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Food Spotlight

New Business Spotlight : Le Marché des Chefs Hamper Delivery

How are you all? I haven’t been posting as much on The London Mummy as we have been renovating house and golly, it’s time consuming. It’s been a hard slog but the end is in sight. Will share more on the house such as before and afters and recommendations but today I want to share a wonderful new business that started only 2 weeks ago!!

This brilliant new business has been started by Sam and Helen Maitland, who also happen to be my lovely new neighbours!

Sam had been working for Le Marché des Chefs for the past 18 months. They supply the best restaurants in London with carefully sourced artisanal products.

This year, Helen has joined Sam to take the business up a notch to create Le Marché des Chefs Hampers

 

A Couple of weeks ago, my husband Sam and I took over LMDC hampers. Sam has been working with LMDC for the last 18 months and I am new on board! we’ve been “getting our ducks in a row” since the new year but are now ready to share this exciting new venture with you!

 

They work from their gorgeous home in Hampshire (yes, I am lucky enough to have them as neighbours – they are as nice as there food is delicious!) and drive and collect the produce from around the country to ensure it is as fresh as possible.

They are now offering nationwide delivery of these Michelin awarded products, direct to their customers.

Yes, that’s YOU!

This amazing selection of French and UK produce can be delivered directly to your door.

Let’s dive in to what could turn up at your door from Le Marché des Chefs Hampers in the next couple of days….

 

LMDC

 

They sell a wide range of the freshest and finest chilled meats, fish and game, as well as French and British Cheeses, dairy products, charcuterie and much more.

Alex and I have already ordered a few times and especially enjoyed the Meat & Poultry and the Whistable Oysters were incredible

If you are about to celebrate Burns Night on the 25th January, you can buy top class Haggis and all the accompaniments you will need for a cracking evening.

Haggis

Once we have a working kitchen and are able to entertain once again (!), I know this wonderful website is going to ease me back into the swing of things without having to fuss too much, as everything speaks for itself without me having to tart it up.

Can you imagine my cheese board!

Even if you aren’t entertaining, jazz up your dreary January fridge with some fresh fish and meats or just be inspired by some of their new products.

Whatever you do, keep on supporting small independent businesses, with the world getting back to normal don’t rush back to the supermarket for everything. You really can tell the difference between supermarket and Les Marché 🙂

Next Day delivery if you order by 12pm, Deliveries Tuesday – Saturday

Order from LMDC Here 

Follow @lmdchampers on Instagram 

Services Spotlight

Business Spotlight: Choose The Right Childcare With Koru Kids

Finding the right childcare can be a challenge for parents and kids! So when I discovered Koru Kids, I was blown away. It’s a childcare service that simplifies finding a good match to look after your children and helps to dispel the worries that arise with wondering if someone is suitable. I caught up with its founder Rachel Carrell to find out more and share this brilliant service with you all.

Koru Kids has kindly offered me a £50 discount to share with The London Mummy readers when they sign up (T&Cs apply). Visit Koru Kids through a link on this page to apply the discount. 

Visit KoruKids.co.uk

What is your business and what makes it unique?

Koru Kids is a modern childcare service, providing part-time childcare to thousands of families in London. I wanted to make it unique by having us do all the hard work for families when it comes to getting the perfect childcare. Koru Kids helps with everything from start to finish – which we don’t believe you can find anywhere else!

From vetting, training and reference checking all our nannies, to all the admin. We’re totally obsessed with making our families’ lives easier, we’ll do almost anything to make it happen!

Find out more

koru kids

Through our service parents find a fantastic person to come to their house and look after the kids, and we make sure they’re all perfectly set up on the legal side, and provide a ton of ongoing support – more than I could even go into here. You’re not alone, we’ve got your back.

How did it all begin?

Before founding Koru Kids, I worked at McKinsey and in health technology for years. It was only when I had a baby – and all my friends had babies – that I realised how difficult childcare was in London. It’s hard to arrange, incredibly expensive, and common options like nursery just don’t work for lots of families.

I kept hearing horror stories from friends who weren’t happy with their choices but felt powerless to change them. I also saw lots of female friends unable to go back to work or making career choices they didn’t really want to make, just because they couldn’t find the right childcare. I felt deeply that this was unfair and bad for society. I decided to quit my job and make it my life’s work to create better childcare options in London. I set up Koru Kids to be all about three things: really great childcare, as affordable as possible, and as convenient as possible.

Visit KoruKids.co.uk

What is the meaning behind the business name?

I’m from New Zealand, and koru is a Maori word meaning ‘unfurling fern frond’. I love the idea of our children unfurling before us, and the loop of the shape represents the loop of Koru Kids care around our families and nannies. My daughter’s middle name is Fern, so it just felt right.

Who is your ideal client?

Sounds strange but my favourite type of family is one that is in a REAL pickle! Families that feel out of control, parents that are slowly losing their minds, not enjoying their parenthood. That’s where our service can make such an instant, immediate and obvious difference. Every day I hear from parents like this who have brought in Koru Kids and it’s so wonderful to hear about how everything has become easier. Recently, one mum told me we’d saved her marriage. (That result is not guaranteed!)

Find out more

koru kids

What is your top parenting tip?

Focus on intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic. That means avoiding rewards charts and bribes where you can. Those things can work ‘in the moment’ but over the long term create more problems than they solve. Instead, wherever possible, focus on trying to help your child understand ‘why’ things are important, then give them control over their own decisions. This isn’t easy – and you shouldn’t beat yourself up for not doing it 100% of the time – but it does lead to the strongest foundations of a great life for your children.

Interviewee’s favourites

Holiday destination: New Zealand, where I’m from! I’m happy my friends and family are safe there as it is Covid-free, but also devastated that I couldn’t go home for Christmas

Restaurant: During the pandemic, I’m loving Dishpatch, which sends high-end restaurant food you cook at home.

Hotel: Woolley Grange – a wonderful family-friendly place in Wiltshire. We managed to escape there in the summer and it was an incredible oasis, one of the highlights of our year.

Podcast: My favourite podcast is The Braincare podcast – it’s short (15 mins), practical and insightful about how the brain works, and how we can use that knowledge to improve our own lives. I’m obsessed with that child development and the podcast covers the ‘grownup’ version of the topic!

Visit KoruKids.co.uk

Koru Kids has kindly offered me a £50 discount to share with The London Mummy readers when they sign up (T&Cs apply). Visit Koru Kids through a link on this page to apply the discount. 


Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

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Big Fashion Spotlight

Business Spotlight: Slow Fashion With the seen collective

My fantastic friend Steph set up the seen collective, a bespoke, knitted jumpers brand when she moved to South Africa. You can put in an order for a made-to-measure cardigan or jumper and it’ll be knitted by a very talented group of women in Johannesburg. I spoke to Steph to find out how it started and how her slow-fashion brand is supporting women in SA.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

My business is called the seen collective. We are a tiny group of women based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who hand knit luxury jumpers and cardigans. I am the founder, Steph, and I moved to Joburg from London with my family a few years ago. In downtown Johannesburg, I work with a knitting group based in an old people’s home for women of limited means. We are the epitome of slow fashion :)! Generally, we make to order with a 3-4 week turnaround. We knit using the raddest locally-made yarn: a kid mohair merino blend, hand-spun and hand-dyed in the Eastern Cape. It’s so light and insanely warm; you can wear it on the beach and in the snow.

How did it all begin?

It was an idea that got some wind behind it. I met some beautiful women who were eager to work. We just began making, then selling: it snowballed really.

Each made-to-measure jumper or cardigan is £240, including shipping to the UK.

What inspired you?

From a design perspective: painting, fine art, and artists who use colour in unexpected ways. On a human level: the women I work with teach me so much. They are far wiser than me & we have wonderful conversations whilst working.

You might also like: New Business Spotlight: Dinkydeaks Handmade Jewellery

What is the meaning behind the business name?

I want the skills of this group of women I work alongside to be seen by a wider audience.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Anyone who gives a hoot about where their clothes have come from and people who want to buy something to last a lifetime.

Follow the seen collective on Instagram, @theseencollective

What is your top parenting tip?

Listen to your gut. Parenting successfully is an ever-moving target. Enjoy the best bits and educate yourself when things feel difficult.

Oh, and strict bedtimes!

Steph’s favourites

Shop: In Joburg, Convoy — a beautiful spot for locally-made fashion. In London, so many! I love the feeling of some of the traditional department stores, so uniquely British — Liberty’s has to be my favourite. I like a side of nostalgia with my shopping, which is perhaps accentuated by being an expat at the moment :). VV Rouleaux is a treasure trove and also love James Smith & Sons, the umbrella store near Tottenham Court Road.

Website: Instagram is invaluable to small business. I have had to set a timer on my usage though.

You might also like: New Business Spotlight: Fine Jewellery From Coco Clara

Holiday destination: Scarborough in the Western Cape is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Kruger is up there too. In fact, so many places in South Africa – we are very lucky. Ile d’Arz in France is a magical island. And anywhere in Italy.

Restaurant: We lived in Moscow for a long time and Pushkin is one of my favourite restaurants in the world. In London, I can’t get enough of dim sum at Royal China or Yauatcha Soho. In Paris, it has to be Robert & Louise for steak.

Hotel: Babington House

Each made-to-measure jumper or cardigan is £240 including shipping to the UK.

To find out more, visit theseencollective.com and don’t forget to follow @theseencollective on Instagram.


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

Family Life Services Spotlight

Business Spotlight: Apparently Kids – Services & Support For New Parents

Apparently Kids is something I wish was around when I was a new parent. It’s a network of parenting professionals who can help you wherever you need support on your family journey. Of course, it’s easy enough to Google whatever service you’re looking for and get hundreds (even millions) of results but then you worry (1) can they be trusted?, (2) are they certified?, and (3) are they recommended by other parents? So, that’s where Apparently Kids steps in. I spoke to its founder, Lara Russell-Jones, to find out more.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

Apparently Kids is your new parent support system and we’re here to help you find the trusted, professional support you need from pregnancy through to the toddler years.

There are a huge and diverse range of services available from private midwives and breastfeeding support to pregnancy massage, mental health support and baby first aid. Now, parents can find them all in one place and book online support, or search by postcode for in-person professionals local to them.

We invest time to background check all our professionals to make sure they are:

  • Fully certified and accredited with relevant organisations
  • Experienced for advice you can trust
  • Recommended by other parents

How did it all begin?

I started Apparently after my own experience of becoming a mum. Like many new parents, my son and I had birth complications and, combined with a few weeks of sleep deprivation, it became a toxic mix physically, emotionally and mentally.

I looked for support but didn’t know where to turn and was overwhelmed by conflicting advice I read online. I was lucky to find some amazing women who helped me through stitches, tongue-ties, reflux and pelvic floor issues all through tears and lots of laughter.

On my maternity leave, I met so many new mums in the same position and realised that everyone had their own story. Many had not been so lucky and still hadn’t found help. It seemed deeply unfair to me that women, new parents and their babies were struggling just because they didn’t know help was out there or who to trust.

Read also: Business Spotlight: Slow Fashion With the seen collective

I knew that I wanted to help. New parents deserved a place where they could easily see and understand the full breadth of support available to them and find experienced and trusted professionals. I couldn’t find an online source that did this, so I decided to give it a go – Apparently was born!

What is the meaning behind the business name?

We’re starting as a website right now, however, we aim to be the go-to app for all parents….hence Apparently!

Who is your ideal client/customer?

All new parents or parents-to-be. I love meeting people who are recently pregnant and opening their eyes to this whole new world!

Which services do you strongly recommend?

Each family is unique in the services that they may need to best support them, however, I always recommend three things:

  • Baby First Aid Course. If you do one thing, this course could honestly save a very important little life.
  • Women’s Pelvic Health Physio. Incontinence and pelvic pain is not a normal part of giving birth. I can’t stress this enough and no woman should ever be dismissed if they suffer from it.
  • Lactation (breastfeeding) consultant. Breastfeeding can actually be quite challenging! Lactation consultants have done years of training and can support you in all of your feeding choices.

How do you manage a work/life balance?

Planning. I left a career in strategy consulting to start Apparently and now really value being able to control my own time. When you say you’re going to stop, stop.

 

What is your top parenting tip?

Stock up your freezer with as much food as possible before a new baby comes long. COOK parent bundles were the best present I ever received!

Interviewee’s favourites

Shop: The White Company. I always find the perfect gift in The White Company no matter who I’m shopping for.

Website: Etsy. We’re decorating our son’s room at the moment and getting all the most gorgeous and personal things from Etsy.

Holiday destination: In the UK, Salcombe in Devon. It’s the scene of all my favourite childhood memories and also where my husband proposed! Abroad, you can’t beat the coral reefs, wildlife and beaches of Indonesia.

Read also: New Business Spotlight: Sustainable Cleaning Essentials From Seep

Restaurant: Murano – a real treat and special occasion destination

Hotel: Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds. Gorgeous hotel, stunning countryside, lovely spa and one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had!

Anything else you’d like to add?

‘It takes a village to raise a child – we are your village’ – Apparently Kids

Visit ApparentlyKids.co.uk

And don’t forget to follow Apparently on social media:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter


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

Content in partnership with Apparently Kids
Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Fine Jewellery From Coco Clara

It was so refreshing to stumble across Coco Clara, a fine jewellery business making pieces that are made to last and be passed down the generations. I caught up with Natalie to find out how Coco Clara came to life and why you should make a natural citrine pendant one of your family heirlooms.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

We specialise in fine antique jewellery. We don’t believe in mass-produced sparkle. We believe in heirlooms: rare pieces to be treasured and passed down through generations. We have just launched our antique, natural citrine pendants which have been a big success. They are designed to be worn on a long chunky gold chain and are an original alternative to a signet ring. Initials and crests are proving particularly popular, but anything goes.

Antique natural citrines, from £800 (including engraving), children’s from £500

How did it all begin?

Coco Clara is a family business. My mother-in-law was a jewellery trader all her life; she taught me and had such a good eye for fabulous pieces. Sadly, she passed away last year and we wanted her legacy to continue. Wow, did she love some sparkle! Her mother was Clara and my daughter is Coco – hence the name. That’s three generations of strong women and exactly why we are so passionate about passing down family heirlooms.

1. Emerald cut diamond & platinum ring with diamond baguette shoulders, £6,995
2. Cartier panthere gold ring, £8,995

You might also like: 10 New-In Hush Pieces I Couldn’t Resist

Who is your ideal customer?

Women who are a little bit different and a little bit quirky, looking for something really unique to treasure for a lifetime.

What are your hero products?

Coco Clara Citrines

1. Emerald and diamond ring, £59,995
2. Princess cut fancy yellow diamond three stone ring, £99,995

What is your top parenting tip?

Baby – milk

Toddler – snacks

Pick your battles

1. Diamond bangle, £9,995
2. Cartier heart virgo earrings, £4,995

You might also like: New Business Spotlight: Dinkydeaks Handmade Jewellery

Natalie’s favourites

Shop: Pom London, pomlondon.co.uk

Website: Jessica Russell Flint, jessicarussellflint.co.uk

Holiday destination: Lenzerheide

Restaurant: Horse Guards Inn, thehorseguardsinn.co.uk

Hotel: Claridge’s, claridges.co.uk

Cartier panthere brooch, £18,995

Find out more on CocoClara.com


You might also like: 21 Christmas Gift Ideas For The Man Who’s Hard To Buy For


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

Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Sustainable Cleaning Essentials From Seep

It’s not often (or ever) that I get excited about cleaning but I’m thrilled to be writing about Seep, the new sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning brand. While your cupboard may be full of eco detergents and washing up liquids, the department of sponges and things you use to actually clean has rigidly remained pretty “un-eco-friendly”… until now! Seep is in the business of producing greener alternatives to your green-topped sponges and polyester cloths, which can help us all reduce our plastic waste and be a little kinder to the world around us. I spoke to Laura, founder of Seep, to find out more. 

For 10% off Seep, please use the code TLM10.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

At Seep, I am hoping to bring real innovation to household cleaning essentials which is a category that hasn’t changed in decades. Household essentials are products like sponges, cloths, dusters and washing-up gloves which are all pretty unsexy, mostly made of virgin plastic and can’t be recycled. It feels like the forgotten aisle in a supermarket and I want to bring people a genuinely better alternative.

The three core values that make us unique are:

Gentle on the Eye – We design better-looking cleaning products that can be displayed with pride above your sink rather than being hidden away.

Gentle on the Planet – Our products are compostable, plastic-free, made from renewable sources and designed to last longer than conventional products. We are also committing to being carbon neutral by offsetting our carbon footprint.

Gentle on You – Made with natural materials with no irritants, microplastics or toxins. Easy products to order and use.

  

Seep Sponge With Loofah Scourer, £8.50

How did it all begin?

I decided to set up Seep because I was just really frustrated. In my local supermarket, I buy products that are better for the environment where I can like Ecover and Method but when it came to sponges and cloth, I couldn’t find any greener alternatives in mainstream shops. I was going through lots of sponges especially the green-topped ones which go bobbly really quickly and the micro-fibre cloths which are made of polyester. I waited for ages for a new brand to appear and when lockdown happened at the beginning of the year I finally decided to set something up myself and take the plunge!

For 10% off Seep, please use the code TLM10.

What inspires you?

I used to work for Selfridges and learnt so much from the incredible team there about branding and putting creativity and story-telling at the heart of everything. A great company story with a purpose beyond just making money is super inspiring.

Bundle of Seep – All-Purpose Loofah Cloths + Sponge With Loofah Scourer, £14

What is the meaning behind the business name?

My husband came up with it! He’s normally not the most creative but I immediately loved it. Seep is short for Sustainable Essential Everyday Products but it also reflects our products which will all be compostable and seep back into the earth.

Who is your ideal customer?

Our ideal customer is probably someone a bit like me but hopefully a bit cooler! We think there are lots of people who are forward-thinking, conscious consumers that like independent brands with a bit of a soul. Our ideal customer also has a home they are proud to show off and that they like to keep clean. Like me, they are also probably pretty busy and perhaps don’t have the time to hunt for eco products in niche stores.

Seep Natural All-Purpose Loofah Cloths, £6.50

What are your hero products?

We will be launching our first two products in October. The first is a fully compostable sponge with a loofah scourer – this replaces those green-topped, classic, plastic sponges. The second product is made of loofah cloth and is a replacement for the traditional J cloth. It is super absorbent and can be machine washed. The aim is to then launch additional products at regular intervals over the next 18 months.

What is your top parenting tip?

It’s definitely “don’t sweat the small stuff”. It is so easy to get really stressed out and obsessed with things that don’t matter much e.g., a stained jumper, slightly messy hair, odd socks, finishing every bit of broccoli. I think I’ve made my life so much happier and easier once I let go a bit more and my kids are better for it.

Laura’s favourites  

Shop: Selfridges – no one else does shopping like them, there are so many hidden gems.

Website: Wild – I’ve just discovered them and I love their natural deodorant subscriptions. Holiday destination: Fiji – somewhere that you can live simply, surrounded by nature

Restaurant: I love Kricket in White City.

Hotel: Sindabezi Island Camp in Zambia which was one of our honeymoon stops

Find out more on TheSeepCompany.com

For 10% off Seep, please use the code TLM10.


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Dinkydeaks Handmade Jewellery

My friend Georgie has set up a fantastic handmade jewellery business called Dinkydeaks. If you’re looking to effortlessly spruce up any everyday outfit, I can’t recommend enough picking up some of the beautiful mix-and-match earrings and charms from her Etsy shop.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

I have set up a handmade jewellery business which specialises in affordable fun pieces most of which can be interchangeable to hang off huggies or charms. I have also evolved into making larger statement pieces using feathers and tassels and coordinating bracelets and necklaces. I would like to expand my products as the mood takes me – when I spot something that inspires me – I don’t seem to be able to resist combining colours and making original pieces that I would like to wear.

 

How did it all begin?

On hitting the big 40, I took the plunge and headed to London with friends to get the — seemingly obligatory — additional piercings in the ear. Being on the fence, I ended up getting two additional ones in my left ear much to my friends’ surprise. From there I spent some time seeking the perfect look to dress my ears. I wanted to track dainty elegant drops up the ear lobe but couldn’t find any anywhere… so I began to tinker.

What inspired you?

So much has inspired me! I teach part-time in learning support which I adore and have two busy boys to run around after. I have found that tucking myself away listening to ultra-chilled tunes while tinkering away, gave me some headspace and it allowed me to explore my interest in colour, style and femininity in an otherwise male-dominant household, bar Tiggy the dog!

1. Handmade power pop tassel and bead earrings, £20
2. Handmade tassel and bead earrings, £18

What is the meaning behind the business name?

Ha, Dinkydeaks was my nickname from when I was at school: a combination of my maiden name and the fact that I was vertically challenged for the whole of my education! I took it as an endearment but perhaps it wasn’t…?

You might also like: Shop Stylish & Unique Interiors With Turnbull & Hooch

Who is your ideal customer?

My ideal customer would be someone who likes to mix and match their look: someone who enjoys popping a bit of colour, either an elegant dainty drop or smashing it with a fistful of a statement with my beaded tassels. My products are affordable and so my clients are gently encouraged to start with a set of huggies and hoops then they can pick and mix a selection of charms and drops to compliment any number of piercings.

1. Sterling silver huggies sold individually for hanging my charms off, from £6
2. Handmade tassel and bead earrings, £20

What are your hero products?

My hero products are the charms that hang off huggies and hoops. These are great and can be interchangeable to match any outfit or occasion. I can custom make these charms to be put on hoops or posts. My favourite is to wear a huggie and charm in the first piercing, followed by two drops on posts up the ear in the second two piercings; this makes them track up the ear which I just love!

You might also like: Don’t Plan A Birthday Bash Without My Little Party

What is your top parenting tip?

Pick your battles and stick by your guns. Also, try and allow them to follow their own paths even if it’s not yours — I’m working on this one.

jewellery

Handmade earrings with optional complementing drop for additional piercing, £6

Georgie’s favourites

Shop: My high-street favourites are Zara and H&M but I would say my best kind of shop would be the ones that aren’t ‘out there’. I love to find an item that no one else has got their hands on yet. I was recently in London in the bucketing-down rain, walking through Covent Garden and came across an epic vintage, second-hand shop, Pop Boutique, where I found the most beautiful Indian dress. We were a match made in heaven!

Website: A tricky one but I would say Etsy is a good contender as not only have I managed to navigate it to use as a platform to sell my jewellery but it’s also full of unique creations that have been made with love by small sellers like me. I so often find an original gift for friends that fits the bill perfectly.

Holiday destination: My all-time favourite would be the south-west of Portugal, waking up and pondering on which piece of perfect beach to lie on between Zavial and Ingrina. My dream holiday destination, however, would be Mauritius. My friends laugh as I cherry-pick beautiful items for my capsule wardrobe – not to be worn until that obviously inevitable dream trip.

Restaurant: Anything Asian in particular Pho. Oh, I’m missing that from living in London!

Hotel: Anywhere with wall-to-wall sunshine, heat and access to a picture-perfect swimming pool. Actually I’d take a pool with slight imperfections at this rate as we had to cancel our plans this year, like most of the world. I’d go back here to this AirBnB in Ouarzazate, Morocco, any day though.

jewellery

Handmade earrings with optional complementing drop for additional piercing, from £6

Visit Dinkydeaks on Etsy.com


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Interiors Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Shop Stylish & Unique Interiors With Turnbull & Hooch

My brilliant friend Sarah has pivoted from wedding presents to interiors to set up Turnbull & Hooch. Her website is a curated collection of ‘colourful and stylish gifts’ — I’m hoping this means ‘gifts to yourself’ because I’ve been eyeing up lots of the home accessories for around my house!! A lot of the bits would make perfect wedding gifts, so T&H is a good one to keep in mind for occasions, especially if the person you’re buying for is obsessed with quirky and unique interiors!

Use the discount code ‘thelondonmummy’ for 20% off on Turnbull & Hooch.

What do you do?

I run an interiors and gifts website called Turnbull & Hooch. My aim is to source really fun, unique products and hopefully bring a little joy to people and their homes. I have just launched the website that I run from home in a little studio. I’m also planning to do lots of fairs, pop-ups and eventually to have a studio in my barn so people can drop in and see the products.

Large Blue & White Diamond Bowl, £24

White Artichoke Candle Holders, £42

How did it all begin?

I ran a wedding gift list business for many years in London and always had people asking if they could buy pieces from me without a list. When I moved out to Hampshire, I realised I was no longer surrounded by young couples and that there was much more of a market for interiors and lovely gifts. I absolutely love sourcing and finding fun and quirky interiors.

Blue Folding Stool, £48

Round Enamel Green Tray, £40

What is your top parenting tip?

Encourage kids to play independently so you can crack on with admin and housework (and running a business!!)

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

Striped Rose & Willow Grey Dinner Candles, £15

Yellow Chevron Photo Frame, £24.50

Sarah’s favourites

Restaurant: Off the top of my head, I can’t actually think of one but some fantastic meals seem to come more to mind.  My favourite kind of meal is a steak on the BBQ (probably on a beach!). Speaking of beaches… one of the best spots I’ve ever eaten was on a stunning beach on Uist in the Outer Hebrides. My husband and I had a disposable bbq and flame-grilled local-caught crab claws and a steak!!! Heaven!

Hotel: La Fenice B&B in Positano is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. It’s nothing swanky but very laid back and relaxed. It’s family-run with just six beds. Everyone comes round the pool at lunchtime and they offer two choices for lunch: melon & parma ham salad or tuna & mozzarella. It’s all grown at their home which is just above the b&b. It’s also got its own private beach with kayaks for guests. Positano is such a fun place and somewhere I’d love to go back to one day… definitely without the kids though!!

Clothing brand: I do like Wyse London and Gussy and Lou for fun, colourful cashmere jumpers — always a real treat!

Instagram account: London Mummy  – it’s so cheesy but The London Mummy was the first Insta account I started following for my own interest rather than a business. You are so refreshingly honest and real.

Blue Stripe Seat Pad, £24

Visit TurnbullAndHooch.co.uk


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