Food Archives | The London Mummy

Yummy Festive Food & Drink On My Shopping List This Season

If we’re facing a lockdown Christmas, let’s make sure our cupboards are well-stocked and our bellies are full of yummy food throughout winter, am I right? I’ve been putting this list together for a while now — not wanting to forget about my favourite confectioners, luxury hamper sellers, and fine food purveyors during the festive season. Some of these goodies, you’ll have to order early on in order to avoid disappointment. I’m going to get a few luxury items ready on order, like turkey, meats and cheeses, then plan the trimmings nearer to the big day. If you’re sending hampers to different ends of the country, don’t miss the final delivery dates! And don’t forget some sweet treat stocking-fillers for the kids to open on Christmas Day.

Jump to:

Christmas dinner & festive food
Snacks, sweets & desserts
Alcohol and alcohol-free drinks
Luxurious hampers & gift sets

Christmas Dinner

Free Range Bronze 2020 Christmas Turkey, Harvey Street Meats (Harvest Bundle)

£64.21

Once you choose a free-range turkey, there’s no turning back. Harry Street Xmas Meats guarantee you a bird that’s flavourful, nutrient-rich and succulent. Harvest Bundle lets you select the right size bird to feed between six and 19 people.

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The Christmas Organic Fruit & Veg Box, Abel & Cole

£28.50

If you haven’t discovered Abel & Cole’s veg boxes yet, you’re in for a treat. Save a last minute sweep around the supermarket by getting one of these nutritious boxes of the best fruit and veggies delivered to your door.

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Smoked Gammon, Turner & George

From £38

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a hunk of ham. Turner & George are a solid choice for delivering on delicious smoked meats. They even provide a roast glazed recipe for you to make the most of the meat.

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Cheese Box, Village Maid Cheese

£15

Cheese is without a doubt one of the best things about Christmas and having a good selection is imperative. Village Maid is my go-to for traditional English cheeses.

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Sliced Smoked Salmon, Brown and Forrest

£28

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a couple of servings of smoked salmon. It goes down a treat at breakfast. Brown and Forrest is always my smoked salmon go-to.

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25 Christmas Gifts The Kids Would Love To Get From Santa This Year

Sweet Treats, Desserts & Snacks

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Burtree Puddings

£5

Light, spongy, buttery and absolutely irresistible — you won’t have one guest who will turn down a dish of this sticky toffee pudding.

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Traditional Christmas Pudding, Bee & Bear Bakery

£10

“Dark, rich and generously boozy” – everything a Christmas pud should be. Bee & Bear will sell out of these, so get your order in quick.

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Vegan Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding, Plum Duff & Stuff

From £8.50

If you’re not sure who you’re catering for, there’s always the option to play it safe with a vegan and gluten-free dessert. Plum Duff & Stuff is a reliable pudding choice.

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Fans Favourite Gift Box, Candy Kittens

£12.50

Candy Kittens are a good choice for Christmas Santa gifts, adding something extra to the kids’ stockings or sharing a bag while you catch up on Christmas telly.

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Cacao Nibbles, Choc Chick

£3

I’ve got a soft spot for these cacao nibbles. I highly recommend for decorating cakes and desserts. Get a pack to nibble on while you’re in the kitchen too!

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Tube Bundle, Cajuu

£10

Having some snacks on-hand is a must, especially when you’re not sure who is going to visit. I’m loving cajuu’s seasoned cashew nuts.

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Giftboxes, Mallow & Marsh

£8 – £13

These are as luxurious as marshmallows can get. Choose between salted-caramel or raspberry and dark chocolate — or just order both!

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White Chocolate Rocky Road, The Hobo.Co

£20

Tried-and-tested, this white chocolate rocky road is hands-down the best I’ve tasted. It’s packed with pistachios, cranberries, marshmallows and biscuits. Yum.

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23 Things To Treat Your Tween To This Christmas

22 Christmas Decorations To Get Your House Ready For The Big Day

Alcohol & Alcohol-Free Drinks

Fatty’s Organic Dry London Gin, Fatty’s

£21

Made from organic grain and botanicals, and infused with dill flower, this dry gin tastes delicious. You can also pick it up in pink grapefruit flavour.

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Passionfruit Spritz Prosecco Cocktail, Spirit of Zing

£13

If you’re thinking of cracking out the cocktails this year, keep things simple with something premixed. The passionfruit spritz feels like a refreshing throwback to summer.

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Studio by Miraval, The Magnum Company

£31

A young rosé that blends scents of raspberries and rose petals, this is such a lovely bottle to give as a gift or share around on Christmas day.

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Ginger Switchel, Mother Root

£19

Super-tasty and alcohol-free, Mother Root Ginger Switchel is lovely to serve as an aperitif with soda and a slice of orange.

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Indian Tonic Water, Gally Bird

Splash out on the premium tonic because, well — it’s Christmas. Gallybird has no sugar, zero calories and tastes fantastic with gin and lemon.

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Luxurious Hampers

Christmas In A Basket, Forman & Field

£143

I would be delighted to receive this Forman & Field ‘Christmas In A Basket’ hamper. Look at the size of that ham! That’s a generous serving of stilton too.

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Gift Hamper, Wild By Tart

£160

Wild By Tart offer such a lovely mix of stuff that I love and stuff that I’d love to try in this gift hamper. This would be perfect for a Christmas Eve picnic.

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The Christmas Celebration Gift Box, Fortnum & Mason

£100

Fortnum & Mason always has a divine hamper selection (link). Champagne and truffles are a brilliant gift any couple would love to receive.

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Two Bottle Gift Box, Fino Olive Oil

£34.50

Mix and match with this delightful Fino gift box. Choose a combo from olive oil, chilli oil, dark balsamic, white balsamic or Fino arrope.

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Chilli Oil Gift Set, Ntsamas

£17

We all know someone who can tolerate much more heat than the rest of us. Indulge them with this tasty chilli oil set.

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Paella Set, Pure Spain

£38

This is such a thoughtful gift for a lover of cooking or Spanish cuisine. You know you’re going to make a delicious paella when you have all of the authentic Spanish ingredients laid out in front of you.

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Prancer Christmas Hamper, Asrawas

£27.50

Handmade, hand-packed and filled with a mouthwatering mix of raw chocolates. It contains an eclectic mix of flavours and it completely vegan too.

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For more Christmas content, click here.

25 Purrfect Presents For Pet (&Pet Lovers) This Christmas

24 Home Gift Ideas To Buy Any Interiors-Obsessed Friend

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the beauty, style and business recommendations.

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Fashion Food

20 Small Businesses Who Need Your Support

I have been feeling the pinch on the my online boutique for the last month. To begin with I thought it was the non stop rain (my new Spring/Summer collection isn’t great under an umbrella), then the paranoia kicked in – maybe it was my business and it’s not as untouchable as I thought it was. However the fog has cleared and there is no doubt it is due the uncertainty in this current time. If you don’t know whether you are going on holiday you aren’t going to buy a beach dress!

Speaking to friends and small business owners, it’s clear that alot of businesses have been affected. So, today I want to draw your attention to a few great ones.. A few who are struggling through no fault of their own and they don’t deserve to go under! If it’s impossible to support them now as you can’t book a holiday/go on a retreat/sell your house, please book mark them for when it gets back to normal. And it will!!!

FOOD

Alex Barker Catering

I can personally vouch for Alex and her team that she is sure knows how show up at a party. The food, her staff and service are excellent and I now just need to to have a big party so I can use her.

Archie’s Food

William (his middle name is Archie) catered for my press launch. They were fantastic. Read more here and then pop in to their quarters for lunch in Fulham – yum!

Eight Food

Started by Hattie from Top Hat Catering and two pals, Eight is all natural family freezer food delivered to your door. Use TLM20 for 20% off your first order.

Duck Pond Markets

Artisan markets in and around London that sell local, ethical and sustainable products.

Hullabaloo

Kids chocolate with 75% less sugar. We are going to need as many things to bribe the kids with so atlas make it healthier whilst also supporting an independent rather than a giant!

CLINICS & WORKSHOPS

Kate Evans Style

Kate has a membership where you are able to watch styling videos, read blogs and join live Q&A sessions where you can ask her all your questions; all these elements are designed to help you understand what colours will work for you, as well as the cuts, styles and fabrics that will flatter your body shape. This way you will be able to shop with knowledge, making the process more effective, less expensive and therefore increasing your self confidence

Black Swan Osteopathy

With clinics in the City, Islington, Canary Wharf and London Bridge – they specialises in sports injures and reaching your physical potential through osteopathy. Bookings for them are down 85% this week but they are offering video consultations so please contact them for more info.

TRAVEL

Fish & Pips Travel

I am sure you didn’t miss my coverage of our wonderful trip to Meribel in December with Fish & Pips in one of their luxury chalets. So when I heard the news on Friday that the ski season was cutting short I really felt for them and all their wonderful & loyal workers. Skiing might be over for this year, but there will be a time to book a summer holiday (like Menorca, Mallorca, Croatia or Crete) – so please do it with these guys!

Seventy Ten Travel

Ed and hi steam are my go for ideas of where to go on holiday. Efficient and informative, they are a great travel company so have a look for when you are going to next book.

Summer & Winters Private Travel

With experience in the 5* hospitality field, from hotels and private members clubs, to luxury chalets and villas, Julia really knows how to get the best property for your budget.

RETREATS

Bump & Mind Retreats

Pregnancy and hypnobirthing retreats

& Breathe Wellbeing

Covering retreats for post natal, menopause or with your young children, this is a wonderful business that will allow you to unwind and reconnect with or without your babe in tow.

CHILDCARE

Likeminders

With social gatherings and events closing, it’s hard for babysitting agencies, however if you do need extra help over the coming weeks or if you have to work, Likeminders are a national reputable company that will be able to help you out.

BOOKS AND STATIONARY

Addison Ross

This is a wonderful business that you can upload photos straight from your albums dn they will be delivered to you or a loved on in a frame of your choosing. Perfect for Mothers Day or just to print out some of those fab photos you have been meaning to and never get around to doing it! Use LONDONMUMMY for 15% off

Ellie Good Stationary

Ellie is a wonderful artist who creates ‘happy & sustainable’ things. She has had a few markets cancel and obviously trade shows are ominous so she would really like to boost her online business. Please take a look, I especially love her selection box of 40 cards for all occasions.

Tickled Moon

If you are stuck at home, this is a perfect time to order a personalised book for your little one or even a home bound Grandparent. I love the Birthday Boo!

APPAREL

Indian Summer

A gorgeous lifestyle boutique on the Fulham Road that also sells online. Thankfully, as it would dreadful if anything happened to them – it’s one of my favourite shops!

Team Beachware

You may not have a summer holiday planned at the moment, but when the weather turns in the UK and the sun comes out, please look at Team Beachwear for gorgeous matching swimwear for the whole family. Yes all of you can be in the same fabric swimwear!!

Dancety

Dancing is free and a great thing to do in isolation so even if you can’t go to your class or group, you can buy your next dance outfit here! Great for kids and all the essentials like ballet shoes. Don’t buy items like these from Amazon PLEASE! This is the owners livelihood!

TECHNOLOGY

Lemongrove Productions

Ed & Charlotte took all my iPhone videos and curated them into DVDs (or on a memory stick if you prefer. Being at home is the perfect time to get things like this ordered and these guys re the best to do it – no human contact needed. (But when things are normal again, I urge you to let hem interview your family for a lifelong keepsake)

INTERIORS

Holly Maclean

At Holly Maclean each product is lovingly hand made by Holly Maclean from her London based studio. 10% of all profits will be donated to the Cambodian charity, School On A Mat. This charity provides free education to poor and remote villages within Cambodia

Jo Deakin China

Another start up that I really want to see thrive is Jo Deakin and her beautiful fine bone china painted in charming vibrant colours. A lovely Spring gift especially Mothers Day or Easter!

The Bower Collective

Earth’s best natural household products in plastic-free and reusable packaging, delivered on repeat to your home. A perfect change to make in your home!

Please try and think and think of the small guys.

Remember, if you don’t use it, prepare to lose it! xxx

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Food

Farmdrop : The Ethical Online Grocer

I have never loved having my food delivered by the supermarkets. I love an amble around the aisles, not only for inspiration but to choose my own vegetables (I am often seen lifting the crate to get to the new ones underneath!) That way I can be assured that they are the best of the bunch and won’t go off/soft/brown the next day which can sometimes happen when they are delivered after you have ordered online.

When the ethical line grocery store Farmdrop approached me about doing a review, I was delighted by their forage to fork ethos, which meant not only did the customer get properly fresh food, the food was picked to order so no waste and there was no middle man so the farmer was better off.

First off, we managed to wow some friends who came over for a kitchen supper. I ordered 4 sirloin steaks and fresh asparagus. The steaks were individually wrapped, so tender and ruddy delicious.

May is Asparagus season, so it seems suitable to order a couple of bunches.

After a tossup between boiling and roasting – boiling won and covered with salt and melted butter, it was actually more satisfying than going to a restaurant – which would have cost £135 instead of £35.

Even if I do say so myself, (well I can as I didn’t cook anything) the whole supper was given a massive thumbs up.

I was also given a challenge to follow a recipe – something I would never normally cook – sweet potato, coconut and tomato dahl.

The object of the exercise was to create something healthy with hidden gems (vegetables) and that the kids would like. I enlisted the help of my right hand woman Katie and she cracked on with chopping, grating and cutting.

The dahl was really good and it has encouraged me to use lentils as a side instead of the usual rice or potatoes.

All the vegetables and herbs were so fresh. (We didn’t use the chilli!)

My daughter loved the tomatoes however they weren’t so enamoured about the actual dahl!

Perhaps if we were more culinary adventurous than we are they would have attempted it but it was too different to what they are used to.

However, I am so thrilled to have discovered such an ethical and efficient service and next time I have people over for supper or don’t have time to wander the supermarket, I will be heading over to Farmdrop to impress my guests!

Farmdrop currently deliver to London, Bristol and Bath and have very kindly offered you guys a discount code! So for £10 off any orders over £50 enter londonmummyme at checkout.

farmdrop.com

Have a lovely day and thank you for reading

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Food Reviews

How To Make The Most of a Night Away

Pink ticket, blue ticket – whatever type of ticket it is called – being ‘allowed’ a night away, without the kids, for no reason in particular other than for desperate need to speak to each other during the daylight uninterrupted (I don’t know about you but i’m knackered in the evening and I turn in to an incommunicative zombie – much to my husbands delight) is a MEGA treat.

London, country, gastropub, airbnb, room above pub, country hotel, boutique hotel or even stay at home (and kids go to Granny and Grandpa’s)….

How Do You Choose?

With the amount of choice nowadays, it is hard to decide what you fancy – as we don’t have time to think about anything other getting through the next set of jobs – how are we meant to make a sensible informed deciton about out own needs? (Please read tongue in cheek – I am not quite that desperate!)

All I knew is that I wanted to chill and not rush around like a deranged chicken trying to tick off as many sights and shops as I possibly could – just because I wasn’t with a box of frogs aka kids.

We needed to relax, read the papers, catch up on all the Style magazines my mother saves for me, watch something other than Officially Amazing Goes Bonkers (ok, it is pretty good – a firm family favourite but not every time we turn the TV on) and to sleep.

LOTS

With only 1 night…

You don’t want to spend hours in the car
You want it to be quiet
You don’t need loads of facilities as you are knackered
You need it it be spacious as you aren’t going to move from it
You need it to be comfortable for the above reason
There needs to be good food (obviously!)

So, we came to the very sensible conclusion of The Stafford

A quintessential old English hotel in the heart of Mayfair.

It ticked all of those boxes and one of the most impressive aspects was the service. Wow, nothing was too much trouble, every whim was waited on (not because this was a review – oh no I wish!) and all the staff were very humble, polite and charming.

We checked in, did a circuit of the hotel – didn’t take long as it isn’t vast and then headed to our room.

The ambience was cosy without being too chintzy.

It felt rather Italien actually – must have been the marble bathrooms.

As there isn’t a spa, I booked in a massage with Blow Whether you want a treatment, nails done, hair blow dried they can come to your hotel room and do it there and then.

My 60 minute deep tissue massage (and it was deep!) was £60 which is much less than usual London prices.

Then for some champagne and a trip to The American Bar. I had been here before but never realised that it was attached to The Stafford.

Possibly one of my favourite bars in London. Off the beaten track, discreet, cosy and awesome decorations.

After the friendly bar men ploughed us with Expresso Martini’s (leftover from orders – for some reason he liked us!) we headed to the acclaimed The Game Bird for supper.

I have heard great things about this restaurant from one of my ‘foodies’ friends, so I was expecting good things.

It didn’t disappoint. In fact, nothing was a miss.

The philosophy at The Game Bird is simple – dedicated to following the seasons and supporting local artisans including award-winning family owned farms, we have created a ‘theatre of the senses’ menu based on uncomplicated excellence: local, seasonal produce sits alongside time honoured British classic.

After sleeping for 11 hours, yes 11 hours, we rolled down to breakfast that we now considered brunch and it was WOW!

I won’t wax lyrical about the food as 1) it’s piggy and 2) I am not a restaurant critic but if I heard anyone criticise it, it would put me off them, not the restaurant!

Anyway, I highly recommend you hop foot it there, even if it is just for afternoon tea or a drink at the American Bar.

Ideal For

Central cosy one stop shop night away
Take international friends for a quintessential afternoon tea
A sociable family dinner at The Game Bird
Warm up drinks with friends at The American Bar

The Stafford, St James Street, SW1A 1NJ

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Big Fashion Food Gift Guides

Small Business Gift Guide : Women

General as this title may sound, I promise there is something for all the women you are buying for in this post. Whether it is Granny who has everything, an Auntie who you don’t know what she likes or you are a guy reading this for wifey ideas, I have it covered. Lots of women at the recent fairs I was at, told me that they buy their own presents and then give them to the husband to wrap. That is RUBBISH guys. If you are reading this, one thing you can’t do wrong at Christmas is buying a gift for your other half that they haven’t asked for! (as long as you also get the item they have asked for!) It will pay dividends and everyone will be happy!

Below are some wonderful ideas that I have been saving in a Christmas 2017 file since January, so let’s go…

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Rose Gold Monmatre Watch from Auree Jewellery £130

I am currently running competition to win this stunning watch over on Instagram but if you can’t wait for the results (Friday night) head over to Auree with code AUREEANGEL2 for 15% off all watches. Be warned, you will also be sucked in by the stunning jewellery too.

Bucket Bag with Detachable Aztec Strap from TLM Edit £55

Gorgeous bucket bag. Comes with plain strap too and smal zip up purse as well as detachable Aztec strap. Roomy and a perfect size to carry a laptop amongst other things!

Fur Cross Body Bag from TLM Edit £55

It speaks for itself. If the recipient is bold, bright, confident and likes to be different, this across body bag is for them.

Red Lips Tee from Bricks & Stitches £25

Worn with a blazer and jeans, this is cool. Also comes in aubergine lips or gold on black. Lush.

Liberty Initial Sweatshirt from Mary & The Guys £36

I love a bit of personalisation and coupled with Liberty print and a comfortable sweater, its quids in. Order now though for personalisation!

Gold Diamante Hoops from TLM Edit £22

No mistaking that hoops are in at the moment and with cubic zirconia encrusted throughout, it would be hard for the recipient not to appreciate these gorgeous earrings.

Personalised Family Tote in Navy & Neon from Marloe London £65

Speaking of personalisation, this bag from Marloe is so useful, sturdy and smart. The navy makes it work int eh winter and the neon trim makes it perfect for the summer too. Win win!

Velvet Cactus Wallet from TLM Edit £32

Super soft and sturdy wallet that’s a bit different from the leather ones that are doing the rounds at the moment.

Pony & Gold Foldover Clutch from Sarah Bailey £175

Sarah’s clutches are a magpie’s heaven. I love the silver and pink on this one…

My Year Sweatshirt from On The Rise £70

If you think your recipient is proud of the year they were born this is a pretty cool present. Choose the colour sweat and the colour date.

Personalised Polo Belt from pampeano £65

I was the lucky recipient of one of these last year and despite wearing it alot, it is still as good as new. Super smart and loads of colours and fabrics to choose from too.

Leather & Glitter Cuff from The Alex Edit £25

Filled with gorgeous sparkly goodies, my pick from The Alex Edit this Christmas is one of her fab cuffs.

Electric Blue & Leopard Print Messenger Bag £80

So funky, I can’t handle it. Have you ever seen anything like it? Definitely not for the retiring amongst us!

Slogan Sweat from FWP by Rae at The Alex Edit £45

The newest top from FWP BY Rae is another must-have. Thicker than the best-selling Premier Cru tops, these are incredibly soft and so comfortable to wear (the cut is fabulous), the logo references Cru Bourgeois wines from the Medoc region of Bordeaux that didn’t quite make the official Classé certification of 1855.

4 in 1 Bracelet from TLM Edit £30

If you have ea rock chick who wants to pack a punch with her wrist candy, this bracelet is for her. Pick and choose which ones to wear, but if you are like me- where all at the same time!

FOR THE STATIONARY LOVER

A Year of Cards from Ellie Good Illustrations

Never be caught out by the ‘Oh, sxxt, it’s tomorrow’ card-shopping-panic ever again! Lasting you a whole year this economical pack of 40 greetings cards includes 17 different designs for as many different events. The cards have been lovingly illustrated, printed on recycled card and are a snip at only 88p each. Envelopes are included. This is absolutely genius – I love them and every busy women in the world should have a box.

Insect Note Cards Set from Ele Grafton

These beautifully drawn insect cards are perfect to write a quick thank you note on and would make a lovely stocking filler.

Tinkerlink Phone Cover from Giftpop from £32.50

These have swarmed Instagram this year. Super fun and with the ability to choose your own finish, colour and charm – each one is unique – unless you are really unlucky!

Letter Writing Set by Anna Wright £12.50

Encourage old school letter writing with this lovely poppyhead paper and envelope set.

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

El&So Luxury Face Care Gift Set £27

Take it from me, El&So works. It gently takes off the rubbish accumulated on your face from the day and rehydrates and nourishes. I love it and highly recommend it. Once you try it, you will become hooked and it is so mice to think this is made by hand.

LANAIBLO Personalised Professional Hairdryer £99

2400 Watt is a high power hair dryer putting professional power in the hands of you with a super fast drying ability. Ionic Technology gives a benefit of this is that the cuticle of your hair becomes smooth, giving you a gloriously smooth finish.

Radiance Boost Duo from Caudalie £45

With dry weather and dehydrating activities (cough cough) this December, this would be a very welcome present for someone who likes looking after their skin.

FOR THE FOODIE

Sea Salted Caramels from Caragh Chocolates £13.99

Nestled between Guernsey and Jersey, Caragh make all their chocolates by hand, in their kitchen surrounded by breathtaking vistas, coastal paths and secret bays. The chocolates are exquisite – buy yourself a box too. Just because…

Make Me Blush Rose £13.99

Swimwear designer Veronica joked to her wine-producing Italian father that the only way she’d get into the wine business is if he made her a Rosé – so he did. This sophisticated style from Piemonte, Italy is good fun – I can certainly imagine enjoying a bottle (or two) with the girls next time the sun is shining or not shining – it doesn’t matter. The handy bottle top makes this a great option for picnics too.

FOR THE HOUSE PROUD

Lumitrix Gift Box starts from £25

Everyone loves a piece of art – but best to let them choose it. A beautifully presented gift box from Lumutrix would be a wonderful gift to enable freedom of choice to your recipient. There are so many wonderful photographic prints to choose from, that may be the hard choice!

Home Declutter Kit by Helen Sanderson £39

Helen’s Home Declutter Kit offers a simple, easy way to detox your living space and clear clutter from your life – fast! If you’re into healthy living you’ll be familiar with the notion of detoxing or purging the body, so consider this a handy tool to help you do the same on the home front.

Brilliant if the recipient needs a little nudge in the right direction!

Liberty Print Pillow Cases from Poppy & Honesty £57 for a pair

So pretty and all handmade to an excellent seamstress with fab taste. I love these – they would make a spare room.

Glad Tidings Scented Candle from Tussie Mussie £32

It was hard to choose which candle to include as they all smell delicious but seeing as it is Christmas this one seems most appropriate, although if you are buying for a loved one ‘Love Story’ would be lovely too. All handmade by Natasha at her home, they are lovingly made and packaged beautifully.

I hope this has given you some ideas. Please let me know if you have any other recommendations!

Lots of love

Lucinda x

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Events Family Life Food

10 Ways To Be a Happy Person with Butterkist Popcorn

Last night I went to an event at the St Martins Lane Hotel hosted by Butterkist. In the last 12 months they launched new flavours and the latest news is that Butterkist branding has been refreshed so the packs have a fresh new modern look. Did you know that Butterkist is a British Company and all the popcorn is made in Pontefract! I am sure it was the American style branding that had led me to believe it was American but I am delighted that it is ‘ours’.

We started by trying all the new flavours… The Salted Caramel and the Yoghurt Popcorn were so so good! Butterkist are mostly famous for the Toffee Popcorn but their ‘Cinema Sweet Popcorn’ actually won a blind taste test out of all the sweet popcorns on the market!

After the taste testing, there was a half hour talk by the ‘Doctor of Happiness’ Andy Cope. He delivered fascinating facts and figures that he had learnt over his 12 year PHD on the subject of happiness.

A survey of 1500 adults by Butterkist revealed –

The average adult feels happiness 8 times per day, 432 times a year.
Early forties is the happiest we will ever be with 41 being pin pointed as the best year of our lives.
Only 16% of those polled said work made them happy.
More than 8/10 said they would choose a night in with loved ones over a raucous night out.
The average adult considers five people in their life to be very good friends.
Family, friends, hobbies and interests were among the things that made Brits happy with family coming top for 7/10 surveyed.

What Makes Us Unhappy?

Repetition – we become habituated and fixated on order & routine.

Busyness

Exhaustion (usually from busyness)

News (24 hrs a day dripped to us)

Weather (i.e. drizzle)

Facts on Happiness

Alot of people have destination addiction and think they will be happy when they get there i.e. married, on holiday, the new job but we have to be content in the moment.

The Danes have mastered this with the popular Hygge movement where they slow down and enjoy simple pleasures and live in the moment.

We are alive on average 4000 weeks so ‘getting through’ 3 weeks until you go on holiday is a waste of a lot of your life!

Andy spoke of ‘Mood Hoovers’ who zap your happiness and are always grumbling. This made me laugh so much as it is easy to be negative and not appreciate what you have.

Ideas

Barbecuing in the garden whilst the children play

Movie night with the family (sharing Butterkist Popcorn!)

Reading a story to your children, enjoying the moment

A sing song in the car

Feet up with a glass of wine after a long day

Box set with a loved one

Having a dance in the kitchen

Playing cricket in the park

Going on a bike ride together

This made the kids happy this morning!

How Do We Become More Happy

Rewire your brain and PRACTICE.

If you are happy, it will wear off on those around you, who will then pass the happiness vibe to others so by you being happy in the morning at breakfast for example, your kids will be happier and their teacher will be happier as result and when they get home they will pass this happiness to their loved one.

This could change the world!!!

In this digital age it is imperative to share happy moments and spending time together.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this, I have loved sharing what I learnt. Hope you have a fantastic weekend and feel really happy!

butterkist.co.uk

This post was written in collaboration with Butterkist but all opinions are my own!

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Days Out Food

T Rex Grill : A New Restaurant To Take The Kids

It is always a delight taking the kids to restaurants where kids are the majority. I have written about our ability to restaurant clear in the past so a place that is aimed at kids is preferable. There wasn’t a table without a little nipper at The Natural History Museum’s newly opened T Rex Grill.

This family-friendly eatery is the perfect place to take your little grillers for a burger, mini pizza or ice cream sundae with a triceratops twist.

T Rex Grill is nestled near the Dinosaurs in the Green Zone.

The entrance has a few ‘live’ dinosaurs which kept the kids amused if there is a little bit of a queue.

At 1230 when we went there wasn’t much of one, but by the time we left a short one had built up.If you are really organised, you can book a table.

Drop them an email here to book (open 11-4pm)

The kids menu has a sweet prehistoric take on the words, although the choice is mainstream. This works for us though!

The adults menu is all freshly prepared in the vicinity. I (greedily) went for spare ribs that I had to wrestle off the kids and Alex (obviously) went for T bone steak.

The particular highlight was the pudding – to share. It included mini eggs and handmade dinosaur shaped chocolates!

If you are planning a day out at The Natural History museum, which if you haven’t done for a while – you should get down there. Yes it is majorly busy at the weekends but totally worth it.

As your kid gets older it becomes even better – you aren’t just going to see the ‘real’ T Rex!

If you like trying new places and need refuelling whilst you are at the museum, T Rex Grill is the restaurant to go to!

T Rex Grill

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Food

Healthy Fudge Brownies with Comvita Manuka Honey

Last week I was sent ingredients to make healthy fudge brownies using Comvita Manuka Honey. The ‘healthy’ and ‘brownie’ may seem like an oxymoron however the ingredients that I was sent to make them was all good ingredients, such as coconut oil and coconut flour. I have never used either of those for cooking. Neither something I have in the house. In fact, the only ingredients for the recipe that I had in the house were eggs!

Growing up with a Kiwi mother (I am half NZ!) I was brought up on Manuka Honey, not only on my toast but as a health food too. It can heal scars, shake off a cold and give you lots of nutrients that no other honey can do.

Comvita has been producing world-renowned UMF® Mānuka honey since 1974 in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. Certified by the UMF® quality mark, Comvita ensures your Mānuka honey is authentic so you can enjoy all the goodness from nature.

You have to buy the genuine Manuka Honey so make sure you always look for the UMF® quality mark.

When I was asked to make this recipe, I jumped at the chance as it was quick, healthy and ummm they were brownies!

I enlisted the help of as assistant to oversea the technical aspect so I could take photos and a video and we were delighted at the results!

The recipe for Healthy Fudge Brownies was simple to follow.

Ingredients

Makes 16 brownies
½ cup or 50g of coconut flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup coconut oil (Or melted butter if preferred)
3 eggs (Best if left at room temperature)
½ cup Comvita® Manuka Honey UMF® 5+
(Use ¾ cup for a sweeter taste)
Tastes great with an added dash of vanilla extract
Add crushed nuts if you wish. (We added almonds)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 150C and grease a baking dish or tray.
Make sure that the tray does not cause the mixture to spread too thin, approximately 1 inch in depth works well.
Mix together all of the ingredients thoroughly.
Pour into the tray and bake for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Once baked, leave to cool for 30 minutes (if you can wait!) before cutting or removing from the pan.
These brownies last well, kept in the fridge in a container, unless of course you can’t help yourself!
This recipe produces delicious, dense brownies which taste rich and decadent.