The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

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18 Small Businesses To Support in 2018

Following on from the success of 17 New Businesses To Have on Your Radar in 2017, it felt appropriate to compile one for 2018. As ‘new’ is rather ambiguous, new in this post will mean new to me, which allows me to to go slightly off piste as have made some wonderful discoveries of late! One aspect they do all have in common though, is someone has slogged their guts out to getting it to where it is now – online. So please take a minute to have a look, and even better – support a small business in this very quiet month and book or order!

Baroque Rocks

Emma had a passion for beautiful stones and jewellery and so rather than continuing to buy more and more (!), she took herself to do an accredited gem course to actually learn about her passion. She has subsequently set up an online shop where she sells beautiful items that she has found off the beaten track. Take a look – some exquisite pieces.

Three North Stars

Want pjs for boys and girls that are slightly different? Three North Stars was started by mother of 3 boys, Kim North who was fed up with what was in the shops. These designs were inspired by her travels when she was younger. I love them!

Plum of London

British knitwear company caters for everyone in the family using Alpaca wool. I particularly love the classic mens jumpers as they don’t have any fancy logos or trims (all of this repels my husband!) Love the fact that Hugo the founder, is modelling his own clothes!

Ellie Good – A Year of Cards

From birthdays to condolences and every event that you might need a card for in-between, Ellie’s ‘Year of Cards’ Box is an absolute must to keep on your desk. It has saved my bacon twice this year already as there is a card for every eventuality!

Forage Somerset

Started by Nicola in 2015, Forage Somerset is an online shop that sells a mixture of lifestyle products from all over the world. These slippers are one of my favourite items she sells!

Bricks and Stitches

After running a successful blog, Becky has started a little online shop on the side selling homeware and apparel. I particularly love her leather cuffs. This website is stylish mums paradise.

The Alex Edit

A collection of Alex from Wear and Where’s favourite brands. Alex is on the money with what’s hot so if you buy from her, you know you won’t be failing in the style stakes. I have just bought a heavily reduced Cove Knitwear jumper and have my eye on a Premier Cru sweat.

Sprout & Shed

Wondering what to do with all your little ones old clothes that are too good to charity shop thumbnut you don’t have the time to sell them online?

This is where Sprout & Shed comes in – send your clothes to them and they will do the hard work whilst you sit back and watch the sales coming in. (You can choose to give a percentage to charity so you won’t feel so gutsy!)

It’s like an eBay for kids without the rubbish!

Parrot Street

Does your little one have a passion for reading? This is for you! Parrot Street is a subscription book club for kids aged 5-11.

Our goal is to introduce you and your child to books, authors and genres you may never have discovered. There are so many books out there, beyond the classics and the bestsellers, that we think you’ll love. And we are careful to choose books that aren’t pitched at any specific gender.

Rootie & Tootie

The home the hair tie bracelet in one. Ruth is the UK distributor for The My Hairtie Bracelets and stocks a vast and wonderful collection. They are so useful! I love the vibrant collection.

Grey Star Digital

If you are in need of a website or perhaps it just needs a few tweaks, Sam is here to help. She can also set you up with newsletters, manage your social media and help you manage your inventory seamlessly. I don’t think there is anything she can’t do when it comes to helping a small business!

No Issue

Want to brand the packaging you send your products out in? What about personalised tissue paper for a start? A cost affective way to make your business look more professional.

Miller & Drake

If you are part of the hunting, shooting & fishing crowd, you will love Annabel’s chic country clothing and accessory website. Her Fedoras are stunning and come in a bright but muted colours.

William Harvey Personal Trainer

I met a lovely young PT at a fair before Christmas – he was buying a present for his girlfriends mother (yes, he is that nice). He is available for personal training sessions either at home, in the park or in his studio at the back of a cafe on the Fulham Road (no croissants afterwards though!!)

Bee & Bear Bakery

Fresh Aga cooked sweet and savoury goodies made by mum of 3 Alice at her home in East Sussex. Made and shipped straight to your door the same day. Umm are we allowed to palm them off as our own?

Petrichor London

Handmade personalised accessories for kids. Very sweet and would make a very special present for a little one. I have a 1 year old Godson to buy for and think this bag is very sweet and rather useful!

Big Bib

Started by a mother in Notting Hill who was sick of her children messing up their uniform when they got crafty or cooky (!), she designed and now makes these gorgeous linen bibs that you can also monogram with your child’s initials on them.

We keep these next to the kitchen table and when things get easy, out they come!

Stella and Dot – Tori May

If you are on the hunt for some new accessories, head to Tori May’s curated collection of Stella & Dot items. I love these Celestial Ear Climbers!

Katharine Jemmett

Katharine sees clients 1 on 1 in Surrey and Sussex and also can conduct classes all over the world via her 30 Minute Skype Clinic.

I love hearing about new business, it is at the heart of The London Mummy and one of the main reasons why I started it. I want to give small businesses a much-needed platform in this hugely competitive world of e-commerce!

Please email me hello@thelondonmummy.com if you are starting or have started and I will definitely give you a mention.

If you already have a small business and want a few ideas what to focus on in January – you may find 9 Ways To Grown Your Business in January or What To Do Once You have Exhausted Your Network helpful.

Have a great day xx

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Family Life Reviews

Hello Fresh : How To Please Everyone at Meal Times

Every family has a picky eater. Some families have a lot. Who has time to cater for everyone’s likes and dislikes. I certainly don’t! As our kids get older, we are eating altogether as a family more. I don’t fancy cooking two separate types of meals to please all palettes (I would rather eat nursery food than do that – hmmm yummy actually, I love the odd fish finger!) However, I don’t want to bow down to the kids all the time. There is a middle ground and I have found a way to meet it.

So, what’s the answer?

We tried Hello Fresh Family Boxes for a month. 1 box a week with 4 bags of recipe’s ready to construct.

I can’t tell you how easy this made my life.

Pick a recipe card from the box, find the accompanying brown paper bag of ingredients, chop a few veg, cook and voila – a meal for the whole family.

How Does The Food Arrive?

I was most impressed by the presentation of the food – each box arrived with its own recyclable freezer bag for the cold food and the dry food was compartmentalised into brown paper bags, with a colour coded sticker so you could easily find which food went with which recipe!

What Does It Include?

You can choose how many meals you would like each week.

Each meal includes a generous amount of meat, fresh vegetables, a carb (not just your usual tattoos) and seasoning ingredients.

It was evident from the quality of the food, that each ingredient is carefully selected from high quality, often local, producers.

Top notch ingredients!

Turn It Into a Cooking Lesson!

Not only is it an easy way to cook with your little ones as you you don’t have to think too much but they still believe they are the reason such a feast has been created, as they are cooking it – they are more likely to eat it!

On the recipe cards, they do include add ons that you can include or not (i.e. sweet chilli’s) so we left a lot out to get them used to the more sophisticated flavours before we blew their mind with chilli!

Who is it perfect for?

A busy family, who don’t have time to think about creating new meals but are open experimenting.

So, if you are too busy to prioritise cooking for the family and want a constructive cost affective way (no waste) to eat together without having to think too much – you have to try a box!!

It has given me so many ideas – it is like going on a cooking course in your own home, and you are the teacher!

Hello Fresh are currently doing a 50% introduction offer with GET COOKING at checkout and includes free delivery.

No Brainer!!

Right, I am off to salivate over this weeks Family Menu Sausage Pie and Pan Fried Gnocci!

This post was written in collaboration with Hello Fresh, however all opinions are my own.

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Uncategorized

What To Do When You Are Ready To Work Again

Over the last few years, the conversation amongst my peers has moved from weaning and routines, to schools and clubs and now there is much talk on reentering the workplace. No longer needed all day at home by a dependent and not sleep deprived from little Timmy waking up every two hours, we have some time to ourselves. Once we have done the morning coffees, lunched at The Ivy Chelsea and perfected our dinner party format (all tongue in cheek obviously…) many of us want to get our brain back into gear (perhaps earn a bit of money!) and go back to work.

But how?

How can we work in an enjoyable, flexible and rewarding job and be a visible hands on parent at the same time? Having been independent from a boss for so many years, who wants to work in a stiff inflexible office, with a manager who disapproves of you arriving a bit late so you can watch your youngest in their nativity or leave early on a Friday to watch your oldest in their first sports match!

We want it all, but can we really have it all?

Anette Beelaerts van Blokland founded Mothers & Careers Ltd last year, for this very reason.

After having worked for more than 10 years in the City, she went on maternity leave to have her son, who is now 18 months. Anette discovered that it is difficult for new mothers to find useful and relevant information on how to juggle careers and family life when the time comes to go back to work.

Mothers & Careers is a job site and job board specialising in flexible full-time and part-time jobs for ambitious, career-driven women. It is open to anyone to search and apply for jobs, however the website is aimed at mothers who are struggling to juggle family life and careers.

We would like to help mothers get the life-balance they are looking for, whether that is a full-time job with flexible working hours or location, a role working from home, a part-time job or a job share role. We are also trying to encourage women who are looking to get back to work after maternity leave or an extended career break to try a Returners Programme.

Our job seekers are ambitious, well-educated women with impressive career backgrounds in financial services, banking, management consulting, auditing, legal professions, creative industries and technology startups. They are looking for work that pays well, is challenging and interesting, in a work-environment that supports work-life balance and family life.

We also provide inspirational views and stories, news about maternity leave, flexible working regulation, your rights at work during pregnancy and anything else that is useful to pregnant women and new mothers.

They work with leading businesses and growing startups that value gender diversity and that have excellent work-life policies. The jobs they advertise are either full-time jobs with flexible hours or location (or working from home one or two days), or they are flexible part-time jobs, job share roles and anything in-between.

They currently promote flexible jobs from –

Deloitte
Boodle Hatfield
Skimlinks
UnderTheDoormat
YourActingCFO
Kin Learning

They have vacancies for –

Lawyers
Commercial consultants
IT engineers
Office managers
Merchant account managers
Accountants
Tax specialists
Compliance managers
HR directors
Surveyors
Teachers

The job vacancy list changes every month, and they get new employers signing up every month too so contact Anette to hear of the latest jobs that could suit you!

What a fantastic website!!

Anette’s Favourite

Restaurant : Giraffe on Holland Park Avenue. The service is fantastic, they don’t mind messy toddlers and the menu is just perfect for busy, hungry parents (and children). They also have great all-day opening hours, so you can go there for an early family dinner at 5pm.

Hotel : The Horn of Plenty in Tavistock, Devon. Our son was only 7 months old at the time,
but they were so helpful and kind. The rooms were large and with everything you needed. The place is surrounded by stunning country views, so peaceful and relaxing.

Shop : Lindex – a Swedish brand. They have really lovely baby clothes, affordable but very good quality. Their online shop also sells maternity wear.

Website : MyDomaine This American Lifestyle website sells everything from design, travel, food, to career advice and more.

Holiday destination : Hovden in Aust-Agder, Trysil and Geilo are in Norway are great family friendly ski resorts. La Baule in Brittany on the west coast of France for a lovely family summer holiday!

Parenting tip :

We have an active little toddler who wants to run around as much as possible, so we
try to make use of London’s parks. Our local favourite is Holland park, they have a great playground for Under 3’s.

Click here to Subscribe to Mothers and Careers newsletter and here to visit Mothers and Careers

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Fashion Little

Threads for The Boys

We have just done a monumental wardrobe weed. Delivering 3 bin liners to the charity shop was cathartic even for the hoarders amongst us. The boys were up first as they have a lot of clothes that they don’t wear. This is a combination of being in school uniform most of the week and football kit most Saturdays but mainly because the clothes they do have don’t fit!

The Rules of the Recycling

If it hasn’t been worn for year (through all the seasons)
Doesn’t currently fit (yup if the waist was tight – it’s out)
Had any marks on it (although we kept a few ‘gardening clothes’)

The boys don’t give a hoot about what they wear. Ok, they might prefer to wear Arsenal over Bolton Wanderers (like my footy knowledge?) or a Ninjago T Shirt to a playdate but if I tell them they have to wear something else – as long as I help them get changed (!) there is usually no argument.

Until they complain, I will dress them in the same jumper for as long as possible but instead of putting them in matching jumpers with a picture on it -we are going sightly more grown up. (They are 7 and 5)

So, now there is a whole in their wardrobe, these are some ideas for my latest sweep – no ripped shirts and ankle skimming jeans!

Colour Block Hooded Gilet £20

An xtra layer under their coat or wear alone. I love the retro ankle of this – I am sure my brother had something similar 30 years ago!

Rugby Shirt £12

Rugby shirts may be too preppy for some but if I want them to look relatively presentable it is a good option.

Pure Cotton Navy Jumper £14

Very safe but very VERSATILE.

Trainers £20

I love the flash of green in these trainers (see what I have done?)

3 Pack of PJS £25

Absolutely bargain and if I went age 6 they could share a pack (pj bottoms are allowed to be short aren’t they?)

Flip Flops £8

Not often I see a pair of flippies (as we for some reason call them…hmm) I like, but I do like these.

Cotton Chinos £16

Find me a pair of jeans/trousers for age 7/8 that don’t have some weird stitching or detail on them and I will send you a case of caviar. It is pretty impossible to find in stock ‘normal’ trousers but I think I have done it (you have ti be quick, the simple stuff for boys sells out fast!)

Riptop Trousers £12

Casual trousers for after school.

Suede Chelsea Boots £20

Not sure they would choose these but less affected than loafers. I am on the bench. What do you think?

Yes, yes I hear you – lots of blue. But hey, my boys suit blue it is the basis of their wardrobe which is what I am trying to establish since the clear out. It goes with pretty much everything!

Hope this has helped, have a good day and give your boys an extra hug today xx

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Big Fashion

17 Items On My Sale List That Will Last The Whole of 2018

I have skirted around the sales, only glancing at items that they have directly come into my eye line – namely through Facebook’s clever advertising or friends bargain buys on Instagram. However, kids are back at school and it’s time for me to go in, headfirst, with sharp elbows, a clear mind and a long term view.

These are my rules –

Will I wear it a minimum of 20 times?
If for now, will it also work next winter?
If for the summer, will I still like it in the Summer?

If I get three yes’s – it’s justified!

So, who is with me?

Now and Next Winter

Warehouse Animal Print Coat Was £96 Now £56

Whether leopard will be the hit next winter that it was this winter – in my eyes, it is a classic print and style that will last here on in. If you prefer a darker print, this classic fit is fabulous and would as good dressed down with jeans and trainers as it would dressed smartly.

Jigsaw Black Cashmere Roll Neck Was £199 Now £159

You can’t go wrong with a black roll neck. Since the temperatures have plummeted I have been wishing for one in my wardrobe, so this will be a welcome addition that I know will get huge ROI (Return of investment…)

Jolie Moi Crepe Maxi Skirt Was £65 Now £55

I am just getting into long skirts (especially after Christmas… feeling the lack of self control) and love this Jolie Moi Crepe skirt. It also comes in pale pink and blue that would be so pretty in the summer months.

Gola Red Harrier Trainers Were £60 Now £35

To get a pair of Gola trainers for £35 is major and makes me want to stock up on every colour. They are comfortable and cool.

Miss KG Ankle Boots Were £119 Now £89

This style has basically been the boot of 2017 and I don’t actually care if they look outdated next winter as am such a magpie and if it has studs on – it will always have my backing.

Spring

Mint Velvet Daydreamer Longline Shirt Was £79 Now £39

A throw on classic white shirt with a modern twist (subtle Daydreamer logo) and long enough to cover the builders bum or equally tuck it in for a tidier look.

Gorgeous and such a bargain!

Karen Millen Ruffle Trim Blouse Was £145 Now £76

Ruffles are de rigour in 2018 too, so if you know this style suits you, make the most of the sales – there are a lot of ruffle blouse’s about.

I love them!

Maison Di Nimes Navy Blouse Was £45 Now £20

This top is a no brainer. Great if you want help to emphasise a smaller chest! (In other words – not for larger chests – that seam is dangerous!)

Mint Velvet Newport Dark Khaki Jeans were £79 Now £59

As a huge fan of Mint Velvet jeans, I fancy diversifying from my normal black with this dark khaki colour that would bring me nicely into spring without baring my legs until they have a bit of colour on them!

Miss KG Loui Trainers were £69 Now £49

Glitter. Silver. Trainers. A lot of love for these beauties.

Miss KG Taupe Heeled Boots Were £99 Now £70

Another classic shape that has been hugely popular. I don’t see it going anywhere (it’s all about cowboy boots in 2018 and these are as close as I will get to that trend – please hold me to it!)

Gola Pink Trainers Were £60 Now £35

Gulp. Sold to the crazy lady with a pink fetish.

Summer

Seafolly White Metallic Kaftan Was £60 Now£35

Who doesn’t need a white kaftan at the end of your holiday? This shape is a classic and the pattern makes it slightly different.

Warehouse Cherry T Shirt Was £24 Now £15

One thing I do have, is the foresight to remember rushed mornings in the summer when you a dress is inappropriate and my T shirts are all dirty. I am going to hedge my bets and buy this believing that cherry’s will neither be too fashionable or so 2017. And those sleeves!!

Tres cute with cropped tight blue jeans and red espadrilles.

Kanna Dallas Lace Up Espadrilles Were £95 Now £48

The fashion set have been wearing espadrille lace ups for a while but they will be going mainstream this summer. Buy this now so with the first flash of some sun, you can don these at the school gates.

Vince Camuto Mappen Espadrilles Were £115 Now £39

If you prefer to avoid laces in the summer (understandable) you can’t go wrong with these pale pink platform espadrilles. Not only will the pale colour elongate your ankle the extra height will lengthen your pins.

Hope this has helped draw out some gems in amongst the sea of sale items that are surrounding us at the moment.

Stay tuned, there is more to come…

Have a great day

Love
Lucinda xx

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Family Life Travel

10 Easter Holiday Ideas For Families

With Easter falling early next year, it’s great news for skiers but warm weather in mainland Europe will certainly be quite a gamble. So, where do you go if you fancy some sun at that time of year?

Ed Burke from Seventy Ten Travel has shared all his experience and ideas with us today to bring so many ideas for the Easter holidays.

Seventy Ten Travel was started by Ed in 2015 having worked at t two large luxury holiday firms. It is is a dynamic and forward-thinking luxury tour operator, travel agency and concierge service. The difference is with Seventy Ten Travel is you are dealing directly with a small team. Ed and and his wife Rani started the business in 2015 later joined by business partner Rosie Kennedy a year later.

They are approved members of the Travel Trust Association, which means we uniquely offer 100% financial security on any experience you book which in this current erratic climate it is great to have this for peace of mind!

Family Road Trip and Safari to South Africa (best for children 4-14)

In my opinion South Africa is the best option for a first time family long haul adventure. With no jet lag, superb hotels and perfect late summer weather, you can really hit the ground running.

Cape Town the “Mother City” is full of interest for young and old, the little ones will enjoy the major sights like Table Mountain, The Waterfront, Cape Point and the Two Oceans Aquarium. From Cape Town, it’s about a 6 hour drive or a short flight to the Garden Route. You could stop for a night or two in Oudtshoorn the Ostrich Capital of the world (it will be worth it if Daddy takes an ostrich ride!).

On the Garden Route, you can have your fix of beach. But there is so much more; coastal forest walks in Tsitsikamma (you could try and spot the elusive Knysna Forrest Elephant), Ocean Cruises as well as Elephant, Wildcat, Bird and Monkey Sanctuaries. Now the kids are fully briefed on the animals, they can see them in the wild! There are many excellent family friendly malaria free lodges an easy drive from the Garden Route.

Tenerife (best for children 0-10)

Come Easter, you and the kids may well be exhausted! In which case you want an easy flight to warmer climes and an excellent family friendly hotel. Tenerife ticks all these boxes. It’s protected from the winds and the hotels are masters at creating an atmosphere that keeps everyone happy.

The best 2 options in Tenerife would be the Grand Hotel Bahia del Duque and The Abama, though they do charge a premium and will be very busy; the Roca Nivaria is a better value for money option. We also know some excellent options in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Morocco (best for Children 4-14)

Early Spring is the best time to visit Morocco. It’s perfect if you want something culturally different, without going too off grid or sacrificing any luxury. There’s a host of superb family friendly hotels within the surrounds of Marrakech; many of which you needn’t leave for the week.

Though if you do, el-Fnaa square and the Souks will be an eye opening experience for the children. The Oasiria Water Park is a must for families of all ages. We can also arrange a day trip into the Atlas Mountains with lunch in a Berber Village, which is an incredible experience for young and old. If there are 2 or 3 families travelling together we know some superb catered villas.

Florida Road Trip (best for children 3-15)

I took my 3 and 6 year old on a road trip to Florida this summer. We had an amazing time but concluded it would be better weather wise over Easter or Christmas.

Regular direct flights make the travel easy and the jet lag is manageable. Miami, Disneyland, The Everglades and Gulf Coast are a must.

Read all about our Florida trip here

Oman (best for children 4-15)

In my opinion, Oman offers the most authentic and refined Middle Eastern experience. The friendly and laid back capital, Muscat, is easy to explore with little ones and there are some absolutely superb luxury family friendly hotels just up the coast.

The Gulf of Oman is rich in marine life (though April is a bit early for the turtle laying), so great for marine cruises, snorkeling or diving. If you’re looking for a mini-family adventure we can organise a desert camping trip or a luxurious night or two in the stunning Jabal Akhdar mountains.

Skiing – Saint Foy (best for children 3-12)

With snow already falling and an early Easter, 2018 promises to be a great year for Easter skiing. Our hot tip for families, especially first timers, is Saint Foy. This cute and quirky resort has great nursery slopes and excellent ski schools who magnify the fun.

There are some really lovely chalets and apartments, within a stone’s throw of the slopes, minimising the dreaded long walk or ski bus. For those with babies there are some excellent creches who will look after your loved one whist you hit the slopes.

Costa Rica (best for children 6-15)

If your children are curious; love nature and animals, then Costa Rica is just the ticket. For the curious there’s active volcanoes, indigenous tribes and a national sustainability blue-print that puts the world to shame.

For animal lovers: sloths, turtles, monkeys galore, toucans and even jaguars are common encounters. For nature lovers: there’s pristine rain and cloud forest, untouched beaches, winding rivers and tumbling waterfalls. All this comes with warm and welcoming people and excellent (very safe) food and drink. All in all the perfect enriching family destination.

Mauritius (best for children 0-15)

This idyllic Indian Ocean island has become somewhat of a luxury family hotspot over recent years. With a long history of first class hospitality, many of its iconic luxury hotels have embraced the needs of the modern family.

We are particularly excited about the reopening of the One&Only Le Saint Geran, after a full scale renovation. It’s always had the best natural location on the island and now will have the best facilities. Thanks to the extensive and excellent competition, the prices are very reasonable for a hotel of this standard.

Thailand (best for children 6-15 years)

April is the perfect time of year to visit Thailand. There are so many exciting options for a family holiday. You could do a simple beach break to Phuket, Krabi or the surrounding islands. (We would recommend escaping the hustle and bustle by going to one of the smaller islands, though this does involve a bit more travelling.)

Or you could add in a touch of adventure with a stay in the Khao Sok National Park just north of Phuket. Or to make it a trip of a lifetime, add in the awe inspiring Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Jet-lag can be a bit of an issue going out so we would recommend a minimum of 10 days to 2 weeks.

Cyprus (best for children 0-10)

If you want to stay within Europe and not travel too far, then the weather in Cyprus is normally quite a good bet. There are some excellent family friendly hotels which are excellent value for money if booked well in advance.

For beach lovers we would recommend the Anassa, whilst those with very young children may prefer the Almyra, much closer to Paphos, who offer a unique baby-go-lightly programme which covers any needs or requirements for travelling with very young children.

So many fantastic ideas, now to decide which one to book #wishfulthinking

Contact Ed on info@seventytentravel.com or call him on 020 8004 7937 and he will be able to help you with any ideas, itineraries or bookings at a fair price and a personal service.

Bon Voyage xx

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Services

9 Ways To Grow Your Business in January

The Christmas Rush is over. No more sales. No more wrapping. No more queuing at the post office. It’s all quiet on the western front. All you are left with is a bit of left over stock, a (hopefully) healthy bank balance if you didn’t spend all your profits and a really large waist line. (Sorry I had to include the last one!) So, what can you do during the quiet periods to help grow your business in the long run?

I spoke to a friend who started a new business in November and had a fantastic start and lots of sales and even press in the run up to Christmas but she was apprehensive that her start up would fall flat in January.

So, what’s a girl to do until the next wave customers.

Plan. Prepare. Be proactive. Sort. Connect. Join. Act

If money isn’t coming in, dont give up.

Don’t use that as excuse to have extended playdates, extra pilates classes and join the PTA. No, your business needs you in these quiets moments to get the back bone right, so when the next wave hits you will be even better prepared than you were this time.

Did you have good marketing materials?
Was your website up to date and contemporary?
Was your customer experience seamless?
Were the returns and sizing clear on your website?

I could go on.

I have a very very long list of points I am attacking with gusto as soon as the kids are back at school.

Every year, you have to crit your business.

Especially if you work for yourself.

No one else will (dare) do it.

So, what can you do?

1). Thank your customers.

They are gold dust. Just because you made a sale through them, don’t desert them on your quest for more orders.

You are much more likely to have a repeat order than a new order.

I read so much, apologies that I can’t back this up with stats and footer notes – but I’m not making it up.

2) Send them a special discount code to say thank you.

I actually filtered my customers into sections before Christmas and emailed each group individually.

The Abandoned Cart Group

I explained that my checkout is not something I am proud of and I am sorry if it out you off. I also think the shipping that is added at the 11th hour can be off putting so I offered free shipping.

I am actually considering absorbing shipping costs into my products as think it does put alot of people off.

What do you think?

The Refund Group

This was a group that I wanted to gain the trust back from. Many ordered again after being issued a refund or return but I generally found, once bitten twice shy.

You have to refund with no question. I have a lower return on jewellery and fashion accessories than clothes that makes me consider moving more towards the former but the clothes do sell REALLY quickly.

Which do you prefer?

*BTW I am doing a flash sale with 30% off. Enter TLM30 at Checkout*

SHOP THE TLM EDIT SALE HERE.

3) Subscribers are GOLD DUST.

As good as it is to have followers unsocial media and people who review your products, there is nothing like having email addresses for your newsletter to land straight into their in box.

If you want to receive updates from The London Mummy, please do so here! (I have just seen my sign up form is soooo boring and not at all reflective of The London Mummy so a redesign of that is another thing to add to the list)

4) Work out what events are happening next year and get a campaign, your designs geared around it.

Valentine’s Day.

Father’s Day.

Easter.

Summer Holidays

Back To School

Halloween

Bonfire Night

CHRISTMAS.

Jump on the commercialisation of all these days! I am putting my thinking cap on for gifts & jewellery on TLM Edit for Valentine’s Day.

5). If you are doing fairs, book them in now.

The good ones are wanting to firm up bookings sooner rather than later.

I am adding businesses who participate in fairs and a directory of fairs this quarter for both fair committees looking for businesses and businesses looking for fairs

6) Sort out your tech.

Any problems, go to People Per Hour or Fiverr for small jobs like logo’s.

I am working with a guy in who is helping me totally rejig both websites (and I am adding another website too but that deserves it’s own post!) so depending how that goes, I hope I will be able to recommend him! I ‘found’ him on Shopify Experts Directory.

7) Sort out your advertising and marketing budgets and get onto Google Adwords.

It is double dutch to me, so either trial and error your way through it or outsource it. (The latter for me!) It won’t cost much to grab some low hanging fruit and you will see good returns on investment.

8) Connect with people in the same niche as you or learn a new skill.

They are not competitors.

The country (world) is big enough and most people want to help and support so why don’t you start by giving a little like or follow and seeing what happens.

I am joining a Bird Table group in January to share my ideas, frustrations and concerns with women who have their own business. I cannot wait!

I made a mistake in my first year of blogging by being a complete island and not i have realised I need to meet and hangout with other bloggers. error but easily rectifiable. I also love supporting other small business owners by sharing their products.

There are plenty of courses about too.

Look at my Directory for ideas.

I really recommend the small one off How To classes hosted by Emily Reed of Putney Mumpreneurs and Audrey Wiggin is a professional business coach and has a Mastermind Group starting this month.

Get a mentor. Have someone crit your website. Have a review and get there feedback.

This year I am going to start a little consulting sideline for women who want to start a small business or have started and need a few ideas of where to go next. So email me if you want more info about that! hello@thelondonmummy.com

9) Contact mainstream media.

It’s not all about online media. There are still some fantastic print options and they need content as much as everyone. Find them on Twitter, magazines and newspapers.

Don’t be shy.

Send a really simple personalised email with who you are, what you do/sell, who it is perfect for a photo, the price point and website.

If you are in PR, please don’t kill me. The above may sound village but I personally find a really simple direct email much more affective than a long windy press release!

I am going to include a list of new businesses next month, so if you are breaking into a new world and want a little shout out, please drop me an email hello@thelondonmummy.com

Oh, and Happy New Year – it’s going to be a good one!

Love

Lucinda xxx

PS. I am experimenting including my TLM Edit goodies in my blog posts. Do you mind or does it really put you off? Would love your thoughts! xx

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Big Fashion

Three Items That Will Smarten You Up

One of my preferred past times is checking out the ‘New In’ sections of websites. It is that feeling of finding out something first. Before the masses. If you haven’t tried it before, I highly recommend it. (Said only slightly tongue in cheek…) In this case, the masses will find out, so I wanted to share it with you whilst they are still trawling though the sale rails. Let’s skip that topic (for now) and check out three items Marks and Spencer have pulled out the bag in their ‘New In’ section that will smarten you up in January.

Oh and did I mention. They have every size. AT THE MOMENT.

Raspberry Open Front Coat £49.50

The price. Low. The cut. thumbs up. Good length. But AWESOME colour. Even if this colour doesn’t scientifically suit you (I studied colour analysis and it really is scientific – one day I will get around to sharing it or even better doing it again!)it is so pretty and feminine and DIFFERENT.

Cotton Rich A Line Skirt With Belt £45

Even looking at the skirt makes me feel slim. I love the wide built-in belt. The colour is also versatile. Heels, boots or even trainers (if you are cool enough to pull THAT look off)

Wool Blend Single Breasted Blazer £99

I am actually going to make sure I buy this before I publish this post as it would be just my luck that it sells out as quickly as I think it will. I have been looking for a blazer to ‘smarten me up’ (as the artful dodger would say) and I think this is it. Nipped in waist. Slight exaggerated shoulders (although 2018 his set to be a mass return to shoulder pads and massive puff sleeves so maybe its a bit subtle!)

Gems aren’t they.

I am so over my pjs, frizzy hair, eating chocolate for breakfast. Yes it was nice. It was fun. But I can’t wait to get my nails done and pull onside new threads. And this blazer it will be!

xxx

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