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The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Useful Baby Items

There’s the baby stuff you’ll use once and put in the loft, the stuff you pass onto friends, and the bits that stick with you and you use time again with each baby. Having a good clear out is always an uber satisfying process. It also got me thinking if we were to buy again with the beauty of hindsight, what were the items did we use the most and couldn’t have done without?

Psst.. here are 50 things I wish I’d know before having babies

A cot bed

Classic Cot Bed, The White Company

£425

No point buying a normal cot as you will inevitably have to buy a cot bed. ‘What about if and when a sibling comes along?’ Buy another cot bed as the firstborn won’t be out of the original cot bed for a…. long… time.

A travel system

Maclaren Techno XLR, Maclaren

£367

So you can’t tell a first-time mother to buy second-hand because they won’t. (Would you have bought second-hand for your precious firstborn?!) However, you can direct them towards a Maclaren. Maclaren works from the offset as it has a travel system and a newborn adapter so you really can use it from newborn. They are also pretty cool…

A high chair

Bjorn High Chair, BabyBjorn

£205

We were very kindly given this on long-term loan when our second was about 10 months and it lasted till he was about 2.5. Now my daughter is using it and you wouldn’t know that it has gone through 4 children (2 of my friend’s and 2 of mine) – it is still spotless. It is very supportive so you can use it from about 5 months old. The seat extends as your child gets bigger. What I love the most is the detachable tray that makes it easy to clean. We initially bought a vast padded monstrosity with straps that became so skanky and worn we binned it after number 1. Oh, if I had known.

A baby walker

Chicco Walky Talker Walker, Amazon

£85

We bought a static ring of neglect, I mean bouncer, first, but should have just gone straight to this one. You can even feed the baby in it as the activity tray detaches. I was quite sorry to see it go! (If you don’t have the space for anything on wheels, the Jumperoo is the best option for a static one).

A baby carrier

Baby Carrier One, BabyBjorn

£143

We have been the owners of an Ergo, a fabric sling and a backpack carrier (not all at once) but nothing compares to the trusty Bjorn which we always reverted back to. I still have a vivid memory of my husband carrying round my 3-year-old in it (as a joke obvs, but it shows you how sturdy and hard-wearing it is). It is also super snug for a newborn, easy to put on (once you master the technique) and most importantly comfortable. I carried a ‘refluxy’ baby around the kitchen in it for many months and we were both pretty happy for hours on end.

A Phil and Teds buggy

Sporty Inline Buggy, Phil and Teds

£399

After resisting the pressure from most mothers of 2 or more that the Phil and Teds was the only option (as I didn’t want little bean not to have a good view) after trying a number of bulky side by side buggies, with my tail wagging between my legs, we relented and bought the Sport version. Best decision ever. Suits a new baby too with the cocoon. (Doubles up as a brilliant basket for footballs/scooters/buckets and spades when not in full use…)

Hours of entertainment

Playskool Explore N’ Grow Busy Ball Popper, Playskool, Amazon

£80

I posted an article this week on my Facebook Page about fewer toys being better for children. Wish I had read that a while back! One toy that has had all three children amused for hours is the Ball Popper. With a 5, 3 and 1-year-old, it is still a great toy. There are 5 balls, so no ‘mine’ and the music that accompanies it is less grating than most. The battery lasts longer than the average too.

A nappy stacker

Nappy Stacker, The Nursery Window

£49

This is on the expensive side for a nappy stacker but it hasn’t dropped a thread in 5 years of everyday use and is still as pretty as the day we bought it.

A black of blind

Gro Anywhere Blind Moon and Stars, Gro

£24.99

This is a saviour if you are staying with people and don’t want to inflict (lack of) sleep paranoia on your hosts, as it has suckers that stick to anything and the curtain blacks out the light very sufficiently.

A spill-proof beaker

Anywayup Classic Beaker, Haberman

From £4

I have had many a soggy handbag situation from non-leak beakers but this really won’t leak. So much so they are quite hard to take the lid off but totally worth the struggle (and for the price). They also come in green/pink/cow print and with handles.

Second-hand items

Some items you have to buy new (like the above obviously), but some are just as good second-hand. The Buying/Selling/Giving groups on Facebook in each postcode are a simple way to buy locally and a good way to save some £££ (to put towards a much-needed date night!). My house no longer looks like I am a Pantone colour tester for plastics but some of the contraptions will be missed (for a short time at least).

What items did you find useful?

Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best places to pick up baby items.

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Products Services

The Updated Ultimate Directory

I have just spent the last 5 hours updating the Directory – phew, that was a job that I had let slide but it feels great now to be up to date. The natural progression after a bit of a break was to include businesses and services not just in London but also in the South East, so that’s what I have done, updated every category including some new ones including GAP YEAR COURSES & PETS .

Hope you enjoy and get some helpful hints and don’t forget to email me with a recommendation! hello@thelondonummy.com

Love Lucinda xx

ADULT COURSES & EDUCATION

Daisy First Aid – Fist Aid Courses at Home, South London Review on TLM

Good Coverage – Practical, Affordable PR Training

Meri Rasoi – Unique Indian Cooking Courses At Home

Pippa Bateman – Public Speaking

Sew Pretty – Sewing Courses (Adults & Children)

Quick Brown Fox – Video Courses Review on TLM

Quince Art School – Learn How To Draw & Paint, Dorset

The Wyld Cookery School – Fun & Hands On Cooking Classes Review on TLM

Yoga With Sabine – Private & Group Classes

BACK TO SCHOOL – CHILDREN

Cece and Me – Chidren’s Shoe Fitting Service

Clarendon Tutors – Tuition & Cultural Trips For Kids Review on TLM

Ella’s Books – Bespoke Photo Books Spotlight

Katie’s Classroom – Online Video Tutorials for Primary School Kids

Kings Tutors – London based Private Tutoring

Labelistas – Personalised Labels for Bottles NEW ENTRY

Lets Ask Livvy – Behavioural Strategies for Everyday Parenting Spotlight

London’s Little Thinkers – Educational Recommendations & Activities for Kids

My Pocket Money Toy – The Pocket Money Subscription Box

Ooh La Label – Custom Sticky Labels

Roll Out History – History Timeline For Your Wall

Speech & Language Therapist – Claire Torrence, Fulham

Smart Infused Fud – Brain Boosting Frozen Bay & Kids Food NEW ENTRY

Teatime Tutors – Tutors Who Will Also Feed Your Children

Time Tokens – Manage Your Children’s Screentime

The Little Reading Club – Children’s Subscription Book Service To Your Door

BACK TO SCHOOL – ADULTS

Bespoke 360 – Car Management

Cozi App – Shared Family Diary

Car Sleuth – Car Sourcing Spotlight on TLM

Dropless – Waterless mobile car cleaning Review on TLM

Friends of Friends London – A Helping Hand For Every Day Life

Clutter Clinic – Professional Organising Service

Greystar Digital – Small Business Digital Solutions Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Jenny James Therapies – Aromatherapy Message

Occomedia – Web Designer Spotlight

Olivia Read – Life Coach Spotlight

Poppy’s Funerals – Alternative Funerals

Room To Breath – Virtual Assistants

Scooter Computer – Computer Help To Your Door

Storcx – the personalised money-pooling website for group presents or events

BACK TO WORK

Charlotte Billington – Career Coach Spotlight

Joyce Guiness Recruitment – PA & Administrative Part & Full Time Jobs

Mini & Mighty – Marketing Consultancy Focused on Small Businesses

Pippa Bateman – Public Speaking Coach

Ruth Kudzi Coaching – Professional & Personal Coaching Service For Mums

The Return Hub – Relaunch your Career in Financial Services Spotlight

BEAUTICIANS & COSMETICS

Arise & Shine Beauty – Mobile Beautician for New Mothers

Blow App – Blow Dry At Home Review on TLM

CKR – Eyelash Extensions

Moreton Place Beauty and Wellbeing – A discrete beauty sanctuary in Pimlico

Oskia London – Bioactive Skin Nutrition – Review on TLM

Secret Spa – Luxury Mobile Beauty Service

Treatwell – Discounted Last Minute Beauty Appointments

CHILDCARE SERVICES

Au Pair World – Online Au Pair Service

Bea & Co – Creative Childcare Spotlight

Childcare.co.uk – Babysitters, Nannies, Au Pairs, Childminders & Tutors Spotlight

Clarendon Inspires – Bespoke Educational Days Out NEW ENTRY

Hello Mums – Award-winning babysitting service across London

Like Minders – Safe, Flexible & Affordable Babysitting & Childcare

Let’s Mush App – Meet Local Mums

London Vacation Nanny – Nanny Service For London Holiday Makers

Rockabye Babysitters – Babysitters for London Hotels

Sort Your Help – Bespoke Domestic Placements

Student Nannies – Your Local Student Childcare Network

The London Mummy Network – A place to share & request childcare with other mothers

Transition Peak – Online Career Coaching NEW ENTRY

Wimbledon Babysitting – Trusted, Reliable Day & Evening Babysitters in South London

CHILDREN’S COURSES

Baby Paddlers – Baby Swimming Lessons for children aged 0 – 4 years

Diddi Dance – Dance Classes for Under 5’s

Hoop App – What’s On For Kids in Your Area Review on TLM

Kidsorted – Holiday Club Finder

The Little Grand Tour – Children’s tours of museums and art galleries Review on TLM

Little House of Science – Classes for curious minds

Monkey Music – Music Classes for Babies & Pre Schoolers Throughout The UK

MCC Cricket Academy – Cricket Courses NEW ENTRY

Role Models – Life Skills Courses, Special Education Courses & Creative Childcare

Shooting Starz – Football Classes/Clubs

Tatty Bumpkin – Kids Yoga Classes

The Little London Music School – Introducing Your Children To The Joy Of Music

CHILDREN’S INDEPENDENT CLOTHING BRANDS

Arambha – Handmade Leather Shoes from Ethiopia Spotlight

Annafie – Traditional Childrenswear NEW ENTRY

Big Cat Clothing – Men & Boys Swimming Trunks

Bumble & Ava – Traditional Children’s Clothes

Catapult Clothing – T Shirts for Boys

Den & Patch – Curated Boutique of The Best Children’s Brands NEW ENTRY

Coco-belle – Smocked Dresses from Paris

Dabble Beach Kit – Hoodies & Hammers for Little Ones NEW ENTRY

Five Boys Clothing – Boys Clothes & Accessories Spotlight

Folpetto – Italian Swimwear NEW ENTRY

Four Fairies & a Prince – Danish Clothes Spotlight

JuniperBerry Kids – Neon Accented Girls Dresses

Little Boxers – Traditional Boxer Shorts for Children

Little Leggies – Unique Girls Clothes 0-11

Mymia – Resortwear for Kids

My Twirl – Gorgeous Dresses For Girls Who Twirl NEW ENTRY

Olivier Baby & Kids – Cashmere & Liberty Prints

Sprout and Shed – Secondhand High Quality Children’s Clothes and Kit Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

St Bert’s Clothing – Retro Clothing for Kids

Three North Stars – Children’s Pyjamas Featured in the TLM 2018 Small Businesses to watch

Tinker & Belle – Handmade Liberty Print Childrens Clothes

Twinkledust – Children’s Clothes and Accessories

We Are All – Vivid & Bright Australian Designed Childrens Clothes Spotlight

CHILDREN’S CLUBS : LONDON

Cupcake Family Club – Parsons Green

Maggie & Rose – Kensington & Chiswick

Orange Lion Club – Putney

Purple Dragon Play – Chelsea

CHILDREN’S GIFTS

Ballpix – Personalised Rugby & Footballs NEW ENTRY

Big Bib – Beautiful, easy-to-wear, cotton and linen tunics for 2-7 year olds Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Harry & Holly – Online Store for Tween & Teenage Presents

Hullabaloo – Indian Block Printed Textiles

Liz & Pip – Personalised Children’s Prints NEW ENTRY

Make It Friday – Personalise Bags & Transfers NEW ENTRY

Memories of Growing Up – Unique baby & Christening Gifts

Millie Pink – Gifts & Accessories for Tweens & Teens Spotlight

Millie Accessories – Hair Clips & Bows

Petrichor London – Handmade personalised accessories for kids Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Parrot Street – Book Club for Children Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Poppy & Honesty – Liberty Print Interiors

Smart Mats – Paper place mats to help educate children in a fun and interactive way Review on TLM

Tiny Magic Mail – Monthly Themed Fairy Gifts Spotlight

Vintage Toy Art – Framed Traditional Toys

CHILDREN’S PARTIES

Animal Parties – Live Animal Parties at Home

Bead Kids – Jewellery Making Parties NEW ENTRY

Craft & Crumb – DIY Themed Childrens Cake to Make At Home

Crate a Party – Party Accessories Tailored To Your Theme & Delivered To Your Home

Dazzle & Fizz – Magical Bespoke Childrens Parties

GB Elegant Events – Event Decor & Party Supplier

Hercules Cake House – Handmade Occasion Cakes

Honeyjam – Ready Made Party Bags

Jelly & Blancmange – The One Stop Party Shop

Little Eco Eats – Biodegradable Packed Lunches NEW ENTRY

The Little Art Society – Arts and Crafts parties and workshops in London and the South Review on TLM

Sharky & George – Children’s Entertainers (Spotlight)

The Bubble Lady – Interactive Bubble Show at Home

Victoria Defty – Couture Cakes For Special Occasions

EVENT PLANNING

Alex Barker Catering – Private Caterer NEW ENTRY

Archies Food – Seasonal Food Catering

GB Elegant Events – Event Decor & Party Supplier

LOTTIE – DJ NEW ENTRY

Mange2 – Event Catering

Mini Epic – The Ultimate Party Invitation – Spotlight

Piccolo Plates – Childrens Meal Delivery Service

Top Hat – Event Catering

GAP YEAR COURSES

Culsans Gap Travel – Conservation Projects Abroad NEW ENTRY

Freckles Childcare – Junior Nanny Course NEW ENTRY

The Hive Cookery School – The Ultimate Chalet Host Training

The Wyld Cookery School – Gap Year / Chalet Hosting

HOLIDAY’S ABROAD

Casa Berti – 17th Century Private Tuscan Escape

La Pratola – The ultimate Tuscan villa for all the family Review on TLM

Villa 178 – 3 Bedroom Villa, Menorca

Rachel’s Villa Holidays – The holiday specialist for France and Italy Review on TLM

RoRo Retreats – Family Yoga Holidays

Tonic Lanka Collection – Boutique Villa’s & Hotels in Sri Lanka

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

Allerton Design – Landscape Gardener

Canford Frames – Framers

EMR Design – Building Services

Joanna Archer – Garden Designer Review on TLM

Lance Lawson – Carpenter & Craftsman Spotlight

LH Property Services – Professional Quality Cleaning, With a Personal Touch

MK of Fulham – Electrician

Richard Cullinan Joinery – Joiner Spotlight

SW Property Repairs – Fixing Property in SW London

Task Rabbit App – Handymen To Your Door within Minutes

Timothy Cobbold – Painter & Decorator

INTERIOR DESIGNERS & DECORATIONS

Alice Leigh Design – Interior Designer London

Annabelle Holland – Interior Designer London & Hampshire

Ashoka Designs – Indian Inspired Lampshades and Soft Furnishings NEW ENTRY

Edward Bulmer – Natural Paints

Fenella Design – Interior Design & Lampshade Designer

Harris & Rose – Bespoke Curtains & Blinds London & Cotswolds NEW ENTRY

Holdsworth Hunt Interiors – Interior Designer London, Oxon & Glos

Hollyhock Home – Nursery Fabric and Accessories

Kiddiewinkles – Online Children’s Interior Accessory Destination

Noa & Noni – Family Furniture

Olivine Life – Online interior design and advice Spotlight

PV Framing – Bespoke Picture Framers

Rosanna Lonsdale – Handpainted Lamp Bases

Sophie Stanbury – London Based Interior Designer

Talia Cobbold – – Interior Designer Spotlight

MEDICAL & HEALTH

Daisy First Aid – Fist Aid Courses at Home, South London

Dr John Harper – Children’s Skin Specialist

Dr Ovaici – Private GP

Marina Palmer – Councillor, Specialising in Women Health

Naturdoc – Naturopath, Natural Investigation Into Health

The Courtyard Garden – Psycotherapy & Counselling

The Sleep Advisor – Healthy sleeping advice and solutions Review on TLM

The Wrinkle Dr – Cosmetic Proceedures Spotlight

MEN’S CLOTHING

Indigo Island – Beach to Bar Shirts NEW ENTRY

Pandora’s Boxers – Boxer Shorts

Plum – Luxury Alpaca Knitwear Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Proviz – High Visibility Sportswear

Stitched Shorts – Tailored Cotton Shorts NEW ENTRY

PETS *NEW CATEGORY*

Mungo & Maud – Dog & Cat Accessories

pampeano – Argentinian Personalised Leather Dog Collars & Leads

Tiny Wolf London -Colourful Canine Jumpers

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alexa Kidd-May Photography – Natural & Creative Family Photography

Anastasia Evdokimova – Newborn & Baby Photography

Heather Neilson – Maternity Photographer Specialist

Helen Bartlett – Award winning family photographer in black and white Spotlight

Jo Arkright Photography – Children & Families

Luciana Rizzi Photography – London Family, Lifestyle & Boudoir Photographer

Rebecca Challis – Headshots & Little Ones

PORTRAIT ARTISTS

Amy Shuckburgh – Portrait Artist

Caroline de Peraycave – Portrait Commissions in Oil & Charcoal NEW ENTRY

Charlotte Ashenden – Portrait Artis

Phoebe Dickinson – Charcoal Portraits

Samuel Francis – Children’s Oil and Charcoal Portraits Review on TLM

Tess Greig – Pencil Portraits

PREGNANCY & NEWBORNS

AE Photography – Newborn Photography

Ann Dobson – Lactation Consultant Specialising in Tongue Tie

Baby Daze Brighton – Sleep Consultant London & Brighton NEW ENTRY

Boo’s Baby Bites – Freshly Made, Freshly Frozen Delivered Straight To Your Door

Bump & Baby – London Antenatal Courses TLM Review

Cassandra Butcher – Newborn Photography

Chelsea Swim Spa – Mother & Baby Swimming

Clare Byam-Cook – Lactation Consultant

Essential Bag Company – Changing Bag Filled With Gifts

Hot Tea Mama – Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tea Range NEW ENTRY

Lulubaby – Antenatal Courses

Marloe London – Luxury Accessories for Parenthood

Stilettos & Strollers – Birth Companion for Modern Mothers NEW ENTRY

Tiny Tots Rentals – Don’t Buy – Rent! NEW ENTRY

The Baby Sleep Shop – All Your Babies Sleeping Needs

The Bump Class – Preparing Parents for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond – Spotlight

The Little Art Collection – Swaddles & Muslins

Yoga With Sabine – Pre and Post Natal Yoga Classes

PROPERTY SERVICES

A & L Property Solutions – Property Management Spotlight

A Place Like Home – Rent Out Your London Home as a Holiday Let

Hart & Vine – Property Finders in Tonbridge & Sevenoaks

Hutton Bubear – Property Search For Private Clients London & Hampshire Spotlight NEW ENTRY

Life After London – A Website to Help You Move Out of London

No Place Like Home – Family Homes Property Finder Spotlight

The London Property Match – Property Search in London Spotlight

RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS

Bubba Gumps – American Diner, West End Review

Commander – Creche Every Sunday, Notting Hill

Goat – Kids Club Sunday, Chelsea Review

T Rex Grill – Natural History Museum

Urban Meadow Cafe – Mummy & Mini Tea, Hyde Park Review

Sticky Fingers – American Diner, High Street Kensington

The Mitre – Gastro Pub, Fulham

Top Dog– Hot Dogs, West End

STAYCATIONS

Birchill Farm – Farm Stay, North Devon

Black Pig Retreats – Safari Glamping Tents, Dorset Review on TLM

Clydey Cottages – Farm Stay, Wales

Little Aldon – Holiday Home To Rent in Yeovil

Lucknam Park – Hotel and Spa – Wiltshire – Review on TLM

North Haynes Farm Cottages – Farm Stay, Devon (Good disabled access)

Mill Farm Glamping – Wiltshire

Mother Ivy’s Bay – Holiday Park, North Cornwall

Oyster Shell Lodge – House to Rent in Loch Fynne

Shallow Pool – House for 6, West Looe, Cornwall

STATIONARY

Cellandia – Unique Storytelling Cards

Ellie Good – Illustrated Cards, Prints and Notebooks Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Erskine Rose – Marbled Notebooks

Illustries – Books For Sharing Life’s Best Moments

Ledbury Letterpress – Letterpress With Neon Colours

Painted By Alice – Bespoke Invitations & Silhouettes

No Issue – Customised Tissue Paper Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Small Signatures – Handpainted Personalised Letter & Note Cards NEW ENTRY

TRAVEL SERVICES

Amy Welfare Private Travel – Creating Unique Worldwide Travel Experiences

Magnus & Me – Travel & Lifestyle For Single Parents

Family Transfers – Airport transfers designed with children and families in mind Review on TLM

Peligoni Club – The Club Holiday For People Who Hate Club Holidays

Perivola Villas – Luxury Villas in Santorini, Greece*

Rachel’s Villa Holidays – A Free Villa Finding Service For Busy Parents

Scott Williams – Unique Access To Extraordinary Houses

Simpson Travel – Luxury Villas & Small Hotel, Europe

Smith & Family – Mr & Mrs Smith – For Families

Seven Ten Travel – Trusted Tour Operator – Review on TLM

Steamboat – Skiing Holidays, Colorado

Tots Too – Luxury Family Holidays

WOMEN’S FASHION

Air & Grace – Luxury Footwear

Beulah – Ethical Fashion Spotlight

Bella Hoskyns – Country Clothing NEW ENTRY

Big Cat Clothing – Fur Gilets

Bundle Maclaren – London’s Hottest Young Milliner NEW ENTRY

Colour Attic – Handmade Sweatshirts

Kate Evans – Image Consultant and Life Coach – Review on TLM

Livotte – Luxury Organic Cotton Tops

Miller & Drake – Ladies Fedora Hats Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Indian Summer – Lifestyle & Gift Boutique

Les Chatelless – Customizable Slippers NEW ENTRY

Loved By Da – Ibiza Inspired Womens Clothes & Accessories NEW ENTRY

Octavia Hix – Upmarket Resortwear for Mothers & Daughters NEW ENTRY

Ridley London – Tops & Dresses Spotlight

Rose Rankin – Sneakers Spotlight

Sister Design – Gorgeous Resortwear

TLM Edit – A Curated Collection of Items From The London Mummy

pampeano – Argentinian Belts Spotlight

Parasol Rose – Undressing Solutions Spotlight

WOMEN’S JEWELLERY

Auree – Jewellery Spotlight

Baroque – Jewellery and Gifts Featured in the TLM 2018 small business review

Brox Rocks – Handmade Jewellery

Forage Somerset – Lifestyle Products from around the World Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Harry Rocks – Unique Personalised Jewellery

KookyTwo – Stylish Handcrafted Jewellery

Rootie and Tootie – Hairtie Bracelets Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

TLM Edit – fashion & Accessories Handpicked By The London Mummy

WOMEN’S GIFTS

Amelia Anderson – Quirky Animal Designs

Anna Cox Cushions – Handmade Cushions

Apatchy – Personalised Bags and Cases

Bricks & Stitches – Online Fashion Shop and Blog

Ele Grafton – Bespoke Light Boxes, Collage Illustrations and Prints

Flossie & Bumble – Handmade Interior Accessories

Giftpop – One Stop Destination for Your Gift Needs

Harriet Hoult – Abstract Artist Spotlight

Initially London – Monogrammed Gifts and Accessories

Bee and Bear Bakery – Gift order Brownies, Muffins and Afternoon Tea Featured in the TLM 2018 small businesses to watch

Jolly Good Brownies – Delicious Brownies To Your Door & Subscription Boxed NEW ENTRY

Jo Deakin China – Beautifully crafted, fine bone china Review on TLM

Melissa LaFave London – Handpainted Glass Trays & Lamps NEW ENTRY

Nicky Jack Art – Pen & Wash Architectural Watercolours

My Paper Tote – Gorgeous Strong Metallic Bags Made of Paper

Scarlett Woods – Cartridge Handbag, A Modern Shooting Bag NEW ENTRY

Georgia Fiennes – Strikingly Fun Animal Paintings

WEDDING PLANNING

The Modesty Company – Luxury Towel Wrap for Women

The Wedding Shop – Wedding List Services

Wedding Presents Direct – Online Bespoke Gift Service

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Interiors Products Spotlight

Enjoy the Perfect Cup of Tea with Jo Deakin

Jo Deakin China is exactly the reason I started The London Mummy 3.5 years ago. I was always emailing friends about other friends new businesses and so decided to start a central place in which to share my discoveries! So today I wanted to share an interview with mother of 2 Jo Deakin, who has recently launched a beautiful fine china collection.

So, sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy…. (& once you have finished I have no doubt you will want one of her cups to drink out of!)

What made you start Jo Deakin?

A friend was staying for the weekend who was about to get married and as we talked about the excitements of her wedding list and she mentioned that she would love some lovely contemporary cups and saucers. I had just had my second child and like a lot of mothers, I was ready to engage my brain a lot quicker than with the shell-shocked factor of becoming a new parent!

I had a background in interior design and have always been a huge fan of bright colour, pattern and of course drinking comforting drinks from china! It took a very quick reaction to our friend’s comment from my husband who simply said, “well you could do that, design a new range of cups and mugs…”

That is literally how it began!

What inspired you?

When I think back Ceramics of all forms have been in my life for a long time. From playing with my grandparents’ eclectic collections as a little girl, to working in the ceramics department at an auction house in Edinburgh, to buying my first china jar in a shop off Jerymn Street with my first payslip from my first job in London. I guess it was a relationship that was meant to be!

The opportunity to do something for myself, to re-establish my capabilities as a person, not just as a mother, was a huge inspiration for this collection. However it is incredibly important to me to be able to predominantly work from home as my son is not quite 4 and unable to drive himself home from nursery yet!

Who is your target market?

I would love to think that my target market would be anyone equally passionate as myself about drinking their favourite tea, coffee and everything in between from fine bone china.

I would also like to think they were people who liked to share a quiet moment with friends, family or just on their own to take stock of the moment, breath, slow down and sip, and re-energise for the next leg of the rollercoaster!

Ideally they must also like colour and pattern of course.

How have you juggled motherhood with starting a new business?

That is exactly right, juggling! I have no idea how I have got to this stage of actually launching, apart from determination, excitement for it to work, support from my family and close friends and a really big dose of caffeine!

Any tips for those thinking of embarking on a new venture?

I would 100% say as long as you believe in the product/thing you are thinking of embarking on, and you feel excited every time you think about it, then there is nothing stopping you giving it a go. It is so much better to try than to not know how it could have turned out, and that’s where I am at at the moment.

Jo’s Favourite’s

Shop : I love any treasure trove shop I stumble across that might sell some china bits, everything from Anthropology on the high street to an antiques shop, like the ones we used to visit as children. Broadway and Tetbury, not far from where we live in Worcestershire, have some fantastic choices. I love to walk through William Yeoward (looking not buying!) as their glass is exceptional and I think the experience of being somewhere like Andrew Martin is also really great.

Website : Jo Deakin of course!

Restaurant : I have very special memories of times at J Sheekey’s, La Famiglia and Sexy Fish but actually my husband is obsessed with cooking meat on our new BBQ so having friends at home is one of the best times for food!

Hotel : The Datai in Langkawi is one of the most incredible places I have ever been, including stepping on an enormous lizard on our way back from breakfast!

Holiday destination : The Maldives and Sri Lanka was a trip of a lifetime I will never forget for our honeymoon. Otherwise the south west coast of Portugal and likewise in Cornwall are incredibly close to my heart.

Parenting tip : Try to laugh more than shout!

jodeakin.co.uk

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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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Beauty Products

Effortless Skin : Beauty Products That Actually Do Something

When the team at Effortless Skin approached me and asked if I had any skin or beauty concerns – I didn’t know where to begin. Thin lips, diminishing eye lashes, dry skin, wrinkles, sun damage rolled off my tongue before I had even said MIDDLE AGE IS APPROACHING FAST. It was a lovely over the phone consultation with one of the fantastic girls on the team, and left me feeling encouraged – there are products that can help!

I hadn’t heard of any of the brands they recommended and this added to the excitement of trying something new – more chance of a brand I don’t know working than ones I do (that haven’t made a difference).

Problem : Dry Skin & Ingrowing Hairs

I have exceptional dry knees and no amount of exfoliating and moisturising ever alleviates them from their sandpaper state. Until I used this body lotion for a couple of weeks – I now have soft knees (and no ingrowing hairs!)

Solution : Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion £22 200ml

Problem : Thin Lips

Solution : deCURE NoLip5 Lip Enhancer £40

After watching all the full lips on Love Island, I mentioned that I would love to try a lip plumper. This Lip enhancer gives your lips a real rush of blood making them look instantly more luscious.

Problem : Thinning Eyelashes

Solution : CHADO Mascara Divin £30

I usually go for a tractional fat wanded mascara, however after using this Chado mascara for a couple of weeks, I am convinced this is the shape for me. It grabs all the small eye lashes giving you a fuller affect.

Epione Renewal Facial Cream 50g £80

I know this isn’t within budget for me usually, but I think sometimes your skin does deserve a treat and this anti wrinkle cream for dry skin has made my normally dehydrated skin nourished and soft.

Brush on Block SP30 £25

This came up trumps on Sports Day – as I was frying under the hot sun during the speeches, I whipped out my brush and sweet on some powder block. Ss easy as twist and click.

Effortless Skin is a leading online cosmeceutical retailer that is focused on providing people with the highest quality products to help treat and manage a number of skin conditions.

Since 2009, they have been the online destination for people wanting effective, innovative and specialist skin care that provides noticeable improvements in the appearance of prematurely ageing skin, hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, eczema and sun damage.

Every range available in our online store has been hand-picked by their team of skin care experts to ensure that all the products that they stock are genuine, safe and appropriate for their customers.

All their staff are trained on every product range that we stock, so if you need any advice on which products will work best for your skin type or concern, feel free to email them at enquiries@EffortlessSkin.com or call on 01925 730343.

I am going to put that number in my favourites!!!

effortlessskin.com

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Family Life Interiors Products

How To Decorate for a Magical Easter with John Lewis

This post has been written in collaboration with John Lewis however all opinions are my own.

Christmas decorations are compulsory but when it comes to the second most important celebration in the calendar, Easter – it is deemed optional. Well, it is for me! That was until I decided to step up the job of creating core memories (nothing like a bit of repetition and routine to instil this – don’t ask me about the physiology here though) and invest in some Easter decorations that I can whip out each year. This is how I envisage my Easter table to look…

The obvious choice to buy good quality decorations is John Lewis and I had no doubt there would be a nice display of tasteful decorations of which to choose from. I was right!

Here are my top picks for Easter decorations from John Lewis.

Easter Tree

A great base for decoration that packs a punch and that you can move from room to room is an Easter tree. I love this one – you can move the branches around, put decorations around the base and hang some eggs from the branches.

Cracker Carrots £10

These are very sweet and the bright orange would really add colour to your Easter table whilst also giving the kids an activity to do in the run up.

Eater Bunny Garland £8

Bunnies are one of the symbols of Easter – does anyone know why? and this garland would look lovely above a window.

Vintage Hanging Easter Eggs £8

I really wanted to buy the glass ones, but just can’t risk it. We have a kitten that jumps on the table and children that can get quite wild at times 🙂 so I opted for these ceramics ones that aren’t as delicate but are still as lovely.

Fluffy Chicks £5

These fluffy chicks would work well along a windowsill and won’t cause any harm if they fall off!

Egg Yolk Candles – Set of 3 £6

Wasn’t quite sure of the relevance of sheep other than Easter falling in Springtime, however my NZ mother would appreciate them. Instead I thought the egg yolk candles would make the table look pretty both lit or not.

There was also plenty of options for easter eggs, Easter egg hunts and table linen such as mats, napkins and even egg cups! I quite fancy this wreath. What do you think?

Hope this has given you some ideas. Have a lovely weekend! x

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Family Life Little Products Reviews Spotlight

Mini Epic : Take The Chore & Bore Out of Party Invitations

Have you noticed how each class or school send children’s party invitations? There are three different groups. Some flick the date out on whatssapp (my worst – umm hello, I have lost the date before I can say ‘another whatssapp group’), loads use an online tracking service – sorry, I do love my kids and their friends and the convenience of having it all in one spot, but I won’t be paying for a coin for each invitation thank you very much. The majority of parents, send a paper invitation home in the book bag. Yes, this is lovely for the kids and if I was more organised I would put it in my inbox and reply straight away – however often not….

None ideal.

So, when I discovered husband and wife duo (a professional animator and a media producer) who had created Mini Epic as an alternative way of sending kids party invitations – I was very excited!

As parents of two young girls, they know the importance of getting invitations done as quickly as possible but also wanted something a little more entertaining than paper or a static image.

Party invitations rarely capture the excitement of what’s to come on the big day, so we wanted to create a new kind of invitation that’s entertaining, functional and makes the whole process of sending and managing invitations easier.

Mini-Epic is a fun and fast way to send online animated party invitations for kids’ parties.

You simply pick an animated template
Add your party details
Upload a photo and within 60 seconds your personalised invitation is ready to view.
Then you can send it by email and track your guests’ RSVPs (or download your invitation to share via WhatsApp)

And the good bit?

All for just £9.99!!!

If you have a party coming up, you could try a free preview…

I know for a fact a little girl who would love this 0ne…

UNICORN PARTY INVITATION

DANCE PARTY INVITATION

An oldest son who would like this one (although he isn’t allowed a video game party quite yet!)

VIDEO GAMES PARTY INVITATION

and a second son, who would like this invitation – he would watch it on repeat!!

FOOTBALL PARTY INVITATION

And they do adult invitations so I may just be winning in the original stakes when I decide to have a party!

Jonathan’s Favourites :

Restaurant : Antipodea in Kew Gardens – their Brew Melt is a family favourite for breakfast on a lazy weekend.

Hotel : The Dorchester – there’s something special about having afternoon tea there with our daughters once a year.

Holiday Destination : New York – we have family across the pond and we always make sure we fly in to the Big Apple – so much to see and do.

Shop : Hmmmmm…very difficult to say, but I do like Reiss, my wife’s a fan of H&M and our daughters love Smiggles at the moment.

Website : Vimeo – inspiration, inspiration, inspiration!

Parenting tip : If you’re serving food at your child’s party, try individual packed paper lunch bags. Not only will each child get the same portion, but you can easily cater to any food allergies and it makes clearing up a whole lot easier too. Oh, and go for juice boxes or small bottles of water – less chance of a spillage!

Website www.mini-epic.com

Twitter : @the_mini_epic

Facebook : @TheMiniEpic

Instagram : @mini.epic

One off £9.99 includes invitation and tracking.

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Family Life Products

The Newest Member of The Family

No, we are not having another one and we aren’t getting another pet for a long time so apologies if the title is slightly ‘click baity!’ However, there is a new addition that our youngest acquired for her 3rd birthday that is like a new member as it goes EVERYWHERE with her.

She takes it to nursery. I push it back (like a loopy woman with a pretend baby) then I push it back at pick up.

Then a quick walk to the river. In the garden. On a playdate. She has tried to take it upstairs but that has prooved too tricky. Luckily!

So this pushchair, as you can see, is a great success.

Not all children are into prams but this one has been into dolls and real babies since she move her hands to grab them, so we knew the order of the day was a nice pushchair that she could use for a while.

I had a Spanish one when I was little (sage green) and used it until I was about 10. Lucy my dolly even made a guest appearance at my wedding, much to everyones horror as they thought I was opening up a wrapped REAL baby.

Anyway, I diversify. This is the important bit.

You can either go for the Pram or the Pushchair.

Pushchair

Technical characteristics :

• Baby pink napa leather and lining handmade pushchair
• Folding hood in baby pink nappa leather and interior in floral
fabric.
• Seat with reclining back in pink baby nappa leather and lining
• Sides adorned with two grosgrain bows.
• Positionable footrest with serigraph.
• Handle height: 78 cms.
• Chrome – plated wheels with a diameter of 210 mm and folding
chrome iron chassis.
• Weight: 6 kg

Accessories that can be included :

• Chrome tray
• Baby pink pique fabric bag with satin bows
• Baby pink pique fabric liner and parasol
• Rain cover with baby pink bordered

Pram

Technical characteristics :

• Handlebar height: 95 cm
• 290 mm chrome spoke wheels
• 16 chrome folding round tube chassis
• Antique cameo with floral motif on both sides of the carrycot
• Baby pink nappa leather hood and apron
• Interior hood fabric with floral motif
• Pink patent leather carrycot
• Zippered handle cover
• Includes pink fabric mattress
• Suspension: connecting rod for rolling effect.
• Weight: 9 kg

Accessories that can be included:

• Chrome tray
• Bebelux logo pink patent leather shoulder bag
• Baby pink pique bedding set and parasol
• Rain cover with baby pink bordered
• Padded baby doll backrest in baby pink

And when it all gets a bit too much, she can sit in it and I can push her!!!

See the collection of Spanish Dolls Prams. Prices start at £240

We were very kindly given this product to review but all opinions are my own (and my daughters).

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