The London Mummy, Author at The London Mummy

Olivia Read : Life Coach

Endless to do lists? Inability to prioritise? Juggling a lot of balls and dropping plenty? These are a few things that I am struggling with at the moment, so I went to meet Olivia Read who had been recommended as a Life Coach.

Olivia helps people bridge the gap from where they are now to where they want to be. Away from the noise and distraction of everyday life, they have the freedom to talk things through and discuss what they want to achieve. Through careful intuitive questioning and fresh perspective, she will un-peel the layers to give clarity and tangible steps needed to move forwards.

Life coaching provides practical help for people want a change. Put simply, it’s about getting clear on what you want, making a plan and doing it. It can cover any topics such as relationships, careers, negative self esteem and an identity crises.

I met Olivia on a gloomy Tuesday morning in January at the Dorsett Hotel and was immediately put at ease by her calm, non judgmental and empathetic nature.

She has the ability to make you see situations and aspects of your life from a different perspective and I came away feeling significantly lighter and clearer of what to do, what to drop, what to prioritise. I had a few ‘light bulb’ moments and I know that for whoever commits to her course, they will too be given a fresh perspective, sound advice and be armed for whatever life throws at them.

Olivia’s Favourite’s

Shop : Oliver Bonas

Website : Ted Talks

Restaurant : Extra Virgin, New York City

Hotel : Shutters On The Beach, Los Angeles

Holiday Destination : France

Parenting Tip : “If you are feeling irritable or stressed out, allow some time for yourself and don’t feel guilty about it. By having the space, you will approach motherhood with renewed positivity and energy, which is the best thing for your kids.”

For more information, please email her at olivia@oliviaread.com or phone her directly on 07714 280 486

oliviaread.com

0 Comments

Days Out Family Life Travel

Magical Mega Theme Park, Holland

Efteling is a unique theme park in South Holland with a fairy-tale atmosphere and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions.

We decided to go over half term after hearing about it from some of the Dutch mothers at school who raved about it. I can totally understand why – it was absolutely magical and unlike anywhere we have been before.

The park is larger than Disneyland in California. The USP is the Enchanted Wood – a walk that meanders through a magical trail of moving scenes, mini productions and old school tales. Walking round each corner we were delighted by fairy tale scenes such as Cinderella, Hansel Gretal and Rumpelstiltskin.

This Goblin that appeared from behind a red curtain raised a few squeals, especially wen the ground starts shaking. Talk about interactive experience.

Hansel & Gretal. The old lady pokes her head out of the window and says a few words – in Dutch!

The talking tree. Reminded me of The Faraway Tree!

A fire breathing dragon that swoops down if you try and touch the treasure trove of gold. Scary!

We stayed in the Efteling Hotel and were greeted in reception by a huge TV, a soft play and a bowl of sweets on the counter. After a 3 hour drive from Calais, this was a welcome touch.

The very cool hotel. Our room was in the far right orange dome overlooking the park.

A TV showing some of the attractions on arrival in the reception.

Our themed room – The Gold mine!’ It actually had an interactive piggy bank and a crown that spoke to you… not to mention ‘jewel’ encrusted bunk beds and gold gilded head board.

As hotel guests, we could enter the park 30 minutes before it opened, although the park is so huge, we didn’t have to queue. It had something for each of the children – the youngest (1) was catered for with rides and playgrounds and the older 2 (3 and 5) really got into the characters and stories.

Entrance to a ride

The new roller coaster that has just opened.

Live shows throughout the park.

Lots of opportunities to meet and greet the characters

Whatever age children you have, there is something for everyone. We went for 3 days and only touched the surface. The traditional fairy tales have come alive, my 5 year old is now an adrenaline junkie (as just made the 110cm height for the ‘big boy’ rides), the 3 year old into and my 1 year old daughter is actually aware and susceptible to a bit of ‘princess’. Wish me luck with that stage!

efteling.com

0 Comments

TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : February 2016

I love compiling my monthly edits of goodies that have bounded across my path. From the practical to the pretty, have a look at what’s in store for February.

Brox Rocks Jewellery

This is a relatively new jewellery brand that is worth a long peruse. I love their on trend jewellery. The star necklace – the silver and gold particularly – being a firm favourite. Prices are also exceptionally reasonable.

Kidzania Adults Evening 25th February

It may seem slightly odd to go to Kidzania without a child in tow, but I must say when I looked around, I wished I could make a show reel in the new Al Jazeera newsroom. The bar area is rather smart too. Get in the zone and find your inner child.

Magic Lantern Festival at Chiswick House till 6th March

This is pretty impressive and rather different. A good idea for a Mothers Day outing too!

The Little Dish Family Cookbook £7

A cookbook that’s easy to prepare, the ingredients are already in your cupboard and the children will eat what you have cooked. Bingo! The new Go Go biscuits in little packets are a healthy win too.

Swaying by Lucinda Blanchard £7.99

For those au fait with the subject of ‘swaying’ for your desired gender and in want of funny and easy read, this book by Lucinda Blanchard is for you. I whipped through it in 3 nights – a perfect holiday read.

Drysure shoe and boot driers from £24.99

These Eco friendly boot and shoe driers require no heat, no electricity or batteries. Perfect for ski boots, a farmer, a runner – anyone who wants to dry their shoes – genius. A perfect present for the man (or woman) who has everything.

0 Comments

Places Travel

5 Family Friendly European Hotels

Due to the combination of one of TLM’s recent posts, Stylish Child Friendly Holidays and the drizzle that is making my hair particularly frizzy at the moment, I have enjoyed researching a few holiday destinations that will keep everyone happy. It’s a mean feat but something I think these hotels will do easily.

Anassa Hotel, Cyprus

Anassa has award-winning kids programmes and all-embracing babycare. It’s a family-friendly hotel in Cyprus and a regular nominee for World’s Best Spa, has inspiring childcare facilities and delivers deliciously grown-up dining, too.

The Family Rooms are incredible and have a particularity good range of size (and price).

Pine Cliffs Resort, Portugal

Pine Cliffs Resort, one of the leading and award-winning Luxury and Family Resorts in Europe, is truly an exquisite hidden jewel enjoying a spectacular, prime seafront location on the amazing coastline of the Algarve, in Southern Portugal.

Pine Cliffs is an all integrated resort, managed by Starwood Hotels through its Luxury Collection brand, with different options of accommodation, investment opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle for the whole family. The children’s club, spans 7,000sq m, and catering for babies through to teens.

The Peligoni Club, Greece

Set in the unspoiled north east of Zakynthos, The Peligoni Club offers a boutique escape quite unlike anything else.

Peligoni attracts a well-heeled, well-dressed crowd, and club life can seem like an extended Home Counties drinks party at times – not sure whether that appeals or not, but I know one thing is for certain – you are likely not to see the kids much!

Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

Situated in the tranquil enclave of Guía de Isora, our resort in Tenerife, Spain exemplifies the delicate harmony that can exist between man and nature.

The lively Ritz Kids club has an ever-changing schedule of inventive activities, with games designed both for outdoors and in the shade.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Ok, not in Europe but worth a mention, especially if you are need of some ‘winter sun’. Apparently this is the most family friendly resort in Dubai. It is filled with loads of activities and adventures designed especially for kids.

The hotel doesn’t look too bad either!

Worth a peruse…

magnusandme.com Luxury travel & lifestyle for single parents

smithandfamily.co.uk Mr & Mrs Smith… For Families

totstoo.com The original ‘Luxury Family Holiday’ website

0 Comments

Services Spotlight

Jonathan Self : Time For Family Photos!

Trying to get a good photo of one of our children is hard enough (although I try frequently enough) and all 3 together is virtually impossible. Usually one looks grumpy, one is running off, one is hiding their face – you know the score. We had sidelined trying to get that elusive family shot until the youngest was atleast 8 for the aforementioned reasons. So when we were recommended Jonathan Self who takes family photos, I was thrilled – it was his challenge now, not mine…

Jonathan Self is a London based freelance photographer who shoots mainly family and lifestyle portraits. He popped over a few days before the shoot to meet the kids and discuss where we wanted to do it and what kind of shots we wanted. He prefers to do a few shots inside at home and then head outside to a park or garden. Richmond, Chiswick House, Regents Park, Hyde Park, St James Park, Kew, Syon are some of the places that he has shot at. We chose Fulham Palace as it was not only close & picturesque – it was enclosed!

Hopefully from the photos below you will be able to see that Jonathan is not only technically skilled, he is able to capture a moment.

I have even managed to print some out onto canvas and in a frame!

Jonathan’s Favourite’s

Shop : Pitfield, London

Website : Landmark Trust

Restaurant : Maggie Jones, Kensington

Hotel : Lords Of The Manor, Glos

Holiday Destination : A chateau in France

Jonathan is usually £250 for a family shoot (up to 4 hours) but for The London Mummy readers, he is doing a special offer of £200. This will include a high resolution and low resolution CD of edited photos. Please quote The London Mummy.

jonathanself.co.uk

info@jonathanself.co.uk

+44 7977 569 880

0 Comments

Big Fashion Products

Statement Earrings

After my post on statement necklaces a fortnight ago, I felt compelled to give the humble earrings some time in the spotlight.

My current earring collection consists of a beautiful pair my husband gave me on our wedding day and a few random pairs still lurking from my university days, mostly consisting of a feather or beading. I don’t really have anything in between – so it was high time I went looking. Earrings. Here my top picks.

Brox Rocks Gold Clover Earrings £23

Missoma Half Star Studs £39

Emmeline Tassle Earrings £18

Auree Knot Earrings £65

Davina Combe Rose Gold Knot Hoops £120

Hennes Triangular Earrings £2.99

Lanvin Tassle Earrings £300

Tada &Toy Star Hoops £53

0 Comments

Big Fashion Products

7 Little Black Dresses

On my cyber hunt for a wedding outfit for March, I was a bit sidetracked by lots of lovely Little Black Dresses. Like men, they appear when you aren’t looking for them. (Not that I have been wanting any to appear since I have been married but you know the old wives tale!) If you are lucky enough to have a glamorous event in the next few months and your old LBD is a bit tired, below are a 7 dresses to inspire.

Kate Spade Open Backed Bow Dress £378

Pretty back. The low back makes the more traditional fabric of satin a bit more risque. Perfect for a family party.

Cynthia Rowley Off Shoulder Pleated Dress £244.99

I have a thing for this seasons ‘off the shoulder’ trend. For good reason too – it’s so feminine and forgiving.

Alice + Olivia Organza Mini Dress £945

Ok, with that price, it’s not a dress that you can just whack on your Paypal and hope that a few Ebay sales will make it go unnoticed, but with the gorgeous feather detail – it is definitely one to bookmark for a special event.

Maje Crepe and Lace Dress £124.50

This dress has such a sexy back, that’s if you are able to go without a bra… Not for the faint hearted, but it might make a few people whoozy!

Self Portrait Cut Work Layered Dress On Sale at £196

I love this brand. It is definitely inspiring me to take my wardrobe into this decade. Not sure it would totally suit me, but want someone to buy it!

& Other Stories Floral Lace Dress £165

This could take you from work to a restaurant. Looks better in the flesh…

Isabel Marant Ruffled Naoko Dress £295

This dress has Bohemium glamour nailed. I love it…

Happy shopping!

If you like this round up, check out

Please sign up to receive posts from TLM! xx

0 Comments

Activities Days Out

Day Trips From London : Snooze Family Skiing

If you are a ‘skiing family’ or want to be, there is the eternal debate – when is the best age to go (child wise!) We concluded that real skiing this year, would be an expensive avenue to get the our 5 year old skiing, as we think there would be too much whinging about the creche or ski school from the 3 and 1 year old, which I find more stressful than not going at all.

So, instead – wait for it – we headed to Milton Keynes Snozone. We pre booked two hours, 1 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday for a joint lesson for our oldest two.

The delightful Xscape building that includes Snozone, bowling, cinema and sky diving.

It was an efficient check in process despite it being absolutely heaving. As there are only a few real snow domes in the country, it attracts alot of people. You can read into that as you will!

R waiting for his boots.

They minumum age they accept is 3 and they recommend a half hour lesson to begin with whilst they get used to the boots and snow.

We met the coach Ben who took us all into the dome. He put their ski’s on and after moving about on the snow for a bit, took H up the conveyor belt.

You can watch behind a snow barrier but seeing as our 1 year old doesn’t like touching the snow, let alone standing on it, my time was up after 5 minutes and I headed into the cafe to watch (where there is a little soft play).

A has a thing for helmets at the moment…

In the end, H ended up having a one on one on both days with the coaches and Alex took R up and down (in his trainers!)

We found there is quite a difference between a 5 and a 3 year old when it comes to skiing for the first time. The former loving it and latter indifference (although obviously he can’t stop talking about it now!)

‘What happens if you cross your ski’s’

After half an hour H was going up on the button lift and doing snow plough down from the top. He couldn’t wait for another lesson on the Sunday where he had the equally fantastic Jack for an hour. R on the other hand would have been equally happy in the soft play with his sister!

The whole weekend was a labour of love for just two hours skiing but worth it and we will do it again. I am sure if you are going skiing already this year it is not necessary to have a ‘pre lesson’ as they will get it just as quickly when you are on the slopes, but if you have the skiing itch but aren’t able to itch it quite yet, I would book it in!

snozoneuk.com

If you liked this post, you may like Day Trips From London : 6 Fun Farms

0 Comments

Older Posts

Newer Posts