The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

TLM Monthly Edit : January 2017

Oops, I missed December’s Edit so have a jam-packed January for you. I actually think all the chat of ‘Blue January’ is a bit dramatic. I love that lots of people are doing dry January and so have a pretty empty diary – not that we only go out to drink (cough) and we can snuggle down and catch up on the box sets. We are currently into House of Cards. No doubt this is soon to be put to the back of the shelf whilst we watch new season of Homeland and four parter Apple Tree Yard on terrestrial. Rock n Roll!

Anyway, let’s kick off this edit with the Hush Sample Sale this month. Held at Chelsea Town Hall over three days, it is the first of its kind and will no doubt be a huge success. They usually stagger out the stock over three days but I still think it is worth getting down early.

I am probably late to the party with discovering Waitrose fantastic free home delivery service. (Although I think I am in the majority as when I have waxed lyrical to my pals, they didn’t know either). It is a game changer! I can’t actually and anything about it on their website, hence no link but ask next time you pop down.

Head to your local Waitress (it must be your local one)
Go to Customer Services and reserve a delivery slot for later that day
Do your shopping (minimum £50)
Pay for it and walk out empty handed! (They even pack it for you!)

Be warned that it is easy to get carried away as you know you don’t have to carry or unload any of it!! Hence my ‘winter’ berry fruit salad, which is a testament to the above point.

We all know people affected by Cancer, so please show your support on 4th February by buying and wearing a Unity Band for World Cancer Day.

As a symbol of strength and unity, the charity is urging supporters to donate or wear a specially designed Unity Band during the two week campaign, which launched on 19 January, with all proceeds helping pioneer research into all 200 types of cancers, and fund over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses in the UK.

This year, there are three classic adult reef knot designs available for a suggested donation of £2 and very exciting for 2017, they now are offering three beautiful adjustable polka dot children’s designs- offering us an opportunity to involve the kids in an act of unity against cancer, and raise money for life-saving research. Buy Here.

A friend of mine is selling gorgeous fleece gilets and I can vouch that the boys don’t want to take them off. Email her warmanclaire@gmail.com to order yours. Perfect for an extra layer under a coat or for free arms when they have warmed up outside! They come in bright orange and black or electric blue and yellow.

I am as susceptible to a pale blue shirt on a man as the next person and I think I have found the ultimate classic linen pale blue shirt (as seen on Prince Harry!) Started by Jamie Dundas, Dundas London has hit the nail on the head when it comes to casual dressing. Thank YOU.

When it comes to craft, I have to say the Americans are one step ahead. The most beautiful Christmas cards I received this year were all from across the pond. Little ribbons, beautifully written and more often than not, a stamp of their address on the back of the envelope.

So I investigated and have found a business that would give the americans a run for their money. The English Stamp Company can customise any stamp to your chosen font, size and style and you can even have a hand written stamp (which is slightly counteracting but hey!)

I have designs on this one but maybe it is the gold ink that is swaying me!

I received an email from a lovely lady Poppy to introduce her handmade baby bloomer business just after I had pressed publish of ‘17 New Businesses To Have On Your Radar‘. They are absolutely sweet and well made. Have a look at Freddiepops on Facebook!

Also worth a mention is Tussie Mussie London that sell handmade candles that are delicious. The Love Story candle is perfect for Valentine’s Day…

I am thrilled to have some new entires on The London Mummy Directory. My aim is for it to be your go to when you are looking for ANYTHING. This may take a while as everything is a personal recommendation or exceptionally unique. This week I have added

BookitBecki – HelpingYou Book Your Perfect Holiday

Boo’s Baby Bites – Freshly Made, Freshly Frozen Delivered Straight To Your Door

Cece & Me – Children’s Shoe Fitting Experts

Ele Grafton – Bespoke Light Boxes, Collage Illustrations and Prints

LH Property Services – Professional, quality cleaning with a personal touch

Like Minders – Safe, Flexible & Affordable Babysitting & Childcare

Rachel’s Villa Holidays – A Free Villa Finding Service For Busy Parents

Not to mention my recent Spotlight on Jen and Maranda at Property Potential Surrey! are now featured on The Directory.

Have a great day and keep warm xx

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Property Services Spotlight

Move To Surrey with Property Potential

‘So, is it time to ‘move out?’ Go to the sprawling countryside. Somewhere bigger? We will have to compromise somewhere. Large property, smaller garden. No, massive garden and smaller house? Hmmm. Not sure. Perhaps in a country village, perhaps on the outskirts of a town. Ok, let’s leave that. What’s our budget? Eek. What can we even get for that? You want old but I don’t want anything that is going fall down on me! And we haven’t even registered for schools!! Are there any schools that are decent in that area (that we don’t even know have any houses for sale) and first and foremost we need to check that they actually have places! ‘

Sound familiar? If you have ever discussed the BIG MOVE with your other half, it is enough to make you want to go and inhale that familiar London pollution.

Anyway, help is at hand. I have a couple lovely ladies who will be able to give you much needed clarity, information & insider knowledge on this very subject!

Maranda and Jen are professional home search consultants who run Property Potential Surrey specialising in helping families moving to the area to find their dream family home.

We cover Surrey, North Hampshire and West Sussex.

Many of their clients focus on the areas around Farnham, Guildford, Godalming and Haslemere as they are lovely towns surrounded by rolling countryside, but it’s easily accessible back into London.

The process starts with them meeting prospective clients to really get to grips with what they’re after from commuting needs to schools to the style of house that they prefer.

Based on their needs, they take them on an orientation tour of the areas that they think would work best for them. During the tour they will share lots of local information such as best nurseries, schools, pubs, restaurants, shops, the best stations to commute from etc. and will send them home armed with the knowledge that would normally take years of living locally to gain.

Once they have narrowed down the search area we then hit the ground running leaving no stone unturned to get into the very best properties, more often than not before they hit the open market.

Due to their excellent relationship with local estate agents, they also get access to those houses being marketed ‘quietly’ which will never come onto the open market. This gives their clients a competitive edge over other buyers. Once they’ve found the right house, they then work with the estate agents to negotiate the best possible price for their clients.

Once the deal is done, they act as house moving ‘concierge’, and can organise surveyors, removals quotes and get quotes from other professional services. After their clients move in they don’t just disappear but are at the end of the phone to offer advice and information on the local area.

MEET THEM YOURSELF IN LONDON!

Maranda and Jen are setting up shop in South West London on Friday 3rd March to meet anyone who would like to explore the possibility of moving to Surrey.

What you can expect to learn –

House style:

“We have a special presentation, which helps clients think about house styles, what the love and hate about different houses. It is amazing how often a client hasn’t quite decided what they are looking for and depending on what they like, we know where you are most likely to find that style of house.”

House prices:

“Even if they are unsure of their end budget, we can give them an idea of where you are most likely to get what you want for your money.”

The area:

“We will have a huge map and can discuss the area in general. Talking though villages they may have heard of and what is available in different areas, from schools, to nurseries, to cafes to shops”

Travel:

“We will have commuting timetables and discuss best stations to commute from”

Schools:

“We will have a list of all the schools in the area and will provide them with a list of the next open mornings”

The meeting is strictly confidential and absolutely no pressure to use their services (although they are so nice, I am thinking I want to up sticks and move to the country, just so I can have them look after me!)

Call them to book a time!

Maranda Jones 07776 779993
Jen Butcher 07776 779998

They met in the way that many of us meet new friends when we have young children – at a local toddler group.

It was (and still is) a real social hub for local mums with little ones and it’s where we met the ladies who have gone on to be our great friends still today.

When our youngest children started school we, like many mums, wanted to go back to work but in a more flexible way where we could be our own boss. I built my own house when I moved into the village six years ago and developed a real passion for property. I also found that I was informally advising many friends and friends of friends about the area and what it’s like to live around here. I was also informally keeping an eye out for properties for them.

Jen and Maranda got talking about their future plans and decided that it would have been invaluable, when they had moved a few years earlier, to have had somebody to hold their hand through the entire process – from finding the dream family home to being able to pass on the local knowledge that can only be gained from living and breathing an area for a number of years.

This seed of an idea then snowballed into an actual business which they’ve been running successfully now for nearly four years. They both have a background in PR and marketing which really helped to promote their business and get it off the ground.

I can see why. When I spoke to them it was like speaking old friends. What a dynamic duo!

Their Favourite’s

Website: Houzz which is like an encylopaedia of interior design ideas

Shop: Bardoe & Appel, Guildford and The Packhouse for amazing home décor finds

Hotel: The Dormy House Hotel, Cotswolds – beautiful, cosy home from home boutique hotel

Restaurant: The Noah’s Ark in Lurgashall, West Sussex – picture perfect village setting and delicious food after a long Sunday morning walk.

Holiday destination: Cape Town – my parents live there half the year and Jen’s just been there on holiday – such a beautiful city.

Parenting tip:

Don’t stress about challenging behaviour – everything’s a phase and they (and you!) will come out the other side!

Contact details –

Property Potential Surrey

hello@propertypotentialsurrey.co.uk

Maranda Jones 07776 779993
Jen Butcher 07776 779998

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Family Life Travel

4 UK Getaways with Luxury Family Hotels

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year. Do you care about this little fact? I don’t care what day it falls on, as like New Years Eve, we usually stay in! It’s far less cringe having a good bottle of plonk and and a takeaway than sitting in a row of couples facing each other under intense pressure to make it the most romantic dinner EVER… I would much prefer a little getaway for a couple of days instead (ha – of course I would!) with or without the kids, but seeing as Valentine’s Day falls in half term, it’s with the kids!

Below are 4 hotels that are part of the Luxury Family Hotel group that have wonderful packages to get away with the kids at half term.

Polurrian Bay Hotel, Cornwall

Polurrian Bay Hotel provides a perfect coastal setting to appeal to all star-crossed parents and their little cherubs.

What’s special about it?

This luxury family hotel is perched on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula, one of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastlines. The hotel boasts a boutique seaside style, with sea-view lounges and restaurants, chic rooms and contemporary family rooms. On Valentine’s Day children can enjoy Valentine craft activities in the hotel’s OFSTED registered Den.

The fun continues with PJs on and a special screening of a family movie in the hotel’s cinema room accompanied by lashings of hot chocolate and marshmallows. For the very little ones who will not be taking part in Den activities parents can make use of the hotel’s baby listening service.

As part of the Valentine’s package, parents will be able to tuck into a two-course gourmet dinner served each night during their stay. The highlight will be a special menu prepared by the hotel’s chef for Valentine’s night. And to make the most of the romantic evening, the hotel has organised for its Den team (aka Cupid’s helpers), to provide an early morning pick up service for the children on the Wednesday. The Den Team will serve them breakfast while mum and dad get the chance of a lie in or a leisurely breakfast together the morning after. Bliss!

What’s special about it?

Perched on the cliffs amongst 12 acres of landscaped gardens, with stunning views across Mounts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, the Polurrian Bay Hotel is the ultimate family seaside hotel with its own private beach with public access and has scooped numerous awards in the last 12 months.

It also has an indoor pool which is perfect for these cooler months! (Did I mention the outdoor one too?)

The rooms to request:

Whether you choose sea views, a spacious family room, or its two-bedroomed self-catering cottage, the hotel has got the perfect accommodation to suit every family’s needs and even welcomes pet pooches.

With two en-suite bedrooms connected by a private corridor, the family suites are often the first to get snapped up. Guests can choose from a Superior Sea View or Inland Facing suite.

The Package :

Children up to the age of 16 stay free in their parents’ room and pay for all meals taken and complimentary 1 x two hour childcare per day in the hotel’s OFSTED registered crèche.
Rates from £690 for a three-night break in a family room.

Fowey Hall, Fowey, Cornwall

Everyone falls in love with Fowey. I fell in love with it when I visited when we were first married and would love to take the kids back. It is a pretty sailing town and has become a Cornwall hot spot due to its stunning location, quirky shops and cafes, and its gorgeous scenery.

What’s special about it?

Fowey Hall is a grand Queen Anne mansion thought to be the original inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows. Its welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere makes it feel more like a friend’s country retreat, where kids can roam freely and parents can unwind.

Fowey Hall makes an ideal location for a romantic Valentine’s weekend combined with a fun family break this half term. The hotel’s nannies offer a Mary Poppins breakfast club for little ones on Valentine’s Day morning so parents can enjoy some quality time together, catch up on sleep, and treat themselves to breakfast in bed with the papers.

The room to request:

Family rooms in the main house are often the most popular. Sleeping two adults and two children or infants, these provide a separate room for little ones and are ideal for families who like a bit more privacy while not compromising on luxury and comfort.

Fowey Hall’s spa boasts a fantastic range of relaxing and luxurious treatments designed to pamper and refresh guests from top to toe using Elemis products. Treatments to request include the Visible brilliance facial, the perfect pre-occasion treatment helps smooth, firm, plump and restore radiance (1 hour 15 minutes for Mon-Thurs £60, Fri-Sun £70).

The Package

Three nights stay including a two-course dinner, bed and breakfast from £900 for a family room.
Children up to the age of 16 stay free in their parents’ room and pay for all meals taken and complimentary 1 x two hour childcare per day in the hotel’s OFSTED registered crèche.

Woolley Grange, Bradford on Avon

Woolley Grange is an elegant Jacobean Manor House hotel, built from soft Bath stone and set in 14 acres of beautiful gardens.

What’s special about it?

The interior of the hotel has been designed by Carole Taylor and is a great combination of classic style with more contemporary pieces. Elegant chaise longue and chairs sit alongside deep, comfortable leather sofas, and traditional artwork alongside the specially commissioned, contemporary prints by Judy Willoughby.

Feeling more like a house than a hotel, there are plenty of areas in which families can relax, from sofas in front of the roaring log fire in the winter, to the library-come-cinema room.

The room to request:

The fabulous Hayloft Suite has spacious rooms and triple aspect views over the courtyard.

The Package:

Bed and Breakfast rates are from £250 per night for a family room (based on two adults and one child sharing).
Children up to the age of 16 stay free in their parents’ room and pay for all meals taken and complimentary 1 x two hour childcare per day in the hotel’s OFSTED registered crèche.

Thornbury Castle, Cotswolds

This is a chance for you and your family to step back in time and stay in this extraordinary Tudor Castle. It will be a massive education for the kids! (This one is suitable for children 9 and over!) The hotel is utter luxury combining 500-year-old architecture with sumptuous facilities and a romantic backdrop that will melt any frost bitten fingers.

What’s special about it?

This is a hotel steeped in history, surrounded by unspoiled grounds and abutting the lovely landscape of the Cotswolds. Add to that a restaurant that developed a Michelin-starred reputation in the 1970s, drawing stars from all over the world to dine there, and now where couples can dine in peace and privacy (there is a sitters service if you want to be alone) next to a roaring fire.

The rooms to request:

The Tower Suite! This suite is at the top of the tower in the South Wing and is reached via a spiral staircase of 77 circular stone steps (the hotel staff will carry your luggage!). The huge four- poster bed, sumptuous Tudor furnishings and stunning views across Gloucestershire make this, quite literally, the top suite in the castle. Another of the hotel’s most popular rooms is The Dukes Bedchamber. This is the actual room slept in by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn during their honeymoon in 1535 and overlooks the oldest Tudor gardens in England. The room boasts an open fireplace, four poster bed and an en-suite bathroom.

The Package:
Three-course a la Carte dinner on your first evening
Five-course special Valentine’s dinner with classic guitar entertainment on Saturday evening
Two glasses of champagne on arrival
A box of hand-made truffles
Rates from £650 for a two-night break.

How to book these fab family friendly hotels…

More information and booking is available at www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk or telephone the Central Reservations team on 0844 482 2152

Let me know if you go – I won’t be (too) jealous!

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Activities Events

9 Outings To Book Now

Now the dust has settled and they are back to school & you have finally managed to paint your nails, it’s time to start thinking about what you are up to this year. If like me, you can see gaping holes in your diary then why not be really organised and book an outings you have something to look forward to.

Grab that cup of tea and take a look.

There are so many fun things in London in 2017, from sleepovers at a museum to classic books that will come to life in the theatre.

FOR LEGO LOVERS

Giant Lego Brick Animals at London Wetland Centre

Now until 28th January

The giant Lego figures have been touring around the various Wetland Centres and are in Barnes until 28th.

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Magic Lantern Festival at Chiswick House

19th January – 27th February

The theme this year is Along The Silk Road so it will no doubt be as spectacular as last year.

FOR 2- 6 YEAR OLDS

How To Hide a Lion at Polka Dot Theatre Wimbledon

19th January – 25th February

FOR BABIES -12 YEAR OLDS

Babe with Cini Mini Film Club in Battersea

11th February

Cinemini is a new business that offers a fully immersive experience to their little cinema goers. Expect crafts, face painting, fancy dress before and throughout the screening. No need to keep them pinned to the seats during this show.

FOR 2 – 6 YEAR OLDS

Mr Bloom Live in Richmond

18th February

FOR 2-8 YEAR OLDS

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Arts Depot

1st – 6th April

If you missed this at Christmas – don’t worry they are coming back to London during the WORLDWIDE TOUR!

FOR 7 AND UP

Harry Potter in Concert at The Royal Albert Hall

11th – 14th May

Ok this is ages away but when people get wind of it, it will sell out pretty quickly!

FOR 7-11 YEAR OLDS

Science Night at The Science Museum

13th May, 3rd June, 8th July

A giant sleepover at the Science Museum with experiments and interaction throughout the night and a hearty breakfast. £55 pp (I really want to do this but bedtime is 1130!!)

If you want to see a short video of the newly opened Wonderlab – click on the video below. I took it last weekend!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3QHQxK6nLo[/embedyt]

FOR 3-10 YEAR OLDS

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Cadogan Hall

3rd August – 3rd September

Let know if you stumble upon other things to do this year. I always love to hear!

Have a lovely day xx

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Activities Days Out Family Life Food

Review of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Restaurants that really welcome children? Few & far between. I am always on the hunt for fun, relaxed & reasonable restaurants to take the kiddies where we won’t be looked upon like we have taken a bunch of leprechaun’s into the restaurant. So when newly opened Bubba Gump Shrimp Co asked us to come and visit them, we were delighted to.

After arriving in the West End slightly early, we killed some time Lillywhites for old times sake (which I might add is still pretty cheap despite being in the centre of tourist mecca). After that brief interlude of looking at junior cricket bats (I am outnumbered) we headed to the restaurant, where we found the neon lights of Bubba’s pretty easily.

It is a stone’s throw from Piccadilly tube, based in the classic Trocadero. Be warned there is a shop at the entrance though. We say in advance ‘Just so you know, this is a treat in itself. We are not buying anything extra,’ which now seems to do the trick if they know ahead of time.

The restaurant is a tribute to the film ‘Forrest Gump’ and features a menu of comfort food from the American South that reflects the film’s setting in Alabama. Shrimp is of course the specialty but there’s something to delight everyone on the menu.

After an excitable wait downstairs, we were led upstairs past all the original memorabilia.

I especially liked all the words of wisdoms that were sporadically placed over the walls in amongst costume’s and prop displays.

We were given a booth opposite the a large TV that aired rolling repeats of all the Tom Hanks movies he had been in.

We had Forrest Gump which was fun.

First things first, we ordered drinks. Not usually one for cocktails – I entered the spirit of things and went for their Alabama Southern Punch. That definitely chilled me out!

We ordered their signature dishes such as ‘After The Storm – Bucket of Boat Trash’ and ‘Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp’ which were vast and delicious.

The kids had the ‘Bus Bench Burger & Hubba Bubba Popcorn Shrimp which kept them quiet for a considerable amount of time.

For pudding, I ordered Chocolate Chip Cookie Sunday. It was basically the size of my face and I thought there is no way I will be able to eat it all… Will leave it your imagine whether I did or not! ha

The children’s pudding was pretty unbeatable. Move over Build a Bear, this was ‘Build Your Own Sundae!’ A trio of toppings and a mountain of ice cream.

We had a great time and will definitely head back for a special occasion. If you are looking for a fun place to take the family one weekend, I highly recommend Bubba’s.

Not only is it an education in deep South American history (!) it is relaxed – you want have to be shhhhing them every 5 seconds! (or is that just me!), easy to get to and pretty reasonable.

Make sure you book though as it is very popular!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

13 Coventry Street, London W1D 7AB

0203 7 635 288

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Fashion

Quick, The Sales Are Ending!

I have put together 26 classic sale items that are significantly discounted and will see you well into this year and beyond. Some sales are over but there are still a few gems out there. If you have a wedding or event at the beginning of this year, now is the time to buy a dress as there are lots of lovely dresses that weren’t sold before Christmas. There are also an array of tempting cute Spring trainers too so if you can think beyond puddles, get ahead now. (I don’t need encouraging)

My fashion bible Who, What, Wear has put together 5 trends that ‘will always be cool in London’ which is a perfect read if you don’t want to be a slave to seasonal fashion!

Mango Sequined Blouse Was £69 Now £19

Such a bargain. I am overlooking that it may have designed with Christmas in mind. I could pull this off at a parents evening!

Boden Zeta Long Sleeved Top – Was £59 Now£35

I actually hd this in my Boden checkout so when I went to check out the Boden sale, i was delighted to see this laser cut out long sleeved top is actually now in the sales.

Miri Makati Love Me Sweatshirt Was £250 Now £150

Tongue in cheek logo’s are around stronger than ever this year, so if you are going to do logo’s – go strong.

Vanessa Bruni Cream Jumper Was £560 Now £224

If you are slim enough to pull this off and not look like a curtain, it oozes chic.

Isabel Marant Etoile Tie Waist Dress Was £265 Now £159

Chuck over a leather jacket, black tights and a chunky scarf and in the spring, take them all off and hey presto – it has taken you from winter to summer and very stylishly.

Hush Josie Jumpsuit Was £75 Now £50

This is one of my sale buys – yet to wear it but cannot wait to get it on. Just need somewhere tower it too!

Hush Laura Dress Was £49 Now £25

I bought this before the sale but it is slightly too big so isn’t as flattering as I had hoped. My recommendation with Hush is always to go a size lower as they are very generous with their sizing. (A size 12 drowns me and that’s saying something!)

Make Long Baroque Print Dress Was £280 Now £168

Add a lick of Bobbi Brown’s Parisian Red lipstick and hey presto. The most stylish girl in the room.

Victoria Beckham Navy Ruffled Trim Dress £565 Now £226

Imagine actually wearing something by the incredibly elusive VB. Well you could d0 with this cute dress. It has only ‘normal sizes’ left too! (12 & 14!)

Zara Coat With Wraparound Collar Was £70 Now £30

I love funnel collar. Super flattering and great if like me, you always forget your scarf.

French Connection Felt Wool Coat Was £175 Now £122

I have just bought a red coat like this from Zara and I love it. (Check it out here) French Connection are also selling this in black and tan. With a contrasting neck, it is a subtle twist on a classic overcoat.

Maje Lace Top With See-Through Detailing Was £175 Now £140

I love the detail on the shoulders. Slightly puffed sleeves are for making your waist a bit slimmer!

French Connection Empire Dot Flared Hem Top Was £55 Now £22

Continuing on the flattering theme – if you are still defeated by Christmas this loose panel over the tummy is ace.

Scotch & SodaLong Sleeved Top Was £69 Now £35

I love this slouchy T.

Ida Skinny Jeans £185 to £55

If you are a Donna Ida fan (I am) check out her sale. The discounts are amazing!

Ida Paige Dungarees Were £320 Now £129

Whenever I see someone in dungarees, I get a twinge of envy as I don’t think I could pull them off, but these ones are really flattering on the bum so a good place to start?

Rectangle Bar Cuff Earring Set Was £16 Now £8

If you aren’t brave enough to get that second or third piercing that is very popular with trendy mums at the moment, go for an ear cuff instead that you cantata out at the end of the day when your mother in law comes for tea!

Maje Quilted Leather Bucket Bag Was £315 Now £157

Beautiful. Speaks for itself.

French Connection Cross Body Bag Was £75 Now £35

I use my Davina Mulford Cross Body Bag every day and this one comes a close second.

Hush Scarf Was £49 Now £30

No edit is complete without a bit of leopard print.

Maje Trainers With sequined Detail Were £209 Now £104

Sequins! Squeal.

Zara Patches Plimsolls Were £45 Now £19

Even the laces are sparkly!

Zara Tricolour Sneakers Were £39 Now £19

Only a size 5 left!! Go Get Them (because i’m a 6 – darn!)

Stella McCartney Quilted Jacket Was £220 Now £68

If you are joining the activewear bandwagon, this is super practical. (The lovely girls at Minis & More have put together an activewear edit that is definitely worth a look if you are in the market for workout gear.)

No Ka’Oi Sports Bra Was £105 Now £63

How cool is this? This top has a built in sports bra.

Hope this has given you a few ideas. I am trying to hold back at the moment but I love hearing about your sale bargains so let me know what you have found in sales.

If you would like to receive the latest posts straight into your inbox, please sign up here

Have a lovely week and don’t forget your hats and scarves – it’s going to be nippy! xx

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Services

17 New Businesses To Have on Your Radar in 2017!

I have had such a great response since my last post on how to work with bloggers. It is so important to get your new business out there and be seen. I promised that I would include those that emailed me in my ‘2017 New Business’ round up and here it is!

I hope this will encourage you to fire off a few more emails. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear back or they can’t help, move onto the next one!

There are so many wonderful business. Please have a read below – there really is something for everyone.

Like Minders – Childcare and Elderly Care & Companionship

Like Minders is run by two mothers, Bryony and Georgie across London and Surrey. They have been so successful with their childcare service that they have branched out into care and companionship for the elderly. They have a very good work ethic, are responsive, polite and give a very personal service. They are also able to help out last minute too.

Boo’s Baby Bites

If weaning is upon you but you are so tired/ busy / working that you aren’t able to prep fresh food yourself – this is for you. These pots are cooked and frozen on the day so all the goodness is still in them. They deliver across London (and I looked at the price – so so reasonable!)

Book It Becki – Personal Holiday Planning Service & Lifestyle PA

If you have no idea where to go on holiday, give her the location and requirements that will suit your needs i.e. swimming pool/creche etc and for a small fee she will return with 4, 7 or 10 ideas so you don’t have to trawl the internet!

Tantrum X Y Z – The Toolkit for Modern Parents

This website is wide-ranging – from clothes, to forums, to articles but my favourite thing… the amazing photo filters! They have a range of milestone cards. For example you can upload a photo of your new baby to ‘week 1’ for example and download it!

Babynizer – Planning For Your New Baby

If you are expecting and don’t know where to start, this is a fantastic new website that provides you with personalised recommendations on what & where to buy.

They also can recommend –

Planning and monthly to-do-list
Organisation at home
Essential items picking
Nursery set up
Antenatal classes
Pregnancy/Newborn photo shoot
Hospital bag
Baby showers
Sourcing local medical professionals
Mum-to-be pampering
Maternity concierge
Private chauffeur

Honey Rocks London – Online Interiors Boutique For Children

Honey Rocks London is an exciting new boutique brand specialising in children’s clothing and interiors. Founder India Hares has used her retail buying experience to bring together a range of cushions, blankets and baskets, and fun, unisex clothing and accessories for children who are ready to rock. Expect explosions of colour, lashings of embellishment, and unique pieces to make your home pop. The brand has motherhood at its heart as symbolized by its Queen Bee emblem, and is serious about giving back to children who are less fortunate. Watch this space for its first collaboration with children’s charity FARA – coming soon.

LH Property Services – Cleaning Services

Lucy and her team run a high quality professional cleaning service for both domestic and corporate customers. Whether it is end of tenancy or you just want to get your windows clean, Lucy is your girl!

Ele Grafton – Light Boxes & Collages

Ele is an artist based in Somerset in the UK. She creates intricate little light boxes from old books, and mixed media illustrations using her original drawings. She also paints and draws watercolours of a variety of animals and birds.

Muklet – Americano & Vintage

Muklet was born after Laura realised she was unable to easily find Clothes and Homeware for her cheeky Muklets that was original and authentic. Drawing on her love of American Vintage for inspiration (her husband could also be termed as an American Vintage!), she has created a range of Clothing, Homeware’s and Gifts that are truly unique, beautifully made and most importantly fun!

Brox Rocks – Handmade Jewellery

Bro Rocks is run by a lovely duo in Surrey who handmade every piece. I have this necklace below and it receives a lot of compliment as it is fine but packs a punch. This Long Star Necklace is £40

Katy Brennan – Oil Paintings

When Katy emailed me this week, I was totally bowled over by her beautiful pieces.

She is just in the early stages of starting a business of affordable oil paintings – painted by herself in an impressionist style and focusing on a variation of light and colour. Her business to date has come from commissions, working from photos that people have given her, which generally represent a very happy memory for them.

I think you may be buying a collector’s item!

Words For The Web – Professional Copywriting and Copyediting Business

Acclaimed journalist, Becky Ladenberg has started a business casting her professional eye over your website, article, blog post (yes, I know, I so need her!)

Her aim is to help people get the most out of their websites by providing them with the sharpest, most elegant, most concise copy possible. Boom. What an awesome service, especially if you are in the throes of constructing a new website. Get it right the first time with Becky!

Outside The Lines – Affordable Clothes For Girls

This website is a beauty and right up my street! The clothes are incredible so only go and look if you are prepared to part with your cash!

Craft Horse UK

Craft Horse sell bespoke rocking horses made from birch plywood and chemical & toxin free cardboard. They can also be personalised!

Pramstead – Online Platform for Mothers in North London

This a very informative website for those of you that live in Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Belsize Park and beyond. It includes, local services, venues, events, classes and even restaurant, nursery & school recommendations.

The website now receives so much traffic, Charlotte is open to a bit of advertising if you are a local business!

Julia Cameron – Wellness Coaching and Jewellery

Julia posts her musings and sells a range of pretty jewellery. I am loving her healthy recipes!

Rachels Villa Holidays – Free Villa Finding Service

Becoming a mother was the catalyst for starting to work as a private travel consultant in 2010 for Rachel. She works with some of the best villa holiday specialists based in the UK and offers a personal and knowledgeable villa holiday booking service.

She has also been assisting private villa owners and other villa specialists by giving guidance on how to promote their villas successfully.

Which business did you like the look of?

For more wonderful business and services, be sure to check out my Directory!

Have a great day,

Love Lucinda xx

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Family Life Services

10 Ways to Build Your Brands Relationship With Bloggers

Right, you have just started a business or are planning on launching one this year.

You have a great product/service and a snazzy new website. (If you haven’t got a website yet, I highly recommend these guys).

You have set yourself up on social media. (Facebook & Instagram have personally been the best 2 resources for driving traffic to The London Mummy but people rave about Pinterest which I haven’t quite mastered yet).

Your friends and family have been supportive but you can’t rely on them forever. You have used your wider network.

Now you need to get yourself out there and market yourself to… your target market!

We are all getting used to the new wave of media that has taken the world by storm in the last few years. There are Bloggers, Vloggers, Instagrammers, Blogazine’s and Microbloggers (who ‘blog’ on a social platform) to name a few.

Bloggers are becoming popular with businesses and PR companies as it is now apparent that an audience is more responsive to a personal recommendation than an old school advert.

I have worked in PR and am now on the other side. The former is much harder let me tell you. If you have your own business, you have to do your own PR.

I am coming up to 18 months of this blogging lark and I absolutely love it. I love that I am free to do what I want, free to research, read, shout about and give exposure to people, products and places that I have chosen. So how do I hear about these people? Most often they contact me and that is what you have to do. Reach out!

How to build a good relationship with bloggers (if you want to use them) and how to maintain that relationship –

Research some blogs that reach your target market (ie fashion, parenting, travel blogs?) When you approach them, make sure you use their name and get the spelling right. It is also obvious when it is a generic email (I understand that sometimes it’s a numbers game) but you are more likely to get a good response if you make it personal. Have you actually read their blog?
Better yet, say why you like it (not for the ego) and even follow on 1 or 2 of their social media channels.
Why not organise a small launch in a local cafe with a few local bloggers. If a blogger says they can’t make it – don’t get the cyber pip! You have to think about building a long term relationship, so reply with a ‘I understand’ etc (if you reply at all – sometimes not necessary…)
Some bloggers receive a lot of requests. If you want them to differentiate between requests, give them an incentive – whether that’s a coffee, pay the taxi ride, offer a goody bag or send a sample. If you don’t have a budget, a good incentive would be that you share the post on your own social media or ‘press page’ on your website.
If a blogger has agreed to give you exposure and sent you a list of questions and requirements i.e. types of photos, links etc rather than send over 10 different emails, send just one email with all the information. It makes it so much easier!
Send loadable images! Don’t send thumbnail images but on the other hand don’t send too high res (as it is a massive hassle resizing photos!).
I can’t say I am a fan of Dropbox. I prefer being sent pics in an attachment but perhaps that’s just me. Don’t send every marketing photo you have ever shot either!
Be polite. Nothing worse than suck up central when wanting something and then you hardly hear from them when it’s done. Manners maketh man and all that.
Not only should you say thank you if you want them to include you again, share the post on your social media and make sure you tag them correctly. (You press the ampersand @ then write the ‘handle’ and it should come up in bold).
It’s also polite to comment on the post if you are tagged in it and it is about you. If a PR company has arranged the exposure for you, it is still a good idea to reach out and makes you relatable.

If you are starting a new business and are thinking of doing so this year, I hope you have found this post helpful. There are some excellent resources under ‘Careers’ on The Ultimate Directory. I will also be putting a series together of my favourite websites & bloggers in all the different sectors, so watch out for that too.

Lastly, if you email me with your new business, I will put together a post all of you who have asked!

Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Have a great day xx

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