ABSOLUTELY MAMA MARCH 2020

Mama MARCH 2020 • ISSUE 38

Spring makeover Focus on fresh interiors

The Magazine for Stylish Mums

Ski

SLOPE

Wintersports with tiny tots in tow

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Tr e n d S E T T ER Stylist Jamie Lyons’ life as a working mama

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Sainsbury’s and all good pharmacies nationwide.

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mam a WELCOME

contents MARCH 2020

72

56

44

70

AGENDA 12 What’s On

Arts and entertainment for the month ahead

14 New Books March’s best new releases

ESSENTIALS 18 Mother’s Day

Stylish suggestions for your wishlist

22 Tot Gear

Key kit to make parenting easier

ON THE COVER: @theanticolor theanticolour.com

84

MAMAHOOD 24 Woman in Work

Lucy Werner on her new book, Hype Yourself

8 26 Insta Mama

Jamie Lyons of The Anti Color

FASHION 34 Floaty frocks

Dreamy mama and mini outfits from Sleeper

42 Kids Fashion Notes Th e best looks and

launches for little ones

50 Beyond Nine Naomi Raybould on her

ethical maternity wear

WELLNESS 56 Little Veggies

Family recipes from Rachel Boyett’s new cookbook

60 B eauty notes

Products and treatments for mamas and mamas-to-be

HOME & INTERIORS 70 Nursery Notes

Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

72 Home tour One family’s move from

London to a country house

RESOURCES 93 Ocean talk

Encouraging little minds

to look after their world

96 Nursery listings Th e lowdown

March 2020 | 5

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ENJOY * 15% OFF CODE ABMAMA20

*Offer valid online or in store when you spend over £80, until 30/09/20. Full price items only, excludes gif t cards.

VISIT OU R U K STO RES 45 Marylebone High Street, W1U | 179 Kensington High Street, W8 102 Northcote Road, SW11 | 10/12 Victoria Leeds, LS1

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mam a WELCOME WOMAN IN WORK:LUCY WERNER P.26

Editor’s

LETTER

TEN THINGS WE LOVE P.8

ROCHELLE HUMES ON DAUGHTERS AND HAIRCARE P.30

M

arch is a double whammy with Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, so this issue is all about celebrating female power.

In our pregnancy special, we round up everything you’ll need for a bit of self-care during those important nine months. And for mamas thinking about making the brave steps to starting their own business, PR specialist Lucy Werner shares her tips for ‘hyping yourself’ from her new book.

Our focus on interiors looks at decorating for spring, with tips from Ursula Wesselingh – while Emma Paton of Finlay Fox talks us through making the big move from a London house to a listed country pile, and decorating it in style. Elsewhere in this issue, Rochelle Humes talks to us about her new family-friendly haircare range, and Rachel Boyett shares three weaning recipes from her new book Little Veggie Eats.

And finally, we have the best gifts this Mother’s Day. Enjoy!

C a rly Gl e n di n n i n g E DITOR

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

SPRING READING P.14

Part of the

Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Brand Partnerships Manager: NAVINDER LALL

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 Editor UK: CARLY GLENDINNING Features Editor: HELEN BARON Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PAWEL KUBA Senior Designer: MIKE ROBERTS

Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Director: LEAH DAY

U n i T G 0 6 We n l o c k S tu d i o s , 50 -52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU

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020 7704 0588 zest.london To read the latest issue of Absolutely Mama subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama

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.

March 2020

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Check Mate

CARAMEL This gingham beauty from Caramel is the first thing going in our suitcases for sunshine getways this spring.

Comfortable and flattering on anyone, it’s got all the makings of a ‘we’re not taking this off all summer’ piece. caramel-shop.co.uk

LIGHT MBOY Y SFMELI R E LS

One on our wishlists for Mother’s Day, this candle has heady scents of Damascan rose, apricot, labdanum, oud and citrus. Perfect for burning now whilst the nights are still cold. smallable.com

E A RT H BA BY

MORI Eco-friendly favourite MORI has launched a new sleep and daywear collection for little ones in a perfect colour palette of earthy tones. We want it all. babymori.com

Skin Heroes Q + A S KIN CA R E Make some space on your bathroom shelf because beauty newcomer Q+A Skincare is set to be big news this year. The range is cruelty-free, made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, and is purse-friendly too. feelunique.com

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ma m a LOVE S

B OW L OV E R

O CTA EVO New from interiors favourite Octaevo, this basket bowl makes a stylish table centrepiece. Beautifully crafted, it reminds us of childhoods spent holidaying in Europe. octaevo.com

NINE MONTHS

BOOB D E S IG N The new collection from ecofriendly maternity and nursing brand Boob Design is full of staples you’ll be able to wear long after baby arrives. We love this twist front dress, which works whatever stage you’re at. boobdesign.com

Taste The Rainbow

OYOY The clever extra-long design of this colourful bib from OYOY is useful for spills and dribbles.

We love the retro rainbow colour palette too. scandiborn.com

Clean Up TODDL EK I N D We all know weaning can be a messy business, so Toddlekind’s new Clean Wean mats are bit of a lifesaver. In three different deisgns and a range of colours, pop them under your high chair, or even on the floor during craft sessions. toddlekind.eu

Bold Update

SLOWDOWN STU D I O If you’re planning an interiors refresh, nothing is going to bring more sunshine than this throw by cult brand Slowdown Studio. Fun enough for their bedroom, and stylish enough for your living room. smallable.com

or’s Editick P

NURSERY TIME

CA M CA M CO P EN HAG EN From beautiful bedding, to nursery essentials, furniture, and the cutest toys, interiors favourite Cam Cam Copenhagen has everything you need to refresh their space this spring. camcamcopenhagen.com

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Last Few Weeks JAPAN HOUSE

An immersive experience for little ones to marvel at, explore the contrasting worlds of Japan’s urban future and rural traditions in WOW’s digital art installation at Japan House London, WOW: City Lights and Woodland Shade. Closing March 22nd. japanhouselondon.uk

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W H AT ’ S O N

From circus shows to monsters from a time long ago, March has something for everyone to enjoy...

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

The Bed

27 February - 22 March Little Angel Theatre

Curl up and get comfy for a bedtime story like no other. This enchanting poem by Sylvia Plath, written for her own children, is brought to life in a special show for babies and toddlers. littleangeltheatre.com

we love

Permian Monsters

15 February - 1 November • Horniman Museum & Gardens

252m years ago, in a period called the Permian, life on Earth was dominated by extraordinary creatures. In this fascinating, family-friendly exhibition, which is travelling to the UK for the first time, little ones will enjoy discovering more about this mysterious time period.

Sky in the Pie 6-8 March VAULT festival

This exciting new production brings the poetry of national treasure Roger McGough CBE to life. From Feathers of Daedalus, this circus and puppetry spectacular is a wonderful and wacky celebration of the ‘patron saint of poetry’. vaultfestival.com

horniman.ac.uk

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agen d a

EVENTS

Work & KALEIDOSCOPE

PLAY

Three co-work and crèche spaces

26 March Arts Depot

Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, this production

by Filskit Theatre brings a multi-coloured kaleidoscope to life for you and your baby. Suitable for ages 6-8 months. artsdepot.co.uk

PO P U P WO R KS PAC E & C R ÈC H E Thursdays during term time PlayPen

PlayPen runs from a fantastic and well-equipped Ofsted-registered crèche, and just next door is their parents’ workspace based in the Bow Brew cafe, which has speedy wifi, good coffee and food. playpen.brownpapertickets.com

LITTLE MONSTER 8 March Arts Depot

ittle ones aged 3-6 are invited on an exciting puppetry adventure to find the mysterious monster that’s made everyone else run away. Touched Theatre explores the themes of difference, fear, and friendship using the magic of shadows and music in this charming production.

COWO R K I N G & F LE XI B LE N U R S E RY

L

Monday to Friday Third Door

An award-winning coworking space combining an OFSTED-registered flexible nursery and coworking space in Putney. Child care shouldn’t get in the way of your career, use the Workhub or Nursery on their own, or both together.

artsdepot.co.uk

third-door.com

THE PAPER DOLLS 6 February - 18 April Little Angel Theatre

hen a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls, she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure, whirling through their home and garden. Adapted from the acclaimed book by Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music.

W

F LE XI B LE WO R KS PAC E Monday to Friday Cuckooz Nest

Cuckooz Nest is a fully-flexible, Ofsted-registered nursery with an integrated workspace for parents and children under three. Their stylishly designed spaces help to bridge the gap between work and life. cuckooznest.co.uk

littleangeltheatre.com

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We love

BOOKS This month’s new releases to enjoy with your little ones

Wo r d s Z O Ë D E L M E R- B E S T

NUMBER FUN

Full of facts

M Y F I R S T B O O K O F C O M PA R I S O N S

By Clive Gif ford

For all the fact-loving kids and adults out there, this book is a treasure trove of information. From comparing the fastest machines, the tallest buildings and the biggest animals to fi nding out that a blue whale weighs as much as 20 T-Rexes, all these facts will help children build maths skills and develop their understanding of the world around them. Pre-order £12.99.  quartoknows.com

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1 TO 20 AN I MAL S APLENT Y

By Katie Viggers

If numbers get your little one in a stew, then this is the book for you. This book teaches children to count to 20 by introducing the numbers with playful rhymes. “With five goats who wear coats” and “15 bats who are acrobats”, learning to count has never been so fun. £9.45. wordery.com

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BOOKS

POWER PRINCESS S N OW WH ITE : A MODERN RETELLING

By Stephan Kalinski and Iain Botterill

Reimagining the traditional narrative of fairy tales, this book follows the story of Snow White in a world where bravery is valued over beauty and forgiveness over revenge. A tale of courage and daring-do, this is a book for all modern princesses and princes. £19.85  fairytales-retold.com

TO U C H I N G TA LE V I VA L D I

By Helge Torvund

A little bit of

HUSH TA L K I N G I S N O T M Y T H I N G

By Rosie Robbins

This simple yet mesmerizing book reminds us that every child is different and that’s okay. Following the charming siblingship of a young autistic girl and her brother, our heroine explains things from her perspective and describes how she uses non-verbal communication in her daily life. £12.99.  scallywagpress.com

A charming story about a young girl and her cat, Vivaldi explores the power of friendship and how sharing troubles can help make them go away. With its lyrical, sometimes cheerful, sometimes poignant text and bold visual illustrations, this is a book for anyone who has ever felt alone. £9.35.  amazon.co.uk

Spread the

LOVE T H E B OY W H O L OV E D E V E R YO N E

B E I N G B R AV E

By Jane Porter

LION LESSONS

By Jon Agee

Dimitri loves everyone and he’s always telling people so, from his friends in nursery to the big tree in the playground. But when no one says it back, Dimitri worries that no one loves him. This is a touching story exploring the different ways love spreads through the world. £12.99.  walker.co.uk

Learning how to be a lion can be achieved in seven simple steps. A young boy is taking lion lessons and is determined to be successful. The boy doesn’t make a very good student, until the fi nal lesson of looking out for your friends. £12.99.  scallywagpress.com

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

“My favourite thing about Dallington School is that the teachers and students are very friendly and positive, there is a brilliant atmosphere in the classroom” - Johan “I think Dallington teaches you in a way no other school does and I really enjoy that” - Alex 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 14th May 2020 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher: Maria Blake Proprietor: Abigail Hercules Founder: Evan & Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

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Push it NUNA

Compact and light, Nuna’s newest pushchair, the TRIV, is perfect for city living or travelling with baby.

We love the stylish one hand fold flat design, oversized storage basket, and easy to flip fold seat. nunababy.com

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Mother’s Day Carly Glendinning picks gorgeous treats for your Mother’s Day wishlist

C O SY U P

JAMES ST CO

Editor’s Pick

Organic, small-batch knitwear brand James St Co make the mama and mini matching beanies that are all over our Instagram feeds right now. They also make a beautiful range of wardrobe basics, that we wouldn’t mind receiving. jamesstreetco.com

Burn It

ILADO

With notes of lily of the valley, freesia, rose, jasmine and zesty apple, this candle from Swedish brand Amoln will do instead of a bouquet of flowers, please. Handpoured, created without cruelty to animals, and made using sustainable wax. €55.00; amoln.com

HEY BABY

ALL THE BABIES

An ethical LA-based brand who make organic baby basics that give back to little ones in need. We’re adding this dinky tote to our wishlists this Mother’s Day. allthebabies.co

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essentials MOTHER’S

DAY

5 on o u r

WIS HLI STS

1

GODDESS VIBES OCTAEVO

You’ll need a vase for all of those stems you receive, and one of our favourites has to be this Venusinspired design from Octaevo.

Handcrafted, its feminine shape is made from a special waterresistant paper. £16.50; la-gent.com

POLISH PLEASE

2 3

LICIA FLORIA

If we’re not being treated to a mani and pedi this Mother’s Day, then we’ll take one of these vegan and toxic-free varnishes instead please. Without all the harmful ingredients and available in all the cool shades. £17.18; betonstudios.com

Make Waves

HOTEL MAGIQUE

This art deco inspired print from Hotel Magique is cooler than a card; get the kids to write their messages of love on the back before you frame it. £40; cissywears.com

5

4

1. Cosmydor, Essential Care Rosemary, £35; net-a-porter.com 2. Liam Owen, Ceramic Bowl, £29; goodhoodstore.com 3. PIGLET, White Linen Trouser Set, £100; pigletinbed.com 4. Merci Maman, Personalised Necklace, from £69; mercimamanboutique.com 5. Jem + Bea, Changing Bag, £230; jemandbea.com

March 2020

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Well

Rounded

Enjoy your pregnancy with our hero product recommendations Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

Base Line SIX STUDIO

Just because it’s not on display, doesn’t mean your underwear doesn’t have an impact on your physical (or mental) comfort. Invest in high quality lingerie for maximum support – we recommend loungewear basics from maternity label Six Studio. For pregnancy and beyond. six-studio.com

Editor’s Pick

V For Victory NESSA ORGANIC S

A multi-purpose, organic, collagen-boosting oil for your most intimate area. Its purpose: to restore, re-balance and replenish, bringing relief to dryness or discomfort caused by hormonal shifts or chemical irritation. £24; nessaorganics.com

PELVIC FLOOR ELVIE

Rehabilitate pelvic floor muscles with the Elvie trainer, which addresses problems that affect up to 80% of new mums. The awardwinning kegel trainer has an app that visualises your movements in real-time with biofeedback (a technique used by healthcare professionals). £169; elvie.com

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essentials PREGNANCY

All Packed JEM + BEA

If you’re in the market for a hospital bag, look no further than the eco collection from style leaders Jem & Bea. Made from recycled fishing nets, the Edie holdall’s five interior pockets and wipe-clean surface make it an ideal candidate. £130; jemandbea.com

VIT KIT WILD NUTRITION

Brought to you by experts in female nutrition, this is a unique complex of food-grown vitamins and minerals specially formulated for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Each dose contains the required amount of folic acid. £34; wildnutrition.com

Book Mark TRACY DONEGAN

A complete guide to keeping it mindful during pregnancy, with tips on meditation, pregnancy yoga, nutrition and natural remedies, all penned by medically trained midwife Tracy Donegan. £11.89; amazon.co.uk

HAVE A BALL BABYGO

Billed the UK’s number one birthing ball, the Babygo is five times stronger than regular gym balls and offers a safe way to exercise during pregnancy, dilate the cervix and ease contractions during birth, and restore your core strength postpartum. £20.95; babygo.co.uk

FULL SUPPORT DREAMGENII ®

Designed to be used from 20 weeks, this multi award-winning pregnancy and feeding pillow moulds to your bump, offering maximum support, aiding leftside sleep and easing pelvic girdle pain. £44.99; dreamgenii.com March 2020

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e s s ent i al s

TOT GEAR

ent parroved app

LITTLE S PAC E S M A M A S & PA PA S

Inspired by the clean lines of Scandidecor, the Caprio nursery furniture collection from Mamas & Papas will give their space a smart update. We love the wardrobe, which has plenty of storage for all of their outfits. mamasandpapas.com

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

PLAY TIME NUBY

A cosy space for baby to play, Nuby’s Interactive Play Activity Gym helps to develop their senses and coordination. The clever design allows you to remove the bars and use the cushioned mat on its own. £29.99; nuby-uk.com

ANIMAL FUN M A M A S & PA PA S

Mamas & Papas’ bestselling Welcome to the World toy range is full of cute and cuddly friends.

Perfect for their nursery, or a lovely newborn gift idea. mamasandpapas.com 22

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MAMAS & PAPAS

Snax Highchair Reviewed by Mamas & Papas Parent Approved Panellist Hannah Evans @hannahlouiseevans

K

eeping mealtimes comfortable, easy, and quick is top of the to-do list. So when the Snax highchair arrived with its removable tray, handy storage basket, and ‘wipe clean’ seat pad, I felt like it ticked a good few of the boxes. Style-wise, the neutral tones are great. Another handy element is that it folds compactly with the tray still attached, so you can put it away and pop it back out when it’s time for dinner.

I was also impressed to learn that it essentially ‘grows’ with Luna, making it a great investment. With its variety of positions including three recline options, six height settings, and three tray fixtures, we could be using this seat comfortably until she’s three – bingo!

In terms of safety (the most important part) we were more than happy with the five-point safety harness that is easy to attach and remove, and keeps the child completely secure. This is the same for the patterned seat pad.

Luna seems to thoroughly enjoy it.

I’m not joking when I say it looks like she’s chilling in a recliner, so I think it’s been an all-round 10/10 for us as a family. £79 mamasandpapas.com

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CA M CA M COPE NH A G E N

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mamahood ST Y LI ST JA M I E LYO N S O N H E R C R E AT I V E I N F LU E N C E S p . 2 8 R O C H E LLE H U M E S O N M OT H E R H O O D A N D H E R N E W H A I R C A R E R A N G E p . 3 0

Hey Mamas IN THIS SECTION

This month we meet three amazing mamas. Rochelle Humes talks to us about bringing up her daughters to be confident; Lucy Werner gives her tips on ‘hyping yourself’; and Jamie Lyons talks to us about being a stylist and a mum. Enjoy!

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ALMASS BADAT

woman in W O R K Publicity expert and mama, Lucy Werner, on her new book Hype Yourself I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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mamah o o d

INTERVIEW

Out now: Hype yourself, a nononsense PR toolkit for small businesses

E

ast London mama Lucy Werner is a PR expert and founder of The Wern, a PR and design consultancy. Her first book ‘Hype yourself, a nononsense PR toolkit for small businesses’ has just hit the shelves and is full of brilliant advice for anyone who is either looking to supercharge their existing PR strategy or might be thinking about launching something new. With more mamas than ever starting their own businesses, we met Lucy to pick her brains on everything from the common mistakes she often sees, to what to do if you’re suffering from imposter syndrome.

Q Tell us about Hype Yourself, what’s it all about?

A The world of work is changing, many of us are leaving the 9-5 and setting up shop either as a freelancer or small business owner particularly mums who can’t get the flexibility in corporate jobs to fit around childcare.

I’ve written this book as a handy toolkit for this audience to learn how to promote their business and grow awareness and sales.

Q You’re promoting the book whilst on maternity leave, do you think it’s a good time to start thinking about starting a new business or side hustle?

A Every baby is different so I can’t tell you that is the best time to think of starting a new career. But, I do think you will

never quite feel ready to take that leap of faith to start your own business, so maternity leave might provide you with a good opportunity to test the waters.

Q We love the idea of hyping yourself. What’s your advice to small business owners, or anyone who wants to start a business, suffering from imposter syndrome?

A With any fear it is good to tackle it head on. Often other people recognise our skills and talents better than we do. So chat to some fellow business owners about what you would like to do for a pep talk.

Q PR is so important for small businesses, but if budgets are tight, it often goes to the bottom of the list. What do you think is the most cost-effective thing people can do to promote themselves?

A Social media costs nothing but your time and is a great free tool to promote your business.

Q We are bombarded with brands trying to get our attention on social media these days. What can small brands do to cut through the noise?

A Video content is where it’s at. Stories on Instagram for example are far more effective for engagement than the grid. So start with just sharing a bit of what your day looks like so your audience can connect personally with you. Nobody connects

“The world of work is changing, many of us are leaving the 9-5 and setting up shop.

Particularly mums” with a faceless brand. Small businesses in this sense can have a competitive edge.

Q Is there one common mistake you see pop up time and time again when small businesses are promoting themselves online?

A It is quite jarring to see the lack of diversity in models used by businesses.

That and people only sell their product or service and don’t provide any added value.

Q And finally, one piece of advice you’d give to mamas thinking about starting a new business?

A There are some amazing female focused networks across the UK such as No Bull Business School, Found & Flourish or Mothers Meetings that support women at all stages of your business. Don’t sit and feel alone in your idea, join an online community and be inspired and boosted by other mamas. thewern.com @wernchat March 2020 | 27

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“I’m excited to see how her style evolves as she gets older and grows into her own opinions”

Q How did you get into styling, and what do you love most about it?

A I honestly got into it sort of by accident. I will admit, I used to think that stylists were only for celebrities and major magazines, which is true, but that’s definitely only part of it. After I graduated from university with an art degree, I knew I wanted to do something creative but I wasn’t sure what.

I was applying for a job at Neiman Marcus and while I was waiting on a response, I reached out to a friend I knew that worked there, and the rest is history. I love the collaborations I get to be a part of, and that my job centers around making beautiful imagery. Genuinely things I would do for fun are classified as work, and I feel like that’s really the most you can ask for out of a job.

INSTA MAMA

Jamie Lyons, stylist and new mama @theanticolor

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Q What’s it like living in Dallas and raising your daughter there?

A My favorite thing about raising my daughter in Dallas is that my mom is here; it’s been so special watching her become a grandmother (she’s a complete natural).

We spend a lot of time going to museums and parks, and we live in a 1925 tudor that I love in a cute neighborhood in South Dallas.

We’re on a first name basis with the people at our favorite coffee shop. Texas is also centrally located for travel, which we make it a point to do as much as we can. Clara’s already been on two flights, so she’s a pro.

Q How important is Instagram to your work as a stylist and what do you like and dislike most about the platform?

A I think it’s incredibly important! Instagram offers a level of exposure and accessibility that I feel is unique to the platform and has been such a game changer for the industry. I love how easy it is to share your work/point of view, and the ability to connect with people I would otherwise probably never get to meet. I

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mama h ood Q & A

saved before, which I’ll admit I never had a good system for), so I started to see themes emerge that I might not have realized. Lately, I’ve been drawing a lot of my inspiration from Instagram. Two of my favorite accounts to follow, who also happen to be moms, belong to Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek) and Amanda Jane Jones (@amandajanejones). feel like it’s really allowed potential clients to get a comprehensive idea of my aesthetic, and I’ve connected with some really wonderful people over shared interests on everything from motherhood to Phoebe Philo. Instagram manages to foster a genuinely authentic sense of community, and I think that’s really special. It can seem oversaturated or vapid at times, but I think that’s all in how you use it.

Q We love your monochromatic style.

Where do you get your influences from?

A Thank you so much! I used to love going to bookstores and pouring over fashion and design magazines for inspiration. Then Pinterest became a thing, and it really helped in defining my aesthetic. It put everything in one place for the first time (as opposed to the very random organization of images I’d

Q What’s your approach to dressing your daughter?

A Like my own wardrobe, she has a solid foundation of basics. On top of that, I like to look for fun pieces, like dresses or cozy sweaters, to give her outfits some personality.

I tend to go for classic, almost vintage looks, but modernized and minimal. I’m also a huge fan of bonnets, Briar (@briarbaby) is a favorite that we wear all the time. I do dress her predominantly in neutrals because I think they’re so timeless, but I also like to add a bit of whimsy with shades of blush, muted yellows, stripes, plaid, etc. I’m excited to see how her style evolves as she gets older and grows into her own opinions and preferences.

Q The biggest surprise about motherhood so far?

A How fast it really does go. It sounds so

cliche and you hear it all the time, but this first year has flown. As I type this, Clara has 3 days before her first birthday, and I feel like we just brought her home. The other surprise was that nursing was much less intuitive than I thought, which I feel like people don’t talk about! If you’re reading this and you’re pregnant…take the class.

Q And finally, best and worst bits about being a mama?

A I don’t know if I would call it the worst, but the hardest part is definitely the worry!

Worrying if she’s safe, if she’s breathing in her sleep, if she knows how much she’s loved, if I’m teaching her the right things, reading to her enough, did she just eat that thing she found on the floor. It’s a lot. But it’s completely overshadowed by the best part of being a mom, which is seeing my daughter’s smile and how her eyes light up. I love getting to experience things with her and watching her discover new things. I’m honestly still just in awe.

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“As a mother, you want your girls to be confident, strong and love themselves”

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wellness INTERVIEW

N AT U R A L

BEAUTY

Rochelle Humes on motherhood, raising her girls to be confident and her new skin and hair care range Q Tell us about My Little Coco. What made you want to launch a baby brand?

A When I was pregnant with Valentina I really noticed a gap in the market for premium quality brands on the high street that you can trust with knowing what all the ingredients are. I wanted to create something that I was confident were kind to our little ones’ skin and a brand you can trust.

Q There’s been a huge shift towards ‘clean’ beauty brands recently. Is that something you thought about when choosing the ingredients?

A Absolutely. When you have children you are so conscious of what products you are using on them. That’s why My Little Coco includes no nasties. I wanted to create

something that was a great, effective product but had harmless ingredients.

had to be. The whole range has organic coconut oil in it (it’s my favourite smell).

Q What have you enjoyed most about creating the range?

A I think to see the finished product and know that they will be stocked in Boots all over the country was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. I still can’t wait for the day I walk into store and see my own brand on the shelves.

Q Your children’s book, The Mega Magic Hair Swap was inspired by your daughter’s unhappiness with her hair. Has the book and now My Little Coco helped to make her feel more confident about her curls?

A Writing the book was such a powerful experience and I had so much positive feedback from parents letting me know that it encourages young girls to embrace their differences and appreciate their natural beauty from a young age. It really was a proud moment to know that I made something which is out there spreading positive messaging.

So I think the book and now My Little Coco has really helped to embrace curls and being natural in my home. We’re slowly losing that Instagram-filtered perfection, and people are starting to embrace their natural beauty more, which reassures me about the environment my daughters will be growing up in.

Q What’s the inspiration behind the name?

A I always used to use coconut oil on my girls for everything and they loved it.

I used to have my own pot and when I would run out, I’d use the girls’ pots and Alaia used to say ‘that’s my little coco’. I just knew that’s what the name

Q What’s the most difficult thing about raising girls?

A I think as a mother and a woman, you want them to be confident and all the things that maybe you find hard to be yourself sometimes. You want them to love themselves and be strong and sometimes it’s difficult to always do what you can to instil that in them.

Q And finally, best and worst bits about motherhood?

A It’s the most rewarding job in the world. It puts everything else in perspective in your life and to raise little humans is just the best joy ever. The worst bit would have to be the lack of sleep and no more lie-ins.

My Little Coco launches exclusively in Boots stores nationwide and Boots.com on 17th February 2020.

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Slow Down AS WE GROW

One to bookmark for sustainable fashion, As We Grow make beautifully simple pieces for mamas and minis. The Icelandic brand champion slow fashion, using only eco-friendly raw materials and avoiding mass production. aswegrow.is

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ST Y L E NOTES

The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections

E X P E C TA N T EDIT FRAGILE

Antwerp-based brand Fragile is one to know for stylish maternity wear. A tent-free zone, they are masters at beautifully tailored pieces that skim and flatter your bump.

we love

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ALL CHANGE TIBA + MARL

The new summer collection from cool changing bag brand TIBA + MARL sees the return of their signature leopard print in a new monochromatic colour palette. The brand is also launching an eco-friendly range featuring recycled ripstop nylon. tibaandmarl.com

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One of our favourites for eco fashion is London-based brand Birdsong. Making cool wardrobe staples, their pieces are ethical, sustainable and made by talented women who are paid a fair wage. birdsong.london

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Sustainable Stripes

MAMA

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J U S T I N E TA B A K

Adding a few new styles to her collection each season, we love this new striped shirt dress from Justine Tabak.

Made in England using sustainablysourced deadstock fabric, it takes its inspiration from the female heroes of the moment: the March sisters. justinetabak.co.uk

ISABELLA OLIVER The maternity brand that’s fighting against fast fashion

W

DREAMY DRESSES GHOSPELL

London based brand Ghospell is quickly becoming one of our favourites for dreamy dresses. The new collection is full of floaty styles that would work for mamas-to-be. ghospell.com

5 of t he b e st H AI R AC C E S S ORI E S CULT GAIA Linen Headband, £65; net-a-porter.com DONNI Cord Chiquita, $35; shopdonni.com

COS Silver Barrette £25; cosstores.com

A WEATHERED PENNY Hair Clip, £10; aweatheredpenny.com

VALET Resin Hair Clips, £85; net-a-porter.com

ith the backlash against fast fashion mounting, maternity brands are considering their part in the conversation.

Historically, you bought a whole new wardrobe to house your growing bump and then were so sick of the elephantine proportions by the time your baby arrived, you basically wanted to burn it all. Considering these pieces only had a few months wear, maternity clothing is a big problem when it comes to throwaway fashion.

One brand leading the way when it comes to changing this is Isabella Oliver. The maternity brand has just launched a new service, offering its customers the option to rent clothing for a period of two weeks, before returning free of charge. If you love the item, you also have the option to buy it. The initiative is part of the brand’s ‘Recommerce’ campaign, which focuses on more sustainable practices and seeks to prolong the life cycle of pre-owned garments.

Especially handy for events, renting maternity has got to be the answer when it comes to getting bored of your bump wardrobe.

And there will be no bonfires on Isabella Oliver’s watch. isabellaoliver.com

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FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches

T H R OW I N G SHADE IZIPIZI

we love

Warmer weather is on the way and we’re thinking: sunglasses. Izipizi make some of the most stylish shades around and start from newborn up to 10 years with 100% UV protection. izipizi.com

SPRING STEPS M A I S O N M A N G O S TA N

Maison Mangostan’s new collection is made for cool kids. A riot in neon and inspired by the worlds of art and music, step out in the Spanish brand’s chunky trainers or choose from their bold selection of sandals. maisonmangostan.com

Hey Sport T H E A N I M A L S O B S E R VA T O R Y

The new collection from Barcelona-based favourite The Animals Observatory has sporty retro vibes. Think big slogans, mix-and-match prints, and the kind of shapes that might have been found in your wardrobe back in the eighties and nineties. theanimalsobservatory.com

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Get Happy NOÉ & ZOË

Bringing its unique brand of sunshine, the new collection from Noé & Zoë is full of colourful rainbow hues and playful prints.

Perfect for a carefree summer ahead. noe-zoe.com

BONNET À PONPOM

GOING GREEN

A Spanish brand inspired by the retro charm of French dressing

I

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS

Leading the way in sustainable style, the new collection from Stella McCartney Kids is full of bold colours and playful details. stellamccartney.com

5 of t he b e st C O LO U RF U L AC C E S S ORI E S MOLO Rainbow Keychain, £10; alexandalexa.com

BONNE MAISON Checkered Socks, £17; smallable.com

ACNE Purple Beanie, £53; smallable.com

STICKY LEMON Small Backpack, €44.95; stickylemon.nl

f you’re a self-confessed Francophile, Bonnet à Ponpom will be a hard one to resist.

From Spain rather than France, the childrenswear brand for little ones aged 0-12 takes inspiration from that classic-meets-contemporary bohemian style that is done so well across the channel. Think spriggy florals, delicate fabrics, and soft pastel-y tones. Not to mention a baby bonnet or two, of course!

The brand sources beautiful vintage-style prints from all over Europe and uses 100% natural materials such as cashmere, linen and cotton. Each collection is designed in Spain and every piece is beautifully made with an incredible attention to detail.

Coming into spring, they are a great one to earmark for wedding season as they do a ‘ceremonial’ range with plenty of sweet options for flower girls and bridesmaids.

But they are definitely not a brand to save just for special occasions.

Although the pieces are pretty, they have just enough irreverent spirit to make them perfect for playing in too. Oui oui! bonnetaponpom.com

ROCKAHULA KIDS Retro Bar Clips, £6; rockahulakids.com

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Dressing THE BUMP Naomi Raybould on setting up maternity brand Beyond Nine I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Q Tell us about Beyond Nine. What made you want to set it up?

A When I was pregnant with my first, Rufus, I really struggled with maternity wear. I’ve always loved clothes and they’ve been a big part of self-expression for me, but when I was pregnant I found I ended up wearing things I would never normally wear, out of necessity. I found that everyone was offering the same shapes and styles, generally poorly made out of cheap fabrics. I couldn’t wait to see the back of them when Rufus was born.

Then I got pregnant with my second, Raffy and I couldn’t believe that the maternity wear market was still offering the same old thing. Then my mum lent me her some jumpsuits that she wore in the ‘80s when she was pregnant with me and my brothers and that sparked the whole idea off.

“I wanted to design something to help pregnant mums feel like themselves”

Q What made you want to focus on maternity wear?

A I really felt (and still feel) that the high street is very lazy when it comes to maternity wear. Having experienced the frustration and talking to other mums about it, I knew I wasn’t alone. I really wanted to design something to help pregnant mums feel like themselves when they put it on – I wanted it to reflect a modern mum’s style. It is also very important to me that everything I design has a life well beyond (and before) pregnancy. We work really hard on our cuts, making sure they’re bump-friendly and also flattering without bumps. Sustainability is a huge factor in the business, so making clothes work hard is key.

Q How did your motherhood journey play into your decision to launch the business?

A Oh, it’s been totally integral. Not only having lived experience of the frustration of maternity wear means I can design things which I know combat these frustrations, but I’ve also had two pregnancies where I’ve been able to test run the designs, and there’s nothing like first-hand experience of something to help you perfect it. Becoming a mother has given me a huge sense of courage and fearlessness. Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world, so if I can do that (x3) then I can do anything!

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fash io n INTERVIEW

“I have moments of feeling completely overwhelmed”

ethically made maternity wear as I couldn’t find this in my first two pregnancies. We source natural and organic fabrics and currently make all our pieces here in the U.K in factories we now know well. We also always make in small batches so never send anything to landfill. This can be frustrating for customers as we often sell out of styles very quickly, but we’re working hard on keeping up with demand. Sustainability is also so much more than just the process of making a garment, it’s also about thinking about the longevity of a piece and making sure that it lasts well and can be worn through all stages of womanhood.

Q Where do you get your inspiration from for each collection?

A Everywhere. Literally, everything and anything. It can be from a customer who I’ve been chatting to, someone I walk past on the street, or something I’ve seen which I love and I’ll rack my brains and work to see how we can offer something like it which is bump friendly, as well as my current wardrobe and the things I love wearing when I’m not pregnant. We also made a trip to Australia two years ago and I discovered some amazing

female-run independent brands, from clothes to flowers to ceramics to furniture – and they still inspire me. I also always try to think about what it is that makes me feel good when I’m wearing something and how I can emulate that in each piece (for me comfort is a massive factor and the main piece of feedback we get is about how comfortable our clothes are).

Q How important is sustainability to Beyond Nine?

A Sustainability is core to the business. It’s one of the driving forces behind it – offering

Q What’s a typical day like for you and how do you juggle motherhood with running a brand?

A Honestly, pretty hectic. We have three boys (my eldest has just started reception and my youngest is 5 months), and my husband also runs his own business in garden design, so no two days are really the same. I’m on the school run and pick up four days a week and have Raffy (who is 2) with me two days a week, so on these days I try and work around nap times.

Sometimes a day can be a total write off with Raffy and Bruno sleeping at opposite times, and when this happens I don’t try to fight it. I’ll just put my phone and laptop away and work when they’ve all gone to bed in the evening. It can be stressful and I have moments of feeling completely overwhelmed and I wonder what the hell I am doing, but I have the most amazing customers who send me little love notes of the most incredible feedback and that always lifts me back up and inspires me to carry on. beyondnine.co.uk March 2020 | 51

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Work It Out BRAVADO

Wearing the right bra during pregnancy is important to make sure you get the correct support. Even your old sports bras won’t cut it, so make sure you invest in one designed for your changing shape, like the styles from Bravado. bravadodesigns.com

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HEALTH

FACE IT

L U M I N O U S FAC I A L YO G A

Helping to combat the effects of stress, ageing and children(!), facial yoga is set to be a huge trend this year. New subscription based website Luminous Facial Yoga gives members access to a suite of tutorials and routines so you can practice at home. Perfect for timepoor mamas. £2.99 per month; luminous-london.com

mama’s

WELLNESS NOTES Bubbles with benefits and age-defying facial yoga

BUMP FIT BARRECORE

Barrecore’s expert teachers are able to adapt movements to match your trimester and personal needs, helping to reduce aches and pains and prepare the body for birth. Check out their weekly BarrePRENATAL classes in Islington and quarterly workshops at their Wandsworth studio. barrecore.com

Drink up

W I L D L I F E B O TA N I C A L S

If dry January went so well you’ve decided to carry on, Wildlife Botanical’s bubbles with benefits could help to continue the saintly feeling. Ultra low in alcohol and infused with vitamins, minerals and botanicals, their English Bubbly is 0.5% ABV, and is suitable for pregnant and breast-feeding mamas. wildlifebotanicals.co.uk

SKIN SOOTHER O I L AT U M

Oilatum Daily Junior Bath Foam is dermatologist developed for use on babies and children. The ultra gentle formulation is suitable for those prone to eczema. £4.99 for 300ml. boots.com March 2020 | 5 5

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MEXICAN BOWL Feeds 1 adult and 1 baby Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 25 mins Best for 8 months+

B

lack beans and guacamole are a delicious combination in this easy and quick Buddha bowl. If your baby has mastered their pincer grasp you can leave the beans whole, otherwise gently mash them first.

INGREDIENTS • 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped into cubes or batons • 1 tbsp olive oil • 5 tbsp quinoa • ½ x 400g can of cooked black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed • ½ a cucumber, cut into batons • ½ cup/70g sweetcorn kernels (canned or frozen, drained and defrosted, if needed • Juice of ½ a lime • Small handful of coriander, roughly chopped OPTIONAL TOPPINGS F O R A D U LT P O R T I O N S • Small fresh chilli, chopped • Salt

LITTLE

Veg g ie Eat s Easy weaning recipes for all the family to enjoy from Rachel Boyett’s new book

GUACAMOLE • 1 avocado • ¼ tsp garlic granules or powder • Juice of ½ a lime • 3 cherry tomatoes, finely chopped • Few sprigs of coriander, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan/400˚F. 2 Put the sweet potatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with the olive oil and roast for 25 minutes until they are cooked through.

3 Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions and then set aside.

4 To make the guacamole, mash the avocado with the garlic and lime juice.

Add the tomatoes then stir them into the avocado mixture along with the coriander.

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5 Assemble the bowls with the quinoa, a generous serving of the guacamole, the beans and all the veggies.

6 Squeeze over the lime juice and sprinkle with a few bits of coriander.

7 Add the chilli and salt to your bowl, if you like.

COCONUT & CARDAMOM RICE PUDDING Feeds 2 adults and a baby Prep: 3 mins, Cook: 30 mins (20 if you use white rice) Ideal first food

R

ice pudding, for me, is the ultimate comfort food.

This version is made with coconut milk so it is dairyfree but just as creamy and delicious as regular rice pudding. I’ve also made it with a mix of brown rice and quinoa to up the protein and fibre content. It tastes great on its own, but to make it even more decadent you could add some berry compote, apple sauce or mango chia jam.

INGREDIENTS • 1 x 400ml can of coconut milk • 6 tbsp brown rice, rinsed well • 3 tbsp whole quinoa • ½ tsp ground cardamom

DIRECTIONS 1 Put all the ingredients into a small saucepan over a medium heat and bring to the boil. 2 Turn down to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until the coconut milk is mostly absorbed and the rice is cooked through. 3 Spoon into bowls and serve warm (wearing PJs for maximum comfort!). 4 Add some toppings if you like or a squeeze of maple syrup for the adults.

SUBSTITUTIONS If you don’t like coconut milk you can make this with any regular milk of your choice. It won’t be as naturally sweet so you will almost certainly want to add a topping.

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for two minutes. 4 Add the cauliflower and sweet potato, along with the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric and curry powder, and cook for a few more minutes.

5 Then add the chickpeas, coconut milk and tomatoes. 6 Cook the curry for about 25 minutes until the vegetables are cooked. 7 For young and spoonfed babies, gently mash or blend their portion. Once your baby’s pincer grasp is developed you can leave the curry with more texture for them to pick up chickpeas, vegetables etc. 8 Serve with quinoa, rice or a flatbread, a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of yoghurt. 9 Add salt and fresh chilli to adult portions.

SUBSTITUTIONS I’ve written the recipe using cauliflower and sweet potato but you can replace these with any other vegetables you like. You can also add some greens towards the end of cooking; spinach and/or peas are both delicious, and they only take 5 minutes to cook.

MAGIC CURRY

Feeds 2 adults and 2 smalls Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 30 mins Ideal first food

M

agic curry got its name because it was the fi rst curry my son ever ate. It’s a perfect introduction to curry – a slightly sweet sauce with warm spices running through. This is a very easy store-cupboard curry and it freezes well so it’s ideal to make up a batch on a rainy afternoon to add to your freezer stash.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 tsp mustard seeds • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

• 3 cm fresh ginger, grated • ¼ head of cauliflower, chopped into florets • ½ sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 tsp curry powder • 1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes • Yoghurt, lemon or lime juice, chilli flakes and salt, to serve (optional)

DIRECTIONS 1 Yoghurt, lemon or lime juice, chilli flakes and salt, to serve (optional).

2 When you hear the mustard seeds start to pop, add the onion. Cook the onion for about 10 minutes until soft.

3 Add the garlic and ginger and cook

L I T T L E V E G G I E E AT S

By Rachel Boyett, photography by Tania Dolvers, available from 12 March 2020, Penguin, £14.99; littleveggieeats.com

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B E AU T Y NOTES Hair, make-up and beauty news for the month ahead

we love

M U LT I TA S K E R S F. M I LLE R

Using certified organic and ethically wildcrafted ingredients wherever possible, F. Miller’s skincare products deliver multicorrectional results. The toning mist boosts moisture, whilst also restoring the skin’s natural balance and purifying pores. fmillerskincare.com

WA K E UP IRENE FORTE

The clean beauty brand has just launched their Lemon Toner which contains a fermented blend of nutrientrich red grape, wheat bran, apple and zesty lemon extracts. A couple of wipes and the skin looks brighter and feels quenched. £59; ireneforteskincare.com

Super soak O LV E R U M

Transform your tub into a fragrant, theraputic haven with this cult bath oil from Olverum. The bathroom must-have contains ten essential oils including eucalyptus, lavender and geranium, leaving mind and muscles relaxed while skin is silky-soft. £35; spacenk.com

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Deep Dive SKIN REGIMEN

The beauty industry’s not-so-secret weapon for hydrating, softening and detoxifing the skin, wonder-ingredient algae also replenishes essential vitamins and minerals. This essense from Skin Regimen does all of this and more, naturally illuminating the skin. £51; skinregimen.com

DYSON AI RWR AP™ ST YLER COM PLETE

F

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

FOREVER YO U N G HERBIVORE

Billed as ‘youth in a bottle’, Hervibore’s Orchid Facial Oil gives you a dewy glow, illuminating and rehydrating the complexion. Containing orchid extract and camillia oil, all of the ingriedients are natural. £54; spacenk.com

5 o f t he b e st P R E G NA N C Y SA F E REN Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser, £25; renskincare.com

BUFF, SEA SALT BODY SCRUB £9.95; buffnaturalbodycare.com (from second trimester)

COWSHED, MOTHER TO BE GIFT SET, £30; cowshed.com

GREEN PEOPLE, SCENT FREE SHOWER/BATH GEL £12.50; greenpeople.co.uk

ull disclosure: I am a ‘wash-and-go’ kind of girl when it comes to styling my hair. I have rather woefully never mastered curling tongs, so the promise that the Dyson Airwrap would do all the hard work for me appealed - and the innovative hair styler certainly lives up to all the hype.

The motor creates what Dyson calls the ‘Coanda’ effect to style your hair with air, rather than extreme heat. Watching the instruction video, I was dubious as to whether I would be able to master the technique. But sure enough, click on one of the styling barrels and the air pressure gently encourages the hair to wrap around it – as if by magic. The Airwrap comes with eight different attachments, presented in a smart leather box.

There’s a dryer, which is designed to create the ideal moisture level before you style. Three brush attachments (one round, and two paddle – one soft and one hard) effortlessly help you straighten, or create volume, and then there’s the four curling barrels, two of each size (40mm for a looser wave and 30mm for a tighter curl).

The Airwrap is definitely worth the investment, especially if even a hair-styling novice like me can achieve salon-like results.

£449.99; dyson.co.uk

MAMA MIO, GORGEOUS GLOW 3 STEP SET, £42; mioskincare.co.uk

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LITTLE BUTTERFLY

PA M P E R TIME Absolutely Mama rounds up the best beauty treatments for Mother’s Day W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Dreamy Pregnancy Massage

THE DEAL

• If you want to treat a mama-to-be (or if you’re expecting yourself) this Mother’s Day, one of our favourites is the Dreamy Pregnancy Massage from award-winning skincare brand Little Butterfly. Available in luxury hotels and spas across the UK, this is an indulgent treatment aimed at soothing the aches and pains of pregnancy and giving you a bit of much-needed me-time before your baby arrives. We visited the Little Butterfly’s flagship destination, the renowned Sofitel St. James Hotel, which has a luxurious but cosy feel.

THE TREATMENT • The massage uses Little Butterfly’s 100% organic Fall into Dreams Massage Oil which combines rosehip and argan oil to nourish the skin, apricot, jojoba and grapeseed oil to

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welln es s ADVICE

help minimise stretch marks, and orange oil to help relax your mind.

During pregnancy it can become difficult to lie comfortably, so special cushions are used to make sure your body is supported properly. Soothing and relaxing, the massage focuses on areas of tension, including the back, lumbar region, shoulders, feet and legs. Your therapist will also (very!) gently massage your stomach to treat stretch marks. Our favourite thing? Little Butterfly’s products are completely safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding and can be used on even the most sensitive and eczemaprone skin. They are also free from mineral oil, paraffi n, parabens, silicones, SLS, DEA, TEA, PEGs, colourants and artificial fragrances which can cause irritation.

Dreamy Pregnancy Massage at Sofitel St. James Hotel, £110 littlebutterflylondon.com

MATHEW ALEXANDER Blow Dry

THE DEAL • Nestled on a quiet street in Marylebone, Mathew Alexander’s salon is perfect for a bit of mother/ daughter pampering or to get you ready for a Mother’s Day event.

Mathew is known for his work with celebrities, but aside from his brilliant expertise, what we love most about his approach is that he is passionate about sustainability. He uses brands such as Hairstory and Davines, which are free from nasty chemicals that damage the environment (not to mention your hair). The salon itself is tranquil with a luxurious feel and incorporates

URBAN RETREAT NAILS

elements such as recycled marble and tumbling greenery at every turn

THE TREATMENT • I’m booked in for a blow dry with Mathew and he immediately puts me at ease. I’m not a fan of over-styled tresses, so we discuss a soft and loose wave. As it’s winter, my hair is a little bit dry, so he also selects a Davines hair mask for me and a treatment to make my natural colour feel a bit brighter and more reflective. After a relaxing head massage at the sinks, he gets to work creating a flawless head of tumbling curls whilst I sit back and sip on a herbal tea. I get loads of compliments about the styling and my hair looks shiny and wellconditioned for days afterwards.

Blow dry and styling with Mathew from £63 mathewalexander.co.uk

URBAN RETREAT CND Nail Lab

THE DEAL

• Away from the crowds in Knightbridge, Urban Retreat’s swish new luxury spa destination The White House is spread across five floors.

You can book in for every beauty treatment imaginable, but I’m visiting their CND Nail Lab for a manicure and pedicure. With a modern and cosy feel, the nail lab offers a treatment menu that includes nail art, gels, and nail repair, all delivered by their award-winning team.

THE TREATMENT • On arrival, a receptionist shows me up to a stylish bar area (complete with retro popcorn machine) where I enjoy a juice before my therapist arrives. Once in the nail lab, I’m made to feel comfortable at one of their pedicure stations – which would be perfect for side-by-side pampering if you are visiting with your mama.

One therapist concentrates on my feet, whilst another does my hands.

I’m treated to a luxurious foot soak and my heels are buffed to get rid of any dry skin. I choose CND’s Vinylux 5-free polish and as I can’t decide on one colour, I go for a tonal rainbow of shades on both my hands and feet.

LITTLE BUTTERFLY

After my treatment, I head downstairs to the stylish cafe, which is a great place to relax whilst your nails dry.

Manicures and pedicures from £30 urbanretreat.co.uk

CLOUD TWELVE Soothing Facial by Organic Pharmacy

THE DEAL

• On a pretty cobbled mews in Notting Hill just a stone’s throw from Portobello Market, Cloud Twelve is a luxury wellness and lifestyle club with an amazing playzone for kids if you’re a member. Non members can book into the spa and wellness space, which has an impressive menu of cutting edge holistic treatments. I’m visiting for their Soothing Facial by Organic Pharmacy, a bespoke treatment that’s tailored to your specific skin needs.

THE TREATMENT • For Mother’s Day, you can book Cloud Twelve’s couples’ suite for a side-by-side treatment or they can partition it off for a solo treatment.

The room has a heated Dolomites quartz bed lined with tiny rose quartz pebbles, said to balance your chakras and give off healing energy.

The treatment is relaxing with lots of facial massage with focus on the tension in my neck, shoulders and arms, and a fruit enzyme peel is applied to get rid of any gunk and dead skin. Afterwards my skin feels incredibly soft, soothed and clean, and my complexion is rosy and brightened. £110 for 60 mins; Dolomites Quartz Treatment Bed an additional £15 cloudtwelve.co.uk March 2020

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Ready for the next adventure!

Expert nutritional support from Wellkid®

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© ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003.

03/02/2020 16:39

wellness GUT

HEALTH

Spring

CLEANSE Detox and raw food expert Tenna Annette and Angelina Riccio, co-founders of Purearth, on how to do a nourishing gut cleanse

J

uice cleansing is by far the quickest, safest and most effective way to detox, helping the body absorb nutrients whilst disposing toxic residues and kickstarting the autolysis process.

We wanted to create a gut cleanse based on similar principles, but more directed for someone new to cleansing wanting to improve their gut health with a combination of juicing and probiotic foods. The detox symptoms are less but the results are great and can be longlasting if followed by a diet including a variety of pre- and probiotic foods.

1

Pre- and probiotics are your best friends In the trendy ‘gut health’ world, you have probably heard the term ‘microbiome’ around, but what actually is a microbiome?

A microbiome is the unique community of microorganisms which inhabit an environment – in this case, your gut.

When these microorganisms are not happy, we experience microbial imbalance – also known as dysbiosis – which can result in a range of symptoms from bloating, diarrhoea and constipation to frequent illness, acne and even low mood. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria already present in your gut and probiotics add new beneficial bacteria. Both are essential and provide nutrient fuel to retain balance and diversity in the gut.

Alongside a clean, healthy diet, it is also important to support your microbiome with high quality sources of gut-loving pre and probiotics to feed the healthy bacteria and add to the microbial diversity in the gut microbiome.

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Everyday travel companion This fully-featured compact stroller is perfect for city living or jet-setting travelers.

TRIV™ is cleverly designed with a seat that can face both ways and fold both ways, and can easily convert to a travel system.

The ring adapter can even fold with the frame, creating the perfect sidekick to your everyday adventures.

For a quick trip to the corner store or getting across town, TRIV is a natural city dweller that packs up quickly with a one-hand fold and stands on its own, keeping your busy hands free.

Find out more at nunababy.com

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wellness GUT

HEALTH

Vegan Thai Spiced Broth Noodles INGREDIENTS

“To really connect with our food, we need to use all our senses ”

2

Practise mindful eating In our busy modern lives, we often forget the importance of slowing down, and this is especially true when it comes to consuming our food. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to send its satiation signal, which can often cause mindless overeating. By eating more slowly, we can help our mind and body to communicate better about our appetite.

Eating and chewing food properly doesn’t simply involve tasting it. To really connect with our food, we need to use all of our senses; immerse yourself in the smell, texture and visual stimulation. Eat in a peaceful and quiet

space where you can enjoy and relax. You will be surprised how eating mindfully and intuitively can have a positive effect on your gut health.

3

Don’t forget about your general wellbeing With our programme we also wanted to introduce a few tips to improve general wellbeing, outside of diet, which are just as important but often forgotten about, unfortunately.

Of course, we love to rave about the effects of practising breathing techniques and moving your body (especially with mindful exercise such as yoga) to reduce stress levels, as well as instilling good sleeping habits (this means switching off from devices before bed, sorry!).

All of these in combination with a nutrient-rich, varied diet packed with gut-loving pre and probiotics will leave your gut balanced, and you feeling much happier, healthier and more energetic.

Tenna Annette and Angelina Riccio, founders of Purearth purearth.co.uk

• P urearth Vegan Broth: Thai Spice Infusion (ingredients: filtered water, leeks, onions, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, fennel, spinach, kale, lime, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, lemongrass, coriander, garlic, fennel seeds, bay leaves, Himalayan salt) • 100g Clearspring gluten-free soba noodles • 1 clove of garlic (chopped) • Handful of kale leaves (chopped) • 1 teaspoon Clearspring Unami chilli paste • Marigold Engevita nutritional yeast flakes • 1/3 cup of Biona coconut milk (optional)

METHOD 1 Gently heat the Thai spice infusion broth for 5 minutes (optional: for a creamier version, add coconut milk) 2 Bring a pot of water to boil and add the noodles, garlic, kale and Unami chilli paste, allowing it to gently cook for 5 minutes 3 Once cooked, drain and rinse 4 Add the Unami chilli paste and mix Serve in a bowl, and sprinkle on nutritional yeast flakes to garnish and add a subtle cheesy flavour

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K ! nl an dU ai to M

EL IV ER Y D EE FR

NEW

Converts to

Toddler Bed

Oasis Oval Cot Transform your nursery into an oasis of calm...

With increased visibility and lockable castors, our Oasis Oval Cot offers a beautiful alternative to traditional bedside sleepers. Crafted from sustainable solid wood, it will last you well beyond the newborn stage, transforming into a unique toddler bed when the time comes.

Follow us @booricollections

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Find out more by visiting: www.boori.com/uk

03/02/2020 16:37

home &

O U R I N T E R I O R P I C K S FO R T H E M O N T H A H E A D p .70 F I V E S P R I N G N U R S E RY T R E N D S p .78

Swing Time LILLAGUNGA

We speak from personal experience when we say that no gift has supplied such lasting delight (not to mention physical exercise!) to our little ones as the Lillagunga Bone. A robust wooden trapeze-swing suitable for indoor use, it’s available in a range of tasteful colours and finishes. €119; lillagunga.com

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mama

N U R S E RY NOTES Helen Baron’s interior picks for the month ahead

BIG TO P OYOY LIVI NG DESIG N

we love

The SS20 collection from OYOY offers much to get excited about – not least the beautiful blue linen ‘Ronja’ canopy, complete with circus-style scalloping and a giant pom pom on top. £98.40; oyoylivingdesign.co.uk

DREAM W E AV E R THE BASKET ROOM

Seriously cute and satisfying ethical, this beautiful Fairtrade moses basket is woven by hand in Ghana. Each one takes three days to make and features a decorative pattern in black, orange and turquoise. £169; notonthehighstreet.com

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Sleep Easy MOKEE

Nursery brand MoKee is on course to use only eco-friendly and recyclable packaging by June 2020 – so you can order that new cot or cute cloud mobile without uncertainty. Top marks. en.mokee.eu

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h o me & interio rs

NURSERIE S

Light Years ALL THINGS BRIGHTON BEAUTIFUL

Light up their nights while encouraging an interest in astronomy with this cute moon lamp. Featuring handy touch controls, it can be set to cool or warm light settings. £29;95; notonthehighstreet.com

d Bran s u Foc

TH E B RIG HT COM PANY

ALL EARS

F

Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

NOFRED

The world-famous mouse chair is now available in a leggier version, suitable for use at full-size tables and for kids aged 3-9. Choose from white, grey, black or natural oak finishes. £239.95; scandiborn.co.uk

5 of the best WALL HO OKS ROCK AND PEBBLE £44; uk.rockandpebble.com OYOY £11.95; scandiborn.co.uk

NOFRED €68; nofred.com

FERM LIVING €19; fermliving.com

ounded in London in 2013 by a London College of Fashion graduate and former employee of Sir Paul Smith, The Bright Company is all about bedtime.

Their famous ‘Slym Jyms’ are pyjama sets crafted from super soft organic cotton with a touch of elastane for durability and comfort. The cuffs and hems ensure a superhero-style silhouette little will love, and fun designs include monochrom harlequin diamonds and embroidered moons.

Even better, the design ensures pj’s won’t ride up at night.

There are looser styles, too, fashioned from dreamy, drapey muslin in natural tones and delicate prints. And the entire collection is ethically produced, with the garments produced in European factories with ethical employment policies.

Our current favourite is this unique set of Slim Jyms, covered in a fetching feather print with detachable ‘wings’ for little night owls. They’re the perfect thing for making bedtime an adventure – and great for an ‘Owl and the Pussycat’ theme this World Book Day. Owl Slym Jyms, £38; thebrightcompany.uk

IRIS HANTVERK £12; arket.com

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h om e & i nte riors

INSPIRATION

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

In the

C O U N T R Y Emma Paton, founder of Finlay Fox blog, on making the move from London to Suffolk

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

E

mma Paton is the founder of fashion and lifestyle blog Finlay Fox, which is aimed at style- and designconscious parents. She is also mama to Finn (6) and Violet (4). Together with her music composer husband, Liam, she recently made the move out of London. The family sold their house in Stoke Newington and bought a pretty chocolate box-style property in Suffolk last August. Here Emma shares the progress they have made on their new countryside digs so far.

Q How did you come to buy the house and what drew you to it?

A We only saw one house and put an offer in. We loved the scale of it (so much space) and the location – in a pretty village with two good pubs, a well-stocked village shop next door and just a few minutes walk to the local

primary school (where Finn would have nine kids in his year). It seemed to be the right house to bring the kids up in – one where we were still part of a community and you didn’t have to get in your car to go and buy milk. They have lots of events in the village square including an annual music festival and brocante and it definitely feels like there is a bit more going on than some of the other villages and locations we looked at, not too sleepy. Also the house itself is stunning with large room proportions and a big (but not too big) garden with a barn at the back of it. We could just picture ourselves spending a big chunk of our lives here. Sometimes from the front it looks like a dolls house – I have to pinch myself that we live somewhere so unique and beautiful.

Q What made you want to make the move out of London?

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“The house is Grade II listed – Georgian at the front and 14th century at the back” London and we weren’t that keen on the secondary schools in our area, plus the pollution in London is so bad. It was just finding the right time and place. My son was in year 1 and my daughter in nursery so it felt like if we were going to do it then now would work before friendships were too established and emotions would get more challenging. Trying to tie a completion date to the start of the school year in September was particularly challenging; the buying and selling process is so stressful. We spent many weekends and half terms exploring areas in Suffolk and Norfolk, trying to suss out where we could live – it was a long process over a few years to make sure we picked the right spot to settle.

Q What has the adjustment from city to country life been like?

A Really challenging. Uprooting your life anywhere is tough but going from city to country was such a big change

and there were lots of tears from me, especially leaving family, friends and community. The kids have been amazing and settled super quickly. Having kids really is the best way to meet new people and everyone has been so kind, helpful and welcoming. When we moved in we had no hot water, a bees nest, mice and the reality of living on quite a busy road to deal with. It was a bit of a shock when our road in Stoke Newington had been so quiet – it felt funny moving to the county and be living on a noisier road.

But the rest of the house makes up for it, even though it was overwhelming to move from such a finished house to one that needs so much care and work. We also had to get used to driving to get everywhere, which has been one of the biggest changes. I am really excited for spring and summer in Suffolk – we have beaches a half an hour’s drive away and it really is so beautiful everywhere.

Q What was the house like when you bought it and are you planning any renovation work?

A Structurally the house is fine but it had been neglected so needs some serious love and attention put back into it. It’s a Grade II listed house, Georgian at the front and 14th century at the back – a combination of well-proportioned front rooms and smaller beamed rooms at the back. We are working with a very experienced architect to design a new kitchen extension that will link the most lived in room with the garden. We have done some plumbing and electric works but the whole house needs decorating and furnishing properly. Our old furniture feels a little small and out of place here. We plan on sourcing plenty of vintage furniture and making sure March 2020 | 75

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BOUTIQUE RECRUITMENT Company for Childcare and Household Staff

COVERING LONDON, THE REST OF THE UK & WORLDWIDE Mobile: 0787 261 9611 Office: 0207 459 4131 Francesca Boize Managing Director info@bambinoandbutler.com bambinoandbutler.com

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

we put our own stamp on the property while maintaining its character. Sadly Scandi style won’t really work here so we are learning to embrace a bit of country house style. We have nearly completed the kids’ floor in the loft, they have such a great area all to themselves.

Q What is your decorating vision and where have you looked to for inspiration?

A Our vision is to move away from the old yellow walls all over the house. We love softer colour palettes – greens, blues and greys – and have been doing a lot of research and paint testing with Farrow & Ball colours. We have been reading Elle Decoration, House & Garden, making Pinterest boards and reading books such as Faded Glamour and Rocket St George to get inspiration. Eventually we will need to get curtains and blinds and I am definitely embracing more print in this house than in our old home.

Q What have you done to Finn and Violet’s rooms so far?

A As their rooms are in the loft we tried to embrace that it is a floor to have fun on and feel playful. It has low ceilings, slanted walls and lots of beams – it feels quite cosy up there now. We added wallpaper in the bedrooms and bathroom, which was a challenge as the walls are so uneven and wonky up there.

We went with a Swedish vintage-style wallpaper from Bobbyrabbit Kids for Violet and a wildcats wallpaper from Wild Hearts Wonder for Finn. I want to make sure the rooms last well so am going to source some vintage G Planstyle furniture for Finn’s bedroom which will work into his teens and beyond.

Q And finally, which room is your favourite?

A Oh I do love the grand entrance hall.

We haven’t done anything to it yet but it is perfect at the moment for a party. finlayfox.com @finlayfox March 2020 | 77

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03/02/2020 16:55

W SPRING REFRESH Five easy nursery updates to freshen up their spaces from children’s interiors designer Ursula Wesselingh

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hen spring is in the air, I get the urge to bring the outside in and update everything in the house. What better time to take a fresh look at your little one’s nursery and see how you can bring in some of that new energy? I don’t necessarily mean spring theming your baby’s room – you’d be changing the room every season. There are however some easy ways to breathe new air into an existing scheme which will satisfy that urge to start afresh.

H AV E A C L E A R - O U T

• Clear out the old to make room for the new.

It may not be what you’d like to hear, but it’s the surest way to get your baby’s nursery spring ready. A thorough declutter and spring clean can make the room look like new. It will feel calmer and more spacious, so it will be easier to see how you could change things up.

My favourite method to clear out clutter is to take everything out of its storage place, one category at a time (eg clothing, bedding, baby care, toys, trinkets, etc.), and only keep what is still loved or useful – the rest can go. You can do this one category at a time if you don’t have enough time to tackle the entire room in one go.

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h o me & interio r s PROFILE

“A thorough declutter and spring clean will make the room feel like new”

Alternatively you can use wall stickers to update the walls quickly and easily. Think clusters of stars, dots or triangles, or a trail of large scale florals in a corner of the room.

NEW BEDDING S O R T YO U R S T O R AG E

• After a clear-out, you’ll be better able to assess what storage is needed to organise your child’s toys and other possessions.

If you need extra baskets or boxes, go for similar looking ones to keep the look consistent, and label them clearly. Apart from hiding the things that let the decor down, well organised storage makes it easier to keep a room tidy and looking good.

U P D AT E T H E WA L L S

• Now that the room is all tidy and organised it’s time to look at the decor. I am a huge fan of wallpaper to make a room feel special.

A feature wall will do just that, and it’s easier than ever with removable wallpaper.

There are many online suppliers who offer this product, which makes it a breeze to update a room and change it whenever you please. It’s relatively inexpensive and can be installed without professional help.

• Your baby’s cot is often the focal point of the nursery, and with some new bedding you can give the room an instant lift. I love sheets with a cute pattern, or plains in dusty colours.

When not in use, a pretty new cushion or doll will dress the cot, whilst a new blanket softens the lines. If you have a chair in your nursery, adding a cushion will give it a whole new look.

CHANGE UP THE ART

• A final super quick and inexpensive way of breathing some fresh air into your nursery, is to hang a few new prints on the walls.

Look for a theme or style that you like and make sure some of the room’s main colours feature in the print to pull it all together.

U RSU L A WE S S ELI N G H Interior designer, Room to Bloom @roomtobloom room-to-bloom.com March 2020

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escapes A TO D D LE R F R I E N D LY S K I H O LI DAY TO LE M A S S I F p . 8 4 FA M I LY E S C A P E AT T H E P I G I N B R I D G E p . 8 9

Of f Piste

EL LODGE , SIERRA NEVADA

This Spanish ski resort is designed with families in mind. The spacious chalet-style accommodation offers handily interconnecting rooms – and while adults hit the big slopes, littles can learn the basics in the Dream Land Alpine Garden, with mechanical carpets to help them grow their skills, or test their talents on the marine-themed ‘Pista del Mar’.

From €350 per night; ellodge.com

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FOUR SEASONS

Q U I N TA D O L A G O

Your Time, Your Place For friends, family, or just you

Y e a r - r o u nd fa m ily f r ie ndly r e s ort . Lu x u ry v il l a s w i t h pr i vat e s w i m m ing p o ol or J a c u z z i K id s c lu b , c r e c he a nd ba by si t t ing H e at e d ind o or , o u t d o or & toddl e r p o ol s T w o R e s ta u r a n ts , K id s M e n u ' s FOUR SEASONS FAIRWAYS . QUINTA DO L AGO . ALGARVE . PORTUGAL

For enquiries and bookings please visit www.fourseasonsfairways.com

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escapes

INSPIRATIONS

PLEASURE ISLAND E S C A P A D A X C A R L I S L E B AY

Wellness experts Escapada have teamed up with this luxury Antiguan resort to offer a four-night all-inclusive retreat from 28 May-1 June. Expect restorative yoga and spa therapies against a backdrop of lush rainforest and white sand beaches.

From $2,250 per person; carlislebay.com

mama’s

T R AV E L NOTES Helen Baron rounds up the most exciting travel kit and destinations OCEAN GOING

we love

WESTIN MALDIVES MIRIANDHOO RESORT

COOLA

The kids club at this leading Maldivian resort has introduced a new ‘Sea Clearly’ programme to educate littles about the need to respect and protect our oceans. westin.com/maldivesmiriandhoo

Our favourite sunscreen, Coola offers superb protection and is both organic and highly water-resistant.

The spray-on SPF50 formula is ideal for quickly coating wriggling kids. £36; cultbeauty.co.uk

3 o f t h e b e s t U K WAT E R AT T RAC T I O N S The Wave BRISTOL

Adventure Parc Snowdonia

THE WAVE

Blue Lagoon

N A R B E R T H , WA L E S

England’s first inland surf pool is open – and it lives up to the hype. Enjoy top-quality waves year-round at this family-friendly complex, with a top notch canteen to boot.

Another inland surf lagoon, this time in Snowdonia – and part of a far larger complex offering zip-wires, soft-play, indoor assault courses and glamping.

An indoor-outdoor water park complete with huge pools, lazy river and numerous flumes – though a 1.1m height restriction does apply to the latter.

thewave.com

adventureparcsnowdonia.com

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C O N W Y, WA L E S

COOL RUNNINGS

March 2020

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M O U N TA I N

ESCAPE

Hitting the slopes with family on a ski trip to Le Massif, Courmayeur Wo r d s JA I M E R O S E

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escapee s cWHISTLER a p es SKI

“A varied mix of runs with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc”

C

ourmayeur is not by any means an expert skier’s paradise. It is, however, absolutely perfect for long weekends or for those with ambitions exceeding their skills when it comes to skiing. Reached via a scenic cable-car up from the town, a varied mix of mainly blue and red runs wind their way down the mountains with jaw-dropping views of Mont-Blanc and its surrounds. Italy’s gastronomic reputation shines strongest on the slopes with a range of mountain huts serving up hearty, delicious pastas, pizzas and mountain stews. Our favourites were La Chaumiere for pizza on the sunny terrace, Maison Vielle for a cosy, hearty lingering lunch and Courba Dzelauna for a coffee and chocolate stop with a view.

Back down in the resort, there is a cute pedestrianized centre with some deli and gift shops and a smattering of perfectly nice family-friendly restaurants. In truth, apres-ski is low key in Courmayeur, there is one buzzing bar up the mountain, Super-G, which pumps out music daily regardless of the

turnout. Lazy afternoons are best spent in the hotel, sampling the spa and letting the little ones run riot. A fair-weather skiers paradise, the resort is also an adrenaline junkie’s summer dream with hiking, biking and more on offer for families with slightly older kids.

THE HOTEL

Newly opened, Le Massif is a masterful cross between a stylish wood-paneled luxury ski lodge and a child-friendly mountain haven. Let’s start with the rooms: multiple configurations allow for sofa beds or cots easily added to the Junior Suites. Small balconies command resort-wide views and in-room amenities tick all the must-haves without leaving you fretful of a toddlerinduced breakage. Our only gripe was the giant walk-in shower, wonderful in itself but less appealing than a bath after a long day’s skiing and with a toddler who likes a splash around. However, the spa obliged where the room fell short; as well as offering massages it has a warm but child-friendly indoor/outdoor pool and steam and sauna facilities. Open to kids before 4pm, it’s then blissfully childfree allowing for lingering wallows in the outside pool staring at the mountain sunset.

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e s c a p es SKI

“A ski holiday seems like a dream in the newborn months” The main restaurant serves up an ample, hearty buffet breakfast and typical regional four course a la carte dinners that wowed on most nights but did vary a little day to day. The steak restaurant was a welcome alternative with a selection of cuts, overflowing cheese trolley and generous portions. The dining options continue up the mountain where the hotel plays host to La Loge du Massif, with a prime position in the resort’s mountain hub, a spacious ski locker room, saving you from schlepping your skis up and down the mountain daily, and a stylish restaurant with a decadent terrace designed for midday lounging in the sun.

THE KIDS

There comes a sweet spot in parenthood when your kids are old enough to trundle off to ski school during the day, join you for an end-ofday run or two and provide fun, yet not too demanding, companionship during meals.

Until then there have to be kids’ clubs. Joyous as playing in the snow with your little ones is, hurtling down a mountain with them is not an option. Le Massif obliges parents of toddlers with not one, but two kids’ clubs.

At the hotel’s main building, a fully kitted out club caters for those 3+, while cots, kids’ dressing gowns and highchairs are all readily available. Our son was only 2.5, a minor hitch easily overcome with the hotel sourcing us a lovely, affordable babysitter to keep him company and supervise him during the days (with the added benefit that she could take him to our room for lunchtime naps and thus extend our ski hours). Kids eat free and a great kids menu made feeding him a breeze.

Meanwhile, up at the hotel’s lodge, another kids’ club awaited, this one more suited to slightly older kids who could manage a couple of hours on the slopes but then needed some indoor time. Less suitable for our son, but a wonderful amenity for those with slightly older kids. Italian families dominate, but the staff all speak faultless English and all

knew our son by name. Needless to say, our tot was so well looked after and had such a fun time that a toddler tantrum ensued when told it was time to go home.

THE VERDICT

A ski holiday seems like something of a dream in the newborn months, the idea of idling away days whizzing down slopes and sipping crisp white wine in the apres-ski buzz almost laughable. But adapted expectations, scaled-down ski demands and choosing a family-orientated hotel with kids’ club like Le Massif, in an accessible, slower paced resort like Courtmayeur allow for a ski holiday that really does work for all the family.

L E M A S S I F C O U R M AY E U R Doubles from €350 a night. Fly into Geneva and transfer to Courmayeur in about 1.5 hours lemassifcourmayeur.com March 2020 | 87

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escapes

UK GETAWAY

The Pig KENT

Joanna Mackie enjoys a stay at The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent, with her family

The Hotel

T

he Pig at Bridge Place is a beautiful 17th century manor house with Jacobean interiors, near the picturesque village of Bridge in the Kent countryside.

The house has recently been converted into a must-visit Pig hotel with an impressive coach house extension containing 12 bedrooms, a converted barn and seven Hop Pickers Huts, which would be ideal for babymooners.

We stayed in one of two familyfriendly Gate Lodges, just a stone’s throw from the main house.

Accommodation

O

ur lodge had two bedrooms – a twin and a double with a beautiful tub and an en-suite bathroom. The epitome of luxury for families, the lodge had a huge living space, log burner and small kitchen equipped with essentials including fresh bread, milk, beans, eggs, pasta and

Things To Do

T condiments. There was a large Smeg fridge and hob to cook up a simple breakfast if a slow morning in pyjamas is more suitable.

The bathrooms had heavenly scented Bramley products and we appreciated the extra touches for little ones, including colouring sheets and crayons in the dining room, children’s bubble bath and a travel cot for our baby so we didn’t have to bring our own.

The Food

T

he hotel staff were really accommodating and organised for us to eat our evening meal in the lodge as our children were tired after the drive. We enjoyed a delicious

three course meal made using fresh local ingredients from within a 25 mile radius and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Then, in the morning, after a short stroll over from our lodge, we had a leisurely breakfast in the beautiful light filled restaurant at the main house. The children were excited to choose from an array of fresh breakfast options and we all sat at a large corner table looking out on the hotel grounds.

There is also a cosy bar in the main house which was a lovely, quiet spot for a hot chocolate to warm up after our wintry walk.

here is no shortage of things for families to do at The Pig. We spotted several walking routes near the hotel and there is a huge selection of multi-coloured Hunter wellies that you can borrow during your stay. Older children might enjoy a cycle ride in the local village while little ones would enjoy a run around in the beautiful grounds.

In the warmer months, there is a pizza oven and seating area by the kitchen garden, which would be a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Room rates start from £145 for a Cosy Room, a rate that continues to endorse The Pigs’ offering of affordable luxury.

For bookings please visit thepighotel. com/book/ or call 0345 225 9494 thepighotel.com

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reso urces OCEANS

Deep Learning

Carly Glendinning on the importance of teaching the next generation about protecting our oceans

W

alking down Carnaby Street, we stared up as dolphins leapt through bubble wrap coral reefs. As the lights twinkled through the swathes of shiny blue paper, we thought about a magical underwater place, full of undiscovered lifeforms and more artifacts than all of the world’s museums put together.

A place that mostly seemed to exist only when coupled with David Attenborough’s soothing commentary, whilst flaked out in front of Blue Planet II. But however otherworldly it might have seemed, the theatrical underwater scene carried a very real-world message. Created in collaboration with Project Zero using recycled materials, it hoped to highlight the importance of ocean conservation. A poignant message for the Christmas shoppers walking underneath it, considering it was predicted that 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging would be thrown out (rather than recycled) over

the festive period, a considerable amount of which would probably end up in our oceans.

Teaching the next generation about the need to protect and restore the marine environment that covers 70% of our planet has become an urgent matter. Vital for sustaining life on earth, our oceans create around half the oxygen we breathe and through their role in the water cycle give us water to drink. Globally, over 700 million people depend on fishing for their livelihoods, and seafood is the main source of protein for more than a billion people on the planet.

Our oceans are also protecting us from the damaging effects of climate change.

Scientists and marine experts tell us that they have already absorbed 90% of the heat caused by the earth warming up. Acting as a buffer, they are also the sink for about 30% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions.

Simply put, without our oceans life on earth would already be intolerable. If we carry on as we are now, it is predicted that seafood could be overfished, habitats such as coral reefs March 2020 | 93

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reso urces OCEANS THE 'CONNECTING US WITH OUR OCEAN' PROJECT IN ACTION

“Simply put, without our oceans, life on earth would already be intolerable”

CREDIT: THE OCEAN CONSERVATION TRUST

will be destroyed, and even more disturbing, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. For the next generation, it means that they are inheriting a world filled with problems they did not create.

With the rise of environmental activism, most children are switched on to the issues surrounding climate change and plastic pollution. 16-year-old Greta Thunberg is blazing a trail for the next generation of campaigners and Extinction Rebellion has formed a Youth & Children’s Assembly to enable young people to get their voices heard. So it may come as a surprise that ocean conservation is still a topic that is missing from the English National Curriculum in primary schools.

One charity hoping to change this is the Ocean Conservation Trust. Speaking about a curriculum learning scheme which they recently launched with the Connect Academy Trust, Nicola Bridge, Head of Conservation Education and Communications said: “We need to create an ocean literate generation – that is to say, a generation that understands the ways in which we are all inextricably connected to it, just as it is to us.”

Dubbed the ‘Connecting us with our Ocean’ project, it aims to develop a love and understanding of the importance of the ocean in pupils, whilst inspiring and enabling staff to design their subject curriculums around the topic. Beyond the future of the planet, the initiative also highlights the need to nurture the next generation of marine biologists, researchers and scientists. Stu Higgs, Schools Programme Manager for the Ocean Conservation Trust commented: “There are many STEM career opportunities related to the ocean and ensuring that school children are made aware of these from an early age will broaden their horizons when choosing a career path to follow later in life.”

Independent schools are of course free to set their own curriculums and many are finding innovative ways to teach children

about the importance of ocean conservation.

Millfield School in Somerset has recently redesigned its sports kit using recycled fabrics made from plastic waste from the ocean. The school commented: “The change has been driven by pupil voice wanting a sustainable clothing line that is a positive step towards addressing the current plastic pollution crisis for future generations.”

Projects like these mark huge steps in changing the dialogue. Speaking to The Guardian, David Attenborough recounted what he was taught at grammar school, nearly 80 years ago: “I remember my headmaster, who was also my science master, saying: ‘Boys, we’ve entered a new era! We’ve entered, we’ll be proud to say, the plastic era. And what is so wonderful about this is we’ve used all our scientific ingenuity to make sure that it’s virtually indestructible. It doesn’t decay, you know, it’s wonderful.’” He continued: “Now we dump thousands of tonnes of it, every year, into the sea, and it has catastrophic effects.”

Although times have changed, there’s still a lot of work to do and it’s the magic of the ocean’s unknown depths that will keep children’s interest alive. So turn on Blue Planet II and let Attenbough’s dulcet tones transport you to a wondrous world, where dolphins really do dive through coral reefs and the lights from the world above twinkle on.

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North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266

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Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367

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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

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

The Lyceum Nursery 6 Paul Street, City of London, London, EC2A 4JH registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk lyceumschool.co.uk 020 7247 1588

SOUT H E AST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephen’s Church, College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091

Eaton Square Nursery School, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY Eaton Square Nursery School, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX Eaton Square Nursery School, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ nursery@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com 020 7931 9469 The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306 The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054

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reso urces DIRECTORY

London. Property. We get it.

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

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Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 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 Little Chepstow Nursery 108 Lancaster Road, W11 1QS 0207 243 0243 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 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

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

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

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

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

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TRIED & TESTED

IN DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT

r e s o u rc es REVIEWS

Stokke Clikk High Chair Re vie w e d b y A N NA WO O L F

Ergobaby Embrace

W

R e v i e w e d b y PAW E L K U B A

ith baby number one, spending the first couple of weeks on the sofa (or in bed!) is achievable.

Our second has just arrived and with a toddler charging around, we’ve quickly realised that things are going to be a little different this time. I need my hands free to pick up toys, make endless snacks, prevent impending disasters, and making a cup of tea once in a while might be nice too! A baby carrier that was comfortable enough for wearing around the house seemed like the perfect solution.

I loved the look of the wrap-style slings, but tying them up can be tricky to master. The new Ergobaby Embrace perfectly bridges the gap between the softness and comfort of a wrap style and the ease of a

98 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

traditional baby carrier. Suitable from birth, we have used it from the first few weeks with our daughter and she has been really comfortable and content in the clever ergonomic design. It’s also super lightweight, super easy to put on, stylish, and the spreadable straps make it comfortable for me to wear for long periods of time. Another thing I love is that it’s made from organic materials.

The Embrace has become an essential piece of parenting kit and has definitely made the transition from one baby to two much easier.  Ergobaby Embrace Newborn Carrier £79.90 ergobaby.co.uk

A

cquiring a newborn baby is usually a joyful time.

How lovely it is to design and choose nursery items, pushchairs and furniture.

Then you and your partner realise everything comes with the ominous warning ‘some assembly required’. Oh how I’ve witnessed grown men crying over an Ikea bracket.

But never fear. The Stokke Clikk is genuinely here to change this grievance, forever. When my husband returned home and eyed the box I could sense his stress levels rising. “Oh good, something else to assemble!” he said. But the Clikk is so easy. It’s lego level easy. Simply click in the legs and foot rest and you’re good to go. Even the safety harness is simple; a five point system means that baby is securely tethered. Our five month old is now able to sit with us at the table during mealtimes. The wipe clean tray provides the perfect surface for a toy, or a suction plate (or in our case to catch dribble). The range of colours also means that the chair can match any home’s colour scheme.

Beautifully designed and so quick to put together, the Clikk is perfect for babies up to 3 years old. So simple, even your husband can assemble it.  Clikk High Chair £178, stokke.com

©2020 All rights reserved Young Soles. Photography by Gemma Booth.

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