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The London Mummy

Products

May The Force Be With You : Star Wars

Name me a little boy (and lots of girls!) who doesn’t like Star Wars and I will… be very suprised. There is ‘Star Wars‘ everything nowadays and John Lewis is selling it all, especially in anticipation of the new film that opens in December.

From Lego sets and figures, they have it covered. Not to mention they are now selling Furby’s… Do you know what these toys can do? So funny!

Lego Luke Skywalker £19.99

Buy LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker Online at johnlewis.com

Lego Clone Turbo Tanker £78.69

Buy LEGO Star Wars 75151 Clone Turbo Tank Online at johnlewis.com

Death Star Planetarium £21.60

For the budding scientist…

Buy Star Wars Science Death Star Planetarium Online at johnlewis.com

 

 

 

Mashers £15.99

Mashers are a big hit in our house. Any style masher goes with eachother. We currently have 1/3 Darth Vader, 1/3 Transformer and 1/3 Spiderman floating around!

Buy Star Wars Hero Mashers, Assorted Online at johnlewis.com

Hot Wheels Star Wars Cars £25.99

For the vehicle lover.

Buy Hot Wheels Star Wars Character Cars, Pack of 5 Online at johnlewis.com

Star Wars Advent Calander £24.99

The Advent Calander of Advent calanders!

Buy LEGO Star Wars 75146 Advent Calendar Online at johnlewis.com

The interractive toy market is booming and the latest brand John Lewis has added to it’s extensive interractive department is the Furby! It is designed for children 6 and up but I know my 2 year old would like to get her mits on it too. Move over Ipad, there is a new toy in town (although you can connect it to your Ipad for even more fun – feed him and even raise virtual siblings (!)

Buy Furby Connect, Pink Online at johnlewis.com

The Furby Connect friend is really chatty and will love to talk to you! With colourful eyes that display more than 150 animations, you’ll always know what Furby is thinking or feeling. You can pet, tickle, or shake Furby, even turn Furby upside down or move their antenna like a joystick to see how Furby reacts!

Buy Furby Connect, Teal Online at johnlewis.com

When they are tired and it’s time for bed, your Furby Connect can join them – just put their sleep mask on and they’ll be snoozing away with your little one. Anything to get them to sleep! They come in Pink, Purple, Blue and Teal.

Pink Furby £96

Go on, you know they will love it…

 

Buy Furby Connect, Pink Online at johnlewis.com

johnlewis.com

http://eepurl.com/bm5iR5

 

 

TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : September 2016

So many recommendations this month of September! How do people think of all these great ideas? Some people are ideas people and some people are just good at shouting about them – so here I am doing the latter!

In The Picture Artwork – Customised Artworks of Children & Pets

I am totally over excited about this company that can be found on Etsy. Based in Australia, send Jackie a few photos of your children, a topic and a preferred colour palette and she will wizz something AMAZING up for you and pop it in the post.  We love them so much, they have been hung up in the kitchen for all to enjoy (they are also the only recent photos of the children as I just lost 4000 photos on my iphone due to water and not backing up on my icloud – yes, my fault but I am also in need of a bit of sympathy!) Also on Facebook and Instagram.

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Zipjet App – Washing & Ironing Service

This App has saved my bacon. The drum on our washing machine has broken (yawn) but thankfully to Zipjet, I have chosen a time slot (within 2 hours) for collection adn the same for delivery 48 hours later. I could get used to it…

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Little Dish Pots & Pies – Ocado, sainsbury’s & Tesco’s

These fed all three (yes my 6 year old loved them too) very succesfully. They are great to keep in the fridge, knowing that they are fresh, taste good and have all the necessary nutrients growing bodies need. Go Little Dish – you are unstoppable (and oh so useful!)

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The Yummy’s Club – Exclusive Discounts

This is SUCH a good idea and I am so excited to be a member. Discounts on everything from children’s clothes, party entertainers, nannies, children’s classes and so much more all across London. There really are so many mega discounts (like proper dicounts, not just token if you know what I mean!) If I am on the hunt for something (kids interiors at the moment), this is my first port of call as it is literally cash back on all the savings you make. Congratulations on a brilliant company girls! Join today!

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Buy A Gift – Over 5000 Experiences To Buy Online

What do you buy the man/woman/Grandma etc who has everything? An experience of course! I ordered a Luxury Two Night Break and have over 300 nationwide hotels to chose from. (Have to work out the childcare first. Hmmm).  I also have my eye on the Go Ape for the boys, Afternoon Tea for Granny and an Emirates Stadium Tour for Daddy.  The ‘experience’ arrives in a beautiful box with the voucher code in it for your recipient to take it from there. Brilliant!!

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Picasso’s In The Park

If you have a budding artist, take them to Chloe & Laura’s art class in Barnes OSO Arts Centre on a Wednesday afternoon. They will explore different technique’s and subject matters and take home a masterpiece each week.

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Oh La Label – Custom Sticky Labels

How did I label scooters, shoes, helmuts and the like before I had these labels? I didn’t! Thank goodness for them – I have been whacking them on anything that can move and as they are waterproof and washing machine proof – they aren’t budging. They come in all colours, shapes and sizes and you can pretty much customize them as you like.

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Teachers Boards – Organisation Made Simple

No week seems to stay the same, so if you want everyone in the family to know what they are up to, I highly recommend this weekly planner from Teachers Boards. They also sell every type of notice board you can imagine, from chalk to white board and for the super stylish, magnetic glass boards! If you can’t quite find what you are looking for, you can design your own board.

Magnetic Planner Dry Wipe Whiteboard - Weekly or Monthly

Fo more great ideas, check out TLM Directory and if you fancy a bit of shopping, head to TLM Edit.

Big Fashion

School Run Style : Trans Seasonal Dressing

If you need some new additions to freshen up last years Autumn wardrobe (um of course you do), Boden has it all this season. From biker boots to Parka’s, there is something for everyone to assist you in a bit of school run trans seasonal dressing before hats and scarves time. Preppy, Sophisticated or Cool –  which one are you?

PREPPY MUM

Moleskin Duffle Coat £129

I wish I suited pale pink, but I don’t. (I had my colours done and they said this was my ‘worst’ colour – brings out dark circles under my eyes etc) but if it suited me – I would buy it as it is so pretty and feminine.

Moleskin Duffle Coat

Elizabeth Shirt Dress £89

Love the navy stripe down the side. Throw on skinnies and a belt when it gets cooler.

Elizabeth Shirt Dress

Embroidered Spot Sweatshirt £49.50

This top makes me want to press it adn see what happens. One for you and the kids.

Embroidered Spot Sweatshirt

Velvet Lace Up Breton £33.58

A Breton with a twist – nice.

Velvet Lace Up Breton

Cambridge Ankle Skimmer £50

Perfect trans seasonal jeans as flash the ankle whilst it is still 18C plus and then cover with boots when it drops further.

Cambridge Ankle Skimmer Jeans

Slip On Trainer £49.50

I have these! (See Instagram) and I absolutely love them.

Slip On Trainer

Maxi Saddle Bag £169

It really does look like a sadle for a Shetland but not to worry – cross body bags are IT this season and if you still have to carry nappies etc this bag will fit them (and the rest…)

The Maxi Saddle Bag

 

SOPHISTICATED MUM

Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer £84

A cosy classic.

Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer

Kira Shirt Dress £139

100% so best not to feed the baby in but perfect to pair with trainers or dress up if you are heading to a meeting.

Kira Shirt Dress

Ravello Top £49.50

I have this in black and white and they are so easy to wear. Yes they are slightly non-descript but not everything can be talk of the school gates (see red midi skirt below).

Ravello Top

Maggie Ottoman Midi Skirt £59

This is striking – I love it. Needs no explanation.

Maggie Ottoman Midi Skirt

Wave Ballerina £42

Lovely colour for end of the summer tanned legs but avoid the puddles.

Drawstring Bag £126

Mary Poppins eat your heart out – I reckon you could fit a tall lamp in here and still look stylish.

Drawstring Bag

 

 

COOL MUM

Penzance Parka £169

The parka is acceptable trans seasonal wear this autumn so either breath new life into your old one (with a good dry clean Zipjet will collect and deliver) or buy this classic looking one.  (Not sure about beyond that though. Can anyone tell me what the ‘coat of the AW16/17 will be?’ Please don’t say a knee-length bomber!)

Penzance Parka

Glitter Spot T £25

White – tick. Glitter – massive tick!

Glitter Spot Tee

Denim Dungarees £57.58

I personally wouldn’t but I would love to be able to and am green with envy when I see anyone pulling them off!

Denim Dungarees

 

Brighton Biker Skinny Jeans £59.50

Dress up, dress down, you know the score…

Brighton Biker Skinny Jean

Suede Ankle Boot £119

Everyone needs a pair of ‘flat and black’ boots.  Just don’t forget to spray them.

Suede Ankle Boot

Pony Saddle Bag £109

Love a bit of leopard!

 

SPECIAL MENTION

Off Duty Slim Jogger £42

I don’t know about you, but I never spend money on ‘lazy day’ clothes, which is ridiculous as they are becoming more and more frequent (as the little ones realise, we are not going to amuse them ALL the time, we can stay home and you can play on your own – we are slightly late to the party on this one). These are going to be my new Sunday slouchies (made that word up) as they are just cool (not too like old school tracky bums basically).

Still not inspired? (Tell me what you would like to see more of!) Try the Boden outfit maker!

Boden.co.uk

Activities Days Out Events

Flat White Masterclass With Costa Coffee

I have converted! Having been a plunge coffee kinda girl, after creating my own Flat White on last week , there is no turning back.  Perhaps it is like getting your children to cook their own food – they are more inclined to like it, however the creamy texture, strong kick AND expertly created florette (that all the Costa barista’s have mastered to perfection), will now be my regular.

My friend Jess and I headed to Great Marlborough Street in Soho for a preview of the ‘Flat White Masterclass‘ that Costa is hosting in 170 Costa Coffee’s across the UK on Wednesday 21st September 7-8pm THIS WEEK!  (They are FREE too! Get a babysitter – it’s all about interractive ‘dates’ nowadays anyway!) Sign up here

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We were given a bit of background into Costa and how it was started by two brothers in 1977.  We learnt how & where they are grown, about the types of beans, how & when they are picked, roasted, transported and delivered. It was fascinating! The most interesting topic was the different types of coffee’s you can order. Great for the novice’s amongst us who usually just say ‘cappuccino!’

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All Costa’s beans are 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified and in 2006 Costa set up a foundation to provide coffee growing communities, 70 countries along the ‘Bean Belt’ (above and below the Equator) and to date they have set up 40 schools.  Then it was time to have a try ourselves. It is easier than it looks!

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How a florette on a flat white is meant to look…

How mine looked… (We thought like a sad, fat, genie!) Free pouring isn’t that easy though!

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If you are a coffee lover or simply want to do something other that sitting in the pub, grab a friend, sign up and head along. See who can make the most beautiful florette.  It wasn’t me that’s for sure but don’t judge until you have tried!

Costa Masterclass

 

 

Travel

Family Friendly Holidays : Winter Sun

I doubt you are dreaming about winter sun this week (being hot and only September) but there are a few amonsgt us who know they have to book now to get the best deals at the most desirable locations in peak times, such as October half term and the Christmas holidays…

The lovely Amy at 360 Private Travel has put together 7 ‘winter sun’ holiday ideas for you and I. All you have to do is take your pick and give her a call (or the other way round),  she is happy to answer any query!

 

CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA

– Luxury resort on Antigua’s south coast, set on a stunning white sand beach overlooking turquoise waters, surrounded by emerald green hills

– Very secluded and private, the perfect place to relax and unwind

– Excellent children’s club for kids aged 2 upwards

– Huge array of land and water based activities

– Spa

– 4 restaurants offering a variety of delicious dining options

– 8hr direct flight from UK

From £9400 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in December in a Balcony Suite, including flights and private transfers

Carlisle Bay Antigua

RITZ CARLTON ABAMA, TENERIFE

– 5* Resort in a quiet and secluded part of Tenerife

– Huge beach and stunning island scenery

– Excellent children’s club for kids aged 4 upwards

– Plenty of activities for all ages, with interactive learning for children based on Land, Water, Culture and Environment

– Spa and excellent golf course

– Michelin Star dining

– 4hr direct flight from UK

 

Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

From £7100 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights October half term in 2 connecting Deluxe Rooms, including flights and private transfers

 

SHANGRI-LA AL WAHA, OMAN

– Large secluded luxury resort set in a beautiful bay combining ocean and mountain views, but only a short drive from Muscat

– Large beach and pool complex

– Excellent children’s club for kids aged 4 upwards

– Plenty of outdoor and cultural activities for all ages, including exploring the souks and the desert landscapes

– Indulgent spa and dining to suit all tastes

– 7hr direct flight from UK

Shangri-La Al Waha, Oman

From £7175 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in October half term in a Family Room, including flights and private transfers

From £6175 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in December in a Family Room, including flights and private transfers

 

NIYAMA, MALDIVES

– Stunning private island resort set on a coral reef surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water

– Chilled out tropical island luxury

– Explorers Kids Club from 12 months upwards

– Lots of water based activities including sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling

– Top class dining and beach bars plus a waterside spa

– 13hr flight from UK, connecting in Dubai or Abu Dhabi

Niyama Maldives

From £13,900 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in December in a Beach Suite with Pool, including flights and private transfers

 

THE ANDAMAN, LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

– Perfect tropical hideaway set in breath-taking surroundings

– Excellent for nature lovers as surrounded by unique wildlife in the national parks both on land and under the sea

– Young Explorers Kids Club from 4yrs upwards

– Hilltop spa and nearby 18 hole golf club

– Delicious Asian and western dining options

– 14hr flight from UK, connecting in Kuala Lumpur

The Andaman, Langkawi, Malaysia

From £4500 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in December in 2 connecting Deluxe Rooms, including flights and private transfers

 

FOUR SEASONS LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

– Luxurious family friendly beach resort

– Incredible setting on a white sand beach and soaring limestone cliffs

– Immaculate villas with plenty of space for all the family

– ‘Kids for All Seasons’ from 4yrs upwards

– Explore the nearby Geo Park by boat, spotting monkeys, birds and marine life

– Award winning spa and restaurants with excellent service throughout

– 14hr flight from UK, connecting in Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia

From £10,500 for 2 adults and 2 children. 7 nights in December in a Family Beach Villa, including flights and private transfers

 

FAMILY HOLIDAY TO SRI LANKA

– Sri Lanka is a wonderful family friendly destination – easy to travel around with welcoming locals, excellent hotels and a huge range of exciting adventures and experiences

Sri Lanka monks

– On arrival, spend your first night at The Wallawwa, just 15 minutes from the airport – tranquil oasis in a historical country house turned boutique hotel with friendly staff and delicious food

Sri Lanka spices

– Your private car and guide will drive you to the Cultural Triangle to stay at Ulagalla, one of the country’s most luxurious properties set in stunning countryside.. perfect for wildlife spotting and visiting the nearby cultural highlights such as Sigiriya and Anuradhapura

– Next stop is Taylors Hill in the tea hills near Kandy – simply stunning scenery and an opportunity to learn about the tea process as well as explore on foot or bike amongst the local villages and into the former royal city of Kandy

Sri Lanka tea hills

– Down to Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s national parks for a unique safari experience in this structured camp – spacious family tents and kids activities to help them learn about the natural environment. Plenty of opportunity for game drives to spot elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and the elusive leopards!

Sri Lanka elephant

Sri Lanka leopard

– Finish on the chilled out south coast at one of the most family friendly hotels, Why House – more like a private home with only a handful of rooms surrounding a huge pool set amongst the palm trees. Just a short stroll to one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka beach

– 10hr direct flight from the UK

From £11900 for 2 adults and 2 children. 14 nights in March or April, including flights and a private car and private guide.

Right, which one do you fancy? My pick is Sri Lanka, or perhaps The Maldives, but Antigua looks nice….

Amy 360 Travel

amy@360privatetravel.com

07703 784 468

 

 

 

Days Out Events

Theatre For Kids : 3 Shows You Should Book Now

A few shows I have my eyes on between now and … Christmas (I did whisper that by the way). If you want to get ahead of the herd and nab the best seats, don’t guffaw at the thought of booking a theatre show now (you don’t have to tell anyone!)

 

Mrs Armitage and The Big Wave  – Gaga Theatre Company

5th October – 30th October

This established theatre company are visiting several Theatres including the Royal Albert Hall, The Tabernacle, Hackney Picture House, Clapham Picture House and the Chelsea Curzon in London between 5th October and 30th October. We are going to the Tabernacle in Notting Hill and now the children are faniliar with the book, we can’t wait. It looks so fun!

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Image credited to Quintin Blake 1999

 

Cinderella – Chiswick House

17th December – 3rd January

Brought to you by Humdalila Productions, specialists in Immersive Theatre, this thrilling version of the classic tale combines an eclectic mix of first-class performers. Expect dancing mice, acrobatic lizards, ballerina snowflakes and a crazy magician. Set ot be spectacular.

The Snowman & We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Orchestra – Cadogan Hall

17th December ONLY

What a combination! A great way to introduce children to classical music with a familiar story.

The Snowman

Stay cool everyone, it’s set to be the hottest September day on record today!

Big Fashion Products

5 Apparel Brands To Have On Your Radar

A short, sharp post to recommend 5 new products from brands that I discovered over the Summer. Was going to include them in my next monthly TLM Loves… but am splitting it all up this month into people, products and services seperately as I have too many goodies for one post!  Anyway, today is for us and will do the kids next time…  (Afterall it’s been about the kids for the last 2 months and it’s our turn, don’t you think?).

Yunion T – The Perfect White T Shirts

Yunion T has created the ‘perfect white t shirt’. That is what they say and when I tried myself I have to agree. It is very flattering, good quality and washes really well.  I especially like how it the hem is slightly scooped too. It comes in four different styles. Move over Gap T Shirt… there is a new player in town!

Prices start from £45

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Davina Mulford London from TLM Edit – Cross Body Bags

Am so chuffed to be selling Davina’s leather cross body bags on TLM Edit.  It has been my staple over the summer and the more I use it the more I love it.  I have black but am rather tempted by the electric blue…

£150 (and worth every penny)

Head to Instragram to see me using mine like a pro…

 

Pom Amsterdam from Hengelo Shop – Vibrant Shawls

These are very cute shawls (they aren’t that massive shawl size just the shape) from the savvy fashion and interior brand Pom Amsterdam. If you like trims especially tassels – this scarves are for you.  They feel like silk and are the perfect accessory to bridge the gap between an (iffy) Indian Summer and Autumn. One of my favourite online boutiques Hengelo is stocking them  so head over there to order one.

Prices start from £49.95

 

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Heaad to Instagram to see which one I have…

 

Say What You Can – Accessories & Bags

If you love personalised you will love this website! Very cool khaki/army green/ leopard print tote bags with your initials emblazoned on it.

Prices start at £55

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JD Williams

Have you ever heard of them? No neither had I.  They are on online department store and have an espcially good line of comfortable shoes & boots.

I went for shoe/boots that will also see me into Autumn with a pair of jeans. For more ankle boots, click here

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Happy Monday everyone and if your little one’s start school today, hope it goes well! L xx

 

 

 

 

 

People Products Spotlight

Clare Haxby : British Contemporary Artist

Today’s Spotlight is on British artist, Clare Haxby. Her bright, vivid work caught my eye on Instagram Each piece is eye catching and spectacular and would be a striking addition to any home that needs a lift.

Clare is a British Artist, painter and printmaker who has just returned to London after spending 8 years living in Singapore. She moved there in 2007 with her husband and 2 children, Scarlett & Teddy, and set up a professional studio. (She has subsequently had a 3rd – Alfie!).

Family picture - Clare Haxby Artist & family Photographer - Amber Roberts

In Singapore, Clare held regular open days inviting people to her home and studio on the edge of the jungle in one of Singapore’s Black and White old colonial homes and she attracted a strong International following. She got a breakthrough when the manager of The Fullerton Hotel “loved my art inspired by Singapore and offered to host my solo show which eventually became a springboard for my success there. I had spent 3 years painting the collection of large canvases!”

HAXBY_CLARE_MagentaMeetMeAtTheGingerlilies

The Expats in Singapore loved Clare’s vibrant and contemporary paintings and many of them were bought as a treasured memory of their time in Singapore to take home with them when they left!

HAXBY_CLARE_Sunbird

Clare has produced a large collection of Singapore Landmark Paintings such as the colonial building of Raffles Hotel and the contemporary landmark Marina Bay Sands alongside other much loved collections of botanical’s, an equestrian collection and a motherhood collection.

Transition to motherhood 30 x 30 cms mixed media on paper by Clare Haxby

Clare’s paintings are in private collections all over the world and her clients include The French Embassy of Singapore, The Swedish High Commissioner of Singapore and corporates such as BNP Paribas.

The Botanic Gardens_ Clare Haxby Studio 72dpi

Since returning to England during the summer of 2015 Clare has set up a new studio in the Surrey Hills, exhibited in Venice, London, Rome, Columbia and New York and one of her new gingerlily paintings has been featured in British Vogue!

Clare Haxby - My Beautiful Ginger Lilies Painting

“I love being back as despite the weather and no helper… Oh how I miss my amazing helper from Singapore! London is such a dynamic city and there is always so many exhibitions to see. My clients in Singapore all asked me when I was starting my London Landmarks, I have just started – I am painting the ‘Liberty London’ building at the moment!”

 

Clare produces art on 2 price points. Firstly, one off original paintings on canvas either from her own collection or a commission as a bespoke painting, the second is her affordable art prints (from £249) which are often bought online as gifts as she ships them worldwide in a lovely gift tube. (She has a special offer for free international delivery on all prints!)

Studio Visits are very welcome if you fancy a jaunt to the Surrey Hills to discuss any requirements.  Please email Clare at clare@clarehaxby.com

Buddhas & Botannicals _CLARE HAXBY STUDIO 72dpi(1)

Clare’s Favourites

Website : English Folly Brie is a fellow Singapore expat and like me back also now back in England. we met in Singapore and bonded over juggling being an entrepreneur & mother, I have bought lots of her gorgeous personalised textiles.

Shop : Graham & Green  for colourful and unusual interior finds

Holiday destination : Ubud in Bali for Yoga retreats, Aix en Provence in France for Art and culture & Bhutan a tiny landlocked country between India & China for the ultimate step back in time ‘global nomad’ experience. The next on my wanderlust wish list is Peru…

Restaurant : Terminus Nord The Bouillabaisse is amazing and the little butter pats are wrapped in beautiful paper.

Hotel : Raffles Hotel Singapore – colonial elegance and afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room.

Parenting tip :

“It’s just a phase – give yourself a pat on the back and a glass of wine”

 

clarehaxby.com