The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

Tea Fit For A Queen… And The Kids

I don’t know about you, but I have never considered taking the kids for a smart afternoon tea in a hotel before. It is something I equate with adults and luxury and not something I want spoiled by having to keep the children quiet! That was before I heard of the St Ermin’s Hotel in St James’ who are specifically welcoming little ones with a children’s afternoon tea in commemoration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday year.

We made an afternoon of it (you can park on a yellow line nearby at the weekend). We visited St James’ Park and Buckingham Palace working up an appetite barging through the crowds.

We gave the kids the ‘chat’ about behavior before we arrived, so of course they kids immediately went potty, particularly about the sweeping staircase, running up and down it until we finally managed to pin them down. Then the oldest stubbed his toe pretty badly but to his delight he was swooped on by the resident doctor who swaddled it up with a bandage and gave a him a light up yo yo for his woes..

This was all before we were shown to our beautiful table on the terrace over looking the courtyard. Thank goodness for the glass of bumbles that arrived once we sat down!

The children’s tea was presented in a very novel way which gave us 10 minutes peace whilst they plowed their way through penny sandwiches and crown shaped chocolates. The adult tea was a taste sensation too, with a plethora of treats I hadn’t tried before.

I know some of you like a menu so here you go… Adults starts at £35pp

Children’s

We definitely didn’t need supper afterwards and as we sat down at 5pm it doubled up as kids tea too.

St Ermin’s is also home to 350,000 bees on the terrace on the 3rd floor. It is a fantastic sight and finished off the afternoon superbly.

They are also hosting a Courtyard Tea Party on 12th June or if you would prefer to go one afternoon it is running until August. Book online.

sterminshotel.co.uk

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Family Life Food Products

Food, Glorious Food…

If you have been reading The London Mummy for a while (thank you by the way!) you will notice that it is NOT a place to get health, food and fitness ideas. However, over the last couple of months my eyes have been opened to some fantastic new business’s that are related to – dare I even use these two words together – healthy eating. I would be a mug not to give these a mention as they are original & delicious and I think you would be better off knowing about them…

Early Bird Snacks

A subscription based snack box that gets delivered to your desk or door. Insanely good & really well thought out snack ideas. My favourite was ‘Nuts About Ella’ which consisted of ombar dairy-free milk buttons are bursts of creamy goodness, sweetened only with coconut and vanilla. Paired with blanched hazelnuts to give a satisfying crunch and mulberries to add a naturally sweet honey-like taste. The only problem was all 4 compartments in the snack box went down a storm and I had to tussle with the toddler for my share!

Cuckoo – The Modern Muesli

Bircher Muesli from Cuckoo consists of oats, yoghurt and fruit. The Apple & Cinamin Spice with Plum & Juicy Raisons is insane as are all their flavours. The kids will love them too. You could even try making your own or buy at Waitrose, Tesco & the Co-Op. (Add them to your next order. Add lots, they are that good!)

Piccolo Plates

Healthy, fresh children’s dishes straight to your door. How genius is that? You order, Els & Bels (yes really) make the food that day and then deliver it to your door, throughout London, for FREE.

Such a good idea for a mother who has just had another baby and needs to feed her existing sprogs, if you need to feed children at a party or quite simply, if you are over cooking for the children. I hope I don’t come across as mean, but 3 meals a day x 3 children x 7 days = 63 plates of food and they can’t all be fish fingers!! So over it! Check out the different dishes and order NOW. Too much sunbathing to be had to prep kids meals…

Vita Coco – Mocha Coconut Water

It doesn’t sound like it should all go together, but it does and it is delicious. I have a pile in my fridge and when I need a natural boost of caffeine & chocolate, I drink this guilt free knowing that it is largely coconut water – and keeps the mid afternoon slump at bay. There are loads of tempting flavours – perfect for the balmy weather.

Cooking Them Healthy

At pick up after school, the playground is like a food festival. Since when did children need so much food between lunch and & supper?! I usually just flick out a packet of quavers or something equally as empty. However recently the sight of homemade wraps and the like have made me realised that perhaps it is a fantastic opportunity to get some top tucker into them whilst they are starving.

I asked the lovely Georgie over at Cooking Them Healthy, the holy grail of kids recipe’s and inspo, to share some quick & easy recipes for ‘the after school snack’ (Click on the title for the recipe)

Healthy Rice Squares

Peanut Butter Balls

Banana Bread

For lots more snack ideas, click here

They have started doing demonstrations too, so sign up to their newsletter to be kept in the loop.

Happy munching! xx

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Big Fashion

Cool Trousers

In the darker months, I live in black or dark grey jeans but they just don’t cut the mustard when the sun starts shining as they are too hot and well, just wintry. I usually just switch to lighter coloured jeans and hope that the pale colours will keep me cool, however this year things are going to change as I have discovered trousers.

Yes, ok, I know most of you are like ummmm, this is not something that came about at the beginning of the 21st Century but I never explored the trouser avenue as an adult, after being put off by an unflattering pair of Kookai trousers in the 90’s.

All that changed when I had an amble around a Spanish shopping centre in the Easter holidays. (Think Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti & Stradivarius all in one neat little row. Heaven.) I actually tried on some hareem trousers and I liked the result! Even the loose ones that are extremely on trend at the moment were surprisingly flattering. (Not blowing my own trumpet, I just want to encourage you to give them a go if you haven’t tried a pair on yet). The key is to make sure they go in at the ankle (either tailored or with elastic -I promise the latter won’t make you won’t look like Aladdin) and try and keep your top half relatively fitted otherwise you may look a bit billowy.

Whistles Trousers £95

This pair is a great introduction to loose, stylish trousers and with a slightly high and wide band around the waist, will keep everything tucked in.

Zara Linen Trousers £29.99

These linen ones are slightly more tailored.

Sisley Trousers £55

These are the epitome of ‘school run’ mum. Uber cool and relaxed, especially with the white trainers.

Boss Orange Zedina Trousers £130

Love the bright blue & white.

Hush Relaxed Trousers £45

Hush always get it right and if you keep your top half relatively sober, these will look fab.

Mavi Trousers £34

If you are already a dab hand in summer trousers, up your game and go for these lighter ones!

Gaudi Trousers – Black Moonlight £95

I love these. Leopard print and an elongating stripe down the side. Sexyyyy.

Gap Bi-Stretch Skinny Ankle Pants £44.95

If the above loose ones are not your bag but you want to to modernise your traditional cropped trousers, try a pattern like these Gap ones.

Boden Richmond Trousers £59.95

These are also a twist on the traditional cropped trousers with the stripe down the size. Makes a pair of cropped chino trousers a little bit more funky and the wearer that little bit more on trend…

If you want to pair these trousers with some metallic trainers, have a look at my recent post with a round up of what’s out there.

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TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : April 2016

Wowsers, end of April already! Have lots of exciting products, classes and a fab holiday idea on this months edit that I have been looking forward to sharing with you. Thank you to all who send in ideas – I love receiving emails of all the new business that have started and also established ones that have a new angle too. Take a look – there is something for everyone.

Bosco London

Hugo has always been passionate about the outdoors and, as a result, developed a keen interest in wildlife. From an early age he enjoyed handcrafting objects out of whatever natural material he could find and, over the years, developed a range of bespoke products including carving knives, fork sets, shaving kits, bottle openers, priests and walking sticks. It wasn’t until he started to experiment with some antelope horn from Africa that the idea for his lights was born and, subsequently, BOSCO London was founded. They are so stylish.

Vintage Toy Art

I love these box framed vintage toy frames, which would make a very cool addition to a child’s bedroom or toy room. They would also be a great Christening present and as they are vintage won’t go out of date.

Diddi Dance

My kids have loved their Diddi Dance classes over the years and I currently go with my youngest on a Friday morning and she goes to my sons nursery each week too! Gina is such a sweet and engaging teacher and I highly recommend them for children between 1-5. They are nationwide and she is starting a new class in Chelsea where you are invited to trial it for free. Cineworld, 142 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10 9QR on Thursday 5th May at either 9.30 or 10.30. Call her to book you and your little one in on 07426 009 179
Gina WG arms up

Pampeano ‘British Flag’ Limited Edition’ Belt

This belt has been made in honour of the UK’s participation in the Olympic Games in Rio this summer. I will also be wearing mine throughout Euro 2016 (that’s what comes with having two boys). You can also have your initials embossed on it. Lots of other gorgeous designs and would make a lovely present.

Antlos

The ‘Airbnb of the sea.’ Chartering a yacht for your summer holidays from a number of European desintations has to be the epitome of luxury – just don’t tell me about it!

PacaPod Lewis Changing Bag

For any new mother or mother of a toddler and a baby this is a very practical bag. It switches from messenger to backpack and includes a 3-in-1 organiser with cool bag (feeder pod) and changer pod so you can compartmentalize all the ‘paraphernalia’ easily.

Claire’s Fur Gilets £75

I bought a navy blue gilet last month and have used it ALOT. It has been useful in the changeable weather and it is a flattering fit as it goes in at the waist and has a sturdy zip so you can do it up. It comes in beige, navy, black, grey and brown. Email her to order warmanclaire@googlemail.com

London’s Little Thinkers

This is a lovely website to sign up to. Started by Rebecca a teacher, her USP is that all her recommendations are educational. Sign up and enjoy gleaning from her expert knowledge!

Mush

A friend sent me an email entitled ‘Tinder for mums’ I am not sure that is entirely how they would like to be described but basically it is a social platform and app that you can download where you enter your postcode and ages of children and you are matched with similar mums in your areas. Easy to use and great fun and they may add ‘Nannies’ and ‘Dad’s’ in due course so watch this space.

Have a great Bank Holiday!

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Activities Days Out Places Services

London Cultural Trips For Kids

Clarendon Tutors offer a bespoke tutoring service in London. However, it isn’t another tutoring agency that matches child to tutor and leaves you on your way. They understand a parents need for continuous feedback and they also maintain open communication with whichever schools the children attend, ensuring that they are working in co-operation rather than conflict.

‘The thing I loved about Clarendon was the constant support. The agencies I have used in the past have just sent us anonymous tutors and that’s been the end of it. Clarendon helped us through every step of getting ‘M’ into his school.’

The charming and knowledgeable founders, Henry and Orlando, are excellent at matching their highly experienced Oxbridge tutors with a pupil, being tutors themselves, and have a 100% track record of getting your child into the school of your choice.

What makes Clarendon Tutors really unique is their Cultural Trips. Consisting of 1 tutor to 1-2 children, the day out combines traditional learning with experiences such as visiting a museum and also a more active pursuit such as a tennis lesson or a round of crazy golf, for example. Whatever you require, they will endeavor to tailor the day for you and your child including picking them up and taking them home. The tutor also visit a few days before so that you are comfortable with who will be looking after your children for the day.

What’s Included

9am pick up from home (or the train if your child is old enough to come into London for the day)
1 hour of tutoring in the morning
An exhibition or museum such as Imperial, Natural or Design Museum
A healthy lunch
An Afternoon activity such as tennis, football, Go Ape, Putt In The Park
1 hour tutoring
5pm finish

Outside the Ai Wei Wei Exhibition at the RA

Ready for tennis at The Hurlingham Club

For international parents and children that are new to London, they are able to help you by showing them the British culture and system. Whatever your requirements are, these are your guys. With the gaping summer holiday looming, they will be able to take the children off your hands knowing they are being well looked after and educated in a fair few things too!

Tuition rates start at £50/hr. Day trips start from £200/day.

Drop them an email for more information and to ask any questions – henry@clarendontutors.com / orlando@clarendontutors.com or give them a call anytime on 020 7206 2569

clarendontutors.com

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Activities Days Out

Super Spoiling Treat For All The Family

As a family, we are pretty keen on taking the kids to the cinema. The 5 year old loves a flick, the 3 year old uses the usually empty cinema as a soft play and the 1 year old bumbles around at our feet. We get to either watch (although I am not that keen on kids movies – they can give me a headache with the jarring graphics and mega noise – the Lego movie almost putting me off for life) or it has been known for us to have a little zzzzz.

We decided to try out the Children’s Film Club at The Soho Hotel in their very cool screening rooms in the heart of the West End as it was a step up from the usual Saturday morning outing including a delicious brunch, popcorn, prosecco and mini ice creams – all for £20 per head. Now that’s a way to get me to a kids film!

The funky Soho Hotel.

Gorgeous interiors.

Delicious brunch, including mini hamburgers, mini hotdogs, mac n cheese and fruit kebabs!

Chocolate or caramel mini icecreams…

A choice between salt or sweet…

To top it all off, the chairs so comfy and if you sit down promptly you may even bag yourself a sofa.

Upcoming films include –

30th April – Kung Fu Panda 3

7th May – Shrek

14th May – Zootropolis 3D

21st May – Rise of The Guardians

We watched Alvin & The Chipmunks – Road Chip, which was surprisingly ‘watchable’. I have no doubt the surroundings helped as we were looked after so well and guess what, no chairs were climbed on and no one nodded off! I highly recommend you try it…

Click here to make an online booking

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Big Fashion Products

The Perfect Spring Shoe

The sun is shining, school has commenced and then I put my unpedicured foot into my Silver Superga trainers and bingo – they finally packed up as two holes finally appeared at the top of the shoe.

(To be fair they have served me well as they were my default trainers for the majority of the year so it is no slight on Superga) but it is a wonderful excuse for a peruse as you can’t buy the same pair twice, can you! I actually wrote a post about my Superga purchase on exactly the same day last year – the first day of the summer term. You can’t say I am not routine…

Superga Silvers £55

If you are going down the pale or white ‘bottom half’ route here on in and rush around like a mum on the run, a pair of metallic trainers are practical and pretty. The good news is there are a lot of gems around at the moment…

Esprit GWEN Trainers £55

Like the black heel – would look awesome with black skinnies.

Maison Margiela – Replica Suede Trainers £470

Not strictly metallic but the ‘greige’ is a great neutral colour.

Stella McCartney Glittered Trainers £340

Maybe not super practical but you could wear a bin bag with these and still look cool.

Saint Laurent Metallic Leather Sneakers £395

These are actually men’s trainers but no man in my life would be allowed to (or want to!) wear these, which frees them up for moi!

Hush Virgo Trainers £115

Hush always comes up trumps and these goldies are lush.

Geox Shahira £100

These would take you from the school run to the pilates class no problemo.

Adidas Copenhagen £26

I think these might be the ones I will go for as I can’t resist a star and at that price I could get a spare pair for that price…

Adidas Superstar Sneakers £73

Old Skool is the best school and with the addition of the metallic stripes – they are pretty perfect!

Penelope Chilvers Metallic Sneaker £259

If trainer boots are your thing, these are the ones. (That description makes them sound ghastly, but can’t think of another way to describe them. Luckily a picture says a thousand words.)

Golden Goose Deluxe Brand £270

No trainer blog post is complete without a nod to Golden Goose. The trainers of the moment. For good reason – these are mega… Stars and a classic shape. LOVE.

I could go on but I have a to do list as long as my arm… Happy shopping and have a great day! x

PS. If metallic is not your thing, you may like this post on ‘School Run Trainers‘

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Activities Days Out Events Places

An Adventure Far Far Away

When it comes to entertainment and theme parks I thought the Americans couldn’t be beaten but from the moment Shreks Adventure commenced I realised it was up there with the big guns over at Universal (speaking of which did you know Disney World are opening up a Star Wars WORLD next year?)

Anyway, Merlin Entertainments strike again!

Set amongst the tourist trail on the South Bank, nestled between Sea Life and London Dungeons, Shreks Adventure is situated in County Hall overlooked by the London Eye. It is an impressive building and the entrance lends itself to making a great first impression.

The queue moved quickly and we found ourself in a group of about 40 people aged between 4 and 80. I wouldn’t recommend younger than 4 as this interactive adventure with real actors made even my bullet proof 5 year quake with nerves, especially when the real life witch dangled her finger in his face and asked him what his name was!

I don’t want to give too much away about this 1.5 hours walking adventure to the Far Away Land, through different well known fairy tales to finally meeting the ‘real Shrek’ but take it from me it was a spectacle.

There was lots of interaction with the characters (Sleeping beauty falling asleep during her monologue raising lots of laughs) and the decoration is second to none – I nearly freaked out from claustrophobia in the mirror maze and the sound affects and 4D affects such as water spraying and rats crawling over your bottom were brilliant.

If you have a Shrek fan or a movie fan for that matter (Kung Fu Panda and Toothless to name but a few featured throughout) it is an absolute must and would make a wonderful birthday treat (starting from £18 a ticket it isn’t a walk in the park!)

There was also a ‘play area’ at the end which was super fun, although it leads into the most expensive gift shop I have ever seen although I managed to leave with just a bit of Shreks slime at only £3.50…

The book that they hand to your little one on exit is an artwork with photos of yourself on the journey already printed which if money is no object would make a great memento!

shreksadventure.com/london/

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