Mama APRIL 2019 • ISSUE 27
The Magazine for Stylish Mums
E ASY RIDER Family-friendly long-haul travel
Spring FRESH TOP TIPS FOR CLEAN LIVING
GO anyware JESSIE WARE’S NEW CLOTHING LINE FOR KIDS
ISSUE 27 • APRIL 2019 _MAMA_April19_COVER.indd 2
THE MAGAZINE FOR ST YLISH MUMS 05/03/2019 12:59
An all-through education for your whole family Boys and Girls 2-18 years old To book a tour of any of our Nursery, Preparatory or Upper Schools visit:
www.eatonsquareschool.com
Belgravia ES.indd 1
Kensington 28/01/2019 13:57
Knightsbridge ES.indd 2
Mayfair
Pimlico 28/01/2019 13:57
Babiators Advert Untitled-1 61 (AM).indd 1
04/03/2019 05/03/2019 07:28 11:50
mama WELCOME
contents APRIL 2019
70
46 58
43
8 14
AGENDA What’s On
Arts and entertainment for the month ahead Mama
16 APRIL 2019 • ISSUE 27
The Magazine for Stylish Mums
E ASY RIDER Family-friendly long-haul travel
Spring FRESH
TOP TIPS FOR CLEAN LIVING
GO anyware JESSIE WARE’S NEW CLOTHING LINE FOR KIDS
New Books
April’s best new releases
ISSUE 27 • APRIL 2019
THE MAGAZINE FOR ST YLISH MUMS
ON THE COVER: Ergobaby
04/03/2019 17:13
30 Going Anyware
Popstar and podcast host Jessie Ware shares her latest venture
FASHION 38 Highly Evolved
Shop maternity-smart this Spring
ESSENTIALS 22 Spring Chick
46 I Want Candy
MAMAHOOD 27 Insta-Mama
WELLNESS 63 Easy Eats
Fresh styles for the new season
Slummy Single mummy Jo Middleton talks playgroups and prosecco
_MAMA_April19_COVER.indd 2
82
28 Woman in Work
Rosie Adediran on why singing is good for mum and baby
Th e sweetest streetwear from Tiny Cottons in bright, sugary hues
Th e delivery meals on our radar
65 Spring Cleaning Five brands putting ecoconsciousness first
HOME & INTERIORS 78 Eco Chic
How to create an environmentally friendly nursery
80 Private Lives
Dream Spaces from Yoko Kloeden
TRAVEL 88 Paradise Found
Helen Baron finds the answer to winter woes in Barbados
92 Eastern Promise
Jo Caird on what makes Sri-Lanka a top-tier travel destination
RESOURCES 98 Superhero Science
STEM careers and a new twist on traditional card games
April 2019
MAMA_April19_CONTENTS.indd 5
|
5
05/03/2019 10:44
MUTSY.indd 1
08/08/2018 16:40
mama WELCOME SPRING ESSENTIALS P. 18
Editor’s
LETTER
WE LOVE BOOKS P. 14
FASHION NOTES P. 34
H
urrah for Spring! No longer do we have to bundle our little ones in multiple layers, attempt to keep hold of the season’s scarves and hats and mittens (it’s never possible) and contend with interminable runny noses! In this issue you’ll find lots of bright, fresh, fun stuff inspired by the season and our palpable sense of relief. We have an array of colourful spring essentials, great recommendations for Easter holiday activities and some inspiring tips on long-haul escapes for anyone considering a last-minute trip (or already making plans for next winter). Elsewhere, we’re all about enjoying the creative side of parenting – chatting to the mamas behind such inspiring initiatives as London Rhymes’ collaborative mum-andbaby songwriting classes and the timely The Remarkablz card game – which encourages kids to take an interest in STEM subjects and see great scientists as superheroes. Lastly, anyone planning a spring clean should check out our rundown of home cleaning brands revolutionising the field with their focus on ecologically friendly products and sustainable packaging. Here’s hoping you’re loving the warmer weather as much as we are. Enjoy the issue!
Hel en Ba r on E DITOR
@hel_bow helen.baron@zest-media.com
T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s
BEAUTY NOTES P. 62
Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Designer: CATHERINE PERKINS Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Director: ROCHELLE STREATER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT
Part of the
LON DON OFFICE : 197-199 City Road, London EC1V 1JN, UK
@ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A
absolutely-mama .co.uk Editor UK: HELEN BARON Contributing Editor: CARLY GLENDINNING Assistant Editor: FlORA THOMAS Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Specialist Manager: ZARINA KAPASI Parenting Portfolio Manager: LEAH DAY Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PHIL COUZENS
ABU DHABI OFFICE: FACT M.E FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O Box 769328, Abu Dhabi UAE
For editorial enquiries please email: helen.baron@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please email: rochelle@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please email: lucie@zest-media.com
Absolutely Mama supports
zest.london To read the latest issue of Absolutely Mama subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama
Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
April 2019
MAMA_April19_EDS LETTER_FINAL_HB.indd 7
|
7
04/03/2019 17:16
10 things we Absolutely
LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month
SHARP LINES
TAKE FLIGHT
Little Creative Factory Is this the coolest kids clothing brand in the world? The SS19 collection has us thinking it just might be. Made in Barcelona, the new range features styles and shapes (for mamas as well as little ones) inspired by Japanese minimalism and the unpredictable beauty of nature. Sublime. littlecreativefactory.com
Mr Tod y Super sweet hung as a decoration or left on the floor for kids to hop in and out of (the straps can be worn like a seatbelt), this cardboard aircraft is just the thing to inspire imaginary adventures. £20; bobbyrabbitkids.co.uk
MAGIC MOMENTS
Mama s & Pa pa s Record every milestone in the cutest possible style with these adorable cards from Mamas & Papas. Understated illustrations ensure babies will love looking at them as you snap away. £12; mamasandpapas.com
JAMMIE DODGERS
Organix Dodge the stodge with these lighter versions of the popular (and let’s face it, not just with kids) snack. These strawberry and apple Jammie ‘Monsters’ are organic and vegan, contain no junk and are made with 25% less sugar. £2.49; organix.com
8
|
absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Ten_Things_HB.indd 8
04/03/2019 14:26
ma m a LOVES
FIZZ FUN
or’s Editick P
Ei s b e rg Just because you’re preggo (or cutting alcohol or calories), doesn’t mean your glass has to be half empty! Eisberg has worked with expert winemakers to create the ultimate alcohol-free alternative to prosecco – delicious. Available at Waitrose or Ocado, £4; eisberg.co.uk
Boob Job
Brava d o Des ig n s This brand has focused on maternity and nursing bras – and nothing else – for over 25 years. It emphasises comfort and practicality and we’re big into the indigo and apricot colourways, introduced for spring. bravadodesigns.com
Store Room
Made Give your hallway a lift with Made’s Layne hall stand, a compact storage solution you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. £299, made.com
TOP TIPPLE
Pu l l th e Cork If you’re set to raise a glass any time soon, a wine from Pull the Cork is sure to impress. Specialists in natural, organic, vegan and biodynamic wines, purity is very much guaranteed. pullthecork.co.uk pullthecork
GOOD EGG
Prest at Why not make Easter a little more luxurious? This milk chocolate Prestat egg is as deliciously indulgent as you’d expect, and contains velvety champagne truffles to boot. Moreish doesn’t even begin to cover it. £17.50; prestat.co.uk
PYJAMA PARTY
Des mo n d & De mps ey The newly launched ‘Artists Studio’ collection from Desmond & Dempsey is a riot of colour inspired by significant artistic movements and techniques throughout history. desmondanddempsey.com
April 2019
MAMA_April19_Ten_Things_HB.indd 9
|
9
04/03/2019 14:26
Handcrafted nursery furniture that becomes part of the family Handcrafted nursery furniture that becomes part of the family
To mark the launch of TeddyOne, 200 sets of limited edition pieces come with a 10 per cent discount, complete with free White Glove delivery service. Five of these come with a unique golden TeddyOne Bear – find one in To mark the launch of TeddyOne, 200 sets of limited edition pieces come your cot bed and you’ll receive your money back. with a 10 per cent discount, complete with free White Glove delivery service. Five of these come with a unique golden TeddyOne Bear – find one in WWW.TEDDYONE.UK your cot bed and you’ll receive your money back. Untitled-1 61 BL_xx_Teddy One ad.indd 12
WWW.TEDDYONE.UK
05/03/2019 06/02/2018 11:58 15:47
agenda E A ST E R AC T I V I T I E S & E V E N T S p . 1 2 • O U R M O N T H LY R E A D I N G R O U N D - U P p . 14
Game on • NATIONAL TRUST •
There are more than 250 National Trust Easter egg hunts to choose from this year. So whether you’re a Victorian explorer or you’re seeking out wild woodland creatures, no one’s going without adventure (or chocolate). nationaltrust.org.uk
April 2019 | 11
Mama_April_19_Agend_Opener.indd 11
04/03/2019 17:19
W H AT ’S O N See a show at this year’s Underbelly Festival and get hunting for Easter eggs
Insect Circus 30 March - 28 April Puppet Theatre Barge
You’re invited to forget reality and become immersed in the strange and beautiful world of insects. Presented using marionettes, the show breathes new life into the traditional techniques used in Victorian trick marionettes. The show has a unique charm to be enjoyed by all the family. stringtheatre.co.uk
we love
Beautiful
BEASTS From 5 April • Museum of London
Step into an immersive tour of London’s history, told by the animals who live here. Inspired by objects in the collection at the Museum of London, it’s set to be a fully interactive digital installation. With voices by Nish Kumar, Stephen Mangan and Angellica Bell, this show is set to be star-studded affair. museumoflondon.co.uk
Dreamscape From 6 April Dreamland Margate
As if you need another reason to visit Margate, Dreamland is waiving its £5 entry when it opens for the season on 6 April. The Octopus’s Garden, for kids under-eight, boasts a circus tent, beach huts, grassy hill to roll down, a potting shed for arts and crafts, sand pits and much more. dreamland.co.uk
12 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Agenda_HB.indd 12
04/03/2019 14:15
agen d a
Showstoppers’ Kids Show When: 8 April - 7 July Southbank
If children could create their very own dream show, where would they start? A magical castle under the sea? A spooky graveyard? Who would the characters be? A super hero? A crocodile? This production promises to take your kids’ ideas and turn them into marvellous, musical adventures. Audience members decide where the story is set, who the characters meet and even where they go in Underbelly’s audience-led extravaganza. underbellyfestival.com
EVENTS
FINDER S K EEPER S
The game is on this Easter, it's time to rally the troops and get hunting
GO Q UAC K E R S 6 - 22 April Wetlands Centre
Head to London’s Wetlands Centre to hunt for giant rubber ducks hiding among the reeds, trees and their real-life cousins. That’s not all, from pond-dipping to nest-building to animal-track-detecting, there’s a whole host of activities on offer. wwt.org.uk
ROYAL R AB B IT 6 - 22 April Historic Royal Palaces
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt returns to Hampton Court Palace this Easter, and - for the first time ever - to Kensington Palace. Follow the clues on the trail to find the golden bunny statues hidden around the palace and gardens while discovering some regal characters.
BAKE OFF
hrp.org.uk
16, 17, 18 April Gail’s Bakeries
uring April, Gail’s will host Easter-themed biscuit baking classes, for little ones aged four to 11. Children will roll out special speculoos biscuit dough, equipped with rolling pins and bunny biscuit cutters, to create delicious handmade Easter treats. Once baked, it’s time to decorate.
D
gailsbread.co.uk
POLAR BEARS GO, GO, GO! Until 28 April Unicorn Theatre
oin two very loveable but slightly hapless polar bears on their holiday adventures. Will they ever reach their destination? Or are they just going around in circles? The pair return to Tooley Street’s award-winning space to create smart, sharply observed comic performances for the theatre’s youngest audience members.
j
G L AM PI N G
Ongoing Whitemead Forest Park
A woodland retreat with glamping pods, hot tubs, a spa and restaurant… Sounds too good to be true. Treat your family to an Easter holiday you’ll never forget this year. In addition to the usual host of kids’ activities, the park hosts legendary egg hunts for little ones. whitemead.co.uk
unicorntheatre.com
April 2019 | 13
MAMA_April19_Agenda_HB.indd 13
04/03/2019 14:15
We love
BOOKS
Spring has sprung. Celebrate the days getting longer with our pick of the month’s most colourful releases
Wo r d s F L O R A T H O M A S
RELIGHT MY FIRE
H O W T O L I G H T YO U R D R AG O N By Didier Lévy, Illustrated by Frederic Benaglia
A funny, tender tale about a little boy whose dragon has run out of steam. He tries everything to get the dragon to breathe fire, but nothing works. Then, he plants a kiss on the dragon’s cheek… With imaginative, bright illustrations and big pages, this is a joyful read. £12.95 thamesandhudson.com
14
|
RULE BREAKER NORM By Sylvia Liang
Norm lives in a regimented town, where creativity is non-existent. One day, he becomes distracted by a beautiful bird. He follows it to find himself in a new world, where houses look like bubbles and people come in all shapes and sizes. Little by little, Norm lets go of the rules. A timely tale, celebrating diversity. £11.95 thamesandhudson.com
absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_March_18_BOOKS_HB.indd 14
04/03/2019 14:29
agen d a
BOOKS
POET’S CORNER FAV O U R I T E P O E M S T O C E L E B R AT E BABIES AND CHILDREN Edited by Lucy Gray
Lucy Gray has a background in psychology. Fascinated by the textures of childhood and parenting, she brings us this joyful anthology of poetry, celebrating childhood. It’s accompanied by beautiful retro prints taken from the Mary Evans Picture Library and the London Transport Museum collection. This one’s for keeps. £7.99 pavillionbooks.com
PA STU R E S G R E E N THE GREEN GIANT By Katie Cottle
FOOD FOR THOUGHT LE N NY TH E LO B STE R C A N ’ T S TAY F O R D I N N E R
A timely tale about a little girl who discovers a giant made entirely of plants, in her grandfather’s greenhouse. The giant had escaped the colourless city to find solace in the green countryside. The girl and the giant become fast friends as they attempt to bring a bit of colour back to the grey city. £6.99 pavilionbooks.com
By Finn Buckley
When Lenny gets invited to a fancy dinner party, he can’t wait. But when he turns up, he’s greeted with a pot of boiling water and lobster bibs. This is a laugh-out-loud picture book which is a joy to read to little ones who will delight in helping the lobster decide: should he stay or should he go? £12.95 phaidon.com
PREHISTORIC PET T H E D I N O S A U R D E PA R T M E N T S T O R E By Lily Murray
TA K E TH E P LU N G E
Illustrated by Richard Merritt
TA D By Benji Davies
Eliza Jane has her heart set on having a dinosaur at home. When her family gets to the pet shop, it transpires that Eliza’s plan is to release all of the dinosaurs into the wild. This picture book has a brave and compassionate lead character, perfect for curious young children. £6.99 mombooks.com
Tad is the smallest tadpole in the pond. As her tad-brothers and tad-sisters get bigger and bigger, and eventually disappear, she worries that she could be left all alone. With vibrant illustrations, this heart-warming story is profoundly charming. £12.99 harpercollins.co.uk April 2019
MAMA_March_18_BOOKS_HB.indd 15
|
15
04/03/2019 14:29
Passionate about Play We believe childhood should be enjoyed to the full. That’s why we’ve been making imaginative wooden toys, designed in Great Britain with a touch of French je ne sais quoi, since 1995. letoyvan.com
Untitled-1 61
05/03/2019 12:01
F R E S H STA R T: T H E B E ST P R O D U C T S FO R YO U A N D YO U R FA M I LY T H I S S P R I N G p . 2 2
Hold Fast • TULA •
Pretty prints of a folkloric bent are a staple at Tula, makers of some of the planet’s most desirable (not to mention reliable) baby carriers. This ‘Explore’ model in Fox Tail print allows for all the necessary carry positions (including front outward and back) and has a padded neck cushion and external waist pocket, for storing small items. £154.90; tula.com
April 2019 | 17
MAMA_April19_ESSENTIALS OPENER_HB.indd 17
04/03/2019 14:33
Spring Chicks Step out in fresh styles tailor-made for the season Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N
Suit Up KIT & KIN
Welcome the season in sustainable style with the new clothing capsule from Kit & Kin. Founder Emma Bunton has created a range of beautiful babygrows using ethical, organic cotton that’s as good for the planet as it is for little ones. What’s more, a percentage of every purchase helps fund education, healthcare and family planning in Guatemala. £21.99; kitandkin.com
Editor’s Pick
Hot Wheels FOXRIDER
We love the vintage styling of this sunshine-yellow tricycle from Belgian brand Foxrider. Made from powder-coated steel with a wooden seat, it’s robust as well as retro – and a great way to get bubba used to pedalling. £129; nubie.co.uk
STROLL ON BOBA
Certified hip-healthy and easy to adjust without retooling every strap and buckle, the Boba X carrier is available in a range of cute prints – and can be used from birth with no infant insert. Time to get out and enjoy spring with your little one! £125; boba-uk.com
1 8 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April18_SPRING ESSENTIALS_HB.indd 18
04/03/2019 14:35
essen t i a ls KIDS
NEW LEAF MAMAS & PAPAS
The latest clothing collection from Mamas & Papas is full of the joys of spring, with botanical prints and neutral tones making for a fresh, airy feel. We particularly love these palm-print joggers and slub cotton tee: versatile styles that make a cool seasonal statement. Joggers and tee, both £12; mamasandpapas.com
BRIGHT STUFF TIBA + MARL
Changing the game for changing bags once again, the Tiba + Marl ‘Kaspar’ backpack is produced in collaboration with online titan Farfetch, and is available in an on-trend neon hue that ensures it will stand out among the (mostly black) competition. £130; tibaandmarl.com
Party Piece OGLEE POGLEE
Planning a party to mark Easter (or anything else)? Save yourself hours of trawling Amazon by purchasing craft party bags ready-made – with not a sweet or plastic toy in sight. Kids will love them. Emoji party bag, £4; lunaandcurious.com
SWEET THING CHOC ON CHOC
The perfect Easter gift, these hot cross buns are actually novelty Belgian chocolates styled to look like everyone’s favourite baked Easter treat. With nine per box, there’s enough for the whole family to share. £9.99; choconchoc.co.uk
Gold Standard K ALON STUDIOS
Combining contemporary design and a burst of brilliant colour, this cot truly stands out. The yellow bars offer a stimulating sensory experience for tiny denizens, and will liven up any nursery setting. £1350; nubie.co.uk April 2019
MAMA_April18_SPRING ESSENTIALS_HB.indd 19
|
19
04/03/2019 14:35
JOIE.indd 1
04/01/2019 11:45
mamahood S LU M M Y S I N G LE M U M M Y J O M I D D LE TO N O P E N S U P p . 2 3 W H Y LI F E I S A S O N G FO R R O S I E A D E D I R A N p . 2 4
Ware it Well • IN THIS SECTION •
This edition sees us talking to pop star turned podcast host turned designer Jessie Ware about her move into fashion for tinies. She’s not the only singer in the section, though, as we speak to London Rhymes’ Rosie Adediran about the many benefits of singing with your baby. Welcome to the Mamahood...
April 2019 | 21
Mama_April19_MAMAHOOD_OPENER_HB.indd 21
04/03/2019 14:38
BBZEN.indd 1
06/11/2018 10:57
mamah o o d
INTERVIEW
~
“O F T E N WE JU ST WAN T TO KN OW W E’ R E N OT ON O U R OWN ”
~
I was watching a lot of Sex and The City at the time though. I started the blog a little while later as a way to showcase my writing when I was pitching ideas to newspapers and magazines. I never planned for it really to be a thing on its own.
INSTA MAMA Talking playgroups and prosecco with Jo Middleton
Q When and why did you decide to start blogging? A I started my blog back at the end of 2009. I’d quit a job that summer – I was the Fundraising Manager at a big housing association – because I was sick of working for other people and fancied myself as a freelance journalist. I don’t know what I thought I was playing at really, as I had no savings, journalistic experience or relevant qualifications!
Q How do you maintain audience loyalty in the competitive world of honest mum-blogging? A I think I was really lucky timingwise. When I started blogging ten years ago there were nowhere near as many people doing it and it was much easier to be heard. I guess I just try to be honest, be myself, and say yes to as many opportunities as possible. I avoid anything controversial, steer clear of blogger politics, and always try to be kind and professional. Consistency is important for audience loyalty too – people want to know what to expect when they invest time clicking on a link, so you need to be reliably entertaining. Q What have been some of the challenges of single parenting? A There are practical challenges, like childcare and trying to make enough money for everybody, but as my kids have got older (they are 16 and 23 now) I’d say the main challenge for me is not having the emotional support of another adult. I’ve been
through some tricky times with both of my children, and it can feel like a lot of responsibility. It would be nice sometimes to have someone else to say ‘You know what, I’ve got this one.’ Q To what do you ascribe your popularity? A I wish I had some kind of secret formula, but honestly, I’m just me. I try to be relatable, especially as a single parent, because I think often we just want to know that we’re not on our own, that other people are crying all over the fish fingers sometimes too. I try not to overthink my blog posts because I want to keep that chatty style – a lot of people who know me say they can imagine me saying the things I write out loud, and I think that helps people feel connected to what I’m saying. Q How did you find the process of writing ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’? Is it different to writing for the blog? A I’m used to writing 600 words or so at a time, so the prospect of having to write tens of thousands, all strung together to make a story, was rather daunting! Just like the blog though, I tried not to overthink it. I knew that my editor liked the style of my blog. I’d love for people to read it and laugh and think ‘Oh God, I totally know that feeling!’ @slummysinglemummy slummysinglemummy.com
April 2019 | 2 3
MAMA_April19_Instamama_HB.indd 23
04/03/2019 14:40
~
“SINGING HELPS FOSTER BONDING AND BUILDS SECURE ATTACHMENTS”
~
woman in
WORK Rosie Adediran on setting up London Rhymes and why singing is good for mum and baby Inter view HELEN BARON
Q Tell us about London Rhymes - it sounds so exciting! A At its heart, London Rhymes is a singing and songwriting project with parents and young children under two in community settings! It’s very informal – we sing songs together, play with instruments and improvise together with our talented musicians (babies make great improvisors!) as well as write new songs together – a collaboration between myself, musician, parent and child. It’s mad! And now, we’re launching a YouTube channel which will kick off with a selection of 18 original songs for families to enjoy together, beautifully animated by an artist called Claire Fauche. Even though these songs were written with small groups of parents in various corners of London, it’s our dream that these songs will be used, sung and enjoyed by families all over the place. Q How has Creative Futures offered support? A Creative Futures is a really inspiring organisation that seeks to transform young lives through the arts. I’ve worked with them on other projects for years, and approached them after I’d completed the pilot of London Rhymes to see if they wanted to link up! As a freelancer myself, it’s been really key to establish strong partnerships, and collaborate with those that bring skills to the table that I’m lacking in! I learn loads from them. They have an early years specialism too, and it’s been amazing to have my ideas supported and developed by such an effective, well-respected charity.
24 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_WOMAN IN WORK_HB_FINAL.indd 24
04/03/2019 14:46
mama h ood
Q&A
a bit confused by the huge amount of ‘stuff’ out there on Spotify and Youtube. I began my blog and Instagram @mama_sings_rosie, and began planning and fundraising for the next phase of London Rhymes. We rolled out another six projects across the city, and in the process collected more and more songs written together with families which were then recorded by our amazing team of musicians. But as a small community project, we lacked the funding to be able to extend the reach of the songs – until we received some funding from The Space, which supports small organisations to reach new audiences digitally – and ta da!
Q What’s your musical background and how did the idea for the project come together? A I’ve always loved bringing groups of people together through music – I started running choirs in my school when I was 15 and have never really stopped. I’ve sung throughout my life, but it was when I moved to London to do an MA that I discovered that there was a career to be built out of doing this ‘bringing people together through music’ kind of stuff! I did some more training and haven’t looked back. I’ve worked in all kinds of settings and with various age groups, but in 2015 had the crazy idea to try out writing songs with a group of parents and babies, which I did in a family centre in Hoxton, East London over a number of weeks. It was fun, and challenging... But it was when I had my baby in 2016 that I became a woman on a mission! The desire to sing with my baby was strong and I realised that it’s common to lots of new parents - singing suddenly becomes something you’re doing every minute of the day, whether it be twinkle twinkle or making up a nonsense song to try and get your wriggly baby to stay on the changing mat. For me, singing with him was soothing in the very early days, kept me calm in difficult moments, made us both smile and laugh, embedded routines during the day... the list goes on! However, despite this, I sometimes felt a bit stumped at times when looking for something nice to play to him, and though I’m a musician, felt
Q How does it aim to be a counterpoint to the annoying/unmonitored content kids can access on YouTube? A Online (and especially on YouTube) there’s just an overwhelming amount of content... and no guarantee to its quality, appropriateness or even its safety. You search a song and are bombarded with a sea of results – mostly low quality and over-produced, with synthesised effects and often garish visuals, and which have little in the way of real voices or live instruments. The mainstream choice for parents is overwhelming, yet of overwhelmingly low quality. So, while we’re all guilty of sticking YouTube on to keep our kids busy while we do some washing (or drink a swift cuppa!), I think there’s a growing unease around it. Kids channels can be big business, and it feels like we’ve lost some of the quality control along the way... London Rhymes is just offering an alternative, via a platform that’s still massively useful for parents – something real and quality, without the cringe factor. That inspires families to use music in the everyday. The music is also available on non-visual platforms (Spotify, Amazon Music, iTunes etc).
Q What are some of the benefits of singing for both mum and baby? A Singing is a massive win-win for parents and their new babies. Becoming a new parent can be a life-changing, world-shifting, earthquake-causing event – whoever you are, the impact can be monumental. Babies can hear their mother’s voice from around 26 weeks in utero, and in one study, babies showed a preference for the mother’s voice straight after birth. As new parents, we subconsciously match the early preferences of our babies through our vocalisations – which (even if not a ‘song’) are very melodic, like singing – baby talk! It’s not surprising then that singing helps foster bonding and build secure attachments. One huge benefit of singing to young babies and children is the impact it can have on mental health. A study last year showed a much quicker rate of recovery in those mothers that took part in regular singing with their babies. As we move into toddler territory, a song regularly gets me out of a sticky situation! It can diffuse a meltdown like nothing else and is a useful way to establish routines within the family. Not to mention the speech and language, confidence-building, social skills and learning benefits for young children, which are off the scale. It’s also just fun. forget that! londonrhymes.com; creativefuturesuk.com; @london_rhymes; @mama_sings_rosie April 2019 | 2 5
MAMA_April19_WOMAN IN WORK_HB_FINAL.indd 25
04/03/2019 14:47
GOING anyware
Pop star and podcast host Jessie Ware on her latest venture: kids clothing W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G
T
he birth of her first baby coincided with the launch of her third album (Glasshouse), and second pregnancy around Jessie Ware has no less ambitious plans. When we meet the London-based singer songwriter, she is weeks away from welcoming baby number two and is about to launch her very own childrenswear brand. Named anyware, the collection was created in collaboration with award-winning designer George Reddings. George is the design brains behind the Little Bird by Jools line at Mothercare. We caught up with Jessie to find out more about the sustainable clothing range and how she worked with George to create it. Q With a hugely successful music career, a podcast and baby number two on the way, what made you want to launch your own childrenswear brand?
26
|
A I have always loved clothes and being able to dress my daughter has been a joy, but I had bought so much that I loved (sometimes the same outfit in different sizes) that she had already grown out of, it just seemed mad. I wondered if we could come up with a range that they could wear for longer. Q How did you and George come together to design the collection? And what was it like working together? A George and I were introduced by a mutual friend and it all seemed to fall into place. She has so much experience and we had some great brainstorming sessions, between us we have created something I am so proud of. It’s a great partnership and I have learned so much from her. We have a lot of fun and she has been extremely patient about working around my crazy schedule. Q I love the colour palette of muted brights and the simple, easy-to-wear shapes – what
absolutely-mama.co.uk
Mama_April19_JESSIE WARE_HB.indd 26
04/03/2019 14:47
mamah o o d INTERVIEW
~
“WE WANTED COLOUR BUT NOT TOO BRIGHT AND CLASHY, NO BIG GRAPHIC SLOGANS”
~
April 2019
Mama_April19_JESSIE WARE_HB.indd 27
|
27
04/03/2019 14:47
Go Places, Big and Small. Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, the MINU offers modern conveniences in a portable, lightweight stroller. Go where you want, how you want – there’s nothing extra holding you back.
uppababy.com/uk
UPPA A&U SUM18.indd 1 UPPABABY.indd 1
11/05/2018 12:03 11:34 07/09/2018
mamah o o d INTERVIEW
~
A I like to dress her in simple shapes, soft fabrics, comfy and easy. And I like to buy things that she can wear for any occasion. Not too smart and not too casual. That she can feel like a kid in, but be able to move freely.
was your inspiration? A Thank you! I love simple, classic, oversized shapes, they are so easy to wear and like the clothes I had back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I loved them for years. I thought it would be great to have a kids collection that was timeless. We wanted colour but not too bright and clashy, no big graphic slogans, more of a sophisticated palette that the parents would love too – that would be wearable around the year. Q Each piece is designed to grow with the child. Is this a reaction against fast-fashion culture? A That’s exactly right, I think we are all overspending and this is negatively impacting the world’s waste situation. It used to be that shops would have new collections every few months, now it’s weeks – and as customers we can’t keep up. It’s created a bit of hysteria I think, always hunting for the next new thing. This was our way of slowing it down, considering quality and investing in something that will last. Q How do you dress your daughter? And what do you look for when you’re buying clothes for her?
Q We’ve loved following your podcast. How has it been working with your mum? A It’s been amazing and hysterical. Also kind of mad to accidentally go into business with your mum. I still can’t believe people bother to listen to us bickering over recipes to be honest! But wow we have met some brilliant people. Q What has your second pregnancy been like? Has it been different this time around? A I guess you have less time to indulge in it, which can be a blessing and curse. I’m less precious about the bump this time round (carrying around a toddler will do that). And I feel really relaxed about the birth. I looked at my belly yesterday and discovered a stretchmark though! I managed to swerve them last time but alas not this time. Q Impressively, you didn’t take maternity leave with your daughter. What was it like going on tour as a family? A I don’t know if that was impressive or a bit silly as I think I did it for the wrong reasons. Music feels like a rather unstable business so I was worried if I took too long out my career would suffer. I look back at that time and think ‘What was I doing!?!’ But equally I
“I’M LESS PRECIOUS ABOUT THE BUMP THIS TIME AROUND – CARRYING A TODDLER WILL DO THAT”
~
accomplished a lot and I did get the chance to take my family on tour, which was a magical albeit exhausting experience which we will never forget. It was like camping for a month! Quite exciting. Q With so many amazing projects going on, how do you plan to juggle it all with baby number two? A With help from my family and the brilliant people I work with! It will certainly be a juggling act… Q And finally, what’s your favourite piece from the anyware collection and why? I love the striped tops as they are so cool and the material is beautiful, and the high-waisted drawstring trousers with the denim jacket.
jessieware.com April 2019
Mama_April19_JESSIE WARE_HB.indd 29
|
29
04/03/2019 14:48
Open Morning 3rd May 2019
WALHAMPTON.indd 1
28/01/2019 14:08
mamah ood COLUMN
~
“AFTER BATHTIME EVERY NIGHT SEBBY HAS HIS MILK, I HAVE MY WINE, AND WE CHOOSE THREE STORIES”
~
real mum talk...
Telling it Like it is Alexandra Hunter on sharing a love of reading
W
hen I was pregnant with Sebby I was told to talk and read to him extensively from day one. There are so many benefits to reading to babies and toddlers. By reading to a baby you are increasing your child’s exposure to language and starting their speech development and language comprehension well before your tiny can talk. Babies are like sponges, they can’t talk back but they soak up and store information and sounds they are presented with almost from birth. Sebby’s language and comprehension has always been good and I know this is because he has always been read to. One of my brothers visited just after Sebby
was born with the complete Beatrix Potter collection and from week one I would read him these beautiful little books in my bed. He now knows all the stories and chooses which one he wants when he wakes up from his nap. Sebby carefully named our goldfish (after much deliberation) Burglar Bill, Burglar Betty and Jeremy Fisher – his literary heroes. Talking to a tiny baby I found infinitely harder than the reading. You feel like a bit of a twit chatting to a pram as you walk down folio the street in the early days. I always found it easier when Sebby was in a sling and I learned to describe what I was doing or what I saw – making tea, doing laundry – until eventually it became second nature. I’m currently training to be a primary school teacher and the focus
on literacy, language, vocabulary and speech is one of the most emphasised aspects of our course and training. We must teach our children to love books and to engage with reading as early as possible. The benefits are numerous and the effort put in during the first few years can literally last a lifetime. Reading to a child is one of the most valuable gifts that you can give them and it’s an absolute pleasure to do. After bathtime every night Sebby has his milk, I have my wine, and we choose three stories, two to be read in my bed and one in his room with the lights low. There are so many wonderful children’s books out there and at the end of a stressful day there is literally nothing better than curling up together and getting lost in stories. Amongst my fondest and earliest memories are the nights I spent in my mama’s bed with my brothers, in our pyjamas, being read stories. Books that we couldn’t possibly have read ourselves but which exposed us to new worlds and expanded our imaginations. Children’s classics such as The Borrowers, Alice in Wonderland, Tolkien and Enid Blyton. Reading to our children from when they are tiny is so very, very important. This morning Sebby discovered the Mr Men collection I’d put on his bookcase when he was asleep, lovingly stored by my mama from our childhood, and we were both in heaven reading them together over our porridge. I love books, my child loves books, and even if I make a mess of everything else I am so pleased I got this right, and passed on my love of literature to him. April 2019
Mama_March18_REAL MUM TALK_HB.indd 31
|
31
04/03/2019 14:51
CHEEKY RASCALS.indd 1
06/12/2018 15:23
A DA P TA B LE S U M M E R ST Y LE S F R O M S E R A P H I N E p . 3 6 C A N DY CO LO U R S A N D P O P P I N G P R I N T S F R O M T I N YCOT TO N S p .4 4
Natural Woman • OFFON •
This is a real find: an Etsy store selling trend-surfing linen clothing for both mamas and their little ladies. The styles are on point, the pieces are great value and even more importantly, everything is organic – so you know each purchase is less harmful to the planet. etsy.com/shop/offon
April 2019 | 33
MAMA_April19_Fashion_Opener_HB.indd 33
04/03/2019 14:52
mama
ST Y L E NOTES
The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections
BLING SLING
we love
ARTIPOPPE
For fashion-forward slings and baby-carriers, look no further than the European-made collections from Netherlands-based Artipoppe. Their prints are on point and all carriers are designed for safety and comfort as much as style. artipoppe.com
PA I R U P ECCO
For cool casuals, Ecco is not a bad bet: their range this season includes minimalist crepe-soled sneakers and pebbled leather bags in matching or gently contrasting hues. Pair your favourites for a go-to look that’s understated yet elegant. Crepetray shoes, £115 and SP3 backpack, £234.99; ecco.com
34
|
Jean Genie JOJO MAMAN BEBE
The British high street stalwart has introduced some winning maternitywear styles, including these dungarees in rich, midwash denim. Great value for a super versatile seasonal look. £45; jojomamanbebe.co.uk
absolutely-mama.co.uk
Mama_April19_MAMA FASHION_HB.indd 34
04/03/2019 14:56
fas h i on
April Showers
MAMA
nd Bra us Foc
JOULES
Joules’ SS19 collection does an admirable job of catering to the British weather, with its Coast rainproof jacket and fun printed wellies ensuring both you and your young companions are ready for the great outdoors. joules.com
The Hour London
S U P E R F LY
Nana Rasoeva: redefining the world of plus-size fashion
SOPHIA WEBSTER
Now your little one doesn’t have to dress up in (and damage) your finest party shoes to get her kicks. Sophia Webster offers matching mini-me styles in some the brand’s best-loved designs, including these bold and beautiful butterfly-wing numbers.
Q Plus size isn’t normally design-led. Why is this? How are you making it work? A I found plus size women’s clothing uninspiring, often shapless and made of cheap polyester. The more I continued to try and shop for luxury plus-size clothes, the more I realised they were nearly non-existent. I founded the brand to liberate women like myself with more options. I am not afraid of creating a strong silhouette or adding a bit of flounce.
sophiawebster.com
5 of t he b e st M O D E RN T OTE S VANESSA BRUNO Striped raffia tote, £223; smallable.com
RIVE DROITE Marcel recycled cotton tote, £44; smallable.com
FERM LIVING Kids terrazzo tote, £17; smallable.com
LIBERTY LONDON Jacquard building tote, £150; libertylondon.com
THE JACKSONS La Dolce Vita jute bag, £68; bleue.co.uk
Q How do you approach tailoring? A Precision, proportion and careful sculpting have helped us put shape back into plus size women’s clothing. We are adept at cutting for curves whether it’s balancing proportions or shaping the waist to accentuate the sweeping arc of the female form. Ours is a bespoke approach that involves ingenious pattern cutting techniques and a preference for French seams. Finish is also hugely important. We use textures that feel soft and unrestrictive against the skin such as silk, viscose and wool mixes of the finest quality. thehourlondon.com
April 2019 | 35
Mama_April19_MAMA FASHION_HB.indd 35
04/03/2019 16:16
MAMMA MIA! Chic holiday looks: how to dress your bump this summer s e r a p h i n e .c o m
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 36
04/03/2019 15:02
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 37
04/03/2019 15:02
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 38
04/03/2019 15:03
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 39
04/03/2019 15:03
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 40
04/03/2019 15:03
_MAMA_April19_Shoot_Seraphineindd.indd 41
04/03/2019 15:03
kid s
FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches
we love
EARTH KIND BONMOT ORGANIC
A new brand for SS19, Bonmot Organic take their responsibility to the planet seriously. The mostly unisex collection from the Barcelona-based brand is made as sustainably as possible with 100% organic GOTS-certified fabrics that have been farmed without chemical agents. bonmotbrand.com
SUMMER P L AY MAR MAR C O P E N H AG E N
Inspired by the sort of endless childhood summers you can only imagine happening in the countryside of the brand’s native Denmark, we love the carefree feeling of the new collection from Mar Mar Copenhagen. Look out for pretty detailing and a soft , muted colour palette. marmar.dk
42
|
So Surreal THE CAMPAMENTO New this season, we’re already big fans of Spanish brand The Campamento’s fun and playful spirit. With a strong focus on sustainability, the SS19 collection takes inspiration from a summer of surrealism. We love the ‘Dada’ print tee and ‘Salvador’ overalls. thecampamento.com
absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_March19_KidsNote_HB.indd 42
04/03/2019 15:09
fas h i on
Mini Inspiration
KIDS
nd Bra us Foc
PETITS VILAINS
Kid styling. It’s the often unexpected way things come together when little ones dress themselves and the inspiration behind the SS19 collection from Petits Vilains. Think prints piled on prints, hikedup sports socks and sandals and t-shirts worn under pretty dresses. petitsvilains.com
Yoli & Otis An eco-conscious brand aimed at mamas and littles
COLOUR IN
I
1 + I N T H E F A M I LY
Designed and made in Barcelona, the new collection from 1 + in the family introduces pops of fresh colour to the brand’s signature monochromatic palette. The muted pastels from lemon to blush pink are the perfect pickme-up for spring days.
t’s a story shared with many parent-founded brands, but when Lena Catterick and Carlo Letica couldn’t find a baby carrier they liked for their newborn daughter Yoli, they wanted to do something more meaningful than simply bring a new product to the childrens’ market. The family lead an eco-conscious lifestyle, spending their time between Byron Bay, Bali and Mallorca. So when their love of travel took them to India, they were excited to discover the ancient craft of plant dyeing with all-natural ingredients.
onemoreinthefamily.com
5 of t he b e st LI T T TL LE BUNNIES BUNNY BAG, Mimi & Lula, £16; mimiandlula.com
BUNNY PRINT BABY LEGGINGS, The bonnie mob, £18.45; thebonniemob.com
BUNNY JERSEY, Organic Zoo, £28; organic-zoo.com
BUNNY HOODIE Oeuf NYC, £77; oeufnyc.com
BUNNY HAIRBAND, Meri Meri, £16.50; merimeri.co.uk
According to the Soil Association, the non-organic clothing industry uses tens of thousands of acutely toxic chemicals, many of which are classified as hazardous by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Horrified by this, Lena and Carlo decided to take the techniques they had learned on their travels and use them to create something that wouldn’t harm the makers, the wearer or the earth. yoliandotis.com
April 2019
MAMA_March19_KidsNote_HB.indd 43
|
43
04/03/2019 15:09
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 44
04/03/2019 15:13
I WANT CANDY Get set for summer with sweet streetwear in bright, sugary hues
tinycottons.com
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 45
04/03/2019 15:13
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 46
04/03/2019 15:13
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 47
04/03/2019 15:13
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 48
04/03/2019 15:13
MAMA_April19_KIDS SHOOT_HB.indd 49
04/03/2019 15:13
WellBaby18 AbsoloutelyMama FP Ad.qxp 11/01/2019 12:27pm Page 1
Formulated by Vitabiotics’ nutritional experts, to support the nutritional requirements of babies and young children Contains UK Department of Health recommended levels of vitamin D1
Wellbaby multi-vitamins contain the recommended vitamins A, C and D1
2018-07-09 ADWBYCONP E
Vit D Drops
Multi-vitamin Drops
Multi-vitamin Liquid
From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores and wellbaby.com 1. The UK Department of Health recommends that all babies from birth until the age of 1 should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5-10mcg of vitamin D and that children from one to 4 years should be given a supplement containing 10mcg Vitamin D. In addition, all infants aged from 6 months to 5 years should be given a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D (Unless they are drinking 500ml (or approx. 1 pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula has vitamins added to it). Source: NHS Choices. *UK’s No1 baby supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 24 March 2018.
VITABIOTIC.indd 1
11/01/2019 13:05
wellness
T H E B R A N D S P I O N E E R I N G A N AT U R A L A P P R OAC H TO H O M E C LE A N I N G p .6 5 E A SY E AT S : T H E H E A LT H I E ST M E A L S D E LI V E R E D TO YO U R D O O R p . 5 4
Stretch Out • LEVEL SIX STUDIOS •
South London mamas, this is our latest yoga tip: a cool studio in Peckham with classes dedicated to expectant mothers, families and kids aged 5-10. The latter two build themes and creative storytelling into the yoga, engaging youngsters’ imaginations while strengthening their sense of self. levelsixstudios.co.uk
April 2019 | 51
Mama_April19_Wellness_Opener_HB.indd 51
05/03/2019 10:49
Untitled-1 61
05/03/2019 12:22
wellne s s
HE ALTH
NEW MOVES BARRECORE
Barre fitness studio, Barrecore, now offer fortnightly prenatal classes for mums-tobe at their Wandsworth location. Their experienced instructors safely tailor movements to each individual to match their trimester and personal needs, helping to reduce pregnancy aches and pains and prepare the body for birth. barrecore.co.uk
mama’s
WELLNESS NOTES Healthy snacks and solutions for mums and munchkins
A U N AT U R A L
AND RELAX
THE NUE CO
S OA K I N
Did you know that 50% of the ingredients in most supplements are actually just chemical preservatives and fillers? The Nue Co’s range is made using clean ingredients, delivering nutrients as close as possible to the wholefood source. thenueco.com
Made with 100% pure and natural salts, Soakin’s products are perfect for relieving tired and aching muscles. Pour a spoonful of their Epsom salts into a foot bath for a soothing nightly treatment during pregnancy. planetorganic.com
Ride it out B O O M CYC L E X K I D S TA B L E
Spin studio Boom Cycle now offer supervised arts and crafts sessions in collaboration with The Kids Table at their Hammersmith and Battersea locations. Suitable for 3-10 year olds. boomcycle.co.uk
April 2019
MAMA_April19_Wellness_Notes.indd 53
|
53
04/03/2019 17:21
E A SY E AT S We road test five meal delivery services
W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G A ND HELEN BARON
AB E L & CO LE ON THE MENU Organic food suppliers Abel & Cole refresh their seasonal recipe box menu with 15 new options each week. I’m offered nine different categories including ‘foodie’, ‘speedy’ and ‘light’ but opt for veggie. There’s six recipes to choose from and a further three that are vegan. They all look great, but could be a bit limited if I decide to eat plant-based all week as I sometimes do. WHAT’S IN THE BOX Everything I need to cook three different meals is delivered to my door early on a Monday morning and I love having my weekend freed-up by not having to do a big grocery shop. I unpack all of the ingredients for: Coconut & Tomato Lentil Curry; Roast Squash, Walnut & Feta Couscous; and Lentil & Mushroom Cottage Pie. There’s quite a lot of packaging, but Abel & Cole reassure me that everything is recyclable and returnable to them.
54 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_MEAL_DELIVERIES.indd 54
04/03/2019 15:26
wellness
HE ALTHY DELIVERIES
THE RESULT? I really enjoy cooking something new without having to plan it. The recipes themselves are easy to follow and don’t require chef-level cooking skills. Each one takes me around 40 mins to an hour to cook, which feels quite long after a day in the office so another time I might try something from their ‘speedy’ section. Ingredients are all seasonal and fresh. The veggie meals I cooked were wholesome and healthy, and tasted delicious. The recipes were things I tend to make myself (curries and cottage pie etc), so it might have been nice to see something different. I found the portions to be quite generous, which is great if you’re sharing your meals with little ones. from £6 a meal ableandcole.co.uk
M I N D FU L CH E F ON THE MENU Touted as the recipe box if you’re trying to eat healthily, I’m excited to see that the menu from the Mindful Chef is 100% gluten and dairy-free as well as being nutritionistapproved. There’s 16 recipes to choose from each week, under the categories of ‘proteinpacked’, ‘balanced’, ‘pescatarian’ and ‘plant based’. As I’m eating vegan this week, I choose from the six options in the latter. WHAT’S IN THE BOX It’s great to receive my box on Sunday, a day of the week I definitely don’t feel like putting too much thought into cooking. I’ve chosen two meals: Lentil Moussaka & Creamy Coconut Bechamel and Hawaiian-Style Poke With Crispy Tofu. Again there’s a lot of packaging, but you can return everything to Mindful Chef to be reused / recycled every four weeks.
~
“PORTIONS WERE GENEROUS WHICH IS GREAT IF YOU’RE SHARING YOUR MEALS WITH LITTLE ONES”
~
THE RESULT? Both of my meals took about half an hour to 40 mins to make (although they do offer 15 min options). They were quite simple, although the poke bowl required you to cut the carrots into ribbons, which may have been a faff if I didn’t use my blender. Unfortunately I was missing sesame oil to fry the tofu, something I didn’t have on-hand in my cupboard and one step in the moussaka recipe was omitted, although it wasn’t difficult to figure out. Mindful Chef source their award-winning produce from local suppliers and I was really impressed with the quality of the ingredients. I also loved how their plant-based options were a bit different (I wouldn’t usually cook a poke bowl and the moussaka was topped with coconut yoghurt bechamel with nutritional yeast flakes).
BY RU BY
from £4 a meal mindfulchef.com
THE RESULT? ByRuby offers the luxury of a home cooked meal without having to do any of the work, making it a great option for busy new parents. The meals taste amazing and hearty and all you need to do is take them of the freezer and pop them straight in the microwave or oven.
ON THE MENU Founded by a chef and a gourmet food shop owner, ByRuby delivers healthy and convenient frozen food with absolutely no additives or preservatives to your door. I’m excited to choose from over 40 meals, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten free dishes and options under 400 calories. You can also order for one person or two, which is great for reducing food waste. WHAT’S IN THE BOX My frozen meals are delivered packed in ‘WoolCool’, which is 100% biodegradable and compostable, releasing valuable nitrates back into the soil.
from £3.50 for a side dish byruby.co.uk April 2019
MAMA_April19_MEAL_DELIVERIES.indd 55
|
55
04/03/2019 15:27
Untitled-5 32
06/12/2018 17:06
wellness HE ALTHY
DELIVERIES
H O N E STLY G O O D S M OOTH I E CO M PANY ON THE MENU The Honestly Good Smoothie Company deliver everything you need to make nutritionist-approved smoothies at home. Ingredients are Soil Association Certified and 100% organic, with as much produce as possible sourced in the UK. There’s four boxes to choose from: ‘Variety’, ‘Honestly Green’, ‘Honestly Veggie’ and ‘Honestly Fruity’. WHAT’S IN THE BOX With a choice of weekly, fortnightly and monthly deliveries, my smoothie ingredients arrive pre-washed, peeled and chopped – air frozen in little pouches. Everything is packed in a wool-lined temperature controlled box to keep it fresh. I’m impressed to find the the packaging is recyclable / reusable / compostable and that the Honestly Good Smoothie Company donate two meals to those in need for every box they send out. THE RESULT? The smoothies are blend-yourself, which does mean you still need to wash up. However, the pre-prepared ingredients definitely eliminate most of the mess and hassle that often puts me off making smoothies from scratch at home. Smoothies are a handy way to get veg into kids, although in the end it was the fruit flavours that were most popular with them. Being able to keep pouches in the freezer is also convenient as fresh fruit often goes off in our household or the kids take one bite of an apple and leave it - so much ends up in the bin! from £4.75 a serving honestly-good.co
~
“HONESTLY GOOD SMOOTHIE COMPANY DONATE TWO MEALS TO THOSE IN NEED FOR EVERY BOX THEY SEND OUT”
~
O N E O UT TH E OVE N ON THE MENU One Out Of The Oven make easy ready-made comfort food designed with new parents in mind. There’s 10 options on the menu and I’m impressed to find that seven are vegetarian and four are vegan. Healthy and hearty, everything is made exactly as it would be in a home kitchen, with no unnecessary additives or preservatives and using local, organic ingredients.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX My meals are delivered on Monday, ready for the week ahead. Everything is packaged in sustainable Kraft boxes that are fridge, freezer and microwave friendly so there’s no need to decant, creating unnecessary washing up. THE RESULT? Super convenient, meals are ready-to-eat or you can heat them in the microwave, oven or on the stove. One of the best things about One Out Of The Oven is that every meal is designed to be eaten hot or cold. So if baby cries just as the microwave pings, dinner won’t be ruined. I loved these deli- style meals, cleverly designed to be eaten one-handed. from £4.50 a meal oneouttheoven.com April 2019
MAMA_April19_MEAL_DELIVERIES.indd 57
|
57
04/03/2019 15:27
Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Makes 20-22 meatballs (using a tablespoon as a meatball measure)
C
lassic family food at its best and really comforting too; I love using chicken mince to make these as the end result is so much lighter than if using beef mince. You can serve these meatballs either as finger foods, straight up (which toddlers and adults love) or bake them with tinned plum tomatoes for a meatball and tomato sauce: absolutely delicious with buttered spaghetti.
Ingredients
Mimi’s
BOWL Baby, toddler and family food made easier – cooking adventures from a foodie blogger
Recipes MIRIAM COOPER mimisbowl.com
• 500g free-range chicken mince • 1 onion, gently fry in olive oil until soft (5-8 mins) • 60g Parmesan, finely grated (optional) • 100g breadcrumbs • 1 garlic clove, peeled & crushed • 1 large free range egg, lightly beaten • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped • 1 tsp thyme leaves • 2 x 400g tinned organic plum tomatoes (optional)
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 180C (fan). Combine all the meatball ingredients in a bowl: chicken mince, cooked onion (cooled), finely grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, beaten egg and herbs. Then shape into meatballs using a tablespoon; this will make evenly sized meatballs, which helps them to cook evenly. 3 Cook in a pan with a splash of oil, browning lightly on each side (2-3 mins per side). Then you can either: 4 Transfer to a lined baking tray and cook in the oven for 25 mins or until completely cooked through. 5 Or take two tins of plum tomatoes, empty into an oven-proof dish, top with the meatballs and bake for 30 mins in the oven, until bubbling and cooked through. 1
2
5 8 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Recipes_HB.indd 58
04/03/2019 15:32
wellne s s
RECIPES
Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Kale & Butternut Squash Prep time 20 mins Cooking time 15-20 mins
T
his is comfort food and easy family cooking at its best. Once you have mastered the cheesy sauce you can experiment with different fillings and combos: I love adding a handful of roasted butternut squash. You can make the mac ‘n’ cheese ahead too, then warm it through quickly in a hot oven – so it works well for dinner at the end of a busy day. Once you have made this you’ll find you make it again and again. I hope it will become a family favourite at your table too.
Ingredients
• 250g roasted butternut squash, peeled and cubed (remove seeds) • 150g pasta • 50-75g kale, leaves only, woody stalks removed • 1 tbsp flour (20g) • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (20g) • 300ml organic milk, at room temp • 80g pasteurised cheddar, reserving a little for the topping
Sweet Potato Pancakes • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, optional • Black pepper • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 180C-190C fan. Toss the butternut squash in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, spread evenly on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and starting to caramelise. 3 Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to its instructions, less 2-3 mins of cooking time. Add the kale to the cooking water for the last 1/2 minute of cooking, to blanche it. Then drain the pasta and kale together and set aside. 4 To make the cheese sauce: take a saucepan and melt the butter over a low heat, add the flour and stir until you have a thick paste. Slowly add the milk, stirring continually. As the sauce thickens add a little more milk, until all the milk is combined and you have a lovely white sauce. 5 Take off the heat and stir in the cheese – save a little for the tops of the pots. I also add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard for flavour and a little black pepper; this is optional. Add the pasta, kale and roasted butternut squash to the cheese sauce, then combine. 6 Divide the mixture between ramekins or empty into one large oven dish. Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. 7 Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins until bubbling, remove and allow to stand. Serve warm from the oven. 1
2
T
hese pancakes are golden, crispy and delicious. The sweet potato adds some dietary fibre to the pancakes and also turns the batter a lovely golden colour. I prep the sweet potatoes the night before, so I can whisk up a quick batter in the morning.
Ingredients
• 300g sweet potatoes • 200ml milk • 2 medium organic eggs • 1 or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 150g self-raising flour • 1 tbsp oil, for cooking
DIRECTIONS 1 Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks. Boil until tender, drain and cool. 2 Blend the cooked sweet potato with the milk, eggs and cinnamon, blitz until smooth. 3 Sift in the flour and combine. 4 Heat a little oil in a pan and with a large spoon or ladle, portion a pancake and drop into the pan, spreading the mix a little into a pancake (I think thinner pancakes work better for this recipe). When you start to see bubbles in the pancake surface, turn and cook the other side. Both sides should be golden. 5 Repeat until you’ve used up all the batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed. 6 Serve with fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. (optional)
April 2019 | 59
MAMA_April19_Recipes_HB.indd 59
04/03/2019 15:32
GWS.indd 1
11/01/2019 16:26
wellness PROMOTION
FY OEU A S T R EYES
An exclusive family recipe from Babease founder Tom Redwood
T
he Babease brand was launched with the intention of putting vegetables – as well as a fuller panoply of world flavours – at the forefront of the weaning experience. Founder and chef Tom Redwood knew that the more vegetables babies encounter in their first months eating solid foods, the more they tend to eat later in life. So he set about creating a range of prepared baby foods that help parents to lay that strong foundation. Read on for a family-friendly recipe from the man himself...
Babease Thai Green Chicken Curry Ingredients • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger • 300g chicken thighs, cut into thin strips • 200g pumpkin, diced • 1 can coconut milk • 1 stick lemongrass, bruised • 3 or 4 kaffir lime leaves • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets • 200g peas • juice of a lime • a handful of chopped coriander • optional: Prik Nam Pla (Thai chilli fish sauce), green chilllies, Thai basil. • serve with brown rice and lime wedges
DIRECTIONS 1 Add a splash of oil to your pan and place over a medium heat, add the garlic and ginger and cook for a minute, then add the chicken and cook for a further 3-4 minutes. 2 Add the pumpkin, coconut milk, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves and cook for a further 5 minutes. Finally, add the broccoli, peas, lime juice and coriander and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and the chicken cooked through. Remove the lemongrass and lime leaves before serving. 3 For grownups, add a splash of fish sauce (this is too salty to serve to little ones) and garnish with lime leaves, chillies and Thai basil (if you can get it). 4 Serve with brown rice and lime wedges.
babease.co April 2019 | 61
MAMA_April19_BABEASE RECIPE_PROMOTION_HB.indd 61
04/03/2019 15:34
mama’s
B E AU T Y NOTES Hair, make-up and beauty news for the month ahead
we love
H E A LT H Y G LOW KOZ H A N U M B E R S B E AU T Y
Their minimalistic bags have been seen all over Instagram and now Kozha Numbers are set to conquer our bathroom shelves too. The brand’s new Daily Supplement Active Vitamin Serum contains high levels of antioxidants, omegas and vitamins and uses ingredients such as kukui nut and black cumin. £38; kozhanumbers.com
N AT U R A L WO N D E R S SANS [CEUTICALS]
The mild and gentle range from Sans [ceuticals] is designed to protect and renew the texture and appearance of your skin and hair. Inspired by the French word for ‘without’, the brand’s products are free from unnecessary and harmful ingredients. From £10; glasshouseshop.co.uk
Raw Beauty ROWSE
On a mission to shatter our slavery to the big beauty industry, the new range from ROWSE is 100% plant based, vegan and preservative free. We love the Winter body Oil, which contains goodies such as rhodiola, siberian pine, borage and almond. £28; rowse.co
62 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_March19_BeautyNote_HB.indd 62
04/03/2019 15:34
wellne s s
BE AUT Y
n Saloew i Rev
Oh So Pure OH MY CREAM
In the tradition of exceptional French skincare, Oh My Cream’s effective clean beauty range doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. The brand’s clever website even offers an online skin diagnosis which gives you a ‘personalised prescription’, suggesting the best products for your skin type. From £19.25; ohmycream.com
HAECKELS THALASSOTHERAPY
W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G
CLEAN COLOUR ILIA
CHARLIE MCKAY FOR GLASSHOUSE JOURNAL
Horrified to find the ingredients in her everyday lip balm were not safe, Sasha Plasvic (the founder of ILIA), was inspired to create a ‘clean’ makeup collection. The range is made from a mix of natural and organic botanics and safe synthetics to ensure each product goes above and beyond the expectations of natural. From £20; glasshouseshop.com
5 o f t he b e st K I D S S H A M P O OS Baby Hair And Body Wash, Bamford, £20; bamford.com
Shampoo 200ml, Dandydill Way, £18; dandydillway.com
Nourishing Shampoo, Naïf, £7.88; naifcare.com
Baby Hair and Body Wash, Kokoso, £7.99; kokoso.co.uk
H
arnessing the healthgiving properties of the Margate sea, Haeckels has created a series of treatments designed to balance, stimulate and intensely nourish the skin. The sustainable beauty brand offers pregnancy and full body massage, but as i’m suffering from dry winter skin, I visit their Thalassotherapy Therapy Room at Radio Salon in King’s Cross for a seaweed facial. The treatment room itself is like a little snug, with the soft glow of Haeckels candles adding to the warm and cosy feel. I feel an instant connection with my therapist, who explains that thalassotherapy (taken from the Greek word ‘thalassa’, meaning sea) uses seawater, sea vegetables and shore climate to treat the skin. The facial is every bit as calming as the name suggests. My skin is cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised using Haeckels products that contain natural ingredients such as raspberry seed oil and microalgae (producing a genuine glow that lasts for days). I’m also treated to a heavenly neck, arm and hand massage and leave feeling thoroughly relaxed. haeckels.co.uk
Hair & Body Wash, Little B by Bramley, £12; bramleyproducts.co.uk
April 2019
MAMA_March19_BeautyNote_HB.indd 63
|
63
04/03/2019 15:35
Baby care the natural way
Reclaim motherhood as a positive, stress-free experience
Through our online training with local consultants,Babyopathy can help nurture more babies from conception, through pregnancy, birth and throughout baby’s first years. for more information visit
babyopathy.com BABYOPATHY.indd 1
11/01/2019 11:24
SO FRESH & SO CLEAN
1
Wellness
PRODUCTS
1. TINCTURE
Angelika Davenport founded Tincture after being appalled by the overpowering fumes of chemical cleaning products in a hospital maternity wing. She set about creating a range of household cleaners using 100% natural ingredients, fragrant botanical essences and antimicrobial silver. The spray-bottles are completely recyclable and refills come in glass. tincturelondon.com
2 . E C OV E R
Looking for greener alternatives to traditional cleaning products? Here are five key brands putting eco-consciousness first
2
The grandmamma of eco cleaning, Ecover pioneered the use of phosphatefree detergents before it became a cause célèbre and has publicly committed to trialling new biodegradable packaging by 2020. Sometimes accused of a lack of transparency, there’s still no doubting the brand’s positive impact. The new Zero range contains no fragrances – ideal for allergy-sufferers and those with sensitive skin. ecover.com
3 . W I LTO N
Wilton create laundry care products that smell as good as fine fragrance, so it’s out with synthesised scents and in with essential oils like cedar and jasmine. The results are life-changingly good – and with every deep, pleasurable lug of your newly marvellous-smelling sheets, you can smile as you remember Wilton uses eco-friendly formulations. A Londonborn brand we’re betting makes it very, very big. wiltonlondon.co.uk
4 . ASH LEY & CO
This New Zealand brand has gone from minnow to making waves over the course of a decade, producing everything from body wash and home fragrance to allpurpose cleaner. Using scents such as kaffir lime, clove and lotus leaf inspired by founder Jackie Ashley’s childhood in Hong Kong, products are refined yet use biodegradable, natural astringents that won’t leave harmful residues. ashleyandco.co
3
5 . TA N G E N T
A garment, shoe and skincare brand whose products are also objects of design lust. Founder David Samuelsson uses a single scent source for each fragrance – waxing lyrical about his hunt for the perfect cut-tulip aroma, for instance – and even caters for specific classes of laundry with specialised (and eco-friendly, of course) denim wash, delicate wash and sportswash formulas. tangentgc.com
4 5 Mama_April19_SPRING CLEANING.indd 65
April 2019
|
65
04/03/2019 15:36
HIBOU.indd 1
05/11/2018 15:50
reso ur c es
ADVICE
TI PS FO R
BETTER SLEEP during pregnancy by DR. HILDE bbhugme.com
DR. HILDE CO-FOUNDER OF BBHUGME
1.
EMPTY YOUR HEADSPACE BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
Have you ever gone to bed after a long day but no matter how hard you try your brain simply won’t shut off? That is your brain trying to tell you that you need to declutter upstairs! To set yourself up for good sleep you need to allow your brain and body to wind down after a busy day. Turn off your phone, computer or TV for the last hour to half-hour before you go to bed. Read a book or listen to some relaxing music and take five minutes to write down everything you need to remember for the next day on a piece of paper. That way you empty your headspace and make space for some nice, restful sleep.
daytime nap every day plus tacking on an extra hour or two of sleep during the night will help you stay in good sleep balance.
3. KEEP IT COOL 2. BEWARE OF SLEEP DEBT
You need way more sleep than usual when you’re pregnant. Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you should be getting and the amount you actually get. The good news is that, like with all debt, with some persistent work you can catch up and repay it. Taking a small
“If there’s ever a time in your life to invest in sleep, it’s during pregnancy”
After you conceive, your body temperature will go up by an average of nearly one degree due to an increase in your body metabolism. That may not sound like a lot but believe me, it is noticeable. Keep your bedroom extra cool and use linens that allow for proper circulation of air. Also, avoid exercise, warm baths and showers and caffeinated drinks in the last 2-3 hours before you go to bed.
4. FEEL FREE
There’s nothing more irritating than the feeling of restrictive clothing when you’re trying to relax, right? Add a growing belly into that equation and it can feel near impossible to ignore that
irritating bra or briefs when you’re trying to sleep. My best recommendation is to sleep naked. No clothes to irritate you or restrict circulation in your body, and as a bonus it is also healthier for the “downstairs” department. If you are not comfortable with sleeping naked, at least make sure to wear something in stretchy, natural and breathable material. As you approach the end of your last trimester, you can also make it easier to turn over in bed by sleeping on a silk satin sheet with silk bottoms or briefs.
5.
GET THE PROPER SUPPORT
Sleeping when you’re pregnant is different. Your body is in constant change and as your belly grows you will feel the need for body support during sleep. Using the bbhugme pregnancy pillow from early in your pregnancy will not only help you sleep and rest better, but also help prevent the lower back and pelvic pain (SPD) associated with pregnancy. If there’s ever a time in your life to nvest in sleep, it’s during pregnancy. Remember, you’re sleeping for two now. April 2019 | 67
MAMA_April19_TOP TIPS_HB.indd 67
04/03/2019 15:54
OOHNOO.indd 1
05/02/2019 10:30
home &
C R E AT I N G A N ECO - CO N S C I O U S N U R S E RY W I T H M A R M A R CO P E N H AG E N p .72 YO KO K LO E D E N ‘ S R E ST Y LE O F A LO N D O N FA M I LY H O M E p .74
Made in England •TEDDYONE•
Nursery specialists TeddyOne have moved the production of their beautiful furniture to Hertfordshire. ‘Proudly British’ by heritage, the move reflects the true British values at the core of the brand: craftmanship and a high standard finish. teddyone.uk
April 2019 | 69
MAMA_April19_Interiors Opener_HB.indd 69
05/03/2019 10:54
mama
N U R S E RY NOTES Interiors inspiration for the hardest-working room in your home
DREAM ON SHNUGGLE
Lasting value is all too rare in Babytown, as little ones will insist on outgrowing everything you buy for them. Happily, Shnuggle’s stylishly understated Air Bedside Crib converts to an equally attractive standalone cot, ensuring years and years of use. Clever. £319.95 for crib, conversion kit and mattress; shnuggle.com
we love R AC K I T UP OEUF
Role play is good for kids, and what role does a kid enjoy playing more than the owner of their very own toy store? Fortunately, US brand Oeuf has you covered with this minimalist display rack in natural and white-painted birch ply. Little shopkeepers will be over the moon. £390; bobbyrabbit.co.uk
Swing Time BooBoo It’s certainly not cheap, but this swing sofa is dreamy enough to justify its price tag. Crafted from steel, aluminium and synthetic (i.e. easy to maintain) leather, it’s sure to become your little one’s favourite spot for a soothing bedtime story. £5,504; pamono.co.uk
70 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April_19_NurseryNotes_HB.indd 70
04/03/2019 15:46
h o me & interio rs
Domestic Bliss
NURSERIES
nd Bra us Foc
P L A N TOYS
A clever spin on the traditional doll’s house, this modern iteration is modular, so kids can comfigure it however they like. It comes with all the furniture and is made from natural materials, so it’s sustainable as well as great fun – ideal for budding architects. £149; bobbyrabbitkids.co.uk
BY KLIP KLAP
W
SIDE BY SIDE PURFLO
Keep your newborn safe, snug and within easy reach with the PurAir ‘Keep Me Close’ Breathable Bedside Crib. Height-adjustable and designed for easy maintenance – even the mattress is machine-washable, which is little short of a lifesaver – it’s a new mama’s best friend. £199; purflo.com
5 of t he b e st M ON EY B OX E S A LITTLE LOVELY COMPANY Peacock money bank, €4.95; alittlelovelycompany.nl
SIEBENSACHEN Miss Monnipenni piggy bank, €78,90; designandmaison.com ATOMIC SODA Porcelain piggy bank, £25; lexception.com
hen Pia Lauritsen was shopping around for a playmat for her children, she didn’t expect not to be able to find what she was after. She also didn’t anticipate creating a thriving brand out of her disappointment. But that’s exactly what happened, and the result is By Klip Klap. Lauritsen’s great idea was not just to design her own play mat, but to go one step further and create a multi-functional design object: the KK 3 Fold. This deceptively simple piece of furniture is effectively a robustly crafted folding cushion that can be used variously as a mat, a bench, a sofa or even a guest bed. By reconfiguring its constituent parts, effectively folding it in different ways, you can change its form and thus its uses. What’s more, it’s stylish. Available in a range of colours and suitably hardwearing fabrics, the KK 3 Fold is beautifully Scandinavian. Since the launch of the first collection in 2011, the range has grown to encompass variants on the original design plus kids chairs and sofas and some truly stunning wooden daybeds. Versatile furniture that can be reworked to suit your home in the space of a moment? Yes please. byklipklap.com
MAMAS & PAPAS Ellery Elephant money box, £16; mamasandpapas.com
RED CANDY Stegosaurus money bank, £29.90; redcandy.co.uk
April 2019 | 7 1
MAMA_April_19_NurseryNotes_HB.indd 71
05/03/2019 12:56
L ECO CHIC
The founder of Cam Cam Copenhagen on creating a sustainable nursery Wo r d s SA R A G I E S E CA M R E
72
|
ack of products made from organic materials was one of the main drivers behind setting up Cam Cam Copenhagen. Organic products are not only better for the environment but better for you and your baby. Cam Cam Copenhagen is a GOTS certified company. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognised as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. It means that we must satisfy certain environmental criteria to receive this certification. Here are my top tips on how to design an eco-friendly nursery.
1.
ORGAN IC TEXTI LES
Give your child the best start by choosing decorative items and textiles that are made from organic cotton. All of Cam Cam Copenhagen’s products use GOTS-certified 100% organic materials, free from toxins, safe for baby. I thought about how important it was when decorating my daughter’s nursery that the bedding, swaddles, muslins, sleeping bags, changing mat, baby nest, really everything that babies are in constant contact with – often for hours at a time – should be organic and free of chemicals and toxins. Look for the GOTS certification to give you peace of mind.
absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_ECO NURSERY TIPS_HB.indd 72
04/03/2019 15:56
h o me & int er i or s TIPS
~
2.
AVOI D TH ROWAWAY CU LTU R E
Use products and furniture that have longevity, are flexible and avoid the need for frequent replacing. Opt for products which have a long life-cycle or can be passed down to future generations. For the first few years, you will need a changing table. Especially for the first year you will be changing a lot of nappies and you need a proper workplace for this, both to make it a cosy, fun time with your baby, but also to spare your back. The Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin changing table can be converted into a dresser/cabinet so you can hold onto it long after the baby years have passed. It works just as well as a cabinet in the living room or the hallway and who doesn’t need more storage?
3.
TH E COT
Go for an adjustable cot which can be set to different heights – in the very beginning your baby can’t move around and it will be nice to have a high-set mattress, so you can easily pick up your child when he or she is crying. Our Harlequin Baby Crib is a perfect match and is finished in VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free paint. The bed also transforms from a cot to a toddler bed by removing the side panel.
4.
B R EATHAB LE PAI NT OR WALLPAPER
Our furniture collection uses only VOCfree paint. This means it is free from toxins and harmful chemicals. If you are painting the nursery, choose a VOC-free paint which will help in not triggering any allergies. If decorating with wallpaper, opt for wallpaper which is eco-friendly. All of our wallpaper at Cam Cam Copenhagen is CE-certified and has an A+ certificate in “Emissions in Indoor Air”.
“USE PRODUCTS THAT HAVE LONGEVITY, ARE FLEXIBLE AND AVOID THE NEED FOR REPLACING”
~
5.
TOYS MADE FROM NATU R AL WOOD & ORGAN IC COT TON
Babies love to explore so their hands and mouths will be on everything; toys should therefore be free from BPA and phthalates. All of our toys use sustainably sourced wood or organic cotton – our rattles are made from maple wood, our play-gym (which converts into a play-tent) is crafted from birch plywood and uses GOTS-certified organic materials for the tent cover. Even our dolls’ clothing and accessories are made from organic cotton.
6.
STI M U L ATION
It’s your job to stimulate your baby and develop their skills, which can be quite challenging. In the beginning a mobile and some music will be very entertaining and later on you need to learn all those songs with finger gestures, do baby yoga and somersaults and all that. A play mattress in organic materials will be nice for the somersaults; our range of mobiles and music mobiles will also be good entertainment.
7.
LIG HTI NG
Use lighting to create a nice atmosphere in the nursery with more muted light sources. When it comes to lighting the nursery, use energy-efficient, longer lasting LED lights. Our textile balloon lampshade creates a dreamy and cosy environment for the nursery and can be used with LED lightbulbs.
8.
PL AY TI M E
In the beginning, when babies primarily lie on their back, a play-gym is ideal for entertainment and stimulation. You can hang lots of different toys from a play gym and change around when the baby starts to get bored. Later the range of toys will grow and
it will be nice to be able to put them away in baskets or display them on a shelf. Quilted playmats make an ideal addition to the nursery for playtime and tummy time. Opt for playmats made from organic materials.
9.
BATHTI M E
A soft organic hooded towel is perfect for bathtime. Cam Cam Copenhagen’s baby towels are made from the finest, soft GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton. The towels are wonderfully thick and weaved in a characteristic wave pattern which dries faster due to its airy design.
10.
BAM BOO TAB LEWAR E
Opt for plastic-free tableware like bamboo utensils when the time comes to weaning your baby. Bamboo has the added benefits of being extremely strong and durable, heat-resistant as well as stain and odour-resistant. Team with an organic bib for an all-round eco experience. camcamcopenhagen.com April 2019 | 73
MAMA_April19_ECO NURSERY TIPS_HB.indd 73
04/03/2019 15:56
PR IVATEliv e s Everyone has their dream space in this London house designed by Yoko Kloeden Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T 74 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
Mama_April_YOKO_HB.indd 74
04/03/2019 15:56
h o mes & interio rs INSPIRATION
Y
oko Kloeden Design has recently completed the interior design and decoration of a 1930s three-story terrace house in southwest London. The clients, a couple who both work in finance with two young children, completed a major house renovation including the ground floor rear extension and loft conversion when they moved into the house; however, having moved from a one-bed flat and both working full-time, they still didn’t feel at home a year later as most of the rooms were still bare and underused. After having interviewed five interior designers, the couple engaged Yoko and her team. The brief was to pull the family together in the open-plan family area, while the husband and wife each have a break-out room that reflects their individual needs and personalities. Yoko and her team used colours and textures to express each individual’s style while giving a practical solution for the young family. The result is an elegant and contemporary family home that still feels comfortable and practical while everyone has a space of privacy and aspiration . ‘Knowing that our clients now have a home they will enjoy for decades to come keeps us going every day,‘ says Yoko. The clients embraced dark and moody colours and their bold choices start with the hallway. With the inky blue colour as a background, Yoko selected an abstract landscape painting that reflects the clients’ love of nature but in a contemporary and stylized expression. Slender frames and legs of powder-coated steel furniture give a chic and airy appearance. The bespoke kitchen from Wooden Horse London was designed to fit the space with lots of storage. A marble island takes centre stage and plain white surfaces were chosen for other cabinets April 2019 | 75
Mama_April_YOKO_HB.indd 75
04/03/2019 15:56
Add a Little Luxury To Your Stay Book your next family holiday at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai as an Imperial Club guest and add a little luxury to your stay with exclusive benefits across the resort. From complimentary airport transfers, to a dedicated concierge team and even an exclusive private beach just for our Imperial Club Guests. Enjoy a little moment to yourself while the kids have their fun at the Atlantis Kids Club or The Zone for teens, with complimentary daily access during your stay. The best part of it all? Daily complimentary access to the all-new Imperial Club lounge. Whether you’re after a tasty bite for breakfast, relaxing afternoon tea or evening cocktails before dinner, the Imperial Club Lounge has it all.
Book today for a dream holiday you’ll never forget.
atlantisthepalm.com
ATP.indd 1
08/01/2019 09:58
h o mes & interio rs INSPIRATION
and worktop to let the island stand out. The dining table and chairs sit at the centre of the open-plan area and they had to be elegant, understated and unique. A bespoke live edge oak dining table with classic Wishbone chairs demonstrates the philosophy of using real materials and understated elegance. The family includes two children under three, so the space had to be practical and safe without compromising on sophisticated aesthetics. Yoko schemed the area around two key features – a framed artwork of bespoke wallpaper from Calico Wallpaper and a bespoke media unit made of black stained oak with brass detailing. She says: ‘In Japan, we have a culture of developing taste buds at a very early age. The concept of kids menus in restaurants is nowhere as ubiquitous as here in the UK as people believe babies and toddlers need to eat real foods that adults eat. In the same way, children need to grow up with real materials to develop their senses. Family rooms shouldn’t be all about wipeable surfaces.’’ The bespoke rug is made of soft jute that is hardwearing but soft to crawl on. Coffee
tables of different sizes are made of mango wood. Yoko’s team designed a media unit that consists of low units to store children’s books and toys and a slim tall unit to store files etc. The starting point for the reception room, also as known as ‘Her Room’, was an Art Deco-inspired drinks cabinet bought by the client at the beginning of the project. This is her grown-up haven where she winds down with a glass of wine after the children are finally asleep, where she entertains her friends on weekends and during her maternity leave. Yoko custom-made a millennial pink velvet sofa and selected an artwork from a Sydneybased British artist Caroline Collom to anchor the colour palette. The team filled the room with sumptuous, tactile and real materials such as marble, brass, steel, velvet, wool and sourced indoor plants to liven up the room. ‘His Room’ is referred to as the ‘games room’ and this is where her husband winds down by playing a computer game at the end of his long day at his demanding job in finance. Originally a garage, it is the smallest living room and he opted for the darkest shade of grey to feel cozy and cocooned as he uses ‘His Room’ mostly in the evenings. A Fornasetti mural makes a perfect backdrop and the rich moss green of the velvet sofa pops against the dark walls. The newly converted loft houses a master bedroom with an ensuite shower room. The wall behind the bed hides a walk-in wardrobe and dressing table. Here again, the inky blue was chosen for the calm and serene haven. Dreamy white waves and the dawn sky of a photograph shot on a remote beach in Iceland sums up the mood. The alcove above the bed is a practical alternative to a pair of bedside tables in this tight space. yokokloeden.com
~
“CHILDREN NEED TO GROW UP WITH REAL MATERIALS TO DEVELOP THEIR SENSES. FAMILY ROOMS SHOULDN’ T BE ALL ABOUT WIPEABLE SURFACES”
~
April 2019 | 77
Mama_April_YOKO_HB.indd 77
04/03/2019 15:57
Happy lives here!
We want you and your little ones to holiday just the way you want to: safe, stress free and in locations you love. It’s why we’ve developed our own exclusive resort experience alongside our range of beautiful, family friendly properties. We hand pick every destination to meet your young family’s needs—from pool safety to playtime—and they’re fully equipped with everything you need, so you can travel light and feel at home as soon as you arrive. Discover the Tots difference and let us help you find your perfect, fun-filled family holiday.
All private pools barriered
FREE baby and toddler kit
30 point child safety check
Call us
0800 808 5487 Browse and book at
www.totstotravel.co.uk TOTS TOO TRAVEL.indd 1
06/12/2018 12:35
escapes F I N D I N G PA R A D I S E I N BA R BA D O S p . 8 2 TO U R I N G S R I L A N K A W I T H A TO D D LE R I N TOW p . 8 6
Viva Espana • MARBELLA CLUB •
The Tiny Tots programme at this Andalucian resort is a dream for parents of pre-schoolers, offering a kids club, free babysitting, beautiful villa accommodation and prebookable baby equipment, with great rates if you travel outside of school hols. marbellaclub.com
April 2019 | 79
Mama_April19_TRAVEL_OPENER_HB.indd 79
04/03/2019 15:59
The Maserati of SUVs LEVANTE V6 2019 STARTING FROM £500 A MONTH, 0% APR† WITH 3 YEARS FREE SERVICING** H.R. OWEN MASERATI LONDON MELTON COURT, 25-27 OLD BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW7 3TD 0333 240 1580 HROWEN.CO.UK/MASERATI Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Maserati Levante MY19 range in mpg (l/100km) combined: 20.7 (13.6) to 30.0 (9.4). *CO2 emissions: 282 - 207 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars
tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. †Offer available on Maserati Levante V6 MY19 range ordered and registered between 01/01/19 and 31/03/19. 24 month term. Minimum 20% customer deposit required. Model shown is a Maserati Levante V6 GranLusso MY19 (incl. Tri-coat paint, Silver painted callipers, Metallic finish roof rails, Panoramic sunroof, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Rear laminated privacy glass, Driver Assistance Pack and 20” Efesto alloy wheels) which will increase the customer deposit to 32% and a monthly payment of £600. Optional final payment may vary depending on version. With Maserati PCP you may return the vehicle instead of making the final payment. It must be in good condition and if you exceed the agreed annual mileage, you will be charged 12p per mile for exceeding 15,000 miles p.a. in this example. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. T&Cs apply. At participating Retailers only. Maserati Financial Services, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Maserati Financial Services. **Three years free servicing offer is based on typical usage (12,000 miles per annum) and is covered by a three service Maserati “Premium Service” plan. The “Premium Service” program covers all the inspections, replacements of components and consumables provided by the official maintenance schedule described in the vehicle owner’s manual. Offer available on new Maserati Levante MY19 range ordered, registered & delivered by 31/03/19. At participating Retailers only.
maserati.indd 1 13063 H.R. Owen St. Albans Levante 0% 210x260.indd 1
05/02/2019 13:28 05/02/2019 12:30
escapes
INSPIRATIONS
EL PRESIDENTE P O RTO E LO U N DA
Get the summer plans firmed up fast by booking a stay in one of Porto Elounda Golf & Spa’s presidential villas. The amazing amenities of the resort – including a ‘Kids Ark’ for little ones to explore – are matched by the villas’ stylishly understated decor and private, heatedseawater pools. Cretan perfection. portoelounda.com
mama’s
T R AV E L NOTES The most exciting destinations at home and abroad
we love
GOING SOLO
SMOOTH O P E R AT O R
MARBELLA CORFU
BANDO
Single parents rejoice: this Corfu hotel is offering free allinclusive stays to all under-12s accompanying a single adult for at least seven nights between 18 April and 5 November. marbella.gr
The folks at Bando have produced a range of fun, fresh travel pillow designs that are more in keeping with the traveller’s spirit of adventure. Soft , sweet and surprisingly great value.£22; uk.bando.com
3 destinations with tennis courses Quinta do Lago Algarve, Portugal
Hillside Beach Club Fethiye, Turkey
Sani Resort Halkidiki, Greece
Renowned for its world-beating golf provision, this Algarve resort also has tennis facilities – and regularly schedules familyfriendly tennis classes during the school holidays. Match point!
This beautiful destination features a full range of sports activities, including four tennis courts. Once a year they even host a Tennis Cup – so you can put your newly honed skills to the test.
New for 2019, guests of all ages at this upmarket island resort can learn to play like a pro at an official Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy – complete with eight brand new clay courts.
quintadolago.com
hillsidebeachclub.com
sani-resort.com
April 2019
MAMA_April19_Travel_Notes_HB.indd 81
|
81
04/03/2019 16:02
“The beaches – all of which are public by law – are numerous, pristine and often world-beatingly beautiful”
PARADISE FOUND Helen Baron seeks an answer to winter woes on Barbados’ Platinum Coast
82 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Barbados_HB.indd 82
04/03/2019 16:05
escapes BARBADOS
O THE FAIRMONT ROYAL PAVILION RESORT FROM THE AIR
f all the terrors I’ve experienced since having children, two strike me as particularly cruel: the fear of winter and the fear of long-haul flights. The reason, as is probably self-evident, is that these fears are codependent and mutually reinforcing: the easing of one entails the enabling of the other. When winter charges in, life gets harder. When you can’t go outside without getting drenched or frostbitten or blown into the road, you stay home instead. At first you might rejoice in the novelty of being cosy and comfortable with little ones by your side. You might make popcorn and enjoy movie afternoons snuggled on the sofa together. You might finally build that Lego spaceship they got for Christmas, or practise the alphabet, or assume your best Blue Peter presenter voice and show them how to craft a horse puppet from an old sock. By day three, however, there’s popcorn under the sofa, the crafts drawer is chaos and some formulaic CGI Dr Seuss adaptation is blaring from the telly for the tenth time, unbearably unwatched. The kids are delirious with boredom and so are you. You crave the outside, but the weather won’t let up for weeks. Even if the sun does deign to make an appearance, it takes an hour to suit everyone up against the still-raging cold, their mittens won’t stay on and the playground remains one giant, hateful puddle. The answer, if you’re lucky, is a holiday: a winter sun to top up your vitamin D and remind you of the pleasures of the open air. A week or two somewhere hot and beautiful will keep the wolves of winter misery at bay... right? Then you remember where you live: in Britain, most fortunate island: perfectly placed to make a reliable winter sun all but impossible for those of us with preschool-age kids and an ethical belief that it’s not fair to inflict them on fellow airline passengers. My girls won’t stay still long enough for me to tie a shoelace. Asking them to let me share the sofa can provoke howls April 2019 | 83
MAMA_April19_Barbados_HB.indd 83
04/03/2019 16:05
“The Fairmont was built before regulations were introduced prohibiting development too close to the beach, so it occupies an enviable spot right on the sand”
of fury and misbegotten grief. How can I transport them to the other side of the world without my brain literally exploding with stress and exhaustion? But not this year! This year my partner and I decide that of these terrors, one must be the lesser. A long-haul flight with a couple of preschoolers cannot, however tiring, be as bad as a British winter completely unleavened by something – or more precisely somewhere – lighter, brighter and more beautiful. So we consider our options. Where can we go that offers (a) reliably great weather, (b) family-friendly things to do and (c) a direct flight with a duration less than nine hours? The answer is... not many places. Everywhere with serious sun in January or February (plus beautiful beaches and no ongoing war or murder epidemic) is ten or more hours away. In the end, only one destination appears to tick all the boxes: Barbados. We weren’t sure at first. Barbados seemed aimed at older generations. Many of the hotels
and private villas we looked at online – even some very famous and nominally luxurious ones – left a lot to be desired in terms of decor and design. Not that it mattered in the end. The fear of flying for longer than a full working day with a couple of small sociopaths did not diminish. We chose a hotel, booked flights and took a deep, deep breath. Spoiler alert: it all worked out. We just about made it through the flights. Things got very hairy in the final thirty minutes outbound, and our older daughter didn’t sleep for about 36 consecutive hours coming back. But it was doable, even with kids as active and intractable as ours. And what came between made it very worthwhile. The first thing to say is that Barbados itself is sublime. It’s a small island, so you can get around it super easy in a hire car, and they drive on the left, so there’s not even that initial period of awkward adjustment. It’s also well-maintained in relation to some of its neighbours, with clean streets, clear
A BEACHFRONT SUITE AT THE FAIRMONT
THE SUITE’S BEACH TERRACE WITH A VIEW OF THE SEA
84 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Barbados_HB.indd 84
04/03/2019 16:05
escapes BARBADOS
AL FRESCO DINING ON THE FAIRMONT’S TERRACE
signposting and lots of shops and services. Admittedly, it’s highly developed: no vast tracts of untouched jungle here. But the beaches – all of which are public by law – are numerous, pristine and often world-beatingly beautiful. The general atmosphere is upbeat and the people are incredibly friendly – in fact, there’s a sense (confirmed to us by several locals) that the economic inequalities here are less pronounced than on other Caribbean islands, which makes for lower rates of crime and social unrest. Everyone also seems to love kids, so you don’t have to apologise as much as you might elsewhere. Our overall impression was of general convenience and resounding good vibes. Speaking of good vibes, we also turned out to be extremely fortunate in our choice of hotel. We stayed at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, one of the oldest resorts on the island, positioned in a sweet spot halfway up the western (or ‘platinum’) coast. The Fairmont was built before regulations were introduced prohibiting development too close to the beach, so it occupies an enviable spot right on the sand. We stayed in a beachfront suite: 650 square feet of newly refurbished space with a superking bed for us, double sofa-bed for the kids and a private terrace overlooking the strand. Waking each morning to the pale gleam of the sun on the sea was an experience bettered only by viewing the same panorama at dusk, when the ebbing light swept the water with deepening shades of gold and rose. Our littles walked the dimming sand collecting fragments of coral and shell while we sipped margaritas
and gazed in utter contentment. It did us the world of good. It’s no exaggeration to say that, following recent renovations, the Fairmont is probably the most stylish and luxurious hotel on the island. Residents of beachfront suites benefit from a dedicated butler service, all manner of extra treats – the children loved the daily delivery of macaroons, while we grown-ups appreciated the free wi-fi and amazing buffet breakfasts – and, of course, access to the beach so direct it’s not even a stone’s throw away. There’s also an exquisite garden teeming with palms and green monkeys, plus tennis courts, a beach club offering free watersports and turtle tours, three restaurants and a perfectly-sized pool, where our elder daughter learned to swim unaided for the first time. We heard that they’re planning to introduce a kids club, which would make the whole thing even more perfect, if that’s possible. And right next door – reachable via a short walk up the beach – is the Lone Star restaurant, one of the best on the island, where you can dine while your little ones play on the sand. The Fairmont is also ideally situated for exploring further afield. The buzzing nightlife of St Lawrence Gap is 15 minutes’ drive away,
while another five minutes takes you to the happy crowds of Oistins fish fry. Back north and closer to the Fairmont there’s luxury shopping at the Limegrove mall and the world-famous Sandy Lane golf course, while we also enjoyed a day lounging at the Boatyard in Bridgetown (the island’s capital), with its beach-party vibe, sea trampolines and jetty-jumping. We discovered some great cafes and restaurants on the picturesque Hastings boardwalk – notably the Artsplash Centre, with its huge children’s playground, and the Blue Pineapple, home of amazing veggie options and killer cocktails. Best, though, was the boat ride we took on our penultimate morning, organised by the hotel’s watersports team, which saw us tour the insanely picturesque coastline with a local captain before swimming with wild sea turtles in crystalline waters. Memories like that don’t fade. And they definitely helped us to stay positive on the red-eye flight home… Rates for the Fairmont start from $468 and are per room, per night, based on double occupancy in a Luxury Oceanfront inclusive of BB, Fast Track and once per stay afternoon tea fairmont.com April 2019 | 85
MAMA_April19_Barbados_HB.indd 85
04/03/2019 16:05
“Between the lifesized statues, the series of staircases leading to eclectic collections of historic vehicles and the resident felines, it may as well have been designed with a toddler in mind �
Ea stern
Promise
Child-friendly resorts and fascinating culture make Sri Lanka a top-tier family destination Wo r d s J O CA I R D
86
|
absolutely-mama.co.uk
Mama_April19_TRAVEL FEATURE_HB.indd 86
04/03/2019 16:11
escapes SRI
“C
an we go in a tuktuk?” It’s a question my two-year-old daughter Mabel asks every time we set foot outside. We brought a car seat for long drives on this twoweek trip to Sri Lanka, but for short journeys it’s three-wheelers all the way and Mabel can’t get enough of this exhilarating new way of getting around. Her obsession begins in Colombo, where we spend a couple of nights acclimatising after our 11-hour Tui flight – direct, thankfully – at the very lovely Shangri-La Hotel Colombo. The plan for this trip is to squeeze in as many authentic Sri Lankan experiences as possible while still being toddler-friendly, so we start with a half-day tour of the capital with Tuk Tuk Safari Sri Lanka. Picked up from the hotel, we’re whisked to locations including the Sri Kaileswaram kovil, one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the city; the Independence Memorial Hall, built when Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule; the tranquil Buddhist shrine on Beira Lake; and Gangaramaya, Colombo’s most important Buddhist religious site. Between the life-sized statues of lions and elephants, the series of staircases leading to eclectic collections of knick-knacks or historic vehicles, and the resident felines, it may as well have been designed with a toddler in mind. The tuk-tuk tour is a brilliant way of getting a sense of the city, especially with a jet-lagged toddler in tow. Stops are kept fairly short, the open sides of the vehicle keep us cool; and
Donald, our ever smiling driver, is so good with Mabel that it’s not long before she’s letting him carry her around (a rare privilege, let me tell you). Back at the hotel we all take a nap and cool off in the pool before visiting nearby Galle Face Green, Colombo’s historic oceanside promenade, for a sunset stroll. I buy a colourful kite for 150 Rupees (50p) from one of the many vendors on the seafront and keep it in the air for all of 45 seconds before crashing down onto the parched grass. Rather than attempt the popular ‘cultural triangle’ itinerary, which requires almost daily travel and a keen appetite for historical and religious sites, we’ve opted for a couple of bases on the west and south coasts, dividing our time between days on the beach and occasional short excursions. It’s a long drive to the Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, but the peace and quiet of its remote location, plus the fantastic facilities for families, makes it worthwhile. The waterpark, with its slides, fountains and wading pool, keeps Mabel so busy that we never get the chance to explore the toys and soft play at the kids club, but the mini tables and chairs at the Bojunhala allday dining restaurant and ever patient staff ensure that meal times are nearly as fun as play time (and her buffet meals are free, which is a nice touch). We’re here to relax (massages at the CHI Ayurveda Spa and the fantastic Sri Lankan cuisine at Bojunhala take care of that) but also to take advantage of the local wildlife-spotting opportunities. First up is an afternoon boat trip on the nearby Walawe River. A short transfer by three-wheeler (“red tuk-tuk!”, squeals Mabel when she spots it waiting for us at reception) is followed by two hours of near constant animal and bird-spotting. From the water buffalo mother and calf making their way across the river to the roosting bats disturbed by the presence of eagles, via peacocks, langur monkeys and crocodiles, even Mabel is captivated. The following day we’ve got bigger quarry in mind on a visit to Udawalawe National Park, an hour’s drive north of the resort. We spot elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo and all manner of beautiful birdlife. Heaving a sigh, we depart for the final stop on our Sri Lankan odyssey, a week in the busy beach village of Hikkaduwa, on the coast between Colombo and the southern city of Galle. Unlike in Hambantota, the waves crashing onto this long stretch of white sand
L ANK A
are gentle enough for swimming, but we’re glad to have the option of dips in the shady hotel swimming pool too. Another cultural highlight sees us meet Vinitha at Galle’s historic Dutch Market one morning to learn about all manner of weird of wonderful Sri Lankan vegetables before heading her to house for a cooking class and delectable lunch. On the way back to Hikkaduwa we stop at Galle Fort, built by the Dutch during their occupation of what was then Ceylon in the 17th century, for a sunset walk around its imposing ramparts and atmospheric streets. Before we know it, it’s the final afternoon of our adventure and the three of us are holding hands on the beach, the Indian Ocean crashing onto our feet as the sun sinks into the clouds out to sea. “Bye bye, waves,” shouts Mabel, jumping up and down in the surf. It’s been a fantastic trip.
Jo and her family travelled as the guests of ShangriLa Hotel Colombo (doubles from $180) and the Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa (doubles from $293; shangri-la.com). They flew with Tui, which operates a weekly direct flight from London Gatwick to Colombo on the 787 Dreamliner (tui.co.uk/destinations/indian-ocean/sri-lanka/ holidays-sri-lanka.html). Vinitha’s Kitchen experience is available with specialist operator Essential Escapes as part of their culinary destination itineraries (020 7788 4242). April 2019 | 87
Mama_April19_TRAVEL FEATURE_HB.indd 87
04/03/2019 16:11
Prepared. To grow somewhere new.
Our new preparatory school opens in September 2020 Prince’s Gardens is a new independent preparatory school, in the heart of Kensington, for children aged 3 - 11 years. It will be a school where every one of our pupils is prepared to step out into the world with confidence, assurance and an open, inquisitive mind. To think for themselves whilst exploring their ideas and creativity. To develop not just all-round academic excellence, but the all important strength of character essential for success in our fast changing world. Call 020 7591 4620 or contact admissions@princesgardensprep.co.uk To reserve your place at our launch event, go to princesgardensprep.co.uk/event
Prepared for everything.
Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School, 10-13 Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 1ND STNICH_PREP.indd 1
28/01/2019 09:16
escapes
UK GETAWAY
S I LV E R LINING
Helen Baron samples lakeside luxury at Silverlake in Dorset
T H E S PA
T
T H E E S TAT E
S
ited in a former quarry, Silverlake offers sustainable, stylish accommodation set among the wild beauty of the Dorset countryside. Most of the properties are available as holiday rentals through the lettings arm of estate owner Habitat Life – and they certainly make the most of their beautifully restored surroundings, looking out over shimmering manmade lakes framed by pine woods and undulating heathland. Deer and Dartmoor ponies roam the brush, which is criss-crossed by walking paths and studded with amenities including an activity hub, kids’ play area and zip-wire.
THINGS TO DO
T THE HOMES
W
e stayed in a fourbedroom home in Beaumont Village, the first of a number of mini settlements planned for the (discreetly large) site. Our property featured parking for two cars; a kids room with a bunk-bed, books and toys; an open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove and fully equipped kitchen; and plush, comfortable furnishings perfect for flopping down onto after a morning’s rambling. All in all, wondrously comfortable and family-friendly.
here’s lots for active families to enjoy at Silverlake. Our little ones are two and nearly four, so we stuck to gentle walks around the heathlands before borrowing (for free) a couple of bikes and a kiddy trailer to explore more of the estate by road. Families with older children can get more adventurous, especially in warmer weather, when you can book watersports equipment for use on the lakes or take sailing lessons from qualified instructors. There’s also a sandy beach, chickens to visit, a fun ‘dormouse trail’ to follow and, if you fancy heading slightly further afield, the cliffs and coastal rock formations of lovely Lulworth Cove and Durdle’s Door are fifteen minutes down the road.
he Hurricane Spa is a low-lying contemporary building that sits on the lake shore, an elegant, heated outdoor pool and terrace the only visible clue to its purpose. Inside are a sauna, gym and luxurious treatment rooms where you can enjoy a full range of facials, massages, scrubs and wraps, many using sumptuous Claudalie products and techniques inspired by the local area’s history of viticulture. After my massage, the whole family took a thrillingly warm dip in the pool, which is heated to a perfect 29 degrees.
Habitat Escapes offers two nights in a four bedroom property at Silverlake from £553. All properties are self-catering and some are dog-friendly. To book visit habitatescapes.com or contact 01285 869489 / VIP@habitatescapes.com At Silverlake, a selection of modern and avant-garde holiday home designs are available. Investors can purchase plots from £250,000; the build price on top is from £230,000. Visit silverlakedorset. com or call 01305 853 490 habitatescapes.com
April 2019 | 89
MAMA_April19_UK GETAWAY_HB.indd 89
04/03/2019 16:12
Boys & Girls 3 - 11 years old Please join us for our special
Open Morning
Tuesday 26th March
to hear all about our future plans and get a sneak preview of the new building Book your place online today!
We are Confident, Creative and Kind 2019 will be an exciting year for the Lyceum as we move around the corner into our new five story building on Worship Street (EC2A).
www.lyceumschool.co.uk lyceum.indd 1
28/01/2019 15:34
resources T H E N E W C A R D G A M E I N T R O D U C I N G K I D S TO S C I E N C E I CO N S p . 92 T H E L AT E ST PA R E N T I N G K I T I N R E V I E W p . 9 5
Method acting •ST NICHOLAS MONTESSORI •
Parents prepping little ones for preschool (or anyone who wants to learn more about the renowned Montessori method) can now enjoy a free 2-hour online guide from St Nicholas Montessori, one of the country’s largest and most respected training providers. openlearning.montessori.org.uk
April 2019 | 91
Mama_April19_Resources opener_HB.indd 91
04/03/2019 16:14
SUPERHERO
SCIENCE The Remarkablz has developed new twists on traditional card games to help children – especially girls – engage with science and envisage themselves in exciting STEM careers
Wo r d s L I B BY N O R M A N
THE MAE JEMISON REMARKABLZ CARD
K
aty Alexander is creating educational games designed to help children aim high – superhero high – and it all started with her daughter’s confusion over whether girls could inhabit the world of science. She says: “We were walking home one day and my daughter asked me if she could be an astronaut – she wanted to know if this was a job that girls could do.” Alexander recognised that her daughter, then aged three, had picked up on a real issue. “If you can’t see yourself in a role you are less likely to engage with or pursue the subject matter”, she says. “Even at the age of three children attach labels to themselves – ‘I’m a girl, and girls do/don’t do that’.” What made Alexander’s realisation more poignant is that she has a career in STEM herself. She attended medical school (leaving when she decided she was too squeamish to be a doctor) before moving into scientific publishing at
92 | absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_April19_Remarkablz_HB.indd 92
04/03/2019 16:19
Reso urces EDUCATION
~
“IF YOU CAN’ T SEE YOURSELF IN A ROLE , YOU ARE LESS LIKELY TO ENGAGE WITH OR PURSUE THE SUBJECT MATTER”
journals such as BMJ and Nature. Now she is marketing and communications director at Digital Science, which provides investment and support to cutting-edge science and technology research sectors. Alexander says female STEM pioneers still tend to be overlooked. While people may now know about the work of Ada Lovelace and Mary Seacole, chemist Alice Ball (developer of the first modern leprosy treatment) and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu (after whom the Wu parity experiment is named) have only recently begun to get the proper credit for their achievements. In a blog post for Digital Science, Alexander noted that: “We need to start much, much earlier in helping young boys and girls of any ethnicity or ability to understand that STEM-related professions can be their future”. As a past Wikimedia volunteer on the regular ‘edit-a-thon’ events that seek to improve the skewed gender balance of biographies on Wikipedia, Alexander had an existing knowledge of lesser-known female pioneers. Her daughter’s comment set her wondering how she could help change the future landscape – and that’s how The Remarkablz came into being. She has always enjoyed creating art as a hobby, but also the experience of playing traditional card and board games. She began by designing simple cards for her daughter to play with, working in the evenings to create the images and stories around them. She initially envisaged them as trading cards, but over time they morphed into Top Quarkz, a version of the card game Top Trumps.
~
While it was originally designed just for her family, this custom-made pack of playing cards attracted interest. “Friends with children started asking about it, and we got feedback from parents when we took the cards out with us to restaurants." Originally she had designed the cards with a muted palette, but she soon realised that children became much more engaged when colours were vibrant, so added a bolder Pop Art style to the superhero portraits. “Whereas adults will be polite, getting feedback from children is tough,” says Alexander. “If they hate something they will throw it back at you!” After around five months’ testing, the prototype went into production. The Top Trumps method of play is maintained in Top Quarkz, so picking the highest or lowest number is key to beating your opponents. Each of the pack’s 40 superheroes is assigned numeric values for scientific field, superpower (Einstein’s superpower is ‘spacetime control’, while Mary Seacole’s is ‘empathic healing’), location, sidekick and weakness. The superhero’s weakness can be something related to their field or their life story – asteroids for palaeontologist Mary Anning and horses for inveterate gambler Ada Lovelace. Four jokerstyle cards add extra spice – Gluon Superpower Enhancement enables you to win a hand, while the Up Quarkz card lets you skip your turn. Each superhero’s achievements are described briefly on their card and in a way designed to encourage curiosity. Who wouldn’t want to find out more about former London Zoo curator of reptiles Joan Beauchamp Procter, after finding out that she once took a pet crocodile to school – St Paul’s Girls, incidentally – to show to her classmates? While the stories are engaging, Alexander believes one of the game’s chief benefits is that families can play together and on the move. To fuel the ambitions of would-be space travellers, including Alexander’s daughter, a female astronaut role model is in the mix – the first African-American to travel into space, Mae Jemison. She sits alongside a diverse body of scientists, engineers, inventors and researchers in a gallery stretching from current pioneers to ancient-world astronomers
Hypatia and Zhang Heng. Some superheroes in the pack gave us everyday but nonetheless life-enhancing advances. Developer of the first wheelchair-accessible vehicle Ralph Braun is in, alongside the inventor of liquid paper Bette Nesmith Graham. Cards can be switched around as more current and past pioneers join the Top Quarkz hall of fame. In the meantime, Alexander has developed two further games within The Remarkablz portfolio. Newton’s Rainbow is a colouring book of science superheroes, while Black Hole is an updated version of Old Maid – with a cool space twist and without the spinster stereotype. Alexander is planning to grow The Remarkablz portfolio still further and believes that parents, scientists and educators need to engage all children in STEM, do it more creatively and start when they are very young. As she put it in a recent blog, we all need to “consider how we can encourage more high quality, diverse role models to inspire the next generation of science superheroes”.
THE REMARKABLZ games cost from £4.95-£9.95; theremarkablz.com April 2019
MAMA_April19_Remarkablz_HB.indd 93
|
93
04/03/2019 16:19
‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ “My time at Dallington has helped me to grow in body, mind and soul – this is something that I am immeasurably grateful for. Dallington has given me a push in the direction of success and I am thankful for all they have done. I will do the best I can to repay them, the best I can, by leading an honest and dignified life.” - Nick (Year 6 pupil) Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.
Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday. Next Open Evening: Thursday 16th May 2019 from 6 to 8 pm
Headteacher, Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk
USE.indd 1
10/01/2019 13:58
TRIED & TESTED
IN-DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT
reso urces REVIEWS
BT SM A RT BA BY MON IT OR
A
R E V I E W E D B Y J A N A WA L D E
E LV I E BR E A ST PU M P
B
R E V I E W E D B Y C H L O E VA L I E N T E
reast-pumping is one of the least lovable aspects of new motherhood. Until recently, it meant sitting (usually beside a plug socket) holding unwieldy, funnel-topped bottles over your breasts in what fast becomes a stress position. It is neither a fun nor a fascinating way to spend your time – especially with a new baby waiting in the wings and a million other things you could be doing. It’s even worse when you’re at work or travelling, and the noise of the pump draws the attention of everyone for miles around. Little surprise, then, that when London-based brand Elvie released their revolutionary new breast pump late last year, it promptly sold out everywhere. The Elvie pump is a machine for the modern age, and puts all other breast pumps to shame. It operates almost silently. It has no protruding tubes or wires. It charges conveniently via USB before – get this – popping neatly
inside a nursing bra and allowing you to pump completely hands-free. What’s more, it’s supported by a dedicated app that logs the time and duration of pumping sessions as well as the volume of milk produced, allowing you to keep better tabs on the entire shebang. The app also lets you control the pump – though just how much control you need is questionable, given that the Elvie switches automatically from stimulation to expression mode when let-down begins, then pauses when it senses the bottle is full. Clever and so very discreet – with not a catch or a ‘but’ in sight. Don’t look elsewhere, new mamas – the Elvie is everything.
n evolved version of the UK’s best-selling monitor, this new model adds smart home functionality, so you can hook it up to your Alexa or Google Home speaker and play a lullaby or check the temperature of the nursery using voice commands. The techn boost makes it easy to go about your business while keeping tabs on baby – as does the accompanying app, which lets you stream a live HD video feed to your phone and even chat to baby using two-way talkback. Of course, the aforementioned HD video stream can also be accessed via the included screen module – a clever bit of kit that also acts as a remote control, allowing you to pan and tilt the lens to improve your viewpoint from afar. And it even works in the dark, with remarkable clarity. A great product. 2.8-inch model, £129.99; 5-inch model, £149.98; shop.bt.com
£249 for a single pump or £449 for a double pump; elvie.com April 2019 | 95
MAMA_April19_REVIEW_HB.indd 95
04/03/2019 16:20
Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509
to know Mama’s guide to London’s best nurseries and preschools
Base Zero Nursery Happy Days 109A Randlesdown Rd, Gramsci Way, London, SE6 3HB 020 8461 3510 The Villa 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH 0207 703 6216 Chairbears Day Nursery 9-12 Deptford Broadway, London SE84PA 020 8305 6588
SOUT H W EST N O RTH WEST
NORTH
E AST
North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266
Les Trois Oursons 4 Collins Yard, London N1 2XU 020 7099 0452
Hatching Dragon Nursery School 1 Viscount St, London EC1Y 0AA 020 7256 9365
Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367
Sahan Preschool Day Nursery 12 Stukeley Rd, London, E7 9QZ 020 3719 7002
The Mulberry House School 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD 020 8452 7340 Living Spring Montessori St Michael’s Church Annexe, St Michael’s Road, London, NW2 6XG 020 8830 7331 Nuffy Bear Nursery Brondesbury Park Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Sidmouth Road, London, NW2 5JY 020 3432 8708
Sylvia's Happy Childcare 119a Chevening Road, London, NW6 6DU 020 8960 2217
96
|
Puddleducks Nurseries Puddleducks House, r/o 75 Friern Barnet Road, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 Hackney Care For Kids 61 Evering Rd, London N16 7PR 020 7923 3471 William Patten Daycare Nursery William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0NX 020 3844 4227 Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748
Oliver Thomas Nursery School 1 Mathews Ave, London, E6 6BU 020 8552 1177
The Lyceum Nursery 6 Paul Street, City of London, London, EC2A 4JH registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk lyceumschool.co.uk 020 7247 1588
SOUT H E AST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephen’s Church, College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091
Eaton Square Nursery School, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY Eaton Square Nursery School, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX Eaton Square Nursery School, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ nursery@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com 020 7931 9469 The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306 The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054 Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296
absolutely-mama.co.uk
Mama_Jan19_Nursery Listing KG.indd 96
04/03/2019 16:23
reso urces DIRECTORY
Hatching Dragons Westminster Units 3&4 Westminster Quarter, 2 Monck street, London, SW1P 2BQ 0203 912 2902 Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee’s Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668 Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann’s Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729
The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373 Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450
W EST Little Chepstow Nursery 108 Lancaster Road, W11 1QS 0207 243 0243 Rolfe’s Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London, W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London, W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London, W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004 Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323
Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646 Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697
Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Lane, Fulham Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303
Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196
Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060
Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044
Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227
The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848
Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945
Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303 One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065 Little Cherubs Nursery School Our Lady Of Victories Church Hall, 16a Abingdon Road, London W8 6AF 07810 712241
The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806 Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142 Hatching Dragons Twickenham 2 The Green, Twickenham, London, TW2 5AA 0203 912 2901
Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241 Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794
April 2019 | 97
Mama_Jan19_Nursery Listing KG.indd 97
04/03/2019 16:23
res ou rc es
TOT GE AR
PERFECT FIT
ent d r a p rove app
KO R U K I D S
Koru Kids was founded by Rachel Carrell, a Highgate (by way of New Zealand) mama who found herself flummoxed by the difficulty of sourcing reliable, affordable childcare in London. Her venture - backed by the man who invented Gumtree – focuses on matching families to fully vetted after-school nannies, for a simple hourly fee. Less fuss, more fun: a service we can heartily recommend. korukids.com
SNUG AS A BUG ZIZZZ
A baby sleeping bag with a difference, this stylish little sack features double-ended opening (so you can change nappies without removing it entirely), an aperture to allow it to be worn in a car seat (no waking baby when you get home) and incredible, breathable Swisswool construction – which regulates temperature naturally. €89; zizzz.com
TOT GEAR
Inspired kit to make parenting easier
S P R AY D AY FRESHX
A neat idea for anyone exasperated by the sheer number of wet wipes they get through during the average day, this eco-friendly spritz turns regular toilet tissue into a soothing, moist wipe. Clever! £3; sainsburys.co.uk 98
|
OCA R RO SIGNATU R E E DITION Reviewed by Natalie Mafi of the Mamas & Papas Parent Approved Panel
I
welcomed the Mamas & Papas Signature Edition Ocarro with open arms. Not only does it look beautiful with its classic style, leather handles and metal frame but it’s extremely practical. Firstly, it folds down into a compact pushchair with one hand... one hand! I push a button, fold it down and have it in my small boot in less than fifteen seconds. The second positive is the all-wheel suspension system, which makes pushing it a dream. We take our dog on daily walks and sometimes encounter very bumpy paths but the Ocarro steers perfectly. Something I didn’t think about with our first pushchair was easy access to the shopping basket. The Ocarro has a large basket under the pushchair which I can access regardless of the position of Jude’s seat. I can enter from the front, sides or back, which makes putting purchases away so much easier. This buggy can be used from birth with the bassinet; as your baby grows, you can transition to the large seat which has a five-point harness, a cushion to keep baby’s head safe and an adjustable footrest. You can also collapse the buggy regardless of the position of the seat. So it’s the same simple one-handed fold to collapse the buggy. I cannot recommend this pushchair enough. This will definitely meet all of your needs. Perfection! From £799; mamasandpapas.com @mumma_and_the_brood
absolutely-mama.co.uk
MAMA_MArch19_TOT_GEAR_HB.indd 98
05/03/2019 11:02
THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY
IN TRUSTED HANDS THE LINDO WING, ST MARY’S HOSPITAL
The Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY T: +44 (0)20 3312 6224 E: imperial.lindo.maternity@nhs.net W: imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk Part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. All our profits are reinvested to support our NHS services
IMPERIAL HEALTHCARE.indd 1
06/09/2018 17:16
NUNA.indd 1
11/02/2019 11:24