The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

Days Out Food

T Rex Grill : A New Restaurant To Take The Kids

It is always a delight taking the kids to restaurants where kids are the majority. I have written about our ability to restaurant clear in the past so a place that is aimed at kids is preferable. There wasn’t a table without a little nipper at The Natural History Museum’s newly opened T Rex Grill.

This family-friendly eatery is the perfect place to take your little grillers for a burger, mini pizza or ice cream sundae with a triceratops twist.

T Rex Grill is nestled near the Dinosaurs in the Green Zone.

The entrance has a few ‘live’ dinosaurs which kept the kids amused if there is a little bit of a queue.

At 1230 when we went there wasn’t much of one, but by the time we left a short one had built up.If you are really organised, you can book a table.

Drop them an email here to book (open 11-4pm)

The kids menu has a sweet prehistoric take on the words, although the choice is mainstream. This works for us though!

The adults menu is all freshly prepared in the vicinity. I (greedily) went for spare ribs that I had to wrestle off the kids and Alex (obviously) went for T bone steak.

The particular highlight was the pudding – to share. It included mini eggs and handmade dinosaur shaped chocolates!

If you are planning a day out at The Natural History museum, which if you haven’t done for a while – you should get down there. Yes it is majorly busy at the weekends but totally worth it.

As your kid gets older it becomes even better – you aren’t just going to see the ‘real’ T Rex!

If you like trying new places and need refuelling whilst you are at the museum, T Rex Grill is the restaurant to go to!

T Rex Grill

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Activities Events

Easter Holidays Covered with London’s Little Thinkers

With the Easter holidays imminent, London’s Little Thinkers is on hand to fill your ‘Little Thinker’s’ time with educational and engaging activities. Below are some of LLT’s top tips of things to do both in London and at home to get your little ones thinking! They always have fantastic ideas and I know you will enjoy this post that Rebecca (from London’s Little Thinkers) has crafted for you… Wow, that sounds like a bit of tongue twister but the tips are as clear as a bell!

Activities in London

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to Bubble Kids Yoga, London. This impressive new venture will immerse your Little Thinker in both yoga and mindfulness in a fun, stress free and interactive way. Bubble Kids offer age appropriate classes for children aged 4-12 during holidays and in term time – our favourite being the storytelling through yoga.

Are you Looking for an Easter Holiday Course for your Little Thinker? Sign up to one of their Easter workshops (2 hours per day) for a bouncy, fun, dynamic and imaginative yoga and mindfulness course. Location: Parsons Green (4, 5, 6th April) or Wimbledon Village (11,12,13th April). Price: £65 (sibling discount applies). Email here for more details.

Events at Discover Children’s Story Centre are both educational and fun for Little Thinkers. Check out their range of literacy inspired events on offer over the Easter Holidays. Why not head over for their Dr Seuss inspired Easter egg hunt. Head out into the Story Garden for a Green Eggs and Ham inspired egg hunt, dreamt up by our Children’s Forum. Your Little Thinker will have to complete the literacy focused challenges before winning their chocolate goodie!

The Robot Zoo at The Horniman Museum will give your Little Thinker the chance to discover the mechanisms which give animals their unique abilities. Why do grasshoppers jump so high? Why do chameleons change colour? All of these questions and more will
be answered through the use of larger-than-life animals that have been “innovatively
recreated using a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to reveal how their real life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide”.

Interactive exhibits also give your Little Thinker the chance to try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design their own ‘mutant’ robot creature.

Child ticket £4.

The Little Art Society was set up by two specialist Art teachers. They run Art, Craft ad Design workshops for Little Thinkers during weekends and the school holidays. Their 3 hour long sessions expose children to new techniques and a diverse range of new skills and materials.

Book your session for the Easter Holidays here

At Home

Shaving Foam Fun: simple yet effective, this is an excellent way to encourage emergent writing or letter/number formation. Cover a big tray in shaving foam and let your Little Thinker get messy whilst practicing their school work. When I taught Reception, the children’s increased enthusiasm to write (especially boys) when shaving foam was involved was amazing to see. My biggest tip would be to keep learning fun, interactive and sensory; when you do this the results are amazing! It’ll leave your house smelling delicious too!

Download Virry : children can discover a world of animal adventures through wild animal live cameras, interactive videos and countless hours of captivating entertainment and learning! Created in collaboration with leading child development researchers and world-renowned wildlife experts, Virry is specifically designed for animal lovers aged 2–7 years olds with a hunger to explore and discover the animal kingdom. Trusted by parents and educators around the world, you can download their app via the App Store.

Mrs Wordsmith: We are a big fan of Mrs Wordsmith vocabulary cards here at LLT. They are hilariously illustrated vocabulary cards which will nourish, support and develop your Little Thinkers vocabulary bank. This subscription-based programme has been academically researched by specialists and will be delivered straight to your door. Your Little Thinker will enjoy vocabulary exercises, daily placemats, flashcards and rewards too.

Order here

If you have enjoyed this post – I certainly have! please sign up to London’s Little Thinkers for information on what’s on and what to do with little ones.

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Fashion

My Top Picks from ME+EM for Sentebale

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of visiting the ME+EM store on Elizabeth Street. I was greeted with smiles and shown the SS17 collection. If you aren’t familiar with ME+EM, you should be! No seriously, they are a fantastic brand – the price point, the quality and the styles all make it a very desirable destination for a busy mum. They have very kindly agreed that with EVERY purchase made over £50 on 22nd March, they will give £5 to Sentebale for the Mothers Day Campaign that I am collaborating on.

ME+EM was founded by Clare Hornby in 2009 to be a fashion label offering designer quality at lower prices. Clare was frustrated by how hard it was for women to find good-looking, flattering and beautifully made clothes that are on trend and wearable every day of the week. Bringing together her extensive consumer insight from 15 years of advertising, a lifetime’s love for fashion and an obsession with fit, she launched ME+EM.

Obsessed with design and fit, we spend an average of 15 times longer than the High Street fitting our clothes so that they really flatter the customer.

Here are my top picks…

Longline Pocket Tee – Khaki £49

This colour is right on point this season, but if you prefer a more classic colour, it also comes in Black and White. I love that the back is slightly longer than the front so no builders bum when you are at playgroup and the longer length would be perfect over white skinnies or tight leather trousers.

Button Detail Breton with Button Detail – Soft White & Cobalt £49

For a savvy take on the classic Breton this season, notice the button detail on the shoulder. Also comes in Navy & Soft White.

Sleeveless Frill Layering Blouse £69

This is genius investment piece. It is designed for versatility – either to be worn on it’s own or under a jumper. I love the pretty collar peeping through – it instantly smartens up an outfit and you can also do up the bow or leave it loose. The other bonus is that it gives you a seamless look under a fitted jumper so no lumps and bumps. If only they could invest a bra to do the same on your back!

Frill Hem Dress – Blush £165

This is flattering dress that would work with flats for a more casual look but you could throw on a blazer and work it for the races too.

From their much coveted side stripe trouser, their ladies trouser collection covers all the shapes from the Cigarette trouser, high waisted trousers, cargo trousers and cropped trousers to a jogger pant to their iconic palazzo trouser, to the wide leg crop pant.

Easy Fit Double Stripe Joggers £59

These are fab! (I have a pair) As they go in at the ankle they are really flattering and can be worn with trainers or heels in the evening. The navy are my pick for Spring/Summer but they also come in black.

Luxe Crepe Slouch Pant £149

Personally, this style typifies ME+EM and that just makes me want them more. I love the slash at the ankle to go over trainers and the stripe is just oh so elongating!

Grosgrain Stripe Slimfit Crop Pant £119

If you need a pair of trousers for work, look no further than these cropped pants.

Girl Meets Boy Jean £119

Nothing says the weather has turned more than a pair of Ecru coloured jeans and cropped even better, finished to perfection with this seasons must have detail – the contrast panel at the ankle.

High Rise Half Leather Legging £399

Oh I can but dream… but if I could I would buy these!

Classic Swing Mac- Sand £299

I love this length and a mac is timeless so a great investment piece.

Statement Stripe Sweat £75

This winked at me as soon as I walked in. It looks as good on as it does on the rail.

There isn’t a code so please buy buy buy knowing every purchase over £50 is helping children in Lesotho!

ME+EM

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TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : March 2017

Getting this in by the skin of my teeth this month. March has been one of those months!! I had my first taste of what it could be like if I went to press launches and meetings all the time (which alot of bloggers do, but I don’t because… I can’t!) but last Thursday my mother came up and I had a day of all days as I was preparing for the Sentebale campaign for Mothers Day. If you missed it – catch up here. It is being covered in Hello this week which is beyond exciting! (P 42)

It started with a quick visit to see one of my best friends new babies at C & W – he was gorgeous! Then I hop footed it My Baba for Mothercare event in Chelsea, then to ME+EM to try out some of their divine clothes for the post I am doing this week (watch this space…) and then tested the Mothers Day Champagne Tea at the Bulgari Hotel. Oh my days, I was exhausted!!!!

NOTICES

The new pages I have added my blog have been a great success. There is a continued need for personal recommendations. Notices in particular jobs (Angels & Urchins, The Good Web Guide and a decorating firm to name a few) and super duper nannies available, has had a lot of foot traffic so if you are in the running for any of these things, be sure to check out this section!

WHAT’S ON

I have just added Parenting Workshops, Theatre and Clubs to the What’s On, so if you are looking for ways to amuse the kids or perhaps something for you, please take a look. I Have my eye on the Parenting Children in The Digital Age workshop and am excited that we have just booked tickets for Annie with Amanda Hart!!

COMPETITIONS

Lastly, my Instagram seems to grow from strength to strength. I have recently been doing some competitions which are really popular, so if you would like to join forces and do a Sunday night Giveaway (especially women clothes and accessories), drop me an email hello@thelondonmummy.com

This is this weeks GIVEAWAY was this gorgeous jumper form Marie & Lola.

SHOP

As a spin off from my Instagram feed, I have put a link to buy everything you see on Instagram, over in the Shop section of the website. I hope this helps!

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE DIRECTORY

Role Models philosophy is to nurture character in children because they believe that ‘soft skills’ are as important as academic attainment. They focus on the individual strengths of every child and are deeply committed to supporting them through their formative years, whether that be through their Creative Childcare, Life Skills Courses or Special Needs Camps.

This Easter, they are offering a ‘Confidence & Resilience Course‘ for 8-12 year olds in Chelsea & Wimbledon.

I have also included Kings Tutors, a London based Private Tutoring company that come recommended by the Good Schools Guide.

Hart & Vine Home Finders are property finders focused on Sevenoaks & Tonbridge and the surrounding villages in Kent. They have excellent contacts in this area and use them to benefit their clients by finding off-market properties or un-earthing hidden gems that their clients just couldn’t have found without us.

They offer an affordable service negotiating to save their clients the success fee. Contact them for a no obligation consultation if that’s the area you are interested in!

SPRING SALE

Last but by no means least – I am having a sale at home on Wednesday 22nd. £5 entry for Sentebale and lots of great brands. Email me hello@thelondonmummy.com if you would like to come along!

WORTH A MENTION

I dropped the 6 yr old off at a cooking class with ‘Cook with Rosie‘. Rosie runs cooking classes for youngsters and they are wonderful. I picked my son up to the cry of ‘I want to cook with Rosie every day!’ She runs the classes from her home in Battersea or at the Corner House in Brook Green. (which I am visiting tmw – it sounds fab!)

One of my favourite small brands for bedding, homeware and gifts is Poppy & Honesty. They have a new collection and it is a cove of Liberty print delight. The boys duvet cover with elephants on is awesome!

Myself and the youngest have enjoyed going Teddy’s Tune Time in Fulham Palace on Thursday mornings. Su is a lovely teacher! It is so calm & engaging and the children love it. She also offers tea and coffee at the end so there is a chance for your little onto play and explore whilst you connect with other mums. She also runs them in Wandsworth and Putney so if you are on the hunt for something to do with your little one, I highly recommend this (and they get given their own teddy!)

If you are wanting to keep the kids healthy, head over to the Nature Doc Shop. She sells every vitamin and supplement to keep the kids in shape including food storage solutions and personal care. So if your child has sensitive skin for example you will be able to find the right creams or shampoo to suit them. Genius!

Hope I haven’t exhausted you and you have found this helpful. Remember, I couldn’t do it without your recommendations and I wouldn’t do it if you didn’t read it (well actually, I would as I LOVE IT!)

Have a lovely week

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Gift Guides Services Spotlight

The Mother’s Day Gift Guide with Sentebale

After a couple of months of planning and plotting, I am so excited that I am finally able to bring you a wonderful Mother’s Day Gift Guide from 6 wonderful brands. The difference with this Gift Guide however, is that every purchase or booking you make will support the charity Sentebale!

What is Sentebale?

Sentebale is a charity founded in 2006 by Prince Harry, together with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, that supports orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa, many of whom are victims of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Through programmes of education, psychosocial support, and care, Sentebale is supporting the mental health and wellbeing of these children so they can lead healthy, happy lives.

Find out more about Sentebale here

Why Am I Involved?

I am so delighted to be partnering with Sentebale as I spent 6 months in Sub Saharan Africa working with children affected by HIV in 2007. My time spent in South Africa and Uganda really enabled me to see how vulnerable these children are. Now that I am a mother myself, I understand even more how hard it must be for children who don’t have a mother and really want to do something to help.

I am sure you will love all the choices below, shopping in the knowledge that you are supporting the most vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, many of whom are living without their mother.

You can make a difference by choosing a gift for your own mother or perhaps you can forward this onto your husband or partner who is choosing a gift for you on behalf of the kids!

So, here they are…

Any Items from Harry Rocks London

Runs Between 17th – 29th March, 2017

Harry Rocks is one of my favourite jewellery brands. She is so on the money with her pendants and bracelets, it is no surprise she is stocked in Harvey Nichols!

I am delighted with my new necklace – my 3 kids initials all on one pendant with a little diamond on it (representing whoever is being the best behaved that day!)

Harry Rocks are offering 20% off their entire collection between 17th and 29th March. with the code . They will donate 20% of these sales to Sentebale

Buy here using code SENTEBALE20 at checkout.

A Beautiful Bouquet of fresh flowers from Moyes Stevens

Runs between 17th – 29 th March, 2017

My house if filled with faux flowers and so my husband doesn’t see the point of buying me flowers ‘as I already have so many’. However when he saw this bouquet, he had to agree that they were beautiful and a massive treat to have in the house.

Not only are Moyses Stevens the Royal florist, they have a flare for colour and the smell is sensational. Sentebale means ‘forget me not’ in Lesotho, so it is fantastic to see these represented within the arrangement.

What’s In The Bouquet?

White Anemones
Pink Tulips
White Hypericum Berries
Viburnum/ Guelder
Forget-me-nots
Sweet Avalanche Roses
Rosemary and Eucalyptus

There are 3 different sizes for you to choose from –

Standard: £70.00

Large: £104.00

Deluxe: £136.00

This one is a large! Can you imagine a deluxe! Wow!

Moyes Stevens will donate 20% to Sentebale from every ‘Sentebale Bouquet’ ordered

Order yours here

Any Items from Willa The Bear

Runs from 17th – 29th March

This is a perfect gift for a new mother or mother to be. Willa and the Bear is a lovely brand selling beautiful bedding and nightwear. It will last forever and become a keepsake for the next generation.

They are donating 100% of proceeds from the sale of all cot quilts sold between 17th and 29th March to Sentebale!

Willa and The Bear are offering you 30% off any other product when you use the code SENTEBALE30, and will donate £5 to Sentebale for every sale that uses the code!

Buy here and please use SENTEBALE30 at checkout.

The Gallery Mess at The Saatchi Gallery

Runs from 17th – 29th March, 2017

Gallery Mess are adding a discretionary £1 donation in support of Sentebale to ALL diner’s bills between 17th and 29th March.

Set amongst a plethora of interesting sculptures and art works, the food is as good as the setting. Not only very generous helpings, utterly delicious.

Why not have a wander around the shops in Sloane Square and then stop here for lunch? It is a real treat and a favourite amongst the locals. And 2 year olds..

Book your table here and they will donate £1 from every bill during the 17th and 29th March.

Mother’s Day Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Bulgari Hotel

Runs Between 17th – 29th March, 2017

What mother doesn’t need some time off once in a while? However, unless it is booked for you, it easy to feel guilty about leaving the little darlings, and you literally need to be sent.

With this in mind, I would love to be sent with a girlfriend into the centre of London to have an Afternoon Tea with Champagne. Where is more opulent and spoiling than the Bulgari Hotel?!

Set in pure opulence, you will be waited on hand and foot and actually have an uninterrupted conversation. Bliss!

The Bulgari Hotel will donate £5 to Sentebale every time a Champagne Afternoon Tea (47pp) is booked between 17th – 29th March.

Book online here and please be sure to reference ‘Sentebale Afternoon Tea’ in the ‘special requests’ section!

Any Items from ME+EM

Offer is on for 24hrs 22nd March, 2017

Fashion brand ME+EM are donating £5 to Sentebale for every sale over £50 on Wednesday 22nd March. I am so excited they are participating in this campaign. Their pieces are a great price point, beautifully made and uber cool. If you haven’t heard of them yet, take a look and I have no doubt you will find some great pieces for your Spring Wardrobe.

However, please hold off until Wednesday 22nd before you buy anything – don’t worry I will remind you in a post on Wednesday morning (including my top picks!)

NO CODE – JUST SHOP ON THE 22ND!!!! (You can plan your purchase here)

I would be so utterly grateful if you dug deep and blessed a mother with one of these thoughtful gifts. Not only will it make them a very happy lady, but you really will be making a difference to the lives of children affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

Thank you so much and have a very Happy Mother’s Day

Love from

Lucinda xx

PS: If you’ve already got your gift sorted but would still like to show your support, you can donate to Sentebale here

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Reviews Services

Quiqup : Shop, Pick Up & Drop Whatever You Need

When it comes to new technology, I am slightly adverse to trying anything new as I am aware that it may become another thing to distract me from my day job (being a ‘good’ Mummy). However, Quiqup will actually help you to be a more productive and subsequently happier Mum, as it will free up more time for the enjoyable things in life.

The beauty of Quiqup is that once you have downloaded it on your phone (IOS and Android) and entered your details there is no subscription – you only pay when you need it.

Not only is it perfect for a busy mum who can’t just nip to the local florist for the dinner parties flowers in 4 hours time or has no time for a ‘proper’ cafe in the local cafe, get it delivered to you!

These are all the different options.

After getting the bank this morning I realised my cards with my husband over in the city, so I simply booked ‘my own personal courier’ to go and collect them and bring them home.

Then I got slightly carried away with the ease and reasonable price of the service and ordered some donuts for pudding this evening!!

I don’t want to wax lyrical to anyone who has just had a baby or is about to have a baby or for those of you who are poorly – you need this now!!! A Mocha frappacino light with less ice? Yup, coming straight up quicker than you can get to the front door to receive it!

WHERE DOES IT COVER?

Basically the whole of London but could be coming to a county near you soon…

HOW MUCH IS IT?

They can’t put a price on time, so they simply charge for distance travelled.

My Credit card being collected from St Pauls and back to Fulham was £11.50 and the donuts were £7.50. Not bad eh?

Click here is more detail on pricing but these are worth their weight in gold surely?

Still not sure whether it is for you? Take a look at the little video I put together of my experience using Quikup!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n7pQLPlCEk[/embedyt]

Have a lovely day!

quiqup.com

This post is a collaboration with Quiqup, however all options are my own.

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : 15 Bold & Bright Jumpers For Spring

At a kids party yesterday, a mum was wearing a gorgeous bright yellow jumper from Zara and it looked fantastic. Bored with my dark hues now the weather is on the up, I thought it was time to hit the high street and get a few jumpers that will give you a Spring look whilst keeping the breezy air at bay. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves thinking the off the shoulder, ruffled, backless, cropped cotton top is the right thing for now… (don’t worry, I am onto it – but not in March and not all these details at the same time!)

Today, I am talking jumpers that make a Spring statement that will also cover you up and keep you snug when the sun is hiding. There isn’t a midriff in sight!

YELLOWS

Zara Yellow Jumper £19.90

Banana Republic Yellow £54.99

REDS

Marks and Spencer V Neck Frill Red Jumper £29.99

Zara Red Maxi Sweater With Bows £29.99

PINKS

Zara Hot Pink Sweater With Side Slits £15.99

ASOS Pink Ruffle Jumper £30

Benetton Dark Fuchsia Jumper £29.99

More & More Powder Rose Jumper £41.99

BLUES

ASOS Blue Jumper With Raglan Detail £28

Jonathan Simkhai Slash Sleeve Indigo Jumper £330

French Connection Popcorn Round Neck Jumper £60

Dorothy Perkins Blue Jumper £24.99

New Nikola Sweatshirt £39.99

GREENS

COS Bottle Green Pleated Sleeve Jumper £59

Hush Summer Cashmere Jumper £125

ORANGE

Boss Orange Jumper £149

Although this post is on block colours, I have to give a special mention to Little Leggies and the jumper I have recently acquired. It is heaven to wear and like walking down the street with a little puppy, I can’t get far before someone stops me in the street!

Head over to Instagram to see it in action on me!

Have a great day xxx

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Food

Healthy Fudge Brownies with Comvita Manuka Honey

Last week I was sent ingredients to make healthy fudge brownies using Comvita Manuka Honey. The ‘healthy’ and ‘brownie’ may seem like an oxymoron however the ingredients that I was sent to make them was all good ingredients, such as coconut oil and coconut flour. I have never used either of those for cooking. Neither something I have in the house. In fact, the only ingredients for the recipe that I had in the house were eggs!

Growing up with a Kiwi mother (I am half NZ!) I was brought up on Manuka Honey, not only on my toast but as a health food too. It can heal scars, shake off a cold and give you lots of nutrients that no other honey can do.

Comvita has been producing world-renowned UMF® Mānuka honey since 1974 in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. Certified by the UMF® quality mark, Comvita ensures your Mānuka honey is authentic so you can enjoy all the goodness from nature.

You have to buy the genuine Manuka Honey so make sure you always look for the UMF® quality mark.

When I was asked to make this recipe, I jumped at the chance as it was quick, healthy and ummm they were brownies!

I enlisted the help of as assistant to oversea the technical aspect so I could take photos and a video and we were delighted at the results!

The recipe for Healthy Fudge Brownies was simple to follow.

Ingredients

Makes 16 brownies
½ cup or 50g of coconut flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup coconut oil (Or melted butter if preferred)
3 eggs (Best if left at room temperature)
½ cup Comvita® Manuka Honey UMF® 5+
(Use ¾ cup for a sweeter taste)
Tastes great with an added dash of vanilla extract
Add crushed nuts if you wish. (We added almonds)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 150C and grease a baking dish or tray.
Make sure that the tray does not cause the mixture to spread too thin, approximately 1 inch in depth works well.
Mix together all of the ingredients thoroughly.
Pour into the tray and bake for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Once baked, leave to cool for 30 minutes (if you can wait!) before cutting or removing from the pan.
These brownies last well, kept in the fridge in a container, unless of course you can’t help yourself!
This recipe produces delicious, dense brownies which taste rich and decadent.