Mama F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 9 • I S S U E 2 5
Be My Valentine The Magazine for Stylish Mums
Pink essentials for little love-bugs
Meet the
MAMA AWARDS Winners 2019
BABY BOOST Supercharge your child’s diet with Maddie Shaw
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Project N U R S E RY Trends to follow in the year ahead
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mama WELCOME
contents FEBRUARY 2019
50
80
90
20
60 AGENDA 14 What’s On
Arts and entertainment for the month ahead
16 New Books February’s publishing pick ESSENTIALS 20 Think Pink
32 Woman in Work
Journalist Annie Ridout talks about The Early Hour
35 Real Mum Talk Alex Hunter faces the terrible twos FASHION 42 L ayer Cake
Stay warm but cool in Orwell & Austen’s covetable knitwear
Rose-tinted Valentines essentials
22
Mama Awards
Our pick of the parenting brands you need to know
MAMAHOOD 30 Insta-Mama
ON THE COVER: Fornessi
Katherine Ormerod on good social media practice
40
70 The Fourth Trimester
The Motherbox team share tips for improving self-care
HOME & INTERIORS 78 Northern Comfort Founders of sustainable
kitchen company, Ask & Eng
82 Project Nursery Key interior trends for the new year
50 Playful Prints Marvellous motifs for babies and
TRAVEL 90 Hidden Corners A luxury apart-hotel in the Tuscan
WELLNESS 63 Healthy Approach
countryside
kids from What Mother Made
Maddie Shaw shows us how to supercharge family meals
RESOURCES 109 Learn the Lingo Stella Baptiste on the benefits of
bilingual learning
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mama WELCOME
ESSENTIALS FOR BABY P. 20
Editor’s
LETTER FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS P. 16
NORDIC DESIGN P. 78
A
great poet once wrote that April is the cruellest month – but February begs to differ. Typically, this month sees the weather at its worst and the average mama praying for the arrival of spring – if only so littles can get back to the playground and out of the soft-play centre. All of which means we need to think positive and focus on what we can still enjoy when it’s cold outside: home comforts, wholesome food and – of course – our loved ones. In this issue we sprinkle a little Valentines pink across our collection of cool brands, covetable products and clever parenting solutions. We’ve picked some rosy-hued baby essentials, given a Valentines spin to some of our style selections and have a duo of desirable getaways – one in the UK, one in beautiful Tuscany – for anyone in need of a romantic escape, now or in the summer. We’re also sending big love to the brands our readers can’t get enough of, in the form of the annual Mama Awards. We asked you which companies make your parenting life easier and now the votes are in – one more reason to be cheerful. Another is that spring is just round the corner, so stay strong! See you on the other side. .
Hel en Ba r on
NURSERY NOTES P. 74
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
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absolutely-mama .co.uk Group Editor: KATY GILLETT Editor UK: HELEN BARON 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
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10 things we Absolutely
LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month
Feel Flows
Boob Des ig n The new looks from Boob Design are in and as usual are well deserving of our attention. At the top of the wishlist for when the cold snap lifts is the Scirocco dress – fluid lines with maximum comfort for a growing bump. boobdesign.com
CLEAN SWEEP
Wilton We’re in love with this luxury detergent and fabric conditioner, which swaps nasty chemicals for natural ingredients and ersatz scentsfor essential oils of cedarwood or jasmine. London-born, completely eco-friendly and surprisingly affordable. From £6.50; wiltonlondon.co.uk
10
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MAX OUT
Borgo de Nor When it’s finally time to banish slouchy jumpers to the back of the wardrobe, Borgo de Nor’s maxi dresses are the perfect antidote to cold-weather dressing. Thick, tailored and versatile, we love them with boots and a biker jacket. borgodenor.com
STAND & DELIVER Pa rce l Lo n d o n This homegrown brand produces some of the prettiest and best-curated gift boxes we’ve seen, some of which are tailored specifically to mamas – whether expectant, new or old hands in need of a little TLC. Dads get a look-in, too... £70; parcellondon.com
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ma m a LOVES
Love Note
LITTLE LUXURY
Katie Lea m o n Love is in the air. Whether you’re sending sweet nothings to an unsuspecting recipient, your other half or your dear old mum, Katie Leamon’s Valentine’s stationery is the way to go. Elegantly and sustainably designed and crafted. katieleamon.com
S e l f r i d g es The iconic West End department store called on an established chocolatier with a royal warrant to create this indulgent drink. Swirl yours into a generous mug of hot milk and pile on the whipped cream to ensure maximum satisfaction. £15.99; selfridges.com
or’s Editick P
TALKING POINT TO M D IXO N In typical Tom Dixon style, this abstract cushion is effortlessly cool and will add a talking point to your interiors. Inspired by urban perspective sketches, it features a tapestry-style cityscape made with hand-crafted linen-blend pile. £100; selfridges.com
CITY SLICKER
P ERF F New hybrid brand PERFF Studio looks just as stylish in the gym as it does in the city. On offer are timeless athleisure pieces manufactured with luxury fabrics and recycled materials; perff.com
EYE SPY Coat Tales
Sa int Lau rent Saint Laurent has been perfecting the pea coat since 1962 and this shrunken version epitomises the timelessness of the brand. Layer yours with one of the label’s marinière sweaters. £2,855; net-a-porter.com
Pa ra d i s e Row Favoured among the fash-pack, this Matisse-inspired bag is set to be a hero piece for emerging British leather goods brand Paradise Row. With its petroleum blue leather and gleaming gold lines we’re pairing ours with everything from denim to eveningwear. £395; youngbritishdesigners.com
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Totem
• CIRQUE DU SOLEIL •
Embark on an incredible journey into the evolution of mankind. Explore the evolutionary process of species, our search for balance, and the curiosity that propels us ever further, faster and higher. Totem is an unforgettable spectacle for all ages . cirquedusoleil.com
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W H AT ’ S ON
Dancing’s on the agenda this month, along with inspirational art and comedy.
3 S H OWS FO R TH E S E A S O N On the menu: A migrating goose and a spring-cleaning Mole
The Goose Who Flew 9 February Little Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith
Goose loves playing with friends during the summer months, but soon it’s time for him to fly out for the winter. This heartfelt story is about the importance of compassion, community and understanding. lyric.co.uk
Wind in the Willows Until 17 February Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
When Mole abandons spring cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. polkatheatre.com
Editor’s Pick
Music In
THE MED
Until 14th February • Cornwall
Head to the Eden Project to make some noise during a musical experience especially designed for grandparents and toddlers. In the interactive session, you’ll learn original songs about the plant life at Eden, written by music specialist Matt Douglas. Sessions take place on the Mediterranean Biome. Booking ahead is advised. edenproject.com
Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree 20th-23rd February • Nationwide
In the foothills of the Himalayas, three refugees sit under a Banyan tree to read a magical book. This is the first UK stage adaptation of The Panchatantra. tara-arts.com
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EVENTS
Latino Bambino Various Dates London-wide
A fun and easy dance workout, specifically designed for new mums wearing their babies in a sling or baby carrier. The lively classes provide brilliant stimulation for your little one who can clasp a pair of maracas and kick their little feet to the pulsating latin beats, all while interacting with other babes. No previous dance experience required, it’s a great way to meet local mamas and papas. latinobambino.co.uk
BABBLE BEDFORD
T
Various dates The Bedford, Balham
Squish
SPACE
ED talk style events for parents. The iconic Bedford pub in Balham has teamed up with Babble Talks for all new parents looking for something to stimulate the minds, babies in tow. The Bedford is also host to Screaming With Laughter a daytime comedy club where littles are welcome. It’s a super childfriendly venue with a fantastic fast and fresh kid’s menu.
Ongoing
Barbican
or a multi sensory adventure, head to the Barbican’s Squish Space. It offers a safe environment for littles to experiment with versatile material, allowing them the freedom to redesign the space. In this curiosity-driven playground for the senses, children and their families have the chance to connect through construction play. barbican.org.uk
F
thebedford.com
Galleries for families
FAUSTO MELOTTI: COUNTERPOINT
G O O D G R I E F, C H A R LI E B ROW N !
RO C K ET BAC K PAC KS
A beautiful place to hang out and super easy to navigate with a buggy. Head to the Family Day on 20th for a story-telling session and learn how to make your own magical Lyre. estorickcollection.com
Enjoy interactive installations including the Snoopy Cinema, complete with bean bags on a baseball pitcher’s mound. Littles will revel in the bright colours and life-size doggy cartoons. somersethouse.org.uk
Blast off into the Tate! Designed to encourage maximum engagement with the art in the Constellations display, the rocket backpacks are jampacked full of fun props and games. tate.org.uk
Until 7 April Estorick Collection
Until 3 March Somerset House
Ongoing Tate Liverpool
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We love
BOOKS We’re all loved up this month as Valentine’s Day approaches. Plus, we’ve got cats for company.
Wo r d s F L O R A T H O M A S
COOL CATS C O L L E C T I N G C AT S By Lorna Scobie
This hilarious picture book is author/ illustrator Scobie’s debut and it’s purrrfect for cat lovers everywhere! Can anyone ever have too many cats? The answer might be yes, especially if the cats are rather large, with big teeth! £12.99; lornascobie.com
16
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AN ODE TO BOOKS HUG THIS BOOK By Barney Saltzberg and Fred Benaglia
Whimsical illustrations accompany the heartwarming celebration of a love of books. Embark on an imaginative journey where you are invited to read upside-down in the mirror and munch on letters of the alphabet. With echoes of Dr Seuss, adults will enjoy it as much as their children. £10.95; phaidon.com
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BOOKS
SEA TALES
THE ONE HUNDRED YEAR OLD FISH By Lara Hawthorne
Alba the fish has spent her life collecting precious artefacts from the ocean floor. Over the years, Alba’s special finds begin to lose their sparkle and the world around her gradually fades to grey. Alba decides to leave her home to investigate. This poignant book aims to educate children about plastic in the oceans and provides ample opportunity to discuss how to protect the environment. £11.99; templar.com
YO U N G LOV E M Y A R T B O O K O F LOV E By Shana Gozansky
AHOY MATEY
This stylish ode to love and book of beauty features 35 full-page artworks. For toddlers and young children, connecting their own experiences of love to those they see on the canvas allows them to truly engage with the material. Perfect for families with an artistic flair, or for parents who want to spark a conversation about love. £14.95; phaidon.com
M E E T T H E P I R AT E S By James Davies
Meet the… series returns with an exciting title: Meet the Pirates. These short introductions are just the thing for inquisitive young minds. Get to know the basics with easy-to-digest, humorous text which is reminiscent of the Horrible Histories series. £9.99; bonnierbooks.co.uk
PAIRING PERSPECTIVES BIG MEETS LITTLE By Yang Liu
Yang Liu is an award-winning graphic designer and this is the fourth instalment of her best-selling pictogram series. Big Meets Little playfully pairs the perspectives of grown-ups and children surrounding the ups and downs of family life. The book is bursting with incisive observations which encourage both big and little people to consider their counterparts’ views. £10; taschen.com
S E A S O N A L TR E AT A Y E A R I N N AT U R E By Eleanor Taylor
A beautiful introduction to the seasons. It opens out into a delightful fourpart carousel which could serve as a permanent decorative feature in a child’s playroom. Follow a family of fox cubs as they navigate autumn, winter, spring and summer. £16.99; laurenceking.com Februar y 2019
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Chair Lift • STOKKE •
The Tripp Trapp high chair is an iconic design and great for babies that can sit unaided, but this newborn set makes it a practical choice from day one. The clip-on seat features a comfy, washable cushion with five-point harness and optional toy hanger – so baby is sure to enjoy it as much as you do. £60; stokke.com
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Loved Up Get pretty in pink just in time for Valentine’s Day Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N
Love Bug BAMBINO MIO
The year ahead is already shaping up to be a good one from a sustainability perspective, with more of us eschewing plastics and going green. Bambino Mio’s latest range of Earth-friendly reusable nappies should be popular, then, not least because it features cute insect prints including ladybirds and grasshoppers. From £10.99; bambinomio.com
Editor’s Pick
Horse Around MERI MERI
If your little one is the proud owner of a Meri Meri doll, this dress-up kit makes the perfect addition. Comprising a pink jumpsuit, tassel tail and sparkly horn headdress, it costumes your companion as a sweet little unicorn. Magical. £20.50; merimeri.co.uk 20
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KIND WORDS ORGANIC ZOO
We’re all about empowerment, and how better to encourage positive development than with statement style like this? Made from organic cotton that’s kinder to farmers, the environment and your little one’s skin, this sweatshirt practises what it preaches. £28; organic-zoo.com
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essen t i a ls KIDS
HatsOff GR AY LABEL
The ‘Miniature Collection’ from cult brand Gray Label includes some darling styles for the dinkiest of littles, not least sleeveless bodysuits and classic hats with ties in organic cotton fleece. Like all Gray Label garb, the latest releases are sure to sell fast, so don’t hang about... thelittlenaturalco.co.uk
HOT LIPS BIB S
If your little one uses a pacifier, make it a stylish one – Danish brand BIBS creates cool dummies with breastmimicking teats in 100% natural rubber. The colour range is on point, with natural and earth tones predominating. £4; thelittlenaturalco.co.uk
THINK PINK FUB
We prefer our pinks gently understated, and this rose-hued bodysuit fits the bill. Crafted in softest cotton, the perforations add textural interest while the style itself is dainty without becoming too sweet. £45; lunaandcurious.com
Softly Does It PIO PIO LONDON
Little clothes don’t get more luxe than this: a newborn gift set in the softest, most tactile cashmere, featuring a blanket, cardigan, overalls, hat and booties. Certainly not inexpensive, but the snuggles are priceless. £450; lovepiopio.com
Happy Feet NAUSENI
Young toes will never be cosier than in these wool felt slippers, handmade by Nepalese artisans and available in kids’ sizes 7-13. They also do an adult version, just in case you suffer from footwear envy. £39; nauseni.org Februar y 2019
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AWA R DS
2 01 8
Thank you to everyone that voted in our first ever Absolutely Mama Awards.
W
e’re a readerled magazine and your input is incredibly important to us. Absolutely Mama exists to inspire and provoke conversation among savvy, stylish modern mamas – a diverse bunch of women united in their desire to make the most of their parenting journey – be it exhilarating, puzzling or downright exhausting. As such, our awards aren’t just a celebration of the products you love; they’re a way of giving you a voice so that the brands who are meeting your needs can see where and how they’re getting it right. From pregnancy to the early years, from parenting essentials to kidswear, from household name brands to new start-ups, our nominees are leading the way in the parenting world – making the parenting experience easier, more sustainable, more enjoyable or simply more beautiful in their own unique way. So thanks again to everyone who took part: we appreciate every vote. Now read on to discover more on our nominees and our winners...
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essentials M A M A
JO JO MAMAN BEBE
Fashion M AT E R N I T Y W E A R
Winner: Seraphine Seraphine is a leading European retailer, providing stylish maternity clothes to fashionable mamas-to-be. Loved by fashion editors, bloggers and celebrities, this is a brand offering covetable maternity clothes for every stage of pregnancy. seraphine.com Runner up: Isabella Oliver Third place: Nine in the Mirror
design. Not just a fashion retailer, their collections include nursery products, furniture, gifts and toys. www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk Runner up: Fred and Noah Third place: Bebe BomBom
consumers at the click of a button. alexandalexa.com Runner up: Frugi Third place: Children Salon
KIDS’ DESIGNER FA S H I O N
Winner: Jo Jo Maman Bebe JoJo Maman Bebe have you covered when it comes to wrapping up warm with beautiful hats, scaves and gloves. The nautical-inspired designers also produce cosy sleeping bags for babies of all sizes, so you can rest assured that your little one sleeps in comfort. jojomamanbebe.co.uk Runner up: My 1st Years Third place: Nibbling
Winner: Alex and Alexa From classic and traditional clothing to playful and cuttingedge designs, Alex and Alexa carries an exciting and diverse range of international fashion and sportswear brands, alongside homewares and toys. Alex and Alexa aims to bring “The World’s Best Kids’ Brands” to discerning
FA S H I O N AC C E S S O R I E S
~
“JOIE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT PARENTS DESIRE , THEIR INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED PRODUCTS ARE A JOY TO USE”
~
C H I L D R E N ’ S FA S H I O N Winner: JoJo Maman Bebe JoJo Maman Bebe offers everything you need from pregnancy to pre-school; inspired by French nautical style combined with quirky British
AWARDS
JO JO MAMAN BEBE
ALEX AND ALEXA
SERAPHINE
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COT S
Winner: Snuz Snuzpod Snuz design products that are designed to make sleep happier, better, easier, and intertwined into everyday family life. The Snuzpod crib boasts a stunning new look and brand new features, including a reflux incline, a wider and lighter lift-off bassinet and dual-view breathable mesh sides. snuz.co.uk Runner up: Silver Cross Third place: Boori
BUGABOO FOX
TIBA + MARL
BREAST PUMPS CHILDS FARM
LITTLE FREDDIE
PUSHCHAIRS
Winner: Bugaboo Fox At home or on the go, the Bugaboo Fox is designed to fit your lifestyle. Going about your day, shopping, travelling and exploring the outdoors have never been easier thanks to the smoothest ride, the lightest push and Bugaboo’s best driving performance yet. bugaboo.com Runner up: Uppa Baby Third place: Micralite
Essentials NAPPIES
Winner: Pampers The household name of Pampers make products for babies of all ages. From premature babes, to precious crawlers to pottytraining toddlers, Pampers offer delicate protection for newborns aged between 0-3 months, dry days and nights for growing little ones aged between 3-12 months and flexible comfort for walkers and crawlers aged 12 months up. pampers.co.uk Runner up: Aldi Third place: Bamboo Nature
C A R S E AT S
Winner: Joie Joie know what parents need and what they want, which is why their products have the adaptability and versatility to reflect the unique desires of mums and dads everywhere. Thei products are intelligently designed with unique parentfriendly features. The versatility of Joie’s collection of car seats focuses on safety, security and that perfect fit for growing little riders. Plus, their extensive collection means there’s something to suit all tastes. joiebaby.com Runner up: Britax Third place: Cosatto
Winner: Medela Medela’s products and educational resources are driven by the commitment to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk. It is Medela’s goal to support mothers to feed breast milk as long as possible, and to provide in-depth information to empower mums to make informed decisions. medela.co.uk Runner up: Nuby Third place: Elvie
SNUZ SNUZPOD
WEANING PRODUCTS
Winner: Kiddylicious Kiddylicious is a global, awardwinning, tasty snacks and meals brand for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. It is sold in every major UK supermarket and worldwide in over 27 countries, with two Kiddylicious snacks now being enjoyed every second around the world. kiddylicious.com Runner up: Hipp Organic Third place: Babease
MEDELA
BA BY FO O D
Winner: Little Freddie Little Freddie was born when founders, husband and wife team Piers and Taslim, started their family and discovered the food on offer at the time fell short of what they wished for. They started making their own high-quality
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essentials M A M A
PAMPERS
baby food that was nutritious, high quality and didn’t compromise on taste and launched in 2014. www.littlefreddie.com Runner up: Piccolo Third place: Babease
KIDS FOOD JOIE
Winner: Ella’s Kitchen Ella’s Kitchen offers organic foods made for tiny tummies which improve the lives of young children through evolving healthy relationships with food. Alongside products that are tasty for all tiny taste buds, Ella’s Kitchen is also involved in projects and campaigns that help bring Ella’s mission of the new generation exploring healthy foods to life. ellaskitchen.co.uk Runner up: Organix Third place: Annabel Karmel
KIDDYLICIOUS
AWARDS
~
“MEDELA’S AMAZING PRODUCTS AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ENHANCE MOTHER AND BABY HEALTH”
~
B AT H P R O D U C T S
Winner: Childs Farm Childs Farm uses the best naturally derived ingredients, moisturisers and essential oils to produce a range of skincare products for newborns, babies and children. Child Farm’s products cater to all skin types from normal to sensitive to even skin that is prone to eczema. Child’s Farm is one of the only baby skin products that are dermatologist and paediatrician approved, a range that can be used to make your baby’s skin feel happy! childsfarm.com Runner up: Mustela Third place: Fifi & Friends
C H A N G I N G B AG S
Winner: Tiba + Marl Tiba + Marl is a new parent changing bag company based in London, established by two mothers Anna Tizard and Lydia Barron. The designs of Tiba +
ELLA’S KITCHEN
Marl redefine the noble tradition of baby changing bags by blending modern graphic prints, premium high tech materials and stylish but practical designs. Street-style inspired, Tiba + Marl collection exhibits a cool alternative for modern parents who are after unisex designs that are one-of-a-kind. tibaandmarl.com Runner up: Jem & Bea Third place: Kerikit
Interiors & Home INTERIORS BRAND Winner: Dreams on the Wall Dreams on the Wall recreates children’s wallpaper from a wall cover option to the essential decor item for a nursery, child’s bedroom or play space. Dreams on the Wall products offer a range of beautiful patterned walls to personalised bedrooms - they are designed to bring imaginative and creative thinking and play for children. dreamsonthewall.com Runner up: Nubie Third place: Boori
INTERIORS PRODUCT Winner: Scandiborn Originated from a passion for Scandinavian cherished design, Scandiborn offers the very best Scandinavian
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and equipment suitable for all ages. Lamaze products include baby playmats and rattles and floor toys, bath toys, books and educational toys as well as play and grow toys, and music and lights toys. lamazetoys.co.uk Runner up: My 1st Years Third place: Mama & Belle LITTLE DREAMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
inspired children’s interiors, clothing and accessories. From beautiful, sustainable wooden nursery furniture to home-decor accessories, Scandiborn brings all the baby essentials you’ll need from meal-times to bath-time, bed-time and play time. scandiborn.co.uk Runner up: Toddlekind Third place: Hibou Home
P H OTO G RA P H Y
Winner: Little Dreamers Photography Halina Norvaise is the creative eye behind the lense at Little Dreamers Photography. The professional photography studio specialises in newborn portaiture, milestone markers and family shots. You can trust Little Dreamers to capture the most precious first moments of life, and to produce pictures you’ll cherish forever. littledreamersphotography.co.uk Runner up: Ribbon and Pearl Third place: Helen Bartlett Photography
C H I L D R E N ’ S TOY S
Winner: Smartrike Smartrike offers the utmost ride on trike for you and your baby. They also produce comfortable, safe and easy-to-navigate scooters, little balance bikes and even trampolines that your toddler will love when exploring and playing outdoors. Smartrike also produce changing bags. www.smartrike.co.uk Runner up: Le Toy Van Third place: Tractor Ted
BABY APPS
Winner: Annabel Karmel
Travel & Adventure FA M I LY T R AV E L C O M PA N Y
Winner: Tots to Travel Tots to Travel provide family friendly holidays for those with children under-five. A unique combination of fun, play, and safety at a stress free level. In developing their own specialist resorts and holiday places to stay, Tots to Travel deliver families with babies and small children the assurance to go on holiday by offering everything they need for an easy, safe and fun holiday experience. totstot ravel.co.uk Runner up: Holiday Tots Third place: Away with the
MY.HAIRCARE
LAMAZE
SCANDIBORN
Annabel Karmel is an expert and best-selling author who supports families with delicious and nutritious meal options on the go, from Organic Baby Purees to tasty Chilled Toddler Meals. Annabel Karmel’s awardwinning toddler feeding app is ideal and suited for all mothers and their baby for planning meals on the go. annabelkarmel.com Runner up: Let’s Mush Third place: Baby Connect
ANNABEL KARMEL
Toys & Apps B A B Y T OY S
Winner: Lamaze Lamaze Toys is a baby toys and equipment online shop that offers a broad range of baby toys
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essentials M A M A
AWARDS
DREAMS ON THE WALL
FA M I LY DAY O U T
PEPPA PIG WORLD
SMARTRIKE
Winner: Peppa Pig World Part of the Paultons Family Theme Park, Peppa Pig World is nestled in the New Forest in Hampshire. The theme park is based on our favoutire character from the award winning children’s television series character, Peppa Pig. It’s bursting with exciting rides, a large indoor playzone and even muddy puddle to jump and play in. Also, you and your littles get the chance to meet and greet Peppa and friends. paultonspark.co.uk Runner up: Flip Out Third place: Kidzania
Health & Lifestyle B E S T M AT E R N I T Y P R OV I D E R TOTS TO TRAVEL
THE LINDO WING
Winner: The Lindo Wing The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Cathedral offers care and advice from a team of dedicated midwives. The Lindo Wing Maternity creates a safe, personalised care plan that suits you and your baby during your pregnancy and birth, whilst having the space, security and privacy you need to enjoy moments as a family. Upgraded room facilities of deluxe or suite rooms and a supervised nursery are also offered for a pleasant experience. imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk Runner up: The Portland Hospital Third place: The Kensington Wing
G I F T I N G FO R BA BY
Winner: Baby Mori Sustainably sourced, Baby Mori uses the softest and highestquality products for their sleep and bath sets. Sleep sets, baby towels and accessories are all crafted from organic cotton
and bamboo, a fabric that is perfectly soft on a baby’s delicate skin. Baby Mori products are breathable and sustainable, suited for all seasons to dress your baby in. babymori.com Runner up: Prezzy Box Third place: Foreo Issa Mikro
BABY MORI
B E AU T Y
Winner: My.Haircare My.Haircare is a vegan, silicone, paraben, and sulphates free hair care brand that offers a colour infusing shampoo range. my-haircare.com Runner up: Skin 689 Third place: The Perfect V
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Word Perfect • IN THIS SECTION •
This month’s inspirational mamas are charting their own path through careers and motherhood. Katherine Ormerod opens up about social media, jeweller Laura Rowan tells us how she switched careers and Annie Ridout (pictured) talks about founding and evolving her online magazine, The Early Hour. Enjoy...
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~ “I WANTED TO
MAKE SURE THERE WAS SOMEWHERE TO BE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE NOTSO-GREAT THINGS”
~
INSTA MA M A Katherine Ormerod on healthier ways to use social media
@mamalovesgrey • @katherine_ormerod
Q Why did you set up your ‘antiperfectionism project’, workworkwork.co? What do you hope to achieve with it? A Really I just started to feel uncomfortable with the message I was putting out there on social media personally - that life is all rewards without the hard work that goes into achieving success. I’ve always worked in aspirational industries, but there’s something so much more convincing - and total - to social media perfection and I just wanted to make sure that there was somewhere to still be having conversations about the not-sogreat things life has in store for all of us. By featuring women who have huge followings on social media or who work in really glossy professions, I wanted to make the point that no matter what it looks like from the outside, everyone has stuff to deal with in life. Q What prompted you to write your book ‘Why Social Media is Ruining Your Life’? A The same themes kept cropping up in every single one of my interviews. Feeling insecure, comparing our lives to others, having a poor view of body image, struggling with identity and feeling that everyone else has it better. And this is from women who really do look like they’ve got it all figured out. I also really started to analyse how bad social media had made me feel; how it had, at times, made me view my clearly privileged life as lonely, poor and unsuccessful. As a woman in her mid-30s who really knows how things work behind
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mama h ood Q & A
the scenes, if it can impact me, it can impact anyone. At this point I started to see a huge problem and something that wasn’t really being addressed by anyone who was actually on social media. I wanted to use my influence for something more than directing people to nice shoes (although there is nothing wrong with that obviously). Q Do you think it’s possible for a majority of social media users to use the various platforms critically and without negative impacts on their sense of self etc? Or is that wishful thinking? Do you have tips you can share with us on how to use social media? A I think like everything we have a propensity to become addicted to, it’s all about mindful, conscious consumption. As soon as your eyes are opened to some of the worst consequences of overuse of social media, you approach it with a different attitude. I look at everyone’s content as curated and the exclusive, top 1% of their life - not as representative of anything more than that. And I never take my phone into the bedroom - at rise and sleep times we are most vulnerable to messages and scrolling in bed can be terribly lonely. Far better to get a good night’s sleep, wake with an alarm, then go and get your phone after you’ve showered. It completely broke the cycle I’d developed of looking every few minutes at Instagram.
Q You’re a self-confessed ‘healthaholic’? How has your health impacted your life and has your attitude to it changed since becoming a mother? A I was very healthy - or at least very fit before I had a baby. But I had a really tough pregnancy and went from exercising five times a week to not being able to walk for weeks – and I’ve found it really hard to regain my strength. My baby weighed over 4kg, so I had to take it massively easy for the first months as my recovery was really slow. I don’t take care of myself very well at all at the moment, but I guess over the past nine months I’ve had my first baby, written a book and kept my relationship together, so something had to give! Q Do you know of any other reference points similar to your site - people and/or websites adopting the same honest approach and seeking to demystify the representation of lifestyle/aspiration/motherhood etc? AI love reading Lucy Sheridan’s work she’s a comparison coach and has so many incredible, insightful things to say about life full stop. I haven’t ever read another site like mine exclusively devoted to the topic, but of course there is some wonderful content out there - The Guardian consistently covers social media culture and Refinery 29 has some great pieces which draw back the veil.
~ “I THINK LIKE
EVERYTHING WE HAVE A PROPENSITY TO BECOME ADDICTED TO, IT’S ABOUT CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION”
~
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