MAMA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

Mama THE MAGAZINE FOR STYLISH MUMS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

ISSUE FIVE | £3.95

WONDER WOOL The cutest winter

Meet Marie-Chantal

A CORNISH

Loud & Proud

knits for littles

CHRISTMAS STYLISH GETAWAYS IN THE WEST COUNTRY

Talking to the queen of kids' fashion

At home with blogging superstar Live Loud Girl

Gifts, Glorious

GIFTS

Perfect presents for all the family

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#cosattojoy

Millie with Ooba in Fox Tale. Find your statement piece. See the full collection at cosatto.com

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GREAT GIFTS FOR EVERY PARENT Surprise a loved one with the perfect gift from Bugaboo.

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SOHO THE BIG IDEA FOR

S M A L L S PAC E S Soho - a brand new nursery range with a unique changing station and plenty of storage for even the smallest of nurseries. The first ever one-touch changing station simply folds out when you need it and folds neatly away when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. The Soho wardrobe has flexible hanging space and the cot transforms easily into a first bed for your little one. No compromise on design, style or quality. However small your nursery, you can still dream big with Soho.

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The unique changing station, easy as 1 - 2 - 3 Explore more at silvercrossbaby.com/soho

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HELLO. WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

CMY

Available online or in store:

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C wrapper?

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wildandgorgeous.co.uk Notting Hill, London W11 2AJ 020 7229 5855 Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UY 020 7586 1552 ILOVEGORGEOUS.indd Mama Ad Sept.indd 1 1

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m am a / welcome

contents No v ember / De c ember 2 0 16

18 21

AGENDA

CULTURE ROUND-UP

83 SKIN DEEP

Dates for the coming months Family fun for the festive season

25 CURIOSITY SHOP

Boutique of the month: Luna & Curious

STYLE

‘Sophia’ dress; by Seraphine; seraphine.com Photography: Dan Williams Stylist: Elizabeth Johnson

BEAUTY GIFTS

Sparkle and shine this Christmas Expert advice from Georgie Cleeve, founder of Oskia Skincare

86 BAKE ON

How to build a gingerbread house

INTERIORS

TRAVEL

106 CORNISH COSY

A Cornwall Christmas special

ESSENTIALS

112 NEW BABY CHECKLIST With Rebecca from Jem & Bea

114 TEN OF THE BEST

Baby sleep products put to the test

119 TOT GEAR

Products to make parenting easier

52 WINTER WHITES

94 GREAT DANES

55 GRAPHIC DETAIL

96 DOOR POLICY

125 BUILD BRIDGES

57 THE MAKING OF ME

98 BOY MEETS WORLD

126 BRIGHT STARS

A trio of festive trends

ON THE COVER:

LIVING

WHAT’S ON

In conversation with jewellery designer A Weathered Penny

Louise Rowland Shetty of ABC123me

The secret of Danish design

A Christmas wreath how-to with letterbox florists Bloom and Wild Nursery tour with international interiors blogger Live Loud Girl

RESOURCES

The many advantages of bringing up baby bilingual Charlotte Phillips on educating an exceptionally able child

November / December 2016

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From the organisers of The Baby Show

Kiddiewinkles

Little Timbers

Book Tickets Now Save Over 40%

Quote Code AMAMA babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

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A one-stop-shop for everything parents need for their babies and toddlers up to 4 years of age • Prams & pushchairs • Buggies & strollers • Nursery furniture & furnishings • Toys • Clothing • Feeding equipment • Car seats • High chairs • Travel • Financial services • Healthcare & wellbeing • Books • Gifts • Bathing & changing • Accessories • Carriers • Safety & security • Maternity • Childcare & educational services • Baby and toddler activity classes • and much, much more... Event partner

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m am a / welcome

Editor’s

LETTER

Holidays are coming...

t’s true what they say about the Christmas spirit returning when you have children of your own. My little one is now 21 months and can’t tell a Christmas tree from a cricket bat, but it doesn’t matter: her rosy-cheeked, pyjama’d presence seems to make this time of year that much more merry and bright. This renewed enthusiasm for the festive season has informed much of this issue. From gift guides full of thoughtfully designed products to how-tos that will help you make the most of valuable family time, we’ve tried to make this issue practical as well as pretty. So alongside amazing interiors inspiration from tastemaker supreme Live Loud Girl, we also tell you how to make a Christmas

wreath with help from letterbox florists Bloom & Wild. And I recommend you give BKD’s enticing Gingerbread House recipe a try, too – even if your baby, like mine, is better at repeatedly opening and closing cupboards than baking. And that’s it! Goodbye 2016, hello the New Year. Merry Christmas to all the mamas, I hope you have a wonderful (and no doubt wellearned) break. See you in the next one.

Helen B ar on ED I TO R

@hel_bow helen.baron@zest-media.com November / December 2016

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CONTRIBUTORS

The people who helped to create this issue share what Christmas means to them

KAYLEIGH CARTER

@aweatheredpenny Christmas is my favourite time! We love sitting down to family films, Christmas lunch, family fun (which always ends with my dad falling asleep, even during a game) and soggy egg sandwiches made by my mum in the evening. As soon as the red cups (from Starbucks) come out, that’s when Christmas has started for us. It’s a time when we can all finally be together without work getting in the way.

Mama THE MAGAZINE FOR STYLISH MUMS

Editor: HELEN BARON Contributing Editor: APPHIA MICHAEL Commercial Manager: KATIE AMPS Director Of Events And Partnership: THIAGO ALVES Art Director: RAY SEARLE Senior Designers: PAWEL KUBA, PHIL COUZENS Mid-weight Designer: EKREM YILMAZ Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Production Manager: STEWART HYDE Finance Director: ALEXANDRA HVID Major Accounts Director: TAMSIN LUCK PA to the Directors: MARIANNE MCFADDEN Directors: GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: helen.baron@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07535 482 213 / 020 7704 0588 or email: katie.amps@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: thiago@zest-media.com Part of the

LOUISA ROWLAND SHETTY

@abc123meclothes For us, Christmas is all about staying home and spending sacred time with the children. Term-time is always really busy with after-school activities and homework, and my husband and I working. Our holidays and weekends tend to follow the same pattern: pancakes, Playmobil, drawing, cooking, staying in pyjamas all day and a film most likely made in the ‘80s, because I love their slow pace and innocence.

ZES T MEDIA PUBLICAT IONS LT D 197-199, City Road, EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 zest-media.com 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.

Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELYMAMA Fa c e b o o k ABSOLUTELYMAMA In s t a g ra m ABSOLUTELYMAMA P i n t e re s t ABSOLUTELYMAMA

REBECCA DA SILVA LIMA

@jemandbea I’ll be in the Kent countryside. There’ll be a brand new addition to the family; everyone is really excited about having a little newborn to snuggle! My eldest Beatrice is still at the wonderful age when she’s enthralled by Christmas and I’m looking forward to indulging in all the Christmas fare that’s been off-limits during pregnancy.

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! S E T U IN M Y T H IG E IN S O T N A SEVEN CLASSIC P

‘A hoot... HUGE FUN!’ Evening Standard

10 DEC - 15 JAN GARRICK THEATRE www.pottedpanto.com 0330 333 4811 Age Recommendation: 6+

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agenda AB SO LU TELY MAMA

SKATE

•Somerset House • The rink at Somerset House is one of London's best-loved, and the programme of events this year is nothing if not inventive (club nights on ice? Really?) Families may prefer to visit during the day for general sessions or the Polar Cub Club, for little ones to find their legs on a smaller rink. somersethouse.org.uk

18 • FESTIVE WHAT'S ON Don't miss this Christmas

22 • BOOKS NOT BLOGS

Top picks for Christmas storytelling

25 • CURIOSITY SHOP

Boutique of the month: Luna and Curious

November / December 2016

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minutes with

Olivia JACOBS Artistic Director of Tall Stories Q Why do you think The Gruffalo is such a popular story, both in book form and on the stage? A I think the success of The Gruffalo lies in its simplicity, rhymes and illustrations. Combined, they give the story a classic feel – and a tale of a little guy who wins the day through brains and not brawn hits home for readers of all ages. Q How did you first encounter The Gruffalo – and what made you decide to take the story to the stage? A Toby Mitchell, one of Tall Stories' codirectors, was working for Macmillan as an editor when the book was published. He showed me the book shortly after publication and we knew immediately that we wanted to work on it. There was so much to explore: what were the characters like – the fox, the snake and the owl? How old would mouse be? How would we portray the Gruffalo himself? While we were in rehearsals I remember hearing that the book had won an award – and thinking how brilliant it was that the book was being noticed – and hoping the stage show would also prove popular. The rest is history!

don't miss

Nutcracker ~ DANCE ~

London Coliseum 14 December – 7 January

It's Christmas Eve in Edwardian London and Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker doll which comes to life. Based on a concept by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling and performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, this is an unmissable Christmas ballet for all the family – with several showings specially for younger children and their parents. ballet.org.uk

Q How do young children react when they see the heroes of the story live on stage? A When we first made the show in 2001, the book wasn’t as well-known as it is today and we didn’t have the pressure we might have had now creating such a cult hero! I love the fact that we see our audience gasp and lean back just before the Gruffalo enters, then lean forward with smiles on their faces when he arrives. I love the fact that the play is suitable for the whole family too – and that parents tend to enjoy it. Seeing live theatre as a family is special – we live in a generation of televisions and iPads, but when you go to the theatre and experience something with other people, it's a connection you can’t make in film or television. This show is great fun with lots of opportunities to join in.

 The Gruffalo Live on Stage

runs until 8 January at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. Tickets from £14.50;

nimaxtheatres.com

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MOTHER GOOSE Wilton’s Music Hall, 2 - 31 December

ne of London’s most beautiful and unique spaces plays host to what promises to be the panto of the year. Written by and starring the venerable Roy Hudd (and directed by Hudd’s wife, Debbie Flitcroft), the show promises magic, music and, of course, lots of laughs. Ready? All together now... ‘She’s behind you!’ Ages five and up.  Tickets from £15; wiltons.org.uk

POP-UP RAVE

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH

~ OUT OF TOWN ~

The First Hippo on the Moon Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne 13 December - 7 January

David Walliams’ hilarious book comes to the stage in this adaptation by acclaimed kids theatre company Les Petits. Expect an hour of laughter and manic antics as two hippos go head-to-head in a spacerace like no other. Suitable for children of pre-school age and upwards – a beastly good Christmas treat.

Selfridges 15-17 & 21-23 December

et your dance on while shopping for some last-minute Christmas gifts as family rave masterminds Big Fish Little Fish set up shop at Selfridges’ event space. For six afternoons in December, DJs including Plastician will play for parents and little ones alike. You might even spot Santa throwing some shapes...  £7 a ticket; bigfi shlittlefi shevents.co.uk

royalhippodrome.com

~ BALLET ~

Sleeping Beauty Hackney Empire 26 November - 7 January ackney Empire's annual pantomimes are a Christmas institution and kids will be bewitched by this riotous retelling of the classic tale, which sees modern-day princess Tahlia – born in enchanted Hackneytopia, land of fairies, unicorns and dragons – placed

under an evil spell by wicked fairy Carabosse, played by Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke. Written and directed by Susie McKenna and with music by Steven Edis, expect oodles of high tempo musical routines, comedy and larger than life characters.  hackneyempire.co.uk November / December 2016

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is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

we an ing

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Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

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from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.

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m ama / age nda C U LT U R E R O U N D U P

THE AGENDA

Family fun for the festive season

LIGHT FANTASTIC ➻ Christmas at Kew

ew Gardens is set to transform into a magical explosion of festive colour this month. The annual Christmas spectacle is a breathtaking display of more than 60,000 lights in a mile-long illuminated trail inspired by the gardens themselves. Visitors begin their journey at two giant Christmas trees festooned with ribbon. As they head off into the night, they'll pass a carpet of 1,700 gently swaying lights before warming

OINK OINK! ➻ Peppa Pig World

t the edge of the New Forest stands Peppa Pig World: a theme park within a theme park (it’s hosted by Paulton’s Family Theme Park) dedicated to every toddler’s favourite hog. Rides and attractions will be familiar to anyone who’s ever watched an episode or fifty of the Peppa Pig TV show, with names like George’s Dinosaur Adventure and Peppa Pig’s Balloon harking back to classic moments from the series. You can even play at jumping in muddy puddles and visit Grandma and Grandpa Pig’s house – and there’s a toy shop full of Peppa goodies too. Even better, the wider Paulton's park is in Christmas mode from 19 November to 23 December, so you can enjoy their reindeer-themed festive adventure and live Christmas shows to boot – as well free gifts for the kids. A must-visit.  paultonspark.co.uk, peppapigworld.co.uk

themselves at the scented Fire Garden, inspired by the five gold rings in The Twelve Days of Christmas. Glittering trees dripping with giant crystals will bring the gardens to life as colourchanging reeds rise into the night sky and visitors pass through the Tunnel of Lights, animated by a staggering 63,000 pixels. Along the trail, the whole family will get the chance to enjoy Kew Karaoke at the Christmas Jukebox before coming face to face with an avenue of floral installations creating a shimmering Crystal Lawn. There’s a chance to pause at Mistletoe Moments before the woodland walk comes into view, dotted with largerthan-life clusters of candles. A spectacular finale will see the Palm House Pond burst into life as brightly coloured laser beams, streams of light and flickering orbs dance in time to Christmas classics. The North Pole village is home to Santa and his elves, while a Victorian carousel and helter skelter at White Peaks will go down a treat with younger visitors. Visitors will finish the trail under the stars while toasting marshmallows, before admiring a stunning range of Christmas gifts for all the family at Victoria Plaza.  23 November 2016 – 2 January 2017; kew.org November / December 2016

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Books NOT BLOGS

The best new books and our app of the month

HAROLD’S HUNGRY EYES Kevin Waldron

➻ Harold is a Boston terrier adrift in the big city – and to make things worse, he gets so famished he starts to hallucinate mouthwatering delicacies wherever he goes. A funny tale that will go down well on Christmas morning, before the real feast begins. Phaidon, £14.95; phaidon.com

THE BIG BOOK OF BUGS Yuval Zommer

Offset any creeping fears or dislike of the insect world by introducing your little ones to the wonder of bug life on our planet. This book is full of amazing facts designed to inspire children – and enable them to become skilled bug-spotters themselves. Thames & Hudson, £12.95; thamesandhudson.com

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THIS IS NOT A BOOK Jean Jullien

➻ Designer and illustrator Jean Jullien engages kids’ imaginations in absorbing style, asking them to suspend their assumptions about form and play with the conventions of the book in their hands. Highly conceptual and very enjoyable indeed. Phaidon, £6.95; phaidon.com

APP of the month

NATURAL CYCLES

SQUARES & OTHER SHAPES

➻ A husband-and-wife doctor duo devised this app, which claims to have helped an impressive 5000 women in Sweden get pregnant in the first three months since it launched. Built around an intelligent algorithm named Alba (after the founders’ daughter), the app attempts to accurately predict (and alert you to) ovulation. Your effort is limited to the simple daily task of taking your temperature. Simply input the resulting data and it will help you to understand and keep track of your cycle, become more aware of hormonal changes in your body and predict the all-important fertile window. naturalcycles.com

Josef Albers & Meagan Bennett

➻ Another art book for young readers (and a life-saver for parents looking for something genuinely absorbing to share with little ones), this meticulously designed book showcases the work of Bauhaus veteran Josef Albers. Phaidon, £6.95; phaidon.com

THE HOUSE THAT FLEW AWAY

MAGRITTE’S APPLE Klaas Verplancke

➻ Follow a man called Magritte on a dreamlike journey into the imagination, as he works to fulfil his desire to become a painter – of apples, hats and all manner of other surprising things. A beautiful and funny introduction to an iconic artist. Thames & Hudson, £14.95; thamesandhudson.com

David Cali and Catarina Sobral

➻ What do you do when your house flies away? You’ll find answers in this award-winning picture book from a celebrated author and illustrator team. Surreal and subversive – as well as heartwarming – this is a modern classic and an ideal Christmas gift. Thames & Hudson, £9.95; thamesandhudson.com November / December 2016

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C E L E B R AT I N G 1 0 M I L L I O N T R I P P T R A P P ® C H A I R S S I N C E 1 9 7 2. This year, Stokke is celebrating Tripp Trapp® chair number 10.000.000. Designed by famous Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik in 1972, Tripp Trapp® revolutionized the whole children’s seating category. With simple lines and ingenious adjustability, it is as unique today as it was then. The design has stood the test of time, making it a true design icon. stokke.com

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LUNA & CURIOUS Meet the tasteful trio behind one of London’s most stylish family and lifestyle stores FESTIVE RUSSIAN DOLL SET

POM-POM JUMPER, FROM £60

What's differet about Luna & Curious? We [Polly, Kaoru and Rheanna, the three friends and founders] work so closely with each other, considering every part of the business. Our approach isn’t based on data or trends but on our own inspirations and passions: we only sell products we wholeheartedly believe in. Why did you decide to include kids clothing as part of the shop’s offering? When kids come into your life, your life focuses on kids. Polly has Mabel, who is eight, and Kaoru has toddler Ozzy; Rheanna has her own addition arriving very soon. As mothers and aunties, we became aware of gaps in the kids offering in Shoreditch, and just as we have grown up so have our customers. Our core customer is a mother now.

What do you think makes good design for littles? What do you look for when sourcing new suppliers? The thing that frustrates us when we shop is that so much kidswear is gendered, pale blue or pale pink, or covered in slogans. So much of Luna & Curious is about going back to good quality basics. FUB is a perfect example: beautiful knitwear, often in classic stripes, that is made to the highest standards of quality using responsible manufacturing processes. Even What Mother Made clothing, which uses African print fabrics, is based on classic rompers and traditional shapes. What do you fi nd the best thing about working in retail? At the moment, we would say it’s the opportunity to make our own products. We’re so excited about our knitwear for this year; it’s great when something you planned back in February arrives. After poring over tiny colour swatches for so long, it’s so satisfying when you open the box and can see that you got it right. Christmas must be a busy time for you; any exciting plans? And what are your top picks for festive gift s? Yes, Christmas is our busiest time of the year, we live on adrenaline and biscuits! Our window display is always the best bit of the Christmas planning and we have to beat last year’s Russian folklore extravaganza, which was painted by our mothers. But there are plenty of ideas in the pipeline already. This year we have some fantastic new decorations: incredible glass baubles that err on the side of kitsch; tiny, hand-carved wooden ornaments from Germany and hand-painted, lacquered Russian dolls. Clotheswise, our pom-pom jumper has to be one of the most exciting pieces this year; we’ve made it for women and little people. And the wooden greenhouse is delightful, we have adults playing in the potting shed as much children! HANDMADE WOODEN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, £74.50 FOR SET

DOLLS GREENHOUSE PLAYSET, £50

lunaandcurious.com @lunaandcurious November / December 2016

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CHILDHOOD ECZEMA HOW INFORMED ARE YOU? czema or atopic dermatitis is thought to affect 1 in 5 babies in the UK. If your little one suffers with eczema you are not alone and share your concerns with thousands of other parents across the country.

How to care for your baby’s skin

After 9 months in the womb, your baby’s skin is highly sensitive to the chemicals that can be found in many mainstream baby skin care products. The first year of life is crucial to the health of your baby’s skin; still developing it is 30% thinner than at 12 months. This delicate skin is more prone to water loss which leads to dryness, making it a less effective barrier against chemical toxins. The early introduction of harsh toiletries onto delicate skin may be a factor in the rising rates of eczema and allergies in children.

Baby Fact 1 in 5 children in the UK has eczema

15% OFF Use code: MAMA16 31.12.16

Be informed & skin smart

It is important to avoid toiletries that contain harsh foaming agents, sensitising preservatives and perfumes, as these are known irritants to eczema-prone skin. By choosing ‘natural products’ it doesn’t guarantee they will be free from nasties. Did you know, a product only needs to contain 1% natural ingredients to be classed as ‘natural’? Choose trusted organic products like the Organic Babies range which is 100% certified organic and naturally free from parabens, MI, artificial colours, gluten, lanolin, ethyl alcohol and petrochemicals.

Natural goodness you can trust

One to try - Organic Babies Soothing Baby Salve is 100% certified organic and rich in Shea butter and Calendula which reduces inflammation and skin soreness, plus Omega-3&6 fatty acids which are essential for healthy skin. Baby Salve is beautifully nurturing for ultra dry skin and trusted to deliver results without chemical nasties. Organic Babies use only the best ingredients with all products suitable for babies and children who may be prone to eczema. Available from John Lewis, Ocado and independent health stores.

01403 740350

www.greenpeople.co.uk/babies

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AB SO LU TELY MAMA

BAGS OF STYLE

• Ke r i Ki t • Proving that changing bags don’t have to be garishly-patterned quilted affairs, the Francis Shopper Compartment Bag incorporates internal and external pockets and multiple bottle holders with a padded laptop sleeve and a waterproof lined washable bag. Francis in Black Croc, £260; kerikit.com

29 • GIFTS FOR MAMA Time to draw up the wishlist

33 • GIFTS FOR BABA

Precious gifts for precious littles

35 • GIFTS FOR DAD

Stuck for ideas? Not this year...

November / December 2016

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m am a / gif t guide

A LP H A B E T BAG S

edito r

No Rest For The With Kid, £20; alphabetbags.com

S E LF I S H M OTH E R

’s

Save the Children Collaboration Sweater, £45; thefmlystore.com

PICK KREAFUNK

Headphones, £84.95 harrods.com LE E B R O O M

Fulcrum Large Candlestick, £275; harrods.com

E N V I E D E F R A I S E AW 1 6

MAMA gifts for

TI BA & M A R L

Kaspar Knapsack, £120; tibaandmarl.com

Make her Christmas with these inspired picks

G R AC E : TH E A M E R I CA N VO G U E Y E A R S

By Grace Toddington, £125, Phaidon Publishing phaidon.com

F R A I S E SAU VAG E

Botanical Macarons, £16.95 harrods.com

R OX X LY N

Transocean iPhone case, £115; harrods.com

m usvte ha OTI S BAT TE R BY

Women's Pyjama Set, £160; otisbatterby.com

STE LL A M CCA R TN E Y

Elyse Star Ankle Boots, £650; farfetch.com

LE C R E U S E T O B S E RVATO RY

Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish , £125; lecreuset.co.uk

November / December 2016

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olivier baby and kids

CONTEMPORARY CASHMERE AND LIBERTY CLOTHING 0-10 YEARS WWW.OLIVIERBABY.COM T: 020 3735 8912

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m am a / gif t guide M A R I E - C H A NTA L AW 1 6

ROCKAHULA

Snowman Hair Clips, £6.95; harrods.com

AC N E J N R

Kranium White, €81.88; acnejr.com

N O B O D I N OZ

Arizona Tipi, €139; en.smallable.com TO B I A S A N D TH E B E A R

Fa La La La La Tee, £16; tobiasandthebear.com

K I DS gifts for

TI N Y COT TO N S

I Like Your Face Socks, £7.50; hiplittlepeople.com

L A CO Q U E TA AW 1 6

From stocking-fillers to festive fashion

TO B I A S A N D TH E B E A R

Mr Men Leggings, £18; tobiasandthebear.com

edito r

’s

PICK FA B

Indoor Ball Swing, €149; en.smallable.com C I S SY W E A R S

Robot Money Box £14; cissywears.com

ng stoiclklier f PENNY

Slater 22-inch Skateboard, €149; en.smallable.com

MERI MERI

LO M O G R A P H Y

Milano Edition Mini Lomo Instant Camera, €119; en.smallable.com

STE LL A M CCA R TN E Y

Peonie Days of the Week Underwear Set, £74; alexandalexa.com

Reindeer Bag, £19.95; harrods.com

November / December 2016

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KK.indd 1

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Unique 100% pure organic cotton

Most safe for allergy sufferers Best for the sensitive skin infants Most pure certified organic cotton

No toxins, dyes or harmful chemical agents

20% discount code: BIO2016BABY32_1

0208 281 5352 www.biobabyunique.com

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m am a / gif t guide

S M A LL S

Aroha Bodysuit in Pink, £44.50; lovemysmalls.com

B E LLE E N FA NT B O U TI Q U E

Cashmere Gift Box, £365; harrods.com

O R G A N I C P E O P LE

Natural Milk Body, £23; hiplittlepeople.com

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’s

PICK

YO U N G S O LE S

Baby Walker Shoes, £44, youngsoles.co.uk

BABIES gifts for

B I M B LE S H O E S

Limited Edition Platinum Luxe Moccasin, £70; bimbleshoes.com

Precious gifts for precious little ones

MINI RODINI

Blue Pom Pom Beanie Hat £35; the-mini-edit.com

M O LLY & M O O

Muslin Squares, £17.50, mollyandmoo.co.uk KID O

Pull & Hop Bunny, £34; meandbuddy.com LIT TLE M A LD O D

Monochrome Gift Set, £29.95; littlemaldod.com

P I N C H TOYS

Vintage Wooden Cars €18; pinchtoys.com

m usvte ha

LAPIN & ME

Pink Woodland Doll, £15.95; lapinandme.co.uk

M A R I E - C H A NTA L

Musical Whale Toy, £47; mariechantal.com

I L G U FO

Baby Crown, £54.95; harrods.com

N O O D O LL

Riceturnip Doll, £19.50; meandbuddy.com

November / December 2016

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m am a / gif t guide

MARKS AND SPENCER

Record Player, £70; marksandspencer.com

COWS H E D N E V I LLE

Clean and Shave, 200ml, £22; harrods.com

D I P T YQ U E

L'Ombre Dans L'Eau Eau De Toilette, 50ml £60; mrporter.com FO LK

Striped Cotton-blend socks, £16, mrporter.com

A LP H A B E T BAG S

Rad Dad Grey Wash Bag, £22; alphabetbags.com

DAD

W ITH I N G S

gifts for

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’s

PICK

Pop Activity Tracker, £119; harrods.com

Hard to buy for? Not this year...

MAHABI

Classic free sole slippers, £79; mahabis.com

MARKS & SPENCER

Hat (£29.50) Scarf (£19.50) Boots (£89); marksandspencer.com F R E S CO B O L CA R I O CA

Trancoso Wooden Beach Bat and Ball Set, £150; mrporter.com

COWS H E D N E V I LLE

3 piece shaving set, £150; harrods.com

m usvte ha

M A STE R A N D DY N A M I C FO R E O

Luna Cleansing System, £129; mrporter.com

MH40 Leather Over-ear Headphones, £320; mrporter.com

November / December 2016

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For Some ‘Me Time’ For ForSome Some‘Me ‘MeTime’ Time’

Because Because youyou can Because youcan can

you are to breastfeeding Medela aretohere to support you. you. When When you When are committed to breastfeeding Medela areMedela here support you. youcommitted are committed to breastfeeding are here to support Medela’s unique 2-phase breastpumps to express morein milk in less Medela’s unique 2-phase breastpumps enableenable youenable toyou express more milk lessmilk Medela’s unique 2-phase breastpumps you to express more in less timeother than than otherother pumps you can some special moments with with family and and time than pumps so pumps yousocan enjoy some special moments with family and family time so you enjoy can enjoy some special moments friends. Calma the innovative feeding solution supports baby to switch fromfrom breast friends. Calma the Calma innovative feeding solution supports baby to switch from breast friends. the innovative feeding solution supports baby to switch breast to bottle and back. Details on Medela’s full range be at www.medela.co.uk to bottle and back. Details on Details Medela’s range can becan found atbewww.medela.co.uk to bottle and back. onfull Medela’s full range canfound found at www.medela.co.uk

Whatyou have you done What have done What have you done whilstwhilst breastfeeding? whilst breastfeeding? breastfeeding?

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m am a / gif t guide

edito r

’s

PICK M &S CO LLE C TI O N

Ladies Leather Gloves, £25; marksandspencer.com

M &S CO LLE C TI O N

Trapper Hat, £25; marksandspencer.com MARKS & SPENCERS

No Big Dill Cocktail, £12; marksandspencer.com

JA Z Z LI F E

By Taschen, £45; mrporter.com

gifts for

G R A N DPA R E N T S D E BA I LLE U L

Chocolate Selection, £24.95; harrods.com

Good things come to those who babysit

SA XO N

Milk and Dark Sea Salt Caramels , £22.95; harrods.com

m usvte ha F E R M LI V I N G

m usvte ha

Small Candle Circle, €69; fermliving.com

F E R M LI V I N G

Winterland Forest (set of 3), €42, fermliving.com C A R T W R I G HT & B U TLE R

Traditional Biscuit Assortment, £9.95; harrods.com

B U R LE I G H R E G A L

Peacock Breakfast Cup and Saucer, £28.50; harrods.com

HARRODS

LBV Port, £18.95; harrods.com

November / December 2016

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Per fe ct PR E SE N TS THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Dino Days •Born Gifted•

This knitted T-Rex toy from Born Gifted looks fabulous in colourful stripes. He is 100% baby-safe and makes a striking soft toy for a young child. Priced £10.99; borngifted.co.uk

Chin Up House of Bibs

Sleep Easy

House of Bibs’ new range includes bibs, dribble bandanas, dummy clips and cloth bags in beautiful prints that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect gift. Add a fi nishing touch with a pair of adorable hand-knitted cotton booties. Blue Sweet Whispers Gift Set, £25; houseofbibs.com

•Cyberjammies•

welovefrugi.com

Be ready for Santa Claus with the perfect Christmas Day pyjamas by Minijammies. Warm, cuddly and comfortable Minijammies pyjamas are designed to be both durable and stylish, and are loved by kids and grown-ups alike! Collections available in ages 4-5 to 12-13 years for boys and girls. £22.50 per set; cyberjammies.co.uk absolutely-mama.co.uk

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m am am/ama p romotion / loves

Be Unique •Merci Maman•

We love how the semi-precious stones in this birthstone necklace complement the handengraving, giving the piece a luxurious feel at an affordable price. This is what personalised jewellery should always be about: beautiful outside and meaningful inside. Available in twelve colours and in gold-plated and sterling silver designs, £59; mercimamanboutique.com

Mama Love •Seraphine•

Fall in love with our most romantic maternity gown. Crafted in silk chiffon with stunning digitally printed florals, this evening dress offers a sweeping drape and a flattering fit. Navy & Pink Floral Silk Maternity Gown, £199.00; seraphine.com

Hot Wheels •Micro Scooters•

No gift is as practical or appreciated by littles as their very own mini scooter, and these are the best around. With ride-on and stand-up styles suited to kids from 18 months to five years, featuring adjustable handlebars and seats in lightweight designs, they grow with your child and don’t weigh too much when you end up carrying them. Result. From £84.95; micro-scooters.co.uk

DRESS UP •Emile et Rose•

This is the perfect party dress, with long sleeves – all in soft cotton jersey, the full skirt is fi nished in a bubble hem. The main feature is the chest panel which has three petalled ‘flowers’. With an ivory yoke and collar and trimmed with a red frill, the dress has a full back opening and comes with matching tights. £48.00; emile-et-rose.co.uk

Bags of Style •Keri Kit•

This fast-rising brand’s award-winning Joy backpack was designed for easy organisation as well as impeccable style. Its enduring quality and versatility ensure it adapts to individual lifestyles – making it perfect for modern mums on the go. Joy Backpack in Tan, £260; kerikit.com

November / December 2016

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SUITSS YOU •Frugi•

Practical, warm and super soft! Frugi's Charlie Romper, made from durable organic cotton interlock, has an envelope neck and poppers on the inside leg for easy changing and dressing. With a colourful Frugi character applique on the front, this romper also has a touch of elastane for stretch and an super cosy organic cotton lining. £20; welovefrugi.com

Book Love • K S Tu r n e r •

KS Turner’s new novel is a beautiful fusion of fantasy and science fiction that would make the perfect, thoughtful present for fans of compelling reads. The third book in the Chronicles of Fate and Choice – Time: The Immortal Divide, launched in time for Christmas. £12.99 (Ruby Blaze Publishing) ksturner.net/books

In a Spin •Hauck•

In this colorful ‘Play Around’ your child can develop his imagination with play. All elements stimulate gripping, pushing or turning, and trigger interesting sounds or melodies. The game pieces are always available because the padded seat unit rotates 360° – while the Play Around itself remains static so your child can play safely. £49.99; hauckuk.com

Animal Magic

• M o n k e y Wo r l d A p e R e s c u e C e n t r e •

Help Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre continue to rescue and rehabilitate endangered and abused primates by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. Adoption packs include a photograph, certificate, three newsletters a year and an annual pass to the park! A child adoption starts from £25; monkeyworld.org 40

Stroll On

•Pimp My Stroller•

Fed up with gender-stereotyped toy strollers? Look no further! Pimp My Stroller make hip, handmade toy strollers bursting with colour, pattern and style – which both big and little people will adore. And they fit in a stocking! £49.99; pimpmystroller.co.uk

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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m am a / p romotion

Play Time

•Ta r t i n e e t C h o c o l a t •

Providing hours of fun for your little one, this pink fur and velvet Tartine et Chocolat activity playmat is perfect for keeping baby occupied and entertained. £139; piccoliandco.com

Our House •Wi n G r e e n •

This beautiful ‘toy shop’ is just one of the gorgeous designs from Win Green’s collection of children’s playhouses, wigwams and accessories. Perfect for that special hideaway in a delightfully themed bedroom – and a Christmas gift to cherish for years to come! From £200; wingreen.co.uk

Present Tents M y W e e Te e p e e

This brand creates beautiful tents and teepees for indoor play, with designs that stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage healthy games of make-believe. Whether your little one is a diva, a dinosaur hunter or a budding sailor, there’s a teepee here for them. £149.99; myweeteepee.co.uk & johnlewis.com

Mama Chic •Seraphine•

Having a baby doesn't have to mean frumping it up all Winter, and this knit dress from Seraphine is a case in point: sleek, stylish and comfortable all at once. seraphine.com

Fair Enough

Sole Music

Roll up, roll up for all the fun of the fair with these stylish and brightly coloured dodgems from iconic French Brand Moulin Roty. Perfect for kids aged one and over, these sleek wheelie ride-ons make a wonderful Christmas gift. £115; giftsforlittleones.com

Young Soles’ AW16 collection shines with the very essence of British heritage, keeping little toes stylish, safe and warm this Christmas. For girls, this classic T-bar ‘Rosie’ shoe (£64.95) with authentic butterfly punch detail comes in seasonal gold and cherry patent. For boys, choose dapper ‘Buster’ boots (from £77.95) with heritage brogue detailing in dark brown for a sharp look. youngsoles.co.uk

•Moulin Roty•

•youngsoles•

November / December 2016

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W W W. N I N E I N TH E M I RRO R. CO M 3 .1 P HILLIP L I M • AL E XAN D E R WANG • M ARN I • M I SSO N I • VAL E N TI N O • AN D M ANY MOR E

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AB SO LU TELY MAMA

SENSE OF OCCASION

• Seraphine • We love the seasonal eveningwear for mamas-to-be from the latest collection at maternitywear specialist Seraphine. Fluid forms make the most of elegant, expectant curves, while the designs ensure you’ll feel glamorous however close you are to your due date. seraphine.com

44 • PARTY SEASON

Festive eveningwear from Seraphine

52 • WINTER WHITES

Our guide to the season's key trends

70 • WONDER WOOL Cosy knits from Olivier Baby

November / December 2016

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AFTER DARK Exquisite eveningwear for expectant mamas from maternity style experts Seraphine s e raph ine .c om

Photog raphy: D an Will iams S tylist: E l izabeth Jo hn s o n

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‘Florence’ dress; £75 by Seraphine ‘Gracie’ shoes and ‘Gigi’ clutch bag both by Carvela Rings by Alexia Jordan

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‘Sophia’ dress; £99 by Seraphine Earrings by Monica Vinader

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‘Seraphina’ dress; £139 and ‘Maude’ maternity belt; £25 both by Seraphine ‘Encounter’ sandals by Schuh Pram: CYBEX PPRIAM by Jeremy Scott; cybexbyjeremyscott.com

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‘Susana’ dress; £119 by Seraphine Necklace by Dinny Hall ‘Archer’ shoes by Miss KG

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‘Seraphina’ dress; £139 by Seraphine Earrings by Dinny Hall Rings by Alexia Jordan

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‘Luciana’ dress; £99 by Seraphine Shoes by Ursula Mascaro Earrings by Dinny Hall Pram: CYBEX PPRIAM by Jeremy Scott; cybexbyjeremyscott.com

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‘Viola’ gown; £199 and ‘Shelley’ bolero; £69 both by Seraphine Earrings by Dinny Hall Rings by Alexia Jordan ‘Gamma’ sandals by Carvela

Photographer: Dan Williams Stylist: Elizabeth Johnson Hair and make-up: Carolyn Wren Model: Zebeena Hackett Location: Dorsett Shepherds Bush 58, Shepards Bush Green, W12 8QE dorsetthotels.com/london/shepherdsbush

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WHITE NIGHTS A TRIO OF TRENDS MAKES FOR PERFECT FESTIVE OCCASIONWEAR

M A D D E R S O N LO N D O N

(Right) Ophelia Dress, £195; (Above) Bailey Dress, £195; maddersonlondon.com

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m ama / fashion 3 .1 P H I LLI P LI M

Minute Suede-fringed Metallic Leather Clutch, £305; net-a-porter.com

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’s

PICK

BAG IT UP

TI BA A N D M A R L

Your Christmas clutch is the place to add some sparkle: think metallics and iridescent fabrics.

Etta Changing Clutch in Gold, £35; tibaandmarl.com

JEM & BEA

Farah Black Changing Clutch, £120; jeamandbea.com MAX MARA

Polo Neck Maxi Knit Dress, £405; harrods.com

SA M E D E L M A N

Taye Suede Ankle Boot, £140 net-a-porter.com

JOSEPH

Wool Aster Trench Coat, £795; nineinthemirror.com

PAU L A N D J O E

Bolivia Sweater, £240; nineinthemirror.com

AC N E ST U D I O S

Jensens Chelsea Boot, £370; net-a-porter.com

GOOD FORM

For party season, go with an ankle boot that’s understated and demure. Minimal forms and natural textures will have the paradoxical effect of adding confidence to your outfit. M A R TI N I A N O

m usvte ha

WINTER WHITES

Make it a white Christmas with something pure, simple and almost holy in its simplicity. Don’t want to keep things completely colourless? Add a little black for graphic impact.

3 .1 P H I LLI P LI M

Puff Sleeve Split-hem Sweater, £305; nineinthemirror.com

High Glove Metallic Pumps, £375; net-a-porter.com TI B I

Silk-panelled Cashmere Sweater, £805; net-a-porter.com

November / December 2016

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Ultra-Soft Ribbed Knit Maternity Dress £49.00

ENJOY 15% OFF* ONLINE WITH THE CODE MAMA15 London Stores: 45 Marylebone High Street, W1 I 179 Kensington High Street, W8 I 102 Northcote Road, SW11 Leeds Store: Victoria Quarter, LS1

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Absolutely Mama_Full.indd 1 SERAPHINE.indd 1

*Offer is available on orders over £60 until 31/12/16. Excludes sale items, baby wear and the bump kit.

04/10/2016 12:21 14/10/2016 16:12

m a ma / style

AM: Where do you get inspiration for new designs? KC: Architecture and textures are a massive influence with my adult lines but with the kids line I get to have my real fun! I always look to make necklaces around the notso-obvious animals and in unusual or unobvious colours. Because I make them in porcelain, it’s something really different to offer children – something they can keep and treasure. Though to be honest, children aren’t the only ones who wear A Mini Penny! I love seeing mums wearing the necklaces too. AM: What do you love most about running your own company? KC: I love being able to manage my own time and be my own person. Working for yourself is not a nine-to-five job and you can find yourself working almost all the time. But when you love it, it’s not work.

Graphic Detail Q

Kayleigh Carter OF A WEATHERED PENNY ON THE ART OF FINE THINGS Interview: Helen B ar on Absolutely Mama: How did you get into jewellery designing? Did you come from an artistic background? Kayleigh Carter: I’ve always had a real interest in fashion, style and design and have a background in lots of different areas within fashion, but jewellery design was a self-taught hobby which I eventually turned into my full-time job. A Mini Penny was born about a year after A

Weathered Penny, when I created a necklace for my niece as a birthday gift. My sister loved it so much, she pushed me to create more. With her help, I connected with lots of lovely parents on social media and things began to go pretty crazy. I’ve now taken the collection across the world through trade shows and the help of some awesome stockists, which has been amazing.

AM: How have you found the business and marketing side of things? KC: A Weathered Penny has really grown with the help of social media. We don’t have loads of money for lavish marketing campaigns but I’m surrounded by creative people who help me out all the time. AM: Will there be any new designs in time for the Christmas season? KC: We’ve just launched our latest collections for both ranges of A Weathered Penny, while for A Mini Penny we’ve not only added six new styles to our main collection, we also have a totally new line of ‘miniature necklaces’ which are heartbreakingly cute. The deer and the swan are two of my favourites – they’re great gifts and even make a great alternative gift for boys. @aweatheredpenny

aweatheredpenny.co.uk November / December 2016

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THE PRIAM

lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

CLASSIC!

/ INDIVIDUALIZED MOBILITY / ICONIC DESIGN / OUTSTANDING FUNCTIONALITY cybex-online.com

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m a ma / style

The MAKING OF ME Q

Louisa Rowland OF FAST-RISING KIDS CLOTHING BRAND ABC123Me Interview: Helen B ar on

Absolutely Mama: How did you get involved in the kids fashion industry? Was starting a business difficult? Did you have relevant experience? Louisa Rowland: While I worked in television before turning to childrenswear, my family has long been involved in menswear – my sister runs the tailoring firm Anderson and Sheppard as well as its beautiful haberdashery – so beautifully cut clothing has always been close to my heart. After the twins were born I found it incredibly hard to find clothes I liked for my boy, so I decided to draw on my love of menswear and develop my own range of children’s clothes. At that stage I had no idea how hard it would be to start and run my own business. AM: Women often set up their own businesses in order to be more flexible, but it’s obviously not an ‘easy way out'. What do you think could be done to enable more women to get back into work? LR: Having your own business is absolutely not the easy way out and on very long or very bad days when the samples haven’t turned up or the collection’s been lost in transit on the way to a trade show, I dream about working for someone else. I think having support is really important. For example, I recently read that Google run courses for parents who are starting their own business and I wish I’d known about that back when I started. The same goes for mentoring – there are many days when I would kill for an experienced mentor. While there are many mentoring schemes you can pay for (and of course the UKTI is an incredible resource), it would be great to have something governmentbacked to help determined young start-ups find their way. November / December 2016

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FINE CASTING IN BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD & GLASS BESPOKE JEWELLERY WITH FINGERPRINT ENGRAVING

Telephone 020 8769 4757

Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity

Philippa Herbert Ltd 37 Riggindale Road, London SW16 1QH Mobile 07977 477 518 enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk www.philippaherbert.co.uk

Borne is a collaboration between Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Registered Charity No. 1067412

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m a ma / style

AM: How would you describe being a mother of twins? Have you observed a special bond between them? LR: I love being the mother of twins. The first four to five years were hard, there’s no denying it – there was a lot of disrupted sleep, a lot of simultaneous or back-to-back illness and a lot of missing one child’s school meeting because you’re in the other’s. But I can’t imagine it any other way now. The bond between them is true love/hate; they’re like a 50 year-old married couple. They bicker, they tease, they fight and then they love – and the cycle starts all over again. My husband and I have always accepted that the most important relationship in our family is the one between Hardy and Elodie. That makes me incredibly happy because long after we’re gone, they’ll have each other. AM: What have you learned from motherhood?

Everything else pales in comparison to how much I love my children

LR: That everything else pales in comparison to how much I love my children. AM: What’s the most challenging thing about being your own boss – and the most rewarding? LR: The most challenging thing is knowing when to stop – not opening that email last thing at night, not obsessively checking the delivery status on our collections. I’m also a huge pre-emptive worrier… the ‘what-ifs’

are way too important a part of my day. The most rewarding moments are the successes, both small and large, from the delivery of a sample that’s totally on-point to an order from a shop you’ve admired your whole life. Those are good times. AM: What sets your brand apart from others? LR: The quality of our clothes consistently surprises me and others – from our customers to the shops that

stock us to the other brands we meet at trade shows. They’re all shocked by the standard of our manufacturing and the quality of the fabrics and the finish. I’m really not exaggerating when I say that other designers regularly come to our stand at trade shows, feel our cottons and look at our jackets and express their surprise and admiration for the quality of our clothing. I’m not only very proud of this but also of the manufacturers we work with – family-run factories with high standards. I also think that the fact that our clothes are inspired by adult brands such as Acne, APC and Studio Nicholson sets us apart too. AM: What do you and your family love to do over the Christmas holiday and what will you be doing this year? LR: Christmas is all about family for us and we love a Christmas show – normally a pantomime and especially if it includes Jerry Hall. I tend to go crazy decorating the house and then getting out the unusual Christmas tree decorations that my husband and I have been collecting on our travels over the last 17 years. This year I’d love to take the children to a Christmas market in Vienna or go to Kew Gardens for the Christmas walk, which we missed last year. Beyond that, we like to stay home, stay in our pyjamas for days at a time, eat the maximum amount possible and watch Beethoven 700 times. That, for us, is a great Christmas.

abc123me.com

@abc123meclothes

November / December 2016

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Fit for a

Princess W

Marie-Chantal’s NEW COLLABORATION WITH M&S BRINGS NOSTALGIC LUXE TO THE MASSES. ABSOLUTELY MAMA MEETS HER Words: Pendle Harte

hen Crown Princess MarieChantal of Greece designs childrenswear, she is building on personal experience. All those lovely smocked dresses, Peter Pan collars, knickerbockers and tank tops hark back to her own childhood in Hong Kong, where her mother would dress little Marie-Chantal and her two sisters in precious little outfits. ‘My mother, being South American, paid particular attention to how we were dressed,’ she explains. Born in London, bred in Hong Kong, educated in Switzerland and married to a Greek prince, Marie-Chantal embodies the international jet set. Her father is billionaire American businessman Robert Warren Miller, who made his fortune with the Duty

Free Shops, and her sisters are married into (and divorced from) the Getty and Von Furstenberg families. With five children and an exclusive childrenswear label in her own name, Marie-Chantal is the ultimate working mother, albeit probably being spared most of the usual associated drudgery by virtue of all of the above. We’re here to talk about her newest collection, not for the Marie-Chantal label but for M&S, with whom she is collaborating to launch a collection of clothes for newborns and tots up to the age of five. It’s a departure for M&S in that it’s slightly more expensive than most of the retailer’s offerings, and a departure for Marie-Chantal in that it’s vastly cheaper than her usual product. Both parties are enormously excited about it. ‘It’s the first time I’ve been able to work at these price points,’ she enthuses. But the quality looks entirely comparable to her own

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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m a ma / style

I always go back to my childhood and try and bring in some element of how my sisters and I were dressed label: everything is beautifully finished with lots of tiny detail. Ribbon is woven through the stitching and the fabrics are remarkably soft. A tiny grey pea coat could pass for cashmere but is a wool-blend, she says, as is a dinky dungaree. There’s a Fair Isle cardigan and a Fair Isle tank top, a pinafore dress and a cotton dress with gold piping – and everything has a trademark small round collar. ‘It’s about the nostalgia of our childhoods,’ she says. ‘It was all little pinafores and checked ginghams. I always go back to my childhood and try and bring in some element of how my sisters and I were dressed.’ Making sure that the fabrics are soft is one of her priorities, and this reverts to her own childhood again. While her own mother ‘loved to dress us and had – still has – great taste,’ she still refers to collective memories of ‘being put in a dress you hated’. When she was little, ‘kids had to wear what was there – we didn’t have these amazing blends, there November / December 2016

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Lili, Jade and Nina New from Nattou

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m a ma / style

Kids today are so vocal, they tell you what they like and dislike – a little fouryear-old will tell you adamantly what she wants to wear

were lots of scratchy wools’. You can’t get away with that any more, she says, since ‘kids today are so vocal, they tell you what they like and dislike – a little four-year-old will tell you adamantly what she wants to wear.’ Every mother will vouch for that. Marie-Chantal has personal experience of those battles, and admits to seeking help. ‘My daughter Olivia was the most challenging. When she was four or five she was a very strong personality and she wanted a dress a day. We battled over what she wanted to wear and what I wanted her to wear. I went to a paediatrician and asked, “how do we deal with this?” I didn’t want it to be a fight – my mother had been so determined about how we should dress and I thought my daughter should have some say. The paediatrician said “Easy – pick three and let her choose one.” So it kind of evolved that way.’

Designing childrenswear didn’t occur to MarieChantal until she was pregnant with her third child, though she was interested in retail. ‘I had some ideas for some cosmetics products and I took them to the woman who was heading up Sephora at the time in the US. She said: “Yes, yes, but you’re pregnant, so why don’t you do something closer to home?” So my idea for cosmetics went out the window’. Her first capsule collection launched in 2000, just after her son was born. ‘At the time there weren’t so many brands. Burberry didn’t do kids, Chloe didn’t do kids; there just weren’t those mass kids brands out there.’ Her oldest child is 20 now, and the youngest is eight, all of them too old to be wearing MarieChantal. Coping with five children is no easy task, I suggest. ‘I had a gap – first three in New York, then two after we moved to London. We managed.’ Her advice? ‘I’d say keep a calm household. And having a work ethic is important too, I was brought up with that. My father worked hard but also paid so much attention to family life.’ Marie-Chantal is predictably stylish herself. ‘I am always in my own kind of uniform, jeans and tops. I love Valentino because he’s such a great friend and did my wedding dress.’ But she’s also a fan of M&S. ‘I love their tradition; there’s such a nice story to tell.’ Living in Chelsea, she often sees local children wearing her clothes, which appeals to her focus on value and longevity. ‘I like seeing them in the old styles because I love the idea of things being passed down, that’s where the quality shows.’ marksandspencer.com,

@mariechantalchildren

November / December 2016

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m a ma / style

OVALE

MOODBOARD Nathalie Genty of French childrenswear boutique Melijoe

STELLA MCCARTNEY AW16

GUCCI AW16

TARTINE ET CHOCOLAT

Personally, my ambition is to have a happy, healthy family and to find the right balance with Melijoe. Professionally, my ambition is for Melijoe to continue to offer the best selection of children’s fashion and to present it in a directional, inspiring way. We want to bring more magic to the digital experience. LITTLE REMIX AW16

MISCHKA AOKI AW16

My favourite pieces for girls this season are the sweet mini-me waffle crèpe dress by Chloé, the printed dresses by Stella McCartney and the silk voile dresses by Gucci. For boys, I love the Scotch & Soda AW16 collection and the insect prints by Gucci. For babies, I love the Ovale gifts, which are new to the site this season – they range from a three-metre teddy bear to an ostrich-eggshell locket. My daily inspiration comes from my children! Five children = five different personalities. My most treasured possessions are my pictures of my children – and their cuddly toys. The latter come with us wherever we go and can never be lost under any circumstances!

My Murakami, a colourful painting in my living room, is my favourite artwork. But I also love Sixties design pieces such as the Eames lounge chair and the Baumann chairs.

SWITCH HOUSE AT TATE MODERN

THE EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR

My favourite fashion brands are Miu Miu, Chloé and Valentino, which I will mix with Zara or COS, Stella McCartney or Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. A typical Sunday in London starts with feeding the ducks in Hyde Park, followed by a bite to eat at Tombo, a Japanese café. We love to visit Tate Modern as a family; then we'll head over to The Wolseley for afternoon tea. melijoe.com @nathalie_genty November / December 2016

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enchanting special occasion wear made enchanting special occasion wear made for you in the heart of London for you in the heart of London littlebevan.co.uk 0207 821 9499 littlebevan.co.uk 0207 821 9499 Photography: Eddie Judd/ PierreCarr

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m a ma / style

AB: What inspired you to make such personal products? MM: In 2007 I was looking for a personalised birthday gift for my daughter. The only place I was able to find it was a shop in France but the owner told me she wouldn’t ship it to the UK. I decided to create a UK-based platform that would ship stylish personalised jewellery and gifts worldwide and called it Merci Maman — ‘Thank you Mummy’ — a nod to the special bond between a mother and her child. I now find inspiration for Merci Maman, products and ideas wherever I am. I might be reading a bedtime story to my children and something, an image or a phrase will inspire me and motivate me. I am always on the alert for fresh ideas.

Close & Personal Q

AB: Do you ever get feedback from customers on their purchases? MM: We love hearing back from our customers, they are our first inspiration for new product development and hearing their stories is such a motivation for me. I love imagining the reaction of someone while opening our signature orange gift box and discovering the hand-engraved piece of jewellery with a special

BÉATRICE DE MONTILLE OF Merci Maman BOUTIQUE ON WHY CUSTOMERS LOVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE AT CHRISTMASTIME Interview: Helen B ar on

Absolutely Mama: You’re in the memento business: do you think there’s a greater demand for items of lasting personal value and meaning in our increasingly digitised, disposable age? Merci Maman: There is a definite trend for personalised gifts! Customers are looking for unique and meaningful gifts with a sentimental value, something you can’t find on the high street. With personalised products, the gift-giving and receiving experience is more special.

Customers take greater pride from gifting products they’ve created or taken the time to think about. Ab: What makes a great memento? MM: A great memento is one that immediately reminds you about the person or moment that it represents. Inspired by our French roots, we engrave all our jewellery using elegant, cursive handwriting, adding a personal and sentimental touch to each and every piece.

message of love, joy or friendship. We have a 98% Feefo rating for customer satisfaction! AB: Do you have any mementoes of your own that are particularly important? MM: A couple of years ago I received a personalised illustrated print for Mother’s Day made by Charlotte du Jour! It is a comic representation of me multitasking in my everyday life, you can see me holding one of my children in one arm and holding my phone and cup of coffee in the other one! mercimamanboutique.com @mercimamangifts November / December 2016

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6 of the best

Star Xmas Pieces

3 5

kids’

FASHION NOTES Christmas outfits, festive slippers and bear tights to snuggle up in

CARNIVAL COOL •Gardner & The Gang•

This Singapore-based label has opted for a carnival theme for AW16, making for a collection of wearable pieces in fun, harlequinesque patterns and colours. Available at harrods.com

4 6

1. Sophia Webster Chiara Minis, £135; sophiawebster.com 2. Fig & Honey Charcoal Tulle Skirt, £25; figandhoney.co.uk 3. Bang Bang Copenhagen Drama Queen Swan Dress, £49; alexandalexa.com 4. Bang Bang Copenhagen Pinafore Dress, £52; alexandalexa.com 5. Milk & Biscuits Blue Zebra Bomber Jacket, £55; fiveboysclothing.com 6. Nike Baby Trainers in Gold, £39.95; harrods.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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m a ma / style

CLASS OF ‘16

d Br ancus Fo

•Molo•

The AW16 collection from Danish kidswear brand Molo has something for everyone, reworking classic street styles in bold prints, patterns and animal motifs. molo.com

Storksak The products and brands to bookmark

THINK PINK •Quenotte•

The perfect piece for girls who like their pink with a side-serving of sass, this liquid-sheen lamé skirt should be on every mini hipster’s Christmas wishlist. £56; cissywears.com

T TIGHTS PLEASE •Braveling•

Cosy up your little darlings for the cold weather to come in these ubercute ‘bear hug’ tights, featuring warm terry lining and practical, non-slip soles. £16; mollymeg.com

HAPPY FEET A. Andreassen

hese 'Little Darling' slippers are inspired by traditional Norwegian Christmas ornaments and come in soft leather and cosy felt; tiny toes are sure to love them. But mamas needn't be jealous – the same designs are available in adult sizes too.  From £39; harrods.com

he humble changing bag is undergoing a revolution right now, and one of the brands leading the charge is Storksak, whose evergrowing range of practical, designconscious maternity and changing bags are as clever as they are cool. Our current fave is the Charlie changing bag in sleek, stain-resistant black fabric, complete with heavy-duty gold zippers and more pockets than seems possible in such a compact design. A classic backpack it may be, but the Charlie errs on the shorter side and comes with a light, sand-hued lining – which means that when you’re searching for that elusive snack or dummy, you can actually see what’s inside: no more rummaging around in a murky, light-absorbing bag-cavern. It features two external zip pockets, five internal pockets (one insulated for bottles), an additional insulated food and bottle bag and the all-important changing mat. Best of all? When it’s over your shoulders, you can tighten and loosen the straps securely and easily with a flick of your thumbs. And as we mamas know, it’s the little things that count. £79.

storksak.com

November / December 2016

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Valeria wears: Cashmere mini garter hat in bijou blue and pale grey pom pom, £28 Cashmere mini garter set (cardigan and leggings with feet) in bijou blue, from £92 (sold separately). Zoe cream cotton top, £39

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A WINTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TALE Snuggle up this Christmas in vintage-inspired knits from Olivier Baby and Kids olivierbaby.com Photog raphy: S arah Win bo rn sa ra hwin born photog raphy.co m

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Valeria wears: Cashmere mustard bonnet £28 Cashmere handknitted romper in mustard £49 Maria long sleeve shirt with frill collar in Liberty Sketch cream £39

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Annabel wears: Mimi baby dress in Liberty Lotta cord £42, Maria long sleeve shirt with frill collar in navy silk £39 Ivy wears: Cashmere bonnet in mustard with cream pom pom £28, Fred Liberty dungarees in Lotta cord £49, Maria long sleeve shirt with frill collar in cream silk £39

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Valeria wears: Cashmere cream bonnet £28, Cashmere Mabel long sleeve romper in rose from £64, Cashmere booties in smog with gold leather soles £28

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Willa wears: Cashmere garter stitch hat in strawberry with smog pom pom £28 Cashmere snood in strawberry £28 Cashmere dress in elephant grey £79

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Annabel wears: Cashmere garter stitch hat in dusty rose with cream pom pom £28 Dinah long sleeve shirt with collar in Liberty Sketch navy £42 Mabel cashmere trousers in dusty rose from £39

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Rufus wears: Cashmere stripey pom pom hat in biscuit and cream £28, Cashmere fisherman jumper in biscuit from £64, Mabel cashmere trousers in damson from £39, Cashmere booties in damson with gold leather soles £28

MAMA_Nov_Dec16_SHOOT.indd 77

18/10/2016 14:39

More then just a nursing pillow... A wonderful place of comfort and security for your baby

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17/10/2016 11:38

AB SO LU TELY MAMA

FESTIVE FEAST

•Marks & Spencer• Give yourself a break this Christmas: order some treats from the M&S Christmas menu instead of making everything yourself. We like the look of the red velvet cupcakes – complete with little Santa hats. marksandspencer.com

81 • WINTER GLOW

The season's best beauty gifts

83 • NEW MAMA TLC

Postnatal wellbeing with Oskia Skincare

86 • GET YOUR BAKE ON

Build a gingerbread house with BKD

November / December 2016

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Pebble PebbleUK UK UK Pebble Support Support Hosiery Hosiery Suppliers Suppliers Support Hosiery Suppliers Flat Flat seams seams that that will will not not dig dig into into your your Flat seams that will not dig into your tummy tummy or show show under under clothes. clothes. tummy oror show under clothes. Preggers Preggers tights’ tights’ unique unique stretch stretch top, top, gives gives Preggers tights’ unique stretch top, gives sense sense stability of stability for active active mums-to-be mums-to-be sense ofof stability forfor active mums-to-be can &be can be be worn worn under under or over over the belly. belly. && can worn under oror over thethe belly. Super, Super, soft soft material material breathable is breathable Super, soft material is is breathable provides & provides help help support in support && provides help in in support forforfor bump bump lower & lower back. back. bump && lower back. Microcool Microcool process process creates creates a wicking a wicking Microcool process creates a wicking effect, effect, so moisture moisture evaporates evaporates from from effect, soso moisture evaporates from thethethe skin skin quickly, quickly, for comfort comfort hygiene. & hygiene. skin quickly, forfor comfort && hygiene. True True gradient gradient compression compression delivers delivers True gradient compression delivers controlled controlled pressure pressure from from the Ankle Ankle controlled pressure from thethe Ankle up,up,up, to promote promote better better blood blood flow. flow. toto promote better blood flow. Footless Footless design design allows allows feet feet & toes & toes Footless design allows feet & toes toto to wiggle wiggle free, free, perfect perfect for sandals, sandals, shoes shoes wiggle free, perfect forfor sandals, shoes or boots. boots. oror boots. Helps Helps Prevent Prevent Leg Leg Fatigue, Fatigue, Swelling Swelling Helps Prevent Leg Fatigue, Swelling the &Onset the Onset Onset Varicose of Varicose Veins. Veins. && the ofof Varicose Veins.

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17/10/2016 11:22 18/10/2016 14:28

m am a / gif t guide

edito r

’s

PICK

S LI P

Silk Eye Mask, £34; net-a-porter.com

C H A N E L N O. 5

L'Eau Spray 100ml, £96; boots.com

BEAUTY

B O B B I B R OW N

Skin Nourish Mask, £33; harrods.com

gi fts

Now all you need is a little beauty sleep

G R OW N A LC H E M I ST

Purifying Body Exfoliant, £19; net-a-porter.com ORIGINS

Limited Edition Intensive Overnight Mask, £24; johnlewis.com

D I P T YQ U E

Infused Face Oil, £48; harrods.com

S M ITH & C U LT

Shattered Souls Nail Polish, £19; net-a-porter.com

FRESH

Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate, £60; harrods.com

m usvte ha E Y E KO

GHD

Eye Want It All Kit, £60; net-a-porter.com

Platinum Edition Hair Styler, £165; johnlewis.com

November / December 2016

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The magical Christmas show for all the family

“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt”

SADLERS.indd 1

The Times

TICKET ONLY £115

Transaction

4 tickets, must in

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FAMILY at least one child 4 tickets, must incfeluedapeplies. Max £3

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‘Walking in the Air’

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Holborn Holborn Holborn Holborn

18/10/2016 12:04

m ama / liv ing

SKIN DEEP

Advice for new mamas from beauty expert and founder of Oskia Skincare, Georgie Reeve

regnancy can be tough on women and you’d be forgiven for wanting to get back to normal as soon as possible after birth. The key, however, is to be patient – and to be smart about how you look after yourself in those tumultuous first months of motherhood.

NUTRITION TIPS

➻ Eat! Trying to lose weight too soon after the birth can slow milk production. Breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day and can cause constant hunger (it did with me), so this is a time to really enjoy food. ➻ Follow a well-balanced diet with lots of fresh, wholesome food and a good balance of protein, carbs, fruit and vegetables. ➻ Cook an extra portion or two of supper so you always have a meal ready for the next day.

PURELAN 100 (37G), £6.99

OSKIA GET UP & GLOW (30ML), £66

BEST FOODS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS:

➻ Oats – known to boost milk production. ➻ Salmon – contains a high level of the fat DHA, crucial to baby’s nervous system (it can also help prevent postnatal depression). ➻ Dairy – for vitamin D and bone strength as well as B vitamins, which will benefit your skin. ➻ Iron – eating enough beef

DLUX PREGNANCY VITAMIN D ORAL SPRAY. £9.95

OSKIA RENAISSANCE CLEANSING GEL (100ML), £29.50

or iron-rich vegetables is vital. Without iron you can feel lethargic and find it difficult to keep up with your newborn. ➻ Oranges – breastfeeding mums need more vitamin C than pregnant ladies. ➻ Water – drink 2-3 times as much as usual. Breastfeeding can dehydrate you and cause constipation.

BEAUTY TIPS

➻ Expect your skin to go through changes in the three weeks after birth, as hormones settle down. ➻ Melasma can now be treated as hormonal triggers settle. Great ingredients to use include vitamin C (though more doesn't always mean better), niacinamide, glutathione and arbutin. My recommendation: Oskia Renaissance BrightLight Serum. ➻ Lack of sleep lowers ATP (your skin’s energy resource). This is why you look worse after less sleep, so pick ingredients that boost ATP, like ribose. My recommendation: Oskia Get Up & Glow. ➻ Time for make-up is a luxury, so fake it – tint lashes and brows and apply a good fake tan, like Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster or Vita Liberata Tristal Loose Selftanning Powder. ➻ Use clever, multi-use products. A mild AHA cleanser or toner will double up as a face-mask if left on while you brush your teeth. Personally, I think glycolic acid is too strong when skin will be at its most sensitive. My recommendations: Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Merumaya Exfoliating Toner. ➻ Lanolin is your new best friend. Use on lips, nipples and to highlight cheek and brow bones. ➻ If you’re breastfeeding, now's a good time to switch to a natural deodorant. Aurelia’s new Botanical Cream Deodorant is glorious (launching soon). oskiaskincare.com @oskiaskincare

November / December 2016

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Dribblebuster

™

The multi award-winning bib for babies and toddlers

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DB.indd 1Mama Dribblebuster Ad Oct 2016.indd 1 Absolutely

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m ama / liv ing

TABLE TALK •Ferm Living•

An ideal stocking filler, this kids’ tableware from Ferm Living can only enhance the big event that is Christmas dinner... bearing party-hat motifs in a striking graphic print, the design is festive yet evergreen enough to use all year-round. meandbuddy.com

mama’s

FOOD NOTES

Festive feasting and a revolutionary non-alcoholic gin

CHOCS AWAY

LIP SERVICE

The nation's poshest chocolatier has teamed up with the Natural History Museum for a range of chocolate treats emblazoned with some of the world's most striking wildlife – including the dear old dodo. A fine gift. nhm.ac.uk, prestat.co.uk

Solving the problem of 'what to drink when you're not drinking', this new 'gin' is a social life-saver for mums-to-be and breastfeeding mamas who miss a tipple – a nonalcoholic, grown-up drink made with herbs and spices. £27.99; seedlipdrinks.com

•Prestat•

•Seedlip•

ALL SPICE BISCUITS • Makes 24 INGREDIENTS: 200g Plain flour • teaspoon baking powder • ground ginger • cinnamon • mixed spice • 50g dark brown sugar • 100g salted butter, diced • 50g black treacle or molasses METHOD: 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/350°F/gas mark 4 before you begin making your biscuits. 2 Sift the flour, baking powder and all the spices into a mixing

bowl. Add the sugar and mix well. 3 Add the butter. Using just the tips of your fingers, rub together the ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. 4 Make a well in the centre and add the treacle and bring it all together. You will know when it is all mixed in as it will have an even colour all over with not too many streaks of treacle. 5 Divide the dough in two and squash into two even-sized flat discs. Cover and

chill until ready to use, or roll out immediately. 6 Cut your biscuits using biscuit cutters and evenly place onto lined baking trays. 7 Bake for 14-18 minutes. 8 When the biscuits are evenly cooked and turning golden, transfer them to a cooling rack. 9 Leave to totally cool before storing or icing as the icing will melt. Recipe from the Biscuiteers book of iced biscuits, £12.99; biscuiteers.com November / December 2016

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~ Christmas Gingerbread House ~ It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This is my contemporary and vibrant take on more traditional gingerbread houses. I designed this template to be geometric in shape. It’s super easy and perfect for little hands to construct.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ batches gingerbread biscuit dough (see recipe overleaf) • One batch of royal icing • Sweets of your choice for decoration (good ones include coloured chocolate buttons, dew drops, strawberry laces, mini marshmallows, edible silver or purple balls and chocolate sticks) • Desiccated coconut (optional) • Icing sugar and edible glitter for dusting (optional) TOOLS

Bake On

ADELLE SMITH, MAMA-OF-THREE AND MASTERMIND BEHIND THE AWARD-WINNING BKD BAKING WORKSHOPS, SHARES FESTIVE RECIPES FOR ALL THE FAMILY P h o to g ra p hy: d a n a n n ett.c o m

• Piping bag • Writing nozzle no 2 or no 3 (optional) • Wooden rolling pin • Templates • Pizza cutter or sharp knife • Baking sheet • Baking parchment or non-stick mat • Wire rack • 23cm (10in) square cake board METHOD

1 First, make the gingerbread dough (see the recipe overleaf), then make up the icing and put it in a piping bag. Cut a small hole at the bottom of the bag or use a writing nozzle in size 2 or 3. Set aside. Tip: remember to squeeze from the top of the piping bag.

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2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ gas 4. Briefly knead your dough to soften it. Roll out your dough to a thickness of 5-7mm and use the templates and a pizza cutter (or sharp knife) to cut two rectangular sides and two triangles for the front and back of the house. Chill the pieces for 30-40 minutes to prevent them from spreading too much in the oven. 3 Bake the triangles for 9-10 minutes and the rectangles for 12-13 minutes, or until golden.

10 Pipe plenty of royal icing along the centre roof-line and add decorations. I like to use dew drops. 11 Allow your house to firm up for 10–15 minutes. When it’s feeling firmly set, carefully move the gingerbread house on to the cake board. Attach the house to the board with royal icing. Add more decorations along the seams of the gingerbread house to neaten things up. I like to use fizzy strawberry

laces (cut in half lengthways) and mini marshmallows, then add silver or purple edible balls. You can also add royal icing icicles. Heartshaped sweets make cute windows. 12 The cake board can be left undecorated, or covered with desiccated coconut and a sprinkle of shimmer sugar for a snowy effect. I also like to use chocolate sticks as a path. You’re done – ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

4 Remove the biscuits from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes. Then put the templates on top of the biscuits and trim away the sides with the pizza cutter where any spreading has occurred. This will give you a nice clean finish. 5 Leave to cool a little more, then transfer to a wire rack. 6 It’s easiest to do the main decorating of the gingerbread house whilst you have all the pieces flat. Attach the sweets using spots of royal icing. I like to add chocolate beans in rainbow lines to the roof, and strawberry cables as a door with a silver edibleball doorknob. I then build the house and add the rest of the sweets after that. Use your imagination here – the options are endless! 7 Once you have attached most of the decorations to your gingerbread house, you can put it together and add the finishing touches. 8 Take the two rectangular sides and lean them up against each other. 9 Pipe ample royal icing along the edges of the front triangle and secure to the inside edges of the two sides of gingerbread house. Ensure you get all the edges lined up straight. Allow to set for a minute or two before attaching your back triangle in the same way. Tip: if you find you need some extra support, you can use a small tumbler between the two sides to hold them.

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R ET R N E R P A R T PNAERRT PNAERRT N E R P A RP TAN PARTNER

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~ Gingerbread Dough ~ Makes 12 large or 2 5 small biscuits

INGREDIENTS

• 130g unsalted butter • 100g soft light brown sugar • 300g plain flour, sifted (plus a little extra for dusting) • 3 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 4 tsp water TOOLS

• Electric mixer • Mixing bowl • Measuring spoons • Sieve • Silicone spoon • Cling film and baking parchment • Wooden rolling pin • Baking sheet • Wire rack METHOD

1 Cream the butter and sugar together for about 2–3 minutes until well combined. Start on a low speed and gradually increase. Don’t overwork.

2 Using a silicone spoon, stir in the flour, ginger, cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda, golden syrup and water. Form the dough into a ball, knead lightly and flatten into a patty shape. Wrap in cling fi lm and chill for at least an hour. If you’re in a rush, split the dough into two patties and pop in the freezer for 30 minutes. 3 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ gas 4. Place a piece of baking parchment the size of your baking sheet on the work surface and sprinkle over a little plain flour. Halve the dough and briefly knead

to soften it, then roll it out to around 5mm thick. Sprinkle with more plain flour whilst rolling to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin. 4 Cut the cookies into shape and lift away the excess dough. Leave the cookies on the baking parchment and transfer to the fridge for a minimum of 20 minutes. Chilling the cookies once cut prevents them from spreading in the oven. 5 Cut another piece of baking parchment. Take the dough you’ve not used yet, give it a light knead and mix it with the leftover dough. Repeat the same steps of rolling out and cutting cookies until it’s all gone. 6 Bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden. Bake cookies of roughly the same size together. Leave to cool a little then transfer to a wire rack. Biscuits will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Recipes reproduced from Baked: Amazing Bakes to Create with Your Child, by Adelle Smith (Orchard Books), £14.99; hachettechildrens.co.uk bkd-london.com @bkdlondon

November / December 2016

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AB SO LU TELY MAMA

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN •Ferm Living• Nothing makes kids happier than ticking off the days till Santa’s visit – and this stylish monochrome house advent calendar lets you add your own treats to each numbered room. £41; madeindesign.co.uk

94 • GREAT DANES The Danish art of happiness

96 • DOOR POLICY Christmas wreath how-to

98 • BOY MEETS WORLD Nursery tour with Live Loud Girl

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mama’s

5 of the best

BA BY GYMS

NURSERY NOTES

2 3

Modern design brands we love and 5 of the best baby gyms

SHELF LIFE •Ferm Living•

Scandi interiors experts Ferm Living have hit the sweet spot once again – this time with their Funkis dolls' house, which is made from natural plywood and can be handily wall-mounted. £165; fermliving.com

5 1. Magic Stargaze Playmat + Gym, £99; mamasandpapas.com • 2. mamasandpapas.com • 2. Finn + Emma Play Gym, £105; naturalbabyshower.co.uk naturalbabyshower.co.uk • 3. Reach Baby Gym, £68; oskoe.com • 4. Sleepyhead Activity Arch, £tbc; oskoe.com sleepyheadwebshop.com • 5. Handmade Wooden Baby Gym, £69; littlegoldie.com

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SLIDE AWAY

d Br ancus o F

•Jupiduu•

A slide chic enough to live inside your home? Yes, those clever Scandinavians have done it again. Available in four colours – with ‘white elephant’ very much our pick of the bunch. £199; scandiborn.co.uk

Huzi Design A spotlight on the baby brands we love

DORMEZ-VOUS

•Mum and Dad Factory•

This French furniture brand has stolen our hearts again – this time with the cutest, most elegant junior bed imaginable. Made from solid beech, it’ll last for generations. €285; mumanddadfactory.com

A BLOCK PARTY •Ooh Noo•

A simple idea, an essential item – and yet the result is anything but basic. These stylishly minimal alphabet blocks are a great stocking-fi ller for creative tots. €48.50; ooh-noo.com

Curtain Call Neo

onochrome minimalism keeps fi nding new ways to snag our attention – not least these black-and-white striped Roman blinds. Contemporary and clean, they make for an exceptionally sharp look in a modern nursery – and these are just one style of many.  £24.90; kidsconcept.co.uk

llow us to introduce Hong Kong-based Huzi Design. This studio-cum-online boutique specialises in clever gifts and toys with a minimalist aesthetic, from the infi nity pillow, which is designed like a Moebius strip and can be contorted into a huge amount of comfy sleeping positions, to tabletennis paddles that double as fun, moustachioed masks. The best of the bunch, however, has to be the Huzi ‘Mixed Animal’, a clever plush toy that comes with swappable sets of animal limbs and features. No more wondering whether to buy the cuddly bear or elephant: just grab yourself a Huzi Mixed Animal set and assemble it according to your whims by way of the magnets invisibly embedded in each plush part. Kids of all ages will love letting their imaginations loose designing their own fantastic creatures, replete with shells, horns, antlers, tails and trunks. Although fi rst they may have to wrestle the beast away from their intrigued parents... still, our winged rhinobadger went down a treat.  $59 for the core set, $25 for additional body part sets; huzidesign.com

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Great

DA N ES EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT HYGGE BUT WHAT ACTUALLY IS IT? HERE’S A LOOK AT THE DANISH ‘ART OF HAPPINESS’ AND HOW IT RELATES TO THE HOME By Marie Tourell Søderberg

enmark has a long history of design. With traits of simplicity and functionality, Danish designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and Poul Henningsen (PH) have made Danish design well-known worldwide. Danish design strives for aesthetics and beauty, but it always has a twist of functionality. The objects are designed to be used, they are not exhibition pieces that no one is allowed to touch. If something is only beautiful, too luxurious and extravagant, it detracts from the relaxed and down-to-earth quality that is a key value in hygge. “The PH lamp has an interesting and contemporary cutting-edge design, but as everyone knows, it is built for giving better light. Its appearance is not just superficial design-nonsense to make it unnecessarily beautiful. Oh no, its design directly supports its function: to provide good light. It is an honest lamp; its outer is inseparable from its interior. And when Danish consumers know that, they can live with its beauty.”

Danish design strives for beauty, but with a twist of functionality

perspective, materials play a big part when it comes to hygge. Wood, folded lampshades of paper, ceramics and stoneware are a part of the Scandinavian style-DNA. We love to surround ourselves with light, Nordic types of wood, just as we have a long tradition of classical furniture design in teak that many of us carry with us as memories from our childhood homes. This brings about an element of recognition that can help define and create the framework for hygge. It feels good - it is hyggelig – when we recognize pieces of furniture as old friends from the home of our childhood. Many Scandinavians carry this kind of furniture heritage with them due to our history of design, and for a lot of people this helps to create a hyggelig and nourishing atmosphere in our homes. If you have a closer look at your own history there will definitely be similar elements you can transfer to your own rooms. What is the unifying point for you – is it the big, big sofa that you grew up with, a special kind of tapestry on the walls or your beloved dresser?”

– Jeppe Trolle Linnet, professor of hygge. “The hallway is a room you walk through, a room in between and easy to forget. Nevertheless, it is the very first place that greets you when you come home. Find out what gives you joy to catch sight of when you step inside - a painting from your favourite artist, the colour green or your slippers standing in the hallway, waiting for you to slip into and get comfortable right away. At the same time have an eye on your practical needs. It is neither handy nor hyggelig to step directly into a mountain of shoes and coats that blocks your view and restricts your movement. Find functional storage solutions that create space and don’t steal too much attention.” – Christina B. Kjeldsen. “The living room is often the star of the home. From a Scandinavian

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 Extract taken from Hygge The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Søderberg, published on 6 October by Michael Joseph, £12.99

SKIATHOS HAS A SUBTROPICAL MEDITERRANEAN CLMATE

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Christmas

CR A F T S CREATE YOUR OWN FESTIVE WREATH WITH LETTERBOX-FLORISTS BLOOM AND WILD

Photography by Jamie L au

e love making Christmas accessories for the home, so we created a wreath that fits through the letterbox and is easily assembled in minutes – as it’s already decorated for you! If, however, you want to make your own wreath at home, the first step is to find components that are local and will last. Pine cones, dried fruit and winter blooms are our favourites, so we’ve got birch branches, skimmia berries and leaves as well as pine cones. Cinnamon sticks and dried flowers work well too, depending on the decor of your home.

ur wreath semi-circles are easily joined by inserting the metal base into the tube. Ensure they're securely bound and you’re ready to add to your wreath.

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5 of the best

BAU B L E S 4

e always recommend adding foliage to the base first and building from there. Wiring stems (1) is simple, just thread some thin floral wire through the stem base. From there you can add each skimmia branch one by one, each facing in the same direction around the wreath (2).

ire your oranges next (3), at the edge of the rind so that the wire is less visible. We nestle the oranges into each bunch of skimmia (4) and add the pine cones on top of the oranges. By doing this we create a hierarchy: larger additions at the rear, more delicate additions towards the front. Repeat the wiring for your pine cones (5) and nestle into the dried orange (6).

8 7

dd final touches, like the birch (7) and your bow (8). Keep your wreath in a cool place and it should last for over a month.

POSY PARTY

 Looking for more ways to get crafty with flowers during the Christmas holiday? Sign up to Bloom and Wild’s Posy Party service to receive five cute miniature glass bottles and an assortment of wild blooms and foliage. Perfect for introducing little ones to flower arranging – and a monthly subscription makes the ideal festive gift. From £25. bloomandwild.com, @bloomandwild

12 3 4 5 1. Artifactually Victorian Star Bauble, £35; harrods.com 2. Darvina Bauble, £6; rockettstgeorge.co.uk 3. Royal Guard Candy Cane Decoration, £20; liberty.co.uk 4. Royal Orbit Bauble, £90; selfridges.com 5. Holly & Berry Matt Bauble, £15; conranshop.com

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boy meets

WORLD

A cool room for stylish little guys by Linda Dekkers of interiors blog Live Loud Girl Ph o t o g rap hy: @natel ee co ck s p h o to g ra p hy

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Oeuf NYC Perch Bunk Bed, £1,208; nubie.co.uk Fromage La Rue Lightning Bolt Light, £99; decobaby.co.uk Noe & Zoe Large Cloud Cushion, £30; bobbyrabbit.co.uk Le Petit M Glow in the Dark Lightbulb Cushion, £34.50; junioredition House Doctor Fabric Laundry Basket; £11.99; finenordic.co.uk Egmont Mushroom Lamp, €76; smallable.com Kolour Reusable Toy Sack, £7.50; thismodernlife.co.uk Lucky Boy Sunday Balthazar Doll, £70; thekidwho.eu

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100

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Lucky Boy Sunday

We use these dolls a lot in our styling since they can really add that bit of extra fun to a corner. They are beautifully made and original – perfect for both boys and girls.  Lucky Boy Sunday Balthazar Doll, £70; thekidwho.eu

Get The Look Egmont Mushroom Lamp

A retro item that we’ve been working with for a long time. This beautiful light is always one of the favourite items when kids walk into a newly installed room. A keeper!  €76; smallable.com

Linda Dekkers' guide to the looks she loves...

OEUF NYC PERCH BUNK BED

l ivel o udg irl .c o m @l ivel o udg irl

This bed had been on my wishlist for a long time and luckily the boys love it too. It’s such a beautiful design with a sleek finish that easily fits in with any style.  From £1,208; nubie.co.uk

Rug

We love to work with classic materials and patterns when it comes to rugs. A rug brings structure, softness and warmth into a room. In kids’ rooms they are great to play on, read a book on or just be what you step on when getting out of bed in the morning.  olli ella Beni Moroccan Rug 100 Wool, £375; trouva.com

Wild Boys & Girls Print This brand’s simplicity is brilliant. We love to work with their prints as they can be that ‘loud’ element in the room. Even though it's just words on a piece of paper, it gives the right vibe.  £24; wildboysandgirls.com September / October 2016

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iCoo creates creates iCoo unique unique solutions solutions to enrich enrich to family life life family

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13/10/2016 19:13

travel AB SO LU TELY MAMA

SKI SUPREME

•Carlton St Moritz• Ski destinations don't get glitzier than this: half-chalet, half-fairytale castle, perched serenely on the slopes and boasting a luxurious spa, sweeping views and a daily kids' club to keep little ones amused. carlton-stmoritz.ch

105 • TRAVEL NOTES Our pick of Puglian masseria

106 • WEST WORLD

Beachfront modernism in Cornwall

109 • CORNWALL, CONTINUED Family stays at the Bedruthan Hotel

November / December 2016

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G IN OR

K O F 7 BO OW 1 N 20

Discover blissful baby & toddler friendly holidays

Everything that parents need for stress free getaways in luxury villas and 5* resorts

Call 0800 014 2770 or visit www.totstotravel.co.uk

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NORMANDY LANDING •Barriere Hotels•

Deauville's Hotel Le Normandy has reworked its kids club facilities in collaboration with interior designer Sophie Jacqmin – so now parents can relax while little ones enjoy themselves in contemporary style. hotelsbarriere.com

mama’s

TRAVEL NOTES

A dream design hotel, a supreme ski resort and three modern masserie OFF PISTE The Ecurie

eaturing an amazing open fi replace amid living quarters that are at once simply stylish and completely cosy, this stable-turned-chalet is less than five minutes from the slopes of St Martin-de-Belleville.  From £875 per person, per week based on 8 sharing on a selfcatering basis; thealpineguru.com

CARIBBEAN DREAM Unna Resorts

ancy a family getaway? Reef fishing, treasure hunts, swimming with turtles and a watersports centre are among the activities on offer at the Barbadian luxury resort St Peter's Bay.  £3,638 in a two-bedroom luxury beachfront home sleeping up to four; stpetersbaybarbados.com

3 Modern Puglian Masserie

Masseria Moroseta

• B&B • The masseria as a modernist, minimal b&b. White predominates, three-hour rustic feasts are the nightly norm and the sightlines are a photographer's dream come true. From €200 per night in high season; masseriamoroseta.it

Masseria Potenti

• Family-run • Family-owned, family-run and infused with a welcoming, familial spirt, this masseria offers an earthy yet elegant vibe, an outstanding restaurant cooking up traditional dishes and a freespirited take on rustic Puglian life. Email info@masseriapotenti.it for bookings; masseriapotenti.it

Masseria La Spinetta

• Private Villa • A heavenly slice of rural Puglia centred around a courtyard lined with fountains. From the immaculate decor to the pool and pizza oven, it's singularly luxurious. Prices start at £3,250 per week in low season – bookings start on Saturdays; essentisproperties.com November / December 2016

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THE MODERNIST-INSPIRED BEACHFRONT HOME

The Sea,

THE SEA FIND BRITAIN AT ITS BEST AT THIS ARCHITECTDESIGNED HOME ON CORNWALL’S PRAA SANDS

a little windswept, a little wild. It’s the side of Cornwall those in the know cherish, because at their most untouched and untroubled, the rugged Cornish coastline and golden beaches can perform wonders. And when they do, Little Cottage has the best seat in the house. The first thing to say is that the name is misleading. Little Cottage is neither little nor a cottage – it’s a modernist-inspired beachfront home built where a little cottage once stood. The site, a sandy slope a few metres above the eastern end of Praa Sands (the bit the tourists rarely reach), was chanced upon a few years back by celebrated London architect Alex Michaelis and his wife. They purchased the property despite facing all manner of problems (from the structural decay of the cottage itself to the rapid encroachment of the tide upon its overgrown garden) and transformed it into a home that can be honestly described as paradisical.

Words Helen B ar on

IMAGES BY NICK GUTTRIDGE, (C) MICHAELIS BOYD

VISIT LIZARD POINT, AT THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP OF ENGLAND

1 06

raa Sands is the real deal: forty-five minutes by car from Britain’s westernmost point, Land’s End, and half that from its southernmost, the Lizard pensinsula. This isn’t close-at-hand Cornwall, for those who like to leave the M3 at Exeter and stray little further: this is The West in its oldest and most beguiling sense, with all the ancient, elemental allure that simple phrase can muster. Although it’s a popular destination for holidaymakers, Praa Sands is by no means obvious. Neither as thronged as Newquay nor as bustling as picture-perfect St Ives, Praa is for those who like their Cornwall a little tucked away,

THE OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN AREA

The house itself is a beauty – not overlarge but spacious and airy, with beautiful plaster-pale walls and huge windows overlooking the lawn, the beach and the Channel beyond. No joke, no hyperbole – these windows are the kind that can change your life. They turn each of

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the three first-floor bedrooms as well as the entire open-plan ground-floor lounge, dining and kitchen space into a living gallery of sky and sea. Even better, they’ve been placed with sight-lines in mind: I defy you not to be wonderstruck the first time you surmount the curving staircase (its design informed by seashells) and glimpse, through the concentric rectangles of corridor, bedroom doorway and window, the mingling blues of the horizon dotted with the tiny, dark, wetsuited forms of surfers. Other interior amenities include a large utility room and walkthrough shower that gives out onto the garden (ideal for those fresh from the beach); a dorm-style room with bunk-beds for kids or young teens; en suite bathrooms to each bedroom; a cosy den with home

This is The West in its oldest and most beguiling sense entertainment system; high-tech kitchen conveniences (including boiling, fi ltered and sparkling water taps) and a wireless Sonos system that allows you to play your choice of music throughout the house. The decor itself is minimal with a beachy, surfy twist, and while there’s nothing in the way of clutter or confusion, there is a pleasing sense of the owners’ own active, unpretentious family life, visible

in the boxes of Lego and model cars in the dorm room or in the various homely decorative THE CURVING STAIRCASE DESIGN, INSPIRED BY SEASHELLS touches. On that note, here’s a tip: take a moment during your stay to go into the rear part of the garden, behind the house, so you can look in through the rear windows. Even here, you’ll find every visual detail has been considered. Once you’re in the garden, you’ll want to stay there. The neat, broad lawn, frequented by white-tailed rabbits and hovering kestrels, is well provided-for with seating, a barbecue and a heavenly hot tub; there’s also a trampoline for those of a bouncy persuasion (our eighteen month-old loved it). But don’t feel that it’s all about getting active.For us, the location itself was the jewel in the crown: sitting on the lawn as the sun went down, the bare, undeveloped headland sweeping away to the east, we received a salutary lesson on the restorative and ruminative potential of the sea. Having been fortunate enough to travel the world and stay in some truly luxurious spots, it was a pleasant surprise to find ourselves considering the pre-eminence of this sun-doused, windshaken, wave-eaten spot so much closer to home. Go west, indeed.  Stays at Little Cottage start at £2,200 for three nights. The house can accommodate up to 11 people. beachspoke.com

@beachspoke November / December 2016

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GETTING HERE

ornwall for the weekend? Spending all of Friday night and then most of Sunday in the car isn’t really worth it, even for the most committed surfer. There’s really only one way to do it and that’s to fly. When it’s 45 minutes from Gatwick to Newquay, a weekend is perfectly possible – quicker even than a trip to the Cotswolds if you’re leaving town on Friday evening.

THE AREA

ewquay itself isn’t the most romantic of spots but a few miles down the coast is Mawgan Porth, where we stay in the Bedruthan Hotel, a brief taxi ride from the airport and a slightly longer one from Padstow, Cornwall’s foodie mecca. This part of the world is famed for its surfing, its sunny climate and, of course, its fish and chips.

The Bedruthan Hotel Cornwall

Words: Pendle Harte

W H AT T O D O

here’s a playground complete with trampoline and zipwire, a huge soft play area, indoor and outdoor pools (with a separate kids’ pool, unheated, for the brave) as well as a cinema room. It’s a brief stroll down to the beach for surfing lessons and rockpooling. Adults can leave children in the clubs and hit the luxurious sensory spa and there’s a child-free restaurant for those wanting to take advantage of the babysitting service. Don’t miss the hotel’s entertainments, which on our visit included a clown in the bar before dinner, freeing up weary parents for a well-deserved cocktail.

THE HOTEL

e’ll admit it – architecturally, The Bedruthan is not the most appealing building. But once inside, it’s all about the sea views, which are dramatic and eclipse any design. Interior-wise, the theme is midcentury Scandinavia, with lots of blonde wood, splashes of print and colour prints. The restaurant is positioned perfectly with an expanse of windows providing an awe-inspiring outlook over Mawgan Porth beach – and the menu’s big on locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes, as well as kids’ favourites.

Fly from London Gatwick to Cornwall Airport Newquay in 45 minutes from £24.99 with FlyBe (flybe.com). Regional departures from 11 other UK cities are available including Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall TR8 4BU bedruthan.com; newquaycornwallairport.com November / December 2016

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essentials AB SO LU TELY MAMA

NIGHT LIGHT

•Bleep Bleeps• The new Bleep Bleeps range of design-led, connected baby gear is pretty impressive – and this cute orange Suzy Snooze baby monitor-cum-nightlight-cum-wifi speaker-cum-sleep trainer is at the core of the collection. Sure to become your little angel’s nocturnal BFF. £115; bleepbleeps.com

112 • NEW BABY CHECKLIST with Rebecca Da Silva Lima

114 • HUSHABYE BABY Ten of the best sleep products

118 • TOT GEAR

Products to make parenting easier

November / December 2016

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New baby

CHECKLIST Rebecca Da Silva Lima, founder of chic maternity bag label Jem & Bea and new mum to her second daughter, shares the key items on her new baby checklist

112

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Absolutely Mama: Jem & Bea just celebrated its first year congratulations! Did you plan to get pregnant again for the company’s 1st anniversary? Rebecca Da Silva Lima: Ha haa no! When we started the business Beatrice was about 18 months old and I knew I wanted another child at some point but I was definitely nervous about juggling a new baby with a new business. I don’t think there’s ever a good time though and you can’t just put your family life on hold, you just have to get on with it. Plus, it took a long time for us to get pregnant with Beatrice and so I didn’t want to leave it any longer to try for the next. Thankfully things were a lot quicker this time round.

The stress of trying to fix whatever it is that’s unfolding over email while entertaining a toddler is too much

AM: Would you like a big family? RD: I think my partner would! I think after this one I’m done, but never say never! I was one of three and a ‘surprise’ last baby for my mum. She was very maternal so although

AM: How have you found the experience of setting up your own business while becoming a mother? RD: It’s definitely been tough but hugely rewarding. Lots of people ask us ‘how do you balance babies with business’ and quite honestly our first year of starting the business was such a whirlwind that there probably wasn’t much balance at all. But we’re learning now how to switch off from work and try to carve out boundaries between home and work life. It’s hard though as the business doesn’t ‘shut up shop’ for the evening; it’s 24/7 - with customer queries coming in from all over the globe, emails to answer and social media to keep on top of! I’m trying to be much stricter with myself by making sure I’m ‘present’ when I’m with Bea. It’s all too easy to reach for the phone, but the stress of trying to fix whatever it is that’s unfolding over email while

entertaining a toddler is too much and most of the time things can wait a little later. Luckily, being a duo, Dom and I can lean on each other when something critical needs to be done.

m am a / esse ntia ls

Stokke Cot The oval shape is very pleasing to look at but so clever too the way they adapt and change to suit a growing baby all the way up to 7yrs. £575; stokke.com

unexpected, it was a welcome situation. I love being a mum and having a family and I also enjoy the richness that comes from running a business and being able to have that independence that work can bring both financially and socially. AM: What’s an important piece of advice for mothers wanting to grow their family as well as a new business? RD: Gather up a supportive network of friends, family and reliable childcare around you. You can’t be superwoman and you’re probably not going to be able to do everything you did before on top of running a business. Instead, save your sanity, dump the guilt and get that cleaner/nanny/ready-meal! jemandbea.com

@jemandbea

Just Polly A genius new maternity brand that do great fashionable key pieces to wear both during and after pregnancy. I’m loving the Anna dress right now which is roomy enough to fit over a bump but equally good post-pregnancy with on trend voluminous shape and zip front detail. £65; justpolly.co.uk

Avery Row I fell in love with their ‘Go Everywhere Mat’ after spotting them on Instagram. I spent ages trying to choose which print to go for. They make for such a great gift too as the packaging is incredibly thoughtful and beautiful. £65; beyindthestork.co.uk

Jem + Bea Jemima bag I’d be lost without my Jemima bag - it was the first bag we designed and it’s now our best-seller, it really does tick all the boxes. £265; jemandbea.com

Cam Cam Their charming bed linen and quilts in soft muted colours make for a soothing atmosphere in the nursery. I’ve opted for their bed linen in Shashiko Blush. £46; scandiborn.co.uk

Jem + Bea MAMA Clutch My MAMA clutch feels lovely and luxe - the perfect accessory for my essentials aside from the baby stuff £45; jemandbea.com

November / December 2016

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1 10 of the Best

...baby sleep products

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BUNK BED Ollie and Leila

lassically styled and available in a range of cool finishes, the Double Dreamer bunk bed is the perfect option for siblings who share a room. And if your little has their own room, it remains a great option for when friends or relatives come to stay – at Christmas in particular, you can never have too many beds. The practical benefits of a bunkbed are enhanced by optional underbed storage for clothing, toys or other bric a brac – alternatively, add a roll-out trundle bed for even greater capacity.  £899; ollieandleila.co.uk

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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QUILTED BLANKET Fa b e la b

e love this – a super cosy patchwork quilt that can be easily folded into the shape of a little ship using the pattern itself as a guide (and the attached toggles to hold things in place). Crafted from organic cotton in a stylish blend of neutral greys and cheery colours, it’s sure to have little ones raring to set sail for the Land of Nod.  £70; mamaowl.net

m am a / esse ntia ls

FRONT-OPENING SLEEPSUIT

Mori

ew brands make organic products as durable, soft and stylish as well as Mori. Available in a range of subdued colours and with sturdy nickle poppers to allow easy access when changing, these sleepsuits prevent you from having to pull fabric over baby’s head – while the cotton-bamboo blend is naturally thermoregulating. Foldover mittens come as standard in smallest sizes too, to keep newborn extremities cosy and warm.  £25; babymori.com

MOSES BASKET Mo ke e

ive new babes a good night’s sleep with the WoolNest, a stylish and cosy Moses basket designed with the modern home in mind. The main body is crafted from soft, grey wool felt, and features colourful carry handles so you can move it around the house easily. Suitable until six months or when baby is able to sit up – and there’s an optional wooden stand, too, if you want to raise the basket up to the level of your bed.  From £109.90; en.mokee.eu

MINI COT Mokee

his very fine cot is stylish and great value – available in on-trend colours like pastel pink, mint green or natural beech with white sides, it’s CE-certified, offers eight possible mattressheight settings and has a removable side, so you can use it as a toddler bed once you trust your babe not to go wandering at night. Oh, and they sell natural-fibre mattresses too.  £79.99; en.mokee.eu

SNOWSUIT Mai n i o

inter babies need wrapping up if they’re to stay warm and well on the move, and nothing helps a new tot get cosy in their stroller like a snowsuit. Surprisingly, stylish ones can be hard to find – so this zip-up, graphic-print version in rock grey – complete with built-in mittens and feet covers – is absolutely on our wishlist. Brush Padded Jumpsuit,  €49.90; mainioclothing.com

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7 8

SLEEP POSITIONER Babymoov

SLEEPING POOL N G B a by

his Swedish brand makes linen products that are mechanically softened – with heavenly results. Our pick of the range – which includes nursing pillows, bedlinens and beautiful princess canopies in earthy tones – is the clever sleeping pool, lightweight, portable and with raised sides to ensure safe co-sleeping.  Mood Sleeping Pool, check website for prices; ngbaby.se

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The Cosydream is the ultimate sleep positioner, developed by experts to deliver the ideal anatomical sleep position. It provides newborn babies with a gentle transition from womb to cot, with correct support and posture during the early months – ensuring a safe, comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep. Its unique, breathable, memory-foam design adapts perfectly to baby’s individual body shape, reducing musculoskeletal stress and keeping the back well supported, while the removable leg bolster helps to keep the legs raised in a semifoetal position, decreasing symptoms of colic and gastric reflux. Meanwhile, the headrest works to reduce the risk of plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). The overall effect is to soothe and support baby and reduce the risk of wakefulness and discomfort.  £29.99; babymoov.com

BABY SLEEPING BAG Mori

real sleeping beauty, this baby sleeping bag has a slew of practical features to enhance aid peaceful sleep. First up is the two-way zipper, enabling you to unzip just the lower half if you need to change a snoozing little one. Second is the fact that the bag accommodates growing children: suitable from birth to two years, it won’t need to be replaced after a month or two. Available in two weights for summer or winter, the organic cotton and bamboo blend will help to regulate baby’s body temperature safely – while an inspired seatbelt loop lets you strap baby in for a ride without waking him or her up.  £65; babymori.com

AIR PURIFIER Meaco

ir purifiers can improve the quality of baby’s sleep by removing excess moisture, allergens and bugs from the air in your home. Such filtering can reduce the chance of congested breathing while filtering out the nasty toxins endemic to big city life. This unit is sleek and unobtrusive, with touch-sensor controls and a filter-change alert for easy use. MeacoClean CA-HEPA 47x5 Air Purifier, £149.99; meaco.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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A magical Christmas adventure for the whole family Your visit to the house will include:

Garden of Winter Wonder A feast of play activities

Busy Elves Workshop Make toys with the Elves

Meet Father Christmas Personalised visists to see Father Christmas

Gingerbread Kitchen Decorate gingerbreadmen with Mrs Claus

Interactive Musical Theatre Singing and dancing festive fun

Genieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Cave Play interactive games with a magic genie

A Place of Awe and Wonder

Refreshments, mulled wine and mince pies for the adults

will never forget ild ch ur yo s itie tiv ac g tin an ch en of st Fabulous fea

To book and for more details please visit

www.enchantedhouse.net 020 3227 3200 info@enchantedhouse.net 2-18 Britannia Row, Islington, London, N1 8PA

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Feel reassured with the SAFE test. Non invasive prenatal testing at Ultrasound Diagnostic Services. LEADERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY SCANNING FOR OVER 35 YEARS www.uds.uk.com ultrasound@ultrasounddiagnosticservices.london 020 7935 2243

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Experience your own u nique tailor made worldwide lu xury family holid ay.

Having specialised in family holidays for 13 years we are passionate about our job and clients. We pride ourselves in being the ultimate specialists in this area of travel. We cover worldwide destinations and can recommend the best family-friendly properties offering luxury, time out for parents and plenty of fun for children. Our approach is very honest and advice given will always be unbiased. If you need help deciding where to take the family on holiday then why not contact us to help guide you through the planning of your holiday.

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mama / essentials

MOTHER NATURE •Bugaboo•

The perennial parents’ favourite sets the tone for stylish strollers with the nature-inspired Cameleon3 Elements edition: featuring leaf motifs, ombre colours and all the usual bugaboo engineering expertise. £999; bugaboo.com

TOT GEAR

Top-notch baby kit designed to make parenting easier

THE WHOLE TOOTH •Squidge and Pip•

Bright, British-made teethers in the shape of two cute characters – canine Squidge and his feline friend Pip. Beautifully packaged, they make great gifts. £20; squidgeandpip.com

Cosatto Giggle 2 Word s: Hel e n B ar o n

his little beauty is a bit of a name in the stroller world, with several awards under its belt and a reputation for being practical, reliable and downright stylish. The key benefit of the Giggle 2 system is its three-in-one nature: the lightweight, easily foldable and extremely compact stroller can easily be transformed into a handy infant carrier and pram for newborns. Most of us mamas err on the side of heavyweight prams or huge strollers with carrycots in those earliest of days, but experience tells many of us that keeping things light and manoeuvrable is usually the wiser bet. The Giggle 2 for that without sacrificing comfort or security. Another big draw for many will be the sheer variety and boldness of the colourways and patterns, from monochrome stripes and stars to rainbow mosaics and fun, illustrative prints. Moreover, it comes with not just a rain-cover but a Cosy Toes muff, a substantial UPF50+ hood and even a shoulder bag with handy changing kit – all in all, excellent value.  From £470; cosatto.com

WASH AND GO

PUMP IT UP

The Flyte baby sink bath is inspired: a collapsible cradle that fits into a small sink and enables you to bathe a little one safely and stress-free. Add a natural alternative to the classic yellow rubber duck with this Hevea one. £29.95 & £14.95; meandbuddy.com

The latest Yoomi breast pump is the fi rst to offer electric, batterypowered and manual pumping in one model – and the one-touch system saves your settings for the next use. Its also ultra quiet so you can pump with discretion. £89.99; yoomi.com

•Puj & Heavea•

• Yo o m i •

November / December 2016

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resources AB SO LU TELY MAMA

HOT WHEELS

• Micro Scooters • With ride-on and stand-up styles suited to kids from 18 months to five years and featuring adjustable handlebars and seats in lightweight designs, Micro Scooters grow with your child and don’t weigh too much when you end up carrying them! From £84.95;

micro-scooters.co.uk

122 • ASK THE HEAD

Headmaster at The Hampshire School

124 • BRIGHT STARS Educating exceptional students

130 • COMPETITION TIME What you can win this Christmas

November / December 2016

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Talking Head Donal Brennan HEADMASTER AT THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL, CHELSEA

he Hampshire School, an independent co-educational preparatory school in Chelsea in the heart of London, takes its name from its founder, June Hampshire. June founded the school in 1944 after her daughter, whose dyslexia had not been understood, was told she would “never learn to read”. Her daughter, the distinguished Susan Hampshire OBE, is now a three-time Emmy Award-winning actress and The Hampshire School has continued to provide a nurturing, happy and positive environment for children to learn and flourish ever since. We currently have over 300 children between the ages of 3-13 enjoying an excellent education on two fantastic sites. The premises are awe inspiring – Grade II listed buildings that also served as the library for King’s College. We are fortunate to have an enormous space here with a beautiful library and a playground – rare in central London – and we also take every opportunity to use Battersea Park as our garden. Our ethos: “we care for each other”, was written into ‘The Hampshire Way’ by the children. This is at the centre of everything we do and it shows when

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The premises are awe inspiring –Grade II listed buildings that also served as the library for King's College I speak to past students who recall the kindness and support of their teachers, and their fond memories of learning here. When I first visited the school, I was also amazed at how peaceful the school is. The children, and the way they inter-relate with each other and with the teachers makes for a very thoughtful, sensitive and happy

place to learn. Pupils respect each other and are respected by our teachers, and this inspires a sense of security and belonging alongside a culture of high expectations, academically, socially and emotionally. Our teachers walk with the children in all that they do. Openness is encouraged and working lunches are held so that children feel empowered to discuss any issues they may have freely with me. It is important to us that the school is a community where opinions can be expressed. We are a welcoming school, where no-one is “foreign”. Both local and international families find a niche here. We sing the national anthem while also having a modern, global outlook. Our UN Day, where many of our international families are encouraged to present their countries to children by explaining traditions, famous people, geography, and bringing along sample foods from their country, is a great example of this. A respect for the value of arts and performance within the school remains, complete with a purpose-built Music and Drama space named, ‘The Anne and Susan Hampshire Music and Drama room’. On arrival, the girls and boys dance, just as the girls and boys play football. Learning how to perform is key: we see how this

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allows the children’s self-esteem to grow, and ensures that they are unafraid to be their real selves. We have ensured that there is no shortage of extra-curricular activities for the children to explore, from fencing to street dance and judo classes. Generous time is allocated to weekly swimming, gymnastics, dance and games classes, and the children spend time every day being active and exercising away from the classroom. We are fortunate that we can take advantage of our location, and capitalise on all the cultural opportunities offered in our vibrant and exciting capital city. From theatre, museums, galleries, exhibitions, historic houses and places of worship, we always make the time to explore outside of the classroom. I am academically ambitious for the children. At The Hampshire School, the children excel at learning by doing. In lessons, I see children listening intently and then working very well with partners and their groups, developing

and answering astute questions. When learning by doing, the children can solve problems, and come up with solutions to the challenges that are set at the beginning of lessons. Our programme of learning is the best of the National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum, and the Independent School Examinations Board Curriculum. A culture of praise is key to the success of our pupils, and we take every opportunity to congratulate and reward them. Additionally, we ensure that our children are aware of disappointment, which is also a lesson for life. These skills, often referred to as “soft skills”, are the ones that equip them to cope with real life challenges. This approach to education

also allows for our pupils to feel fully prepared for the 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance Examinations. Our children go on to a wide range of London Day schools including City of London, Dulwich College, Emmanuel’s, Francis Holland, Godolphin + Latymer, More House, St. Paul’s Wetherby, and country boarding schools. Daily tours of the Main School and the Early Years site are presented by the Headmaster and Headmistress respectively. We look forward to welcoming you to our thriving school.  Please visit thehampshireschool chelsea.co.uk more information. November / December 2016

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Build Bridges Isabel Martínez DIRECTOR OF THE SPANISH SCHOOL IN KENSINGTON, ON THE BENEFITS OF BEING BILINGUAL

anguages are no longer mere instruments of communication, but also a much-needed set of bridges between different cultures in our global world. As key players in education, schools must contribute to the communicative competence of the new generations. While half of the world’s population is already bilingual, we now know that the human brain is wired for polyglotism: recent neuroimaging research has proved that bilingualism should be the norm, not the exception. Research suggests that bilingual education improves academic excellence and linguistic competence in both languages. Bilingual children develop a mental agility monolinguals lack and perform cognitive tasks better, they are more creative and better at problem-solving, they score higher on standardised tests, and their abilities transfer to the acquisition of other languages. Maybe even more importantly today, bilingual education fosters the appreciation of other cultures and provides better job opportunities – two issues that are undoubtedly central to our global societies. Within the context of bilingual education, language immersion is considered one of the fastest methods to become fluent in a second or foreign language. A bilingual curriculum in Spanish and English in the UK has unquestionable advantages for both the native Spanish speakers and the native English speakers. Firstly, Spanish and English are two of the three most widely used world languages, so full proficiency in both offers students a future ripe with opportunities. While this type of programme preserves the heritage, language and culture of the Spanish students, native English speakers greatly benefit from school immersion in Spanish, the language with the second-largest number of native speakers

PUPILS AT INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL CAÑADA BLANCH

Bilingual children develop a mental agility monolinguals lack after Mandarin Chinese. The Instituto Español Cañada Blanch is a case in point; it forms part of the Spanish Ministry of Education’s network of Spanish Schools abroad that cater to the educational needs of international students. The objective is to extend the access to high-quality bilingual education (in Spanish and the language of the host country). In the UK, a unique bilingual programme in Spanish and English – which also includes 3-4 hours a week of French – has been developed since the

1970s at Cañada Blanch Spanish School, where native English speakers and native Spanish speakers are integrated for instruction, so that both groups of students play the role of language model and language learner at different times. It is an inclusive school, offering preschool, primary and senior education including the IB. The teachers are natives of one language or the other. The curriculum taught is the Spanish one, and students may continue their studies or a professional career in the UK or Spain. This curriculum, as well as the immersion program in Spanish, enables students to achieve a high level of competence in both languages. French is also studied from the first year of primary education to the second year of Baccalaureate, and Latin and Galician are also offered as optional subjects. Students and parents actively take part in school life through their representatives on the Board of Governors and the Parents Association. The school follows the calendar set by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: classes start in the second week of September and end in the second week of July. Lessons begin at 8.45am and finish at 3.25pm (primary) or 4.30pm (senior school). From 3.30pm students can attend after-school clubs. The school canteen offers Spanish cuisine in the dining room, but students may also bring a packed lunch from home. At The Spanish School, we believe that every student can achieve bilingually at very high levels. It is our mission is to promote lifelong language learning, bi-literacy, personal integrity, a global awareness and academic excellence through a bilingual Spanish immersion programme. education.gob.es November / December 2016

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STARS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EDUCATION FOR AN EXCEPTIONALLY ABLE CHILD CAN BE CHALLENGING By Charlotte Phillips

KIT WITH HIS MOTHER BEC MORLEY JACOB

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he government calls them gifted and talented; Potential Plus, a UK charity, speaks of them as having High Learning Potential or HLP. They’re the brightest of the bright – pupils who even in the most selective of schools stand out as being head and shoulders above their peers. We’re not just talking about what Rebecca Howell, senior education consultant at Potential Plus, refers to as ‘top table’ children – the more able bunch who speed through their worksheets and are asking for more before some of their classmates have even got started – but those rare spirits who appear to have sourced their DNA from a completely different gene pool to the rest of us. “I can think of one child who spends most of her time in, broadly speaking,

a parallel universe,” says Nicola DickCleland, head of The Abbey Junior School in Reading. “She is a voracious reader, an immensely deep thinker and the trick there is trying to make her inner world align with ours.” The first inklings that you may be raising a really exceptional child may not be the speed with which they absorb new information alone, but the way in which they apply it. Take the solar system. Many able children will love learning the names of the planets. An exceptional child may go on to absorb the physics that’s behind their creation. “They want to learn more. Memory is part of it but you also have that superior understanding that seems beyond their age,” says Rebecca Howell. Having a truly bright spark sounds like a no-brainer of a blessing, something that the average parent would be bonkers to turn down if offered as a christening gift by a passing fairy godmother. And yes, there can be wonderful consequences. One of the highlights of family life in the Morley Jacob household in Essex is an economics discussion over the Sunday roast.

These rare spirits have sourced their DNA from a different gene pool to the rest of us It’s far from being merely a laudable attempt to elevate the tone of the conversation (though that’s undoubtedly a fringe benefit). Instead, it is almost an essential, a way of ensuring that Bec Morley Jacob’s three bright sons get the intellectual nourishment they need. That’s particularly so in the case of Kit, 12, who like his older brother, Matt, is a pupil at Felsted School. Kit was speaking fluently before he was two and appeared so grown-up that it would have been easy for him to have felt out of kilter with his peers. The most obvious manifestation of his ability was

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PUPILS AT THE ABBEY SCHOOL

the non-stop questioning – a common characteristic of very bright children. “When his class lined up, he had to know the reason why,” says Bec. “He wouldn’t accept what you’d say at face value but once he had an explanation, he would be fine.” Like Kit, other very able children will manifest their giftedness in blindingly obvious ways. “Some, aged three or four, will question the Tooth Fairy or Father Christmas and they may dwell on death when they first realise that people die,” says Rebecca Howell. But there again, others may not. And that’s when difficulties can arise. It’s all too easy for a really bright child whose ferocious intellect goes unrecognised and unchallenged to become disaffected. They have an innate ability to learn and make connections simply from what they pick up in the outside world. That can mean that by the time they arrive in the classroom for 30 minutes of one-sizefits-all maths or literacy, they may be bored out of their brains if the level and pace aren’t right and they switch off. In

some cases they can end up branded as troublemakers – or worse. Research from Potential Plus indicates that really able children are more likely than others to end up in trouble – they make up a sizeable percentage of the prison population, for example. Fortunately, there is increasing awareness of the need to identify and support these super-gifted children. The coveted NACE Challenge Awards recognise the effort made by schools to ensure that the most able pupils get the understanding and the boost they need to succeed. At Bedford Prep School, a NACE Award-winner (like Felsted Prep and The Abbey School), one of the big treats for pupils is enjoying a trip to the stars, or as close as it gets, courtesy of the senior school’s planetarium and observatory (own meteorite included). All the boys are encouraged to go beyond the curriculum basics – eclipses and lunar months – and ponder a smorgasbord of more complex questions,

A TEACHER AND PUPIL AT THE ABBEY SCHOOL

like why some planets have so many moons and what Galileo ever did for us (lots, as it turns out). Everyone gets a level of challenge that feels comfortable while the children with high level thinking skills get the intellectual workout they need. “We’re giving them the hooks so they can explore further,” says Jo Christian, Head of Academic Improvement at the school. At Felsted, a science project on cell structure and DNA encourages the most able to start thinking about genetic engineering – well beyond the demands of the prep syllabus and open, as at November / December 2016

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Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.

Based in the heart of Chelsea, a school with a long and proud history of academia, the arts, sports and music.

‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ Challenge your preconceptions about Education. Give your child time to develop a love of learning and enjoy the academic successes that it brings. 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. Autumn Evening Wednesday 28thBattersea September 2016. 12th & 13th Visit us atOpen The Independent Schools Show November Reserve your place now registration.dallingtonschool.co.uk/openevening.php

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Schools like these are working to ensure that, instead of squandering their talent, its most talented cohorts achieve personal fulfilment. Clare Robinson’s goal, modest-sounding though it is, is helping these pupils to grow up into happy and fulfiled adults. Giving them an education that praises effort rather than mere intellect, builds on creativity and adds a strong dose of resilience as well is critically important. Get it right and it’s not just school communities that could be benefiting from their gifts but society as a whole. Given the problems we face and the pressing need for more brilliant brains to solve them, we should all be willing them to succeed. STARGAZING AT BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL

Bedford, to every pupil. They can perform exceptionally well, challenging even teachers’ perceptions. The resulting breadth of opportunity is overwhelming, says Bec Morley Jacob – and it doesn’t stop at the weekend. Currently, Kit is going into school on Sunday mornings to work on a science project – his big passion. “He was taking a torch to pieces because he needed some of the bits to generate electricity.” It’s also vital, she says, that the school ensures that able pupils like Kit aren’t singled out or made to feel different. Keeping children with their chronological peers is a key part of the process. A school might be tempted to bump an exceptionally gifted mathematician up a couple of years. Easier for the school, perhaps. For a child whose social and emotional development might be nowhere near as advanced as their academic ability, the result can be isolation with a spot of recreational bullying thrown in for good measure. If heads like Clare Robinson have her way, this should one day become a thing of the past. Her school, Holme Grange, also holds a NACE Challenge Award and has created a curriculum which ensures that all its pupils, who range from those with learning difficulties to the very able, have almost endless opportunities to shine.

It’s not just the core academic subjects that are benefiting from this approach. A recent music project saw pupils working in mixed ability groups to respond to a technically challenging brief, composing impressively sophisticated music to order. There’s also a strong focus on learning how to fail. It may sound counterintuitive but makes perfect sense. “People may always have been the best. Suddenly they’re not and they don’t know how to cope with getting it wrong, they have no resilience,” says Clare Robinson. It’s one of the reasons, she believes, why so many of the best and brightest drift off course. “Many able students do fall off at some point because in adult life they’re not particularly happy.” Far better to ensure that when failure does happen, it’s in a controlled environment with people who can get you on your feet again.

Keeping a child with their peers is key; moving them up can result in isolation or bullying

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NACE

 Works with schools and teachers to improve learning for the more able and recognises excellent provision through the NACE Challenge Awards. Welcomes enquiries from parents as well as teaching professionals. n ace.co.uk

Potential Plus UK

 Supports the social, emotional and learning needs of children from all ages and backgrounds who have high learning potential. potent ialplu suk .org

MENSA

 Welcomes members (pre-school and up) whose IQ is in the top two per cent of the population. m en sa .org.uk

The Good Schools Guide  Help and support for parents and carers on identifying and educating gifted and talented children. good school sguide.co.uk

Ch arlot te Phillips Advisor at the Good Schools Guide Education Consultants November / December 2016

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