The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

Gift Guides

The London Mummy Christmas Gift Guide : Men

It’s pretty easy buying for the kids – it’s the other half that always poses the question ‘does he really want it/need it/like it’ and there is probably a no in there – especially if it is expensive. Mine dislikes me spending too much on his presents, although this year he has asked for Hermes tie. Alright then, that will be bought in the sales so don’t hold out much hope! So, my debut guide for this year – starting with men… in all their different forms – here we go…

The Summerton Club

Give Dad a a monthly whisky prescription from The Summerton Club. They send beautifully-aged bottles of delight to their members every month. They focus on the main three of Whiskies (Bourbon, Whiskey, Whisky), Brandies (Armagnac, Cognac, Grappa) and Rums (Cachaça, Rum, Rhum, Ron) so if you have a whisky lover – this would make a great present.

Little Peach Portraits

A silhouette is timeless and contemporary. Upload your profile shots to Pia from Little Peach Portraits, choose the size and colour – and voila – all done.

Tom Lane Crew Neck

I love the classic shape and every day wearable colours of Tom Lane’s cashmere and lambswool collections. You can’t go wrong with a crew neck jumper (especially in navy!)

A Star Is Born Soundtrack

I defy anyone not to like this soundtrack. Whatever your preference, I genuinely believe you will like this. It’s become our family film/our ‘song’ (Always Remember Us This Way…) and will be a firm favourite for dinner parties (of which we have none planned) 😉

Tonder & Tonder

Luxury Bed Linen. Not something I can justify buying myself – but oh yes, what a great present for your other half and then you get to enjoy it too! The styles are classic so would get the nod from the blue team, it is excellent value for the quality and run by such a lovely lady, I want everyone to buy linen from their the whole time!

Big Cat Clothing

If you are lucky enough to be away this Christmas 0 upgrade their swimmers with some seaweed patterned trunks. Excellent quality without the price tag, they will love these fun swimming trunks.

Bottle Bazaar

Personalise a bottle of top quality wine or fizz. I cannot wait to crack this one open!

Thomas Fudge

As well as first class florentine’s their collection of savoury biscuits is the perfect gift for a cheese lover!

Pandora’s Boxers

Not only are the style, pattern and fit spot on the packaging makes me want to order one a week so I can collect the gorgeous bags they come in!

Wicket Ideas

If you have a sports lover in your midst why not get them some sporting memorabilia to dot around the house?

James Lucy Gaucho Watch Strap

Inspired by the belts worn by Gauchos in Argentina, and now worn casually all over the world, the ‘Gaucho Straps’ are the very first of their kind to be seen and are unique to James Lucy. He also sell very smart faces and a profit from every sale goes to a charity of your choice. Such a wonderful product and a great cause.

Manyatta Belts

With a percentage of profits going to the Tusk Charity, these belts made by the Masai add a lovely pop of colour to a pair of chinos or jeans. Doing good whilst looking cool – that’s a Christmas combination! He also does colours for various regiments, schools and clubs so have a look at the website for more inspiration.

Brown & Forrest Hamper

I can personally vouch that every item I received in my hamper (I didn’t want to share) was so delicious. Beautifully presented in a cool box, choose from many of their different hampers and price ranges. If you want to make it original and have food appreciater – they will love receiving this.

Initially London

Update their sporting equipment that they no doubt have since school. This is a sports bag that fits in most lockers AND you can personalise it!

Indigo Island

I am a huge fan of these 100% cotton shirts with their fun but not too over the top patterns.

Chilly Bottle

Keeps hot hot and cold cold and doesn’t drip. Perfect to roll around in the sports bag (fora week!)

Proviz Fleece Lined Reflective Jacket

If you worry about them cycling or running in the dark – put your mind at ease with this highly reflective and waterproof jacket that no bus will be able to miss!

Portraits by Samuel Francis

Why not just go for gold and commission the kids portraits with the incredible Sam Francis who can pop over, sketch the kids, finish at home and deliver. Now that WOULD be a lovely Christmas present.

Nothing for you here? (Gawd your other half must be really fussy…. ) Why don’t you reread the mens or Grandpa’s guid from last year!

Happy Monday!

Love

Lucinda x

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Gift Guides Reviews Services

Children’s Oil & Charcoal Portraits with Samuel Francis

Deciding on who to paint what will inevitably be passed down to the next generation and so forth, can be a tricky one. Should you go oil or pencil, traditional or contemporary, capture the kids at the same time or at the same age…. Having the children painted by a portrait artist has been on my ‘to do’ list but it had never made it to the top until recently, when I was introduced to Samuel Francis.

This is where the lovely Samuel Francis can help. Samuel has drawn and painted from childhood and started to specialize in portraiture from an early age. These years of experience show in his beautiful portraits, in which he uses charcoal and oil paint. His approach to portraiture is based on simple draughtsmanship that results in a timeless yet informal feeling to his portraits.

Samuel came up to our house in Hampshire to meet the kids and do a pencil sketch and take some photos to work on to complete the finished piece.

One of the most profound quotes from the day was his reply to my 8yr old commenting on his pencil sketch, that it slightly looked like him

‘At the moment it is half you and half stranger and I am going to take it away and make it look 100% like you’

And he certainly did, not only did he physically capture him, he really captivated their personalities. We agreed on the photo from which to work on, the colour palette to suit the room they would be hung in, and the size.

I dressed them traditionally in the same hue so they could be hung together. The colour of the frame brings them out beautifully and altogether.

We are yet to paint the house so the cool colours of the paintings didn’t work on the ‘magnolia’ walls above the fireplace, so we had a reshuffle and for the time being thought they looked best in the TV room. This is not their final resting place, I wanted to hang them up to correspond with this post so you could see the whole process!

Having two children himself, sam has a very natural way with the kids and the whole process was really fun.

He is a true professional and his communication throughout was brilliant – he sent me the finished paintings on whatssapp so I could suggest any changes – not that I needed to!

We are so thrilled with the paintings and highly recommend Sam to paint your kids. I am thrilled to have got them all done at the same time as it captures them at a moment in time as siblings and we were able to get the proportions and colouring correct. I urge you to call Sam and get cracking, they won’t stay young and angelic forever.

Sam has a few slots left before Christmas – so get them done as a Christmas present for your other half!

samuelfrancisportraits.com

info@samuelfrancisportraits.com

07542 023614

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Fashion

Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween & Bonfire Night

Not awol fireworks or scary ghouls…. By safe, I mean from traffic. We have all heard stories of car park tragedy when a child hasn’t been seen by a car reversing or a time when you can’t spot your child on bonfire night as they charge around the field. This can all be prevented!

How?

What can you do to keep your child safe as they go trick or treating in the dark along busy roads?

What is acceptable outerwear for your child on Bonfire night?

I have the answer!

What?

Proviz Sports setup by entrepreneurial brothers, Ant & Bob Langly-Smith, is a one stop shop for all your high visibility needs.

(BTW you don’t realise you need high vis, until you need it – if you get what I mean!)

These fantastic fleece lined jackets from Proviz are so reflective you almost need sunglasses to protect you from the brightness.

Can you see the jacket is actually brighter than the fireworks!

Why?

So what else is great about The Reflective 260 Jackets

Fleece lined – warm
Water proof
Reflective
Have a hood
Pockets
Longer back – perfect for cycling

My children absolutely love them and as they are understated I allow them to wear them to school if they have late clubs that day or keep them in the car to throw on them at low light.

What About Daytime Visibility?

If you would like your child to be seen day and night, the yellow jacket is visible in daylight whilst also having a reflective strip to be seen in the dark too.

Do Your Kids Cycle or Scooter during Dusk & Dawn?

Then they need these reflective cycle helmets!

The helmet comes equipped with an intelligent adjustment system to give a secure individual fit and allows for the height and circumference to be pre-set, meaning it can be quickly and easily adjusted to allow your child to get the perfect fit and maximum comfort.

The headring also has 2 integrated LED lights and a reflector.

What About Your Pooch?

This dog coat (in 5 sizes) is waterproof as well as reflective!

Womens

I love their new 10 year anniversary women’s nightrider jacket!!

Mens

A great present option for MAMIL in your life (Middle Aged Man In Lycra) is this Men’s Training Hoodie.

I am so impressed with the website, quality of the products and customer service, I urge you head over to Proviz Sports to have a look at the rest of their range.

Whether you are a cyclist, runner and need reflective clothes and accessories, you will find it all over at Proviz Sports!

provizsports.com

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Products Services

19 Small New Businesses To Check Out Now

It’s time to do another round up of all the new businesses that I have heard of and come across of late. 18 Small Businesses To Support in 2018 was my last post on this subject and my first one was the year before 17 New Businesses To Have on Your Radar in 2017. I can’t wait till 2019 for continuity’s sake – it would be sacrilegious not to hear about these start ups straight away, so it’s 19 now!

Fitz Fitness (Barnes Common, Mortlake, Richmond Park)

Started by lovely mother of 2 little girls, Jenny’s aim is to make exercise fun, effective and sustainable. If you are looking to get back in shape or progress to the next level, I personally vouch for Jenny’s warmth and professionalism. Why not get a group of mums together and work out altogether!

Watson & White

An online boutique I have found through the gram, this is on trend and amazing price point. Have a pursue. I bought a rainbow jumper and love it and also have my eye on this sweat for £27!

Brown & Forrest Smokery

A small family run smokery, started 37 years ago in Somerset, they produce the finest smoked eel and salmon as well as a whole range of delicious smoked foods including smoked chicken, duck, lamb and trout. It is posted to you in a cool box and is such a treat – but not at treat prices. Imagine Harrods food hall delivered to your door at a fraction of the cost!

KookyTwo

Set up two friends, this jewellery brand is a great go to for gifts and to update your jewellery without breaking the bank. Look at this hot pink Swarovski number. Perfect for layering!

Penwizard

From Peppa to Paw Patrol to Peter Pan, Penwizard are masters at personalised hard back books. We laugh every time we read our personalised Daddy Pig book as we even got to choose the size and hair colour of everyone in the family. Its genius!

Holly Maclean

At Holly Maclean each product is lovingly hand made by Holly Maclean from her London based studio.

The Meek Boutique

Lovely Lynne of Styling Matters (she is a top notch personal stylist) has started her own online boutique. Think camo joggers, leopard coats, sequinT Shirts… Do check it out – she has thought about every item she sells and they are all an absolute steal!

Fusion Mineral Paint

I don’t actually know where to start…from the quick no prep application to the finished product – I won’t buy any other paint for furniture or quick lick from now. Explore the website and just go for it.

Tonder & Tonder

I met this lovely lady recently who so deserves success (but is endearingly unpushy) so if you need bed linen – please have a look. I have just bought my husbands Christmas present (s) from her!

Samuel Francis Portraits

I am delighted to be working with this incredible portrait artist and am in the process of getting the kids done. He warrants as much exposure as possible as he is as nice as is he good!

Bridge In The Box

Stylish & Bridge in the same sentence? I know I was delighted to find beautiful Bridge accessories and items on Amanda’s elegant stall at a recent fair. If you are a bridge lover or know someone who is – you have found the perfect website.

Rock & Soul Essential

If you are into or intrigued by essential oils, Emily is onto great thing that you will love. She sells beautifully packaged diffusing jewellery that you can add a couple of drops of your chosen essential oil too – voila.. it lasts all day and you receive the benefits of it whilst also looking pretty stylish with her brilliantly designed pieces.

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities.

Children love the games, songs, golden eggs and other rewards which, along with feeling proud of their reading, really motivate children to keep exploring and learning.

Taylor Made Calligraphy

Lindsay based in Somerset is a great girl to have up your sleeve if you need some beautifully written signs, place names, gifts, cards or poems in her stylish calligraphy handwriting.

taylormadecalligraphy@gmail.com

Ashoka Designs

Indian printed fabric, interiors and lampshades are what Ashoka is all about. Every design and fabric is stunning and well worth a look if you are wanting to update a room.

Jolly Good Brownies

This is one of the gifts that I send new mothers – a box of Oli’s Salted Caramel brownies. I am almost tempted to sign up to her lucky dip subscription boxes – 3 months (1 per month) is only £40!

Margins Walk & Glamp – Norfolk

Forget the walking (bot advisable with children!) just stay in one of these fantastic safari tents that are put up in advance of your arrival with ALL the gear.

Butterflies and Bees

For beautiful appliqué towels and bathrobes with Liberty fabric letters or shapes, head to Butterflies and Bees. We have the bath sheets with each childs initial on on them and they are such a treat to use after the bath – and there is no arguing whose is who!

Bidivine

Bidvine has been around for three years now and the reason they are a great choice for both freelancers and customers is that they cap the number of bids a customer receives at five and don’t charge commission on the job, only a small, one-off fee to submit a bid. They have been growing steadily and now have over 50k professionals across 800 services.

Fearless Flamingo

Using illustration and imagery to encourage easy, everyday, positive expression for the way we feel and behave is the idea behind Fearless Flamingo. Charlie began by creating an alternative A to Z that went a step beyond the obvious, using a whole family of animal characters to represent an alphabet of positive words and attributes in a fun and engaging way, designed to appeal to both kids and adults alike.

I love the mindfulness flash cards!

Suzanna Walters Art

I was delighted to find out who is the maker of these bin as have been admiring them from afar. I especially love the flamingo and it’s a good price at £37.50. Suzanna also sells gorgeous other homewares and beautiful prints.

Thank you so much for reading to the end and please remember to try to think about the smaller brands who don’t have as much exposure as the big brands.

Behind all these wonderful brands is a person like you who leaps with joy at a sale!

Lots of love

Lucinda xx

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Events

Book Now For These Kids Christmas Events

Yes, yes I said that word. I am not going to apologise as I am actually doing you a favour. If you want to get seats together, get the highly sort after matinee and so on, you need to book these events BEFORE half term. So many times I have got to the party late (usually on the day as my friends are heading to the show/theatre/musical/concert (delete accordingly) and it’s not going to happen this year.

So, what’s on my hit list…

Christmas Lights at Kew

22nd November – 5th January

Never been, everyone raves about it. ‘As twilight falls, the magic begins…’ Expect a beautiful walk through lit woodland and a magical sucrose at the end!’

After Dark at Chiswick House

Every Thursday – Sunday 22nd November – 30th December

In it’s infancy but following on from the success of other successful light installations, this nighttime walk is a great option with lit up sculptures and a soundtrack to accompany your walk.

West End Does Christmas at Cadogan Hall

Sat 1st December

Start the festive season in style with this West End family extravaganza featuring stars of West End and Broadway performing songs and carols alongside our fabulous orchestra and gospel choir, Sing Gospel.

The Snowman and Paddington Bear at The Royal Albert Hall

Thursday 20th December

First half Paddington, second half Snowman – what a combination!

Dinosaur Live

This looks seriously good, especially if you have a dino fan in your midst.

Horrible Christmas at Alexandra Palace

13th – 30th December

Horrible Histories proudly presents the terrific tale of Christmas in the triumphant re-opening of Alexandra Palace.

Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall

19th December – 5th January

Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus this Christmas. Fresh from the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas, Circus 1903 visits Southbank Centre for its European premiere. The show includes sensational puppetry & jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all corners of the globe.

Awful Auntie at the Bloombsury Theatre

12th December – 6th January

If his shows are as good as his books, I think the 7-11 crowd will love this!

The Snowman at Sadlers Wells

22nd November – 6th Jan

If you want up ballet Snowman – this is for you. I hear great things about it.

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Brothers Studio

17th November – 27th January

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

9th November – 25th November

Another magical light show. Depending on which one is closest, I would definitely try one to get you in the Christmas mood.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

23rd November – 6th Jan

No silly season is complete without a visit to Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland. This year they have a few new attractions too – Peter Pan on Ice, Scuplting Workshops and a magical Ice Kingdom.

Lapland UK

17th November – 24th December

The closest we will get to the real Lapland – this looks pretty good through the eyes of a little one.

Which takes your fancy? I think it’s Lapland UK this year before our oldest cottons on. What do you think?

Thank you for reading xx

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Activities Fashion

What Sort of Jacket Should You Get?

It’s jacket season. Even if a sweater or jumper will suffice, it doesn’t finish off your outfit like a jacket. I am not talking a big fur lined parka that we need for the majority of Autumn/Winter, no, just a little jacket that you can throw on and that goes with most things.

Utility jackets were popular last year and there are still a few around but I am delighted to see that blazers and bombers are still donning the front row of London Fashion Week.

(If you are wondering where I get my information from, which I don’t blame you for thinking – it is many hours reading blogs, magazine and perusing fashionista’s accounts on Instagram. I like to think I am the filter that separates the wheat from the chaff – in terms of price and actual wearability!)

SHEARLING

Shearling will be popular for both short jackets and longer coats. (Teddy jackets are a thing that is circulating that I’m hoping won’t catch on).

If it’s your thing New Look have a lot of different colorways at the moment (although I do love the zip..)

My ultimate shearling coat however, would be this dream coat from ME+EM.

Seeing as it is £1 short of 1k, I won’t hold out much hope but am on the hunt for something 10% £1000.

BROWN

There is a lot of brown around at the moment. If you look sophisticated in shades of brown (generally works on warmer skin and darker hair) rather than a walking xxxx, this is a lovely well priced jacket from Sezanne.

LEOPARD PRINT

You will have had to be walking around backwards not to notice all the leopard print coats on the high street. I really don’t think this is a trend that I will be joining as I just really look like Pat Butchers little sister in a full length leopard coat.

BUT I love short. I love zips. I love bombers and I LOVE Stella Macartneys Leopard Print jacket. Again. I have only included for inspiration but if anyone can tell me a high street version, I will buy them one too!

I would also err on the side of caution as when a trend (leopard) is this big (aka I have heard of it) I wouldn’t invest too much dollar in it as it may look reallllly wrong next year! If you want leopard print go for a another animal print or different colour way.

Now, we have done trends – this is my realistic hit list…

The Hair Faux Fur Jacket from Hush is pretty cute…

I am almost truly set on this Holister Co shearling for £65. It will definitely that satisfy that shearling shaped hole.

You can’t go wrong with this £20 ASOS cotton bomber. It’s in my shopping cart! Works at pick up, with work out gear or even over a evening wear.

If you are on the hunt for a genuine leather biker, I really like the shape of the Select Femme ones. Not a quick purchase at £230 but a brand worth investigating…

If you are looking for sleeveless, which you can also wear underneath your coat when it gets colder for extra warmth, these Big Cat Clothing gilets are warm and a great fit, good length & come in loads of different colours.

I’m loving all of Zara’s blazers right now, and this crepe one with pleated sleeves is a lovely (especially at £59!)

Another staple is a denim jacket. I like light blue and stretchy (maybe a bit summery) but I think any denim is a perfect transitional piece and one that you will use year in year out.

I haven’t had any luck with my ideal denim jacket but if you want a girlfriend denim jacket (slightly looser) or embroidered, there are plenty.

This Silk Fred number would be a talking point! (£35)

Thank you for reading! Hope this has inspired rather than confused!

Lots of love

Lucinda x

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Big Fashion

10 Styles To Get You Into Sneaker Season

It’s been a while but I’m back feeling refreshed and enthused once again about sharing my finds with you. I have taken a step back the last few months, especially from collaborations, and enjoyed a season with friends & family and when I have worked, it’s been to keep on top of www.tlmedit.com! Now looking forward to returning to my first love and the reason I started The London Mummy – to write what I feel at the time of sitting down to write!!

And today that is a TRAINER POST!!! The reason that it is a trainer day, as I have been on the hunt for a new pair (you have to buy yourself a new pair each season and it doesn’t have to be expensive).

First and foremost, I have to outline what is currently ‘in fashion’. Not one to follow trends it would be rude not to share what’s on every fashionista’s feet at the moment.

GO HARD OR GO HOME

Forget white plimsols with stars on them (so last year) it’s now all about chunky, big soled, old school style, trainers.

If you are yet to venture there – let me give you some inspiration that I have taken from Pinterest.

Leading the charge (in my opinion) are the Nike Air Max 90/1. Dig them out – I am sure you own a pair you have just forgotten!

Another brand I love that you will find similar styles to the above, is Italian brand, Diadora.

I have my eyes on these N902S which are £80

If you are feeling more daring, they have a wonderful collection of colourful sneakers – these Diadora Heritage Monte Carlo £230 are my favourite but sadly out of budget!

If you like the style above, Cheltenham based Keith Scarrott is on fire with their new season animal print sneakers. I love these Greta’s and at £149 they aren’t too eye watering!

Air and Grace are hot contenders for snazzy sneakers. I have my eye on the Multi Coloured Trainers that are in collaboration with Zoe from Dress Like a Mum.

I have to tell you about these Leather High Top Trainers which are available for pre order. So tempting…

Heading back to chunky trainers, if you are unsure about the look so don’t want to spend too much money, Misguided have a pair in three colour ways for £35.

Heading over to ASOS, they have a pair that mix the sports look of the chunky trainer with the lifestyle look (of a mum) leopard print!! Here are the

Deputies…

There were too many fantastic colour combinations over at Veja, but I am a massive fan of their trainers. These roller trainers are their latest design! Try doing the school run in them 😉

& Other Stories have a good range of mid priced sneakers. I love these Nike Air Force Low 1 sneakers and am now deciding whether I go for them rather than the safer navy/red at the top.

What do you think?

Thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing my discoveries with you. If you have any topics you would like to investigate, please let me know hello@thelondonmummy.com

Lots of love

Lucinda x

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Family Life

Fabulous Art Party with The Little Art Society

I always admire the mothers who enjoy getting out the craft and completing a project beginning to end with their little ones. Colouring pencils and a colouring book is as far as I go, much to the disappointment of 2/3 of my kids. My oldest (7) and youngest (4) love any type of craft and could happily sit all day sticking cutting, painting and sculpting. When the lovely Rachel who set up The Little Art Society offered for us to review a craft party – I jumped at the chance.

Hosted by my lovely pal Issy, we decided on sticking with just our combined 6 kids (as it feels like there are 12 when they are together!) and chose to use the outside table as it was such a beautiful sunny day.

Rachel decided on 3 activities to suit all ages. We started with badge making. Rachel has everything prepared in advance so there is no waiting around. They loved designing their badges and thought the process of making them was excellent!

She advises The Little Art Society parties and workshops are for age 5 and upwards. However we squeezed the two 4 year old girls into the group and they really enjoyed it, despite needing a bit of extra help. Here they are gluing on tissue paper to create a decoupage letter.

The highlight was the T Shirt printing with NEON PAINTS!!! Well it was my highlight nonetheless. She has chosen age appropriate white t-shirts and kindly laser cut some football figures at my request for the football crazy one – in the end he chose a hedgehog though!!

The children were thrilled with the results and it was lovely that they had useful, good quality and long-lasting items to take away with them. Here are 2 very proud T Shirt wearers!

I highly recommend booking Rachel for a kids party. They will absolutely love it. Or why not get a group together in the holidays and all chip in for a craft afternoon?

Rachel can also put together bespoke parties for adults too – I like the sound of her lampshade decorating workshop – great for a mums Christmas party or a hen night!

Based in London and the home counties so everyone can have a go!

Contact Rachel at The Little Art Society

Book a Craft Party

Attend a Workshop

thelittleartsociety.co.uk

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