at the mess my kids create!

Q How do you deal with the pressure to keep posting?

A I don’t overthink it or I would probably go crazy!

I have a routine where I try and get a photo during Huxley’s daytime nap and then post around 8pm, to coincide with the youngest kids having gone to bed.

With five kids, though, there are days when I haven’t taken a picture or we are out late, and I just can’t post... but one of the advantages of having that many children is that I am actually too busy to worry about it!

What do you love about blogging?

Meeting like-minded people and being able to chat to other mums all over the world. I love that, if I am Q A

working late until 1am or up with a baby, you can bet an online friend somewhere will be up and at it, too.

Or you know someone else out there who will completely understand your absolute need for the latest (probably completely non-essential) knitted baby item!

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woman in

WORK Peanut’s Michelle Kennedy on a successful career in tech

Q How do you go about developing an app?

What kind of experience is useful?

A The short answer to this is: Why are you creating an app? Because you might not need an app at all – at least, not to start with.

Take a step back. What is the issue you are trying to solve, and how can you develop a proof of concept/establish a minimum viable product to show that, if you did build something, it would have traction? That could mean you use a WhatsApp or Facebook group, or just collate lots of interviews, to really understand whether people want the problem to be solved in the way you are suggesting. I don’t think any of that requires experience in a certain field. That just requires you to be inquisitive, strategic, and willing to keep iterating on an idea until you get somewhere.

When you have that breakthrough moment of “Wait, this is getting traction, people are liking this”, that’s when you can start thinking about fi nding someone to work with who can build the product.

Q How much start-up capital do you need?

And how do you market an app?

A I started with my own meagre savings, and then went out to fundraise. You need to be clear on what you’re building, and how long it will take; that will indicate how much capital you need. And then you need to calculate from there what your monthly burn rate is, and how much money you have until you run out (your runway). Marketing the product really comes down to making sure

INTERVIEW

you have good market fit. If you do, users will market it for you. What you really want is organic growth, where people are talking about your product – that word of mouth will work harder for you than any marketing dollar (in the early days).

Q How have you adapted your career path over the years?

A I suppose I am a very nosy person by nature. So I asked lots of questions. What was happening? Why? How did it work?

What made that the case? That has always enabled me to adapt my career path. Moving from being a mergers and acquisitions lawyer to joining a company as in-house counsel, and latterly becoming Deputy CEO of a dating platform… it was all as a result of having a genuine thirst for knowledge and understanding. I also have never let anyone tell me I can’t do something. I heard many times over that lawyers couldn’t be entrepreneurs because they don’t like risk.

It’s true, I was trained to look for and avoid risk. Being an entrepreneur is about seeing risk and doing it anyway, and I’ve retrained how I think about things. Never say never.

Q Is it important to push yourself out of your comfort zone in the workplace, or is there value in knowing your limits?

A I think if you enjoy pushing yourself, if you enjoy learning new things, then it’s always worth it. Provided you are realistic, accept that you may fail at things initially (which is fi ne, by the way, everyone fails, it’s how you get to the right result), then what could be better than developing? The time to stop doing that I think is if it’s having a detrimental impact on your health, or your life. Then you have to question what’s important to you.

Q What’s the future for apps? How do you see Peanut developing over time?

A We launch Peanut Pages! Peanut Pages allows our users to explore “Pages” (topics) where they can ask and answer questions, share experiences and converse across the 300,000 women-wide network of Peanut. I am so incredibly excited and proud of this feature because the core mission of Peanut is about connecting like-minded women and mothers.

Now we can encourage women to share another page out of their book, and really build their support network, their village.

peanut-app.io

April 201 8

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M A M A T R E N D N OT E S p .4 2 • M O O D B OA R D : C H A R LOT T E K E W LE Y ’ S ST Y LE p . 51 LI T T LE M A R C JACO B S AT C H I LD R E N SA LO N p . 5 4

Mellow Ye l l o w • JIGSAW SS18 •

For SS18, the brand has delivered the perfect borrowed-from-theboys silhouette and the world’s most universally flattering shade of yellow – it’s vibrant but not garish, pastel-hued yet not saccharine. Soft Longline Blazer, £190; Portofino Trouser, £115; jigsaw-online.com

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6 of the best COOL TRAINERS

GOLDEN GOOSE Superstar distressed leopard-print sneakers, £265; net-a-porter.com AIR & GRACE Leopard-print trainers, £179; airandgracelondon.com ADIDAS Gazelle trainers, £75; schuh.co.uk

mama

ST Y LE NOTES

The sleekest trainers, leopard print and must-have accessories

Mini Me •LOUIS LOUISE•

Ever wish your daughter’s dresses came in your size? One of our favourite luxury kids labels, Louis Louise, has launched a capsule collection designed for mothers. It perfectly complements the kids’ range, using the same light fabrics, delicate colours and pretty details. en.smallable.com

’s tor edipick NIKE Internationalist trainers, £67; asos.com

VEJA V-10 trainers, £112; en.smallable.com CONVERSE All Star Hi trainers, £55; schuh.co.uk

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fas h i on

MAMA

d Branus foc

APRIL SHOWERS •Rockholly•

New women’s outdoor brand Rockholly launches this month, designed by mama-of-three Deborah Mordain, who spotted a gap in the market for functional yet stylish waterproof gear.

Short, £195; long, £225; rockholly.com

The finest prints in fashion

CHARITY TEE •Boob Design•

WHO?

We’re obsessed with slogan T-shirts. The latest on our radar is by Boob Design, whose “Damn you’re a good mother!” tee also features a clever hidden panel at the front for nursing mamas. It’s been created in collaboration with Every Mother Counts, with 5% of every sale donated to help make pregnancy and childbirth safe for everyone. £44.99; boobdesign.com

A luxury label created by designer Alice Stone (the brand is named after her grandparents). Lily & Lionel is best-known for its signature digitally-printed scarves.

NEW SEASON SHADES •Gucci•

Gucci are killing it with their accessories right now – the sunglasses being the most desired of the season.

We love the ’70s-style aviators, crystalembellished cat-eyes and green glitter and gold pineapples. £300; net-a-porter.com

Hero Heel Boden

et again, Boden have come up |with a superstar shoe that needs constant restocking after continuously selling out. The Rosabel in leopard print is effortlessly cool, with a modern shape and cute heel height. £110; boden.co.uk

Y

LILY & LIONEL

we love

The brand’s first ready-to-wear collection launched in 2015, and it now counts some of fashion’s most influential figures among its biggest and most vocal fans.

WHAT? The summer ’18 collection is brimming with beautiful prints – lovely leopard and easy florals – on flattering, fresh, modern styles that can be dressed up or down. Silk shirts with ruffle sleeves look equally good with jeans as a tailored trouser.

A below-the-knee leopard-print skirt with a slit up the side, meanwhile, can easily be worn for daytime with a simple T-shirt and sandals. On the whole, it’s a versatile collection with a subtly sexy ’70s bohemian vibe running through it – and one that’s ultimately very wearable. It’s designed for real women in real life.

We’ll take it all. lilyandlionel.com

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Sports Illustrated Fast-track your wardrobe with athleisure-inspired pieces for everyday wear n i n et y p er c en t .c o m

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT ABSOLUTELY. LONDON

FASHION BEAUTY LIFESTYLE TRAVEL WHAT’S ON FOOD HOME

Sort Out Your Style With Absolutely’s Capsule Wardrobe Guide

9 Of The Best New Season Cocktail Dresses To Love This Summer

Military Dress: 21 Cool Khaki Pieces To Introduce To Your Wardrobe

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YOUR GUIDE TO FASHIONABLE LONDON LIVING From the team behind Absolutely Magazines Follow us at

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09/03/2018 12:01

fash io n

TOP BUYS

YOUR KID’S WARDROBE ESSENTIAL Salt-water sandals. One of the things I buy every summer or holiday for both children. The Surfer in tan is my current favourite. From £40; salt-watersandals.com

My Style

Charlotte Kewley, kids’ stylist, fashion editor and founder of A Little Look shares her inspirations and favourite items alittle look .com YOUR WEBSITE

YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY WITH THE KIDS I live in London, but grew up in the countryside. My grandparents lived on a farm, so I love getting out of the city for a day with my two kids (Isabella, 3, and Jesse, 1). We usually visit a forest or children’s farm.

I created alittlelook.com to take the fuss out of shopping for little ones, bringing together the best pieces from the high street, designer and independent brands in one easy-to-navigate place.

YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE PIECE

I love Apolina. I’m obsessed with the beautiful bohemian embroidered dresses. And new label Wild Hearts Wonder’s tiger sweatshirt.

They do an adult version that is pretty cool, too.

Dress; £68; apolina-kids.com

YOUR KIDS’ FAVOURITE TOY

Both my children and me love Djeco toys. They’re beautiful but fun. I’m desperate to get a Severina doll for Isabella, too. severinakids.com; djeco.com

YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDRENSWEAR BRAND

There are so many very different brands, shops and designers that I love.

If pushed to choose, I’d say La Coqueta.

The pieces are always beautiful and timeless but stand-out. I adore their leather shoes and boots, too. lacoquetakids.com April 201 8

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6 of the best SPRING CHECKS

WHAT MOTHER MADE Red pantaloons, £40; whatmothermade.co.uk

kids

FASHION NOTES

Fashion Editor Charlotte Kewley on new collections and the best spring buys IDO JUNIOR Culottes, £39; childrensalon.com

BABIDU Blue dungarees, £29; childrensalon.com

r’s editock pi BOBO CHOSES Baggy jumpsuit, £79; libertylondon.com

NEXT Swimsuit, from £13; next.co.uk

Boho Baby •Apolina•

In the few years since its launch, Apolina has gained a cult following. The nostalgic, embroidered dresses, tunics, bloomers and bonnets are timeless.

They’re perfect with chunky knits and wool socks on colder days. apolina-kids.com

TINYCOTTONS Skirt with braces, £50; alexandalexa.com

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fas h i on

KIDS

CROCHET REVIVAL •Misha + Puff•

Crochet has made a comeback this spring, in clothing as in décor.

Misha + Puff ’s hand-knits for babies and children are the most desirable, with the fi nest attention to detail.

Not to mention the faded candy colours and retro-inspired styles – they’re easily the prettiest we’ve seen so far. misha-and-puff.com

MINIMALISMA

DREAM JEANS •Pippins•

Introducing a brand we love

We made a beeline for this newly launched denim brand at a trade show earlier this year.

Sustainability is at the heart of the business – and everything is made from vintage Levi’s because they’re the softest denim. £26; pippinschildrenswear.com

Wo r ds : HE L EN BA RO N

BEST OF BRITISH •Hollyz•

Hollyz is a British-born brand producing a wide range of clothing and accessories that add sparkle to the everyday. We love the cashmere and fi ne wool-blend Alice Cape, guaranteed to make any little girl feel like a princess. £102; hollyz.com

Tied Up Matilda & Grace

e’ve been adoring these handmade hair accessories on Instagram. Matilda & Grace is a new Etsy brand specialising in Liberty print and soft linen bows, clips and bobbles in a perfectly muted colour palette. matildaandgrace.etsy.com

w

M

inimalisma has long been a Mama favourite: the brand’s minimalist Nordic aesthetic and use of the finest natural fabrics (wool, alpaca, silk, cotton) make for a timeless appeal.

Its pared-back precision draws us back again and again – and the SS18 collection is no exception.

The beautiful Wildflowers range is inspired by the astounding natural landscape of the designer’s birthplace – a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic. The signature Minimalisma touch is present in a range of styles in lightweight organic cotton, enlivened with subtle feminine embellishments.

The Evergreen Silk line now fits kids up to 14 years old and offers selected styles for mum, too, while the Organic Essentials line has been expanded to a capsule of seven dusky shades, with classic Nordic neutrals now enriched by rosy sunset hues, forest greens, wheaten tones and the pale blue of blurred horizons. This is design that’s as subtle as a whisper – but as vital as a shout.

Stocked at mamaowl.net

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STREETS AHEAD Daring designs with cool credentials – this is SS18 as envisioned by Little Marc Jacobs childrensalon .com

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Photographer: Franck Malthiery @ Kate Ryan NYC and Karmen D Madrid • Digi Tec: Ben Lechevallier @ Imagin Productions Grooming: Joanna Butt @ Gloss Artist Management • Produced by France Productions • Art Direction: Gea Pereira @Childrensalon Stylist: Harley Graham @Childrensalon childrensalon.com

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Skin to skin contact benefits for your newborn : • Enhances development • Deepens the bond between parent and baby • Supports the successful establishment of breastfeeding • Reduces crying and stress • Encourages better sleep • Increases healthy weight gain by maintaining warmth

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Hold your baby closer Stylish and supportive clothing range for skin to skin contact.

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wellness

B E AU T Y N E WS p .6 6 • F R E S H FA M I LY R EC I P E S p .6 8 SAY ‘ N O ’ TO M U M - G U I LT p .70 • F I G H T I N G F I T W I T H S I LO U LO N D O N p .75

Sh a p e Sh i f t  LOUISA DRAKE

The new fitness regime that has London abuzzz, the Louisa Drake Method combines floor work, resistance training, ball exercises, weights, barre, yoga and Pilates to lengthen and strengthen the female form. Check out their Pregnancy Project classes at Muswell Hill’s Sweaty Betty.

louisadrake.com

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HE ALTH

At-home workouts •SOCIALIVE

This month we love SOCIALIVE, the pay-as-you-go platform of live-streamed workouts brought to us by our favourite global fitfluencers. You don’t need to leave your living room to get classes on everything from yoga to dance cardio, HIIT to CrossFit. And, if you miss something, there’s an option to bag unlimited replays. Prices vary; socialive.tv

mama’s

WELLN ES S N OTES Healthy food and fitness solutions for mindful mums and munchkins

STAY FRESH

A POTENT POTION

M Y F I R S T S AV S É

EQUI LONDON

Th is line of chilled baby food – available for tots aged four months and above – uses a non-thermal processing method to deactivate bacteria without compromising on taste or quality. It never heat pasteurises or adds artificial colours, preservatives or sugars, either. £1.49; ocado.com

The brand-new pregnancy formula includes iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, calcium, vitamin D and “methylated” folic acid, as well as choline and DHA fish oils. It’s a mighty mix that’ll nourish mum and bump through pregnancy and mamahood. £35; equilondon.com

That’s proper corn, that ...

A

colourful new popcorn collection for kids, made

by Propercorn, is making “no junk” snacking simpler for parents. They’re gluten-free and totally vegan, plus the Tomato Ketchup and Simply Sweet flavours contain less than 56 calories per pack. We might nab one for a nibble ourselves. £0.59 per pack; tesco.com April 201 8

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6 of the best C R U E LT Y - F R E E , V E G A N - F R I E N D LY FINDS

KIT & KIN Body Butter, £10.99 (250ml); kitandkin.com

mama’s

BEAUT Y NOTES

Products that promise to leave you looking healthier and feeling smoother…

DR. BRONNER Lavender & Coconut Body Lotion, £9.49 (236ml); drbronner.co.u

SUKIN Micellar Cleansing Water, £7.95; hollandandbarrett.com

NATURVITAL NaturVital AntiDandruff Shampoo for Normal Hair, £7.95 (300ml); naturvital.co.uk

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Rose Diamond Exfoliating Cleanser, £55 (120ml); theorganicpharmacy.com

Tangle free •AQ U I S H A I R •

’s tor edipick

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NOM NOM Organic Perineum Balm, £15; nomnomskincare.com

Getting used to bad hair days? That could be because you’re using things like bleach and heated tools. But you’ve also got to watch out for water, as too much moisture can weaken your strands. That’s why Aquis’ lightweight Hair Towels and Hair Turbans aim to wick water away, cut drying time by 50% and improve your mane’s health after just three weeks of use. £30; aquishair.co.uk

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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welln es s BE AUT Y

BLAST OFF •SKIN689•

It’s the new active ingredient, CHacoll, which skin689 uses in its Crème Anti-Cellulite, that makes this product so promising. It promotes the build-up of collagen fibres, leaving us with firmer, tighter skin in a matter of weeks. The cream is also rich in vitamins C and E, jojoba oil, beeswax and shea butter. Sign us up. £49; skin689.com

LEONOR GREYL H A I R S PA

we love

A treatment that leaves you with luscious locks

FOOD FOR THOUGHT •ELEMIS•

I

Superfoods aren’t just something you eat – they’re also good for the skin, as Elemis’ new Superfood Skincare Range proves. The nutrient-dense, vegan-friendly collection includes a facial wash, day cream and night cream, as well as a facial oil. This is skincare that packs a powerful nutritional punch. From £25; elemis.com

OUR KIND OF BOX • B I R C H B OX •

This Is Mothership, AKA Sam and Gemma, the well-known baby mama duo, have curated the ultimate box of beauty essentials for busy mums in collaboration with Birchbox. The seven musthaves include products from brands like Elemis and Bobbi Brown. It’d make a great gift or, you know, a weekend treat for yourself. £24; birchbox.co.uk

Belly care Previse

ew and exclusive to Harvey Nichols, the Previse DermApothecary skincare line includes the MommyBalm Stretch Mark Cream. It features a peptide/botanical complex, antioxidants and emollients that help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. £71; harveynichols.com

N

Wo r ds G E O RG I A M C VE I G H

arrive at Urban Retreat on the fifth floor of Harrods buzzing to try Leonor Greyl’s Hair Spa, a tailor-made, chemical-free process that rejuvenates the scalp and hair.

After I’m ushered into the treatment room, my therapist examines my scalp with a micro camera, noting product build-up, dryness and oiliness. This helps her identify the best course of treatment.

Once it’s done, she applies Leonor Greyl’s newest release – Huile apaisante – directly onto the hairline and the length and ends of the hair in order to restore and protect my strands. A calming aloe vera mixture is then applied onto the scalp to soothe irritation. And a hair mask, consisting primarily of Masque á L’Orchidée for damaged hair, is applied to the length, massaged in and steamed for deep penetration. It’s emulsified with a bamboo shampoo and washed off, leaving my hair literally squeaking and my scalp feeling cleaner than it has in years.

Out comes the camera again, and the difference is obvious – I have clean pores and healthy, natural looking hair. It’s all then topped off with a blow-dry.

I can now see why this treatment has been so popular in Paris for the last 30 years. Overall, it’s relaxing, cleansing, and results are maintainable. urbanretreat.co.uk

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L

izzie King knows what it means to be busy. As a mum-of-three and a successful nutritional health coach, she understands what a challenge it can be to make sure each and every meal we feed our family is healthy and wholesome. That’s why she put together Lizzie Loves Healthy Family Food: Delicious and Nutritious Meals You’ll All Enjoy. Here, she gives Absolutely Mama a quick look at three of her favourite options.

Tuscan pasta bake w ith cavolo nero Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 red onion, sliced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 4 sage leaves, finely chopped • 250g quinoa fusilli pasta • 8 rashers of streaky bacon, chopped or 1 cup (200g) pancetta (optional) • 2 × 400g tins plum tomatoes • 125ml (1⁄2 cup) chicken or vegetable stock or water • 5 cavolo nero leaves, thinly sliced • 3 tbsp coconut yoghurt or cream • 1⁄2 cup (50g) grated Cheddar (or dairy-free) cheese • Salt and pepper

Directions

LIZZIE

Loves

Author and nutritional health coach, Lizzie King, shares three tasty recipes from her new cookbook Photography CHARLOTTE KIBBLES

1 Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion, garlic and sage over medium heat for a couple of minutes. At this point, cook the pasta but take it off just before it’s done (it’ll cook more in the oven). Drain well. 2 Turn up the heat under the casserole and add the bacon, if using. Stir and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until it’s browned. 3 Add the tomatoes and stock, crushing them as you stir. Bring to the boil, rinse out the tins with a splash of water and add that, too. If you’re not using bacon, season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to mediumlow and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the cavolo nero leaves and simmer for a further 2–3 minutes. 4 Add the pasta and mix really well. For a creamy version, stir through the coconut yoghurt or cream. Top with cheese. 5 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas mark 4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pasta has crisp edges.

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RECIPES

Sweetcorn & spinach dhal Serves: 4

Ingredients

Fusilli f lorentine

• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 onion, finely sliced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1⁄2 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 cup (180g) brown basmati rice (or use white rice and halve the cooking time) • 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock • 1 cup (180g) dried red lentils • 1 cup (225g) frozen spinach • 1 cup (150g) frozen sweetcorn kernels • 1 cup (225g) frozen spinach

Serves: 4

To serve

• Coconut yoghurt • Lime wedges • Fresh coriander leaves

Directions In a large casserole dish or heavy-based pan, heat the rapeseed oil and add the onion, garlic and spices. 2 Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes, until softened but not browned.

3 Add the rice and stir through to coat in the oil and spices. 4 Pour over 500ml of the stock and bring to the boil over a high heat. 5 Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Glance in occasionally to check 1

the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.

6 Add the lentils and a little more stock if needed. Cover and continue to simmer gently until the rice and lentils are softened, about 20 minutes. Add more stock now and again, if needed. 7 Stir in the sweetcorn and spinach and allow it to cook over a low heat for a few minutes until piping hot. 8 Serve with a dollop of yoghurt, a squeeze of lime and a scattering of coriander leaves.

Ingredients

• 300g fusilli pasta • 3 eggs, plus 1 yolk, lightly whisked • Handful of spinach, finely sliced into ribbons • Dash of olive oil or knob of butter • freshly grated Parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper

Directions 1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, until al dente. 2 Drain and return the pasta to the saucepan. 3 Quickly add the eggs and egg yolk, stirring all the time over a very low heat (you don’t want the heat high otherwise the eggs will scramble). 4 Add the spinach ribbons along with a dash of olive oil or butter.

5 Sprinkle over the Parmesan, if desired.

Note: The eggs are meant to be runny, but if you can’t eat runny eggs do make sure you heat them through until firm.

Lizzie Loves Healthy Family Food: Delicious and Nutritious Meals You’ll All Enjoy by Lizzie King, Trapeze, £20 (hardback) / £10.99 (eBook); li zzieloveshealthy.com

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Time to

BREAK FREE Feeling guilty does you – and your family – more harm than good, explains the founder of Happy Working Mum. Here’s how you can stop it from becoming part of your daily routine...

Illustration PHIL COUZENS Wo r d s E M I LY T H O R P E

I

feel so guilty” is a phrase I often hear from other mums and something I frequently used to say to myself. In fact, it is so common that a recent search on Mumsnet, using the words “I feel guilty”, brought back a shocking 72,000 separate posts. Is it surprising, then, that we now accept feeling blameworthy as just another part of the package when our baby arrives, along with sleepless nights and teething troubles?

To the uninitiated, you might think that the guilt would dissipate once we have passed the “baby phase”. Not so!

In a recent interview, American starlet and mum-of-two Michelle Pfeiffer claimed she no longer felt it. While my heart leapt with joy when I read the headline, thinking that perhaps the tide had turned, it transpired, however, that the reason she no longer felt guilt-ridden was because her children are now in their 20s.

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So, it turns out, “mummy guilt” extends across the decades. And it’s caused by such diverse and countless reasons. We’re all guilty of feeling guilty about: not being able to breast feed; going back to work, or simply wanting to go back to work; letting our babies cry, or always picking baby up; not having enough quality time with our child(ren); missing their first word or step, or having to skip school events; shouting, or being too lenient; allowing the kids too much screen time, or being glued to a screen too much ourselves.

~

“GU I LT I S CAU S E D

BY S U C H D I VE RS E A N D CO UNTL E S S R EA SON S”

~

The list is t r u ly e n d l e s s … or me, guilt came crashing into my life when I first dropped my son Fin – then aged five-and-a-half months – off at nursery in order to return to work as an air traffic controller. Up until that point he had been breast-fed, so I took my expressed milk and a bottle to nursery, only to find when I picked him up that he had refused to take it all day. Luckily, he had started weaning, and so was able to have some baby rice and water, but that didn’t stop the heartbreaking pain I felt, knowing that he didn’t get any milk all day.

It was as though I had opened the floodgates on guilt that day. I went on to feel bad when I bought jars of baby food. Surely I should be puréeing organic carrots and freezing them in ice-cube trays? Then I felt uncomfortable about using disposable nappies and inflicting the planet with 300 years of

F

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MIND

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wel ln es s

MIND

landfill. (I had tried using cotton nappies but – guess what – I felt terrible about the horrendous nappy rash they caused my son!) It’s a vicious cycle.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’ve always absolutely loved being a mother, but this guilt thing was definitely getting in the way of me enjoying being the mum I wanted to be. And it wasn’t just because I felt bad – it was also because of all the other consequences. You see, when we feel guilty, we can start to compensate. For example, when I went to work I’d buy my son a little something to make him feel better (and thus ease my guilt). Or when he played up I would be more lenient on his behaviour (after all, I thought, he was probably playing up because I wasn’t always there).

I soon realised how futile all of this is, however. And how much it was standing in my – and my family’s – way of being happy. So, using a few simple steps, I managed to break free.

The first ste p to breaking free ... ecome aware of how farreaching and detrimental the affect of guilt is on you and your family, and make the decision to think enough is enough!

Next, you need to identify your triggers: Is it when you drop your kids off on the way to work? Is it when you shout at them? Or when you pass them an iPad, just to keep them quiet?

Then, look at what your belief or rule is around this situation. Usually you will be going against your idea of what a “good mum” would do. For example, you may feel guilty if you

B

miss the bedtime routine and don’t read to your child every night. So obviously you have a belief that a “good mum” would read a bedtime story every night – and when you don’t live up to that expectation you feel bad about it.

After you’ve done that, think about how you can redefine your rules and beliefs to feel good more of the time.

Here is a mantra I find useful: “If I feed, clothe and love my children, I am a brilliant mum”. By saying

~

“G UI LT WAS G ET TIN G IN TH E WAY OF M E EN J OYIN G B EI NG TH E M OTHE R I WANTED TO BE ”

~

MAMA_March18_Wellness_Feature.indd 73

this to myself I have made it very easy to feel good, and everything above and beyond those basics is a bonus.

Finally, if things go wrong and you’re tempted to feel guilty, be kind to yourself instead of beating yourself up. My top tip is to ask yourself: What would you say to your best friend in this situation? If someone you care for confessed to you that they had shouted at their kids in the morning, what would your advice be to them?

A happy mum is a win-win for all the family, so I hope you will join me in breaking away from the mould and taking those first few steps to being a Guilt-Free Mum!

Emily Thorpe is an author, coach and speaker, and founder of Happy Working Mum; happy workin g mum .com

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wellness

ACTIVEWE AR

~

“SILOU LONDON’S SPORTY SPRING SUMMER 2018 LINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER”

~

T Let’s get

ethical

Meet Tatiana Kovylina, the mama-of-three who’s looking to make the world a better place for her kids through her chic line of sustainable activewear…

Wo r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

he kind of woman Silou London is looking to attract with its newly released Spring Summer 2018 line of ethical activewear is “stylish, particular, elegant and conscious… discerning with their choices,” explains founder Tatiana Kovylina. The former high fashion model – whose client list includes the likes of Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret and Oscar De La Renta – has just given birth to her third baby, and so she’s basically living in Silou’s navy Nadya leggings, as the high waist uses a special supportive fabric that serves as a bendy corset for her postnatal belly.

The reason Tatiana invented the brand in the fi rst place was because of her kids. “I raise three children and care about the world they are going to live in as much as I care about the beliefs they will have,” she tells Absolutely Mama. “There has been harm [done] to the environment, enough depriving women of their rights in underprivileged communities, enough destruction for the sake of successful business… We want to do it differently.”

In order to do just that, Tatiana fi rst selected a factory that adopts ethical work April 201 8

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The Subscription

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03/11/2017 14:00

wellness

ACTIVEWE AR

MORE TO TRY Three more ethical activewear brands

SUNDRIED

Sundried is ethical every step of the way. That includes minimising its carbon footprint by producing in the UK and Europe, using recycled fabrics made of coffee (yes), and supporting charities, including Water for Kids and Surfers Against Sewage, with every purchase. sundried .com

PEPPER & MAYNE

practices and policies, and then her and her business partner travelled to Lithuania to see it for themselves, plus meet the ladies who sew their garments face-to-face.

They also carefully sourced non-toxic materials, and made sure no harsh chemicals would be used near the products. “It was important to us that we could see the process from beginning to end.”

Building a brand with strong principles that centred on fitness and sustainability was a nobrainer for Tatiana, she tells us. “My passion for all things active, the lifestyle I lead, working in fashion for 10 years and my belief in the future of sustainability converged in the brand.

“We’re reaching out to people who share the same beliefs.”

Despite it only being a matter of weeks since she gave birth – so she’s breastfeeding and, naturally, getting very little rest –

Tatiana is still focused on running her business (doing interviews!) and keeping up with her workouts. “My golden time is 9.30am to 11am,” she admits – that’s after she’s prepared breakfast, gotten her two other kids ready, and run them to school. “A fitness session, yoga, ballet class or a run is essential ahead of the rush of work emails and meetings that never really stop.” Then she’s back on the afternoon school run and knee-deep in the chaos of family life until bedtime. “I always fi nish my day with some breathing exercises, which is vital for anyone. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of just being able to come back to one’s breath.

“Separating work and family, and being equally present and efficient is a tricky learning curve that I’m always working on. I hope one day to master it…”

In the meantime, she’s certainly mastered the art of activewear, if the latest seasonal line is anything to go by. The minimal, sleek designs and flattering structures are perfect

The London-born brand started making activewear for elite athletes at top ballet companies. Now, lines are sold in shops such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and its pieces are ideal for yoga, ballet and Pilates. The brand offers a fully traceable supply chain and eco-friendly fabrics. pepperandmayne .com

SPORTS PHILOSOPHY

Get sports bras, jackets, leggings, shorts and tops made of carefully sourced materials that are breathable and protect from harmful UV rays. Sports Philosophy promises all these things, plus it fights child labour through its own charity, Freedom for Children Foundation. sport sphilosophy.com

for any fashion-conscious, active mama, whether you’re a size 8 or 14, and you’ll fi nd everything from sweat pants to swimsuits and sports bras to ballet gear. Tatiana’s favourite piece is her namesake – the Tatiana Unitard.

“We’ve managed to cut it in a way that it looks the most flattering on pretty much every body shape and it feels like a second skin.” And that’s a non-toxic, super-soft and extremely ethical new skin to boot. So, are you discerning enough for Silou? siloulondon.com April 201 8

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welln es s YOGA

Spiritual f itness Mama speaks to Kundalini yoga expert Harmanjot Kaur about how this ancient practice can get us fit, ease depression and even help us have better sex

W

hat today is known as Kundalini yoga has its roots in ancient practices from Tibet and Northern India. It uses a combination of asana, breath, meditation, mantra and mudra to work on the nervous system, glands and to encourage positive brain chemistry. Oh, and it helps carve out a killer body, too.

On top of all that, yoga expert Harmanjot Kaur, who just released two new workout DVDs, says it can also ease post-natal depression and tighten up vaginal muscle walls after giving birth, improving our sex life naturally…

W o r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

Q You’ve said it can help combat postnatal depression. How so?

A By rebalancing the hormones, bringing the body into quick shape, and helping the new mum create stronger bonds with her baby. During the 40 days just after birth, the aura of the mother and the aura of the newborn are very much still intertwined. Kundalini yoga works on that magnetic pathway to increase the connection and communication.

The exercises in Kundalini balance the hormonal system right away and boost the creation of oxytocin and dopamine in the brain. Postnatal depression is very real, but we needn’t suffer. We can reset our brain and biochemistry, and experience fresh positivity quickly.

How does it improve our sex lives?

For that, I always recommend the Kundalini Sat Kriya exercise. It brings the vaginal walls into tight shape, clears out shame, and creates a balanced conduit of pleasure in this area. It’s a total systemic upgrade.

Q

What exactly is Kundalini yoga?

A It is what we call a “tech”. It’s a practice that works directly on the nervous system and the glands to develop fitness, spirituality, relaxation, a positive mindset and so much more. It is physical (an incredible workout), deeply meditative, and offers an experience of something greater than oneself.

Kundalini can often look different to other types of yoga. Instead of using just physical posture (the way most yoga today is taught), it also includes a vast variety of breath work, sound currents (mantras), and meditations that go beyond mindfulness and awaken some of the most exquisite aspects of your inner humanity.

Q

A

Any other benefits?

Kundalini yoga has helped me make difficult but life-altering career choices, beat out my early-20s anxiety, increase my prosperity, clear a lifetime of familial negativity and connect to the universe.

~

“M ANTRA S A L SO H E LP CH I L DREN TO DEV ELOP CON FIDENC E A ND SE LF-ESTEEM FROM AN E ARLY AGE”

~

at night. Mantras help the newborn brain develop with balance, increased cognition and speed. When played during the newborn development stage, mantras also help children to develop confidence and self-esteem from an early age. If you’ve never worked with mantras before, check out the Grammy Award-winning group, White Sun.

Q A

Can children practise it?

A When working with infants, it’s fantastic to play mantras for the babies Q

Kundalini Yoga for Health and Kundalini Yoga for Happinness DVDs and online videos are available on Amazon (£12.99) and Vimeo (£9.95).

April 201 8 | 79

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06/03/2018 11:27

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Grey Scale • SEBRA •

Bored of classic white for your baby’s crib? Scandi brand Sebra offers its classic Juno cot in this rather fetching shade of gender-neutral grey. Style it up with any other hue for a beautiful but grown-up effect. £724; scandiborn.co.uk

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1

mama’s

5 of the best S O F T TOYS r’s editock i p

2

N UR SERY NOTES Fun wall décor and our go-to store for dreamy nursery interiors

Off the Wall

3

•Sian Zeng•

Sian Zeng’s new wallpaper range marries European illustrations and authentic Chinese painting.

If it wasn’t innovative enough already, it’s also made with magnetic lining so your littles can add their own personal stamp. sianzeng.com

4

5 1. Limited Edition Steiff Peter Rabbit, £199; harrods.com 2. Big Stuffed Grandpa Whale, £135; libertylondon.com 3. Severina Kids Party Doll, £79; severinakids.com 4. Lucky Boy Sunday Sweetheart Doll, £38; scandimini.com 5. Knitted animals, prices vary; shopmerimeri.com

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NURSERIES

HANG UP

Shops focu

•Meri Meri•

The party brand has unveiled an expanded home collection.

From knitted wall décor to soft toys, cushions and bedding, all imbued with the wonder, magic and charm we’ve come to expect from Meri Meri. shopmerimeri.com

Bobby Rabbit Kids GREEN WITH ENVY

I

•Edward Bulmer•

Made from entirely natural ingredients, this paint is a safe and stylish choice for your nursery. No toxins, no VOCs, no odour and no nasty chemicals. It’s even safe to sleep in the room immediately after painting. edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk

PART OF THE FURNITURE• •ecoBirdy•

Using in-depth research, ecoBirdy creates unique pieces of children’s furniture from 100% recycled plastic waste (mainly old, unused toys).

We adore Charlie the chair, as it’s perfectly formed for kids with its rounded edges. €159; ecobirdy.com

Game Boy Kiko+

educe screen time with this inventive wooden “games console”. Natural materials and simple lines are at the heart of this brand’s loveable designs. It’s a toy to treasure and be passed down. £30; en.smallable.com

R

Words: Helen B a r o n

t’s rare for a shop to surprise you with each new visit, but somehow Bobby Rabbit does just that. The store’s expertly chosen range includes pretty much all you need to create the nursery of your dreams, with design-led kids’ furniture, textiles and wall art to beautiful books and toys.

Our current crush? The store’s collection of Banwood “First Go!” balance bikes, complete with tasteful vintage stylings and cute wicker baskets, plus matching helmets in white, cream and assorted pastel shades. Another exclusive is the range of wooden house- and treehouse-beds – available here in more versatile variations than anywhere else we’ve found online.

The store’s success stems from the vision of founder Nicky King, who set out to showcase items that would appeal to adults as much as to kids themselves. Even better, King’s personal taste combines with a quirky touch – she regularly posts bedtime stories to her blog, inspired by the items available on the site and themed around ideas for nursery interiors. It’s something mamas and little ones can enjoy together while they wait for their new goodies to arrive. Inspired.

bobbyrabbit.co.uk

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W HOME Designer

The design duo behind Falcon Enamelware take us on a tour of their Islington townhouse

Wo r d s E M M A & K A M YO U N G Photography THE MODERN HOUSE

NATALIE CARDEW IN THE LIVING ROOM OF HER DORSET HOME

e’ve been here for about three years and it’s changed a lot. Before, we were living on Wharton Street, close to our design studio in Clerkenwell, but we needed a larger house to fit our expanding family. We have three children, Pip, Kit and Marni, so we narrowed the search down to postcodes near good schools that would still allow us to walk to work.

The house was pretty run down and had been vacant for over a year. The bedroom was deep red with gold cornicing, and the hallway was various tones of salmon and purple. We weren’t able to do a full renovation straight away so we’re doing it as we go along.

Hopefully we’ll manage more once Marni’s a bit older and starts sleeping through the night!

Ideally we’d like to knock thr ough the basement to make use of the full width of the property and achieve a more modern space – but we need to find the time to design it. The next project is likely to be the main bathroom – we’re working our way from the top down.

It’s quite a blank canvas now. We’ve put our stamp on it through pieces of furniture, things we’ve made and things we’ve collected over the years.

The litho print in our bedroom was a proof print from a limited edition run by an artist friend in New Zealand. He has this studio in Auckland that’s in a listed boat shed and it’s right over the water – you can open up the back and jump straight in. The print was a surprise present for Kam’s birthday.

We also have a bit of an issue with our collection of chairs. As a product designer it’s always a dream to design a chair and we’re in the process of doing it with Vincent Sheppard at the moment. This prototype is in rattan but we’re also developing a furniture range in their signature Lloyd Loom – wire wrapped in paper – it’s a completely different process but it’s really beautiful.

For me design always starts with colour and materials, but for Kam it’s much more about form-making. It works well as a partnership.

We’re known for Falcon Enamelware, which came about because we do a lot of design for hospitality interiors and we were trying

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FA MILY HOME

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WE H AV E A LOT O F TH I N G S I N TH E H O U S E TH AT WE’ V E D ES I G N E D BU T T H E R E A R E BI TS A N D P I ECES F R O M A LL OV E R

~

April 201 8

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UNIQUE 2018 INNOVATION

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interio rs FA MILY

interesting. They were partly a response to a disillusionment with technology and the obsolescence of mobile phones. It’s really frustrating to train in product design and then fi nd that everything is turning towards digital interfaces. We worked with Nicolas Roope who’s in the digital world but trained as a sculptor – he’s a really inspiring character.

It was a great project that allowed us to look at design differently, which is what we do.

Kam is really the one who takes up new technologies though, I’m a bit reluctant…I guess that’s partly why we’ve designed analogue phones, in-shower radios and enamelware. But it’s also about creating something universal. I think it’s quite rare to hit on something that appeals to everyone and has longevity.

We have a lot of the things in the house that we’ve designed, but there are bits and pieces from all over. Our bed is from a man called Roger. He’s a furniture restorer based in a barn in Kent. And there’s a nursing chair which has been in Emma’s family forever. It’s sprung so it’s really comfy. When Pip was born her mum had it

~

THERE’S A NURSING CHAIR THAT HAS BEEN IN EMMA’S FAMILY FOREVER; HER MUM HAD IT UPHOLSTERED WHEN PIP WAS BORN

to convince a client to use it.

We loved the material and the range so much that we then decided to approach the manufacturer. We saw an opportunity to invigorate the brand and develop the product.

It was hard to unearth the history of Falcon so we joined lots of enamel collectors’ clubs and visited the Black Country Living Museum. It became a bit of an obsession. At fi rst we thought the appeal might be shortlived, but seven years on, demand just keeps growing. Now we really think that Falcon is one of those classics that transcend time.

We’ve got a brilliant team in place who run it day-to-day while we oversee the strategy and creative direction.

We also have a consultancy and product design business, Kiwi & Pom, which enables us to experiment and collaborate with a whole range of clients. The Penelope and Pip phones that we designed for Hulger were

HOME

upholstered as a gift which was really nice.

Pip is also obsessed with buses so we have a lot of those. Whenever there’s a bus rally in London we have to go – there’s a depot in Acton that we hang out at a lot. Pip even specified the colour of our front-door to be “bus red”, se we had to look up the TFL paint RAL reference to make sure we got it right. It’s a great space to live in for the kids.

If we were to move, the fi rst thing Kam would take would be the Dieter Rams record player from the bedroom. He picked it up at an online auction. I suppose, being a product designer, you start to collect things that represent great examples of that.

And Emma would take the French antique bed. It doesn’t matter where you live – if you sleep in your own bed it feels like you’re home.

There are loads of other houses we love.

There was the Sherriff Road house in West Hampstead that was Georgian at the front but converted at the back. It was so unusual with that great tree growing through it, and it was really connected to the garden.”

Reproduced courtesy of The ModernHouse. For more home tours and interviews, visit themodernhouse.com

~

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Room for

ROMANCE Pearl Lowe’s Somerset home has an effortless feel of faded elegance, as her friend Rachel Ashwell describes it

Wo r d s R AC H E L A S H W E L L Photography AMY NEUNSINGER ©CICO BOOKS VINTAGE FURNISHINGS AND FEMININE TOUCHES AT PEARL LOWE’S SOMERSET HOME

W

hile shooting at Babington House, I remembered my friend Pearl Lowe lived nearby so I called her up, meaning to go over for a cup of tea. Instead I learned that she had recently moved, so, with flowers in hand, we arrived for a spontaneous shoot at her new home.

Pearl retreated from the hectic London music scene about 12 years ago, to spend more time with her children and return to her first love, fashion design. She has created a full and committed life in the countryside, running her textile and children’s fashion business from the home she shares with her musician husband and three children, with welcome visits from her eldest daughter, Daisy Lowe.

Pearl and family moved into this new house – it has 11 bedrooms, just to give you some idea of the size of the project – only eight weeks before these photographs were taken. But then Pearl is a genius when it comes to interiors,

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

TEXTILES, TEXTURES AND TIMELESS CHARM IN ONE OF THE HOUSE’S 11 BEDROOMS

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The Subscription

FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Home, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings.

Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features covering inspiration from London’s top interior designers and influencers.

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelyhome

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

~ T HER E’S A D E F I NI TE P EAR L PA LETTE , B O LDER AND MO R E SU BDUED THAN M I NE , THAT VEERS SOMETI MES TOWAR D DAR K CO LO URS AND EVEN B LACK

~

A GYPSY CARAVAN IN THE GROUNDS OF LOWE’S HOME

THE DINING ROOM FEATURES DARK WOOD, LACE AND A TASSELLED PENDANT LAMP

and I’ve visited most of them. Just as she dresses in elegant, feminine, and totally individual floral frocks, her interiors reflect the way she is. There’s a definite Pearl palette, bolder and more subdued than mine, that veers sometimes toward dark colours and even black, which somehow in her world still feels romantic to me. Added to the effortless faded elegance she brings to every interior and her make-do, mend and recycle ethos, she creates a fairytale ambiance that is subtly theatrical and never over-dramatic.

Her design credentials began with sourcing and overdying lace curtain panels, which led inevitably to lace dresses and a successful high-street collaboration.

Now, she’s turned her creativity toward homewares and her unique line of children’s clothing – a fantasy of Pierrots, trapeze artists, harlequins, bats, glitter, and magic wands.

In her short tenure of the house, she’s stamped her personality on it. All 11 bedrooms have some kind of furnishing and her signature touches of love. Armoires and

cupboards overflow with fabrics: napkins, lace, and floral eiderdowns, she’s not a crisp white duvet sort of girl. And little moments of floral décor show up over and over, in a non frou-frou way, a perfect match for my floral affair.

Extract taken from My Floral Affair by Rachel Ashwell, published by CICO Books, £25. rylandpeters.com April 201 8 | 91

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Give your little one a parent’s-eye view of the world with award-winning LittleLife child carriers.

For life’s little adventures. littlelife.com

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Parisian magic THE PENINSULA PARIS

The new Family Time with Disney package offers all sorts of magical treats, including daily breakfasts, a Disneythemed room and costume for each child, plus a Mickey or Minnie Mouse soft toy embroidered with their name.

Hakuna Matata! paris.peninsula.com

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INSPIRATIONS

Kids In •Kid & Coe•

A kid-tested, parent-approved villa company that allows you to pack less, thanks to its child-friendly accommodation brimming with family amenities – think surfboards, books, toys and sweeping backyards.

You’ll also fi nd all the insider info for the area you’re visiting, so you can concentrate on getting some muchneeded R and R. kidandcoe.com

mama’s

TR AVEL N OTES Great travel packs for kids, plus three fabulous Asian escapes

r’s editock pi

OUT OF THE BOX

LIGHT AS AIR

• P LOX•

•SENA Aire•

Got a kid that’s always glued to a screen? Then prise them away while you’re on your hols with PLOX’s travel boxes. These packs are full of activities and will keep them entertained without an iPad in sight. From £23; plox.co.uk

The SENA aire provides ultimate airflow to promote deep sleeps. It’s super-easy to pack away (one-handed), includes an organic cotton sheet and travel bag, and comes in stylish black. £180; shopnuna.co.uk

3 GREAT ASIAN GETAWAYS Four Seasons The Nam Hai

Soneva Fushi

VIETNAM

THE MALDIVES

While the kids check out the junior cooking academy and Dad has a snooze, why don’t you try an AntiGravity yoga class that’s being offered at the new Thanh Tinh Yoga Pavilion, overlooking lotus ponds and a 19th-century temple? fourseasons.com/hoian

At all Soneva resorts, including this gorgeous Maldives property, the Festival of Colour will be celebrated all year long. In April (orange), this includes Songkran festivities, dinner with a renowned Russian chef and special yoga and meditation classes. soneva.com/festivalofcolour

X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside Resort THAILAND

This new 30-room hotel in Thailand’s cultural capital draws inspiration from Wat Umong forest temple. Its suites overlook a green courtyard, while 20 Riverfront Suites feature stunning river views.

X2resorts.com

April 201 8

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A Trident’s

TALE Discover what it truly means to be stress-free amid the unspoilt beauty of Halkidiki

Wo r d s H E L E N B ROW N

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ell anyone of your holiday to Greece and they’ll immediately picture the pretty island harbours and tavernas of the south, where sun is aplenty and the vista one of gleaming white against sparkling azure. Make your way north, however, and the picture-perfect views bloom with verdant greenery and this is where Greece’s best kept secret lies, unhassled by summer holiday-makers. Halkidiki is fabled for its heart-stopping beauty and boundless hospitality, and forms the trident of Greece; three unspoilt, forested fingers stretching out into the Aegean Sea. Our Greek odyssey brings us to Sithonia, the central peninsula with a backbone of mountains and pine forests.

More rugged and less populated than left prong, Kassandra, Sithonia has long been a favourite vacation destination for Greek people. Along the coast, sweeping beaches are interspersed by secret coves, and the east side offers commanding views of Mount Athos, the third peninsula.

On Sithonia, you’ll find gorgeous, sleepy towns, a wealth of charming hidden treasures to unearth and our home-fromhome for the week – Danai Beach Resort.

This luxurious hideaway can be easily reached from Thessaloniki, and it’s a haven of lush Mediterranean gardens and expansive sandy beach. A family-run establishment, Danai offers a broad range of suites and villas, each unique in style and boasting impressive views over the gardens or the Aegean Sea. Our two bedroom suite is of the latter; here you can look out from the French doors and see sun, sea and private pool blend seamlessly into a postcard image of utter perfection. Fresh flowers,

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THE NORTH GREEK REGION OF HALKIDIKI IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES

~

“LOOK OUT FROM THE FRENCH DOORS AND SEE SUN, SEA AND PRIVATE POOL BLEND SEAMLESSLY INTO A POSTCARD IMAGE OF UTTER PERFECTION”

~

captivating wall art, a Bose music system, walk-in wardrobe and Bulgari bathroom products complete the scene.

With all sense of the nine-to-five forgotten, we head to the Sea Horse Grill. On offer here is authentic Greek flavour and the freshest of fish and seafood. Hungry from the morning travels, we gorge from a table laden with sharing plates until we can eat no more, only to find it relaid with a second wave of larger dishes. A true Greek feast.

Once our bellies are full, the sound of lapping waves tempt us towards the 314-metre-long beach where there’s not a crowd in sight. This is where London life is truly left behind. Stretchers and daybeds are available to hire for all guests, but to really get into holiday-mode a beach cabana does wonders. With this comes a private section of beach, a sitting area and comfortable double bed. Hotel staff are never far from hand to serve fresh fruit platters and pop the corks of Perrier-Jouët.

Our beach-lounging is interspersed with turns on the resort’s paddle boards, dips in the pool and a fantastically indulgent facial. Danai’s prestigious spa is a real haven for tranquillity, comprising multiple massage rooms, a nail April 201 8 | 97

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Discover blissful baby & toddler friendly holidays Everything that parents need for stress free getaways in luxury villas and resorts All private pools barriered

Free 20+ items of baby & toddler kit

30 point child safety check

0800 014 2770 www.totstotravel.co.uk

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spa and trilogy room complete with reflexology bed and a Cleopatra’s Bath.

Dinner at Danai Beach Resort is another exciting affair, as our trip is STUNNING VIEWS FROM DANAI BEACH RESORT timed with the traditional Bachtses Night. This is a spectacular evening THE SENSE OF THE NINE-TO-FIVE steeped in Greek authenticity put on IMMEDIATELY DISAPPEARS HERE once a week in an intimate outcrop of garden overlooking the sea. Live cooking, traditional dishes, locally produced Dionysus of wine, parties and drinks, music and dancing make this a fruitfulness. The elaborate night to remember. Meanwhile, our second degustation menu offers a evening is spent at the open-air Andromeda daring variety of French and Restaurant, where modern Mediterranean Mediterranean plates that are fare is the order of the day. Sitting on the expertly paired with wine from restaurant’s terrace, we tuck into strawberries Danai’s on-site wine cellar. with seafood, elegantly cooked lamb and a This is built deep into the side lemon meringue pie like no other, against a of the mountain in the heart of backdrop of splashing waves. the resort, and boasts a lauded For a swankier meal, The Squirrel has a collection of around 1,700 wines, well-earned reputation for being one of the carefully selected over decades. principal culinary addresses in the country.

The wine cellar is kitted out Providing your hangover isn’t too severe, If Halkidiki is the trident of Greece, then with antique furnishings and maintains an a number of excursions from Danai are Poseidon is certainly smiling on those who old-world ambience, as it plays host to an available to fully explore the peninsula manage to get a table here. Or perhaps incredibly awe-inspiring tasting session. of Halkidiki. By yacht or by speedboat Within this mystic and medieval, candle-lit is the ideal way to combine leisure with cave, Danai’s competent sommelier talks sightseeing, and to fully get an idea of the us through the selections, many of which area. One of the resort’s most popular hail from Greece and prove that the region’s routes will take you to the old city of Neos reputation as a producer is on the rise.

Marmaras. The tour departs from the hotel’s Back outside, the Philosophy Seaside Bar private beach and follows the coastline of prides itself on its creative drinks menu and Nikiti, Ai Giannis, Kastro, Kalogria, Elia and incomparable setting. Essentially located Paradeisos beach, finally reaching Neos on the beach, an evening here is certainly Marmaras. This is a must-see village with appealing if it’s an aperitif you’re after. The wild entertainment and romantic walks. bar staff demonstrate impressive flair and The route then passes by the impressive the premium cocktail list attracts both guests complex of Porto Carras – cocooned with and locals alike. vineyards and its picturesque harbour – before passing by the tortoise-shaped, deserted island of Kelyfos, and the sandy beaches of Diaporos.

Another must for culture vultures is a visit to Nikiti, where a quaint church marks the highest point of the village and the seafront is a bustling jumble of authentic beach eateries. The village epitomises Halkidiki’s compelling blend of beach holiday with authentic Greek buzz, and proves there is more to the area than meets the eye. Top up your tan, feast on local cuisine and luxuriate in a lifestyle where schedules are few and far between; Halkidiki truly is the hidden gem to have on your holiday radar.

~

“ THE CELLAR BOASTS A LAUDED COLLECTION OF AROUND 1,700 WINES, SELECTED OVER DECADES”

~

THERE’S NOT A CROWD IN SIGHT AT HALKIDIKI’S GORGEOUS BEACHES

Danai Beach Resort & Villas offers junior suites from £375 on a B&B basis, based on two people sharing +30 2375 020400 danairesort.com April 201 8 | 99

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UK GETAWAY

Artist Residence OX FO R D S H I R

Wo r d s J OY M O N T G O M E RY

THE ROOMS

xpect sizeable ensuite bathrooms and luxurious super king beds. The spacious family rooms (The Loft, Barn and Stable Suite) are light-filled and airy, helped along by the high gabled ceilings. We love the clever little interior touches - from the writing desk and love-worn leather armchairs to artisanal textiles and upcycled side tables. Together they create a homely yet style-conscious environment. Our Bramley toiletries complement perfectly the free-standing roll top bathtub, which is positioned next to an idyllic mullioned window.

E

THE HOTEL

rtist Residence Oxfordshire is the latest offering from dynamic duo Justin and Charlotte Salisbury. With locations in Brighton, Cornwall and London, the brand is known for its innovative approach to design, with each hotel possessing a distinctive aesthetic.

Their latest venture is no different.

Named Most Romantic Hotel in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 British Hotels, it was originally a 16th century farmhouse-turned-local pub, which has now been given a new lease of life.

Situated in picturesque countryside, the venue offers an intimate five rooms alongside an award-winning restaurant, Mr Hanbury’s Mason Arms. We are pleasantly surprised to find that the rustic charm of the building has been retained: think large open fireplaces, woodenbeamed ceiling, stone floors and plenty of low-lit corners to cosy up in.

But in true Artist Residence style, there are plenty of contemporary-cool touches. Design-lovers will relish the neon light installations, velvet furnishings and eclectic wall art - the vibe is very much English country pub meets east London cool.

A

THE FOOD

r Hanbury’s Mason Arms is the pub and restaurant connected to the hotel that offers an inventive menu from head chef Leon Smith, which showcases his passion for foraged, seasonal and local produce.

Cocktails are inspired by the local countryside. You can choose between dining in the wood-panelled, stonefloored pub or the more formal dining room, designed in collaboration with artists The Connor Bothers. Check the website for forthcoming music events and live music.

M

Rooms start from £130 per night Mr Hanbury’s, Mason Arms Station Road, South Leigh OX29 6XN; 01993 656220; oxford@artistresidence.co.uk artistresidenceoxford.co.uk March 201 8 | 1 01

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ We are delighted to announce that Mogg Hercules, Headteacher and founder of Dallington School has been appointed MBE for outstanding services to education in the New Year Honours List, 2018 Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 3rd May 2018 from 6 to 8 pm

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Th r e e Thi n ki n g • MICRO SCOOTER•

We’re loving this new trike from pioneering brand Microscooter. The design ensures stability, while a comfy seat and secure parental steering handle keep things safely under control.

It’s great for kids still too young to scoot unaided or for long periods – and a nifty replacement for a buggy. £74.95 micro-scooters.co.uk

April 201 8 | 1 03

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Sara KEEL

Sara is Founder of Babycup First Cups, award-winning mini open cups recommended by dentists from weaning onwards. babycup.co.uk Q How old should my child be for their fi rst dental appointment?

A The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) advises taking your child to see a dentist as soon as his fi rst teeth come through, and defi nitely by his fi rst birthday. The BSPD’s recently-launched ‘Dental Check by One’ campaign says these early appointments are a chance for the dentist to check teeth are developing as they should be. Dental decay is almost always preventable, so it’s never too soon to book that visit and to get information and advice,

DENTAL DECAY IS ALMOST ALWAYS PREVENTABLE, SO IT'S NEVER TOO SOON TO BOOK THAT VISIT AND GET INFORMATION

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

&

A

Parenting professionals and leading mumpreneurs answer some of your most pressing questions

1 04

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such as gently wiping gums with a soft cloth and introducing drinking from an open-top cup by age one, to help look after your little one’s precious smile. Not all babies or toddlers are keen on opening their mouth on their initial dental checks, but the vital thing is to help make it something that becomes familiar and natural. My little ones’ fi rst appointments mostly consisted of the dentist appearing to just count their teeth in time to a rhyme, but she was actually having a good look at the gums and what few teeth were showing. Those counting rhymes or fi rst go in the dentist’s chair are just little steps, but they play a brilliantly big role in helping our babies grow up with healthy teeth that are free from decay.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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reso urces ASK

Nicole HASTIE

Nicole Hastie is a Carrying Consultant and Director of Kangaroo Care UK. She is passionate about helping parents learn the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with their babies. vija-design.co.uk Q Should I put skin-to-skin contact in my birth plan?

A Where possible, mother and baby should spend time skin-to-skin for an uninterrupted hour immediately after birth. Once essential checks have been made, ask for the noise levels and lights to be kept low, giving you and your baby time to rest and get to know each other. Ensure you are both warm enough and comfortable by wearing something that supports baby on your chest and covers your body to maintain your

T HE EXPERTS

own temperature. Baby’s heart rate, body temperature and respiration will usually stabilise during skin-to-skin contact, easing their transition from the womb to the world. Being held against mum’s skin can help baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of infection. Requesting skin-to-skin contact as part of your birth plan, and packing a comfortable and supportive kangaroo care top or wrap, will help you enjoy this simple but powerful way of welcoming your baby into the world. Births don’t always go to plan, but skin-to-skin contact has many benefits even when it cannot happen straight away. Choosing what to wear for skin-to-skin contact doesn’t have to be expensive. There are comfortable options, such as the Bandeau from Vija Design which starts from just £17.99.

BIRTHS DON'T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN, BUT SKINTO-SKIN CONTACT HAS MANY BENEFITS EVEN WHEN IT CANNOT HAPPEN STRAIGHT AWAY

Fiona-Jane KENWORTHY Fiona-Jane is Marketing Manager at Dreamgenii and she feels it’s important that pregnant women are made aware of the “Sleep On Side” campaign. dreamgenii.com

Q What exactly is the Sleep On Side campaign, and is it true that sleeping on your back in late pregnancy can potentially be dangerous for my baby?

A The Midlands and North of England Stillbirth Study (MiNESS) found that if pregnant women sleep on their side during the third trimester, a 3.7 per cent decrease in stillbirth could be achieved, saving around 130 babies’ lives a year.

Sadly, around one in 225 pregnancies in the UK end in a stillbirth and leading

charity Tommy’s have launched the Sleep On Side campaign to educate women about the risk of going to sleep on their backs in late pregnancy. One theory suggests that lying on your back puts all the weight of the baby and uterus on the main blood vessels that supply the baby, which can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the baby.

Sleeping on your side during late pregnancy can be difficult unless this is your general preferred position. But the multi-award-winning dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow is the only patented pregnancy pillow shaped to promote the health of you and your baby and can help mums-tobe sleep easily on their side.

The product not only helps to aid a restful sleep, it supports your bump, back and knees. Most importantly, it helps you to lie on your left side.

Using the pillow will help you achieve the best position for you and your baby, and prevent you rolling onto your back during sleep.

Once baby arrives safely, the dreamgenii can then be used as a comfortable feeding support pillow.

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Heather MORRIS

Heather Morris is a Registered General Nurse and State Certified Midwife. She is mum to Freddy, Harry and Jack. metanium.co.uk

Can nappy rash be prevented?

No matter how careful you are, most babies are likely to get nappy rash at some time. Nappy rash is usually mild and can be managed with a good skincare routine and a barrier ointment. Taking care of your baby’s delicate skin is essential in both treating and preventing nappy rash. Following these simple steps will help: • Lie your baby on a towel and leave your baby’s nappy off as often as you can, to let fresh air get to the skin.

Q A

Lucy COE

Lead Midwife for the Midwifery Led Team at The Kensington Wing chelwest.nhs.uk Q What happens if I need to go to the loo during labour?

A Firstly this is a really common question- and please do not worry!

When you are in labour, it is normal to feel lots of pressure down below when you have a contraction and sometimes you can mistake this for actually needing the loo; but your midwife will be there to support you and help you to the bathroom if you really need to go. When it’s time to push your baby out, you actually use the same muscles as you would to pass a stool, so the sensation of this is very normal and nothing to

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• Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible.

• Clean the nappy area thoroughly using plain water or alcohol and fragrance free wipes.

• Don’t use talcum powder as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin.

• Try to bath your baby every day, but don’t use soap or bubble bath.

• Gently pat rather than rub your baby’s bottom dry and avoid vigorous rubbing.

• Use a suitable barrier ointment at each nappy change.

Most mild cases of nappy rash can be easily treated with an ointment from your pharmacy and following this skincare routine, but if you are worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

NAPPY RASH CAN BE MANAGED WITH A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE AND A BARRIER OINTMENT

worry about. Our bodies are very clever and usually we don’t need to open our bowels for a day or so after the birth which can give us a little time to heal. Sometime you need an episiotomy. This is a small cut to your perineum performed by your midwife to expedite the birth of your baby. Episiotomies are not routinely performed, but stitching afterwards heals similarly to when you tear naturally so you should still be able to go to the bathroom without any problems.

It is also very important to think about your bladder in labour, as it’s best to keep it as empty as possible.

Your midwife will remind you to try and go regularly, and within a few hours after the birth of your baby.

YOUR MIDWIFE WILL BE THERE TO SUPPORT YOU – OUR BODIES ARE VERY CLEVER

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Theodora LITTLE

Theodora Little, Dental Therapist Hygienist and Prevention 1 consultant at Curaden AG, Switzerland discusses proper oral care curaden.com Q How can I be sure that my child is receiving proper oral care?

A Improper oral care from inadequate dummies, teething products and brushing during infancy can lead to serious dental problems, such as tooth decay, overbite and misplaced teeth.

Long-term use of such things as dummies can prevent the correct alignment and occlusion of teeth; as the child is still developing, anything held in their mouth for long periods of time can influence the developing jaw to grow around the foreign object. Th is can then result in a narrow palate and

Karolina LEWIS

Mum of two (10 years and 6 years), Founder and Creative Director of a maternity nightwear and loungewear company, Bumpkyn London bumpkyn.co.uk Q Why is it vital to closely monitor fetal movement from the beginning of pregnancy?

A Th is is such an important subject and often there isn't enough focus on it in antenatal classes or by medical professionals.

Many mums who experience a stillbirth say that there was a change in their baby’s pattern of movement beforehand, and it’s thought that up to a third of stillbirths could be prevented if mums reported their concerns promptly and babies thought to be at risk were delivered.

T HE EXPERTS

the upper front teeth tipping forward, resulting in what we call an “overbite”.

It could also result in an “open bite”, where the teeth do not meet in occlusion, which can contribute to speech difficulties, such as a lisp, that may last until adulthood. Curaprox’s Baby Soother ensures no displacements or damage result from its use under ordinary conditions, due to the fact that it leaves enough room for tongue and palate to develop normally.

Oral care becomes important as soon as your child begins eating – you need to clean their gums with a wet washcloth. If you don’t do this, you can increase the chances of damage to the child’s gums in later life. Oral care is also extremely important as soon as teething begins; even if it’s just one tooth coming through, you must begin brushing the baby’s teeth at least twice a day.

Make sure you attend regular dental appointments with your child, clean your baby’s mouth even before teeth erupt, avoid bulbous dummies, sugary foods and drinks, and always try to make brushing fun!

Most women usually begin to feel movement between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, and it is therefore essential for both Mums and Dads to get to know their baby’s movements and be able to react quickly.

Here at Bumpkyn we recognise the importance of this, which is why we work closely with Kicks Count, a charity which aims to empower mums-to-be with knowledge and confidence about their baby’s movements during pregnancy, ensuring healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Kicks Count have also developed an award-winning free App, which lets you record the baby’s pattern of movement each day by tapping the screen and observing it over time, making it a great tool.

In any case, if you instinctively feel something isn't right you should immediately call your midwife or the maternity unit.

Learn more on the subject at: kickscount.org.uk April 201 8

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The first thing to note is that the Joie “Inspired by Mothercare” Addapt car seat is designed to accommodate little ones from birth to approximately seven years old (groups 0+, 1 and 2 in car seat parlance) – that’s a truly substantial lifespan.

The second is its impeccable brand credentials: Joie is a veteran creator of car seats with a good track record. Safety is designed into the seat, with side-impact protection, a steel-enhanced frame, adjustable height head-protection and four recline positions (one rear-facing and three forward-facing; the seat can be used in the safer rear-facing position up to the sector-leading age of four).

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Nursery 2.0 We look at a new breed of Early Years provider pioneering a radical rethink of childcare in London Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

E

arly Years childcare is always a hot topic.

Almost from the moment your first baby is born, it’s there at the back of your mind, niggling away: what will you do when it’s time to go back to work, or when you simply want to get baby socialised and stimulated in a way that’s hard to do every day, by yourself, at home?

There are home-based options, of course – nannies and childminders – but the most popular choice remains an “early years setting”, a preschool or nursery where your offspring can mix with other children and learn about the world in a safe, structured environment. They’re usually cheaper than nannies and they encourage the building of those important first friendships.

Sound good? The snag – because there’s always a catch – is provision. Good Early Years providers are usually heavily oversubscribed. They’re also often very expensive; many women returning to work after maternity leave report spending a sum equivalent to all or almost all of their salary on their child’s new daycare arrangements.

In such a climate, it’s easy to forget that parents and their little ones are the consumers in this transaction; parties (and profits) whom Early Years providers should

HUCKLETREE, WEST LONDON

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N FAMILY CLUB, NORTH LONDON

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TH E G O O D E A R LY Y E A RS PR OV I D E RS A R E U S UA LLY H E AV I LY OV E RS U BSCR I BE D be hellbent on winning, impressing, serving and satisfying. It’s this notion – too often forgotten – that underpins the pioneering approaches of several new London-based providers, who are setting out to diversify and deepen what an Early Years setting can offer to its customers.

N Family Club  One such provider is Stoke Newington’s N Family Club, a new nursery that’s also a private member’s club with a clean-cut family focus.

The nursery is, well, a nursery – albeit an extraordinarily tasteful, high-end one. Th ink beautiful wooden toys in a design-led space you’d be happy to call your home. But head down at weekends or on weekday evenings and you’ll fi nd something altogether more surprising: an on-site café abuzz with parents enjoying perfect flat whites as their kids reunite with playmates; fitness and wellbeing classes for the whole family; and

~

expert advice sessions for parents. The additional services breathe new life into the setting and add real value for families.

In their own words, they “set out to transform family life in the city by housing everything young families need under one roof”. That also includes a kids’ activity programme, fi lm club and all-weekend crèche (AKA, heaven on Earth).

Maggie & Rose  Over in West London is the institution that, arguably, started the movement – Maggie & Rose, a nursery (in Chiswick and also now Kensington) with fully functioning family members’ clubs attached.

Members have access to facilities best described as “Soho House with kids”, including soft play, a rooftop pizza and prosecco café, a beautiful brasserie and extra-curricular classes for little ones. It’s the ideal spot for mamas to meet, where kids

can enjoy themselves in familiar, safe surroundings while grown-ups lounge on stylish designer furniture. And one membership covers the entire family – even Granny.

Crèches  Trendy new workspace providers like Huckletree and Second Home are also getting in on the act, albeit from a different angle, building top-end crèche facilities into their newest openings. Huckletree’s “Google-like” outpost in the former BBC development at White City offers crèche places to its 450 members, while the forthcoming London Fields branch of Second Home is selling itself as a “workspace and crèche” – giving childcare co-headline status. It’s proof that something is changing in the way we understand childcare. The balancing of parental and professional responsibilities, once a problem that hard-pushed parents had to work around, is now a business objective that some of London’s most exciting and progressive Early Years providers are trying to solve.

nfamilyclub.com • maggieandrose.com huckletree.com • secondhome.io

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Oliver Thomas Nursery School 1 Mathews Ave, London E6 6BU 020 8552 1177

to know Mama’s guide to London’s best nurseries and preschools

N O RTH WEST North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 The Mulberry House School 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD 020 8452 7340 Living Spring Montessori St Michael’s Church Annexe, St Michael’s Road, London, NW2 6XG 020 8830 7331

Nuffy Bear Nursery Brondesbury Park Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Sidmouth Road, London, NW2 5JY 020 3432 8708 Sylvia's Happy Childcare 119a Chevening Road, London, NW6 6DU 020 8960 2217

NORTH Les Trois Oursons 4 Collins Yard, London N1 2XU 020 7099 0452

Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367 Puddleducks Nurseries Puddleducks House, r/o 75 Friern Barnet Road, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 Hackney Care For Kids 61 Evering Rd, London N16 7PR 020 7923 3471 William Patten Daycare Nursery William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0NX 020 3844 4227

SOUT H E AST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephen’s Church, College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091 Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509 Base Zero Nursery Happy Days 109A Randlesdown Rd, Gramsci Way, London SE6 3HB 020 8461 3510 The Villa 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH 0207 703 6216 Chairbears Day Nursery 9-12 Deptford Broadway, London SE84PA 020 8305 6588

SOUT H W EST The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306

Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748

The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054

E AST

Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296

Hatching Dragon Nursery School 1 Viscount St, London EC1Y 0AA 020 7256 9365 Sahan Preschool Day Nursery 12 Stukeley Rd, London, E7 9QZ 020 3719 7002

Hatching Dragons Westminster Units 3&4 Westminster Quarter, 2 Monck street, London, SW1P 2BQ 0203 912 2902

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reso urces DIRECTORY

Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757

Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann’s Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729

The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111

The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373

Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee’s Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668

Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450

W EST Rolfe’s Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318

The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323

Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794

Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646 Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697 Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196 Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044 The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848

Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Lane, Fulham Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303 Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060 Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227 Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945

Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303

The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806

St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617

One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065

Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142

Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125

Little Cherubs Nursery School Our Lady Of Victories Church Hall, 16a Abingdon Road, London W8 6AF 07810 712241

Hatching Dragons Twickenham 2 The Green, Twickenham, London, TW2 5AA 0203 912 2901

Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918

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m am a

TALKING HE AD

last word

Making

THEIR MARK The Early Years coordinator at Dallington School in Islington on the importance of encouraging young artists

T

he children I have taught over the years arrive having already had a range of different experiences when it comes to art. Some children immediately experiment and explore and think creatively when they are making or drawing, others do not want to get paint on their fingers, or say, “I can’t do it!”

As my teaching career continues, I have come to question how we as adults influence children’s attitudes to art. Often talking to parents and practitioners gives an insight into how their own experiences at school, or their outlook on art, has an impact on how they approach the subject with their children. I have heard people say: “It doesn’t look like anything, it’s a scribble.” I then spend time explaining that the “scribble”

A YOUNG PUPIL AT DALLINGTON

is where the child is at developmentally, and that the child has just told a whole story while making those marks. I also hear parents describe how they felt they were not very good at art at school and, therefore, they don’t know how to go about teaching their own children. So, I ask, did someone along the way dismiss attempts they had made as a child, squashing confidence?

There is great value in allowing children to express themselves, to make choices about the media they wish to use, to learn through the process of creating and to make discoveries along the way and to praise each child’s artwork. Those early “scribbles” and the freedom to make them, and for them to be valued, cannot be emphasised enough.

If opportunities do not arise, does the child miss a stage of building up a repertoire of marks? Can this gap then be filled at a later date? As early years educators we can do that to a degree, and provide opportunities, but children also need those opportunities at home, too. People have asked me whether the reason a child does not draw or take part in art activities is because they are not interested.

I then question why they might not be interested at the age of three! Do they find it difficult or has an adult influenced their desire or opportunity to participate in artbased activities?

When a child shows an adult a drawing, we

XXXXXX XX XX XXX XXX XXXXX XXXX XXX THE PIECES REPRESENT 'TRADITIONAL TIMELESS FASHION'

AMBIKA CURBISHLEY

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“LE T CH ILDRE N CREAT E AN D M AKE A M ES S .

IT CAN B E CLE A NED UP BUT A CH IL D’S CON FIDE N C E TA KES A LOT LON GER TO RE BUILD”

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need to think about our responses. Instead of “What is it?” – which, for a child who knows exactly what they have just drawn, is a little deflating – ask: “Can you tell me about it?”

This leads to a far more in-depth discussion.

You may be surprised to find those several lines across a page are a ladder going up to a fairy castle or those circles that go round and round are the movement of a car.

Let children create and make a mess – it can be cleaned up, but a child’s confidence takes a lot longer to rebuild.

I am fascinated by the early marks that children make and the insight they give into different areas of development. Their language skills can be heard through their descriptions while drawing. Their physical development can be observed by looking at their self awareness depicted in their figurative pictures or how they hold a brush.

Drawings can also depict how a child is feeling. As long as I continue to teach, I hope I will be able to place an importance on art in the early years and recognise all that it can lead to.

Ambika Curbishley, Early Years Coordinator, Dallington School; dallingtonschool.co.uk

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