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The London Mummy

Food

Quick, Nutritious Kids Breakfasts with Cooking Them Healthy

Breakfast, as the first meal of the day (many say the most important of all the meals), is often rushed, unrelaxing and can be repetitive.  Porridge again anyone? The Cooking them Healthy girls, Georgie and Jo, with almost (one due soon!) 6 children between them, are passionate about providing simple, delicious & nutritious recipes that work well in the context of busy family life.

Their website is my default destination when I need a quick bit of inspo for kids meals, so I am delighted to hand over the reins to them to give you some ideas!

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When The London Mummy asked us for our top tips on how to boost fruit intake at breakfast we were more than happy to provide our favourite fruity suggestions. One key foodie rule when feeding families is to always try to include protein at breakfast (and all meals) as this helps to slow down the release of sugar and helps to keep little tummies feeling fuller for longer. Sugary cereals can leave children feeling hungry by mid-morning, not helpful to sustain a busy morning at school. Protein supports growth and repair in little bodies, maintains energy levels and should be included at each meal & snack. Good sources for breakfast include eggs, nuts, seeds and both natural and Greek yogurt.

See below for our favourite fruity breakfast recipes :-

Breakfast Muffins

We like to grate fruit (and veg such as carrots) into our muffins which boosts the nutritional content and adds natural sweetness, we well as helping to keep them nice and moist. Muffins also freeze brilliantly so are perfect to have on hand when time is short. Try our Pear & Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins, you won’t be disappointed.

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Porridge with Fruit Compote

Porridge oats are a rich source of soluble fibre, helping support healthy tummies, as well as providing a source of Beta Glucans which are helpful for a health immune system. Compotes are quick & easy to make using either seasonal or frozen fruit. Our Immune Boosting Porridge would make the ideal breakfast for the whole family, and our Rhubarb & Strawberry Compote makes a perfect topping for porridge, or try with natural yogurt and some of our Amazing Granola.

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Fruit Crumble

Crumble is more often considered a pudding, but when combining very few nutritious ingredients, there is no reason it can’t be served at breakfast with some delicious Greek or Coconut Yogurt. Our crumbles contain a combination of oats, ground almonds, fruit and no refined sugar. The oats & almonds provide a protein hit, and if you keep some crumble mix handy in the freezer, you can add it to any seasonal or frozen fruit. Our Roasted Nectarines with Crumble Toppingare a big hit in our house, at any time of the day! If you’re looking for a gluten free breakfast option, our Buckwheat Crumble Topping is brilliant to keep on hand in the freezer.

Fruit crumble

Smoothies

Smoothies can be a great option when we you short of time as they are both quick to make and portable. It is easy to up the sugar content of smoothies so ensure you have a base of protein (natural or Greek yogurt) and add nuts & seeds (if tolerated of course) . You can also add a scoop of high quality protein powder to boost your smoothies, either whey or a vegan protein, to help keep those sugar levels balances and tummies happy until lunchtime. Smoothies can also be a great way to hide a helping of green vegetables so try adding a handful of spinach or kale to your breakfast smoothie – we can almost guarantee it will go unnoticed! Try our delicious Berry Smoothie.

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I think half term is as good a time as any to get the kids cooking. It’s cold outside, immune system may be a bit down so why not rustle up something healthy together  – a sure fire way to get them to eat it if they have helped.

For loads of other recipes, check out their crammed and useful website!

www.cookingthemhealthy.com

PS Check out my new pages on The London Mummy!! What’s On, Notices and Shop! x

Services

Tech Support To Your Door with Scooter Computer

How are you with technology? I like to think I am pretty techy, but just because I am on my computer and phone the whole time, it DOES NOT MAKE ME TECHY. I am actually a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to many aspects.

Recently – let’s just say I had a little accident with my iPhone –  I lost 4000 photos as I hadn’t backed them om up on iCloud.  I don’t want to talk about it too much as it makes me feel slightly dizzy, but hey, it is what it is and it doesn’t matter that I have lost 2 years worth of photos of the kids… gulp. #reachforwine

So, who do you turn to on the technical front in an emergency?

Let me introduce you to Scooter Computer. They are mobile ‘computer fix’ guys that come to your door and can help you with every type of problem (also knowledgable about phones/sound systems/music systems). Book a slot in increments of 1 hour (I would recommend atleast 2 – it will be the quickest hour of your life) and have a list of questions/problems that you need to tackle.  Chris arrived on his scooter and got to work straight away, updating, deleting, signing me up and giving me some great recommendations.

I now feel very 2017.

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These are a couple of other websites he recommended.

Refurbished Macs – authorised by Apple.

Protect Your Bubble – Gadget insurance (PC’s/phones etc) for a low monthly fee (including liquid damage)

Stormfront – Apple Accessories

Now there is no excuse not to be up to date!

Scooter Computer

 

 

Events Food Places

Hassle Free Dinner Parties at Wyld Cookery School

On Tuesday evening we had a wonderful evening with Fran and her team at Wyld Cookery School in Wandsworth. We were invited to their ‘Hassle Free Dinner Parties’ evening which was the final instalment of the 4 week Wyld Cookery Club Evening Course, that also covers Asian Adventures, 30 Minute Meals and One Pot Wonders.

We were greeted with a glass of top plonk (or bottled beer much my husbands delight!) and given the outline and menu for the evening to have a look at before we got cracking.

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We were introduced to the rest of the group who despite having spent the last 3 weeks together were friendly and inclusive. There was a mix of ages and both men and women.

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Fran who started up the school 2 years ago gave a brief introduction on the order of the evening.  Starting with a demonstration, then time to cook yourself and finished off with a lovely sit down meal of the goodies you have just cooked.

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Fran is a cool chick who made the evening fun and VERY informative. She made the demo’s lively and her patience with all the questions and inability to follow recipe’s was pretty impressive!

After the wonderful demo, we cracked on and had a go at cooking Chicken With Mild Mushrooms.

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Check out the Hazelnut and Meringue cake.

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Alex rolling his roulade – check out the pinky!

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Fran was so generous with her tips and I felt of wave of inspiration after having felt so stale in the kitchen for the last few (6) years.

  • Chop the stalks if your beans in the bag
  • Use banana shaped shallots – much easier to chop
  • Whack in a whole crushed garlic (without peeling) to your butter to make garlic butter.
  • Use grease proof paper rather than tinfoil to cook meat (I did wonder why my sausages always stuck to the foil!)
  • Use portobello mushrooms or an alternative but never the cheap white closed cup mushrooms that have no flavour.
  • Stock Pots are a game changer.
  • Soak your dried wild mushrooms for 20 minutes and then, to avoid getting gritty bits in your dish, either strain the liquid through a muslin or discard the last inch of juice – this is especially important when cooking a risotto
  • Always fry your chicken thigh skin down to crisp it up and you don’t need fat – there is enough on the skin.
  • Icing sugar is a the best way to sweeten cream, not caster sugar.

Oh I could go on! You may know alot of this but I have never been to a cooking school and now have a bit of a bug to more.

I reckon the only way to learn properly is by doing and I highly recommend the friendly relaxed and informative way like Wyld Cookery School conducts their courses.

They also only first class ingredients and you also get to take supper home for the next night so it is super duper bang for your buck.

My highlight was the supper at end and also learning to make hollandaise sauce! Who would have thought!

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The next evening course starts on March 21st so book yourself in or give it to someone close to you as a gift. What a great Valentine’s Day present and you will reap the rewards!

There are also some great courses for youngsters.

Wyld Seasonaire 

They also do a Gap Year Course to become a chalet boy/girl.

A no-nonsense, intensive two-week cookery course to give you everything you need to make the most of your Ski Job.

Wyld Essentials 

They are approved D of E provider for the who need to complete their Duke of Edinburgh award.

The course runs Monday to Friday with a maximum of 14 students. They enjoy lunch together every day, with breakfast on Fridays and on their first Thursday night they host a ‘Supper Party’ for their invited guests at the school. The hours are Monday 9.30am – 4.30pm and Tuesday to Friday have a 9am start!

 

The Wyld Essentials Cookery Course

There is also a course to get students culinary ready before they go their own way.

This is the ideal cookery course for anyone about to go to college, university, leaving halls of residence or simply leaving home and left to fend for themselves. The Wyld Essentials Cookery Course is a fun and hand’s on programme which will show you how to flip a dinner party on a budget, create a killer roast and smash a lasagna. Boiled, roasted, baked or steamed like everything we do, we cut out the nonsense and get into the detail that will leave you armed with a solid menu repertoire and confidence to tackle most recipes you put your hand to.

 

The Wyld Cookery School 

Big Fashion

School Run Style : With Marks & Spencer

We all know that the food is pretty unbeatable, the kids clothes are amazing and you will always get a well fitting bra at Marks and Spencer, but what about the women’s clothes? I have always found a few gems when I was walking through the womenswear section to get to the food hall but never actually set out to shop in ‘Marks and Sparks’.  After my latest little project, that has all changed and I will be heading back each season to see what they have pulled out the bag for that style season.

I was so excited to be given the challenge to pull a few of my favourites from the current season together and found it surprisingly easy. This Spring is set to be about frills, bows, fluted arms, embroidery and blush pink and apple green. (Ok, you may want to know how I know about these trends? I follow a lot of brilliant rule makers (and rule breakers – you always need them) over on Instagram who work in the industry and even set the trends over at  WGSN. I am just giving you a summary!)

My New Picks 

These Embroidered Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jeans £35 are fab. I have not worn them out yet as I am drawn to mud at the best of times but can’t wait to pair them with some metallic trainers and a T-shirt and hit the ground running.

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Check out the stunning detail on my pins.

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This Pure Cotton Half Sleeve Sweatshirt £25 is lovely and if I can keep it clean will be a firm throw on fave for the next few months.

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This is what it looks like on. It is a good length and the sleeves are really flattering. I love it. What do you think?

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Black jeans are my friend right up until August and with these zips drawing the eye in, it doesn’t matter if your ankles are a bit translucent, no one will be looking!

Zipped Pocket Skinny Leg Jeans £39.50

Skinny Black Jeans

They are so elongating and hold their shape! I am wearing them with a cotton stretch ivory bomber jacket I bought from M and S last year!

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These Bow Trainers with Insolia Flex £25 fit perfectly and are so comfortable (size 6) and I was pleased to get the thumbs up from my au pair who was just watching a you tube video of Spring trends and it was all about shoes with bows on them. Get in!

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They even have a lovely inside so perfect for when you have to take your shoes off at the soft plat!

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My hero piece from all the collections, is this Long Sleeve Black Tassle Top £29.50

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It is really flattering, slightly fitted but not clingy. The 3/4 length sleeves are cute and make it a bit more girly and around the neckline softens what can be quite harsh – black close to the face. I wore it to a press launch  and out for dinner a couple of days later. (I did was it! It washed really well by the way and didn’t lose its shape.)

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My Other Picks 

The Per Una collection personifies Spring, with the floral touches and pastel colours.

I love the splash of hot pink on this Embroidered Denim Shirt £39.50

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If you are a working mum who needs to drop and dash, check out Autograph – slightly more classic, with cleaner lines and more simple pieces. I love this Jumper With Detachable Belt.

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The Indigo Collection is  renowned for its off duty look and comfortable clothes – perfect for chasing a scooter down the road like a mad woman.

As a huge fan of detail, embroidery and embellishment, there were loads of gems to help you navigate from winter to spring.

The navy Embroidered Long Sleeve Kimono Top £39.50 is a great throw on to keep the chill out  and with 4 different colour stitching, it would work with a with turquoise, red, yellow or beige came underneath.

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I love this Peasant Blouse £35 Perfect for throwing on with blue skinnies and pumps or trainers. Whack on some coral lipstick and brown shimmer eye shadow and voila.

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I eat T shirts for breakfast. That’s if the moths don’t first! I love this Metallic Frill T Shirt £22.50  and the extra frill not the shoulder will make your waist look smaller! Just don’t forget to fake tan first, grey can drain!

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These White Lace Up Trainers £45 from the M and S Collection are so comfortable. Unfortunately the 7’s were too big and the 6’s a little small for me, but worth trying on as if they fit, they will be so practical from here on in.

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It also worth mentioning the Rosie for Autograph workout gear. I love her zip up sports jackets. If only I needed one!

Go and have a gander in your local store or online – I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

This post was written in collaboration with Marks and Spencer however all opinions are my own. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Days Out

6 Destination ‘Farm Shops’ From London For All The Family

Whenever we are staying with family in Suffolk, I always try to squeeze in a visit to Wyken Vineyards. It has been called the ‘Daylesford of East Anglia’ and rightly so. Not only does it have an acclaimed restaurant, upmarket gift shop and a beautiful garden to peruse, there are are alpacas, sheep and peacocks to give your children their farm fix!

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I started thinking about places similar to this close to London.  It is easy to find theme parks or straightforward farms (see my previous post on 6 Farms Close to London)  within throwing distance of London, but a place to visit away from the humdrum of London that can satisfy every member of the family (with a bit of shopping and top nosh for example) are few and far between.



The good thing about these ‘destination farm shops’ (that I am bracketing them them all under) is that, excuse the cliche, there really is something for everyone.

Whether it is being inspired by new interiors, stocking up your present draw, eating ‘farm to fork’ produce or getting some fresh air – I just think they are a great destination to go with a friend in the holidays or all the family at the weekend.

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Priory Farm, Surrey 

Not only does Priory Fram have all the jazz mentioned above, it’s USP for me Discovery Walk. Meander through tunnels, peak into little houses and a try to conquer the sunflower maze – this is a wonderful walk (don’t take a push chair though!!!)

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GOOD IF YOU HAVE ENERGETIC CHILDREN


Cowdray Estate House, Midhurst, West Sussex

Not only farm shops and cafe’s – why not have a golf lesson on their famous course.  If it was all a bit too much excitement you could also extend your stay in one of their little cottages!

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GOOD IF YOU APPRECIATE A BEAUTIFUL SETTING


Gog Magog Farm Shop, Cambridge 

Not only does this place have a playbarn (son good winter destination too), it is famous for the Shack. Bring the great outdoors indoors, enjoy delicious food in an unusual and relaxed setting. Perfect after a dog walk!

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GOOD IF YOU HAVE A DOG


Fox Holes Farm, Hertfordshire 

This is a great place for a rural day out near Hertford and if you are looking to amuse the little ones in half term and want something completely different what about the ‘sausage linking‘ workshop? You won’t find that in London!

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After you have learnt to string sausages, tuck in to  Granny Smith’s high tea for two! So English!

GOOD FOR STOCKING THE FREEZER


Middle Farm, South Downs, Sussex 

Not only do they have a newly laid out ‘Hay Playbarn’ there are numerous ways to get involved with the animals. With entrance to the farm only £5 per person, you will be able to fill the day easily and also stock up your cupboards with a bit of shopping at the gift shop and take some plants back from the lovely nursery.

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GOOD FOR A COUNTRYSIDE DAY OUT


Trading Boundaries, Uckfield, East Sussex

This place is like no other I have visited! With a large courtyard full of boutique shops, there is a fab play area for the kids (with a vast area for the kids to run free) and a really lovely cafe / restaurant. They have a fantastic kids menu and also a Jazz Sunday Brunch if that takes your fancy!

They also sell furniture!

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GOOD IF YOU LIKE SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT


All of these places may seem like a hike, but they are all worth it once you get there!! Hopefully the kids will doze on the way back into London! I am going to visit a couple in half term, so if you want to see how we get on, head over to Instagram and click follow! 

Do you know of any other destinations from London? Please let me know as I would love to visit!

Also, if you are looking for some day other types of trips from London, you might find these 9 Day Trip Ideas helpful.

Have a lovely day xx

Interiors

How To Style a Kids Bedroom

It has only been this month that I have finally got my shizzle together and decided to blitz the children’s half done bedrooms. They are now in their rooms for the foreseeable future so it seems only fair that they are done to the best of my ability!

Starting with my 2 year old daughter…. She inherited a unisex nursery but other than the hanging aeroplane light from the ceiling, everything else was superficially ‘boy’.

The green nursery rhyme curtains were a good place to start as a base and of course I picked out the flicker of pink that was flecked throughout.

Green and pink are complimentary colours and so the green helped balance out an overtly girly theme. Or did it. Eek.

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Over the year she has accumulated some pretty cool bits that have really helped the room come together but it is definitely a girls room!

  • The liberty print fusion from Poppy & Honesty is a firm favourite
  • I love the flamingo pendant from Laura Ashley on her bedside table.
  • Continuing on a bit of a tenuous ‘flamingo’ theme, the bin from Sas Rowan Designs is incredible!
  • If you no longer need your change table – use it as a book shelf!!

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My second son moved from the nursery to the pod room at the back of the loft a couple of years ago. It is a good size room and has double doors leading out to a Juliet balcony (albeit he isn’t allowed onto as this one can climb!)

The furniture was a bit brown and adhoc, so I decided to lighten it up by deciding his ‘theme’ would be pale blue and white.

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  • I hit the sales and bought 3 crates form Zara Home for his books (as they were precariously – or should I say messily – resting on a table) and also the bedspread and two pale blue cushions.

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I liked the stars so much I bought them in Navy blue for my oldest sons ‘nautical’ bedroom! (He didn’t have a choice – only went nautical due to the red and navy cousins that we had originally!)

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  • The walls are Skimming Stone
  • I didn’t know what to do put along side his top bunk and found these football figures in from the same company that just fit perfectly!

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  • The London Skyline was also an option!
  • I have finished off the room with two bedspreads reduced to £45 each in the sale from Laura Ashley again. I think there kids range is reasonable and pretty cute, so it is always worth a look if you are looking to spruce up their rooms.

The one thing that is missing from this room is a nice book shelf/ storage system so if you have any recommendations, please let me know!

 

Tips for bringing room together

  • I think bunting is great for creating a bit of warmth in a room. If the room is looking a bit busy (like the nautical room above!) I would have used plain rather than patterned.
  • I love a rug. If you can afford, try to get a heavy-duty one as otherwise you are constantly flattening it out.
  • A good bed spread can really neaten up a room. When you make the bed in the morning (or afternoon!) cover the whole bed over and above the pillow.
  • Any ornaments that aren’t functional or attractive – put them away. Yes, I will keep a painting out occasionally but eventually it goes in a box. Even better get all their art work collated onto one piece artwork. Check out Barney & Wilf 
  • Get a personalised door name or something fun! It gives the children a sense of ownership. Sadly, I am not sure where these ones are from but there are plenty on the internet.

 

 

If you run a small craft business, find somewhere to leave your website on the object. So annoying when you want to buy another one or recommend it and there is no label!

 

 

  • I have to recommend The Kids Curtain Company. We chose the fabric from their selection and, sent them the size and style we wanted (i.e. blackout) and they posted them out already to hang. Really good service.
  • Have a good book clearance, toy sort out every once in a while. Even if you just put it in storage, I guarantee as soon as you have it in a pile to put away they will be interested again!
  • Don’t worry too much about measuring when putting painting or pictures up. Trust your gut and just go for it!

I have the utmost respect for Interior Designers. There is no way I would have the inclination or ability to do this for someone else but I have loved doing it for my little ducks. Please tell me of any businesses, ideas or products for interiors, I love hearing what’s out there.  Unless we talk and share outside our busy little bubble, how are we meant to know!

Please check out my Instagram for more interior ideas!

xx

 

Beauty Spotlight

New Business Alert : The Natural Living Company

Leone, who set up The Natural Living Company this year, supports local enterprises by selling a wonderful selection of eco-friendly beauty and natural homeware products.  She has always loved fashion, cosmetics and interior design and became aware that sustainable and eco-friendly products were few and far between.

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I wanted to see better quality products on the market but most importantly because there is a need for these types of products to sustain the beautiful world we live in.

 

The Natural Living Company aims to show through it’s carefully curated collation of goods that natural, sustainable products from British enterprises can be better, higher quality and more beautiful than their high street counterparts.

It certainly achieves that….  (and don’t forget to check out her 5 Favourites at the bottom – they are awesome!!)

Anyway, here are my top picks from her beautiful website!

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Beauty 

Being an absolute beauty junkie, this is my favourite part of Leone’s website. From facial oil (everyone has to have a face oil!) to scrubs and ‘bath potions’ you could really get your Instagram ‘shelfie’ nailed.

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For a busy London mum, I urge you to buy yourself the Calming Gift Box filled with a body oil, candle ands salts.

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Pregnancy 

If you are pregnant, there is also a wonderful range of goodies. Breast Balm? I wish that had been around in my day!!

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Baby & Child 

Leone has a wonderful baby range of baby balms, butters and oils and the baby skin gift set would be a lovely new baby present. I especially love ‘Little Herbs, Tummy Rub

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There is also a gorgeous section of natural baby grows, blankets and hats. The red star range is my favourite!

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This little Whale Bodysuit is would be a lovely baby gift at only £13.

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Interiors 

I am a sucker for items that make my home cosy at the moment and this Indigo Welsh wool throw is a steal at only £29.

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She also sells lots of lovely smelly things such as candles  – I love the ‘Happy’ one!

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I am also a sucker for a room spray. Some of the combinations of her ‘room mists’ are exquisite! Lime, Basil and Clementine… 

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Kitchenware

There are some fab chopping, bread and carving boards at only £39.45 along side pretty ceramics.  The stoneware cup and saucer is would make your Instagram flat lay unbeatable!!

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The little jugs are only £12 too!

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Rose Linen Apron £35 (Also comes in Charcoal to the left of the photo and Dove Grey)

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January is certainly a time for getting your house in order, looking after yourself and making good choices.  You can certainly do all that here!

Everything is delivered in a beautiful box so you can ensure your recipient will be blessed with a an amazing gift all beautifully wrapped too.

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Leone’s Favourites 

Shop : I love going for a wonder around the shop at Petersham Nurseries. They have such beautiful antique furniture and chandeliers, some occasional skin care products and of course the most beautiful plants and plant pots! I could spend hours and a lot of money there if I’m not careful!

Website :  I love reading blogs, I’m really into The Londoner and Pretty Hungry Me for their amazing post on new restaurants and to lust over their latest travels. I have also recently discovered Yoli & Otis who are an Australian kids clothing company with beautiful such a beautiful blog!.

Restaurant :

“I have been slowly going vegetarian over the past couple of years so I always look forward to a meal at Mildreds where nothing on the menu is off limits – everything is utterly delicious.

I also love lusting over anything by Jo Rogers, Skye McAlpine, the lovely Lucy and Jemima of Tart London and Meg & Issy of The Curious Pear on Instagram. All the recipes I’ve tried have been so straight forward and flavoursome.”

Hotel :

“It has got to be the Soho House. I love their farmhouse in Oxfordshire, especially during a less crowded weekday stay. Barnsley House in the Cotswolds is also such a treat!”

Holiday Destination :

“My family is from Cape Town, so going to visit never gets old- it really feels like a second home to me and I never tire of the stunning scenery and gorgeous weather.

We’ve had a holiday house in Harlyn Bay, Cornwall since I was born so that part of the country holds many sweet (and often hilarious) family memories of spending scorching summer days on the beach and terribly wet summer days cycling up endless hills or being dragged on coastal walks, all memories we look back on with fondness though!

Next on my bucket list are South America, Kenya, India and South Korea…”

Parenting Tip :

“Although not a mother myself, growing up in a large family (I’m the second youngest of six) I’ve had plenty of experience with kids of all ages. Firstly, always carry a spare change of clothes (or two) and a muslin.

Secondly, try not to compare yourself to other parents. I think it’s so easy to compare in an era of social media, but we should be using this platform instead to educate and encourage each other.”

The Natural Living Company 

Follow Leone on Instagram

 

Fashion Travel

A Night at The Dorsett, Shepherds Bush

Having toyed with idea of a whistle-stop trip to the Westfield this morning or to head home after our getaway last night, I have chosen the latter. Not only will I save £££ (as there is always something that catches your eye there!) but I wanted to get this post out as soon as possible whilst it is still fresh in my mind!

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An easy 10 minute bus journey from my house yesterday afternoon took me straight to the  Dorsett, opposite Shepherds Bush Green. By the discreet entrance you would never guess it is an 8-storey hotel with over 300 rooms, 2 restaurants, a bar a gym, a spa and plenty of conference rooms!

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I was swiftly shown to my room on the 6th floor. Actually, correction, it was one of their suites. It was quite breathtaking (not to be gushy, but it was really impressive).  Decorated to a high spec with an Asian influence, its piece de resistance were the panoramic views over Chez Bush.

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There was no confusion over which light switches turned on which lights at this hotel. The tech had clearly been thought out carefully.  I managed to set the AC on my first attempt and also worked out how to turn the TV on straight away. Ah you might laugh, but I am sure some of you will empathise that occasionally you need a phd to work it out! There was also an iPhone docking station and an iPad for your own use too!

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It really felt like we were in another country – even the fruit the was cut with an oriental twist. I was half expecting my towel to be shaped as swan in a sea of rose petals!

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After settling in and using every gadget possible, ee headed downstairs to the golden atrium and Jin Bar to meet Lucy Choi and admire her heavenly footwear collection Lucy Choi London.

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Lucy (on the right) is as lovely as her shoes. She is so down earth and as a mother to two little boys she knows the importance of comfortable yet stylish shoes.

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I had my eye on these beauties. They were super comfy and I justified the contemplation that they could be worn with bare legs and black tights…  alas they were a tiny bit too big.

 

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Lucy will be at the Dorsett on Friday 12-6pm so do pop by and have a look at her collection and say hi! 

After a few ‘Lucy Choi cocktails’, we headed to Pictures, the in-house Mediterranean restaurant that has recently  acquired a new chef.

We both had the Norwegian Crab & Prawn Cocktail (as we are so stuck in the 80’s). It had a brilliant kick and we found out it was due to a little brandy in the marie rose sauce. Yum!

We then had Ox Tail (him) and Salmon Fillets (moi) which were equally good.  The only slight disappointment was the pudding – we thought we had ordered a full on chocolate bomb but it was actually filled with mint ice cream… #firstworldproblem

The other restaurant Shikumen is Asian inspired that gives the feeling of ‘dining out’ when you are actually in the hotel.  It has a separate entrance. Apparently the Beijing Peking Duck carved at your table served with handmade pancakes is unbeatable!

This is a very slick hotel in the heart of West London with excellent transport links into the city and the West End and a stone’s throw from the more village feel of Notting Hill & Westbourne Grove. Due to its enormity and relaxed feel, it would be a convenient & easy hotel to stay with the kids too. They would also love the breakfast!

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Dorsett have a Kidzania package which would be such a treat to do in the holidays.  You could go shopping whilst they ‘play adults’ and then you can use the best service ever – your bags get dropped to your room! How about that.

Thank you for reading and have a lovely day xx

Dorsett Hotels