Absolutely Mama Emirates - Issue Two

A P R I L / M AY 2 01 7 I S S U E T WO • 2 0 A ED

Mama Emirates

Hot Mama

PARTY

HOST

Penélope Cruz talks motherhood The Magazine For Stylish Mums

Plan your perfect party

LISBON

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

The new hub for creatives

Ideas for beautiful nurseries

Spring

CHIC

Fab new looks for mums & little ones

ISSUE TWO • APRIL / MAY 2017

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Absolutely Mama Emirates

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

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NEW ORGANIC BABY BEDDING AND SLEEPWEAR RANGE

Love grows here

Supporting the

thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No.294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885)

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mama WELCOME

contents A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 7

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AGENDA What’s on

Dates for the coming months

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Spring books

New books for littles and one for mums-to-be

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Cruz Control

PenĂŠlope Cruz talks to Absolutely Mama Emirates about her passions

ESSENTIALS 24 For babies ON THE COVER:

Seraphine nautical maternity dress seraphine.com

Must-have bits and pieces, from teethers to toys

26 Host with the most

Our guide to planning the perfect kids party

33 Tot gear

Great ideas for making life easier

34 1-2 kids

Make the transition as smooth as it can be

FASHION 40 The making of me

We meet the founder of Avery Row

49 Spanish Style

Two gorgeous Spanish boutiques

WELLNESS 60 Food & Drink

Three easy sugar-free recipes for mum and baby

64 Health focus

HOME 68 Nusery notes

Sassy Mama Dubai shares some nursery inspiration

72 Neutral tones Embrace natural colour palettes

TRAVEL 82 Portugal

Lisbon and Sagres

RESOURCES 92 Choosing schools Boarding schools in the UK

98 Michael Bond

We interview the Paddingon author about his school days

Learning how to identify meningitis fast

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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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mama WELCOME

Editor’s

LETTER W The joys of spring

elcome to the spring issue of Absolutely Mama Emirates. Our aim is always to bring you some of our favourite ideas and insights from the world of mamahood, and the spring season certainly has us all fi red up. The new year saw a wealth of fresh and exciting new kids’ styles for SS17 launch from all over the world, including south-east Asia (see our kids fashion shoot) and Scandinavia (we still love the Scandi-style), while for mamas and mamas-to-be, a new Berlin-based label is producing gorgeous easy-to-wear dresses and separates based on beautiful Mexican embroidery.

We all know how tough it is to ‘haveit-all’ and for this issue we chatted to

Mama crush Penélope Cruz about balancing being a hands-on mum with her passion for her work, plus we’ve brought one of our fave mummy bloggers Helen Farmer on board for a guide to planning a brilliant birthday party for your little one, from the catering to the photography.

Finally, our home section has tons of inspiration for your little ones’ nurseries, from little decorations to beautiful furniture. We hope you enjoy the issue!

HOLLY KIRKWO OD ED I TO R

@h.kirkwood holly@zest-media.com April / May 2017

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The Magazine For Stylish Mums Editor: HOLLY KIRKWOOD Contributing Editor: APPHIA MICHAEL Commercial Director: LEAH DAY-ABALOS Advertising Manager: ROCHELLE STREATER Marketing Manager: NEFELI KRITIKOU Art Director: PHIL COUZENS Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: EKREM YILMAZ Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: ALEXANDRA HVID PA to the Directors: KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH Directors: GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: holly@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818056651 / 020 7704 0588 or email: rochelle@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: nefeli@zest-media.com Part of the

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LON DON OFFICE : ABU DHABI

zest.london 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.

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Absolutely Mama supports

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W H AT ’ S O N T H I S S P R I N G p . 1 2 • B E ST B O O K S p . 14 I N T E RV I E W: P E N E LO P E C R UZ p . 16 • M A R I O N D E U C H A R S p . 2 0

Fa n t a s t i c M r Fo x 23rd March Abu Dhabi Theatre,Abu Dhabi

Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox is family fun at its finest: this flagship production for the Roald Dahl centenary celebrations has been an enormous success with wonderful music and 'gloriumptious' set design. tickets.virginmegastore.me

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W H AT ’ S ON

S PR I N G CAM PS Make sure your littles make the most of the holidays

Some big musical names are visiting, plus the best spring camps for littles

Spring Camp and Easter Hunt 26 March- 6 April Cheeky Monkeys

With Cheeky Monkeys children can enjoy a fortnight of educational and fun-based activities throughout the region.

cheekymonkeys.com

ISM Sports Camp 26 March to 6 April Horizon School, Dubai

Th is sports camp is ideal for active kids who love to learn new skills, or practice their favourite sports.

From 4-14 years.

ismsports.org

NIGHT OUT

Blue Man Group April 11-15 ď‚&#x; Dubai opera

The Blue Man Group has achieved phenomenal success around the world, and is now part of the history of modern performing arts. This high-energy, multi-sensory show is brilliant for families: it's something to get kids really inspired about the power of performace - just be warned: it's loud! dubaiopera.com 12

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Eco venture 26 March to 6 April Kings' Schools

Teaming up with Ecoventure, Kings' Schools camps offer everything from rock climbing to robot programming, with the very best instructors.

ecoventureme.com

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agenda

WHAT'S ON

DAY OUT

Dubai World Cup March 25 Meydan Race Course

See some of the rock stars of the thoroughbred world fl y into The Meydan Racecourse for the World Cup, the biggest sporting occasion on the Dubai calendar. The US$30m race day is world-famous, not just for the sport but also as a social occasion - the after-race concert attracts huge names from the world of music and entertainment.

store.meydan.ae

FLAVORS FESTIVAL

CHILDREN AND PARENTS WORLD EXHIBITION

March 30 -April 8 Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi

he fi rst family fair & expo in the region is aimed at showcasing some of the best products for mother and baby, as well as toddlers and children of all ages. With tons of entertainment, from dance performances to food tasting, info on everything from healthcare to parenting, and the best in national and international fashion for littles, the exhibition is the place to get the lowdown on the latest in UAE parenting.

imed at promoting the wonderful burgeoning local foodie scene , this ten-day-long community event is a must-see for epicureans.

Featuring an indulgent mix of over 150 food tents and street food trucks by home-grown restaurants and Emirati food businesses, this is a great chance to explore some of the best taste sensations available for 2017.

cpw.ae

flavorsfestival.ae

May 11-13 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

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T

3 music treats for mums & dads W H ITE N I G HTS I N D U BAI

Q UATU O R M O D I G LIAN I

March 30 -April 8 Dubai Opera

April 7 One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai

White Nights in Dubai brings together a carefully curated collection of the brightest and biggest stars from the world of music dubaiopera.com

This amazing quartet records for the Mirare label, and has released five award-winning CDs, to critical acclaim from all over the world. dcc.ae

RO D I O N PO GO S SOV May 5 One&Only Royal Mirage

Russian baritone Rodion Pogosov features frequently in the Metropolitan Opera: his recent engagements include The Magic Flute. dcc.ae

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Spring

BOOKS

We've loved trying out some of the latest activity books for little ones, and Clemmie Hooper's bible for mamas-to-be hits the shelves W o r d s H O L LY K I R K W O O D & A M A N D A C O N S TA N C E

THE BIG GREEN BOOK

by Robert Graves , illustrated by Maurice Sendak

s

hand on

A DAY I N R I C ETOW N

Th is is the only children’s book written by war poet and revered British writer Robert Graves. Written when he was 67, it was illustrated by a little known artist, who was yet to create his iconic Where the Wild Th ings Are. A longforgotten and wonderful story about the magic of reading.  foyles.co.uk

Noodoll Studio

A hands-on activity book set in the charming universe created by Noodoll Studio, A Day in Ricetown introduces the Ricemonsters, and encourages children to explore their world with puzzles, origami and colouring. thamesandhudson.com

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Big Book of Beasts

BOOKS

or one fma ma

by Yuval Zommer

From the author and illustrator of the best-selling Big Book of Bugs comes a brilliant book about the hairiest, grizzliest, growliest and most fearsome beasts on our planet. It is packed with fascinating information and full of gloriously illustrated wildlife scenes.  thamesandhudson.com

H OW TO G R OW A BA BY

by Clemmie Hooper

I can use my potty

Mum of four, Instagram star and midwife Clemmie Hooper shares her vast store of wisdom about pregnancy, birth and mamahood. Most books for mums just focus on one stage, so it's useful to have a guide along the whole journey. Written with frankness and humour, it's the perfect all-in-one bible for expectant mums.  foyles.co.uk

Bloomsbur y Activity Books

Th is engaging, colourful book follows the antics of Joe and Daisy as they learn all about using their potties. It's also full of activities and marvellous quantities of different stickers to use as rewards to encourage children to have a go themselves. Potty training can be stressful, but there is no failure in this book, which is one of the best things about it.  bloomsbury.com

GOODNIGHT SPACEMAN

Pnth AhP e mo

of t

by Michelle Robinson & Nick East

HAT MONKEY

Inspired by astronaut Tim Peake and his sons, and featuring an introduction from Tim himself, this is a great bedtime book for fi ring little imaginations. Two space-mad boys get ready for bed and say goodnight to their toy rockets, launch pads and planet mobiles, before being whisked away into space on an adventure beyond their wildest dreams.  foyles.co.uk

Designed for children under five, this app introduces a new character from the ingenious mind of Chris Haughton. Hat Monkey needs help with all sorts of activities, and littles will love helping him out.  foxandsheep.com April / May 2017

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a gend a

PROFILE

Cruz CONTROL

Film star, philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur and most importantly a mother, when it comes to having it all, Spanish beauty Penélope Cruz is taking life in her stride Wo r d s K A R E N A N N E OV E R T O N

otherhood has been a revolutionary experience,” declares Penélope Cruz, flicking her magnificent chestnut mane. “I’m a very different woman today – I worry less, I cook more, and my life revolves around family rather than work. Everything has changed for the better. Your way of seeing the world is different and you appreciate life more. It’s the most wonderful thing that can happen to a woman.”

This intense passion and vigour for life is what we have come to expect from Cruz, who long ago broke out from the Spanish independent film scene to become a Hollywood icon. Unlike many of her peers, the 42-year-old is an open book when it comes to discussing her home life in Madrid with husband Javier Bardem and their two children – Leo, six and Luna, three. Though never revealing anything too personal about her brood, she is ebullient and candid about the many highs and occasional lows of balancing the different aspects of career and family, gesticulating enthusiastically and occasionally throwing her head back to let

loose her infectious laugh. For Cruz, giving birth to Leo in 2011 was the revelation. “From that moment, everything changes. Everything,” she emphasises.

“You look at the world with completely different eyes. And you revisit your childhood in a way that it doesn’t go through any filter. It’s not mental – it’s just really in your heart and you experience these things again that you thought you had forgotten.”

In a career spanning two decades, Cruz has been fastidiously devoted to her craft, always choosing roles that are artistically challenging rather than commercially lucrative. She admits to possessing a fierce stubborn streak, the upside of which is “having great discipline”.

Born to a working-class family in Madrid, Cruz harboured ambitions of being a ballet dancer, training for nine years at the national Conservatory, and often danced till her feet bled.

“I was very determined and dedicated when I was dancing,” she says. “And when I became an actress I always threw myself into every film role I ever took, although I’ve learned to be more relaxed and not get so involved with my characters as I used to!”

As a teenager, Cruz found work as a model before making her film debut in 1992 in Jamón Jamón

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“ EVE RY THING HAS C HANGED FO R THE B E T TER . YO U R WAY O F S EEING THE WO RL D IS DIFFERENT ”

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ÂŁ9.99

Teething made simple MatchstickMonkey.com

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agend a

PENELOPE CRUZ IN MA MA (2015)

PROFILE

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“IT' S IMP O RTA N T TO ME [ TH AT ] MY C HIL D R E N GROW U P TO BE CO NFID E N T ADU LTS”

~ – a quirky satire exploring machismo and erotic desire. In the role of Silvia, the stunning 18-year-old wowed critics with her charisma, and it was the first time she acted opposite husband-to-be Bardem, although the couple would not fall in love until they worked on Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona – the film which won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Cruz and Bardem were married in 2010 in a small ceremony at a friend’s house in the Bahamas; Cruz gave birth to Leo the following year. Having nurtured her career for so long, the actress admits she was more than happy to put her energy into her burgeoning family: “I love being at home.

I love being a housewife – I love the word, too, and what it expresses even though I know in English culture there is sometimes a negative sense attached to that,” she says matter-of-factly. “But to be a mother and to look after my family is the most beautiful experience I could imagine. I grew up in a very tightly-knit family where we had this wonderful atmosphere and I have such fond memories of that time even though life was sometimes a struggle.”

Cruz remains close to her family. She and Bardem split their time between homes in Los Angeles and Madrid, where the actress co-owns a highly successful clothing boutique with her younger sister, Mónica.

And although no amount of blockbuster films can pull her away from Spain’s successful homegrown film industry, those big international films do come knocking and when they do, Cruz will always strive to have her children on set with her.

PENELOPE CRUZ IN MA MA (2015)

“Fortunately, I have a lot of help,” she smiles. “Although I like to be with my children as much as possible. I think the relationship between a mother and her children is a very intense and joyful experience, and it’s important to me to help my children grow up to be confident adults.

So I always try to bring my whole family along with me while I’m working.”

Naturally, you don’t reach such dizzying heights of success without making enormous sacrifices, and the Vanilla Sky star admits there was a time she was a workaholic. “For a long time I enjoyed working very intensely and travelling a lot. I loved being able to explore many different kinds of characters and I was always full of energy and passion,” she says – then confesses that while she is still deeply passionate about her work, she now limits herself to one or two films a year.

“I think the love of my children and my partner has made me happy...” she muses.

“But even before I became a mother I had decided to quit being addicted to my

work.” She explains how her life on set had become so engrossing, she had reached the point where she didn’t have a life outside work – a prospect Cruz found “scary”. “Now I have a much more comfortable rhythm,” she says. “When you’re raising two small children, you need a better balance.”

Cruz still has to make sure she looks after herself: “I try to stay in shape, but I don’t obsess about it. I’m more careful of what I eat, but food will always be one of my great pleasures in life. I drink a lot of water and try to get a good night’s sleep even though it's difficult with young children,” she says, raising her eyebrows.

For Cruz, celebrity is merely a by-product of her day job, and when asked how she would describe her life these days, she responds warmly: “Every day I learn a little more about who I am, which is always the biggest quest. I have a beautiful family and a job that I love and which gives me a lot of freedom. I feel very grateful.”

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STRAIGHT TO THE

art

Illustrator Marion Deuchars’ portfolio includes a range of engaging activity books for children. Absolutely Mama meets her Inter view: PEN DLE H A RT E

A

rtist Marion Deuchars' CV spans everything from stamps to window displays, menu designs, food illustrations and book covers. In 2011 she published her fi rst art activity book for children, Let's Make Some Great Art and its instant success led to two more. Her covers for Penguin's George Orwell novels won the V&A's book illustration award and her longstanding collaboration with Carluccios has made her work familiar to many.

Born in Scotland, she studied at the Royal College of Art and now works from her studio in north London.

PENDLE HARTE: You have provided illustrations for everything from stamps to menus via newspapers and book covers. How do you tailor your style to different needs?

MARION DEUCHARS: A new commission is always an interesting challenge for me to make some new artwork. I like that I don’t always know what it will look like, that it will be a surprise in some ways. I have to think beforehand; should it be type-led? colourful? serious?

I try to produce artwork that I think suits the subject best rather than have a one-stylefits-all approach. I start all projects by playing with different materials as a way of coming up with ideas and direction.

PH: Your art books for children have so much character and enthusiasm. How did they come about? Tell us about the new one.

MD: The books have all grown from my fi rst book Let’s Make Some Great Art: the subsequent titles are the result of doing the many exercises in the book. My latest one, Art Play, is the

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CULTURE

PH: What is your favourite kind of commission?

MD: One that takes me to a place I don’t know.

Milton Glaser says that ‘we should work towards the unknown’ and I completely agree.

PH: What other artists and illustrators do you like?

MD: I love seeing the greats. London has had so many fantastic exhibitions recently, from Matisse to Hockney. I also love looking at ancient art like Aztec. The British Museum is an endless source of inspiration. At the same time, I’m always looking at contemporary art and illustration. There have also been some great contemporary exhibitions recently, Ai Weiwei and Carsten Holler to name a few. I try to get to as many exhibitions as I can.

PH: What is your typical working day like?

MD: Walk the dog, walk the kids to train station, Pilates class, walk to work. I average a 25-hour working week, which is never long enough but it’s all I can do if I want to achieve a nice work/family life balance. I work in a shared open-plan studio with 24 other creatives. It used to be a Victorian shoe factory. It’s a nice place to go every day.

I have lots of space and can make a mess. It’s nice to have lunch at a table that’s not my desk, it’s good to ask for advice when I need it.

MARION DEUCHARS IN HER STUDIO

~

“I THI NK THE PR OCE SS OF M AK I NG AND DOI NG I S AS IM PORTANT AS TH E END RE SULT ”

~

most accessible of all my books. It’s based on how I approach all of my work, which is first and foremost to play. I think the process of making and doing is as important as the end result and this book tries to celebrate that. It’s a book for the very young and old.

PH: How would you describe your style?

MD: I use a lot of hand lettering, but I also love to draw and paint. I use mainly conventional materials like paper, pencil,

PH: What are you working on next?

MD: I’m working on another picture book for Laurence King as a follow up to Bob the Artist, which will be released next autumn. We also have plans to make a number of Bob the Artist toys and gifts including Bob Dominos.

SPREADS FROM ART PLAY

paints, and scissors… It's always hard describing your own style, but I receive many comments about my 'effortless' feel – I work hard at that.

PH: How did you come to be an illustrator? When did it start?

MD: I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee. The first year was about trying everything from ceramics to photography to painting.

By the end of the year we had to decide what to specialise in and I chose the Illustration and Printmaking department as it seemed to be where my work was heading.

Art Play by Marion Deuchars (Laurence King Publishing) is out now.

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• TO P G E A R FO R BA B I E S A N D M A M A S p . 2 4 • PA R T Y P L A N N I N G p . 2 6 • F R O M O N E -TO -T WO K I D S p . 3 4

Easy Street  BUGABOO BEE 5

With specially engineered wheel suspension for a smoother ride, and a one-piece fold, the latest design from Bugaboo is simple to carry and store in the tightest of spaces.

This makes it a perfect, adaptable pushchair for city life. bugaboo.com

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5 2 New

kid on the block Great stuff for babies and mamas

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1. Musy heaven Aden + Anais The beautiful metallic collection from Aden + Anais consists of cozy dream blankets, super soft swaddles and versatile musys with gorgeous little stars. Choose from gold, silver, skyline or primrose colourways.

• naturalbabyshower.co.uk

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2. Adopt a friend

3. Romp around

4. Puree perfection

5. Rocking it

Big Stuffed Dana Muskat made the fi rst of these these oversized sea creatures for her newborn neice. Hand-crafted in Bretagne, the story is that these charming toys are looking for adoptive homes – and our name is 100% on the list.

• liberty.co.uk

From Babies with Love The cheeky crab design from From Babies with Love captured our hearts this spring. As ever, 100% of the profits help orphaned and abandoned children around the world, through a partnership with SOS Children’s Villages.

• frombabieswithlove.org

Beaba Babycook Plus A gizmo that steams, cooks, blends defrosts and reheats?

Sign us up. Weaning just got a whole lot more achievable, and when you're fi nished making baby food this is still a useful kitchen gizmo to keep around. The recipes are also useful.

• mumzworld.com

Oli Ella Co Ko Rocker Designed from the point of view that a nursing chair shouldn’t look out of place anywhere in the house, these are a great investment. Ergonomically designed with extra lumbar support, they also come in a choice of 18 colours.

• ollieella.com

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essen t i a ls

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BA BY

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6. All in one

7. Sweet separates

8. Sleepyhead

9. Multi-purpose

10. Wild at Heart

Fox’s Felts Th is miracolous Rattle Teether has a textured surface to help soothe painful gums. It’s super easy for little ones to grasp and a great sensory tool for visual and tactile stimulation. They can also be personalized. Aw. • foxsfelts.co.uk

Piupia Much of designer Claudia's inspiration comes from the sea and her latest collection features separates and super soft babygros.

We fi nd the combination of soft pastel colours with vibrant illustrations just bewitching.

• piupia.co.uk

Nubie Available in two delightful colourways these handmade mobiles shaped like balloons play a soothing tune and goes perfectly on a cot or a changing mat.

Other designs include pretty clouds or a moon and stars.

• nubie.co.uk

Nibbling These necklaces are things of wonder. They provide something for baby to focus on when he's feeding, they soothe sore gums, and they're eminently chewable. And the more baby chews the faster those teeth show up.

• nibbling.co.uk

Hunter's Bohemia Inspired by the call of the wild, Hunter's Bohemia pieces are handmade in Ireland. Made from, supersoft jersey these little snow-capped mountains are eminently snuggable and the perfect size for little hands.

• huntersbohemia.com

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How to have a

stre ss-f ree kid’s p art y in Dub ai

Need to plan a party, but don’t know where to start? Helen Farmer of parenting blog themothershipdxb.com shares her experiences and recommendations Wo r d s H E L E N FA R M E R

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essentials PART Y

PL ANNING

DISH

One of Dubai’s most popular catering companies can also look after little tummies. The menu at Dish includes sandwiches, mini burgers, risotto pops, portions of pasta, cookies and jelly cups with fresh fruit. dish.ae

I

hate to break it to you, but there’s no such thing a stress-free kid’s birthday party – but please keep reading, because there are things you do, and people you can contact in Dubai, who can make it considerably less painful.

Even if you’re on a budget. We recently celebrated our daughter Phoebe’s second birthday, and with her little sister due in a matter of weeks we wanted to have a day just for her.

That’s right. A toddler party at 36 weeks pregnant. I must have been mad…

H E R E WA S M Y PA R T Y P L A N N I N G W I S H L I S T: • Outside (the weather is too nice to suffer soft play) • Not silly money • Timings to work with toddler naps • Entertainment that doesn’t involve my waters breaking while doing The Birdie Song.

• Good food that kids AND grownups will enjoy • No Peppa Pig theme.

After doing a quick survey amongst friends, it was decided that two-yearolds are just happy to run around and play some games, so I didn’t need to worry about Elsa impersonators, David Blaine wannabes etc, especially if we were going to have it in the park on a Saturday morning.

Also, trying to get toddlers to sit on chairs at a table to eat is like herding cats, so we decided on blankets and a picnic style, which saved money too.

So who did I call?

~

" TRY I N G TO G E T TO DDL E RS TO S IT ON C H A IRS AT A TA B L E TO E AT I S L I KE H E R D I N G CATS"

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BA BY S E N S O RY UA E

This company also offer parties for under 5s. Simply choose a theme and the party host will keep children entertained with activities and games, either indoors or outdoors, at your home or at their party rooms. Décor and food can also be included. babysensory.ae

FOOD

LI M E TR E E CA F É  I’ve been to events catered by this Dubai institution and have always lingered at the buffet table far longer than necessary. They offer plenty to choose from for both children and and adult taste buds; we ordered mini pizzas, chicken and cheddar pinwheels, mini baked potatoes, fruit skewers and colourful cupcakes for the children, and these were arranged on the ground within easy reach of tiny hands. For adults we chose Coronation chicken club sandwiches, tomato and mozzarella mini rolls, spinach blinis and mini Stilton toasties with caramelised onion for the grown-ups: the adults ate on a trestle table. Everything was seriously delicious, and more than enough for 12 kids and their parents (I merrily took home some leftovers).

Ordering the food was really easy, and we picked up everything at 9am from their Al Quoz kitchen.  thelimetreecafe.com

E N TE RTA I N M E N T A N D DÉCOR

CHEEKY LITTLE EVENTS  This company came highly recommended, and was so helpful, with Head of Bookings Sophie cheerfully and patiently answering my endless silly questions. Once we’d established that dining table and tiny chairs were going to be a waste of time she suggested blankets and cushions for lounging on the grass, in colours to match the (very loose) rainbow theme. We also ordered 30 helium balloons from them, and she was able to advise on suitable entertainment. The lovely Emma April / May 2017 | 27

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essentials PART Y

HUMMINGBIRD BA K E RY

Can’t face baking a cake? I don’t blame you. Hummingbird Bakery is world-famous and their real show-stopper is the rainbow cake.

They can do custom orders, or just get one from the counter and put a personalised topper on. Easy. ae.hummingbirdbakery.com

PL ANNING

characters that children love (Paw Patrol party, anyone?).

They also offer gift bags, gorgeous wrapping paper and ribbons, cards, games and décor, with literally a one-stop shop for baby showers, birthdays, hen dos, Halloween and Christmas. The best bit? It all arrived the next day, and was really well-priced.  partycamel.com

PHO T OGR A PH Y S O U L P H OTO G R A P H Y

 I knew that I’d be too busy chatting/eating/trying to avoid meltdowns to take any proper photos of the party so enlisted Nabin from Soul Photography to assist with capturing some special moments. And I’m so glad he did.

As you can see from the images, Nabin’s style is so natural and fun, and so it was perfect for our party in the park.  soulphotographydubai.com

BAR EFOOT PHOTOGR APHY

Experts in creating what they call ‘barefoot’ moments - those special times when you feel relaxed and yourself. They can also help with maternity shoots, family sessions and cake smashes, with the emphasis firmly on family and fun. barefootdubai.com

joined the party for an hour, armed with a music system, balloons for creating dogs, flowers and swords, and child-friendly glitter tattoos.

She was an instant hit with the kids, who clamoured for her attention (and prizes she gave out during games).

We’d definitely use them again as other entertainment options range from petting zoos to an inflatable outdoor cinema, and the service from start to finish was outstanding.  cheekylittleevents.com

T H E PA R T Y

This family-run business creates custom cake toppers and party favours, all with an amazing eye for design. Want something unusual?

Just ask and the team will do everything they can to help.

CA K E

FROSTED  I’ve known Frosted’s Jennifer for years, so she was my go-to girl for Phoebe’s birthday cake. My only issue was knowing what we wanted.

She was full of suggestions and inspiration, so we came up with the final design of colourful balloons, and Phoebe was totally awestruck (as were the other children who each had a slice of the chocolate sponge with vanilla buttercream and their choice of fondant balloon on the side). As for the taste? Unreal.  facebook.com/FrostedDubai

facebook.com/thepartyuae

DETA I L S

 PA R T Y C A M E L I love this online store, and bought everything I needed there in terms of plates, napkins, tablecloth, party favours and more. We went for the rainbow theme, with some unicorn details, plus fun sunglasses for the kids to wear and some paper bunting for the trees, but were really spoilt for choice as they have countless combinations, from sophisticated colours to the April / May 2017 | 29

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Spring

Wish List

From the wooly mammoth you never knew you needed to a cool craft box

TUCKING UP TIME Harlequin Doll’s Bed We are anticipating hours of fun putting baby to bed with this classic Harlequin wooden doll’s bed from Cam Cam Copenhagen (mattress and bedding separate). themodernnursery.com

BE MINDFUL

Hannah & Tiff With its South East Asian heritage, Hannah and Tiff ’s SS17 collection employs hand embroidery combined with modern silhouettes in a fun palette of colours. hannahandtiff.com

Headspace for kids It's never to early to get mindful, and Headspace has three apps for littles under 12. Featuring activites that teach them the basics of mindfulness, children can practice breathing exercises, visualisations and even try out some focus-based meditation. headspace.com

MODERN BRITISH DINNER TIME Made from natural bamboo fibres – a sustainable alternative to melamine – this set is decorated with artist Hanna Konola’s maritime motifs www.fermliving.com 30

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Great British Baby Company These handmade coats are inspired by Britain’s textile manufacturing heritage.

The lambswool cloth is astonishingly soft, and they last for years - making them perfect family hand-me-downs. greatbritishbabycompany.com

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essentia ls

TODDLER

ELECTRIC VESPA For the toddler who has everything, this electric bike is a mindbogglingly faithful reproduction of the legendary scooter down to the smallest detail. pegperego.com

GET CRAFTY

Molly and The Wolf Craft club 4-10 year olds will love this craft club. Every month they’re sent a new kit in the post, with everything you’ll need. Choose from a range of options, from a kite to a kaleidoscope. mollyandthewolf.com

Twinkle toes Moccis

These hand-sewn Swedish moccasins are available all the way up into adult sizes if you covet them for yourself; stylish and practical, they come with non-slip soles, and even go into the washing machine and there is a huge range of choices of design. moccis.co.uk

Ice Age

hug me

Wooly Mammoth

VINTAGE COOL

Th is mammoth is by far the most huggable piece of furniture we have ever seen. We hope they do adult sizes soon. liberty.com

Tobias & The Bear x Mr Men The vintage artworks of Mr. Men were the inspiration behind this super cute collection from Tobias & The Bear. From the pure joy of Mr Happy to the lounging cool of Mr Lazy they're sure to raise a smile. tobiasandthebear.com

April / May 2017

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Bit Of Fluff

TOT GE AR

d& Triested Te

LITTLE GREEN SHEEP

 Keep your little comfy on the move with this sheepskin pram liner in tasteful ivory. It’s naturally breathable and adaptive to external temperatures – making it the last word in kiddie comfort. littlegreensheep.co.uk

TOT GEA R

Gym Bunnies

Top-notch baby kit designed to make parenting easier

SLEEPYHEAD

The ideal accessory for your no-doubt-invaluable Sleepyhead pod, this toy arch is completely customisable. Choose from a range of colours and quirky dangling toys designed by NYC artist Matthew Langille.

Coming soon to meandbuddy.com

Be prepared SILVER CROSS

 Th is innovative new travel system is ideal for your fi rst child, and also future-proofed for growing families – all in one clever package. The Wave transforms from a single to a double buggy, as if by magic. silvercrossbaby.com

BBHUGME PREGNANCY PILLOW The ultimate pregnancy pillow has arrived

F

orget about all other pregnancy pillows: this is the one you want. I’m reclining on it as I type. Developed by chiropractors, the BBhugme was born of a chiropractic need to position pregnant patients on their bellies for back examinations. Too many women suffer severe back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy (with the pain continuing postpartum in the worst case scenario). The BB alleviates these problems. It’s made of natural, soft and eco-friendly materials (mainly bamboo and silicon-free pebbles), which give it a beanbaglike quality; unlike other pregnancy pillows, it moulds to the shape of your body, easing pressure on the belly, pelvis, lower back and legs.

And because it allows you to sleep on your stomach, you’re not limited to constant side-sleeping, which can cause shoulder tension.

You can continue to use it as a nursing pillow once baby is born, reducing the development of nursing neck or shoulder pain – and it even works as a comfortable seating ring for older babies learning to sit up. A 3-in-1 product that’s worth every penny. scandiborn.co.uk

April / May 2017

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Mum Diary

And Then

There Were

TWO Number two on the way?

Two-under-two survivor Apphia Michael gives you the lowdown on the star products that will make the transition smoother Wo r d s A PPH I A M I C H A E L

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essentials

MUM DIARY

The bath time helper D R E A M B A BY D E L U X E B AT H S E AT

Y

ou’ve made it through the day with a toddler and a baby, hurrah! Now how do you get them fed and bathed in a timely manner? Dreambaby’s deluxe bath seat allows babies from six months old to be bathed alongside their siblings. Attaching to the bath with strong suction grips, it comes complete with a heat sensor, contoured non-slip seat with extra padding and masses of leg room. And unlike some other seats, where baby’s legs can sometimes get caught and scratched against the plastic when they are lifted out, the front of the Dreambaby bath seat cleverly hinges open for easy access to your little splasher.  Dream baby Bath Seat from JoJo Maman Bébé at Mumzworld mumzworld.com

The Double Buggy I C A N DY P E AC H B LO S S O M

T

hought getting out and about with a toddler was hard? You now have two of these small and unpredictable humans to herd out of the door. Take it from me: a versatile and intuitive double pushchair makes all the difference between chaotic and calm, especially when you have siblings that are close in age. Not only does the iCandy Peach Blossom deliver on the style front, but it is a joy to push, and incredibly comfortable and spacious for little ones. A great travel system with lots of options for carrycot, pushchair seat and car seat combinations, the Peach Blossom also comes with elevators that allow the single seat or carrycot to be positioned higher and closer to the parent, together with seats that allow for world- or parent-facing mode.

Crucially, it remains within the footprint of a single pushchair, even in double mode. Other features, such as a 25kg weight limit, puncture-proof EVA tires, a one-touch 5 point safety harness and a chassis that allows for one-handed folding (once the seat unit has been removed), make this an invaluable pushchair.  iCandy Peach Blossom icandyworld.com

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"YO U ' VE M A D E I T THRO U GH THE DAY W I T H A TO DDL ER AND A BA BY. HU RRAH! NOW TO G E T THEM FED AND BAT H E D. . . "

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A friendly, personal service finding the best childcare for you and your family

Full Time & Part Time Permanent & Short Term Nannies | Maternity Nurses Emergency Nannies | Holiday Nannies Nanny/PAs | Nanny/Housekeepers

• Qualified and/or Highly experienced with excellent references • Have been through our interview, vetting and reference checking • Love what they do, are extremely knowledgeable and are often multiple specialists • Able to look after Mum and baby and help set first time Mums on the right track • Able to establish routines, such as sleeping and feeding • Able to assimilate into situations easily and quickly • Reassuring and sympathetic to the difficult situation parents may be in • In possession of a valid DBS check (within last 12 months) • Certified with up to date First Aid

For more information or to discuss your requirements, email info@greycoatlumleys.co.uk or call 0207 2339950 www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk

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essentials

MUM DIARY

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"GO O GL E T H E ' S L EEPYHE A D ' AND YO U ' L L F I N D NO S HO RTAG E OF PARENTS WA X I N G LYRICAL "

The baby carrier E R G O B A BY 3 6 0

S

ometimes you just need to transport everyone from A to B with as little stuff as possible - jumping into taxis, navigating the tube, or going to a place where buggies aren’t allowed. Enter the hardworking Ergobaby 360. With four carry position options, it is a versatile piece of kit which adapts to virtually any situation.

Pop baby in the carrier so you have your hands free for toddler hand-holding. Or carry your toddler on your back while your littlest one sits in the pram. The Ergobaby 360 has a structured bucket seat which allows for baby to be ergonomically seated in all four positions. As a bonus, it comes with a supportive waistband and padded shoulder straps to help you carry the weight.  Ergobaby 360 mumzworld.com

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The sleeping pod SLEEPYH EAD DELUXE

G

The baby seat N U N A L E A F

H

andy for the times when you need to put baby down to tend to your older one (and there will be a lot of these), the Nuna LEAF is a baby seat that goes the extra mile. It has an upper weight limit of 60kg, which means both your newborn and older children will be able to enjoy it. Plus, it’s elegantly designed, lined with plush padded fabric and can be accessorised with an optional toy bar. Designed to mimic the motion of a falling leaf, this smart-looking seat gently sways from side to side without the need for batteries or excessive rocking from parents - swinging is activated with just one gentle push and lasts for two minutes, or non-stop if used in conjunction with the LEAF Wind, a mini-motor that attaches with a simple click to the base. Certainly one to be recommended.  LEAF, £160; LEAF Wind, £70; justkidding-me.com/

oogle the Sleepyhead and you’ll fi nd no shortage of parents waxing lyrical about the pod’s transformative powers on their baby’s sleep patterns. And for good reason - with a unique design that essentially looks to reinvent the feeling of being in the womb, it provides a soft, cocooning space that babies love, turning previously restless babes into a contented little angels who sleep through the night. Fans of attachment parenting can also rejoice as it has been rigorously tested for fi rmness and air-permeability in order to aid safe co-sleeping. Th is really is a gamechanging newborn essential, particularly as it’s so portable which means you can just move it from room to room whenever you need to, or even take it away on holiday.  Sleepyhead Deluxe (0-8 months) thebabyboutique.com

April / May 2017

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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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T H E M A K I N G O F M E : AV E RY R OW p .4 0 S PA N I S H ST Y LE p .4 9 • K I D S ’ FA S H I O N N OT E S p . 5 0

Get Nautical SERAPHINE

Falling just above the knee, and with versatile three-quarter-length sleeves, this nautical-themed maternity dress works perfectly between seasons.

Designed in a flattering A-line cut it has a flexible fit for all stages of pregnancy, and once baby arrives it features nursing access at the front. seraphine.com

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THE MAKING OF ME

Fiona Chow of Avery Row on the challenges of building a business while bringing up baby Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: How did you and your business partner [Helen Wetz] meet?

FIONA CHOW: Helen and I met over 12 years ago when we were working in New York. Back then, in the heady days of busy careers by day and cocktails by night, we bonded over a love of sushi, fun nights out, travel, and all things to do with interiors. We have remained great friends ever since and both ended up back in our hometown of London.

AM: Why did you decide to take the plunge and set up your own business?

FC: Prior to Avery Row, I was a sleepdeprived, stressed banker. Towards the end I was feeling unmotivated and thinking there had to be more to life than this. My desire for a career change coincided with Helen wanting to start her own business, something she had dreamed about for a while, and like many mumpreneurs, she felt it was the right time to give it a go. We met for a coffee and by the time we left we knew exactly what we wanted to create.

The idea for Avery Row was born out of our love of textiles and wanting to create a certain look and feel that we both loved – soft geometric patterns in a colourful but calm palette. We had been inspired by designs and interiors from our travels abroad but had found it hard to recreate them back home when we were decorating our own houses (nine house moves between us on our last count).

AM: Do you see it as a positive that your business and personal lives are so interconnected?

FC: I love that I run my own business and even more so that it is in an area – motherhood – that I am experiencing to the fullest right now. It makes me even more passionate about ensuring our products are both practical and beautifully designed.

Having your own business means you never really stop working, whether it be checking out the newest trends, attending events with fellow mumpreneurs or gathering inspiration when you are out and

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fash ion

PROFILE

most amazing support network in my husband, family and Helen.

These two events were one-offs and now with Helen holding down the fort we catch up on a regular basis with calls every other day. As Zoe is still sleeping most of the time, I’ve been able to check my emails and manage parts of the business such as the social media side easily with my phone. It defi nitely makes the night feeds pass really quickly!

AM: What’s next for Avery Row? FC: We’ve recently launched our collection of fitted sheets for both cot beds and Moses baskets in six fun designs, as well as a range of

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about. I really enjoy every aspect of it. It also means you are your own boss and since having a baby, I am so grateful for the flexibility it gives me.

AM: What’s been the most challenging thing so far? And how have you managed the company with a new baby in the mix?

FC: Hands down it has to be working on an all-day photo shoot and then exhibiting at The Baby Show three weeks after giving birth to my fi rst baby, Zoe. I remember turning up to set up our stand for the Baby Show with Zoe and being told ‘no children allowed’. The next six hours were spent trying to get everything set up as quickly as possible while running back and forth to Pizza Express around the corner where my mum was watching her so I could breastfeed on demand! It was tough as I had no idea what I was doing being a new mum, but I have the

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“EVERY T H I N G ELS E PA LE S I N CO MPA R I SON TO HOW M U C H I LOV E M Y C HILD R E N ” a sustainable and environmentally friendly product. In these communities, weaving is a craft skill that has been passed down through the generations and helps to support local communities.

Our goal is to continue adding to our existing collection of stylish and practical nursery accessories with more products launching in 2017!

FIONA CHOW, MAMA TO ZOE, AGED 3 MONTHS

handwoven baskets. The fitted sheets are something that we had wanted to produce from the very beginning, as we found nice printed baby bedding really hard to fi nd in the UK. We have had so much fun designing the prints ourselves, it’s been really hard to narrow it down to six designs.

Our baskets are Fair Trade and handwoven by a talented cooperative of artisans in Kenya using strings of dried sisal plant,

avery-row.com @averyrowlondon April / May 2017

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Maxi dress Tulum

Let it

Flow

Berlin-based Santa Lupita’s flowing shapes are easy to wear at every stage of pregnancy, and afterwards sa nta l up ita .co m

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Eden Garden Dress

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Fertility Shirt

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Maxi dress Tulum

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iCoo iCoocreates creates iCoo creates unique unique unique solutions solutions solutions to toenrich enrich to enrich family familylife life family life

+44 +44 (0)1978 (0)1978 664362 664362 +44 (0)1978 664362 HAUCK.indd 1

www.icoo.de www.icoo.de www.icoo.de

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boutiques we love

fas h i on

KIDS

LA COQUETA IMPORTS HANDPICKED SPANISH DESIGNERS SPANISH STYLE IS CLASSICS WITH A TWIST

Spanish

FLAVOUR Spanish children’s clothing is having a moment.

We meet two boutique owners PEPA GONZALEZ OF PEPA & CO

F

inding a balance between feminine and fussy for girls, and cute and preppy for boys can be difficult. Some British brands tend to go full Eton, or worse, full 80s princess, in the search of the vintage edge which we so love in the UK. As it turns out, two boutiques in London are leading the way, with a modern aesthetic offering attractive designs with a hint of nostalgia- and they are both Spanish-owned.

Pepa & Co and La Coqueta both quickly gained dedicated followings. Their combination of affordability and highquality natural materials, means the clothes feel fresh and modern – and are perfect for this year’s spring and summer seasons.

Pepa & Co

PEPA & CO HAS BEEN WORN BY PRINCE GEORGE

Pepa & Co is run by Pepa Gonzalez, a Spanish mum living in London who saw a gap in the market for smart, affordable childrens’ clothes. To begin with she imported Spanish lines into London, and did good business but Pepa has a talent for designing, and it’s her own line which has most captured the imaginations of her clientele.

Her Fulham boutique opened last year, and has been an enormous success. Pepa didn’t need the royal seal of approval to know she was doing well, but she took it as a compliment when The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were gifted a piece for Prince George, and became regular customers.

Both royal babies are widely praised for their adorable style; who knew some of it has Spanish roots? p ep aandcom p any .com

THE PIECES REPRESENT 'TRADITIONAL TIMELESS FASHION'

La Coqueta

Another brand mums are falling for is La Coqueta. The brainchild of Spanish motherof-five Celia Munoz, the brand was born after Celia noticed her fi rst-born daughter Flavia was often complimented on her style; mums wanted to know where she got her clothes – and the answer was from Celia’s home country Spain.

She also saw a gap in the market, for what she terms ‘traditional, timeless fashion for children, that still has a chic and contemporary style’ and after she had her fi fth child, she decided to take the plunge and open her own shop selling the clothes she loved.

Working with handpicked Spanish designers using simple fabrics Celia says all her clothes are designed to last, making great hand-medowns. Her Hampstead boutique is buzzing, and she launched in Little Liberty in March. lacoqueta .com

SIMPLE FABRICS STAND THE TEST OF TIME

April / May 2017

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6 of the best K I D S B AC K PAC K S

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kids

FASHION NOTES New looks for littles, and six of the best backpacks

Hear me roar •Mini Rodini•

Th is lion short sleeve tee is going to be your little boy (or girl’s) new favourite weekend look minirodini.com

4

5

6

1. Skip Hop Zoo Bee, mumzworld.com 2. Kanken, desertcart.ae 3. Personalised Fox Backpack, 5wells.co.uk 4. Skip Hop Zoo Hippo, mumzworld.com 5. Beatrix Little Kid Back Pack - Juju desertcart.ae 6. Okiedog Wildpack Backpack - Fox mumzworld.com

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KIDS

GLOBAL NOMAD •Outside the Lines•

SS17 for Outside the Lines takes its inspiration from global travel, combining elements of a bohemian aesthetic with a more contemporary look for freespirited girls who wish to explore their own style. outside-the-lines.co.uk

KINGDOM OF ORIGIN

ASIAN INFLUENCE •Greenberry Kids•

We always admire the Korean brands Joo at Greenberry Kids curates for her site – this Cha Cha top is a perfect, on-trend version in a pretty pastel shade.

Momo Ann Cha Cha Top greenberrykids.com

we love

Their debut collection looks to the 60s and 70s

POP ART •G.Kero•

The latest arrrivals from Marguerite Bartherotte at G.Kero just fi zz with colour. Featuring hip-hop sweatshirts, shirts and tee-shirts, she harmonizes colours and shapes to produce clothes guaranteed to brighten up any drab day. en.smallable.com/gkero

Instant classics Fendi

hese smart unisex Nakai lace-ups have bright blue and mustard yellow trims. Fully lined in leather they're a great choice for summer childrensalon.com

T

d Branus Foc

K

ingdom of Origin debuts its Starlet collection online in March. Creative Director Vanessa Wright is constantly inspired by her love of British fashion and textiles, and the launch collection, for ages 4-11, features contemporary shapes and exquisitely soft fabrics, over 91% of which are sourced and milled in the UK. Inspiration for the Starlet Collection stems from the 60’s and 70’s rock ‘n’ roll era - the dawn of cool vibes, bohemian chic and relaxed style: think Jane Birkin, Pattie Boyd and Mary Quant. Being adventurous, creative and having a positive attitude is fundamental for a Kingdom of Origin girl.

Vanessa also designs timeless pieces which can work across seasons.

Using adjustable straps on dungarees, rolled up hems and cuffs, and soft elasticated waistbands, she hopes that each piece can be worn and cherished as children grow, and then passed on to siblings. We want it all. kingdomoforigin.co.uk

April / May 2017

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Frills dress, $105 (prices listed in $US for available pieces)

Spring

Silhouettes Characterised by their signature hand embroidery, Hannah & Tiff’s contemporary shapes provide practical styles we love.

The SS collection launches online in April ha nna ha nd tif f .co m

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Dress with frill sleeves $95 Short-sleeved shirt $68

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Slit tunic dress $85

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Dress with frill sleeves $95

Pink blouse, $73  Embroidered skirt $73  Top with pockets, $68

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Natural Selection  KJAER WEIS

Born from a desire to create highperformance cosmetics using organic ingredients, Kjær Weis' skin-loving products and opulent packaging prove that high-end beauty can have a heart. ae.foenix.co

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aving a new baby takes over your life in the most incredible way, and the first six months are usually a blur of night feeds, changes and some wonderful moments. Whether you are breastfeeding or not, after four months the issue of weaning comes up. For children with older siblings it can be earlier as they’re keen to copy their elders, but most mums are trying out foods on their little ones from four or five months.

It can be a stressful time, but also a fun time as you find out what your baby does and doesn’t like. Cooking for your baby is also another thing to add to the list, and we all try to eat as well as we can.

This cookbook was born from the stories of many busy mums who resort to pre-prepared pouches for their babies, or spend hours making purees while surviving on biscuits and wine. There is another way, says nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker. Both mum and baby need to be eating well, so Dr Schenker has devised a set of recipes which are tasty, nutritious and also completely sugar-free.

baby CHI N E SE CHICK EN you CHICK EN LA KSA Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Serves 2

Sweet

ENOUGH

A remarkable new book makes it easy to go sugar-free with fantastic recipes for baby and mama Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D Recipes SARAH SCHENKER

hicken is a great source of B vitamins which have various functions in the body including boosting immunity and cell growth, keeping nerve and blood cells healthy. It also contains iron and zinc.

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TO P R E PA R E

 200g chicken breast  A pinch of Chinese five spice  a drizzle of olive oil  100g green beans For Baby: 2 tbsp (30ml) of the cooked chicken  2 tbsp (30ml) of the cooked green beans  2 cubes frozen butternut squash purée, thawed or 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh butternut squash purée  2 cubes frozen sweet potato purée, thawed or 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh sweet potato purée For You: a drizzle of olive oil  1 tsp (5ml) chilli paste  1 tsp (5ml) ginger paste  4 spring onions  1 red pepper  the remaining cooked green

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beans  the remaining cooked chicken  800ml hot low-salt chicken or vegetable stock  2 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves  a pack (about 300g) of fresh glass noodles  1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce  1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauce  juice of 1 lime  A few fresh coriander leaves

high in selenium and iodine. It’s a good idea to encourage your baby to eat fish on a regular basis so they get used to it and start to enjoy it.

Like selenium, iodine intakes are generally low and if you don’t encourage your baby to eat fish there are few other sources that can provide it.

A laksa is a cross between a soup and a stew, so it’s instantly filling and satisfying and doesn’t need anything else to go with it. The glass noodles provide the carbohydrate, the chicken provides the protein and there is enough veg to count as three of your five a day.

Dice the chicken breast and sprinkle with the Chinese fivespice. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan, add the chicken and fry for 10 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, steam or boil the green beans.

TO P R E PA R E

For Baby C H I N E S E C H I C K E N

This dish contains small lumps of chicken and green beans and is a step on from the coarser purées your baby may previously have been eating: you may need to use a hand-held blender to give the dish a quick whizz if he doesn’t like the lumps to begin with.

Finely chop the chicken and green beans. Put the squash and sweet potato purées in a small pan, add the chicken and beans and gently heat everything through. Stir well to coat the chicken and beans in the purée.

2 courgettes  8 cherry tomatoes  3 skinless white fish fillets  A drizzle of olive oil  Juice of 1 lemon For Baby: 2 strips of the roasted courgette  1 of the roasted white fish fillets  1 tbsp (15ml) crème fraîche  a handful of grated cheese For You: The remaining roasted white fish fillets  1 fresh red chilli  1 garlic clove, peeled  Grated rind of the lemon  2 slices of wholemeal bread  A handful of parsley leaves  A pat of butter The breadcrumb topping is a simple way to give this dish an extra flavour punch. It’s a light, high-protein supper for those days when you feel you might have over-indulged on tea and

RECIPES

cake with your new parent friends. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (Gas 4). Thinly slice the courgettes lengthways and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place in a roasting tin. Place the fish fillets on top and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

For Baby C H E E S Y C O U R G E T T E F I S H

Finely chop the courgette and place in a small pan. Add the fish and break it apart by mashing it with a fork. Stir in the crème fraîche and grated cheese and gently heat though until the cheese has melted into the crème fraîche.

For You H E R B - C R U S T E D F I S H

While the fish is baking, split the chilli, remove the seeds and roughly chop the flesh. Peel the garlic. Place the chilli, garlic, lemon zest, bread and parsley in a food processor and whizz together. Heat a pat of butter and fry the breadcrumb mixture for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden. Serve on top of the fish once it is cooked.

For You C H I C K E N L A K SA

Heat the oil in a frying pan, then add the chilli and ginger pastes, and chop in the spring onions. Deseed and slice the pepper, slice the green beans, then add them to the pan. Cook until the spring onion and pepper are softened.

Add the remaining chicken, stock, spinach and glass noodles. Bring to the boil, add the soy, fish sauce and lime juice and simmer for 4 minutes. Top with coriander leaves.

baby CHEE SY COU RGET TE FISH you HER BCRUSTED FISH Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Serves 2

ustainable white fish such as pollack, hake, coley, plaice and lemon sole are a great addition to your baby’s diet as they provide texture and lumpiness to a dish, but the lumps are soft and easy to eat. White fish is a good source of protein and extremely

S

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Beautiful organic cotton clothes for babies, toddlers, children and mums too.

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baby PA R SN IP & A PPLE PU R EE you CR A B CA K E S Preparation time: 25 mins Cooking time: 15-20 mins

arsnips have a mild, sweet taste but are not high in natural sugars; in fact they contain high amounts of soluble fibre, which keeps blood-sugar levels balanced, fills you up and prevent the release of ghrelin, which is a ‘hunger’ hormone. This can significantly reduce your likelihood of snacking between

P

RECIPES

meals. Parsnips also contain high levels of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and iron, as well as B vitamins and vitamins C, E, and K.

horseradish sauce  2 eggs  1 tbsp (15ml) water Plain flour, for dusting  8 tbsp (120ml)  wholemeal breadcrumbs  2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil  Fresh green salad, to serve

TO P R E PA R E

The parsnip and butterbean mixture makes a nutritious base for these tasty crab cakes – just chill it in the fridge before you combine the ingredients or they won’t bind together. As well as upping the protein content, the crabmeat is also a great source of iodine, zinc and selenium.

Peel and roughly chop the parsnips and place in a pan of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes, until tender. Drain. Alternatively, place in a suitable dish and microwave the chopped parsnip with a little water, covered, on High for about 8 minutes, checking and stirring them halfway through the cooking time.

Transfer the soft parsnips to a food processor with 1 tbsp (15ml) crème fraîche. Drain a small can (about 200g) of butter beans and add to the processor, then whizz together to make a paste.

2 large parsnips  1tsp (15ml) crème fraîche  200g (small can) butter beans For Baby: 2 tbsp (30ml) of the parsnip mixture  2 cubes frozen apple purée, thawed or 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh apple purée For You: 2 spring onions  A handful of fresh coriander  The remaining parsnip mixture 250g white crabmeat  1 tbsp (15ml) hot

For Baby PA R S N I P & A P P L E P U R E E

Put the parsnip mixture and apple purée into a small pan and gently heat.

For You C R A B C A K E S

Use scissors to chop the spring onions, then roughly tear the coriander leaves. Add to the bowl of chilled parsnip mixture, along with the crabmeat and horseradish. Stir to combine.

Beat one of the eggs, then add it to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.

Using damp hands, form the mixture into a rough ‘cake’, then divide it into quarters and form each wedge into a patty. The mixture should already be cold from the fridge, but if it doesn’t handle well, place it in the fridge for 5 minutes more to firm up a little.

When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas 4). Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl with the water to make an egg wash.

Place some plain flour and the breadcrumbs in two separate shallow dishes.

Dust each fishcake with flour, then dip in the beaten egg and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure they are evenly coated. Shake gently to remove any excess breadcrumbs.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the fishcakes for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until crisp and golden-brown all over.

Transfer to a baking tray and bake in the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until piping hot all the way through. Serve with a fresh green salad.

My Sugar-Free Baby and Me by Dr Sarah Schenker is published by Bloomsbury. £16.99; bloomsbury.com

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Spot the

Symptoms Knowing how to identify meningitis and sepsis in children can be a lifesaver Wo r d s E M M A H A M M E T T

T

here are over 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK. It can affect people of any age, but babies and toddlers account for 50% of cases, and adolescents are also at a higher risk.

Sepsis can follow on from meningitis and many of the early symptoms are similar for both conditions, often mistaken for common illnesses such as flu. Sepsis and meningitis can both result in life-changing consequences such as amputations and brain damage, or death, which is why they are the first things a parent wants to rule out as soon as they see a rash and a raised temperature in their child.

But how do you tell the difference between flu and meningitis, and at what point do you head straight for medical help?

Firstly, there are two types of meningitis. The illness is actually a swelling of the meninges, the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation usually results

from either a bacterial or viral infection.

Viral meningitis is unpleasant but rarely life-threatening and most people make a full recovery. Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be caused by a wide range of different bacteria.

T YPES OF M EN I NG ITI S Meningococcal Group B is the most common strain of meningitis and there is a vaccine now available on the NHS and routinely given to babies. However, the meningitis B vaccine and the other meningitis vaccinations babies receive do not cover all strains of the disease so it’s vitally important that you remain vigilant and learn how to spot symptoms early.

Older children are now being offered vaccination against meningitis C and teenagers have been getting vaccinated against meningitis A, C, W and Y since September 2015.

Despite all the available vaccinations, people will still get meningitis from numerous different viruses and bacteria, so it remains of great importance to be able recognise symptoms early.

S EPSI S Sepsis affects over 150,000 and kills over 44,000 people in the UK every year. It can look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection, but can lead to brain damage, amputations or even death. It is vitally important to recognise symptoms early and treat it promptly. Sepsis occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive responding to an infection and starts attacking its own tissues and major organs.

Sepsis often occurs following meningitis, but can be due to any other infection. Two other common ways of developing sepsis are a wound becoming infected, or as a secondary infection following an illness such as a chest infection or sore throat.

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Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include: • fever • headache (or in small babies the soft spot of their head (fontanelle) could be raised) • vomiting • diarrhoea • difficulty breathing • floppy, lifeless and drowsy or stiff with jerky movements • a high pitched or moaning cry • irritable, not wanting to be held/ touched • refusing food • a rash Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.

HE ALTH

~

“NEVER WA I T FOR A RAS H – O N C E A RAS H AP P EARS D U E TO MENINGITI S, T H E C HIL D IS U SUA LLY EXTREME LY I LL” Th is means it can be seen when a clear glass tumbler is pressed over the skin. Th is is the tumbler test. If the rash you see doesn't disappear, immediately call an ambulance.

It can be harder to see a rash on dark skin. Check the soles of the feet, palms of hands, roof of mouth and inside eyelids.

~

M EN I NG ITI S R AS H AN D TH E TU M B LER TEST G ET TI NG M EDICAL H ELP Never wait for a rash, as once a rash appears due to meningitis, the child is usually extremely ill and will need advanced medical care.

With most rashes, when pressure is applied to the skin, the rash disappears. However, with meningitis, the rash is different and does not disappear with pressure.

Speed is of the essence with both these conditions and if you are seriously concerned about someone, get help fast. If you remain worried despite being sent home, trust your instincts and return. meningitis can kill in 4 hours. If you are worried it is vitally important to act quickly.

Check wound sites following injuries or surgical procedures regularly.

If a wound is infected, you should receive antibiotics as soon as possible to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.

SYM PTOM S Both meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at fi rst, because early symptoms often seem similar to flu and many other other common illnesses.

Due to past meningitis campaigns, it is often assumed that a casualty must have a rash to be diagnosed with meningitis, however this is not the case. In fact, meningitis casualties may or may not have a rash and you should never wait to see one before seeking medical help - there are plenty of symptoms to look out for.

Emma is the author of Burns, Falls and Emergency Calls which is available on amazon.com

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eco-white

A SnuzPod " to match your style

SnüzPod colour palette

3 in 1 Bedside Crib

Bringing you closer

Find your SnüzPod colour match at snuz.co.uk SNUZPOD.indd 1

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home &

N U R S E RY I D E A S F R O M SA S SY M A M A p .6 8 E M B R AC E N E U T R A L TO N E S p .72

Clean Lines SCANDIBORN

We love this cot from Danish designers Oliver Furniture, which has a timeless Nordic design, combining oak and birch with classic white lines. With two height settings, short grid side and removable bars, it will last a growing child for years, if not generations. scandiborn.co.uk

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Beautiful handmade girl’s clothes on rail by Maddy & Eva. littlemajlis.com/shop/maddyandeva

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SHOOT

Kiddie nursery accessories that aren’t made of colourful plastic?! Yes please! These super sweet wooden blocks

by Dulce Baby Boutique dulcebebeboutique. bigcartel.com are as safe to play with as they are pretty.

Little Star dressing-up rail by littlemajlis.com

Get

INSPIRED Nursery ideas from Sassy Mama Dubai and photographer and interior designer Karen Pissarra

S

assyMamaDubai is the go-to-guide for modern Dubai mamas. From their witty Instagram to regular guides on what to do with the family, interiors, schools and fashion, it’s a fantastic resource for families in the UAE. Their recent feature on nursery inspiration provided some great interors tips, which they've agreed to share with us here (sassymamadubai.com).

'One of the things we love so much about Dubai? Meeting so many talented, ambitious, creative and resourceful mamas

who bring so much fun to our desert city through the products they sell.

'So when a group of very sassy ladies got all of their homegrown brands together for a photoshoot, we just had to get involved. From home accessories to make your children’s space look divine to kiddie clothing, toys to cupcakes – this is one of the cutest shoots we’ve seen and such a fabulous celebration of inspiring women! The pictures were styled and captured by stylist, interior designer and photographer Karen Pissarra of Design K (www.designk.co), who specialises in balancing functional, aesthetic and psychic elements of design, and loves designing spaces for children.

House- framed-bed and fitted chevron sheets

by Joba for Kids, lovejoba. com the most gorgeous one-stop shop for all things beautiful and unique for your kiddos!

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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

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com mon cold

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.

www.metanium.co.uk

3 teething

4

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Protection

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.

we

babies’ bums

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h o me & interio rs NURSERY

There’s nothing like a few cushions to make a bed inviting – and we love these star and raindrop versions by Lovely Little Rooms mumzworld.com (there are also swans, garlands and framed prints to snap up).

SHOOT

Cloud Cushion by Lovely Little Rooms mumzworld.com

WOODEN HEIGHT RULER BY THE JOINERY SHOP

thejoineryshopdubai.com

Bumpamats are soft squishy floor mats that make playtime comfy and safe. On one side choose patterns including chevrons, strips, stars and honeycomb in a variety of fab colours – and flip it over for a cute little townscape for the littles to explore! Shown here in grey stripe. bumpamatsuae.com

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Stay Neutral Our Contributing Editor moves on from monochrome in this exclusive nursery tour Styling: APPHIA MICHAEL Photography: G E O R G E C H E VA L I E R L E W I S

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On the floor: Mouse Chair; nofred.com • Wooden Toy Box (customised with wall paint); kidsconcept.co.uk • Cotton Knit Rabbit Toy; ooh-noo.com Grey Teepee; kidsconcept.co.uk On the bed: Roof Toddler Bed; kutikai.pl • Dotty 'Buttons' Duvet Cover and Pillowcase; ooh-noo.com Numero 74 Beige Duvet Cover; bobokids.co.uk • Numero 74 Dark Beige Futon Quilt; bobokids.co.uk On the wall: Normann Copenhagen Wooden Stick Wall Hooks; thismodernlife.co.uk • Grey Wool Wall Hanging; infantartclub.bigcartel.com • Magnetic Wallpaper (customised with wall paint); sistersguild.co.uk • Animal Kingdom Wooden Magnetic Toy Set; sarahandbendrixkids. com • Pink Paper Globe (on magnetic wallpaper); littlelulubel.com • House Doctor Pipe Wall Lamp; sistersguild.co.uk • Engel White Felt Confetti Garland; sistersguild.co.uk • Cam Cam Copenhagen Quilted Playmat in Nude (used as wall hanging); themodernnursery.com

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Rafa-Kids XL Shelf, rafa-kids.com • Neo Mammoth Wooden Twist Toy; kidsconcept.co.uk • Wooden Stacking Ovoids by Toto; thismodernlife.co.uk Pink Time Capsule Treasure Tin; thismodernlife.co.uk Wooden Duck Stacking Toy, Wooden Dog Stacking Toy; sarahandbendrixkids.com • Nobodinoz Wooden Ice Cream Stand; mollymeg.com • Mouse Table, Mouse Chair; nofred.com • Four Leaf Puzzle; sarahandbendrixkids.com • Maileg Angel Wings sistersguild.co.uk • Elephant Wall Animal Head; fionawalkerengland.com

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Numero 74 Doll Moses Basket; bobokids.co.uk • Lady Doll (in basket); sarahandbendrixkids.com • Numero 74 Mustard Yellow Tatami Mat; bobokids.co.uk • Wooden Pull-Along Bear in the Car; sarahandbendrixkids.com • White Wooden Alphabet Blocks; ooh-noo.com

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• Moulin Roty Children's Blackboard, cottagetoys.co.uk • Normann Copenhagen Wooden Stick Wall Hooks,thismodernlife.co.uk • Grey Wool Wall Hanging; infantartclub.bigcartel.com • Numero 74 Mustard Yellow Tatami Mat; bobok ids.co.uk • Roof Toddler Bed kutikai.pl • Numero 74 Dark Beige Duvet Cover, bobokids.co.uk Numero 74 Tatami Futon Quilt, bobokids.co.uk Wooden Toy Box (customised with Farrow and Ball paint); kidsconcept.co.uk

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TOUR

ROOF BED

A toddler bed that doubles up as a house will provide hours of fun and stimulate your child’s imagination, all the while getting them to enjoy their sleep space too.  Roof Toddler Bed kutikai.pl

Get The Look Warm, natural tones point the way forward for nursery style @apphia____

Toy Chest

Create a neutral tonal effect by painting furniture the same colour as the walls. This white toy chest

by Kids Concept was painted in Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon shade.  Wooden Toy Box kidsconcept.co.uk

NUMERO 74 FUTON Whether it’s used as a quilt, blanket or play-mat, your little treasure will thank you for this soft futon quilt by Numero 74, made from 100% cotton and traditionally dyed in the most gorgeous muted shades.  Futon Quilt; bobokids.co.uk

MINIMALIST HANGING SHELF What better way to get your child to make a bedroom their own than with a personally curated wall. These Styled by Naomi wooden house shelves are available in a set of 1 2 or 3.

Encourage them to fill it with books, toys and picture frames.  themodernnursery.com

Magnetic Wallpaper Instead of a garish notice board, mount a square of magnetic wallpaper and paint it the same shade as the wall to create a tasteful, pared-back surface for your child to display drawings and notes with the help of magnets.  Magnetic Wallpaper; sistersguild.co.uk; Animal Kingdom Wooden Magnetic Toy Set; sarahandbendrixkids.com April / May 2017

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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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escapes T R AV E L I N S P I R AT I O N FO R G LO BA L N O M A D S p . 8 1 T H E T WO S I D E S O F P O R T U G A L p . 8 2

Good Morning Vietnam  FOUR SEASONS NAM HAI

The revamped Four Seasons makes an ideal base from which to explore Vietnam's cultual heartland. The kids club immerses littles in local skills from lantern-making to organic farming, while adults can enjoy cocktails at the brand new beach bar. fourseasons.com

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INSPIRATIONS

Get The Lowdown •Kodomo•

Kodomo.com handpicks the best luxury family holidays from staycations to far-flung adventures.

All their hotels are independently reviewed, and the collection is constantly updated. Chia Laguna in Sardinia [right] is one of their Italian recommendations kodomo.com

mama’s

TR AVEL N OTES Planning a summer escape?

CORNWALL

AFRICAN ADVENTURE

•John Bray•

Located just 60m from the Rock Sailing Club, this five-bedroom property is ideal for families.

With incredible estuary views, you'll fi nd great walking, golf and the sheltered waters of Daymer Bay are all within easy reach. johnbraycornishholidays.co.uk

• B u s h b a b y Tr a v e l •

With easy fl ights and stunning surroundings, Bushbaby travel offers a fun family package for 8-12 nights combining Cape Town and Mauritius bushbaby.travel

THREE FABULOUS FAMILY HOTELS IN MARRAKECH

Mandarin Oriental

Located just minutes from the centre of the city, the hotel sits in 20 hectares of olive groves and landscaped gardens. With a choice of villas or suites there is plenty of room to spread out, and all the Mandarin Oriental hotels are brilliantly family friendly. mandarinoriental.com

The Royal Mansour

With Riads spread over three floors there is plenty of room to breathe in this architectural masterpiece where opulence is the name of the game. The hammam has to be seen to be believed, and personal butlers are on hand to help. royalmansour.com

La Mamounia

Spread over eight acres, the gardens at La Mamounia can only be described as perfect; and make ideal playgrounds for little ones. A children’s menu is available in all four restaurants, and for grown-ups the spa is world-class. mamounia.com/en April / May 2017

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Opposites Attract Helen Baron samples two very different sides of Portugal

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

ortugal seems to be on everyone's lips of late. Ruinously impacted by the global economic crash of 2008, the country has bounced back, embracing its industrial heritage liberal spirit to reinvent itself as a haven for entrepreneurialism in Europe.

It has also made a virtue of one of the most negative consequences of its recession, plummeting property values, by selling itself abroad not as economically unstable, but as an affordable place to set up shop (and home). The results are impressive, with Portugal’s manufacturing base now one of the most dynamic in the Western world and its capital city, Lisbon, a desirable destination for hip creative types priced out of their native cities. In the words of one friend, a digital creative at a global fashion brand, ‘Everyone I know is moving to Lisbon or talking about moving to Lisbon. It’s the new Berlin – and it’s sunny.’

I’m not quite ready to make that leap myself, but I did think it was worth seeing what all the fuss was about – and what better way than a short break that would take in two of the country’s most celebrated destinations: Lisbon itself and then the sweeping southern beaches of the Algarve.

The plan was to divide our time between two hotels owned by the fast-rising Memmo group: the Memmo Alfama, a pint-sized boutique hotel perched on a hill in the ancient heart of the capital, and the Memmo Baleeira, a mid-sized, modern beach hotel overlooking a tiny fishing harbour on the Algarve. We would drive between the two, a day-long, 328km road trip down through the centre of the country, and hopefully get a better idea of what Portugal is about on the way.

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A GREAT BASE FOR EXPLORING THE CITY

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MEMMO ALFAMA MAKES THE MOST OF ITS SPACE

“ THE MEMMO ALFAMA DOE S BOUTIQUE VERY WELL INDEED, WITH A SLEEKLY MINIMAL DE SIGN THAT ’S ALL PICTURE WINDOWS AND SINUOUSLY CURVING WHITE WALLS”

~

LISBON IS FAST BECOMING A CENTRE FOR YOUNG CREATIVES

Our first stop was Lisbon, Europe’s westernmost city and its oldest. We travelled in September, when the intense heat of summer has begun to subside, but we were still greeted by golden light glinting on the Atlantic and weather finer than any we’d seen in Britain for months.

The Memmo Alfama does boutique very well indeed, with a sleekly minimal design that’s all picture windows and sinuously curving white walls. The interiors are softly lamplit and the space – which is inevitably in short supply in such a location, amid the jumble of buildings on one of the well-preserved city’s seven hills – is cleverly utilised to give an impression of quiet intimacy. Our room, while dinky, was stylishly appointed, and the communal spaces April / May 2017 | 83

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escapes P ORTUGAL

THE ALGARVE IS AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES

– such as the rooftop pool, tiered sun terraces and chic bar-cum-breakfast room – offered a perfect base from which to explore the mini metropolis at our doorstep.

In these globalised, overwhelmingly homogenised days, Lisbon’s great strength lies in its comparatively small size. The city has scale and variety enough to please the dedicated urbanite but hasn’t had to compromise its singular identity – most of the shops, restaurants and businesses that throng its buzzing centre are independent, and many of these are actually worth your time and money. The city is certainly gastronomically blessed: among other gems, we snacked at hipster coffee shops Fábrica and Wish, lunched at Darwin’s Café and dined at the Independente, a trendy hotel in the Bairro Alto district. Everywhere we went, service was friendly and relaxed, the food inventive, authentic and hugely enjoyable. One warning, however: it’s probably not the greatest city to visit if one or more of your little ones is stroller-bound: the steep hills and plentiful cobbles would be pretty punishing.

Our two days in Lisbon passed too quickly. Our journey south, towards the Algarve, took us through the heart of Portugal, and we were amazed at the sense of space and solitude awaiting us in the rolling grasslands. The countryside is beautiful – in a spare, golden way. By the time we reached our next destination, we were discussing the possibility of living in Lisbon after all.

The Memmo Baleeira is distinct from its city sibling in terms of both size and style, with the latter’s air of cosmopolitan exclusivity replaced by a more fun, family-friendly vibe. The beaches of the Algarve (and Baleeira in particular, a resort known for its surfing) also at-

THE MEMMO BALEERIA IS LOCATED IN SAGRES

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OUR JOURNEY SOUTH TOOK US THROUGH THE HEART OF PORTUGAL

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tract a different type of clientele.

The hotel’s carefully maintained lawns, delightful swimming pool and cheerful, welcoming restaurant made us wish we’d brought our toddler with us, instead of leaving her with her grandparents.

Days at the Baleeira can be BALEEIRA IS FAMOUS FOR ITS GREAT SURFING as full or empty as you like – for us, the lure of watersports and walks along the rugged shore were easily counterbalanced by the amenities of the hotel itself: we stretched out, sunbathed, read books for the first time in what seemed like aeons… in short, we relaxed.

Sagres itself is cute, slightly crumbly, brilliantly beachy, and a great place to unwind after a couple of active days in the city.

Once again we found ourselves packing our bags too soon, this time for the flight home – but at least now we know what the hipsters were talking about.

On this evidence, Portugal looks set to be on the ‘most desirable’ list for a long time to come.

 Rates start at 137€ a night for Memmo Alfama and 85€ a night (including breakfast) for Memmo Baleeira. memmohotels.com April / May 2017 | 85

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From pregnancy on to newborn and all the way up until the age of five, Aster Nurture provides a programme which aims to care for both mother and child: the service provides holistic care from antenatal classes onwards. asternurture.com

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Philippa FERGUSSON Philippa Fergusson set up Philippa Herbert Ltd with Sally Herbert 10 years ago, making bespoke, hand engraved fingerprint jewellery and casting babies’ feet and hands in bronze, silver, glass and gold. philippaherbert.co.uk

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

&

A

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

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Q Is there a certain age my baby needs to be to take casts and fi ngerprints?

A The youngest baby we cast was 5 hours old and we recently took a cast of a couple holding hands who were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, which was so lovely! If your children are older and you wish you’d had their hands or feet cast when they were little, we can still take a cast and have it scanned and miniaturised so you can wear as it as charm on a necklace, bracelet or a pair of cuffl inks.

The casting process is super quick and easy - we have been visiting clients at home and in hospitals and taking casts for over 10 years and as we are both mummies ourselves we are quite used to wriggly fi ngers and toes! For the fi ngerprints, the process itself is incredibly simple and can be done at home, we can send a kit out to you - all you need is one of our ink strips, some white paper and some baby wipes to clean off any inky fi ngers or toes. Again, we do this for newborns, toddlers, older children and adults.

A pair of solid bronze baby feet or hands is a wonderful reminder of how tiny they once were and a hand engraved fi ngerprint charm on a piece of jewellery is a unique way of keeping your children close to you, even when you are away from them.

The casts are available in a wide range of materials such a bronze, silver, gold and glass and we will bring samples to show you when we visit.

All our jewellery is available in solid silver, yellow, rose and white gold and

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platinum. Our pieces are entirely bespoke and we work closely with you to create something to suit you. We work only with British craftsmen and women and all our casts and jewellery are handmade in the UK.

Mark SALTER Mark is the founder of for aisha baby food – a major UK infant food brand, pioneering exotic tastes for little ones foraisha.com Q How do I ensure that my little one won’t be a fussy eater?

A I’m a big believer in not giving sugar (not even fruit sugars) to your little ones for as many years as possible.

Weaning with sweet foods can lead to unhealthy food choices in later life.

It’s important that your little one receives the correct nutrients required for growth and development. These are often different to ones found in adult food

T HE EXPERTS

(also some ingredients prevalent in adult food, like salt are to be avoided) so it’s often recommended to cook or purchase a separate meal for your little one to the rest of the family.

No one food can offer all of the nutrients that your child needs so a wide variety of foods is best. Make meal times a fun taste adventure by cooking with a range of exotic healthy ingredients. Th is will broaden their taste palates so they will not be fussy eaters as they grow. Look out for toddler meal recipes from India or North Africa that use herbs & mild-tasting spices (not chilli) which are super-healthy, smell great and taste delicious; eliminating the need for sugary foods. It’s proven that for many infants these new tastes will lead to bigger healthier appetites and improved food choices in later life.

We develop our recipes for aisha foods with small amounts of cumin, turmeric, garlic, coriander, and many other fun ingredients like chickpeas, lentils and quinoa.

We sold our fi rst million meals, and won a national food award in 2016 and we receive numerous messages from parents saying how happy they are that their children are now eating and sleeping more soundly from having full tummies. Begin your taste adventures and give healthy exotic cooking a go.

Dawn KELLY Having worked in the healthcare profession as a qualified health visitor and lecturer for over 20 years, Dawn Kelly is a member of the Colief Expert Panel. colief.com Q My baby has developed cradle cap. What can I do to get rid of it other than keeping the area clean?

A Cradle cap is a very common and harmless skin condition which is thought to be caused by overactive

sebaceous glands on your baby’s scalp. Although it tends to clear up on its own in a few weeks or months, it is possible to treat your baby’s dry flaky scalp if it is troubling you.

You should defi nitely not pick at the flakes as this will simply irritate the skin. Instead, you could try massaging a gentle oil such as Colief Baby Scalp Oil into your baby’s scalp and then brushing the scalp with a very soft baby brush to loosen the flakes. After gently brushing, wash your baby’s hair and scalp with a mild baby shampoo to prevent a build-up of scales.

You can do this every other day or when you bath your baby. If your baby’s scalp appears red and irritated and you suspect that it has become infected, be sure to consult your GP. April / May 2017

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Debi GREEN Debi is a family travel specialist at Babygoes2.com, the definitive guide to travelling with babies and children of all ages. babygoes2 .com Q What’s the key to a relaxing family holiday?

A For many parents, a relaxing family holiday is something of a contradiction in terms. Happily, having helped families of all sizes and ages fi nd their ideal holiday over the past 18 years, I can confi rm that this is defi nitely not the case. Whatever the destination, careful packing and a straightforward journey with plenty of pre-planned distractions minimise travel stress,

and a considered accommodation choice is vital. Villas are great for flexibility and space – but those with a gated pool, safe play area, chef option and within walking distance of the beach and restaurants and shops will maximise relaxation.

Hotels also work very well - many have excellent family-friendly facilities, such as baby equipment pre-ordering services and in-suite dining, but with no compromise on style or the adult experience.

Hotel suites with separate sleeping areas and enclosed gardens enable parents to relax while children play or nap. Arguably the ideal option is a combination of self-catering but with access to luxury resort facilities, including an element of good quality childcare. Whether it’s a fulltime activity programme for lively children or just the occasional evening’s babysitting - this can be an essential facility for a relaxed holiday.

Sonia MATEOS Sonia runs a Childcare and Domestic Staff Agency, helping families based in the Uk and Overseas find highly skilled and reliable staff. worldwidenanny-uk.com Q Are you looking for a Nanny to take care of your little ones ?

A Start with writing a thorough and in-depth job description; it is essential to start your Nanny search.

Try to identify what is important to you and your family. Do you need an experienced and qualified Nanny?

Or do you need more kind of a “big sister” to look after your school-aged children? Figure out what would be the working hours. What would be the exact duties? Ask family and friends if they could recommend a reliable

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Nanny living in the same area as you. If they don’t know anyone, use an agency which could help go straight to the point.

Once you receive the CVs select the candidates you wish to interview. Meeting the candidates is crucial as you will get a more specific idea about the presentation, eye contact, interaction with your child etc… don’t miss out on any details. Once you have shortlisted the two best candidates, ask them to come over for one or two days' trial. It is the best way to observe the candidate’s behaviour and test them on the role. You should also check their background. All candidates should be able to provide a DBS or a Police Check from their home country. Ask the candidates to provide you with two references that you can check yourself. Prepare a list of questions in advance.

The nanny search process isn’t always easy to handle. If you follow these steps thoroughly, that should help you fi nd the right nanny for your family.

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Dr Iona BRAMATI -CASTELLARIN Leading Harley Street osteopath, whose patients come from far & wide – only woman with a PhD in her area of expertise. ibccare.co.uk Q What are positive steps to look after your back during pregnancy?

A Pregnancy causes inevitable changes within a woman’s body in quite a short period. The body is taken over by physiological changes, forcing mother-to-be to slow down and look after herself. The influx of hormones to maintain the pregnancy results in mood swings, weight gain, water

T HE EXPERTS

retention, postural changes and joint laxity. During the fi rst trimester, you’re still quite mobile and light so take advantage of it and keep active.

Do your pelvic floor exercises, while yoga and Pilates are great forms of exercise during this period.

During the second and third trimester, the women’s pelvis will rotate which may result in compression of the lumbar spine joints, possibly leading to sciatic nerve irritation, and pain in the legs and feet.

At this time, it is advised to keep doing your pelvic floor exercises to protect your lumbar spine. Also, try to use supportive pillows and sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.

Visiting an osteopath would allow for a tailored made treatment plan to assist your body in adapting to changes and making for a more comfortable pregnancy! Contact the General Osteopathic Council for further information: osteopathy.org.uk

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

Can nappy rash be prevented?

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

Q

• Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible.

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

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

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

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

• Use a suitable barrier ointment at each nappy change.

A

“TAKING CARE OFYOUR BABY'S SKIN IS ESSENTIAL IN BOTH TREATING AND PREVENTING NAPPY RASH” Most mild cases of nappy rash can be easily treated with an ointment from your pharmacy and following this skincare routine, but if you are worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

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From a

Distance

A Dubai parent shares her experience of choosing a UK boarding school education for her children.

Wo r d s S O P H I E P E N D E R- C U D L I P

M

ummy, all I want for Christmas this year is to go to boarding school,” said a small voice from the back of the car on the school run. He is seven and the youngest of our four children. To me, he is my baby. He still holds my hand walking into school and he still tries to sneak into my bed at night. His three older siblings board in the UK so I suppose the comment came as no surprise. He chats to them on Skype every week and keenly listens to what they’ve been up to. He reads their regular match reports on their school intranet. He pours over photos of them having fun at the fireworks party.

He listens wide-eyed about the weekend camp in the woods where the boys carved out pumpkins and slept in bell tents and he relishes in the latest dormitory antics.

When I was nine I said to my mother that I wanted to board and probably from the back of the car where I also couldn’t catch her eye. Again, I was the youngest and quite frankly wanted to follow my two older brothers. I couldn’t think of anything nicer than devouring a whole tuck box full of

~

“CHECK THAT WEEKENDS ARE BUSY WITH FULL BOARDERS OF ALL NATIONALITIES STAYING IN. A PROPER BOARDING COMMUNITY IS CRUCIAL”

~

treats and roller skating through the school corridors with a gaggle of other girls. My mother relented and I enjoyed some of the best years of my life. However, when I was a bit older my parents were posted to Saudi Arabia and I became an overseas boarder.

With a weekly phone call and the odd letter arriving, I found it desperately hard. To this day, I struggle with airport farewells.

When we moved to Dubai, boarding wasn’t the plan but like many families we ended up heading down that road. 21st century

overseas boarding bears no resemblance to boarding twenty or even ten years ago.

Stephen Ilett, Headmaster at Port Regis prep school in Dorset, says: “Boarding has changed beyond recognition. Now, children almost exclusively board because they want to. Parents don’t ‘send’ their children to board anymore.”

Communication has transformed overseas boarding as children are able to Skype, use What’s App and text on mobiles.

Schools are progressing all forms of their communication to include live streaming of children in concerts or performing in school plays, so parents like us can sit back in Dubai and enjoy, albeit a rather late, evening’s entertainment. At Port Regis, reports are posted after each match and although you may not be there on the touchline, you can read how your child played. Bryanston, a senior co-ed school in Dorset, has an impressive E-chart system where grades are posted after every lesson, together with a weekly comment from the pupil’s tutor. This enables parents to not only spot when their teen might be slacking but also when they’ve done particularly well.

Pastoral care too has progressed with dragon-like matrons being replaced by

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when you are faced with glossy websites and can’t just nip down the M3 for an Open Day. “Some parents choose a school on the basis of where they have family or friends who can step in for exeat weekends, but others have no connection whatsoever to an area or even to the country,” says Elaine Stallard, Founder and CEO of Winter’s International School Finder. “It’s an extremely important decision for any parent to make,” she adds.

Erika Clements, a Dubai mother of three, chose UK boarding for her daughter. “We are from the US and selected a UK boarding school after looking at schools in Switzerland and America. We felt the UK is the leader in boarding school education. Initially I had no foundation and didn’t even know what to look for or where to look.” Clements had a few friends in the UK and tapped into them for guidance and then toured some schools herself. She settled on an all girls school with a full boarding environment because, “I didn’t want her to be alone at the weekends.”

She wanted a school with a large British population as “coming from Dubai we had experienced a very transient international population.” Excellent communication was a top priority and the school she ultimately selected was the most responsive sending a, “lovely personalised thank you email after PORT REGIS PUPILS

houseparents with their own families and the occasional black Labrador.

Houseparents are much more patient, aware and understanding of homesickness and have more strategies to deal with it.

Facilities too have developed from Enid Blyton-style sparseness to accommodation that’s more akin to five star hotels. At Port Regis, children in the last two years have private ensuite facilities and can relax in chill-out rooms with flat screen TVs, pool tables and even an outdoor vintage caravan.

St Mary’s Shaftesbury have power showers, fresh flowers and stunning views from all the bright dormitories. Bryanston pupils enjoy a cafe on site where they can pick up the odd cappuccino in between lessons. School food is no longer boiled cabbage and spam but organic, wholesome and fresh. Choosing the right school can be tough, particularly

Above Are our public exams no longer suitable?

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HAPPY BOARDING PUPILS AT PORT REGIS

key facts

487

boarding schools in the UK

.

70,000 boarders

.

27,000 non British boarders

.

5,000

British pupils from overseas

.

Minimum of 5 hours a week playing sport

.

2 hours performing arts

.

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“21 ST CE NTURY BOA RDI NG B E ARS N O R ESE MB LANCE TO 2 0 OR EVE N 10 YEARS AGO” ”

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our visit. This small touch made a big difference.”

Boarding schools are brimming with extra-curricular activities but it is worth checking that weekends are just as busy with full boarders of all nationality staying in. Magnus Bashaarat, Headmaster at Milton Abbey, says, “The school needs to have the right boarding offering for overseas families, which means full boarding. When visiting the school ask the pupil showing you round how many boarders there are for breakfast on Sunday.

If you’re living in Dubai and you get a Skype call from your child who says there isn’t anyone at school, then you’ll have an

40% entry to Oxford and Cambridge

.

below 9.1% pupil to staff ratio

unhappy child.” Having a properboarding ‘community’ is crucial for successful boarding.

After making such a huge family decision, facing the opinions of other parents can be hard. The key thing is to keep focused on your decision as a family and remind yourself how happy your children are. Erika Clements adds, “Being away in Dubai is challenging but we live chat all the time. She calls me to tell me the funniest things and I get to see her face, her room, her friends as they giggle and shriek in excitement like normal 13 year-olds.

I feel like we’re closer than ever.”

On a practical note, a UK boarding education isn’t cheap, particularly when you take into account extra expenses like multiple flights and taxi fares.

Fees now sit at around £15,000-35,000 per year (£10,000-14,000 for state boarding) but with school fees rising in Dubai, a fall in sterling and flash flight sales, UK boarding education is now back on the radar for many expats.

As Mary Arnal, headmistress at St Mary's Shaftesbury says: “The world is getting smaller and boarding is becoming ever more attractive and accessible to overseas pupils.”

.

9 out of 10 go to top 15 universities according to ISC 2016 census.

Key factors to consider when choosing a boarding school from overseas Are there family or friends nearby?

How many boarders are there and how many are overseas?

.

What is the split between international and expat boarders?

.

How many children are full boarding, weekly or flexi?

.

How and when can I communicate with my child? What’s the WIFI like?

.

How far is the school from the airport or what are the transport links like?

.

Meet and get to know the pastoral care team. Take into consideration the time difference.

.

Don’t listen too much to other parents unless they have something helpful to say.

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Making the

right

CHOICE An early years expert gives her advice on one of the most difficult decisions facing parents Wo r d s S O P H I E OA K E S

C

hoosing a school for your child will be one of the most daunting, exciting and important decisions you will make. In the UAE the opportunities are amazing but it can often appear overwhelming as there are so many different options: The UAE is the fastest growing education hub in the world with up to 20 new schools projected to open by September.

Your child can receive an excellent education here in the UAE. Many class schools have amazing facilities that easily outdo the amenities back in one’s home country. More often than not, the school has been purpose built with huge amounts of space and state-of-the-art facilities.

Start thinking about your child’s education as early as possible and give time to do your research. There are over 500 private schools in the UAE, offering over 17 different curricula. Many schools are owned by large companies and run as a business, such as the GEMS or Nord Anglia

YOUNG JESS PUPILS

chains of school. These can also include the branded schools that are the offspring of a parent school in the UK such as Kent College (Dubai), Repton (Dubai) or Brighton College (Abu Dhabi). The alternative is the Not-forProfit schools, such as The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) JESS, DESS and Jebel Ali (Dubai).

One of the most common queries is what age should one’s child start school. This is a pertinent question here in the UAE because many schools have opened their doors to children as young as three (FS1 or Pre KG). Entering school at such a young age is quite unusual and means that they might only have been in the cosy environment of a nursery for a year before being ushered into a school uniform and into a much larger setting of a school. It is important to remember that they will be learning and doing much the same thing whether they are at school or at nursery. However, some schools are very oversubscribed in the early years and it may be essential for your child to start at the age of three in order to get a guaranteed coveted place – competition for places at age four is fiercer.

Make sure you don’t miss the registration deadlines. These can close as early as October before a September start the following year. Schools with very limited places are strict about the deadlines.

One of the most important decisions you will need to make is which curriculum you would like your child to follow. Almost all

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILLIE PILKINGTON FOR PINEWOOD SCHOOL

A STUDENT AT PINEWOOD IN THE UK

options are available here in the UAE and this can make your decision feel overwhelming.

The British Curriculum is still the most popular followed by the Indian and the US curricula. The International Baccalaureate (IB) has made great inroads into Dubai and is offered at an early age. IB schools are spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi; some of these

~

“YOUR CHILD CAN RECEIVE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION IN THE UAE”

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schools offer the IB curriculum from start to finish, PYP to IBDP. The most important consideration though, is whether you will be able to continue in the same curriculum should you move back to your home country or onto anywhere else. Some curricula are more easily transferable than others.

Many people turn to the KHDA (Dubai) or ADEC (Abu Dhabi) and use their rating system to help narrow down the school search. Schools are rated from Unsatisfactory to Outstanding. The ratings are important but should not be the sole reason to choose a school.

School fees can vary wildly. The notfor-profit schools tend to be at the lower end of the scale while the newer, branded schools tend to be at the upper end. There is generally something for everyone but it

is worth asking the school what their fee increase policy is. Obviously, the higher up the school you go the higher the fees. If you are moving to the UAE, it might be wise to pick the school first and then your home location. This will obviously have to fit into the school-home-work triangle but it might save you moving twice.

The rumour mill can be extremely strong in the UAE and it is hard to make sure unverified claims don’t influence your decision. It is vital to visit the schools that you are considering yourself. Try not to be swayed by opinion: it is such a personal decision and the grass is not always greener. This is your choice and your child and let’s face it, every child is different.

Sophie Oakes Education Consultant, Gabbitas April / May 2017 | 97

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INTERVIEW

AM: What is your most vivid memory of your time there?

MB: When I upset the English master, a Brother, who beat me to the floor I remember hoping I would get a mastoid like my cousin, and the Brother would be sorry…

Michael Bond

The author of the legendary Paddington Bear books on what he learned at boarding school

M

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: Where did you go to school and when?

MICHAEL BOND: Presentation College in Reading AM: What sort of school was it?

MB: A Roman Catholic boarding school. I am not a Catholic but my mother liked the colour of the blazer – and I was a day boy.

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AM: You left school quite early, why was that?

MB: I wasn’t very happy there and I left at the age of 14 – besides there was a war on.

AM: Who was your favourite – or most influential - teacher?

MB: The Head Master who was a monk.

AM: Did you have a favourite ‘secret’ place at school? If so, where was it and what did you do there?

MB: The bicycle shed where I avoided lessons.

AM: Do you think other aspects of your early years were more influential, like your time in the army for example?

MB: I would say that Army life had a far greater effect.

AM: What inspired you to write Paddington Bear?

MB: A small bear sitting on the mantelpiece – he looked so lonely in the shop that I bought him and took him home for my wife.

AM: What are your plans for Paddington in the future?

MB: It would be more accurate to ask what his plans for me would be.

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

MB: Words fail me – not for the faint hearted.

AM: What beliefs do you think that particular school instilled in you?

MB: A strong sense of right and wrong.

~

AM: What was your proudest achievement? If you didn’t have one at school, then what and where?

MB: My proudest achievement was coming in last in the slow bicycle race, for which I was awarded an Ingersol watch.

~

AM: What was the most trouble you got into?

MB: Laughing in class.

“ MY FAVOURI TE P LACE WAS THE BIKE SHE D WHE RE I AVO I DE D LE SSONS” |

AM: How did it influence the rest of your life and career?

MB: Not at all

AM: What was your favourite subject or activity there?

MB: English was my favourite subject, and I enjoyed long distance running.

ichael Bond is a children's author best known for his Paddington Bear books.

He has also written a series about a guinea pig called Olga da Polga. Bond is 91, has two grownup children and lives in London, not far from Paddington Station.

98

AM: What effect do you think your schooling had on your character?

It made me more aware of sin.

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W WW. N I N E I N TH E M I RRO R. CO M 3.1 P HILLIP LIM • AL E X AN D E R WAN G • JO SE PH • L AN VI N • M ARN I • VAL E N TI N O • AND MA NY MOR E

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