The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

Beauty

Get That Facial Feeling at Home : My Top 10 Products

Recently, my skin has been feeling really parched and I have noticed a few lines appearing so I have been on the hunt for some products to replenish and nourish it. I have tried loads through recommendations from friends, bloggers and beauty assistants. Some were meh, some just not worth the money but lots amazing! Now the kids are heading back to school, it is time to look after yourself! Here are my Top 10 Products to help you do that!

The Body Shop : Drops of Youth £15

This has a very light consistency and is perfect for putting on before your moisturizer to help the cream absorb rather than just sit on the top of your skin. It lasts a really long time too.

Clarins : Hydraquench Intensive Serum

Serum is abuzz word on a lot of the beauty experts lips and I can see why. I use this in a similar way to the Drops of Youth, although it is slightly more intense and expensive – so I use it when my skin is feeling really parched.

Be Shiny : Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Again, this is to use on bare skin but not as frequently as it contains Hyaluronic Acid which is proven to smooth your skin. However, with this, the skin can become slightly red so not to be used every day.

Trilogy : Rosehip Oil £19.50

I use this after one of the above serums and it really gives your skin that nourished feeling. I use this every few days and generally if I am not putting make up straight on.

Caudalie : The Eye Cream £49

This eye cream is one of Caudalie’s bestsellers. It absorbs straight in and is heavy enough to smooth away tired eyes but not to give you that puffy eye ‘just put on under eye cream’ look.

Jojoba : Hydrating Day Cream £22.99

This vegan moisturiser from Australia is lovely, no smell & quick easily absorbed moisturiser. It absorbs well and leaves skin feeling really soft.

Clarins : Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster £20

Add a few drops to your moisturiser in the morning, rub your hands together and moisturise as normal. It will give you a really natural glow with and you don’t have to worry about tide lines or eyebrows!

El & So : Velvety Exfoliator

This is a dream product. I am not surprised it has been shortlisted for the 2017 Beauty Awards. At the end of the day, take a little bit of this between your fingers and rub it gently over your face. Remove with a hot cloth. Not only will it take off all your make up – eye make up included, it will leave your skin feeling clean but not stripped like some cleansers can make your skin feel. They also do lovely Mummy & Baby sets.

Ninni : Bespoke Face Cream

I swear by this nighttime face cream. I filled in the online form to receive a bespoke moisturiser just for my skin. Mine contains Lavender and Chamomile and it is lovely and relaxing just before bed.

Soapsmith : Body Butter Melt £12.99

Ok, not for the face but I had to slip this in! A friend introduced me to Soapsmith (late to the party again) and I am now a firm convert. It is so different to regular body moisturisers, it literally melts in your hands and when you rub it in and the smell is like no other.

Do you have any recommendations? I would love to hear, especially tips on how to prepare to bare!

Lucinda xx

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Days Out Events Family Life

Aisle of Wonder at Stratford Westfield

I was thrilled to be asked by Nestle Breakfast Cereals to visit their recent pop up cereal experience – Aisle of Wonder. After a great time at Thyme in Gloucestershire, I was keen to see what they have been up to. Situated smack bang in the heart of the Westfield in Stratford (2nd floor by John Lewis) the pop up looks like machinery from Willy Wonka’s factory – it is so fun and interactive.

Tubes above your head are filled with Nestle cereal finishing in a pick n mix style to enable you to choose a cocktail of cereals, finished with a selection of milks and toppings.

As a family, cereal is a staple in the morning so we don’t have to persuaded, although after a good chat with a nutritionist, I and firmly on the wholegrain band wagon, that Nestle includes in their breakfast cereals with the green banner.

What Does Whole Grain Actually Mean?

Whole Grain cereals basically mean that they contain all three parts of the grain – the germ, the endosperm and the bran.

By having all three you are receiving fibre from the bran and the vitamins especially Vitamin B from the germ.

If something is refined, the top and middle layer is removed leaving just the endosperm.

With breakfast below, you are getting calcium, nutrients and wholegrain and no need to add extra sugar (like we tend to with porridge so it is counter productive!)

If you are feeling flush, you can buy a personalised box of Shreddies, Cheerios or Shredded Wheat – each only £3 and also filled with the relevant cereal.

The event runs for 2 weeks for the second year in a row and the aim of the pop up is to show the range and ways you can eat cereal.

Fuel your visit to the Westfield at the Aisle of Wonder and then head to the Olympic Park.Well, that’s what we are doing!

GIVEAWAY

To win your own personalised box of cereal – head over to Instagram to enter.

Aisle of Wonder at Stratford Westfield

Runs Until 23rd April.

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Big Fashion

Introducing My New Venture : The London Mummy Shop

So, I feel slightly guilty to my lovely little sideline, TLM Edit. It has been thoroughly neglected since I started it just under a year ago. I have been so busy with The London Mummy that my little fashion & accessories website has played second fiddle. Until now! I have spent the last couple of weeks, tweaking, choosing, updating and CURATING a bright & fun section of fashion and accessories from all over the world to help get you ready for Summer.

How Does It Work?

You go on to my website and buy something and it gets sent out to you!

Whilst I am at it… If you think your brand would work well on TLM Edit (new, small, start up, accessories or apparel) please drop me an email hello@thelondonmummy.com – I would love to hear from you!

So here are a few my top picks!

Tassel Bracelets in Grey, Black or Burgundy £15

Mochila Cross Body Bag : Pink, Green & Orange £95

If you prefer a smaller cross body bag, this is the one for you. I love the tassles!

Evelyn Bellucci Studded Black Swimsuit £49

I am always on the hunt for a foxy but flattering swimsuit and I think this ticks both boxes!

Navy Blue T Shirt with Stone Details £45

It’s all about embellishment at the moment and this T Shirt has small encrusted flowers on it.

Naftul Embroidered Trim Dress : White £150

This was a great hit last summer, so I have bought it back again. So pretty and wearable at the office or the beach.

Flamingo Metallic Wallet £35

Too much excitement in one wallet!!

Large Open Star Earrings : Gold, Silver or Rosegold £61

Who doesn’t love a star. If you embracing on the statement earrings – these are good ones to start with.

Triple Star Earrings in Silver, Gold or Rosegold £86

If you are looking for the wow factor – these are for you!

Quote Me Necklace £61

This is so original! Also comes in gold and rose gold.

Floral Skin Slip On Sneakers £385

Ok, this wouldn’t be a frivolous purchase but the slip on sneaker is here to stay and I haven’t seen any like this on the high street.

Artemis Persefone Orange Sandal £79

I ahem a great selection of sandals from Artemesia and these are my front runners. If you prefer more candy colours or a tassle – you may like these?

So, what do you think? I usually hide behind other people so it is slightly scary putting myself on the line!

Please follow me over on Instagram or sign up to hear about new lines, brands and products here

Anyway, lovely peeps, have a very Happy Easter

Lucinda xx

tlmedit.com

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Activities Gift Guides Spotlight

My Pocket Money Toy & Giveaway – Plus Winners Announced

I dream about being that mother who remembers to give their children their pocket money on a Saturday morning and then we waddle off to the shops to choose something, most likely educational and great quality that my child doesn’t put down as soon as we get home… Reality, when I remember, I chuck them the change that is floating around in the bottom of my bag and we rush to Londis in between football and lunch to buy sweets or Match Attax!!

However, if things rings true, I bring you My Pocket Money Toy.

Shirley is a mummy who has made a move from Financial Crime & Risk to children’s toys! She has just launched a new subscription box for children called My Pocket Money Toy.

The monthly box will be filled with 2-3 quality, durable, fun (and often educational/STEM) toys every month. In the first box, the child will receive an old fashioned style stamp book, a new toy sicker stamp each month (children can collect stamps for a free toy) and a themed colouring insert.

My idea has grown out of two main problems that I have faced as a mother. The first problem is a lack of time and the second problem is the increasing lack of availability of good toys.

Her son Alasdair is now 7 and his life is packed at the weekend with tennis, swimming and skiing as well as parties and play dates throw in from time to time. We all know that feeling of not having enough time.

If we factor in shopping, caring for ageing grandparents and spending quality family time together, we quickly find researching and finding good toys just falls off the list of things to do! I hope my box will fill a need and create some quality family time playing with toys and games in the box.

She is delighted to be working with great companies such as Brainbox (The Green Board Game Co), Brainstorm, Galt, Orchard Toys, Keycraft, Mibo, Rachel Ellen, Gibsons, Melissa and Doug, POM, Wicked Toys. The list keeps growing and will continue to grow as she researches, sources and tests the best toys.

How does it work?

Choose 1 from each category below.

3 Age Ranges –

3-5 years
6-7 years
8-10 years

Gender

Boy
Girl
Gender Neutral

4 Types of Package

One-off box (perfect for Easter, Holidays or Birthdays)
3 month subscription
6 month subscription
1 year subscription.

If indicated as a birthday gift, she will include a bespoke (oohKatieQ) birthday cards.

Shirley very kindly sent us two boxes, 1 for my eldest (6-7, boy) and one for my second son (3-5 box). She also included a little box for my 2 year old as she didn’t want her to feel left out!!

I can genuinely say the presentation and of the toys was beautiful The box arrived with the toys individually wrapped and swathed in green tissue paper.

Many of the toys were new to me – a mix of educational and fun. The quality was at the top end and none of the goodies were disposable!

My oldest loved his so much, he carefully put everything back in the box and squirrelled it up to his room.

I urge you to head over to My Pocket Money Toy to set up your subscription and also if you are looking for a present for child that you need to post – you won’t be disappointed!

GIVEAWAY

To win a 3 Month Subscription for a box of your choosing, head over to Instagram.

WINNER OF THE 5 SPRING TIME GIVEAWAYS ARE…

Pack of Time Tokens

Selina Ridsdale

Charlie Tattersal

Hollyhock Home Rabbit Bag

Suzi Lloyd

The Little Art Collection Butterfly Swaddle

Samantha Milner

Kiddiewinkles Grey Star Laundry Basket

Mira Da Silva

Four Fairies & a Prince Ebbe Fleece

Laura Thomas (On Instagram)

Congratulations! I will be in touch to organise delivery xx

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Family Life

5 Easy To Enter Spring Time Giveaways

THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN DRAWN – TO SEE IF YOU HAVE WON – HEAD HERE

Hope everyone has a spring in their step with sun shining and the kiddies on holidays. Today I am trying something new, that I would love you to help me with! I run a lot of giveaways over on Instagram but there have been a few cries from people who don’t use that social media but still want to enter. So, I have devised a plan and have enabled myself to do giveaways on little old here! I have 5 wonderful products that 5 fab little businesses are giving away, so please support them (and me!) and enter.

Fingers crossed and good luck. Will announce the winners on Monday 10th April!

GIVEAWAY 1)

Hollyhock Home

Hollyhock Home started in the spring of 2014 with a few products made up in their signature rabbit fabric. Their fabric design is loosely based on a vintage fabric swatch found at an antiques fair. Using that for inspiration, they worked with an artist to add in new elements, freshening the design and recolouring it to fit with contemporary schemes, but all the while retaining the vintage feel.

They have recently introduced upholstered nursery chairs and cushions to their product range and these complement their existing range of duvet sets and fabric by the metre.

This fabric is perfect for Easter!

Win a Gardening Rabbits Bag Worth £15 – Enter Below

Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY 2)

The Little Art Collection

The Little Art Collection was established in February 2016 after Pippa and her husband, after 10 years in advertising and with a new young family to look after, felt like it was time for a change…

Their business concept is simple; creating quality, practical and beautiful baby essentials. All of their products are presented in gorgeous complimentary gift boxes making them the perfect new baby or baby shower gift.You will notice that some of their products are made from Bamboo which is a luxury fabric often described as feeling like Cashmere. Bamboo is also sustainable, extremely absorbent and has natural antibacterial properties meaning its kind to the environment as well as baby’s skin.

If you have or know of a little baby that has just been born – this is a perfect swaddle that if they are like mine, it will turn into a comforter!

Win a Butterfly Swaddle (worth £29.99) – Enter Below

Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY 3)

Kiddiewinkles

This a fantastic new kids interior brand. Their range of children’s play tents will get imaginations running wild. Whether you are looking for a Princess Castle for your own Princess, an Enchanted Garden for fairytale magic, a Space Station for your budding astronaut or a Fire Engine for your little fireman, their range of play tents will stimulate hours of imaginative play.

I love all their bedroom accessories from toy baskets to laundry baskets and they canteen be personalised!

Win a Grey Star Laundry Basket Worth £25 – Enter Below

Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY 4)

Time Tokens

The fun, simple, non-tech way to manage screen time. Time Tokens encourages healthy time limits for children aged 5-10 across all digital devices from tablet to TV. So if your little one likes their screen time, give them the power to choose when and how long they use it for with a pack of these!

The lovely Amanda over at Time Tokens is offering 2 lucky readers a packets of Time Tokens.

To Win a packet of Time Tokens Worth £14.95 – Enter Below

Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY 5)

Four Fairies & a Prince

Four Fairies and a Prince was founded in 2012 in London by Pinja & Caroline. Both mums they love to dress their little ones in classic but trendy clothing. They have both lived and worked in London for a number of years and after meeting through children, they knew immediately that they shared the same professional and lifestyle goals: working for themselves, while bringing a taste of their respective homes to London’s multicultural market.

They have some wonderful brands so kit your kids out for summer by heading over to their website, or try your luck and enter for the chance to win one of these gorgeous kids Ebbe fleeces worth £45, head to my giveaway on Instagram at the moment

Good luck and thanks for reading folks xx

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Activities

Free Tennis Sessions With The LTA For 5-8 Year Olds

If you can’t beat them join them. Never has this rung so true since having two boys with a father who is determined to turn them into sportsmen whether it kills him or not (talent prevailing or not – it doesn’t matter). The sports on the drawing board are football and cricket. I have made a concerted effort to get up to speed on them so I am can understand where the passion comes from – yet to happen with football, but I actually love a good cricket match! So, what about tennis?

So whilst I am left at home with ‘the baby’ (as we still call her) whilst they go off to Fulham Football Club and Lords, it has me thinking. I need to pull them in a direction of a sport I enjoy, so I am not just the packed lunch maker and washer woman. And this sport will be….. tennis!

I am no pro (obviously) but it is one sport that I can do. Now I have a daughter who (presumably, but she can if she wants to) won’t be playing football and cricket, I want to give us a sport to do together too.

So with Wimbledon round the corner, is time to hop skip and jump back into my tennis whites and dust off that old Head.

How Am I Going To Do This?

Nothing like having an energetic 6 year old to keep me on my toes and The Lawn Tennis Association has just launched a series of tennis sessions, #tennisforkids across the country. The LTA’s sessions take place from 22 April 2017 and anyone can sign up their 5- to 8-year-old for free lessons via the ClubSpark website, so I am signing my 6 year old up at Putney Lawn Tennis.

At the end of the #TennisForKids lessons, children receive a free tennis racket that is theirs to keep!

The #TennisForKids programme is specially tailored to keeps kids engaged, even if
they’ve never picked up a racket before. It includes ball games to help with hand-eye
coordination, softer balls well-suited for beginners, playing on a more-manageable mini-tennis court (smaller footprint, lower net), and coaches trained in getting young novices excited and having fun.

So, why not type in your postcode and see what venues are near you that have opted in to this brilliant program. Don’t delay, there are only 20,000 places!

This is a paid relationship with the Lawn Tennis Association on their #TennisForKids campaign.

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Fashion Little

35 Items To Revamp Your Kids Wardrobe

The kids ranges at Marks and Spencer are consistently good and this season is no exception. You know you are getting excellent quality at a fair price point but they are continuing to be more and more fashionable but staying true to their classic image. Recently, I have been looking at the children’s section of M and S more closely than usual as my niece and nephew are part of their Holiday Campaign at the moment! A perfect excuse to do a wardrobe edit for the little people in our lives…

I have divided up this post into four parts so you can navigate straight to the relevant category Younger Girls, Older Girls, Younger Boys and Older Boys.

This post is geared to switching your kids wardrobe from Winter to Spring/Summer now the sun is creeping through sporadically and they have probably shot up a few sizes during hibernation. It is always best to buy the gems before the summer as the good stuff is usually gone in the size you need!!

Younger Girls

Spotted Jumpsuit £14

You an’t beat a little on in a jumpsuit. I love the smocking around the neckline.

Cotton Rich Twill Dress £14

This is a bit of fun if it is scorchio. Lovely and loose too.

Cotton Rich Striped Dress £20 (Age 1-10)

This looks even prettier on. I personally think it suits a slightly older child as it is semi structured but win win either way.

3 Pack of Cotton Tops £14

I don’t know about you but my daughters wardrobe staple int eh summer is a white top. They go with everything. If they are subject to a chocolate flake down them, buy in quantity or go for another colour – but plain all the way!

Crab Swimsuit £12

The swim suits at M and S are insanely good this season. I could do a post just on swimwear!

Scalloped Swimsuit £12

So South of France. Does it come in an adult version?

Pom Pom Frill Swimsuit £14

Again, how sweet is this? I love the frills and pom poms. Spot on Marks & Sparks.

Pastel Organza Socks £7

I know some think these organza trim socks are a bit of a no no, but I love them and they bring a much needed bit of edge to a twee outfit.

Rip take Plimsolls £12

A fab take on a traditional T bar – the gold trim is a winner.

Gladiator Sandals £18

If your little one is a boho carrier and has tanned feet, these are fabulous and will o with everything from jeans to a kaftan.

Older Girls

Pom Pom Trilby £10

I am a massive fan of anything with a flamingo on it and this is no exception. Good enough to hang outside their wardrobe when they aren’t wearing it.

Collared Woven Top £20

I am partial to a Peter Pan collar (on girls only past the age of 1/2) and this paired with the scallop shorts would be lovely on your tween daughter.

Red Scalloped Shorts £22

I love the shape of these. Flat fronted with buttons and scalloped edging!

Embroidered Dress £24

This is such an easy throw on dress for the beach or a party.

Pure Cotton Kaftan £20

I love this kaftan. I first spied it on my niece in the above campaign pictures and it is definitely on my holiday list.

Flamingo Swimsuit £16

Again flamingo’s and a sporty style costume.

Blue Cotton PJ’s (1-16 years)

You can’t beat matching top and bottom at bedtime (need to heed my own advice!) and I love these. I am sure they would also work separately during the day too…

Lace Up Star Trainers £22

Just fun.

Leapord Print Trainers £18

These look totally designer. They go up to a size 6 so nab yourself a pair! (One of the great thing about M and S is there footwear does now go up to a size 6 soy really can shop for decent shoes at half the price!)

Girls Accessories

Watermelon Rucksack £16

Perfect aeroplane / park / beach rucksack.

Chevron Scarf £8

Basically, I just want this. To myself.

Younger Boys

Star Print Trilby £8

This would actually go really well in older sons bedroom so might just buy a trio and pin them on his wall for a bit of art deco. I have a feeling he would want to wear them though.

Orange Mirrored Sunglasses £6

Too cool for school. And it £6 doesn’t matter too much if they lose them / forget them or sit on them. Delete as appropriate.

Stripe T £8

Ah, Petit Bateau eat your heart out. I like that the neck and sleeves are trimmed with white not navy. Petty perhaps but I like it when navy and white stripe T’s are more on the white side.

Cheeky Sweatshirt £12

There is no hiding from the fact that slogan sweats are all the rage here on in and this is as good as any I have seen.

Embroidered Yellow Swim Shorts £10

Palm Trees. Tick. Bright colour. Tick. Drawstring for the snake hips. Tick.

Rip take Trainers £16

Velcro is so much easier isn’t and this grey will go well with light coloured trousers or shorts.

Older Boys

Red Sunglasses £6

A bare necessity.

Cotton Check Shirt £20

Roll the sleeves up and voila, a fab shirt for summer.

Slim fit Grey Jeans £16

Every boy needs a pair of grey jeans and the slim fit will avoid him looking like a dork. (Don’t allow your kids to wear bell bottoms!!!!)

White Chino Shorts with Belt £22

Ok, this may be far too preppy for a lot of you and yes it is def not every day wear in this household but if we had an even to go to (arm like on a boat?) these would up your game a bit. Until the strawberries came out obviously.

Embroidered Navy Swim Shorts £16

Different colour way and a bit more sober for a boy on the verge of adult hood.

Trainers £22

Bargain. Sold.

Driving Shoes 5-16

Pony or not, I think little boys look so so cute in these. May have a hard time persuading my husband but if I could I would.

Check Pj’s £10 (1-16 years)

As the age ranges from 1-16, these are perfect for a set of mixed age brothers.

Striped Rash Vest (0-14 years)

Same goes for this rash vest. Get one for your little girl too. You can navy have too much Navy & White!

I hope you found that little summary helpful. I have written this post in collaboration with Marks and Spencer and it is does contain affiliate links (so if you buy something, I get a *small* percentage) however, all picks are totally my own!!!!

Shop Marks and Spencer Kids here

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Spotlight

Learn Historical Dates Easily with Roll Out History

Matthew Faulkner is Deputy Head at Summer Fields in Oxford and the brains behind Roll Out History. From the Big Bang to Brexit, this self-adhesive historical timeline shows the key dates as they happened, one after the other. It is perfect for children starting out in History, or for adults who are just getting a little rusty, this 5 metre roll makes sense of it all.

Each event is described with a date and a short explanation, plus a beautiful illustration from award-winning artist Fiona Macpherson. Stick it on a wall or round your room, and you will never confuse your Vikings with your Saxons, or your Tudors with your Victorians, ever again!

We love ours – it is a great conversation starter and perfect look at during bath time!

Whilst Matthew is not working incredibly hard looking after the prep school aged boys (which has a reputation of being a highly academic school (3 Kings Scholarships to Eton last year) but in fact takes boys of all abilities, he is looking to tell parents and children alike about the concept behind Roll Out History.

How Did It All Begin?

When Matthew was aa boy at school, he had a brilliant History teacher who gave the boys lists of dates to learn. It was on one side of A4, very closely typed and completely without any cartoons of pictures or other gizmos which are on handouts these days. There were probably about 75 in all, with a test every week, and by the time he left he had pretty much mastered them. Today, even if he knows absolutely nothing about something, he find it very useful at least to know when it happened.

His first teaching job was at Notting Hill Prep in London. The lovely Headmistress (Jane Cameron) allowed him to commission a timeline to go snaking all round the school. It had artists, great buildings, battles, inventions, kings and queens and various other things.

The idea, and I think it worked well, was to show in physical terms how events related to each other in time. If you remember that The Spanish Armada was by the light switch, then it must have come after the invention of Printing (above the fire extinguisher) and so on!

Having seen it in school, he then thought that it really needed to be available for children to put in their bedrooms.

He luckily discovered that it could be printed on self adhesive paper. The first run was done in China, but they are now printed in Dorset, UK!

It is aimed at children mainly, though I suspect that most adults really need one too!

Matthew’s Favourites

Website : Summer Fields

Shop : Lush

Hotel : The Yurt we rented on Lake Coniston last year

Restaurant : The Hive in Burton Bradstock

Holiday Destination : Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Parenting Tip :

Focus on making your children resilient – whoever they are, they will need the tools to deal with disappointment in later life

Five Ways To Get Your Children Interested in History

1. Get them talking to their grandparents about what life was like when they were young
2. Read quality historical fiction (such as The Roman Mysteries, Bowmen of Crecy, The Free Frenchmen, Boy in the Striped Pyjamas)
3. Visit all the Cathedrals and Castles you can. Pick up postcards and leaflets and stick them on a History Wall in your house.
4. Go to the Chalke Valley History Festival in June- one of the best possible days out, even for non-history buffs.
5. Put a Rollout History Timeline on your wall!!

We have and we love it!

Buy Your Roll Out History here

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