Absolutely Mama June 2019 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

Mama JUNE 2019 • ISSUE 29

JUST RELAX

The Magazine for Stylish Mums

THE BEST SPAS FOR FAMILIES

Sea LIFE Fearne Cotton’s new kidswear collection

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CURVE APPEAL

How to love your postpartum body

Daddy

COOL Stylish gifts for Father’s Day

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bugaboo classic collection a true classic never goes out of style

The Bugaboo Bee5 Classic is available from June 2018 from Bugaboo.com The Bugaboo Bee5 Classic in Dark Navy is available from June 2018 exclusively at John Lewis & Bugaboo.com The Bugaboo Fox and Bugaboo Donkey2 Classics will be available from September 2018 from Bugaboo.com ÂŠ copyright Bugaboo International BV

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mama WELCOME

contents JUNE 2019

8 12

AGENDA What’s On

30 Under the Sea

62 Postpartum Body

New Books

FASHION 38 Light Layers

HOME & INTERIORS 69 Sweet Dreams

ESSENTIALS Tot Gear

44 Kids Fashion Notes

70 Nursery Notes

46 Shape of Summer

RESOURCES 87 Language Learning

Arts and entertainment for the month ahead

June’s best new releases

Key kit to make parenting easier

MAMAHOOD 24 Insta-Papa

Journalist and dad blogger Jamie Day on fatherhood

ON THE COVER: Babaà babaa.es

27 Woman in Work

Grace Timothy on her hilarious motherhood book

DJ and presenter Fearne Cotton on her new childrenswear collection

Be changeable weather-ready in summer knits from Babaà

Th e best looks and launches for little ones

Classic polka dots, simple stripes and oversized checks

WELLNESS 58 The 5 O’clock Apron

Family-friendly recipes from Claire Thomson’s new cookbook

Nicky Clinch on how to love your body after birth

Giovanna Fletcher’s new bedding range

Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

Custom created storybooks to help kids master new languages

Fresh Start

How the Montessori method can change your parenting approach

June 2019

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Start Your Adventure Part of the

family

Go Anywhere... Anywhere... Go micralite.com micralite.com

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mama WELCOME KIDS FASHION P. 46

Editor’s

LETTER

BOARD BOOK P. 15

STRING STORAGE P. 71

n this month’s issue, we’re giving a little bit of love to the dads. In anticipation of Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the papas who do their fair share of nappy changes, get up in the night to make tea during the long night feeds and take the kids off for the day when we need a bit of ‘me time’. You are the best. One dad doing a great job of this is blogger and journalist Jamie Day. I’ve worked with Jamie before and I really admire how he has bravely shared his struggles with mental health in his podcast, Man Talk. I am so pleased that he agreed to be our ‘Insta Papa’ this month. There is, of course, lots of amazing mamas in this issue too. Champion skier Chemmy Alcott shares the birth story of her second son, Cooper. It’s not one to be missed. The lovely Grace Timothy tells us about her hilarious book, Lost in Motherhood. I loved talking to her about the all-too-often overlooked subject of how your identity shifts when you become a mother. And finally, as always, it was a pleasure to speak to presenter and DJ Fearne Cotton about her new summer collection for Boots Mini Club. I hope you enjoy my first issue as much as I loved making it.

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

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

NURSERY NOTES P. 71

Part of the

Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s @ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama .co.uk Editor UK: CARLY GLENDINNING Features Editor: HELEN BARON Assistant Editor: FLORA THOMAS Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PHIL COUZENS

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June 2019

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Summer Goddess Hatch

Facing a long summer ahead with a bump? Perfect for by the pool or even a pool party, we love this beautifully draped and incredibly comfortable dress from US maternity brand Hatch. net-a-porter.com

SKIN SAV E R

Meraki Mini Designed to protect sensitive baby skin, this gentle ointment from Meraki Mini is made from organic ingredients. Goodies such as aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter and almond oil create a waterrepellent layer that protects and heals irritation. housedoctor.com

or’s Editick P

Under the sea Me r i Me ri

Little mermaids will love these shell-shaped napkins from Meri Meri. They are part of a range that’s perfect for an underwaterinspired party, or even an oceanside picnic at the beach. merimeri.co.uk

GOING COCO B a re B o n es

Bare Bones is a small batch chocolate company that uses beans from cooperative farms in Madagascar and Honduras. Their delicious bars might not be guilt free, but their pretty packaging is – we love that it’s made from recycled paper cups and the wrappers are plant based. cissywears.com

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ma m a LOVES

POST IT El l y Vva l l er

If you’re a stationery geek like us, it’s hard not to fall for the paper collection from Stockholm-based studio Elly Vvaller. The illustrator’s cards are made sustainably and feature the sweetest designs. ellyvvaller.com

AllBuNatural g Cl oth in g

Every piece from Bug Clothing is designed and made as consciously as possible in Hackney. Perfect for summer, the collection uses natural fibres including deadstock linen. bugclothing.co.uk

DREAM ON FA B EL A B

Danish brand Fabelab’s new collection is so beautiful, we could deck a whole nursery out in it. Their range of bedding, toys and wall hangings is designed to inspire little imaginations (think unicorns, fairy wings and rainbows) and is all made from organic cotton. fabelab.myshopify.com

Print Magic Hôtel Magiqu e

A collection of super-cool prints rather than a holiday destination (we wish!), it’s no surprise that the illustrator behind Hôtel Magique designed for fashion brands before striking out on her own. We’re all about her modern abstract meets Wes Anderson style. hotelmagique.com

H A P PY FEET

Vintage Summer Tocotó Vint a g e

This super-sweet gingham romper from Tocotó Vintage is the perfect easy-towear summer style. Making us long for days by the sea, it’s part of a nostalgic collection designed using vintage sewing patterns. tocotovintage.com

LIEWOOD Collecting shells on the beach or having a spontaneous water flight in the garden, Liewood’s jelly sandals are sure to be a useful style for little ones this summer. They come in a range of beautifully muted colours, with several great unisex options. beyondthestork.co.uk

June 2019

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agenda J U N E ’ S 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

Fairytale • REGENT’S PARK •

What better environment to enjoy the Grimm Brothers’ classic tale of Hansel and Gretel in than the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park. Experience the unique operatic performance - sung in English from 14 until 22 June. openairtheatre.com

June 2019

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W H AT ’S O N Top-notch teas, pirates on the high seas and the return of Underbelly this June

Baby steps 24 - 30 June Dudley Zoo

The Barnado’s Big Toddle is back. The short sponsored walk for toddlers is in aid of the country’s most vulnerable under-fives. Each year, thousands of toddlers take part, and every single penny helps. Dudley Zoo’s event is animal themed - so don your favourite prints and get involved. barnados.org.uk

we love

Cinderella

ON POINTE 2 - 16 June • Royal Albert Hall

An enchanting kingdom of forest creatures awaits as Cinderella-in-the-round comes to the Royal Albert Hall. The inventive production combines magnificent sets and costumes with all the the melodious tunes of Prokofiev’s score performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. royalalberthall.com

We’re not scared 27 - 31 May Southampton

Join an intrepid family and their musical dog in this mischievous production. Based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helex Oxenbury, this, it’s a lovely treat for families with children three and up. nstheatres.co.uk

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Horsing Around 9 June Fulham

Chesterton’s Polo in the Park is back, with more on for children than ever. It promises to be a fantastic family day out, featuring Sharky & George who are set to host west London’s biggest kids’ party on the polo field throughout the morning. Children under 10 gain free entry. polointheparklondon.com

EVENTS

GET CR EATI V E Summer’s nearly here, so get in touch with your artistic side...

LI F E O F PAPE R 16 June - 8 September Dulwich

Japanese artist, Nahoko Kojima, is to erect an enormous eight-metre-long crocodile at Dulwich Picture Gallery this month, carved from just one sheet of paper and suspended from the ceiling. A spectacle you won’t want to miss. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

TA STE O F I N D IA 2 and 3 June West Kensing ton

Fancy a family art day? How about a meditation-based mandala painting lesson? What about creating pictures with knives? Head to the Birla Art Gallery to explore your creative side through a series of workshops running in conjunction with Supriya’s Art World.

BRAVE HEART

bhavan.net

29 June The Cockpit Theatre

ild Wilma is a weird and wonderful family show written by children’s author, Rachel Lyon. A young girl is sold to a circus and struggles to meet the strict expectations of the mistress. On a quest to find her identity, she finds the courage to be wild and free through her friendships with others.

thecockpit.org.uk

ARR WE THERE YET? 22 - 23 June Underbelly Festival, Southbank

swashbuckling adventure in which three acrobatic pirates hit the high seas in search of treasure, only to find haunted waters and scary storms. Every aspect of pirate life is turned upside-down, from walking the plank to cooking for the crew.

TE A TI M E

Ongoing Rosewood London

Rosewood London are serving a Van Gough themed tea especially for little ones. Treat them to a playful array of finger food - featuring a painter’s palette, paint tubes filled with jam and lemon curd. It’ll leave you, and them, starry-eyed… rosewoodhotels.com

underbellyfestival.com

June 2019

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We love

BOOKS

June’s releases are all about the weird and wonderful, with a sprinkling of feminism... it’s never too early!

Wo r d s F L O R A T H O M A S

MIN FOR THE WIN! MIGHTY MIN By Melissa Castrillon

A feminist Thumbelina for a new generation, this is an exquisite book. Castrillon’s enchanting illustrations see Min take fl ight with an owl and tickle a feline friend in this adventure story. There’s a bold, empowering message and the pages are reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are. £6.99  scholastic.co.uk

GOING BANANAS RUMPLE BUTTERCUP By Matthew Grey Gubler

Rumple Buttercup is weird. With five crooked teeth and three strands of hair, he’s never ventured far from the drain he resides in, and when he does, he disguises himself with a banana peel. Until one day, he hears a little voice... Join him as he learns the joy of individuality and the magic of belonging. £9.99 penguin.co.uk

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BOOKS

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS MY FIRST HARRIET TUBMAN By Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Introduce your baby to the inspiring leader of the Underground Railroad, with this lovely board book boasting stylish, quirky illustrations. Written in simple sentences, it’s perfect for reading out loud. It’s never too early to learn about the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. £5.99; quartokids.com

B OA R D B O O K

ROLE REVERSAL L O O K I N G A F T E R D A D DY By Eve Coy

This uplifting and heartwarming tale of a stayat-home father and his daughter is guaranteed to melt your heart. You’re invited to jump inside the imagination of the little girl who likes to pretend she’s babysitting her daddy, when in reality he is looking after her. It makes for perfect Father’s Day reading. £6.99  penguin.co.uk

W H E R E ’ S M R A S T R O N AU T ? By Ingela P Arrhgenius

A delightful and funny introduction to the world of space exploration for the youngest of bookworms. This is a particularly charming addition to the bestselling series, and like the others it boasts fuzzy felt flaps, perfect for little hands to grab. £6.99  nosycrow.com

GREEN-EYED MONSTER I WA N T M Y D A D By Tony Ross

The twenty-third book of the Little Princess series sees her explore feelings of jealousy. All of her friends’ dads can do amazing things - the Cook bakes delicious cakes, the Gardener takes his daughter on adventures in the forest… She soon realises that the King’s pride in his daughter is worth much more than those exciting adventures. £9.99  penguin.co.uk

C R E E PY C R AW LY TOWN I E S PI D E R By Kimberly Rowell

When Townie Spider curls up to sleep he doesn’t realise he’s on a car. He wakes up miles from home and doesn’t know what to do until he makes some new friends… A debut children’s book and lovely rhyming tale from Kimberly Rowell. £4.99  olympiapublishers.com June 2019

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Nice Wheels • MICRALITE•

Micralite describe their popular FastFold as ‘the SUV of strollers’. Thanks to high spec wheels and premium weatherproof fabrics, it works just as well on the tube as it does on a woodland walk. micralite.com

June 2019

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Father’s

Day

The best gifts for dads this June 16th

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

Carry All JEM + BEA

Jem + Bea’s new changing bag, the Elliott backpack, is a great unisex, sports-tech style that dads won’t mind carrying. It’s so specious that you can fit a 15” laptop for days when you’re doing the nursery drop before work. £160; jemandbea.com

Editor’s Pick

Groom Time HAECKLES

From Margate-based brand Haeckles, this nourishing beard oil should stop him reaching into the bathroom cabinet for your moisturisers. It’s made from 100% natural ingredients and is designed to soften coarse hair and treat the sensitive skin beneath. £34; haeckles.co.uk 18

LOCK IN KONOC

A sweet token to show you appreciate all of the nappy changes (!), we love this keyring from Konoc. Leather-stamped with the word ‘papa’, it has been handmade in Britain, where the brand is based. £18.95; scandiborn.co.uk

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essen t i a ls PAPAS

Make The Cut

LIGHT MY FIRE

SUNSPEL

Minimal dads will love the no-fuss basics from British-brand Sunspel. Treat him to a smart knit, or the perfectly cut tee. sunspel.com

LOLA JAMES HARPER

Could there be a more perfect name for a Father’s Day gift? With a scent that’s reminiscent of daddy’s library (think pencils, paper, notebooks, rubber, wood and tools), we love this candle from Lola James Harper. £36; smallable.com

Date Night TRULLO

The bestselling cookbook from one of our favourite Italian London restaurants. If you can’t get a babysitter, hopefully he’ll whip you up some of their mouthwatering fettuccine at home. £25; trullorestaurant.com

NO SWEAT THE FMLY STORE

A great gift for new dads or dadsto-be, The Fmly Store donate £5 from the sale of every one of these sweatshirts to 10 deserving causes they believe in. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and is Fair Wear certified too. £55; thefmlystore.com

Eco Kicks

VEJA

The perfect present for earth dads, VEJA’s trainers are made from organic, agroecological and fair trade cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest and recycled plastic bottles. 40% of their styles (including this one) are also vegan. £115; veja-store.com June 2019

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pactâ&#x201E;¢ flex signature Welcome to a luxurious world of warmly woven quilted fabrics; aged cognac leatherette touches; and an elite, high brilliance carriage chassis; all exquisitely crafted to make memories of each moment with baby last forever.

A SIMPLY TIMELESS PINT-SIZED PUSHCHAIR WITH AN EXCLUSIVELY FLAT AND FAST FOLDING SYSTEM.

joiebaby.com/signature in-seat suspension for a 50% smoother stroll

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Available from Argos, Boots, Halfords, Mothercare, Very and all good independent nursery retailers.

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essentials

TOT GE AR

ent d r a p rove app

FREE WHEELING BABYZEN

BABYZEN is introducing two new gender-neutral shades to their range of lightweight buggies. Perfect for summer babies, the popular YOYO is now available in a fresh aqua blue and a chic toffee shade. johnlewis.com

HIP HIP HOORAY TWISH

Twish is designed to take the stress out of planning your little one’s party. The clever app provides family and friends with a safe platform to collectively gift a special birthday present or experience, making sure they get what they really want. twish.app

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

SITTING C O M F O R TA B LY M A M A S & PA PA S

Ideal for the weaning stage, the Baby Snug helps little ones to learn how to sit on their own. The innovative design can be adjusted as your child grows and it also has a removable activity tray. mamasandpapas.com

A LWAYS LOV E YOU Reviewed by Rae Duke of the Mamas & Papas Parent Approved Panel

ne of the (many!) things I want to ensure I do well on this amazing journey we call parenting is capture those milestone moments as our daughter grows. As ever, Mamas & Papas is tuned into the wants and wishes of parents and have created an impossibly cute collection named ‘Always Love You’. Rory and I were recently treated to a bundle of gifts from the new range and there were delights in there for us both. For Rory; a cuddly friend who will, hopefully, remain a companion for life and for me; the baby foot print kit frame. We also loved the stationery, which includes cards, gift bags and those Instagram-necessities – baby record cards. I didn’t quite jump on this bandwagon soon enough but I would really encourage parents-to-be to get some. Mamas & Papas have also thought of the practical realities of life as a parent and there are some great travel accessories. We have a ‘bar’ of toys that attaches onto our Acro buggy with an array of fun, developmental features and a handy travel toy. There is also a gorgeous bedtime story book appropriately named, ‘Always Love You’. Always Love You range, from £3; mamasandpapas.com @raetheduke

June 2019

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Passionate about Play We believe childhood should be enjoyed to the full. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been making imaginative wooden toys, designed in Great Britain with a touch of French je ne sais quoi, since 1995. letoyvan.com

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Splish Splash • FEARNE COTTON FOR BOOTS MINI CLUB •

Fearne Cotton has designed a new kids clothing collection for Boots Mini Club, launching just in time for summer. Inspired by her son’s love of sea creatures, it’s full of beachy bright hues and underwater-themed motifs. boots.com

June 2019

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“The dated cliché father image (never around, handsoff ) that still lingered was no longer relevant”

INSTA PAPA Dad-blogger, journalist and Man Talk podcast presenter Jamie Day

adayinthelifedad.com @adayinthelifedad

Q When did you launch your blog and what made you want to write about fatherhood? A I think it was when my daughter, Edie, was around three and leading up to the birth of my son, Arlo, so it’s been going since mid-2015. I started writing about parenthood because I was an avid follower of lots of mums online and their motherhood musings, but I noticed dads weren’t really getting involved in the parenting conversation. I wanted to demonstrate that dads are part of the family too, and that the dated cliché father image (never around, hands-off ) that still lingered was no longer relevant. Because I was in a job in education at the time, it meant I had lots of school holidays to be with the kids and document our adventures, so I always had plenty to write about, whether it was tips and tricks, dads’ style or days out. At the time it was only really me, Simon Hooper, Matt Farquharson, Greg Stanton and a couple of others posting about our lives as modern-day dads online. After a story in The Sunday Telegraph came out about dads on social media that featured us all,

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mama h ood Q & A

things kind of took off a bit with blogging and Instagram. And now, obviously, with the explosion of the parenting community on Instagram over the last two years, brilliantly, so many more dads are now getting in on it. Q How do you do you maintain audience loyalty in the competitive space of Instaparents? A For me, I don’t see Instagram as a competitive space. There’s room for everyone. No one’s nailed this parenting malarkey and everyone has an individual experience, so if I can put out or gain one tip, or spot one product, or amazing day out that my kids will love, then the Insta-parent community is working. If people are chasing likes, buying followers or dragging their kids around with multiple outfit changes to bank some content (this happens!), I think they’ll lose their appeal. I’m all for organic, authentic and useful content, whether it’s a paid partnership or a just a photo that makes me laugh, and I hope my followers are too. Q We love your podcast, Man Talk. Why do you think it’s so important for men to talk about their mental health? A Suicide is the biggest killer of young men in the UK. Not cancer, not road accidents, nope, it’s suicide. Men are choosing to end

their lives rather than open up about their issues and seek help. Stigmas still remain and sadly men find it so difficult to speak up. I’ve struggled with my mental health for years, but I’m in a place now in my life I feel comfortable talking about it. I’m hoping that I can show that if I’m doing it, and all my podcast guests are doing it, then there is hope. Help is out there, whether that’s through counselling, medication or alternative treatments, the most important thing is to talk to someone first. That might be a friend, a family member, a doctor or a charity, but once that first step is out of the way, things can be put in place to start addressing the issues. Q Who has been your favourite guest so far and why? A That’s a really difficult question to answer as all my guests have been amazing and actually I admire them all for coming on the show and

“Every day is chaotically different. It’s full of poo, farts and tantrums”

opening up about their issues with depression, anxiety, suicide, grief, PND and PTSD. I think they all have relatable stories and importantly provide comfort and guidance for others who might be suffering in similar ways.

Q What are the best bits and worst bits about being a dad? A Best: every day is remarkably different. It’s full of love, fun and happiness. Worst: every day is chaotically different. It’s full of poo, farts and tantrums. Q What do you want for Father’s Day and what do you think you’ll get? A My wife will tell you, I am the worst person to buy gifts for. I’m very particular (and probably very annoying) when it comes to clothes, fragrances and the like. But no tat. Definitely no tat. Save your money and give it to charity, kids. I don’t think any dad really wants a pair of naff socks. Now I’ve said that, I’m definitely getting a pair of naff socks aren’t I? June 2019

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Baby care the natural way

JOIN US AT

Padsicle Blend showcasing at This Morning Live

Claim a discounted ticket using code BabyopathyLTD2019 How to claim • Visit theticketfactory.com/thismorninglive/online • Select your day & choose Silver Ticket • Enter the code above on the next page

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mama h ood Q & A

woman in

WORK Grace Timothy journalist and author of Lost in Motherhood

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

Q You’re a freelance journalist, what made you want to write a book about your experiences of motherhood? A As a writer I’m used to using my own experiences for a story, and to begin with I felt fiercely private about motherhood. But about 18 months into being a mum I started a social group for new mothers in my area and when I was talking to them about my own experiences I realised there was worth in sharing the truth. It helps – them and you.

“As I lifted her legs to pop the clean nappy under her she machinegunned poo all over me”

Q It has a dark comedy that so many mothers will resonate with. Do you think the writing process somehow helped you with the identity shift that you describe in the book? A Definitely. I was talking to my agent about a book on motherhood for a while but she was the one who pointed out it would be a book about identity. She could see all the changes I’d been through, and the changes all her friends had been through when they became parents. As we talked on, I realised every moment I’d found challenging was a moment that had left me feeling insecure, because I wasn’t as resilient or sure of myself as I’d been before. She gave me that eureka moment of, ‘Wow, every single thing that defined me has dramatically changed!’. My relationships, my body, my priorities, my career, even the way

my day was ordered – it all changed so it felt like I was undone a bit, right at the moment where I most needed to feel together and on it. It was a beautiful thing – not nearly as negative as it sounds – but with all the joy of my baby there was also a loss of confidence. It wasn’t until I started to write the story that I realised how it had all played out. There was defintiely a sense of resolution when I finished it, which is nuts, because let’s face it – life will continue to turn on a dime and surprise the hell out of you. The story hasn’t ended! But still, it did feel like a form of therapy. Q From mum-rage to mum-jeans, we love how well observed it is. What’s your funniest story from your own experience of being a mum? A Thank you! I think the funniest experience was when I got up in the middle of the night to change my daughter’s nappy and as I lifted her legs to pop the clean nappy under her she machine-gunned poo all over me. It shot out of her, covered me from head to toe and then hit the wall behind me when I ducked. It did not feel funny at the time, but even then she had such great timing, I can see now that was her first joke. It would have been funnier if she’d done it to my husband, though. Q What was the thing that surprised you most about motherhood when you became a mum for the first time? A I should say, the love – I had equated it with how I loved my family and friends, but it went about a thousand layers deeper than I’d thought possible. Also, how fun I found even the gross bits. But in all honesty, the biggest surprise? My vagina. Where did it go?! I swear a chunk of it is missing post-episiotomy. I’m not sure what look the registrar who stitched me was going for, but...yeh. Q With the rise of Instagram and parent bloggers, do you think that perceptions of motherhood and mums are changing? A Definitely. There are two sides though – that post-truth movement of highly filtered motherhood, and then the honest one that doesn’t deal in the securities of others. The one that’s truthful and most often, hilarious. That’s the corner I personally enjoy, and it’s great for reminding women they’re not alone. amazon.co.uk @gracetimothywriter

June 2019

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“I am a creature of habit and I wanted to bring Cooper into the world in the same way Locki came”

I A B I R T H S T O R Y

British ski champion, BBC Winter Olympic sports commentator and motherhood podcast presenter Chemmy Alcott shares the true-life story of the birth of her second son, Cooper

t takes a lot of confidence to admit that you were induced because your due date lies smack bang in the middle of your biggest yearly working period. I felt super nervous going to my 39 week consultation appointment with the hope that the doctor would induce me on my 40 week due date. I felt like he might think my priorities were all wrong. That instead of letting my baby come when he was ready, I was forcing him out into the world. But as it turns out, the chances that I would have to be induced with Cooper were super high. Locki (my two-year-old toddler) was two weeks late and didn’t want to come into the world. Cooper was in exactly the same position and the consultant said either we would be induced at 40 weeks or 42 weeks and the chances of a vaginal labour were almost the same (I needed a vaginal delivery to get back to work as driving and skiing were involved!). In the end, the consultant agreed to induce me bang on my due date (he said my reason for it was more valid than the mother before me who had asked to be induced because she had a party to go to!). Cooper was due on January 16th. I needed him to be in the world by the 20th January. I had to get to Sweden to film for Ski Sunday at the World Championships. The only airline to fly direct are EasyJet who only let you fly with a 14-day old. The maximum time between being induced and actual delivery is four days. I needed just 45 mins! No joke. From my waters breaking naturally to delivery. I was advised to stay near the hospital after the pessary (first stage to induce labour) was inserted (especially since I had been induced with Locki – your body tends to respond far

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mamah o o d RE AL

quicker and stronger second time around). But I am a creature of habit and I wanted to bring Cooper into the world in the same way that Locki came. With a three hour walk around Kingston, acupuncture and a curry! So we took the hospital advice with a pinch of salt and got the bus into town. We went to my favourite Portuguese coffee shop and as we left, the cramping started. I was literally walking doubled over. But being stubborn, I was still asking Dougie to google local acupuncture and book me in. In the end we had to cancel the appointment. We still managed a super quick curry (by this point I was so uncomfortable that I asked for a pillow in the restaurant to sit on. They didn’t have any, but seeing my pain, they brought me 10 ironed and pressed white tablecloths! Completely impractical for someone in labour, losing control of ‘down there’, but a sweet gesture nevertheless!). We tried to get an Uber back to the hospital, as by now I was super sore, but there weren’t any nearby so we walked to the bus stop and waited (I still drive past most days and see the metal bench I was doubled over on – which must have been quite a sight!).

“I was only 3cm dilated which confused me a lot as I was in so much pain” Back in hospital with the pessary having fallen out and my waters breaking (this didn’t happen naturally first time – what a strange feeling, I felt like a balloon had popped), I was moved to the birthing unit as we wanted a water birth. Unfortunately, I was monitored for 10 minutes and the contractions were so severe that Cooper’s heart rate was dropping each time. So they said I had to go to the hospital maternity ward. The midwife told me I was only 3cm dilated which confused me a lot as I was in so much pain. That was the last update I got. Probably the most difficult thing for both Dougie and I, as retired athletes who live by goal setting, was that we knew I had to be 10cm before the real action started. So naturally we both expected a long journey ahead before we held our baby (with Locki we had an 18 hour labour). We couldn’t have been more wrong.

LIFE

Whilst I was busy screaming (with a few profanities I will admit!) for an epidural, the midwife was trying to help but there was no time between the contractions. I only had time for two puffs of gas and air and then bizarrely the room started to fill with busy people (turning on the heat lamp in the corner etc). I remember registering this particular action, thinking why the hell are they doing that – when I just need drugs. It didn’t click that this obviously meant Cooper was arriving imminently. In fact, when he came, Dougie and I were still in shock. Having prepared for a long journey ahead (not just logically with snacks and the practicalities of having someone take care of Locki, but mentally too) when Cooper entered the world I was still asking for painkillers! They replied “You don’t need them. You have done it. He’s here!”. I never intended to give birth without drugs. I have a few friends who have high fived me because of it and I always feel really uncomfortable, because I feel like a fake! I feel guilty that I didn’t cry when I first held Cooper. I was completely in love don’t get me wrong, but I was just in so much shock – wow you are here already! I guess your first baby is always different because it’s unknown, but with Locki we were both in floods of tears and I expected the same reaction with Cooper. I think because the labour was so fast (and because I spent months doing prenatal Pilates) I bounced back physically so quickly after Cooper was born. In fact, skiing after just 14 days, I completely forgot I had just given birth. The human body is amazing. Even now, three months later, looking at how big he has gotten blows my mind. I feel so lucky to have my boys. To feel responsible for the happiness of two little things is the best role of my life and one which I cherish (and challenges me) daily. I hope my podcasts help support and entertain other new mums and mums-to-be. out there! You can listen to Chemmy’s new motherhood podcast on Soundcloud. @chemmyski June 2019

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Under the

SEA

Presenter and DJ Fearne Cotton on her new collection for Boots Mini Club

Interview FLORA THOMAS

Q We love the bright colours in your new collection, what was your inspiration? A The starting point was the ocean – mainly inspired by my son’s infatuation with all things to do with the sea (he’s absolutely obsessed with sea creatures and particularly squids, weirdly!). And then we looked at how the younger generations are getting into conservation and taking care of the planet and the ocean. The colour palette inspiration came from underwater – those lovely beachy, almost Californian shades which have a very fun, sporty, retro and kid-like feel. Q How did you work with Boots and what was the design process like? A I’ve been doing the range for a couple of years now, so initially when we started out it was less theme-based and it was more about comfy, practical clothing for kids. That’s such a big one for me as a parent, having clothes that kids can move around in and that you can easily get them into (and out of!) and wash. So now we’re a bit further down the line, we can 30

be more experimental. Every season everyone comes to my house first and we all sit down and we work out a theme that we love and we might even set the colour palette in that meeting too. We just have a giant brainstorm really and then after that, I’m in every single meeting and involved in the whole process – from conception, through to when it’s in store. It’s a really lovely creative process. Q The shapes are easy to wear and many of the pieces are unisex, was that important to you? A I think it’s become more important. Mini Club is so good at listening to the customer and that’s something that I try to do across the board with all my projects. Are people enjoying my books, my podcast etc and that feedback is invaluable. We’re hearing quite a lot of the time that people are enjoying having pieces that they can change between siblings – girls, boys, whatever. I’ve got a son who is partial to wearing some particularly exotic outfits and who is also a real tomboy.

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mamah o o d INTERVIEW

I’m with the customer on that one, because I never dress my kids, I just let them go into their room and they come out in all sorts of weird and wonderful things – and I’m all for that! So I think it’s important to bear in mind for cost effective reasons or for choice and freedom, people want to be able to explore all collections without having to feel penned in by gender. We make jeans that can work for girls and boys and this collection we’ve really focused on that. Q How do you dress Rex and Honey Krissy? And what do you look for when you’re buying clothes for them? A I take them with me, very rarely will I go out shopping and just pick stuff, because I’ll come home and they’ll go “I don’t like it!”. So I really want them to be part of that experience, and express themselves how best they feel. Luckily because Rex loves the ocean so much, he’s been absolutely obsessed with this latest Boots collection because it’s all octopuses and stingrays and he just can’t believe his luck – it’s his dream wardrobe! So he’s been really into mixing and matching all

“I’m in every single meeting and involved in the whole proccess ” of those little looks. If it was just me going out, it would be about practicality. Will it wash well, is it a shape that’s easy to move around in when we’re going out to the park and running around. I don’t want anything with annoying fasteners or buttons or anything that’s fiddly, it’s got to be easy and wearable. I’m not about fancy kids clothes because they look amazing (I couldn’t give a hoot about that!) I’m all about making sure they are comfortable. Q We’ve loved following your podcast, Happy Place, who has been your favourite guest and what have you enjoyed most about making it?

A favourite guest is hard because I feel so lucky to have had everyone on! Stephen Fry was particularly exceptional because he’s Stephen Fry! And he’s such a maverick in the mental health arena and was one of the first people to properly start talking about things openly and honestly and I will forever thank him for that. And Henry Fraser, what a story to hear! What an amazing guy and he did such a beautiful job and he is so wonderfully honest and also quite weirdly matter-of-fact about his life, which has been so inspiring to so many people. Every guest that I’ve had on I’m so grateful for their time and their energy and that they wanted to share their stories because it’s been a very impactful and positive thing for many people out there. I’m just bringing out the honesty in people and then others can find moments where they are resonating or get solace from a conversation. For me, it’s just about that and if I can tap into that authenticity in any project that I’m doing, then I’m dead happy. Q And finally, what’s your favourite piece from your new collection and why? A It’s quite exciting that we’ve done swimwear for the first time, because that’s new to us and I love the little girls’ swimming costume with the red stripes and bow, I mean it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! And Honey luckily likes wearing it because she can be a bit of fusspot! So that definitely for me is one of my absolute faves.

FEARNE by Fearne Cotton is exclusive to Boots Mini Club boots.com June 2019

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“I knew that I needed to do something more childfriendly, something that was more logical for my baby”

real mum talk...

Telling it Like it is Alexandra Hunter on careers post baby

have so many talented, amazing, inspiring friends who were all high-flying career women in different and varied sectors before they had their beautiful babies. Almost all of them are no longer doing the same thing now they have children and if they are, they are working the same number of hours under the guise of part time employment and they’re earning less for the privilege. I can only think of two who are working in exactly the same way post children and they both have exceptionally supportive partners. When I was on maternity leave, I questioned for the first time whether or not I could continue doing what I had always done, and loved. The logistics alone (an hour and a half

commute each way) when I considered childcare hours were daunting. My priorities had changed and I knew that I needed to do something that was more child friendly, something that was more logical for my baby. My whole life was flipped upside down through separation 20 months ago and that enabled me to really think about what I was going to do for a living. Being a single parent means you don’t have someone to pick things up for you if you’re working late, or have flu and so I knew I needed a career that would fit around and grow with Seb as much as possible. My child is the most important thing in my world so I wanted my future work to allow me the most possible time with him. I have thought about teaching for about 10 years, I have volunteered

with children’s charities to scratch the itch, but teaching always felt like a dream I could not afford living in London. When I moved back to Oxford, I knew I could make it a reality. Seb’s education matters more to me than almost anything else and so I knew that if I became a teacher, I could help him tremendously with his schooling as well as having all of his holidays together. Last summer I left the company I had helped build over seven years with very mixed emotions and a lot of tears. I waved a final goodbye to London, after a love affair with the city that had lasted for 16 years. In September, I walked back into university (14 years after I left) to start a 10-month PGCE in Primary Teaching. It has been intense, exhausting, expensive and utterly brilliant. I can honestly say I have loved almost every day of it, I have been challenged, humbled, stretched and satisfied in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Walking out of your comfort zone into something entirely alien is immensely exhilarating and a little terrifying. In September I will have my own class of 30 children and I can’t wait to meet them. It’s not all roses of course, I have had a never-ending cold for six months through being run down and I’ll earn less in September than I did when I started my first job after my degree. But I have a two month summer hanging out with Seb ahead of me, I’ll have this every year and I know that I’ll always be able to help him develop with his education. Have the snot, pressure and stresses been worth it? Absolutely! June 2019

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Flower Power • BONTON X ROSEANNA•

Two of our favourite French brands, Bonton and Roseanna, have joined forces to create the sweetest mama and mini collection. Expect colour-soaked florals and cool slogan prints. smallable.com

June 2019

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mama

ST Y L E NOTES

The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections

SUN DAY S REN LONDON

We’re totally in love with the mindfully made capsule collection from Ren London. Part of a range of easy pieces, this linen sundress is all we want to wear this summer. renlondon.co

we love

LOV E E U BIRDSONG

In response to the hostility and turmoil surrounding Brexit, London-based ethical clothing brand Birdsong has collaborated with creative project Still European and XXY Magazine (a cultural platform focused on marginalised voices) to create these brilliant tees emblazoned with the words ‘Still European’ and ‘Still Friends’. birdsong.london

Check Mate B E YO N D N I N E

Made ethically in the UK from natural and organic fabrics, maternity brand Beyond Nine’s new capsule collection is perfect for summer. Everything is designed to be flattering with or without a bump – so you can wear it after the baby arrives too. beyondnine.co.uk

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fas h i on

MAMA

nd Bra us Foc

Plant Power YÖ L I & OT I S

This apron dress from Byron Bay-based Yöli & Otis couldn’t be more summer-ready. The sustainable mama and mini brand’s fabrics are made from organic and pesticide-free plants, and they use the age-old process of natural dyeing. yoliandotis.com

69B Boutique

Leading the charge in conscious fashion is 69B Boutique in Broadway Market

STEP UP

F L AT T E R E D

The super-cool shoe collection from Flattered is the perfect meeting of Scandinavian and Southern European design. The Stockholm-based brand’s collection is made by familyrun factories in Spain using traditional crafting methods. flattered.se

5 of t he b e st LI LIN N E N L OVE

SUI AVA, Pearl Hair Clip, £11; wild-swans.com BENOÎT MISSOLIN Powder Pink Headband, £103; benoitmissolin.com

HOUSE OF LAFAYETTE, Bow Scrunchie, £66; matchesfashion.com ROSANTICA, Crystal Hair Clip, £138; net-a-porter.com

ustainable fashion is finally catching on and the good news is that there’s now so many cool brands to discover that are as far away from the hippy-hemp stereotype that you can get. But with the market exploding at heart-stopping pace, it can be hard to know which brands you can really trust. One sustainable store that really knows their stuff is 69b Boutique. Right in the middle of busy Broadway Market in Hackney, they’ve been curating the very best in conscious fashion since they opened their doors in 2011. Step inside the white-washed space and you’ll find beautiful prints from brands such as Rakha and Marimekko, denim from Kings of Indigo and other eco-friendly favourites from all around the world such as Kowtow, Beaumont Organic and Cus. And if you’re not on-board with leather, there’s great range of shoes and accessories too (think Veja, Good News London and Matt & Nat). The edit is spot-on, but what we love most is that you can be certain that every item you buy has been made in a socially and environmentally responsible way. 69bboutique.com

VALET STUDIO, Glitter Hair Clips, £30; harveynichols.com

June 2019

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LIGHT L AY E R S Changeable weather-ready knits in the boldest hues from BabaĂ b a b a a .e s

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kid s

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

STEP OUT YO U N G S O L E S

we love

East London brand Young Soles make lightweight shoes that are perfect for getting out-and-about in this summer. Blending retro-cool with British heritage design, look out for sweet detailing such as tassels, fringing and pretty perforated patterns. youngsoles.london

CAREFREE SUMMER THE ANIMALS O B S E R VA T O R Y

Taking us back to 1970s Saint Tropez, the new collection from The Animals Observatory is just what we want to pack in our suitcases this summer. Think retro bubble font slogans, holiday-ready prints and the kind of easy-to-wear shapes that kids will love. theanimalsobservatory.com

Pyjama Party T H E B R I G H T C O M PA N Y

The Bright Company worked with illustrator Wonder & Rah to create the nature-inspired prints in their summer collection. We love the British sleepwear brand’s new ‘Short Jyms’, which are more fitted than in previous seasons and made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. thebrightcompany.uk

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fas h i on

Back To Nature

KIDS

nd Bra us Foc

THE NEW SOCIETY

Spanish brands are definitely having a moment right now and one of our most recent favourites is The New Society. The SS19 collection is all about nature – from the soft colours and prints to the organic fabrics and strong focus on sustainability. thenewsocietykids.com

MISHA & PUFF

LITTLE ANGELS

Handmade in Peru, Misha & Puff create beautiful knits for all year round

B E L L E E N FA N T

In the most perfect muted colour palette, we’re big fans of the beautifully cut pieces from British brand Belle Enfant. This season, we particularly love the broderie anglaise ‘angel’ dress, which has the sweetest flutter detailing. belleenfant-boutique.com

5 o f t he b e st P I C N I C TI M E EMILE ET IDA, Straw Bag, £62; smallable.com BABE & TESS, Gingham Jumpsuit, £71; smallable.com

BOBO CHOSES, Cherry Sweatshirt, £48; alexandalexa.com

TINYCOTTONS, Braided Sandals, from £53; alexandalexa.com

he wonders of wool. It’s so precious that we wrap our babies in it (who hasn’t saved their little one’s first pair of knitted booties or tiny woollen cardigan?), but many of us don’t realise that it’s not just for cosying up in. Wool regulates temperature, is breathable and wicks moisture away from the body, making it the perfect choice for little ones to wear in every season. Anna Wallak believes in the magic of wool so much that she launched a baby and childrenswear collection inspired by the hand-knits she dressed her son in. She works with a talented team she calls her ‘knitting ladies’ in Lima, Peru. They either knit from home, fitting their work around family life or from the brand’s impressive knitting centre, which provides day care and meals. We love that you will find the knitter’s name in the hang-tag. And these are really pieces to treasure. Knitted using natural fibres (including the softest merino, baby alpaca and pima cotton), each piece is made to last – so you’ll want to pass it down, not just stow it in their memory box. shop.misha-and-puff.com

MILK & SODA, Daisy Sunglasses, £26; smallable.com

June 2019

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S H A P E of S u m m e r Classic polka dots, simple stripes and oversized checks for babies and kids monkind.com

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Sustainable

S T Y L E We meet Cassandra Rhodin, founder of Mini Rodini

CASSANDRA RHODIN

Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E

ewly opened in Westbourne Grove is Mini Rodini’s first stand-alone shop in the UK. The Swedish brand has a cult following in its home country as well as a large fan base in – perhaps surprisingly – South Korea. Now in its 13th year, the brand was founded by illustrator Cassandra Rhodin and has grown organically through Instagram as well as through celebrity support (Orlando Bloom and Penelope Cruz are fans). The brand has a strong focus on sustainability and participates in a living wage scheme at every stage of the production process – and its quirky prints, bright colours and soft fabrics make it a popular one for parents as well as tots.

Q What made you start Mini Rodini? A I was working as a fashion illustrator when I had my son, but I felt ambivalent about the fashion industry. I was quite lonely – I was a young parent and had no friends with children, and I hated waiting for work. I was frustrated that children’s clothes were so gendered – all boys’ clothes had cars on them; all girls’ clothes were pink. Q How did you begin? A I have always been into drawing and I always produce lots of illustrations. I wanted to make clothes that children would want to wear, with fantasy and playfulness. Not miniature versions of adult clothes. Q And what about the brand’s focus on sustainability? A I was never interested in conventional production. I didn’t want to go into this dirty

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fa s h i on KIDS

ALL IMAGES FROM MINI RODINI'S SS19 COLLECTIONS

industry, but now I have 100 employees and we’re part of a living wages programme, because sustainability’s not just about nature – it’s also a social thing. All our cotton is organic and we don’t use factories in Cambodia or Bangladesh. Also, we focus on making our clothes last longer - they are designed to be handed down. In the new shop we will have an area where you can trade in your old pieces. Q Mini Rodini pieces have become very collectible – how do they change hands? A In Sweden, there are actually Facebook groups dedicated to collecting rare pieces and past collections! That happened organically. Q Where do you find inspiration for your drawings? A The current collection is called Tropical Island – I drew it while I was on a tropical island with a very high fever, so it’s a Paracetamol-inspired fantasy. The prints include a monkey playing Madonna on a boombox, bananas wearing sunglasses and crocodiles lurking.

MINI RODINI minirodini.com June 2019

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Helping ensure your little one's food is Just right... The Thermapen First Foods digital thermometer takes the guesswork out of preparing baby food and milk. Quickly and easily know the food you are serving to your little one is at the perfect temperature for them to safely enjoy.

THERMAPEN.CO.UK GET 20% OFF WITH PROMO CODE MAMA-20 VALID UNTIL 30/06/19

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wellness

T H E 5 O ’ C LO C K A P R O N S H A R E S T H R E E R EC I P E S F R O M H E R N E W CO O K B O O K p . 5 8 H OW TO LOV E YO U R P O ST B I R T H B O DY W I T H N I C K Y C LI N C H p .6 2

Bottle Up

• GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE•

Did you know that a lot of traditional sportswear is made from plastic? Each pair of leggings from the Girlfriend Collective is created from 25 recycled postconsumer water bottles (that would otherwise clog landfills and threaten wildlife). girlfriend.com

June 2019

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HE ALTH

BUMP FIT

T E N H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

London-based Ten Health & Fitness offer prenatal pilates classes to help you through the nine months and beyond. With a focus on core stability, strength and overall fitness, they are an excellent way to help your body cope with the changes you’re undergoing and prepare it for the stresses to come. ten.co.uk

mama’s

WELLNESS NOTES Get the glow and the UK’s first baby food subscription service

F R E S H E AT S

SUMMER G LOW

LITTLE TUMMY

Did you know that most baby food in the supermarket is older than your baby? Little Tummy is the first UK baby food subscription service that delivers fresh, paediation-developed meals made with organic ingredients straight to your door. littletummy.co

LUMITY

The sworn secret of beauty industry insiders, Lumity is a two-step formula of targeted nutritional support, full of essential nutrients to sustain optimum health. lumitylife.co.uk

Gut Feel PURE EARTH

Founded by two mums, Pure Earth make naturally fermented sparkling drinks that contain billions of live cultures to help nourish your gut flora and support a healthy digestive system. purearth.co.uk

June 2019

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Caulif lower, Pine Nuts, Parsley & Capers

his is a wonderful combination of ingredients. Slow-cooking the cauliflower brings out its mellow, sweet and earthy flavour. Use short and shapely pasta such as conchiglie, orecchiette, rigatoni or fusilli. This cauliflower is also pretty spectacular simply piled onto toast as a topping for bruschetta.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cauliflower, broken up into walnut-size florets • 50ml (13⁄4 oz) olive oil • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced • Pinch of chilli flakes (optional) • 350g (12oz) pasta • 30g (1oz) pine nuts, toasted • 30g (1oz) capers, roughly chopped • Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped • Juice of 1⁄2 lemon • Generous handful of grated (shredded) parmesan, to serve • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

THE 5 O’CLOCK APRON Chef and food writer Claire Thomson shares three easy recipes from her recent cookbook New Kitchen Basics Photog raphy SA M FOLA N

1 Cook the cauliflower in a large pan of boiling salted water for 5 minutes, until soft. Drain well. Return the pot to the heat and add half the olive oil along with the cauliflower. 2 Add the garlic and some salt. Give the contents of the pan a good stir, put the lid on and cook for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid (add a touch of chilli to taste, if you like) stir and cook for a further 15 minutes, scraping from time-to-time to stop it catching. Do try to keep some chunks of the smaller cauliflower pieces in the mix – a little texture is a good thing. 3 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions until firmly al dente. Drain and return to the pan. 4 Stir the pine nuts, capers and parsley through the cauliflower. Add to the cooked pasta and check the seasoning, adding salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. 5 Drizzle with the remaining oil and sprinkle over the parmesan before serving.

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Roast Cherry Tomatoes

with Baked Ricotta & Pizzette Fritte

his is my favourite sort of eating: convivial, exciting food you want to serve as part of a great big shared lunch or supper. The pizza dough is easy to make; frying the dough in a pan rather than cooking it in the oven brings new texture to an old favourite. As for the baked ricotta and tomatoes: pretty as a picture. Serve the two separately, to scoop up with torn pieces of the pizzette fritte, or pile the cooked tomatoes onto the cooked ricotta and let the juices seep through the baked cheese for 10 minutes before serving. Up to you.

INGREDIENTS

• 175g (6oz) plain (all-purpose) flour • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt • 100ml (31⁄2 oz) warm water • About 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing • 1 teaspoon fast-action dried yeast • 500g (1lb 2oz) ricotta • 1 egg, beaten • 2 tablespoons finely grated (shredded) parmesan, plus extra to serve • Small bunch of soft herbs (such as oregano, marjoram or basil), finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried oregano, plus extra for the pizzette • 500g (1lb 2oz) cherry tomatoes, halved (or use larger ones, quartered) • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed • 1 tablespoon runny honey • Flaky sea salt (optional) • Dried oregano (optional) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan) 170°C/375°F/Gas 5. 3 Brush olive oil over the base and sides of a baking dish large enough to house the ricotta mixture. Mix the ricotta with the egg, parmesan and half the herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish, spread out in an even layer, and bake for about 30 minutes, until puffed in the middle and browning in places. Remove from the oven and keep somewhere warm. 4 While the ricotta is baking, cook the tomatoes. Mix the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the garlic and the honey and season with salt and pepper. Spread out in a snug-fitting oven dish and roast for about 30 minutes, until juicy and bubbling. Remove from the oven, sprinkle over the rest of the herbs, and set aside somewhere warm. 5 Divide the dough into 4 equalsized balls. Roll out each dough ball on an oiled worktop until you have 4 discs about 20cm (8in) in diameter each.

RECIPES

6 Heat a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and have some kitchen tongs at the ready. Use your tongs or hands to carefully lower one of the dough discs into the hot oil, starting closest to you and placing it away from you in case any of the oil splashes. 7 Use the kitchen tongs to press the centre of the dough down as it bubbles up and away from the pan. Cook the first side for about 1 minute, or until golden brown. Then, use the kitchen tongs to carefully flip the dough and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Remove the pizzetta fritte from the pan and set aside to drain on paper towels. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough discs. It’s nice to scatter the cooked fritte with extra salt and some dried oregano when they come out of the pan. 8 Serve the pizzette fritte with spoonfuls of the baked ricotta and tomato. You might want an extra dusting of parmesan too.

“Convivial, exciting food you want to serve as part of a big shared lunch or supper”

DIRECTIONS 1 In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the yeast to form a dough. Tip out onto an oiled worktop and knead for a good few minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Put the dough back in the bowl, cover with a cloth and leave somewhere warm for 45–60 minutes, to rise until just about doubled in size.

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RECIPES

DIRECTIONS

“Tomatoes and aubergine, cooked with honey and paprika, make this dish just the ticket”

Fried Halloumi with Aubergine & Butter Beans

alloumi is often the default cheesy slab to fry or grill (broil). Served as a meaty substitute at a barbecue, like it so often is, this cheese can lack any real interest, save its characteristic squeaky saltiness. Halloumi can also tend to dry out when cooked. As a result, I think it is essential to serve halloumi alongside something full-tasting and unctuous; something that has a bit of moisture to it. Tomatoes and aubergine (eggplant), cooked with honey and paprika, make this dish just the ticket. Serve with pitta or flatbreads to mop.

1 Put 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a pan over a moderate heat. Add the garlic and fry for about 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes, spices, salt and honey and cook for 2 minutes, until starting to thicken. 2 Add the aubergine (eggplant) and 200ml (7 oz) of water and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat slightly to bring the liquid to a simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is lovely and thick and the aubergine is soft and cooked through. Add a splash of water if it dries out before the aubergine is cooked. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary. 3 Stir through the butter (lima) beans and cook for 2 minutes more for the flavours to mingle. Remove from the heat and add the lemon zest, juice and the parsley. Mix together, then put to one side to keep warm. 4 Put the remaining oil in a nonstick frying pan over a moderate heat. Add the halloumi and cook each side for about 1–2 minutes, until golden and crisp. 5 To serve, add the aubergine and butter beans to a wide serving dish and top with the fried halloumi. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with warm pitta breads.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to finish and serve • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped • 1 x 400g (14oz) can of whole plum tomatoes or 400g (14oz) fresh tomatoes • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (not smoked) • 1⁄2 teaspoon chilli flakes • 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to season • 1 tablespoon runny honey • 2 large aubergines (eggplants), peeled and finely diced • 2 x 400g (14oz) cans of butter (lima) beans, drained and rinsed • Zest and juice of 1⁄2 an unwaxed lemon • Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped, plus extra to serve • 450g (1lb) halloumi, cut into 1cm (1⁄2in) slices • Pitta or flatbreads, to serve • Freshly ground black pepper

N EW KITCH EN BAS I C S By Claire Thomson; £25 5oclockapron.com

June 2019

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07/05/2019 11:28

I Loving

Your Postpartum

BODY Transformational coach Nicky Clinch on how to love your body after birth

was convinced I had a great relationship with my body – at least until after I had my second child. After 20 years in recovery from addiction and eating disorders, I believed my work was ‘done’ when it came to feeling at peace with my body. And yet, as I stood in front of the mirror naked, the day I brought my son back from the hospital, I could not believe what I was seeing. Was that really me? How can that be my reflection? I felt horrified by what I saw. I would go as far as to say disgusted. My breasts no longer like breasts, my belly bigger than ever before and the overhang of my belly across my cesarean scar left me nauseated. I felt humiliated, embarrassed and ashamed inside. I felt like a failure. The picture of what is supposed to be normal for us mothers is that we’re meant to ‘spring back’ easily to the bodies we had before our babies. But that is just not the case for so many women. And it was not the case for me. My son was thriving and so was my family, but inside I felt sad and lost. I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I didn’t want to go out and let anyone see me. I hated getting dressed in the morning and the thought of going back to work left me with dread. I hated the way my thighs touched each other when I walked and every time I sat down, the overhang of my belly would flop down and hit my thighs. And I would feel shame, despair and depression. This was my fourth pregnancy in five years! I had lost two babies and birthed two. My body had been through a lot. It was time to start treating it with respect. I pulled out the giant mirror from my bathroom and placed it on the floor in front of me as I sat in my underwear. Slowly, purposefully and lovingly I took my hands and placed them on each part of my body saying

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welln es s TIPS

“And I cried. Tears for the tough labour, tears for the miscarriages, tears for the whole journey of motherhood”

Treat your body like it deserves to be seen – not hidden. Every day, no matter how tired you are, have a shower and take time to moisturise your body, take a few moments to massage your feet, paint your toenails, whatever works for you. But love it. Treat it like it deserves to be seen, not hidden away. It will make a difference.

Body healing. Stand naked in front of a mirror and do the ‘I love you’ exercise I wrote about above. Allow any feelings to arise that need to, so that you can feel them and let them go. You will feel lighter, more loved and it will help you heal.

Buy bigger clothes and underwear. Honestly this one may sound obvious but it’s amazing how many mamas are trying to squeeze back in the same old small sizes, leaving us feeling worse. Buy bigger, feel beautiful in the size you are now. This is a life saver!

4 “I love you, I accept you. Thank you for doing such an amazing job of bringing my son into this world”. My bigger arms, boobs, belly, overhang, cesarean scar “I love you, I accept you. Thank you for doing such an amazing job of bringing my son into this world”. And so I covered my entire body with loving thoughts and intentions. And I cried. Tears for the tough labour, tears for the miscarriages, tears for the whole journey of motherhood. Afterwards I felt lighter and I was ready to start loving and honouring this body I had now. The old me gone. I knew that if I couldn’t love myself right now and fully own who I am in this moment, I wasn’t ever going to be able to fully and truly love myself someday in the future. It had to be now, in this moment – this was it. We get fed such damaging messages around childbirth and our bodies. All we see is the celebrities who step out of the hospital wards

with full hair and make up and perfectly sculpted bodies – you’d never guess they’d ever been pregnant. And how often do we get told that we need to be better, thinner, prettier, richer (this list could go on forever) than we are now just to be loveable, acceptable and good enough. We are enough now. Who we are now, with what we feel, how we look – we are enough. Every time I look at my children I cannot believe they were created by my body. This body I carry is a miracle and instead of focusing on the rolls or the size, I want to focus on the immense power it has to create human life within it. I mean is there anything more incredible than that? Here are some actions I would love to invite you mamas to do, to start loving and honouring your miracle bodies as they are right now.

No more comparison to your past self and to other mums. This is a very, very important one! So be strict with yourself – if you catch yourself making comparisons to other postpartum bodies and making yourself feel bad, stop! Keep the focus on you and where you are now and who you are now.

Move your body. Movement or exercise in whatever way leaves you feeling good about yourself and in whatever way you can whilst being a mama. Movement helps stagnant energy but also helps us to feel more at home in our body, more free in our own skin and it is also a loving self-care act for our health and wellbeing. Don’t do this only to ‘lose weight’ have the intention to love yourself – because you deserve it. nickyclinch.com @nicky_clinch June 2019

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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

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wellness PARTNERSHIP

A LIGHT TOUCH The effect of light on food and drink has been of increasing interest to scientists. Read on to hear how it could be affecting your family

IS THE MILK YOU BUY DELIVERING THE NUTRIENTS YOU EXPECT AND NEED? We expect things to do what they say they will. Cars take us from A to B, Hollywood blockbusters entertain us, and food should be nourishing. We deserve to get what we pay for. What it says on the label, should be exactly what’s in our food. It should be as simple as that. But is it? When it comes to fresh milk, for example, we’re promised that it will nourish our children. We are told that fresh milk will provide our little ones with important nutrients such as calcium, vitamins A, D and B2, also known as

We deserve to get what we pay for. it should be as simple as that.”

THRIVING: CHILDREN NEED SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS

riboflavin. All of these nutrients are essential in order to keep them the healthy, thriving bundles of energy we love.

A LIGHT PROBLEM Yet what you might not know is that light is causing some of these nutrients to degrade. This means that the nutrient-rich milk fresh from the farm may have arrived in your fridge with less of the good stuff than you’d expect. Indoor lights in the supermarket and even the lights in your fridge can damage the vitamins in your milk. Here’s what happens: after just 15 minutes of light exposure, milk tastes different. Then after just two hours of exposure to LED lighting – the type often found in your supermarket coming from

the overhead lights and fridges – fresh milk begins to lose vitamin A. Then, after 16 hours the milk you have in a conventional bottle will have just half the Vitamin A it started with. For young children who really need the nutrients to help them grow and develop healthily, this poses a real problem.

SO, WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? Although it might sound alarming, there’s a simple solution. And, believe it or not, it’s all in the bottle. As consumers, the more clued-up we are the better. Buying milk in light-protected packaging will help keep the nutrients safe and in tact, and ensure you get the nutrition you and your family deserve. Fresh milk protected from light by dairy companies remains fresher and tastier for longer. Plus, you can ensure your little ones are getting exactly what they need. We say: stand up for milk goodness and fight the light.

NOLUMA LIGHT PROTECTI O N Learn more about light damage at lightdamageisreal.com June 2019

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mama’s

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

we love

L OV E LY LO C KS CHÃMPO

Inspired by ancient Indian practices of cleansing, soothing and massaging the head, Chãmpo make powerful haircare products using botanical ingredients. The brand’s ranges are named after three Ayurvedic Dosha types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. From £8.50; champohaircare.com

SEASONS CHANGE BJÖRK & BERRIES

Inspired by the everchanging seasons in Sweden, we’re big fans of the clean, natural and organic skincare from Björk & Berries. The eco luxury brand’s new bath salts are made from heavenly handpicked flowers and herbs from the gardens at Fäviken, in the north of the country. £28.69; bjorkandberries.com

Burn Baby EYM

With many candles containing potentially harmful chemicals, it’s refreshing to find a 100% natural and chemical free brand. We love eym’s scents (‘Soul’ is made from essential oils including neroli, orange blossom and ylang ylang) and their super-cool minimal packaging. £39; eymnaturals.com

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Green Clean

BE AUT Y

n Salo w e i Rev

BY SARAH

Supercharge your beauty regime in time for summer with By Sarah’s Green Clay Face Mask. It contains a powerful, aromatic blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients including French green clay, organic moringa (known as the miracle tree) and organic matcha tea. £29.50; bysarahlondon.com

MASAJ

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

IN PRINT C O W S H E D X E T TA L OV E S

We love this limited edition gift set created in collaboration by Etta Loves and Cowshed. The perfect gift for mamas-to-be, it contains an exclusive printed muslin (designed to stimulate babies’ visual and cognitive development) and Cowshed’s Baby Cow Frothy Hair & Body Wash. £25; cowshed.com

5 of t he b e st BA BY WAS H C L OT H S MERAKI MINI Set of 3 Organic Cotton Washcloths, £19.25; trouva.com

CAM CAM COPENHAGEN, Wash Glove, £7.50; camcamcopenhagen.com KONGES SLØJD Wash Mitt, £22.95; scandiborn.co.uk

LIEWOOD, Rose Washcloth Pack, £20.95; scandiborn.co.uk

co-friendly massage studio, MASAJ, have recently settled into a cool new space in the community of shipping containers in Gossamer Gardens, East London. Their philosophy is to make massage accessible to everyone, with very reasonable pricing and extended opening hours (so you can visit before work or even just before bedtime, if it takes your fancy). I was booked in for ‘No.1’ on their treatment menu, a full body massage with a focus on deep relaxation and it was just as dreamy as it sounds. My therapist used one of MASAJ’s bespoke essential oil blends, a heady mix designed to promote circulation. The pressure was completely tailored to my preferences and particular problem areas. I loved their new treatment pods. With a Scandi-minimal feel, MASAJ have thought of everything from a wardrobe area to hang your clothes to a little dish of hairbands, in case you forgot yours. I exited via the shop (where you can pick up a great curation of eco-friendly beauty products from the likes of Haeckles and By Sarah London) feeling ten times lighter. masaj.me

FABELAB, Set of 3 Organic Cotton Washcloths, £12.10; fabelab.myshopify.com

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Sweet Dreams

• GIOVANNA FLETCHER X NEXT•

Author, blogger and presenter Giovanna Fletcher has teamed up with Next to create an exclusive bedding collection. Aimed at helping little ones to get excited about bedtime, we love the ‘Are we bear yet?’ set which is inspired by woodland adventures. From £30; next.co.uk

June 2019

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N U R S E RY NOTES Interiors inspiration for the hardest-working room in your home Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

SIDE BY S I D E LEANDER

We love the Linea side-byside crib from Leander. Almost architectural in appearance, the side can be lowered to allow comfortable access. It has wheels too, so it can be easily moved from room to room. £319; naturalbabyshower.co.uk

we love F LOW E R P OW E R TOB S AND ROR

The rattan trend continues with the gorgeous Daisy chair. The backrest is formed of fanned petals and it comes with a custom-fit cushion. Handmade to the highest spec, this one is built to last. £175; tobsandror.com

Launch Pad GUS AND BEAU Designed to complement a modern interior scheme, Gus & Beau’s new playmats come in grey and white with circle and triangle patterns. Plush, nontoxic and wipe-clean, they’re roughand-tumble ready! £65; gusandbeau.co

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NURSERIES

d bran s focu

Sleep Pod A N G E L B A BY B OX

This is the first ergonomically designed, multi-functional pod for babies aged 0-6 months – serving as a cosy place to sleep as well as a changing and play mat. It folds away neatly too, in a single easy step. £200; angel-babybox.com

MURO

Creating beautiful educational play-centres for children to explore

SHELF LIFE STRING

The modular String storage system can be adapted perfectly for a kids room. From building a library wall or display shelving, to making a design feature of a study area, it’s a grown-up way to make use of pockets of space. Starts at £81; mamasandpapas.com

5 of t he b e st K I D’ S RU G S LORENA CANALS Naador Rug, £192; smallable.com

BOBBY RABBIT Tennis Rug, £175; bobbyrabbit.co.uk EO Bear Carpet, €160; eo.dk/shop

SMALLABLE HOME Leopard Head Rug, £32; smallable.com

e’re always open to alternative approaches to learning, especially when they emphasise the importance of sensory development, natural materials and sustainable design. Busy boards and boxes have long been a favourite with Montessori educators for the way they engage little ones’ imaginations, encouraging them to explore the possibilities of a number of mechanical toys in a single, cleverly contained space. So how great would it be if you could design a busy box that could evolve endlessly? Step forward Muro. This Londonbased startup was founded by two brothers who saw an opening for beautifully crafted busy boards and boxes with a clever difference: a peg system that allows users to attach, remove and reconfigure a range of custom-designed toys, from cog-wheels and xylophone keys to construction sets and lettered discs. The result is an investment toy that can grow and change with your child, adapting in moments to their interests and developmental stages. It doesn’t hurt that they come in a range of sizes and at various price points, and that they’re lovely to look at. mymuro.com

BLOOMINGVILLE Kids Racing Track Carpet, £76; smallable.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the world has been stuck in the world of boring neutrals for far too long. I am all about colour and patternsâ&#x20AC;?

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

Extract for th

Ryla

P L AY I N G HOUSE Mama tours interior designer Lucinda Sandford’s stylish Fulham home

Interview PENDLE HARTE

Q: When did you move into your house and what was it like when you bought it? A: We moved in to the top half 5 years ago and then we started the basement dig and ground floor. Q: What did you do to change it? A: We structurally changed this Victorian terrace to create more space and light into the home. The whole home has been entirely reworked. As an interior designer and master builder, I believe in fully integrating the design and build from start to finish. We dug to the basement that follows the footprint of the house and extended into the side return and converted the loft. We also rearranged the internal layout, in place of the usual two rooms on either side of the front door we enlarged the existing sitting room and turned what remained of the second reception room

into an L-shaped entrance hall, installing a run of cupboards at the far end. I added two floor-to-ceiling glazed panels in the wall that separated the new sitting room from the entrance hall and positioned the staircase which would normally be opposite the front door around the corner of the L-shape and opposite the new glazed door that leads into the sitting room. All of this was done to avoid the dark tunnel effect typical of a Victorian terraced house. Q: There is lots of pattern everywhere, and a striking wallpapered corridor. What are your thoughts on making patterns work? A: I think the world has been stuck in the world of boring neutrals for far too long. I am all about colour and patterns – I believe heavy patterns are far better for hiding the effects of daily life and they are perfect for homes

with children. I am a big believer that people should have more fun with patterns and layering them up. I love using patterns in a home, patterns and florals are a great way to create interest and charm, as well as to zone areas and make people smile. Q: We notice the internal glass doors – they are beautiful and a clever way of dividing spaces. Tell us your thoughts on them? A: I don’t think open plan really works in life but I like spaces to connect and also that you can see from one room to another – little invitations in. Q: Your kitchen has been extended. What was it like originally? What did you change? A: To create this bright family kitchen, we dug down to lower the floor and used glass June 2019

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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

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05/03/2019 06/02/2018 11:58 15:47

h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

pannels and doors to embrace a new staircase and sitting room. We went for a traditional look in the kitchen and used antique mirrored tiles for the splashbacks on both sides of the kitchen, a modern splashback would have been too clinical. Q: Is that gloss paint in your sitting room? A: The paint is certainly gloss. I wanted to use a deep red for the sitting room but in gloss not matt, which is an unusual choice. I wanted to add additional visual interest. My husband and painter thought I was mad for choosing red gloss but in the end they were won over. The interesting part of the design was doing the matt cornice with a contract. Q: Your business is more than traditional interior design, involving builds and potentially planning applications. Can you explain how you work? A: “Master Builder” is what describes Lucinda Sanford best – we take a house from concept to construction to completion. We are the masters of combining all the elements needed to make a property and turn it into a home. We can oversee the entire process – submit the planning, oversee the engineers and the surveyors, and tie everything together. We have covered a range of London properties – I loved working on a new build apartment in Marylebone that was extremely modern in design.

“I do not believe homes should be over-styled” Q: Can you describe your signature style? A: At the heart of my design is enthusiasm for a good layout. I am a complete layout addict, which is where the business’s architectural arm comes in. I love nothing more than working and reworking floorplans to make them suit each family. Even my own work still amazes me: despite the number of terraced houses I have worked on, they always end up with different layouts to suit their different owners. You may need to tweak your house, update it and edit it but when you design a house, its bone structure should stand the test of time. It’s easy for clients

to get lost in their current moment and forget the future. Designing a home for babies won’t stand the test of time: children are children/ teens and young adults for longer than they are babies. A key part of the work we do is the decoration, not the soft furnishing but the painting and architectural joinery. Q: Where do people go wrong with their interiors? A: I always tell clients they don’t need to be ashamed and hide a radiator, a speaker or a television – we are all allowed to keep warm, listen to music and watch television. We always look at practicality and real life, a home should be a home and that means a real reflection of the people who live there and how they live in it. I often challenge my clients with their choices and I have a practical approach that they appreciate. I do not believe that homes should be over-styled. Also, I love colour. There is a place for neutrality, but colour and pattern are something that people are really missing out on. I just love the combination of different patterns and materials. June 2019

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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.

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Coast Life • CHIA LAGUNA•

Situated on a stunning lagoon on Sardinia’s southern coast, this resort village features four distinct hotels designed with families firmly in mind. Nowhere is this more evident than in the kid’s club, with its focus on mindfulness for little ones, and the dance and football academies. chialagunaresort.com

June 2019

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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

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INSPIRATIONS

TURKISH DELIGHT HILLSIDE

The luxury beach club in Fethiye is surrounded by pine forests and sparkling turquoise waters. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with three restaurants, two spas, watersports and a kid’s club for 4-10 year olds. hillsidebeachclub.com/en

mama’s

T R AV E L NOTES The most exciting destinations at home and abroad

PRE-SCHOOL COOL

we love

M A M A S & PA PA S

Littles will love these animal backpacks for keeping their treasures safe while on the move. Choose from a unicorn, a ladybird or this cheery green frog. Parents will appreciate being able to rein roving toddlers in with the integrated safety harness. £20 mamasandpapas.com

MARTINHAL

Martinhal’s new family package (for kids aged 3-5) includes a free session at the kid’s club, two hours’ babysitting and a spa treatment. Choose from five different resort properties from Lisbon to the coast. martinhal.com

3 f o r s u r f i n g i n D E VO N & C O R N WA L L Gara Rock

Watergate Bay

Beach Retreats

Boutique at its best, with spacious, beach-chic apartments and cottages for families. Sited on the Salcombe coast near to breathtaking Bantham Beach – the heart of the South Devon surf scene.

The large suites, dedicated kids’ zone, babysitting services and holiday clubs – not to mention the nearby surf spots – make this the best-appointed (and most popular) family hotel in Cornwall. Book ahead.

Beach Retreats cherry-pick the best contemporary villas with excellent local amenities. And if you were hoping to stay at Watergate Bay but can’t get booked in? Beach Retreats offer plenty of amazing properties in the immediate area.

farandwild.travel

watergatebay.co.uk

beachretreats.co.uk

D E VO N

C O R N WA L L

LEAP FROG

GARA ROCK

C O R N WA L L

June 2019

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Best For Facilities

T H E G R OV E The Hotel

THE GROVE SEQUOIA SPA POOL

Just

Relax

Absolutely Mama discovers the spa destinations to bookmark this year

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

Home to one of the UK’s most prestigious golf courses and the former seat of the Earls of Clarendon, The Grove offers luxury on a palatial scale. It’s an oasis on London’s northwest fringe, and we mean that literally: at its heart is a beautiful walled garden enclosing lawns, a man-made beach and an exceptionally inviting outdoor pool. There’s also a charming conservatory that runs the width of the garden. Decked out in luxe industrial style, it houses a jungle’s worth of exotic plants, a supervised kids’ play area, an indoor family pool and the newly refurbished Glasshouse restaurant.

The Spa

The Grove is all about facilitating full relaxation, and nowhere is this more apparent than the award-winning spa – definitely one of the best we’ve visited. The styling is sleekly contemporary throughout, and facilities include heat

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SPAS

THE GROVE MANSION

experience and relaxation rooms, a vitality pool and stunning black mosaic-tiled indoor pool. Guests can benefit from a huge range of tailored treatments and packages; my massage made use of a detoxifying scrub and hot-stone therapy, and left me feeling beyond rejuvenated.

Facilities for families

To make full use of the hotel’s amenities, book younger kids into Anoushka’s, the on-site, Ofstedregistered day nursery, which doubles as the hotel’s creche. Our littlest loved the newborn ducklings and soon made friends with the class. It’s not just babysitting though: fun and inspired touches show that family needs have been given ample consideration throughout the hotel, from complimentary swim nappies in the family pool changing rooms to mini bathrobes and Petit Prince toiletries in the rooms. Speaking of which, the accommodation is excellent for families: rooms are spacious and you can book adjacent ones, so that everyone has enough space while remaining happily connected.

Family dining at The Stables restaurant was another win: our girls were gifted activity packs which saw them happily through until their desserts of jelly, ice cream and cookies, meaning we adults could actually savour our meals. And when morning comes? You can plan your day around a range of activities, from nature trails and hawking to cycling and tennis. Alternatively, you could book the creche again and slip back to the spa...  Rooms at The Grove start at £325 per night; thegrove.com

CLOUD TWELVE SALON

“It’s an oasis on London’s northwest fringe, and we mean that literally”

Best In London

C LO U D T W E LV E The deal

Cloud Twelve is one of a kind. A stylish wellness and lifestyle club set over three extensive floors in the heart of Notting Hill, it’s our new number one place to head for an indulgent spa day without leaving the capital. The wellness clinic, spa treatments and vegan brasserie are open to non-members, while members can make use of the amazingly designed family space, which includes activity classroom and a magic forest-themed playground. Developed in conjunction with an Early Years specialist, the latter is designed to inspire parents and children to play and explore together or independently. Every detail seems to have been considered – and if you want to enjoy a bit of me-time, Ofsted-registered play buddies are on hand to take care of the children. June 2019

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FOUR SEASONS INDOOR POOL

The treatment

I booked a massage on the Dolomites quartz treatment bed and it was every bit as luxurious as it sounds – not least because I knew my toddler was having a whale of a time in the family space. (In fact, if I’d known just how great a time – I eventually had to physically prise her away in order to leave – I may have spent longer in the sauna, steam and salt rooms.) The wellness clinic and spa offer a bountiful range of specialist treatments, from counselling and coaching to colonic hydrotherapy, and there’s a sleek hair and nail salon on site, too, which uses Aveda products and vegan nail brands. A new bar has been set.  cloudtwelve.co.uk Best Indoor Pool

FOUR SEASONS HAMPSHIRE The deal

In easy reach of London, this upscale hotel prides itself on blending old-world elegance with contemporary amenities. Rooms are decorated in a classically English style, many with sweeping views over the surrounding estate, where a host of family-friendly activities await. Spend your days horse-riding, taking canal boat trips, having highwire adventures among the estate’s treetops or relaxing in the luxurious setting of Wild Carrot restaurant.

SPA

Best For A Babymoon

THYME The deal

The spa

The spa at the Four Seasons has you covered, whatever your chosen indulgence. Set in a converted 18th century stable block, it offers a range of treatments from the classic to the progressive, and has a VIP couple’s suite for those enjoying a romantic break. There’s a healthy cafe, sauna and hammam facilities, and two brilliantly designed indoor pools – one for adults and one, Sharkie’s Reef, for families. The latter features water slides and aqua play equipment that’s guaranteed to exhaust the most hyperactive little ones while their parents take a soothing swim nearby.  Rooms at the Four Seasons, Hampshire, start at £325 per room, per night fourseasons.com/hampshire

“The walled garden shelters what must be one of the most quietly lovely swimming pools in the country ”

Designed as a ‘village within a village’, Thyme is comprised of a cluster of historic buildings linked by beautiful gardens. The vibe is one of quiet sophistication and rural tranquility, with no children permitted – so it’s ideal for a babymoon or date break. The hotel offers stylishly appointed accommodation in rooms within the old manorial quarters, and there are two standalone cottages for those who prefer a little more privacy – one on the main site and one a short walk away. The Ox Barn restaurant is nationally renowned, much of its produce supplied by the estate’s own 150-acre working farm and kitchen garden, and for those who want to take some of the culinary magic home with them, there’s a full programme of cookery courses led by Thyme’s own chefs and special guests.

The spa

In keeping with the serene ambiance of the wider estate, the Meadow Spa offers a mellow atmosphere and services that draw on ‘a love of the land’. Treatments use products by Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, emphasising natural ingredients and a scientifically informed approach, while the walled garden beyond the treatment rooms shelters what must be one of the most quietly lovely swimming pools in the country. A balm for the soul as much as a haven for the body, the Meadow Spa at Thyme is peerlessly elegant – and just what you need when you can spare a day or two away from the fam.  Rooms at Thyme start at £325 per night including breakfast thyme.co.uk

THYME OUTDOOR POOL

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“Gary’s menagerie is lovingly maintained, to the extent that it includes animals not usually thought of as tame or domesticated”

GO WILD Whether or not you have the weather, Gwel an Mor is an excellent Cornish family destination Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E

ne of life’s greatest happinesses is when your trip to Cornwall coincides with a heatwave. The long tidal beach at Portreath is a wonderful place to spread out on the sand, or coast a wave on a bodyboard. It’s a popular spot but less crowded than some of Cornwall’s hotspots and it’s easily worth the punishing drive from London. At first, Gwel an Mor resort strikes us as alpine – clusters of wooden chalets with pitched roofs and cheery yellow painted window frames remind us of Switzerland, but we’re not staying in the main site. Slightly set apart is the newer Residence Collection, whose single-storey, wood-clad lodges are spacious and slightly futuristic, not Swiss

so much as maybe virtual reality. Our wide decked terrace faces a wide open field and isn’t overlooked by anyone – immediately we throw open the bi-fold doors and the place is filled with sunlight. While Gwel an Mor, like most places, is better in the sunshine, it’s not absolutely necessary – and of course you’re quite likely not to have great weather. No matter – they have thought of that. The interior is comfortable, complete with wood burner, squishy sofas and large television for when you’re indoors, and a bubbling sunken hot tub on the decking that makes the terrace useable in all weathers. And if you have small children to entertain on a rainy day, there’s a vast soft play barn with its own Clip’n’Climb franchise as well an indoor pool and an extensive programme of activities, including archery, fishing and more. We’re signed up for Meet the Animals at 10am on Sunday and I’m expecting bunnies,

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maybe goats, probably chickens. We are slightly surprised to find adults with no children among the group, but when we get to the end of the tour, we’re amazed to discover that two hours have passed. This is no ordinary hamster-handling exercise. Gary is a real animal-whisperer, a charismatic fount of knowledge and enthusiasm about everything to do with animals – he’s less keen on the people who fail to look after them properly. We start with pygmy goats before meeting an emu (“she’s so attached to me that she won’t eat when I’m here”) and some exotic chickens; then there are reindeer (it’s not even Christmas) and inside the barn ferrets and a weasel, rats and a snake, which we are all invited to hold. Gary’s menagerie is lovingly maintained, to the extent that it includes animals not usually thought of as tame or domesticated. Before we see the foxes we are told to keep our voices down and not to frighten them. Yes, there are foxes – and

“It’s hard to think of anywhere that caters better to families, with every detail taken care of – comfort for adults and entertainment for kids”

under Gary’s expert guidance, we are all able to stroke them, hand-feed them and even – this is no joke – to be kissed by them. We bend our faces and Mr Fox reaches out his nose and actually kisses us. For those of us used to the mangy zombie foxes that skulk around London, it’s a revelation. No wonder fox fur coats used to be so popular, someone points out – the softness is amazing. After the foxes, we admire a whiter-than-white fluffy barn owl, which swoops over our heads and lands on its special glove. It’s a short walk down a dreamy bluebelllined path to the beach, and a popular, unreconstructed beach cafe occupies the premium spot and serves up hearty burgers and chips. Dinner at Gwel an Mor’s Terrace restaurant is more refined while remaining acceptable for children of all dietary persuasions (the kids’ menu is pitched just right). We enjoy seafood linguini and fish and chips, and the next day we order takeaway pizza to our lodge, after a lengthy massage at the relaxing spa. It’s hard to think of anywhere that caters better to families, with every detail taken care of – comfort for adults and entertainment for tots. Don’t let the drive put you off.

GW E L A N M O R LUXU RY R E S O R T Feadon Lane, Portreath, Cornwall TR16 4PE 01209 842 354 gwelanmor.com June 2019

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ “My favourite thing about Dallington School is that the teachers and students are very friendly and positive, there is a brilliant atmosphere in the classroom” - Johan “I think Dallington teaches you in a way no other school does and I really enjoy that” - Alex Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday. Next Open Evening: Thursday 16th May 2019 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher: Maria Blake Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk USE.indd 1

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resources P R EG N A N CY, H AV I N G BA B I E S A N D M OV I N G H O U S E p . 8 9 A P P LY I N G M O N T E S S O R I M E T H O D S I N YO U R DAY-TO - DAY PA R E N T I N G p . 91

Language Learning • ONE THIRD STORIES •

This brilliant concept uses Clockwork methodology to familiarise kids with new languages. The ‘story boxes’ contain custom-created storybooks that start in English and introduce words in a different language – always in contexts that make the meaning apparent. Bravo! onethirdstories.com

June 2019

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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. To reserve your place at our launch event Search...

PGPREP

or visit princesgardensprep.co.uk/education

Prepared for everything.

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mama

PROMOTION

“Is the area you live in one you can imagine bringing up children in? And – fundamentally – can you afford a house there?”

ASK AN EXPERT

TRUTHS

Home

Help! I’m pregnant – do I need to move house?

t’s tempting, on finding out that you’re pregnant, to want to plan everything immediately. There’s so much to do - from shortlisting baby names to rethinking your work arrangements, to designing the nursery. But wait – maybe you don’t have a nursery. If you and your partner are, like many first time parents, living in a small flat, then shopping for cots, carseats and babygros might seem a little overwhelming. Where are we going to put it all? Do we need to move? In the long term, the answer is of course yes. But right now, as you stick your grainy scan photograph to the fridge in what you newly notice is distinctly not a family kitchen, moving house can safely move to the bottom of your to-do list. Because there’s a whole

pregnancy to get through: several long months during which you are likely to swing through as many moods and emotions as there are celebrity-penned books about bumps. Putting your property on the market is not likely to be the best use of your energy at this point, and with no experience of family life it will be hard to know what to look for in your next home. Even once the baby is born, there’s time. Babies sleep in small baskets next to your bed. They don’t spread lego all over the floor and they don’t have their friends over. For several months, your tiny addition will easily fit into your existing space. Paul Harris, Sales Assistant Manager at KFH’s Clapham Common office knows the feeling all too well. When he and his wife discovered they were having twins, they were

living in a two-bedroom garden flat in Wimbledon. He said: “We went for planning permission and thought we’d be able to manage, but soon after they were born, reality set in. We realised that even with the extension it was never going to be enough space. The amount of stuff – two cots, two of everything – was overwhelming.” They sold up and moved out when the babies were about four months old. “If we’d only had one baby, we would have held out for longer,” he admits. Once you have adjusted to your new life and you have a baby who sleeps, the issue of moving house will inevitably rear its head. And then there really will be lots of things to think about. Is the area you live in one you can imagine bringing up children in? Is there a park? Is there a friendly community with mum and baby groups? Are there any nurseries nearby? And – fundamentally – can you afford a house there? While it might be a bit premature to start thinking about schools, it won’t be for long – and for Paul, schools were certainly a factor in his decision to move to Wallingford. It’s worth thinking about where you want your family to put its roots down. Maybe you’re picturing a move out of London altogether one day. But all of these thoughts don’t have to break your brain now. Because if you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, then relax. You’re only at the beginning. When you are ready to make the move, a KFH expert is on hand to guide you on every step of the way. Find your local branch at kfh .co.uk June 2019

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A family favourite for over 35 years! New super-soft cloth book

DearZooandFriends.com

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Fresh

START Recalibrate your approach to parenting with the Montessori method

Extracted from The Montessori Toddler b y S I M O N E D AV I E S

ew are the parents who haven’t heaved a weary sigh when faced with an irate toddler. The choice is often between conceding to a little one’s demands or adopting a sterner tone – with predictably questionable results. But what if there was a better way? The Montessori method is built on trusting children’s motivations and giving them the freedom to guide their own development. In her brilliant new book, The Montessori Toddler, Simone Davies explains how the ethos can help us to better understand our toddlers, allowing us to enable their development in patient, productive ways. The result is a calmer child with more confidence to resolve her or his frustrations. Using principles drawn from a century of Montessori success (not to mention her own years of experience running popular website The Montessori Notebook and the Jacaranda Tree Montessori playgroup in Amsterdam), Davies’ book is a refresher course in infant motivations. Read on for some valuable insights from one of the book’s key sections: ‘What We Need to Know About Toddlers’.

oddlers need to say “no”. One of the most important developmental phases a toddler passes through is the ‘crisis of self-affirmation’. Between 18 months and 3 years, children realize that their identity is separate from their parents’ and they begin to desire more autonomy. At the same time they begin to say “no”, they begin to use the personal pronoun I. This movement toward independence does not come easily. Some days they will

push us away, wanting to do everything by themselves; other days they will refuse to do anything at all or will cling to us. Toddlers need to move. Just as an animal does not like to be caged, our toddlers will not sit still for long. They want to keep mastering movement. Once standing, they move on to climbing and walking. Once walking, they want to run and to move heavy objects—the heavier the better. There is even a name for the desire to challenge themselves to the highest level by, for example, carrying big objects or moving heavy bags and furniture: maximum effort. Toddlers need to explore and discover the world around them. The Montessori approach recommends that we accept this, set up our spaces for our child to safely explore, get them involved in daily life activities that involve all their senses, and allow them to explore the outdoors. Let them dig in the dirt, take off their shoes in the grass, splash in the water, and run in the rain. Toddlers need freedom. This freedom will help them grow to be curious learners, to experience things for themselves, to make discoveries, and to feel they have control over themselves. Toddlers need limits. These limits will keep them safe, teach them to respect others and June 2019

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Hawkesdown House School

For Boys & Girls aged 2 to 11 years

OPEN MORNING

Thursday 6th June 2019 9.15 am or 10.15 am Please telephone the School to register for a place

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

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Sylvia’s Happy Childcare is homebased nursery in Queen’s Park. Our aims are to provide outstanding Early Years Education for children through creative hands-on play and learning experiences in a stimulating, safe and relaxed environment. We want children to feel excited about learning and aim to give them a positive first experience of life.

We are open 50 weeks of the year including school holidays

Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 6:00pm To arrange an appointment to view our nursery or for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

www.sylviashappychildcare.london SDC.indd 1

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their environment, and help them become responsible human beings. Limits also help the adult step in before a boundary has been crossed to avoid the all-too-familiar shouting, anger, and blame. The Montessori approach is neither permissive nor bossy. Instead, it teaches parents to be calm leaders for our children. Toddlers need order and consistency. Toddlers prefer things to be exactly the same every day—the same routine, things in the same place, and the same rules. It helps them understand, make sense of their world, and know what to expect. When limits are not consistent, toddlers will keep testing them to see what we decide today. If they find it works to nag or melt down, they will try again. This is called intermittent reinforcement. If we understand this need, we can have more patience, more understanding. And when we aren’t able to provide the same thing every day, we will be able to anticipate that they may need additional support. We won’t think they are being silly; we’ll be able to see from their perspective that it’s not the way they were hoping it would be. We can offer them help to calm down and, once they’re calm, help them find a solution. Toddlers are not giving us a hard time.

get to eight, we’ll see them start to respond. Toddlers need to communicate. Our children try to communicate with us in many ways. Babies gurgle and we can gurgle back; young toddlers will babble and we can show an interest in what they are saying; older toddlers love asking and answering questions; and we can give rich language, even to these young children, to absorb like a sponge. Toddlers love mastery. Toddlers love to repeat skills until they master them. Observe them and notice what they are working to master. Usually it is something hard enough to be challenging but not so difficult that they give up. They’ll repeat and repeat the process until they perfect it. Once they’ve mastered it, they move on. Toddlers like to contribute and be part of the family. They seem to be more interested in the objects their parents use than they are in their toys. They really like to work alongside us as we prepare food, do the laundry, get ready for visitors, and the like. When we allow more time, set things up for success, and lower our expectations of the outcome, we teach our young child a lot about being a contributing member of the family. These are things that they will build on as they become schoolchildren and teenagers.

“Toddlers are not giving us a hard time. They are having a hard time ”

They are having a hard time. I love this idea (attributed to educator Jean Rosenberg in the New York Times article ‘Seeing Tantrums as Distress, Not Defiance’). When we realize their difficult behavior is actually a cry for help, we can ask ourselves, How can I be of help right now? We move from feeling attacked to searching for a way to be supportive. Toddlers are impulsive. Their prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that houses our self-control and decision-making centers) is still developing (and will be for another twenty years). This means we may need to guide them if they are climbing on the table again or grabbing something out of someone’s hands, and be patient if they become emotional. I like to say, “we need to be their prefrontal cortex”. Toddlers need time to process what we are saying. Instead of repeatedly telling our child to put on their shoes, we can count to ten in our head to allow them time to process our request. Often, by the time we

themontessorinotebook.com @themontessorinotebook June 2019

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Henrietta NORTON

BSc DipNT; Harley Street Nutritional Therapist and Founder of Wild Nutrition wildnutrition.com

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

Parenting and medical professionals answer some of your most pressing questions

Q Can my diet improve breastmilk production? A Making breast milk is an energyhungry process for your body and it requires the support of a healthy diet. During breastfeeding you will need to consume an extra 500 calories per day for the first six months. Eating a diet to support your blood sugar will support milk production as well as your energy levels. When blood sugar drops too low from not following a balanced diet low in refined sugars or carbohydrates, eating will trigger stress hormones. This, in turn, reduces the production of hormones that initiate milk supply and the ‘let-down’ reflex when your baby is brought to the breast. Eat little and often, preferably aim for three main meals and two snacks per day. Keep hydrated - drink around 6–8 glasses of water or herbal tea a day. Consuming essential fatty acids remains as vital in breastfeeding as in pregnancy for the healthy development of your baby’s brain and eyes. You may also benefit from taking an omega 3 supplement, especially if you do not like to eat fish. What about supplements? The Department of Health recommends specific nutrients which are required in greater quantity during breastfeeding. A supplement designed to support breastfeeding (such as Wild Nutrition’s BreastFeeding Complex) can ameliorate your intake of important nutrients for breastfeeding and recovery from birth, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian. In order to support our babies, we, as mothers, require energy and enough of the right hormones in order to improve milk quality, and where necessary, milk quantity.

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reso ur c es ADVICE

Heather MORRIS

Heather Morris is a registered general nurse and state certified midwife. She is mum to Freddy, Harry and Jack. metanium.co.uk

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

nappy area thoroughly using plain water or alcohol and fragrance free wipes. Don’t use talcum powder as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin. Try to bath your baby every day, but don’t use soap or bubble bath. Gently pat rather than rub your baby’s bottom dry and avoid vigorous rubbing. Use a suitable barrier ointment at each nappy change. Most mild cases of nappy rash can be easily treated with an ointment from your pharmacy and following this skincare routine, but if you are worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

“COMMIT TO OPEN COMMUNICATION AND PRIORITISE INTIMATE TIME THROUGHOUT YOUR CYCLE”

Dr Larisa CORDA

Dr Larisa Corda is an obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility expert on ITV’s This Morning. drlarisacorda.com Q What are the top tips you’d give to someone wanting to get pregnant? A Most people are led to believe that getting pregnant is something that should happen naturally and quite soon after they set out to. But the truth is that you should start a lot earlier. Studies show that the lifestyle we lead not only influences our health, but also the health of our future children. The five main pillars of this lifestyle approach are featured in The Conception Plan, as followed by three of our couples on This Morning, each struggling to have a baby:

DIET: This needs to be as clean, unprocessed, nutritionally dense and as organic as possible. EXERCISE: A minimum of 150 minutes per week is required as a mix of aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (resistance) training, to improve blood flow to your pelvis and maintain a healthy weight. ENVIRONMENT: Aim to make this as toxin free as possible, from the food you eat, to what you use to prepare it, to products you use around the house and on yourself, eliminating as many of the harmful synthetic substances as you can. STRESS: It’s crucial that you become aware of any stress you carry and invest in dealing with this, whether it’s via counselling or hypnosis or acupuncture or reiki, you must align your mind and soul with what you’re asking your body to do. RELATIONSHIP: You must commit to free and open communication with your partner and prioritise intimate time together, including sex, not just around ovulation but throughout your cycle. June 2019

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We’re here to help when you and your family are ready to find your new home. Visit kfh.co.uk 9864_KFH_Spring Campaign_Absolutely Mama_Banner_420x28_art_v2.indd 1

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

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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

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

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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reso urces DIRECTORY

London. Property. We get it. 07/05/2019 10:37

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

Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann’s Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729

Hatching Dragons Westminster Units 3&4 Westminster Quarter, 2 Monck street, London, SW1P 2BQ 0203 912 2902

The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373

Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee’s Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668

Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450

W EST Little Chepstow Nursery 108 Lancaster Road, W11 1QS 0207 243 0243 Rolfe’s Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London, W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London, W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London, W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323 Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646 Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697 Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196 Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044 The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848

Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794 Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Lane, Fulham Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303 Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060 Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227 Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945

Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303

The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806

One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065

Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142

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

Hatching Dragons Twickenham 2 The Green, Twickenham, London, TW2 5AA 0203 912 2901

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

June 2019

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TRIED & TESTED

IN-DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT

r e s ou rces REVIEWS

Elvie Trainer

R e v i e w e d b y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

in. The style is also available in a cool indigo denim, black python, and black leather (for the non veggies and vegans!). The only downside I would say is that it could perhaps offer one more external pocket. Other than that, this is the perfect bag for mamas who want something lightweight and comfortable. I love that it’s completely unisex, so dads will feel comfortable carrying it too.

hen I think of pelvic floor trainers, it tends to fill me with dread much more than excitement, but I had heard lots of great things about the award-winning Elvie. Firstly, the styling is spot-on. The brand behind the clever gadget have managed to create something that looks super sleek and the app is beautifully designed and easy to use. Setting it up was a bit like getting a new phone – once I had charged the device and connected it via Bluetooth to the app, I was ready to go. My first try was a bit harder than I had anticipated. The app took me through several games, where the goal was to move a jewel-like shape up and down the screen, above a line and hit targets (like I was playing Mario). It was surprisingly fun and my naturally competitive nature meant that I was keen to beat my initial score of ‘keep trying’. The app suggested three workouts a week and within a few tries I could see my results improving. Pelvic floor exercises are notoriously difficult to get right on your own and I love how the Elvie provides reassurance that you’re doing it correctly. It’s also great for making sure that you actually do them! The app sends you notifications to remind you and the workout only takes a few minutes each time. Definitely worth the investment for mamas and mums-to-be.

 £140; jemandbea.com

 £169; elvie.com

Jem + Bea Jamie Changing Backpack

R e v i e w e d b y J E S S I C A S H A LT O U T

inding the right changing bag can be a challenge. I am on my fourth in two years, but I think this one is here to stay! The effortlessly stylish Jem + Bea do not let themselves down with the Jamie Python in grey. Being a vegetarian, and suffering with a bad back, I have been on the hunt for a lightweight, ethically made changing bag for some time. Often the ones I like are made from leather, and I am faced with a conflict of interest. This time however, I managed to find one that not only looked the part, but feels light and guilt-free! It comes with a generous front pocket for all your little bits, and inside are two pockets for nappies and wipes, or bottles. There is also an internal zipped pocket and an external thermoinsulated side pocket too, that allows easy access for a drink. It comes equipped with a changing mat and purse to put your personal belongings

“The perfect bag for mamas who want something lightweight and comfortable”

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges this baby carrier as a hip healthy product.

Keep them close Introducing You can’t hold your baby all the time. Even though you may want to. CUDL™ makes it easy to keep baby close and secure, all while keeping your hands free. It’s comfortable and customisable with mesh fabric, padded shoulder straps and waist belt and the magnetic buckles ensure an easy and secure attachment. Keep baby facing in and snuggled up starting with an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. As baby wants to explore the world, have them face out (up to 18 months) or switch to backpack mode (up to 36 months) for growing toddlers. Find out more at nuna.eu

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