All Posts By

The London Mummy

Big Fashion People Spotlight

Wear & Where: Fashion Blog

I’m pretty stoked to have Alex Gorton under the Spotlight.  Her and her friend Natasha run my favourite blog, Wear & Where.  Every post that falls into my inbox gets devoured immediately or at least earmarked for later. There is never a surreptitious delete (like some I subscribe to and delete almost before I have read the title #nevermyfriendsblogsthough).

image

Alex

Wear & Where started a few years ago when Natasha and Alex (former colleagues and firm friends) were talking about what they wanted to read on the web. Unable to find everything they wanted in one place, they decided to write it themselves. Drawing on their backgrounds as journalists, they created a place to share all their interests from fashion to family, interiors to travel, health and beauty, and everything in between. With 5 children between them, they are very much in the family mindset and their readers tend to be gorgeous, bright, brilliant women, most with children (although not all) with an interest in style.

I particularly loved one of their latest posts on Spring Shoes and can’t wait for all the other exciting plans they have for Wear & Where in the future.

image

There is no stopping them. Sign up to their brilliant blog to be kept in the loop on all things cool.

Alex’s Favourite’s

Shop: Cos (favourite at the time of asking!)

Website: Laura Fantacci’s blog Wearing it Today

Restaurant: The Oak in Shepherd’s Bush, London

Hotel: North Island in the Seychelles

Place to go with kids: West Wittering

 

www.wearandwhere.co.uk

Interiors Products Spotlight

Harriet Hoult: Abstract Artist

If you want to know who the next big thing is in the art world, let me introduce you to Harriet Hoult.

Her pieces are beautiful and intriguing and would be a stylish addition to an empty space on your wall. If you don’t have any space, you may want to think about replacing it with one of Harriet’s.  She has a growing fan base and they are fast becoming collectors items – once someone has bought one, they often buy from her again. They would also make a wonderful present.

imageHarriet is an abstract painter who has an instinctive approach to her work. Each painting is a unique journey where she is continually challenged to trust in the process. She is inspired by the everyday and her work is an interpretation of these experiences onto paper.  She is fascinated by aesthetics and the visual interplay between form, space and colour which she is continually exploring. Harriet paint’s in acrylic, building layers, combining different shapes, marks and colours, to create abstract images. For her there is a “certain mystery in abstract form; a communication without direct suggestion that can be interpreted by the viewer, based on their own perceptions and can sometimes speak to a deeper part of us”.

Her studio is in Petersham, near Richmond.  It is approx 3m x 5m and it has a clear plastic roof which makes it fantastic in terms of light.  “I am a very messy painter so it is absolutely covered in a multitude of splashes and drips of different coloured paint”.  At either end of the space, are shelves where she keep’s all of her paints and brushes.  In an ideal world she would love a really big studio with lots of space as she love’s working on multiple paintings at the same time.  From the reaction Harriet’s pieces are getting, I imagine it won’t be long before she has her much desired larger studio!

Harriet

Harriet

Harriet’s Favourite’s

Shop: Anthropologie

Website: www.designspiration.com

Restaurant: Hix in Soho, London

Hotel: Scarlett Hotel, Cornwall

Place: Richmond Park

To View Online

www.harriethoult.com/
Big Fashion Products

Star Mela: Solution For A Summer Wardrobe

This morning, I emptied my black handbag with a view to swap it for something ‘lighter’ suitable for Spring.  However, I obviously had temporary amnesia as upon searching my cupboard, I didn’t actually have many (any) suitable Spring bags.

Earlier this month I stumbled across Star Mela.  I love most of their items, especially the kaftans and the bags and knew they would have a solution.

image

Currently deciding between the Estee Lem Bag that would be more versatile and and the Leila Emb Bag that would match my neon orange shellac…

image image

What do you think?

www.starmela.co.uk

Events Places

Somersault: Festival, North Devon

Adam Buxton’s ‘Festival Song’  always raises a wry smile as I blush and giggle my way through it – knowing that he is referring to people like me. However, not to be put off by what anyone thinks, it’s time to book my tickets, ‘stuff the chill bag with nibbles and wine’ and head to Somersault in the beautiful grounds of Castle Hill, North Devon.

Somersault is a 5 day festival from 23rd – 27th July, jam packed with lots to do for all ages.

Somersault

It is particularly a little ones paradise. There is so much to do – the beach, crafts, outdoor activities, story telling, theater workshops and circus performing.  Hartbeeps Happy House welcomes teeny ones into a world overflowing with characters, beautiful music, puppets and fabulous props. Our Lost Boys Hideaway is full to brim with adventures for your little tykes and Hattie & Flora’s art camp will be opening doors to little creative sides.  You can also hire a nanny or babysitter to take care of the little ones.

Time to dust off that old tent…

For more information www.somersaultfestival.com

Find them on https://www.facebook.com/somersaultfestival

Buy tickets here 

If you can’t make Somersault, here is a list of other festivals going on this summer.

Events Family Life People

The Parent Practice

image

We are bombarded with information about how to have a baby, what to do in pregnancy and the paraphernalia we need to buy for the new addition by well meaning friends and a bit of research. There are also many fantastic pre-natal courses but once the baby has arrived and we have overcome the usual breastfeeding hurdles and heeded advice on how to prevent the dog getting jealous, we are left to our own devices.  Where do we turn to if we need a few pointers on raising little Timmy? I have it on good authority from some experienced mothers, that The Parent Practice could be your answer.

They have been offering training for parents and helping to create a happier childhood and brighter future for children since 2004. Working face-to-face with parents every day through their parenting coaching, they understand the issues parents struggle with and know which solutions really work.

If you’d like to become the best parent you can be and see your children blossom, their flexible range of parental training courses, workshops and private consultations are the ideal way forward. You can learn with them individually (and have their full attention), or else in a supportive group. You can now also learn online in the privacy of your home, at times to suit you. They have courses and workshops running Nationwide.

I am particularly excited about the ‘Bringing Out The Best In Boys’ workshop.  After the weekend I have had, I need all the help I can get!

Course in London *Free taster sessions for TLM Readers*

‘Positive Parenting’ Course in Chelsea, SW3. 10 Week Rolling Course, every Wednesday morning. 9:30-11:30am. Reference The London Mummy when booking.

Workshops

‘Positive Discipline: How To Be Firm And Fair’ in Clapham, London. 14th May, 10am-12:30pm.

‘Parenting In The Digital Age’ in Clapham, London. 19th May, 10am – 12:30pm.

‘Bringing Out The Best In Boys’ in Belgravia, London. 3rd June, 7.30pm – 10pm.

www.theparentpractice.com

Interiors People Services Spotlight

London Carpenter & Craftsman

There are some numbers you need on speed dial and Lance’s is one of them. He is an exceptional wood craftsman who can turn his hand to anything, whether it’s a house, a boat or a camper-van! He will make what you require to a very high specification – quickly and efficiently. He can source the wood, make it and paint it to your requirements. Carpenter & Craftsman.

Here is a list of things he is able to do – image

  • Wooden Flooring
  • Paneling
  • Cupboards
  • Tree houses
  • Fences
  • Bin Storage
  • Skirting
  • Decking
  • Children’s Beds
  • Bespoke Cornicing
  • Built in benches

Lance has been building things from a young age. He used to help his Grandfather making things as he was growing up and this natural ability shines through in his work.

He is also a pleasure to have around the house, working discreetly and tidily. Having two young children of his own, he understands the necessity to clear up after himself and I guarantee he will also raise a few smiles from your young ones.

Lance’s Favourite’s

Shop: Just Kampers

Website: www.pinterest.com/

Restaurant: Le Vacherin in Chiswick, London

Hotel: The Doña Filipa in Vale do Lobo, Portugal

Place to go with children: LaserZone, Brighton

Everyone has a pending to do list (I fancy a bike shed in the front garden and new paneling in our hallway…) and I urge you – if you need a carpenter, contact Lance for more information!

Lance 07884 042 115 or email lancelawson1976@gmail.com

Fashion Places

Claret Showroom: Sample Sale

Claret Showroom in W14 are having an incredible sample sale until 8th May.

image

Brands Include –

Alice McCall www.alicemccall.com

C/meo Collective www.cameocollective.com

Soludos www.soludos.com

Mara Hoffman www.marahoffman.com/

Unreal Fur www.unrealfur.com.au/shop/

Madeleine Thompson www.madeleine-thompson.com

Camilla https://www.camilla.com.au/

Go and have a browse!

Claret Showroom

27th April – 8th May

1 Netherwood Place, London, W14 OBW

Activities Places

100 Boredom Busting Ideas

My eyes usually glaze over when I hear about homemade craft activities and ideas to do at home, mostly because I think I will never get round to it. However, this post has truly inspired me and I have bookmarked it for when we are wondering what to do. Which is often!

https://familydaystriedandtestedblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/24/60-half-term-boredem-busting-ideas/