the mum guide
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WestLondonMum.co.uk essential guide to being a mum in west London. Things to do, places to go with your baby in tow.TRANSCRIPT
THE MUM GUIDEEDITION2012
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If you want to know what WestLondonMum is all about, the Mum Guide should give you a really good glimpse into what we like to talk about on the site.
Put simply, we’re about Mums, and reminding ourselves just because we’ve had a baby, we can still enjoy what our city has to offer. From tasty restau-rants, to art exhibits, the Mum Guide aims to highlight the best for you and your family. It’s about discovering a great spa with an onsite crèche or a top bistro with an endless supply of crayons. It’s also about finding a little inspira-tion and encouraging a little ‘me’ time.
We’ve sourced a wonderful range of activities for you to get your groove back after the winter. As with all our guides we’ve teamed up with some local experts to share their know how; parenting expert Sue Atkins, shares her tips on beating isolation, the ladies from More Than a Mum have written a lovely article on reconnecting with yourself post baby and Rowan from StyleEyes shares her Top 5 pieces every mum needs in her wardrobe.
On that note, I wish all the fab mums out there a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Best wishes,
TREAT YOUR MUM ON MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s DayManicure £35
Includes: Glass of bubbly
Chocolates&
Bottle of OPI’s Vodka & Caviar polish
Mother’s DayManicure & Pedicure £60
Includes:Glass of bubbly
Chocolates&
Bottle of OPI’sVodka & Caviar polish
Champagne, Wine and Cocktails, latest Essie and OPI colours in stock, Minx, Shellac, Artistic & Axxium Gels, Fish Spa, massage chairs,
Gift Vouchers, Mummy and Baby mornings, threading and much more..
Coco Nail Bar, 267 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR 0207 243 1113 www.coconailbar.com
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The feeling of isolation in new mums is very common. The transition from working and social-ising to being at home can be a shock to the system. One easy way to combat loneliness is to get into a routine. Simple things like going to the shops, out for a walk or most importantly finding time to meet-up with friends and have a good chat…
Break the cycle of isolation by going to places where there are other women in the same situation as you. Great venues to meet new mums are: Story time at your libraryMum and Baby groupsStay and Play centresNCT groups
You’ll have something naturally in common with these mums straight away. So strike up a conversa-tion and if you attend regularly friendships will form over time – be patient, don’t be shy, just relax and you’ll find new friends.
Book a playdate—for yourselfIt’s important to find a little “me” time every day. Exhausted mums suffer from low self-esteem trying to do it all and staying at home without the need to dress up or pop on makeup can erode your self-esteem. Being with children is great but Mums also need adult company—it helps you recharge your batteries, keep your perspective and your sense of humour, so you come back to the hectic job of raising kids refreshed and upbeat.
Get creativeTaking up a new hobby is another excellent way to meet people and feel connected. Join a painting class, learn a new language or take a dance class. These activities will keep you motivated and help you explore other interests in your life outside of baby. But don’t join an aerobics class just to lose leftover baby weight, as that can feel like a chore. Instead do something you’re truly passionate about.
Share the loadSet up a babysitting network with your friends, neighbours and family; you can watch your sister’s baby when she takes photography class on Tues-days. In return, she can care for your newborn while you do the weekly shop or whatever you want to do to recharge.
Feel the love Join an online parenting group. These are a won-derful way to feel connected to other parents in the same boat. Also, allow people help you, this gives you the time to rest or have a bath without worrying or feeling guilty!
Finally, keep the glow with your partner by going out once a week or just turn off the TV and have a 10 minute chat every evening at a regular time. This can work wonders for feeling connected again after having kids.
The transition from working to staying at home can be quite a daunting experience, but luckily there are so many support groups and options available. Make a commitment to staying positive and delib-erately mix with upbeat, like- minded people to lift your spirits. Remember a smile is a curve that puts a lot of things straight!
Sue Atkins is a parenting expert and author of best selling book “Raising Happy Children for Dummies”. Sue offers practical guidance for bringing up happy, confident, well-behaved children. To learn more about Sue, please visit thesueatkins.com
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Rowan Grace from StyleEyes shares her top five staples every Mum needs in her wardrobe to look fab and fresh for the day adhead. Learn more at styleeyes.me
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EVERYDAYESSENTIALS
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Perfect flats
frenchsole.com
Chasing after the kids in heels is too much hard work and not to mention dangerous. Invest in a perfect pair of flats, which will show off your style without risking a broken ankle. £82
Perennial style favourite
joules.com
The classic striped Breton top is the epitome of laid back French fashion. Blue and white stripes look fresh and are always on trend. For multi-tasking mums, stripes can be worn casually with trousers or over a pencil skirt with heels. £39.95
Simple but smart trouser
uniqlo.com
Jeans are easy to wear, but aren’t always the smartest option. For days when you need to impress swap your jeans for cotton chinos to sharpen up your look. Wear with chunky wedges or turned up with flat sandals. £19.90
Wear with everything blazer
shop.mango.com
Nothing adds extra glamour to an outfit like a fitted blazer. A statement blazer creates a polished look to even a pair of jeans. £39.99
Throw on and go dress
boden.co.uk
Dresses might seem fussy for everyday wear, but they are actually an easier option. No need to match sepa-rates or iron multiple items. Opt for soft and comfort-able fabric. £99
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coconailbar.com
Coco Nail BarThis place is hands down the best manicure in west London. Make it a girls’ night out, enjoy the fully stocked bar and order in sushi for a special treat. On Tuesdays a pop-up onsite crèche allows mums some pampering time while the babes are entertained.
cupcakemum.com
Cupcake MumMeet fellow mums at this great child and mum-focused spa. Enjoy a treatment or a class, while the kids have fun in the crèche.
k-west.co.uk
K West Hotel and SpaCan’t make it out of the city? No problem, head to the K West Spa in Shepherd’s Bush for a day retreat. It’s also the only place in London with a snowroom!
ballet4life.com
Ballet 4 LifeIt’s never too late to become a ballerina with these classes geared for adult beginners. Great fun and great for your posture, plus you can wear a tutu.
thechelseadayspa.co.uk
The Chelsea Day SpaWith two locations, the Chelsea Day Spa is your one-stop shop for all your treatments. The spa also hosts pampering mornings and info sessions.
Motherhood is a great time to discover your city or even take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to. We’ve sourced a great range of ideas for you to do with your child, solo or with some friends. WLM is putting ‘u’ back in mum.
THINGSTO DO
bollywoodmoves.weebly.com
Bollywood MovesWorking out has never been this fun! Pretend to be a Bollywood actor and learn all the dance moves.personaltrainerw10.com
W10 PerformanceWant to get serious about your workout? This group of personal trainers in Ladbroke Grove will see you do. There isn’t a crèche; it’s just you and your goals.
yogaat.com
Yoga WestFind some inner peace at Yoga West. The studio holds a wide range of yoga and Pilates classes throughout the day and on the weekend.
thesnowcentre.com
Snow CentreNo ski trip this year? Head for the slopes and ski at the Snow Centre’s Ladies’ Mornings or enjoy their freestyle clinics. Great fun for adults and kids.
hamptonpool.co.uk
Hampton PoolFancy an outdoor swim all year round? Enjoy the warmth of the Hampton Pool heated to 28C. Lovely.
theparkclub.co.uk
The Park ClubWest London’s premiere family club, the Park Club offers everything for the whole family under one roof. Spa, fitness and an Ofstead approved crèche for the kids to enjoy.
capitalpubcompany.com
The WandleSunday is funday at the Wandle. Table tennis, board games, pig painting, giant pick-up sticks-or make your own Bloody Mary’s for the grown-ups: the perfect way to recover from the weekend. Tuck into a Sunday roast, and then relax with the chilled-out acoustic sounds of the resident soloist. facebook.com/thebrilliantbookclub
Brilliant Monsters Book ClubWould you love to join a book club but know in reality you won’t make it to meetings? Keep up to date with current titles with the Brilliant Monsters virtual book club. Perfect for the busy but literary mum.
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appuru.co.uk
AppuruRelax and unwind in Appuru’s new treatment room. Specializ-ing in pregnancy and post- pregnancy treatments. Appuru only use certified organic and natural products.
imadeitmyself.co.uk
I Made it MyselfLearn a new skill and enjoy meeting other women at these craft classes ranging from jewellery and candle making, cupcake decorating and more.
hydeparkstables.com
Hyde Park StablesAlways dreamed of being an equestrian. Learn how to or enjoy a ride at Hyde Park Stables, conveniently located in central London. Pony club is also available for kids.
timeformums.com
Time for MumsBecome the master of your DSLR at a Time for Mums course and start snapping great shots of your family to treasure for years to come. Babies welcome at the sessions.
pottery-cafe.com
The Pottery CaféCreate bespoke pottery for your home or to give as a gift. The venue also holds children’s classes for everyone to sink their fingers into.
thewolseley.com
Tea at The Wolsely Treat yourself to traditional tea at The Wolsely—either with the kids or with your girlfriends…do you ever need an excuse for a tea?
flutterbybakehouse.com
Flutterby BakehouseTake your cupcakes to the next level with a course from Flutterby Bakehouse. Learn how to make mouth-watering icings and finish it off with whimsical decorations.
thelonsdale.co.uk
The LonsdalePut your heels on, grab the girls and head to The Lonsdale for some great tunes, a lively crowd and of course a serious cocktail menu.
wholefoodsmarket.com
Whole Foods MarketSuper kid friendly—huge space for the stroller set. With regular children’s sessions, Whole Foods in Kensington is a haven for mums and kids alike. Plus the food and shopping is divine. lfm.org.uk
Shop LocalBuy direct from the farm at your neighbourhood. Farmers’ Market —a fun and delicious way to spend the weekend. The London Farmers’ Market website is a great resource to discover where nearest is.
cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk
Cabbages and Frocks MarketEnjoy some delicious food as your browse the stalls at this unique market. Held every Saturday in Marylebone, Cabbages and Frocks features new designers, cottage industries and retro clothing.
w4artclub.com
W4 Art ClubRediscover your artistic side. The second Wednesday of every month, W4 Artclub welcomes people of all skill levels to get creative. Originally only for women, men are now also included!
uk.westfield.com/london
WestfieldWhen time is tight nothing beats having everything under one roof. Parking a plenty, cham-pagne bars and every shop at your fingertips means you can actually accomplish mission impossible.
chiswick.hounslow.sch.uk
Chiswick Carboot SaleThe Chiswick carboot sale is one of the southeast’s best. Head down early to snag a great deal on almost anything you can imagine at this weekly event.
leiths.com
Leiths Cooking SchoolTired of the same meals every week? Add a bit of variety to dinner with a fun and practical course from Leiths’ School of Food and Wine. Choices range from a session with Yotam Ottolenghi to retro puddings workshops. Leiths also holds kid classes.
relliklondon.co.uk
RellikNeed an unusual outfit for a special event? Browse the rails at Rellik-London’s best vintage shop. Specializing in designer vintage, their collection is second to none.
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MONTESSORI CREATIVE Nursery group and Art classesNursery groups: 2yo-4yo
Art classes: 20months-4yo
At Toddler Times we help children to explore their creativity, develop their senses and learn about the world around them. In the relaxed and loving atmosphere the children are free to explore various activities and experiment with the materials. We have lots of painting opportunities, sticking; gluing; cutting; sand; water; play-dough; gooey materials for rich sensory experiences; practical and life area to further develop small motor skills and concentration and sensorial apparatus. Our aim is to provide a Montessori based, process oriented, and Child-centred environment.
Toddler Times Nursery Groups (110min, drop off possible):St. Luke’s Church, Redcliffe Gardens: Mon, Tues
Holland Park, W8, Youth Hostel: Weds Toddler Times Art Classes
(60min, accompanied) Holland Park, W8, Youth Hostel: Thurs, Fridays
0779-569-1449www.toddlertimes.co.uk
classicalbabies.com
Classical BabiesGive the gift of music to your child with Classical Babies. Enjoy a concert at various locations throughout west London; the relaxing environment transfixes mums and babies alike.
www.styleeyes.me
StyleEyesIs your idea of fashion simply wearing a clean top? Perhaps it’s time to revamp your wardrobe with some easy and interchange-able staples. A fashion consultant can help you achieve those goals and put some style back into your life.
Brewer Street MarketThe early bird catches the worm or in this case the designer outfit at this market, savings up to 90% on names like Chloe and Burberry. It’s worth checking out.
culturebaby.co.uk
Culture BabyCulture Baby arranges stroller friendly gallery tours and cultural walks. Most are private sessions for mums and babies.
irisfashion.co.uk
IRIS BoutiqueA west London staple, Iris sells lovely women’s and girl clothing. Mum and me shopping at its best.
Call us on 020 8995 8477 to book a classor visit www.flutterbybakehouse.co.uk
It’s all the rage, creating beautifully decorated cupcakes for friends, family and special events. Flutterby Bakehouse is running classes in Chiswick, West London, for you to try your hand at baking, sugarcraft and piping in a fun atmosphere - come and unleash your creativity! We o�er all day or half-day classes. We can also visit your kitchen for private parties. You need bring nothing apart from your enthusiasm!
“I came away with a dozen beautiful and delicious cupcakes and a great new skill. It’s incredible how pretty cakes can look!” Samantha - Chiswick
Beautiful things made by you
Follow us on Twitter - @jellyboxuk
T 07554 883805W www.jellyboxuk.comE [email protected]
www.facebook.com/jellyboxuk
Use code NCT01 at the checkoutfor a 10% discount to NCT members
Jellybox - Funky gifts for kidsJellybox UK offers an affordable, luxury gift box servicefor Newborn baby gifts. Order online & we will deliveryour gift anywhere in the world.
All our products are of the highest quality, mostlyorganic & fair-trade. All items are practical fornew parents as well as making a striking giftin a beautiful bespoke Jellybox, which can bekept as the child's keepsake box.Choose from ready made up boxes or createyour own.
nesthomeconcierge.co.uk
Nest ConciergeWith so many mums working, sometimes a PA to help get the jobs done at home is the only option. The ladies from Nest Concierge do all the jobs you need to do, but don’t have the time for. From waiting in for deliveries to home cooked meals, no task is too big or small.
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picturehouses.co.uk
Gate PicturehouseStay up to date on the latest flicks at the Big Scream every Tuesday at the Gate Picture-house in Notting Hill. Babies are your golden ticket in!
piccolocaffe.co.uk
Piccolo CafePiccolo is THE child-friendly café in Chiswick. Let the kids run wild in the play area while you enjoy a latte.
purpledragonplay.com
Purple DragonChelsea’s new premier family member’s club. Purple Dragon has a great play area, swimming pool, an imaginarium as well as the all-important adult’s lounge.
maggieandrose.com
Maggie and RoseLocated in Kensington, Maggie and Rose is London’s first family member’s club. In addition to a great play space, they host a lot of great classes throughout half terms. Classes also open to non-members.
bracknell-forest.gov.uk
The Lookout Discovery CentreThe Lookout has over 90 exhibits to entertain kids and adults alike. Worth a drive over on the weekend.
youneedavicky.com
You Need a VickyHas clutter overtaken your house? Let Vicky Silverthorn, clutter-buster extraordinaire, have your house running smoothly and clutter-free. Bliss.
mothers-meeting.com
Mother’s MeetingsYou never know what event Mother’s Meetings will plan, but you can be sure a great collec-tive of creative mums will be there. From organic beauty seminars to gallery walks or lunch at Shoreditch House.
funnywomen.com
Comedy NightGirls’ night has never been funnier. Enjoy or take a work-shop and tap into your humour—life is always better when laughing!
Pitter Patter and West London TotsSay goodbye to musky halls. Pitter Patter holds a series of toddler classes at the Grove pub in Ealing and West London Tots gathers at The Alice House in Kensal Rise. Great classes, great venues and great food—brilliant! pitterpatterhub.comfacebook.com/westlondontots
birthandbabywise.co.uk
Birth and Baby WiseBirth and Baby Wise offer prenatal and post-natal classes for parents. Topics covered include returning to work, developing good sleep habits, introducing solids and more.
classes held in Brook Green, Ealing, Kensal Rise,Notting Hill, Queens Park, Willesden
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PLEASED TO MEET MEAs mum’s we may hear the phrase ‘me-time’ being thrown around and may even know what it means (even if we’re not experiencing much of it!). How-ever, it struck me that we can only really have any ‘quality’ me-time as a mum once we rediscover what it is that we actually enjoy doing. Me-time is not just about having a break from the kids (as welcome as that is) but it’s about finding something – an activity, a place, an experience, or a feeling - that energizes you. Something that reminds you of who you are in your own right as a woman. One of our aims and commitments as More than a Mum is to not only help women to be a brilliant mum but to help them rediscover their identity as a woman too.
It’s healthy and good for you to ask yourself every now and then who are you without your child? People lose their identity for all sorts of reasons; a dominating partner, a demanding career, a busy parent. However, it’s worth remembering we are only in danger of losing who we are if our identity is wrapped up ‘only’ in what we do. As we’ve said time and time again at MTAM, ‘A happy and fulfilled parent equals a happy and fulfilled child’. The best thing we can do for our children is to lead by example. To live what we want to teach them – not just talk about it. Not only do we owe it to our children though, but we owe it to ourselves to reignite our passion for our dreams, to dig them up from the depths where we, or life’s pressures, have buried them and to start to construct a plan towards achieving them.
A very simply exercise we get our mum’s on our MTAM workshops to do is to write down 25 skills and passions they have – particularly thinking about their pre-children days. These must be not just skills but also hobbies and personality traits. You may very quickly get 5 or 10 but as you go on you have to really start to think about even the little things you’d forgotten about. Think about things that people compliment you on. They may not seem like a ‘skill’ to you but they really are. It could be gardening or baking, or making lists and being organised, or reading or being outside or hosting dinner parties. Be really honest with yourself about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing – there is no room for modesty!
Now answer the following questions: Which of these had you forgotten/given up but could easily reintroduce in to your life right now? Which of these could you implement into your life with a little planning/help/childcare? Which of these would need quite some effort to do but might just be worth it? Which of these are you happy to let go (for now)?
Next is to simply do it! Even in some small way. Go on, try it and see the difference it makes! Wake up tomorrow and take that first tiny step.
Imaginative Entertainment for Children
Interactive storytelling parties with
fantastic characters, roving magicians,
circus skills, facepainters...
and much, much more!
Fun...tastic children’s entertainment, o�ering imaginative interactive storytelling parties
with Mermaids, Funky Witches and Wizards, Fairies or Princesses, Knights, Pirates, Spies
or Drama parties! Our highly skilled performers ensure your Private parties,
Corporate Family Fun days or themed events, will be a great success!
For inspiration call us on:0870 770 2705
by Loretta Andrews and Ruth Hill
Loretta and Ruth operate More Than A Mum. To learn more about them please visit more-than-a-mum.com
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MOTHERS’MEET-UPSREMIXED
Culture Baby organizes a range of gallery visits across London. Exclusively for mothers, these tours are specially designed for mums so they can enjoy the latest exhibit with their babies. Shows include a private talk and tour of the David Hockney exhibit, guided tours through the Saatchi Gallery and lovely pram walks through the Frieze Sculpture trail.
culturebaby.co.uk
Culture Baby
Mother’s Meeting is the brain-child of a graphic designer and new mum. In an effort to connect fellow creative mums, Mother’s Meetings organize cool meet-ups in various venues across London. From make-up lessons to lazy lunches at Shoreditch House, gallery walks at the Wallace Collection and of course teddy bear picnics for the kids. You never know what Mother’s Meet-ing has in store, but you can bet it will be fun and inspirational.
mothers-meeting.co.uk
Mother’s Meeting
A local mum of two children set up Kensington Mums. The group meet in different venues around Kensington for informal gather-ings and outings such as: film screenings, trips to the Army Museum, concerts for kids and more.
kensingtonmums.co.uk
Kensington Mums
For Sanity’s Sake is a great resource of classes and meet-ups in the Twickenham and Richmond area. Meet-ups include Yummy Mummy lunches and knitting groups. They also organize children’s events the whole family can enjoy.
forsanitysake.co.uk
For Sanity’s Sake
Mother’s groups have come a long way, baby! No longer confined to hall basements , nowadays mums and babies have private gallery tours, film screenings and classical concerts—all accomodating their smallest visitors. WLM has put together some great meet-ups that will have you talking about Aw Weiwei instead of wee wee in no time...
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