EDUCATION • HEALTH • WELLBEING • LIVING • BEAUTY • STYLE • TRAVEL
MAGAZINE
What’s on
This festive season
Glitz & Glam
Make-up ready in 10
C hristmas time
at Lapland UK cherubsmagazine.com
Inspiring Everyday Family Life
Winter 2021 • Issue 14
design:feastcreative.com
HACKNEY EMPIRE PRESENTS
20 Nov ‘21 - HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK 2 Jan ‘22 020 8985 2424
Contents Winter 2021 • Issue 14
‘Tis the season to eat cheese! I don’t know about you, but I look forward to the cheese board rather than the traditional roast dinner itself. In fact, I could quite easily have that for the main course and then demolish a turkey sandwich the next day – anyone with me? This season is my husband’s worst nightmare – don’t get me wrong he is no Scrooge, however, the bank balance takes a hit. Not for the presents, oh no sir, for the pine! Unfortunately for him, I have an obsession with Christmas trees, pine cuttings, eucalyptus and anything else that grows in a forest. Before he can even say “please stop” the house looks like a scene from Narnia and he finds himself looking at three faces he simply can’t say no to. I mean, it’s quite funny watching his eyes rolling and hearing his ‘sweet’ muttering words while wheelbarrowing another tree through the doors that will take residence where his favourite armchair sits. It’s only for four weeks, right? Speaking of Narnia, in this edition we take you on a magical journey through Lapland UK, feed the soul with yummy recipes and ‘dress to impress’ your every party need. It’s packed with everything one could desire for an amazing festive season and the kids will have permanent smiles on their faces with our What’s On section – trust me! If you didn’t carry out the resolutions you made at the start of the year it doesn’t matter. Your real achievements, the ones that got you here today, are far more credible than any resolution. And hey – there’s always next year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Bring on 2022! Peace, love and stilton cheese!
Features 10 26 52 54
The magic of Christmas at Lapland UK Baby edit How SAD can affect young people Start your day the right way
In this edition 4 9 28 36
What’s on this winter Festive season Baby it’s cold outside Party-ready in 10
A taste of ... 30 40 50 62
Style Education Health & wellbeing Parent life
Sevim x EDITOR IN CHIEF
Style Editor: Antonia Sanchez–Toomey
Follow us on social media for regular updates @CherubsMagazine
Healthy Food Editor: Christianna Karaolis Designer: Chris Webb Printers: The Roma Group Bio Picture: Tia Talula @tiatalula Location: Your London Florist
To advertise in our next issue email info@cherubsmagazine.com or call 020 8154 3664
Catch up on past issues of Cherubs Magazine online at
While we take every care to ensure details are correct the publisher will take no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are advised to check information published with individual advertisers and take legal advice where appropriate before entering into any transactions. Where prices or dates are quoted they are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Unless specifically stated the publisher does not endorse any product or service appearing in the magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher.
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Cherubs Magazine
12 Family Friendly WHAT’S ON
Events for the
festive period
The festive season is finally here and we’ve compiled our top picks of family-friendly events throughout the capital and beyond. Want more? Check out @younglondonist Instagram.
Greenwich Christmas Market
This is one of our favourites in London. The whole neighbourhood is a delight during the festive season and the market sells a variety of jewelry, crafts, fashion pieces and various other perfect gifts, from stocking fillers to the main event. When: Mid Nov-Dec Where: Greenwich How much: Free greenwichmarket.london
Illuminature
See the London Wetland Centre in a new light! The light trail route gives families the opportunity to play in the immersive tunnels, hop along the responsive lily-pads, create colourful shadow animals and enjoy a multitude of other opportunities to interact with nature and light. When: 22 Oct-9 Jan Where: WWT London How much: Adults £17, children £12.50 wwt.org.uk
Nutcracker on Ice
A festive panto-style recreation of the famous Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on ice. Follow Clara on her adventures in an enchanting kingdom where she works with the Nutcracker to help restore order. Suitable for ages 2 and above. When: 6 -12 Dec Where: Alexandra Palace How much: Adults £15, children and concessions £12.50 alexandrapalace.com
The Snowman
A magical stage adaption of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book from Sadler’s Wells returns to central London for 2021. Timeless score, incredible costumes and a wonderful tale of inside a wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life. When: 20 Nov-2 Jan Where: Peacock Theatre How much: From £18 peacocktheatre.com
Christmas at the Tower of London
Explore spectacular displays of festive decorations and illuminated animalthemed areas across the fortress. From majestic elephants to a twinkling winter wonderland scene where polar bears roam and playful ravens nest; there is lots for all ages to see and enjoy in royal style. When: 1 Dec-2 Jan Where: Tower of London How much: Adults £29, children 5+ £15, under-5s are free hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london 4 | Cherubs Magazine
Father Christmas at the Hall
A theatrical storytime with Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall. Expect live music, puppetry and a stuffed toy for children to take home after the experience. When: 2-21 Dec Where: Royal Albert Hall How much: £17.50 for one child and two parents royalalberthall.com
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WHAT’S ON Southbank Christmas Market
Gingerbread City
Photo credit: Luke O’Donovan
Take a stroll down the Southbank and enjoy the festive market. Mulled wine and seasonal food smells fill the air, independent shops sell a variety of one-of-akind gifts and there are igloos, live entertainment and lots of twinkling lights to get you in the festive spirit. When: From early November Where: Around the Southbank Centre How much: Free
The Gingerbread City™ is an annual exhibition where architects, designers and engineers create an entire city made of gingerbread. Connect with architecture through this innovative display designed for the holiday season and take part in a family workshop where you can create your own gingerbread creation (a great gift for family members). When: 4 Dec-9 Jan Where: 6-7 Montcomb Street How much: £14 for adults and £8.50 for children 3 to 12 years old or £40 for one child and adult to include the workshop as well as the exhibition thegingerbreadcity.com
Noir Kringle
Noir Kringle is a niche Christmas pop up event aimed at families that are seeking a new adventure ‘The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience’. Step into Noir Kringle’s magical vintage Christmas Grotto, set up in Santa’s workshop surrounded by sparkle, presents, stockings, and letters piled high posted from children ready to be read by the man in red, as well as the sounds, spirit and smells of Christmas and more to awaken the senses. When: 18 -20 Dec Where: Crooked Billet Yard, Shoreditch How much: Adult £25 noirkringle.co.uk
Jingle Bell Ball Family Rave Come jingle those bells this festive season at the amazing double height warehouse venue in Hackney Wick! Colour Factory is the Big Fish Little Fish Xmas East London home. Expect plenty of tunes, crafts, snow machine and more. When: 5 Dec Where: Colour Factory Hackney How much: Adults £11, children £8 bigfishlittlefishevents.com
Chelsea Physic Garden
This festive season you can take the kids for a storytelling session with Father Christmas or take part in wreath making in the beautiful surroundings of this well-kept secret. They also have a Christmas market that sells wonderful gifts including lovely stocking fillers for plant and botanical lovers. When: Chelsea Physic Garden Where: Pick-up outside Somerset House How much: from £9.50 for storytelling and £35 for wreath making. chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
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Enchanted Audley End
Board the Audley End Santa Express and navigate through a winter wonderland before you arrive at Father Christmas and his very helpful elves, receive a special gift and watch a Christmas dance. There is also an adventure play area and other activities, including letter writing, reindeer food making and more. When: 20 Nov-24 Dec Where: Audley End Miniature Railway How much: Adults from £18, children from £9 audley-end-railway.co.uk
Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm is always a great day out but at Christmas it is even more magical. Meet father Christmas and his elves, visit the Teddy Bear Market and create a fluffy friend to take home with you. There will also be festive rides, yummy food and an ice-skating rink. Plus the Christmas shop is always wonderful. When: 13 Nov-24 Dec Where: Marsh Farm How much: From £35 marshfarm.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
Ice Ice Baby Want to glide, slip and slide on London’s most iconic ice skating rinks this festive season? Ana from @younglondonist has compiled the best the capital has to offer, so grab the kids and jump on the ice!
Bluewater Ice Rink
Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink will be running quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady on the ice. When: 18 Nov-2 Jan Where: Bluewater Shopping Centre How much: Adults £14.50, children £12.50 bluewater.co.uk
Canary Wharf
Skate beneath the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf at this pop-up ice rink where you can expect plenty of twinkling lights, a traditional alpine theme and plenty of places to shop and dine in style. Skating aids are available but cost an extra £5. When: 23 Oct-6 Feb Where: Canada Square How much: Adults £17, children £11 canarywharf.com
Hampton Court Palace
Spectacular views, festive refreshments and lots of Christmas cheer. The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is the perfect spot to take little people ice skating, unwind with friends or go on a romantic date. Skate aids are available and can be prebooked so there’s a guarantee you will doing more gliding than slipping! When: 13 Nov-9 Jan Where: Hampton Court Palace How much: Adults and teens £16, children £11.50 hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Winter Festival Brent Cross There’s a whole Winter Festival at Brent Cross and they are hosting one of London’s largest real ice rinks so families and their little people across London can enjoy a whole festive day out. Skate aids are free and available on a first come, first served basis. When: 27 Nov-3 Jan Where: Brent Cross How much: Adults £17, children £15 winterfestivalbrentcross.com 6 | Cherubs Magazine
Natural History Museum
Somerset House
Queen’s House Greenwich
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
This is going to be your last chance to visit this picture perfect ice rink at the Natural History Museum as it will be transformed into a biodiversity garden from 2022. The atmosphere is very festive with a large Christmas Tree in the centre and they have an adult and toddler ticket on weekdays before 2pm for £11.50 where you can also get a free hot chocolate. Skate aids are available and cost an extra £5. When: 22 Oct-16 Jan Where: South Kensington How much: From £11.50 per adult and toddler nhm.ac.uk
At the Queen’s House ice rink, young Londoners and their families will have the opportunity to skate in the surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage site. An unforgettable experience to share with your little Londoners, friends or family. When: 18 Nov-9 Jan Where: Greenwich How much: Adults £15, children from £8.50 including skate hire. Skate aids are also available to hire for children. rmg.co.uk
Skylight at Tobacco Dock
Skate with a glorious view as Skylight’s sunny terraces will be transformed into an autumnal haven of warm igloo-bubbles, designed to keep out the cold and keep people safe as they enjoy the stunning views and unique atmosphere of this hugely popular rooftop destination venue. Expect socially isolated igloos where groups of six can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate before or after skate sessions. When: From 11 Nov Where: Tobacco Dock, London How much: Ice skating can only be booked on the day and you need to have an Igloo reservation. More info via their website skylightbars.com
Perhaps the epitome of festive fun, Somerset House returns with an ice-rink and series of events that is fit for all. From skating lessons with Skate School, to the ultimate nightlife sets from trailblazing DJs on rink-side decks at Skate Lates with UNIQLO, there is something for everyone across the Skate season. Get jolly and treat yourself with a glass of bubbly from the new partner of this iconic rink; Moet and Chandon or enjoy some gourmet dining in the pop-up alpine restaurant. When: 17 Nov-16 Jan Where: Strand How much: From £11 per adult somersethouse.org.uk
Is it even Christmas in London without a visit to Winter Wonderland? It’s the perfect place for a winter skate in the heart of London. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, a perfect way to get in the festive mood. Skate aids are available. When: 19 Nov-3 Jan Where: Hyde Park How much: Adults £10.50, children £7.50 hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Winter Wonderland Lakeside
Plenty of rides (join Santa in a balloon ride, have a go on the carousels or get dizzy on the snow done walzer). There will be food options galore and drinks for young and old to be enjoyed in this winter wonderland. The ice skating rink promises to be a great way to get the kids moving and there are skate aids and affordable prices for offpeak days! When: 18 Nov-3 Jan Where: Lakeside Shopping Centre How much: Adults from £7.50, children from £6.50 on off-peak days christmaswonderlandlakeside.co.uk
020 8154 3664
Christmas Tales 4 - 29 Dec | Ages 0-7 years
*Tickets subject to availability. Discount applied only when using the offer code stated above. Discount applied to individual ticket prices only and not to the Family Ticket price.
9 - 29 Dec | Ages 0-3 years
Sponsored by
WHAT’S ON
Top 5 Afternoon Teas this Christmas 4 With @mummy_from_enfield follow for days out in London and beyond
1
cups, you have to bear in mind there is no toilet facility on board. It’s a Overall amazing experience for your little ones to see London landmarks while enjoying a delicious tea.
Milestone Hotel Kensington, London
If you’re looking for a Staycation idea at Christmas then this might be an option for you! Located in the heart of London is this stunning hotel also serving this delicious Afternoon Tea perfect for your kids to enjoy whilst you get to unwind with a glass or two.
2
The Tea Terrace
House of Fraser, London
3
A stunning Cinderella Carriage Afternoon Tea, fit for your Princess or Prince! Booking online is essential for the carriage at an extra cost, though the menu itself is reasonably priced. Great for a pre-theatre meal, why not combine it with the Cinderella Musical now showing?
3
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bridget’s Bakery Bus
A London bus tour that has a Peppa Pig theme and at Christmas it’s even more magical! Though the drinks are unlimited and you get to keep the Peppa reusable 8 | Cherubs Magazine
4
5
25
Lobella
Loughton, Essex
This cosy pretty cafe is so popular with their graze platters and quite affordable if you’re looking for that Insta perfect place to eat. They also occasionally have princess parties that you can enjoy with the best Unicorn Milkshake. During Christmas time you can find Santa giving out gifts and a festive afternoon tea option too.
Aqua Shard Restaurant The Shard, Level 31, London
The Shard offers the best views of London, but did you know that you can also enjoy this Peter Pan Afternoon Tea while enjoying the breathtaking views? With specially created sweets and savouries this afternoon tea can give your kids the most enchanted experience that they will never forget.
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EverAfter A mixed up fairytale 24 Nov - 8 Jan For ages 5+
Photo credit: LukeDyson
FESTIVE SEASON
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020 8154 3664
FESTIVE SEASON
The Magic of Christmas at
Lapand uk
T
he spirit of Christmas is most definitely high in the sky as soon as the doors to Lapland UK open. From the moment you arrive it almost feels like you’ve been transported into a magical, enchanted land and wow – what a moment. If there was any doubt about Father Christmas being real, you will soon restore all belief and plant it back deeply within the soul. Cherubs’ Editor Sevim had the privilege of meeting the masters behind it all, Mike and Alison Battle aka Mr and Mrs Lapland.
We caught up with them to find out just how these parents of four boys came to start the UK’s most magical, festive experience.
As a mother myself, starting your own business is somewhat challenging and extremely petrifying! As parents to four young boys at the time, how did you come up with this idea? In fact, I am in awe of you both, where did you get the time? Our journey to the LaplandUK experience started with a profound frustration at the overt commerciality and trivialisation of Christmas and value placed on a child’s belief in Father Christmas. With four children and Alison a primary teacher, we wanted to really revel in this precious time of childhood wonder and spent many years touring the country trying to find an authentic, truly magical Christmas experience that reflected the value we placed on our children’s innocent belief, but we simply couldn’t. Like everyone else, we were forced to queue in a retail shop for hours with small children (in the hope we might buy a television or similar on the way out) for a disappointing and average experience. We decided something had to be done to challenge this status quo; if there wasn’t an amazing, immersive Father Christmas experience in the UK for families, we’d create one and base it on our own original stories that we had been telling our boys at Christmas time. So, we left our jobs – Alison was a primary school teacher and Mike a hedge fund manager - and LaplandUK was born.
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Cherubs Magazine | 11
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It was very important for you both to create this quality experience in a magical world rich in storytelling. Tell us more about your books, The Untold Story of Father Christmas and The Secrets of the Christmas Elves and why is it so important for the Small Folk to know about this very special couple who are known to the world as Mother & Father Christmas and the world they inhabit? The LaplandUK experience brings our foundation stories, characters and world to life. The Untold Story of Father Christmas and The Secrets of The Christmas Elves tell how a humble toymaker and his wife came to be known as Father and Mother Christmas to children all over the world, and answer the question every child wants to know of why they make and deliver toys on Christmas Eve. The stories introduce children to a secret civilisation of elves and have an environmental message linked to the future well-being of the planet and a child’s part in helping preserve it. We hope these foundational stories will enrich and shape a generation of childhood belief, elevating Christmas to its rightful place and filling a narrative gap in popular culture. There is nothing in the world that celebrates childhood belief on the scale and quality of LaplandUK. To suspend the disbelief of adults and children alike,
the experience must be believable and authentic. We work with the very best crew, artists, designers, costume makers and production professionals, all of whom have an obsessive attention to detail to craft our world - the mythical world of Father Christmas, that is accessible right here in the UK. No expense is spared to provide an environment that connects parents with their children in the most beautiful way; it is a unique and special experience, personalised to every child that visits. For those that haven’t heard LaplandUK what can they expect?
of
It’s a multisensory, theatrical immersive experience, based on our original storytelling and brought to life in a beautifully crafted four-hour experience that employs the most talented professionals in the industry to produce an authentic world of exceptional quality. Having received a personalised invitation from Father Christmas in the post, children are taken on a magical journey through a secret doorway into Lapland where their help is needed in Father Christmas’ toy factory and Mother Christmas’ kitchen. In
12 | Cherubs Magazine
the Elven Village, families are immersed in the storytelling world of Lapland, as elves including Treehigh, Pixie Mixie, Elva and Conker are busy preparing for Christmas, while the ice rink and huskies are always hugely popular. Further into the forest, more surprises await until families finally arrive at the home of Father Christmas for their personalised, unforgettable meeting. You have four, wonderful boys who have been part of this enchanting journey
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Photo credit: LukeDyson
‘Lapland’ is unique, a magical world of wonder, depth and charm that introduces the visitor to the legendary home of Father Christmas and the elven civilization.
FESTIVE SEASON
from the get-go. Allowing thousands of families from all across the land to have this magical, unforgettable experience year after year must be an amazing feeling. Can you describe it? Our boys were the inspiration behind the idea so it’s incredibly special that they have grown up with LaplandUK being such a large part of their lives. All the boys have worked in the business over the years; we trust them implicitly to represent LaplandUK
as we do ourselves and it’s a huge joy for us to have the boys so close. As a family ourselves, we completely understand and respect the trust parents place in us to protect their children’s belief and create magical memories to cherish once those beautiful fleeting years of innocence have passed. It’s an absolute privilege to play a part in shaping childhood dreams and we feel the luckiest family in the world to inhabit such a magical world.
Mr and Mrs Lapland, it was my absolute pleasure. It’s been really inspirational to talk with you and I cannot wait to experience Lapland UK with my little family this year – it’s hard to tell who is going to be more excited.
Socials: @laplandUK @mrandmrslapland Website: laplanduk.co.uk cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 13
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Mulled Wine and Bratwurst… We must be talking about Christmas Markets!
Dresden Advent” which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land – a Viennese experience, you definitely won’t want to miss!
Switzerland Basel has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas city and is well worth a visit every year. Not only is the well-preserved Old Town radiant in the warm Christmas light, but the shops and facades of many buildings glitter with a golden glow.
Manchester Vienna
Dresden Germany
Basel
Vienna Austria
From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into a wonderful Christmas market. The aroma of baked food and hot beverages creates a lovely festive atmosphere. One of the most well-known Christmas markets is the traditional “Vienna Magic of
14 | Cherubs Magazine
One of the largest and most authentic Christmas markets in Germany. Christmas tales also come to life in the city’s local theatres, the museums host special exhibitions and boats are bejeweled with lights while gliding along the Elbe – very special!
Bruges Belgium
Of course the romantic city of Bruges has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and you are guaranteed to fall in love. From the end of November, the historic city centre of Bruges will be transformed into a giant Christmas market.
Manchester United Kingdom
One of the UK’s largest and most beautiful Christmas markets. The most original, biggest and arguably the best Christmas markets in the country, Manchester’s Christmas markets are an ideal destination for a festive outing.
Bruges
Photo Credits: Basel – Andreas Gerth / Basel.com. Vienna – Calin Stan. Dresden – Mapics. Manchester – Manchester City Marketing. Bruges – Kite_rin-1
Basel
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FESTIVE SEASON
Advent
Calenders
Mr Porter Grooming
£120.00
The 12 Days of Grooming Advent Calendar mrporter.com
Charlotte’s Beauty Dreams & Secrets
£150
Includes 12 makeup and skincare secrets! Plus the brand new and exclusive Pillow Talk Colour Chameleon. charlottetilbury.com
Seven Days of Dadliness
£40
For the one who’s always there for you… when you ask dad what gift he’d like and he replies with the dadliest of shrugs, treat him to Seven Days of Dadliness. Every dad loves a pair of socks – especially when they’re comfy, breathable bamboo, and after organising his favourite gadgets with his new tech kit, he can indulge in some decadent dark chocolate, spicy nuts, and spice-up-his-tastebuds edge-of-hisarmchair Bean Boozle jelly beans. Then he can live every dad’s dream – taking to the disco ball-lit stage to reel off some absolute groaners from his little book of dad jokes. sevenyays.com
Personalised Fill Your Own Wooden Wreath Advent Calendar Light Box
£52
LisaAngelLtd etsy.com
The Very Merry Advent Calendar from ToucanBox
£45 PLAYinCHOC
£55 (Mini version for £27.50)
Countdown to Christmas with our famous, eco-friendly advent calendar. Behind each of the 24 windows you’ll find a super-cute festive toy plus one of our dreamy, creamy chocolates and fun facts cards. That’s three treats every day! Each planet-friendly collectable doubles up as a super-cute decoration. Not-so-secret news; adults love our ethical yuletide calendars as much as children. The outer sleeve of the advent can also be opened up into a landscape to play with all 24 toys. playinchoc.com 16 | Cherubs Magazine
From multi-award winning children’s craft company ToucanBox, The Very Merry Advent Calendar is stashed with 24 boxes of festive fun. Featuring exciting Christmas crafts such as a snowball juggling bear bauble and snowman puppets, scrummy recipes for gingerbread reindeer, hot chocolate spoons and more, plus five enchanting STEAMinspired story books. toucanbox.com 020 8154 3664
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On the 12th day of Christmas my family said to me: “Let’s play a board game...” The Floor is Lava 5+
Pictionary Air 3+
£14.99
£20
We’ve all played some variation of The Floor is Lava! You imagine the floor is Hot Lava and hop from cushion to couch to table across the room to stay off the floor. Now, with The Floor is Lava game, the furniture gets a break! A spinner, 25 coloured foam tiles, and 27 action cards ramp up the fun on this classic game of imagination and adventure. Remember, don’t touch the floor! johnlewis.com
Introducing Pictionary Air, a hysterical way to play the classic family drawing game! Draw in the air, see it on screen in this exciting twist on the quickdraw classic. Download the Pictionary Air app to your smart phone or tablet to get started. Point the in-app camera at the illustrator and they’ll appear, along with their sketch, on the screen of your smart device. argos.co.uk Beat the Parents
£15
Beat the Parents brings kids together with their parents to go head-to-head in a fun-filled family trivia game. Prove who’s the boss in the game where the adults answer questions about kids’ stuff, and the kids answer questions their parents should really know. The first team to get both movers across the board to the other side’s start spaces wins the game! argos.co.uk
Who in the room? 17+
£13
Contains 110 cards with more than 300 laugh-out-loud, unexpected and personal questions that all start with the phrase Who in the room…? amazon.com
“...and do a puzzle!” Positivity Jigsaw Puzzle
£15
This Puzzle of Positivity is definitely needed during these difficult times. Packed full of pick-me-ups, along with a dash of sarcasm and a healthy portion of puns, this quirky puzzle has been illustrated by Katie Abey and provides bucket loads of happiness and motivation! gibsonsgames.co.uk
cherubsmagazine.com
eeBoo Tree of Life Jigsaw Puzzle
£17.99
Life’s many branches often connect in ways that we do not expect. Its boughs are bent with leaves and fruits, beasts and bugs down to its roots. A whole made up of many parts: claws and petals, brains and hearts. johnlewis.com
Cherubs Magazine | 17
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CHRISTMAS WITH ALL BY MAMA
Personalised Embroidered Penguins £14.00
Roarsome Christmas Card £2.80
Snowflake Wall And Window Stickers £12.00
Merry Christmas Daddy Card £2.75
First Christmas Card £2.85
Christmas Bauble £7.00
Personalised Elf Tree Decoration £14.00
Christmas Carddies £8.00
Christmas Paper Sack £12.50
Instagram @allbymama_network • Facebook & LinkedIn @allbymama allbymama.com 18 | Cherubs Magazine
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Got this as a Christmas gift for our 4-year-old granddaughter and she loves it. If anyone is stuck on a gift idea with a child then you can’t go far wrong with Toucanbox. 10/10. - Ben
For new customers in the UK only and one redemption per household. Valid payment details required. Claim within 30 days. toucanBox is a flexible subscription that can be stopped at any time at toucanbox.com.
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Top Toys for Christmas
with SELFRIDGES&CO selfridges.com
SURPRISE OMG House of Surprises Wooden Doll House
£230
BANWOOD BIKE Pale Mint
£290
RIDING INTO THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE Micro Scooter Eco Mini Deluxe
£80
PAW PATROL Ultimate City Tower
£160
20 | Cherubs Magazine
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FESTIVE SEASON INTERACTIVE FUN Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll
DANCE TO THE JUNGLE BEAT Jiggly Pets Tan Tan the Orangutan
£40
£23
LEVEL UP WITH LUIGI LEGO® Super Mario™ Luigi Starter set
£50 SQUISHMALLOWS Squashville Mini Assorted Plush Toy Set of Six
£15
EXCLUSIVE TO SELFRIDGES If I Were A Whale Hamper Gift Set
£75
THE GOTTA GO TURDLE Little Live Pets
£33
COOKING UP A STORM Le Toy Van Shop Café
£120
BARBIES SUV Barbie Transforming SUV
£55
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Cherubs Magazine | 21
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Home Edit Deck the halls – cosy interiors, understated decorations, twinkling lights and seasonal home fragrances are all you need to get into the festive spirit this Christmas.
Boucle Chair
Velvet Cushion Cover
£299.99
£11.99
Zara Home zarahome.com
Zara Home zarahome.com
White Dried Linum Wreath
£95
The White Company thewhitecompany.com
Mini Hamper Decoration
£19.95
Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com
Rattan Tree Skirt
£150
Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk
Luxury Cashmere Throw
£170
The White Company thewhitecompany.com
Website: tailormadeliving.co.uk Instagram: @tailormadelivingstore 22 | Cherubs Magazine
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Fir Tree Star Tealights
£20
The White Company thewhitecompany.com
Merry Christmas Velvet Ribbon
£9.50
Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk
Statement Glass Bauble
£18
Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk
Bees Wrapping Paper
£13.50
Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk
Luxury Glass Baubles
£19.50
M&S marksandspencer.com
Missoma Luxury Christmas Crackers
£145
Selfridges selfridges.com
Luxe Silver Champagne Trug
Stars Champagne Glasses
£105
The White Company thewhitecompany.com
£89
Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk
Advent Candle
£29
Plum & Ashby plumandashby.co.uk
cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 23
FESTIVE SEASON
Festive Snacks For The Little Pickles with Neha @squashedpickle
Decorative Yogurt Bark The Sandwich Man Making yoghurt bark is such a great kitchen activity and kids love slicing fruit, decorating and going wild with sprinkles and fruit. The best bit is... it’s delicious and healthy for adults and kids.
Ingredients
• Greek yoghurt • Fruit • Sprinkles • Melted chocolate • Honey* (optional) • Vanilla extract Method
1. No measurements, no rules just go with it... flavour the Greek yoghurt with a bit of honey and pure vanilla extract and spread it out on a sheet pan. 2. Decorate it with any treats, fruit, snacks you like and freeze. I’ve done fresh strawberry and banana candy cane, watermelon star, grapes, melted chocolate chips Xmas tree, sprinkles with chocolate splashes! 3. Freeze until very firm, at least three hours. To serve, cut or break into pieces.
These festive sandwiches are so fun and easy to make. You can do them as a kitchen activity and get the kids involved. Use your favourite festive cookie cutters and get creative. I have done peanut butter and jam because who doesn’t love that combo? Also a savoury turkey, cheese and cucumber one. Don’t forget adults get to eat the cut offs... lucky things!
Ingredients
• 4 Wholemeal Bread slices • Butter • Turkey, cheese, cucumber • Peanut butter and jam (any filling of your choice) • Cookie cutters (one small, one large) Method
Cut out four festive shapes using the large cookie cutter. Butter and fill one shape. Cut out a smaller shape from the unfilled bread to create a window. Butter and place the window on the filled bread. We really love these and hope you do too.
A great healthy snack that makes a fun activity with kids! You can even keep this plain with fruit for teething babies. *It is important to wait till your child is 12 months before you offer honey.
24 | Cherubs Magazine
020 8154 3664
FESTIVE SEASON
Cheese and Turkey Pie Pops (with spinach) We love pies. We love food on sticks. Why wouldn’t we love the two combined? These delicious pie pops are perfect for festive parties and they couldn’t be easier to make. Santa will definitely be pleased! I’ve used ready rolled shortcrust pastry and our favourite filling, turkey, cheese and spinach. You can make these sweet or savoury with jam, Nutella, mince pie filling, fresh fruit... so many options.
Ingredients
• Ready roll shortcrust pastry • Turkey slices (chopped up) • Fresh spinach (chopped up) • Cheddar cheese (grated) • 1 egg (beaten) • Cookie cutters • Lolly sticks Method
1. Mix cheese, turkey and spinach together and season. Set aside. Roll out your pastry and cut out your chosen shapes. Cut two for each pop and set aside. 2. Place your lolly stick in the centre of the shape, make sure at least an inch of the stick is on the pastry. Make a small ball with the leftover pasty and secure the stick down. Put the filling in the middle of the pastry. 3. Place the other cut out shape on top and seal with a fork around the edges. Brush with beaten egg. Bake for approx 20 mins on 170c until golden and delicious.
cherubsmagazine.com
Fluffy Festive Pancakes It’s nearly Christmas, which means it’s officially the month of indulging in sweet treats and delicious food. Here’s a cute and fun idea for a festive breakfast that the kids can help make. Making these are a great Christmas kitchen activity and it teaches kids basic kitchen skills.
Ingredients
• 200g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp caster sugar • 1 medium eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 300ml milk (I use full-fat milk) For decorations
• Chocolate spread • Sprinkles • Fruit (any you like) Method
1. Start mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl. 2. Crack in the eggs and mix. 3. Add milk and maple syrup. 4. Whisk until you get a smooth batter. 5. Get two pancakes. With a cookie cutter cut out Christmas shapes on one pancake. 6. Spread chocolate on the whole pancake and sandwich together. Decorate. The offcuts (bits cut out) can be decorated too, so no waste. So delicious and fun to make.
Cherubs Magazine | 25
BABY EDIT - ADVERTISING FEATURE
Cherubs interviewed Jessica Rolph and Rod Morris, Co-Founders of Lovevery, a company that offers products and information which help create developmental experiences in the lives of new babies and families. Here’s how this creative educational brand came to light.
Q
How did Lovevery come about?
JESSICA: The idea for Lovevery started when I became a first-time parent. One day I was watching my baby play with a purple plastic cow with flashing lights. The question was, why do toys like this exist and what do they do for development? As co-founder of Happy Family, a baby food company, I was already interested in children’s health and development. I felt pretty confident about how my baby’s food was helping his body grow, but I wasn’t so sure about how his toys were helping his brain grow.
I discovered a doctoral thesis on infant brain development that had all these detailed, nerdy, things that I could do with my baby. The approach felt really natural and simple and I never looked at my children’s toys the same way again. I am confident now that I understand what my children are hungry to learn at each stage. I want to share that feeling of confidence with other parents, and that’s the inspiration for Lovevery. What took the idea behind Lovevery from incubation into the “okay we’re really going to do this” phase was teaming up with Rod. I believe in partnerships and needed Rod to make Lovevery really happen. He is strategic, creative and particularly good at making quick, hard decisions. He is rigorous
about establishing and maintaining our company’s growth and is a discerning team-builder. ROD: When Jessica came across the doctoral thesis, I was working at Opower— an American software company that helped families save energy—where I helped lead the team through its IPO. I got a call from Jessica, and we started talking about the research and experimentation that she’d been doing building her own toys at home. It became immediately clear to me that she was onto something and that we should team up to pursue it further. In 2017, we launched with Lovevery’s first product: The Play Gym.
Website: lovevery.co.uk 26 | Cherubs Magazine
020 8154 3664
BABY EDIT - ADVERTISING FEATURE
Q
Both of you have come from different business paths, what drew you together to form Lovevery? ROD: Jessica and I have known each other for over 20 years. There is a level of trust and understanding that we share that has translated well into our partnership as Cofounders. Jessica has a deep customer focus and a tremendous capacity for idea generation. I knew that my experience building mission-driven, recurring revenue companies would complement her abilities and that together, we could build Lovevery into something meaningful that could help parents around the world.
Q
Jessica, what’s it like working with your best friend’s husband? And vice versa for you Rod. ROD: We get asked this question a lot and it surprises people to hear that it isn’t too different from any other co-founder or business partner relationship. Having a long-term friendship does have its benefits when it comes to anticipating what the other is thinking, what their feedback might be or what they need from a communication standpoint. JESSICA: It’s important to treat each relationship as its own, rather than letting the dynamics blur across lines. When I get together with Rod’s wife, Andrea, or the four of us get together, our conversation doesn’t focus on Lovevery to make sure there is a balance.
Q
How important is it to be in tune with your child’s brain and what they’re craving? JESSICA: While the timeline can vary depending on each individual child, we know that predictable developmental windows are constantly opening and closing. Tuning into exactly what your baby is craving based on their unique developmental stage is the reason we created Lovevery in the
first place. While the science aligns on what is best for a child’s brain development, parents are swimming in advice and competing perspectives, and there is an endless scroll of shopping options. It can feel overwhelming and hard at times to sift through and determine what you actually need and what exactly is happening in your child’s brain. Lovevery is a simple, verifiable, and holistic resource for families. We know that making it easy to tune into your child’s development helps eliminate that feeling of overwhelm, encourages meaningful parent-child connection, and ultimately leads to greater outcomes for more children.
Q
Rod, you are a father to twins! How important was it to be part of a product that your twins were going to love? ROD: When we started working on Lovevery, I had just finished going through the first few years of early childhood with them. My twins are older now, but I would have loved to have an option like Lovevery as a parent when they were born. When you have two children at the same time, it turns you into not only how each child can flourish in their own unique way and do so even more with the right support from their parents. I’ve been very involved in supporting their learning over the years, and we have always taken a conservative approach to screen time in our home, so it’s natural to have co-created a brand that aligns with that, and which can be a platform for bringing families together and improving outcomes for children.
Q
Jessica, this is your second company and you’re a mother. How do you find the time to juggle both? JESSICA: I try to be as present as possible no matter what I’m doing, whether it’s something Lovevery-related or spending time with my kids and husband. My family
refuels and inspires me. I couldn’t do what I do without their support. At the same time, I know it’s so important for my kids to see their mom building something and working towards a goal. Even though I make an effort to be intentional with my time, it’s still a daily juggling act. Inevitably something lacks my attention, whether it’s keeping the house organised or catching up with close friends. There will always be something that I’m wishing for more time to get to!
Q
How does your average day take shape?
JESSICA: It’s an exciting time for Lovevery! Every day looks different, especially because we’re scaling so quickly as a company. Depending on the day, I could be doing anything from working with the team to edit our next board book or on set for a photoshoot with a family, to meeting with investors or interviewing a new hire. No two days look the same anymore. A large portion of our team is based here out of our Boise, Idaho headquarters. We also have teams in Amsterdam and Hong Kong, along with remote employees based across the US. There are plenty of time zones and priorities to manage, which keeps us on our toes throughout the day.
Q
What is next for Lovevery?
ROD: Lovevery has already become an essential resource for parents around the world. We recently launched our subscription Play Kits program in the U.K. and Europe, which was an important milestone for us. Our goal is to continue listening to our customers, expanding the business, and creating new products that serve children all over the word for more years of their early development. Our longterm vision is to support every part of the parenting experience throughout early childhood. We want to be truly accessible to as many families as possible.
THE PLAY KITS The Play Kits program subscriptions start at £40 per month. Lovevery personalise each subscription to a child’s birth date/ adjusted birth date and families keep the kits for more advanced learning and play as a child grows. The Play Kits are Montessori-aligned and designed with a team of experts, academics, researchers, and specialists. For ages 0-3yrs
cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 27
BABY EDIT
Baby it’s Cold Outside
Snuggle up this winter with our favourite ‘Cosy Cherubs Baby’ picks Clover Rug
£40.00
kidly.co.uk
Baby bibs that stay in place
£7.00
Personalised Polar Bear Fleece Dressing Gown
The Little Tailor Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan (Oatmeal)
bibevie.com
£34.00
£32.00
bambinista.com
my1styears.com
Baby Dungarees with Embroidered Animal Faces
£28.00
bibevie.com Baby Sherpa Booties
£12.95
gap.co.uk
Cozi Odyssey Octopus
£26.00
jellycat.com
Done By Deer Cosy Nest
£79.95
babymori.com
Cosy Up with This 3D Moon Lamp
£32.00
thelittleones.co.uk
28 | Cherubs Magazine
Organic Cotton Sheep Baby Blanket
£49.00
thewhitecompany.com
020 8154 3664
Welcoming a new member of the family: BeSafe iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size from birth to approx. 12 months
iZi Turn B i-Size from birth to approx. 4 years
iZi Modular A X1 i-Size from approx. 6 months to 4 years
iZi Flex FIX i-Size from approx. 4 to 12 years
New!
Baby-Secure Baby-Secure Swivel Swivel™
4 YEARS IN 1 SEAT - SAFER ROTATION FROM BIRTH
iZi Turn B i-Size
Featuring the Baby Shell™ & Secure Swivel™: Enables usage from birth with extra side walls & allows for only rear facing travels for babies
besafe.com
STYLE
Loungwear With Karen @stylenurse Are you team love it or team hate it? Without a doubt, one of the best things to come out of lockdown is the acceptance to lounge comfortably in our homes so why not do it in style! Just like Christmas PJs are a thing, we can now also include and embrace the love for loungewear and what better excuse than Christmas. This time of year is all about getting cosy and no better way to do it than in a gorgeous loungewear set as you snuggle down with a large Bailey’s and a good family movie. That’s Boxing Day’s outfit sorted then! Which one will you choose? There is something for everyone no matter what your budget.
Asda
Supermarket Chic asda.com
H&M
Beige Knitted Co-ord Cuffed Joggers
Mix’n’Match hm.com
£15.00
Knitted Trousers
£17.99
Beige Knitted Frilled Sleeve Co-ord Hoodie
Rib-Knit Top
£15.00
£12.99 Rib-Knit Cardigan
£19.99
The White Company
River Island High Street Luxe riverisland.com
thewhitecompany.com Brown Ri Studio Cashmere Blend Jogger
£90.00 Brown Ri Studio Cashmere Blend Jumper
£100.00
Ribbed Jersey Lounge Pyjama Set
£129.00
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020 8154 3664
L ONDON
C OM P L I M E N TA RY PE RS O N A L I S AT I O N
PAR I S
ENGR AVED BY HAND I N 24 HR S
F R EE DEL I VERY OVER £ 150
STYLE
Fashion Edit Don’t be afraid of glitter and glitz this Christmas, whether it’s sequins or satin, make sure you shine on... it’s been a while!
Metallic Doublebreasted Blazer
£250
Reiss reiss.com Metallic Gold Sandals
£595
Gucci gucci.com
Gold Diamante Oval Bag
£30
PrettyLittleThing prettylittlething.com
Velvet Midi Dress In Berry
£168
Reiss reiss.com
Pleat Detail High Waist Trouser
£79.99
Mango mango.com
32 | Cherubs Magazine
020 8154 3664
STYLE Smoky Quart Necklace
£69
Tutti & Co tailormadeliving.co.uk
Starburst Earrings
£15
Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com
High Neck Satin Dress
£29
Zara zara.com
Gather Satin Skirt
£29.99
Adela Strappy Sandals
Zara zara.com
£165
Reiss reiss.com
Website: tailormadeliving.co.uk Instagram: @tailormadelivingstore cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 33
STYLE
The Body Positive Mum Talks Shape Wear Ladies, do you ever feel a little on the unsexy side when putting on those spanx to hide the lumps and bumps? Yes, us too. Fear not, we’ve teamed up with the gorgeous Holly from @thebodypositivemum to bring you the must-have shapewear this season that will leave you feeling fabulous both on the dance floor and at home. Here’s what Holly had to say... Party season is upon us and I’m so excited to be getting out to celebrate the festive season, especially with my new shapewear. Defining the waist and smoothing the hips has never felt so good. For a long time I have felt that shape wear has been super unflattering. Yes, it does the job in making us look good in a slinky outfit – outfits I wouldn’t usually dream of wearing. There were times when I could remember
coming home after an evening out and wanting to hide under my dressing gown, while trying to take it off before my partner saw me in it. Thankfully, times have changed. Shapewear has evolved and not only can we look good in an outfit, we can also feel super sexy in it too. Let’s just say, I no longer hide under my dressing gown after an evening out – I feel confident and feeling confident in yourself
Shape & Sculpt Wear
joebrowns.co.uk
simplybe.co.uk
34 | Cherubs Magazine
One of my favourite SHAPEWEAR items is from simplybe – Shape & Sculpt. It pulls me in all the right places and you can wear it with your favourite bra too. Win-win!
s look y l ol Get H
Black And Gold Majestic Velour Dress
£60
is so important. It can lift your mood and honestly, you feel like you can take on the world.
£28
020 8154 3664
diamondsbyfabio.com
My
goal is to provide a bespoke service, allowing clients as much input as possible into the creation of their jewellery. It is a truly unique experience, embedded with thought and sentiment from the client, coupled with the highest level of craftsmanship.
07709 095665
@diamondsbyfabio
DIAMONDS by FÁBIO
BEAUTY
Party ready in 10! It’s that time of the year! Whether it’s an office party or a mum’s night out, it’s time to sit down and take some ‘you’ time and just enjoy putting on your makeup again. So, if you get five minutes, or dare I say lucky enough to get 10 minutes, here are my favourite looks and go-to products that give you instant results in seconds.
Five-Minute Party Look When you only have five minutes, it’s all about choosing products that look fabulous in one sweep. Opt for a bold lip, and a sparkle eye for a simple, effective look and better yet – no brushes needed.
RED LIP Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in shade Uncensored Now a 12-hour wear lipstick that doesn’t dry out the lips is hard to find, tried and tested for you this formula is a 10 out of 10 for a statement lip that lasts all day.
£20
SPARKLE SHADOW Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow in shade Allspice A little sparkle can go a long way! I love this formula because it glides on beautifully, it’s completely creaseproof, and it doesn’t create fallout like some shimmers can. It almost looks like crushed diamonds on the eye. I’ll take one in every colour please!
harveynichols.com
£27
bobbibrown.co.uk
BLUSH Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Lip & Cheek Colour in shade Rose When time is of the essence, multitasking products like these are our saviour. Apply to cheeks and lips for a fresh tint in one sweep, no brushes needed!
MASCARA Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara A good black mascara just instantly pops the eye and is perfect for enhancing any eye colour, and this delivers all of that with the most beautiful, full, fluttery lashes.
£24
lookfantastic.com
£29
libertylondon.com
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020 8154 3664
BEAUTY
10-Minute Party Look Nothing says glamour like a smokey eye! Add a little drama to your look with these products for an instant glow up that will last all night long.
PALETTE Natasha Denona Camel Palette This palette makes creating smokey eyes so simple, incredible pigments, flattering tones and a mix of matte and shimmer shadows, allows you to create soft or sultry looks for any occasion.
LINER NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner When it comes to liquid liners, it’s all about the fluidity and pigment, and this wins on both. The applicator tip makes it easy to apply, whether you are a beginner or pro.
£41
£9
lookfantastic.com
boots.com
GLOSS Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in shade Pillow Talk Oh the glamour this gloss adds while gently plumping is incredible, wear alone or on top of any of your favourite lip colours for the ultimate party-ready pout.
SETTING SPRAY MAC Fix+ Tempting Fate Setting Spray This beautiful formula will not only fix your makeup in place, it’s infused with pearlescent particles to ensure you glow from coffee to cocktails.
£25
charlottetilbury.com
£24
lookfantastic.com
Instagram: @bbpro_amyconway cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 37
READING
Reading This Season
Recommended by Pickled Pepper Books
Wake Up
By Isabel Otter and Pau Morgan – 0-3 years This gorgeous board book (made from 100% recycled board!) is a wonderful way for your youngest ones to explore nature. Watch the different hibernating animals wake up using the peek-through holes.
Nibbles Christmas
Babies & Toddlers
By Emma Yarlett – 0-3 years Say hello to all your favourite jungle animals in this adorable lift-the-flap book. Little ones will love saying ‘hello’ to a whole host of friendly jungle animals in this delightful book. Sam Boughton’s vibrant illustrations bring facts to life with deft humour and memorable comparisons.
Tiny Reindeer
By Chris Naylor Ballsteros – 0-5 years A lyrical picture book and a moving reflection on immigration, family and home. Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family.
38 | Cherubs Magazine
Octopus Shocktopus
By Peter Bently and Steven Lenton – 0-5 years Not everyone likes the giant octopus when it first lands on top of the house, but its kind nature & funny games soon has the whole town wanting a giant octopus of their own! A heart-warming, beautiful story about friendship, acceptance, and giant space octopi. 020 8154 3664
READING
Books to get them reading for pleasure
Beetles For Breakfast
By Madeleine Finlay and illustrated by Jisu Choi – 7 years+ This book is all about saving the planet in weird and wonderful ways. Children are invited to explore creative ways we can tackle climate change through following a day-in-the-life of a child from the future. Funny, informative and guaranteed to inspire.
Early years Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales From The Past
Written and Illustrated by Black creators, with a forward by Candice Brathwaite – 5 years+ This stunning collection of stories is a fantastic way to introduce children to important figures and events from Black history. Featuring a dazzling array of authors and illustrators, this anthology is a book to be treasured for a lifetime.
Return Of The Pests
By Emer Stamp – 8 years+ Stix is back, and naughtier than ever! We absolutely loved Emer Stamp’s first book, Pests, and now the story continues with even more mischief. When their building is threatened by a new evil landlord, Stix and his friends must work together to scare him away and keep their home safe.
Frankenstiltskin
By Joseph Coelho and Illustrated by Freya Hartas – 8 years+ This delightfully creepy novel in verse is the perfect read for winter nights. Award-winning poet Joseph Coelho has stitched together two classic tales, Frankenstein and Rumpelstiltskin, to create a monstrous story of bravery, cunning, and magic. is vividly brought to life by the gorgeous illustrations of Freya Hartas.
10 Middle Ln, Crouch End, London N8 8PL 020 3632 0823 • pickledpepperbooks.co.uk Instagram: @PickledPepperEnfield @pickledpepperbooks Twitter: @PickledEnfield cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 39
EDUCATION
PTA Provide Time, Anytime By Aimee Hart @hart_at_home Those of you who have read my articles before will know that I am a Deputy Head at the same school my daughter attends. This was a decision I made to make our dayto-day lives easier and to ensure she had friends in the area we lived. Plus, the school is amazing and I couldn’t wish for more. Having the ‘parent & staff member’ status is pretty difficult to juggle and ensuring I stay professional without being cold can be a hard balance to strike. But, I feel that having relationships with other parents is key and having a positive relationship with your child’s school is essential. This year the current members of our PTA (parent teacher association) stepped down leaving a huge problem. The money raised from events is vital to give the school funds for those things that it’s already stretched, budget can’t afford. I’ve seen the surplus that schools have and believe me when I say there is never enough to meet the growing needs of schools. Enter… PTAs! Discos, tuck shops, coffee mornings, non-uniform days, summer fetes, Christmas markets et cetera. All of these events are planned and delivered by your school’s PTA or ‘Friend of School’ group. School staff simply don’t have the time or enough people to orchestrate these events. Not only do these events provide wonderful opportunities for
the children but they raise the vital funds for schools! For example: four £1 nonuniform days a year alone can raise £1,000 in a small school. This money then goes directly to something that will benefit the children in school. Full circle! I was blissfully unaware of how much these groups did for the school and how, without them, those little extra touches would be gone for good. So, if you’re not part of your school’s PTA for one of the following reasons… take a read to see how you can help. I don’t have time! Now you might be thinking to yourself “what can I offer? I work full time and have no time or energy for events!” Playing an active role doesn’t always mean being at every event or pouring every cup of tea. Being enthusiastic, sharing ideas and communicating with your class parents can be done from your phone and I guarantee will be highly appreciated. Liking posts on Facebook or sharing fundraising ideas is a great way to stay involved. Maybe you could sign up for one event over the course of the year or offer to make or prepare something in a small window of time you have. I don’t know anyone! Maybe you are feeling slightly intimidated by the thought of joining a group of parents
you don’t know. Or maybe they are all from a one year group and seem like a ‘clicky’ group. This will not be the case, they will welcome you with open arms. They all started feeling exactly the same way and will want you there. It’s always one of the best ways to get yourself known to others and create relationships and friendships. I have no idea about planning events! Ok, unless your PTA decides to do something pretty radical, most events are easy to plan but difficult to organise without supporters to pick up delvieries (usually of hotdogs), decorate spaces or just put tables and chairs out. Leave the planning to someone else but offer your services for something different. I always love manning the tombola. Times are changing and money is tight within schools. Everything costs more and every penny of the schools budget needs to be used strategically. Funds raised by the school PTA go towards those things that put the cherry on the top… or are needed in an emergency. Please help in any way you can. I promise you will get that warm fuzzy feeling if you do.
Website: myevelynandme.com 40 | Cherubs Magazine
020 8154 3664
North Bridge House
New for 2: Sept 202 o 4+ entry t Prep
North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know and understand every child as an individual, realising their true academic and personal potential through specialist provision at every school stage. 67% Grade 7+ at GCSE. Russell Group & Oxbridge destinations. NURSERY & PRE-PREP
NURSERY & PRE-PREP
PREP SCHOOL
SENIOR HAMPSTEAD
SENIOR CANONBURY
WEST HAMPSTEAD
HAMPSTEAD
REGENT’S PARK
11 - 16 YEARS
11 - 18 YEARS
2 - 7 YEARS
2 - 7 YEARS
4 - 13 YEARS
Apply now at northbridgehouse.com or call 020 7428 1520 to find out more.
EDUCATION - ADVERTISING FEATURE
Here come the Preps! Life in the Prep Department (age 4-7) at Palmers Green High School is very busy, fun and exciting. Alongside our highly experienced Class Teachers, girls in Reception enjoy subject specialist teaching in Drama in one of our two School halls, Music in the dedicated studio, and PE in the gym and outside. From Year 1, this is complemented by Design and Technology in the DT Lab and Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish). As a single-sex school, there are no stereotyped roles to fall into and our girls experience a full, broad and balanced curriculum in an environment that fosters (safe) risk-taking, resilience and confidence. Our class sizes are small, every child is well-known and their individual talents are nurtured alongside support for those areas they find more challenging. School is a calm and caring place to be. If you don’t believe us, here’s what life in the Preps is like in their words:
Mae Reception “Today we were doing the very best thing ever: we were making a portrait. Then we 42 | Cherubs Magazine
were doing some words and numbers together. We were colouring them in. I really love the school.”
Amelia Reception
“My favourite thing is when we sit down on the carpet. We learn our subjects. We did shapes today. I do lots of writing.”
Charlotte Year 1
“In D&T we make things that are really dangerous. But Mr Pepper will help us to make it safe. We learn how to use tools. I used a saw to chop a piece of wood.”
Sophia Year 1 “I like my teacher because on Fridays we have golden time; it’s at the end of the day and we get to choose anything that we want to do.” Aria Year 1 “I like my teachers because they help us whenever we need help in our work. On Friday, last week, we made Gruffalo Tusks and I really enjoyed it and Mrs Kempster got to have one too. I really enjoyed
someone coming into our classroom to see our work.”
Eliza Year 2 “In History we have learnt about Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragettes. We learnt that they used to meet in our School Hall!” We know that some pupils’ start to school has been greatly disrupted by the pandemic. We are proud of the continued education that all our pupils received through the lockdowns and are confident that they have not suffered academically by learning from home. If you want to give your daughter the very best start to her school life, visit us virtually at www.pghs.co.uk. You can complete a registration form online, or contact us through the School Office. Reception entrance days are held in November, where you and your daughter will be invited to a personal session at the School. If you are interested in a place in a different year group, there are limited vacancies; contact us on 020 8886 1135 to talk through your personal situation.
020 8154 3664
WINCHMORE HILL
Turning potential into reality
PGHS is number one in The Sunday Times league table for small independent schools
Visit us virtually at www.pghs.co.uk or contact us to arrange a private tour Palmers Green High School, 104 Hoppers Road, London N21 3LJ Tel: 020 8886 1135 www.pghs.co.uk Email:office@pghs.co.uk
EDUCATION - ADVERTISING FEATURE AS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES The Cambridge AS Global Perspectives course is a ground-breaking and stimulating course that stretches across traditional subject boundaries and develops 21st Century transferable skills. It is both cross-curricular and skills-based and taps into the way learners of today enjoy learning, including teamwork, presentations, projects, and working with other learners around the world. The emphasis is on developing the ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view.
Mount House School
AS LEVEL THINKING SKILLS
Analytical thinking underlies all rational conversation, argument and enquiry. It is characterised by a meticulous and rigorous approach to the nature of the argument being discussed. It involves the analysis and evaluation of information and the development of a range of intellectual skills that aid the use of reasoning to reach clear, logical and coherent judgements within a given context. During the course, students will much improve their ability to analyse any argument presented to them – see what the conclusion is, what reasons are being presented, any assumptions used and any flaws in the reasoning.
AS LEVEL CITIZENSHIP
This year the theme for the Housesuch community is pride. In this course, students willwhole learnMount more about concepts as It is so important that any community feels pride, both collectively and individually. identity, democracy, power and justice and will be encouraged to I am proud of everything our students achieved last year, working hard and approach different viewpoints opinions critically, in order dealing with the challenges theyand faced with determination and atosense of humour. This understanding year, we want everyone to be proud of our school; of our gain a deeper of contemporary debates surrounding wonderful surroundings, of the effort, we make inside and outside the modern citizenship. The course encourages an active and classroom, of the way in which we treat each other and the way in which participatory approach to also citizenship, including opportunity toof our we treat ourselves. We will be thinking about the Pride in the sense inclusivity, and we strive to beina an welcoming and tolerant community where conduct individual research area of personal interest. we understand the difference between being a bystander and being an upstander.
AS LEVEL It has been LAW wonderful to welcome our new students and staff this year,
and am very much enjoying to know them. Ourand newhelps cohort of year Our AS Level in Law fostersgetting students’ interest in law 7s are a great deal of fun and come from all over the world as well as from them develop and skills relevant toschool. furtherWe study law London, addingknowledge to the wonderful diversity of our haveofwelcomed and other subjects. Students willSixth develop of the a small group of students to our Formtheir and knowledge that has made me reflect on what our Sixth Form is all about. between With relatively small numbers, law in England, and the interaction law, morals, justice, we are able to offer a personalised learning experience, enabling students to work society and technology. They at will also study Criminal and Tort. to in a tutorial style atmosphere the heart of which liesLaw the opportunity ask questions, fully engage with learning and develop confidence.
All Mount House students have the opportunity to lead, and especially GCSE LATIN Sixth Formers. While they inhabit their own social space, they also have
For information Findmore out more about about Sixth Form andat Mount House School www.mounthouse.org.uk Open Days, please call or by calling 020 8449 6889 020 8449 6889 or emailing admissions@ or visit the website mounthouse.org.uk www.mounthouse.org.uk
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GCSE is designed to help students their knowledge a highLatin profile in the school, working withdevelop younger students through the Guardians programme, co-curricular drama and music, and understanding of the vocabulary,sport, syntax and accidence of the the house system, the student and more. Latin language, and council also of ancient literature, values and society through the studyworld, of original texts. In the post-Covid we also ask our students to be outward-facing, and we look forward to the growth of our community projects, which begin this month with our science mentoring programme with Monken Hadley primary school – an exciting venture which we hope will be the start of THE ACCREDITATION FOR LANGUAGES IN BUSINESS several wonderful activities. And now we begin to look forward to the [FRENCH] return of school trips, as we plan for Paris in June, Berlin in October and we very is much hope for a return to theemployability French Alps inand December This a fantastic course to boost develop2022. That is when we will feel we are truly back to normal!
knowledge of languages for the world of international business. This blended learning course involves a series of practical Sarah Richardson Head assessments to develop students’ speaking and listening, reading Mount House School and writing skills in a business context. It is suitable for students who have previously studied French to GCSE level.
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If If you you would would like like to to visit visit Mount Mount If you would like to visit Mount House House and and see see our our School School in in House and see our School in If you would likelike to visit Mount action or to action or would would like to register register action or would like to register House andfor seeour ourassessment School in your your child child for our assessment your child for our assessment action or would day, visit day, please please visit like to register day, please visit your child for our assessment www.mounthouse.org.uk www.mounthouse.org.uk www.mounthouse.org.uk day, please visit 6889 or 020 or call call 020 8449 8449 6889 or call 020 8449 6889 www.mounthouse.org.uk
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EDUCATION - ADVERTISING FEATURE
in Enfield RTSY The Creative School of Art looks at the holistic approach of creating art and the benefits which help children with well-being and mental health. Art is not just a subject it is a powerful tool, which evokes inner happiness, confidence, fulfilment and self-expression. Our children have suffered during this epidemic in different shapes and forms and heavily relied on iPads, mobile phones and consoles for fun, passing the time and enjoyment. I believe that children need to expand their creativity and imagination and find enjoyment in the visual Arts again. RTSY is a unique Saturday School which has small class sizes in a safe space indoor and outdoor. Children have the opportunity to spend more one to one time with their art teacher, make friends with like minded individuals, share ideas, feel proud and achieve success. Through our creative curriculum, our students will be introduced to advanced techniques and skills not yet taught to them on the national curriculum. We encourage them to experiment with a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, graffiti, digital art, textiles and much more.
Art is a magical subject, which helps reduce stress and has therapeutic properties, which enables children to succeed with academic success, feel part of arty community, share their thoughts and ideas about their visual world, and enhance their inner artist. RTSY gives you the opportunity to work outside and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and to explore and take inspiration from nature. In addition, it enables young eyes to see the elements of art line, shape, tone, form and texture through observational studies. One of the components of our teaching is History of Art which enables young children to explore the story behind a painting which helps develop new painting techniques and learn about the life and inspiration of an artist’s life and journey. RTSY develops every child’s inner artist to shine. AUTUMN TERM Saturday Art School in Enfield: 24 Sep - 27 Nov / Every Saturday / 90 Minutes Infants Art Classes (Ages 4-9) Juniors Art Classes (Ages 10-13)
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EDUCATION
Top tips for making homework sessions easier for children who have ADHD As things continue to return to ‘normal’, the demands of adapting to regular routines can be overwhelming for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Making use of a tutor from specialist companies, such as Tutor Doctor, during this period can provide some valuable support for parents who equally may be struggling to positively impact their child’s learning experience. Children who have ADHD benefit from personalised approaches and learning opportunities in their education. And with ADHD awareness month having just finished, now is a great time to consider alternative ways to enhance your child’s educational journey in the long-term. Becky Ward, the Education Experience Specialist at Tutor Doctor, has provided her top tips for making homework a positive experience for kids who have ADHD. Take breaks It can be hard to concentrate on one task for a long time, especially if you are struggling with the task. This is even more true for students who have ADHD. Take frequent, but short, breaks to help avoid feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. A 2-3 minute
break every 20-30 minutes is sufficient for many students, however, tailor this to the needs of the individual. Create sub-tasks It can be daunting for students with ADHD to complete, or even get started on large tasks, such as in-depth projects or long pieces of text. By breaking these into smaller sub-tasks, it helps the student understand how the overall task can be accomplished. It’s very helpful if the subtasks are small enough that the student can accomplish them during their 20–30-minute work period. Give choices Most kids engage better when they feel in-control of the situation, so give them choices to personalise their own learning experience. This might be choosing the order in which they tackle their homework tasks, or what they do on their break, for example. Understand though, it can be hard for kids to choose from too many options or make another decision when they have already made multiple choices – this is called decision fatigue – and can prevent kids from making a decision at all.
To help, limit their options to just two or three (depending on age and ability) and don’t overwhelm them by asking them to choose too often Personalise expectations Remember that the best effort from a student who has ADHD can look very different from a student who does not have ADHD. Having realistic expectations and establishing consistent positive reinforcement, from high-fives to small rewards, can drastically reduce the stress felt during homework sessions and ensure the child receives the recognition that they deserve for their efforts. End on a high note! It’s very important to end a learning period on a high note. Recognise the signs that indicate a student who has ADHD may be feeling overworked or overwhelmed and stop well before they reach that point to avoid any negative feelings about the learning experience. Ending each study session after a success or win helps students see the session as a positive experience and improves their relationship with learning.
Website: tutordoctor.co.uk 48 | Cherubs Magazine
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
5
Top Pilates Exercises for Pregnancy With Haus Pilates Co.
50 | Cherubs Magazine
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
A pregnant person’s body is working hard, all the time, trust me at 32 weeks I can literally feel it working overtime. Stretching, heart pumping harder, not to mention the hunger levels! Let’s just say, me and a tub of peanut butter are firmly friends! But even though there is so much going on, the misconception of wrapping yourself up in cotton wool for nine months is a myth. Research shows that exercising during pregnancy is not just essential, but beyond beneficial. Not only can it decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and Caesarean delivery, it also reduces back pain, daily aches and, drumroll... can decrease labour time! Saying this, there are some exercises you should avoid and, of course, if you have been advised not to exercise by your doctor or midwife then certainly take their advice. You should avoid lying on your back, curlups, planks and anything prone after 16 weeks. Plus, I always advise my clients to listen to their bodies. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t push it... unless it’s the baby of course. I’ve found my pregnancy to be a time of excitement and relief after going through IVF, but it’s also been filled with anxiety, unknowns, fear and angst. However, one thing that has helped is taking time for me and connecting with my breath on the mat. So here are my top five Pilates exercises for you to do during your pregnancy that not only will have huge benefits for you physically, but mentally too. Knowing you can at least control something, does wonders for the mind.
Pilates Squat Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, slowly squat as far as comfortable (but not too deep) keeping knees apart and over feet, your back lengthened and straight. Slowly return back to standing. As well as normal timed squats, try holding squats for a few seconds in preparation for delivery. Repeat 14 times.
Oyster Lie on your side, with a cushion under your head for extra support and your top hand in front of you for support. Bring your knees together, bending both legs in front of you but drawing your feet back in line with your pelvis. Keeping your feet connected, lift your knee towards the ceiling, making sure you don’t roll back, then slowly control your leg back to where it started. Complete 14 times and repeat on the other side.
Side Lying Circles Lie on your side with your underneath knee on the mat bent to 90 degrees, and your top leg extended and lifted to be at hip height. Keep the top leg straight and slowly start to circle the leg pretending your big toe is circling around a pound coin. Do 10 rotations clockwise and 10 anti-clockwise. Repeat on the other side.
Tricep Dip Starting on your hands and knees, find your neutral spine. Allow the creases of your elbows to face forward and whilst
keeping your bum in the air, slowly bend your elbows ensuring your elbows are going back not wide and then press back up. Repeat 8-10 times.
Table Top Starting on your hands and knees and in your neutral spine, begin to extend your right leg behind you with your toes maintaining contact with the mat. From here, gently lift the leg behind you keeping your hips parallel to the mat. Keep the leg straight as you return the toe back to the mat and with control, bend the knee back to the start position. Repeat on alternate sides 14 times.
Website: officialanna-johnson.com/hauspilatesco Instagram: @hauspilatesco cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 51
HEALTH & WELLBEING
How seasonal affective disorder can affect young people By Marilena Andreou - cognitive behavioural psychotherapist Does your child hate the shorter darker days during the winter months? Do they crave and eat more carbohydrates during the winter? Has their mood worsened in the winter?
winter could cause SAD as it disrupts the body’s internal clock. In children and young people, this may show through oversleeping when this was not an issue in the spring and summer months.
What is sad? ‘Seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD) can also be described as a type of ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms tend to become more prominent during the winter months. Then, when the seasons change again, the depression subsides until the following year. SAD can affect both adults and children, the symptoms can present a little differently in children. Unfortunately sometimes children can be portrayed as lazy or disruptive by teachers, when in fact this could be part of their overall presentation of SAD. Both teachers and parents need to be very careful when labelling children in this way as this is a misconception. It would be more helpful to increase one’s understanding and awareness of SAD in order to help the young person improve how they feel.
Serotonin levels Evidence suggests that reduced sunlight can also cause a drop in serotonin levels in the brain and reduced serotonin can cause depression.
There are several factors that have been shown to play a significant role in the development of SAD including; circadian rhythm, serotonin levels and melatonin levels. Circadian rhythm This theory suggests that the decreased amount of sunlight in the autumn and
Melatonin levels Reduced sunlight in the autumn and winter interferes with the balance of melatonin in the body, which causes feelings of fatigue. SAD symptoms to look out for in children and young people • Persistent low mood. • Loss of pleasure in usual day-to-day activities – at school this could include not wanting to complete work or homework tasks. • A general lack of energy and feeling lethargic. • Sleeping more than usual. • Irritability. • Craving carbohydrates (for example sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates) and gaining weight. What parents and guardians can do to help improve symptoms of SAD • Speak to the child and help them to understand, providing more simple
explanations. Remember to be patient with them. • Encourage the child to get more light exposure and exercise by spending more time outdoors, for example by going for daily walks together. • Light therapy (phototherapy)- a light box can be placed on a desk and the person sits in front of it for around 45 minutes a day. Symptoms may improve within a few days or weeks. • Establish a good sleep routine. • Help with homework – the child may temporarily need some additional support. Concentration levels may be low at the moment, so helping the child to understand this is key. • Encourage the child to eat a balanced diet, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables (avoid overloading on simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks). • Medicine – you could talk to a GP about anti-depressants, which can help balance the serotonin levels and other neurotransmitters. • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for SAD. In conclusion, SAD in young people can lead to a lack of concentration, feeling lethargic and a general reduced mood. However, fortunately there are things that parents/ guardians and teachers can do to help to improve the symptoms.
Website: inspiring-minds-therapy.co.uk 52 | Cherubs Magazine
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Let’s chat Breakfast!
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day? There’s a lot of legend surrounding breakfast. In this article, we cut to the facts of do’s and don’ts with registered nutritional therapist Sophie Trotman.
Do’s Avoid placing limits on breakfast In the West, there is a rhetoric that there are only certain things you can eat for breakfast. How do you feel about curry for breakfast? Or fish and vegetables? The concept of ‘breakfast foods’ was invented in the 1940s by savvy marketers in order to sell cereal. An ideal breakfast is a balanced plate of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibre and micronutrients (vitamins/minerals). This could be anything. Include a source of protein It is key to spread our protein intake throughout the day to maximise protein uptake. This also helps to balance our blood sugar and increase the satiety of breakfast, hopefully leading to less midmorning snacking. Add a scoop of highquality protein powder, nuts, almond butter, ground flaxseed or full fat Greek yoghurt to oats. Add eggs or nut butter to toast. Steer clear of juice Most juice is made of fruit. However, as it’s been pulverised and the fibre removed, the sugar is ‘free’ and therefore the same as added sugar. When you eat a piece of fruit, it contains fibre which slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. And there are many fruit juices on the market that contain added sugar, flavourings and preservatives... and don’t get dentists started on fruit juice. Be mindful of sugar intake Most breakfast cereals and breakfast bars are laden with sugar. Jams are also full of sugar. We all know why we should be avoiding sugar, but it’s particularly important to keep sugar intake low at breakfast. This is because what we eat first has a greater impact on our blood sugar.
Don’t Eat the same breakfast every day We know that a varied diet is key for hitting nutrient targets and optimising gut health, yet in the clinic I often see clients eating the same thing for breakfast every day. Get creative and mix it up! Eat breakfast infront of a screen It is very tempting to eat your breakfast by your laptop, responding to some emails in between mouthfuls. However, we should avoid this as it inhibits the cephalic phase of digestion, where we look at, smell and acknowledge our food and digestive enzymes are secreted. Take some time away from screens and engage with mindful eating to improve digestion.
Drink poor quality plant milks The past ten years have seen a boom in plant milks of all sorts. Almond, oat, hazelnut… even pistachio! While it is fantastic to have so many options, we should avoid products containing flavouring, gums and sunflower lecithin as they can be damaging for gut health and more. Drink coffee while eating breakfast Coffee inhibits the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and B Vitamins. Have your morning coffee at least 45 minutes after breakfast if possible. Sophie Trotman DipION mBANT CNHC, a Registered Nutritional Therapist. Sophie sees clients for virtual one-to-one consults and does workplace wellness talk.
Website: sophietrotmannutrition.com Instagram: @sophietrotmannutrition cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 53
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Start Your Day The Right Way By Katy Mitchell As a busy parent it’s expected that we will forever put others’ needs ahead of ours. This is admirable but completely unsustainable for our physical and mental wellbeing and our ability to keep on giving to our children. There comes a time, whether it’s through catching a glimpse of our tired face in the mirror (as we quickly brush our teeth while shouting to the children to get their shoes on), or trying to squeeze back into last year’s jeans or when our bodies are screaming at us to stop with headaches, stomach problems or body pain. Whatever brings you to the realisation, at some point we need to start prioritising our health and wellness and start living that 54 | Cherubs Magazine
dream of a clean, healthy lifestyle that fits effortlessly into our busy life. I’m here, not only to tell you it’s not a dream, or a trade off between looking after yourself or your family, it’s doable and I’m going to tell you how. It all starts with this one thing... a good morning routine. It really is as simple as that.
to drop off mid-afternoon never to be seen again (I know, I’ve been there). Secondly, it shifts your mindset from resentful, that you get no time to yourself, to a feeling that you matter and that you’re taking steps towards being the best version of yourself. On top of that it sets you up for the day and puts you in a health oriented mindset (so you are less likely to want a mid-morning biscuit or some of the children’s chips).
If you start your day the right way it will take very little out of your day time-wise and give you two major advantages. Firstly, by doing these key things for yourself first thing in the morning they won’t get pushed to the back of your list where they are likely
OK, so we’ve established all the reasons for doing some things for yourself first and now we move onto what it should look like. This is my morning routine and the one I advise other busy parents that I work with to adopt too. 020 8154 3664
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Fasting
Exercise
This requires zero effort and time. Intermittent fasting with a window of 14 to 16 hours means you can eat your last meal at 7pm and fast until between 9am and 11am the next morning (you can still have a black coffee). Great for weight loss and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation (the root of so many diseases) as well as helping insulin resistance (diabetes).
Again, keep it short. You are going to get far more benefit from a daily short session of exercise than an occasional hour when you get the chance. Shorter sessions make it easier to form habits. When we keep it short we’re more likely to be consistent so it becomes a habit and shorter sessions are easier to fit into your day so again you’re more likely to keep them up. Have a predetermined 20-minute exercise to do straight after the walk. Put your yoga mat out, laptop or weights. Know what you’re going to do, be it yoga, weights or HIIT.
Walk
Meditate
Take a walk before you start picking up after children/partner/dog/office work. It doesn’t have to be more than a 10 minute walk around the block. The main thing is that you are getting fresh air, moving and and setting your circadian rhythm with exposure to natural light early in the day – meaning that you will be more alert now and ready to sleep quicker and deeper when you go to bed.
I know that when I say this people panic or mentally decide to skip it, but don’t. The aim of this is to give you a set time each day when your mind can rest, anything from three minutes upwards is going to be really beneficial. You can jump straight in with a guided app like Headspace, which has loads of different meditations or another great way to start this practice is through breathwork. Try the 4/6 breath; you breathe in through
the nose for a slow count of four, breathe out through the nose for a slow count of six. Repeat for three or more minutes and you will feel the calm descend.
Cold Shower As a final step, take a quick shower and finish with 2 minutes of cold. This instantly improves your mood and really gives you back your ‘get up and go’. Also, it can really help with your weight loss goals because it increases your metabolism and makes your body produce more brown fat cells (these are the ones you do want!). So that’s it, your perfect ‘get me back to me’ start to the day and it can all be done and dusted in well under an hour. Remember office workers get a lunch hour and as a full time parent you are also more than entitled to take this time for yourself. Do not feel guilty! Once you’ve established this as your set routine you will start to notice big changes in your health and fitness levels and also your desire to do more positive things for your health and wellness, building on your good foundations. So, what are you waiting for? Start tomorrow and you won’t look back!
Website: katymitchellyoga.com Instagram: katy_mitchell_yoga_wellness Facebook Group: Fastrack to Wellness cherubsmagazine.com
Cherubs Magazine | 55
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Ask The Nutritionist With Christianna Karalis from Eat Happy Feel Good
Q
Q
A
Yes it could be; the hormonal changes happening during the perimenopause and menopause can affect hair growth and thickness– particularly the drop in oestrogen and progesterone which lead to an excess in androgen levels causing hair loss and thinning. However, there are several other possible causes for hair loss, including nutrient deficiencies, stress, iron deficiency anaemia and thyroid issues. It’s best to do some investigating and find out what your specific cause is and have a targeted management plan; don’t automatically assume its perimenopause-related. There are several nutrients that are important for hair health and a deficiency in one or more of these could be a contributing factor. They include iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, omega 3, vitamin E, biotin. My advice would be to check you’re getting adequate levels of these nutrients – and always check your iron levels before supplementing. In most cases you should be able to get enough nutrients from a tailored nutrition plan but in some cases supplementation is needed. I would also recommend checking your thyroid function as not only is this a possible cause of hair loss, some symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism overlap with menopausal symptoms. And of course stress can have a huge effect on hair loss. So take stock, are you particularly stressed at the moment? Is there anything you can do to reduce stressors and also help how you manage stress? Even if it is not related to your hair loss, it’s still a wonderful thing to do for your health.
What’s the best diet for weight loss? I’ve tried every diet going and none of them seem to work for me. I’m heavier than I’ve ever been and don’t feel happy with myself.
I wish there was one perfect diet for weight loss – there isn’t. There are some common threads to most weight loss diets: being in a calorie deficit, making sure you’re getting enough protein and fibre for satiety, hydration, minimising calorie-dense foods, avoiding processed foods et cetera – things most of us know. But I think what actually can make a weight loss diet successful is if it’s sustainable and enjoyable – healthy eating can be so flavourful and delicious. I could give you an eating plan guaranteed to make you lose weight at first – but if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle and you’re not enjoying it, you will not stick to it and any weight loss will be temporary. It may even be damaging to your relationship with food and that’s never a good thing. All those diets you’ve tried won’t have been a waste because you’ve learned something from each of them. You know so much more than you realise but if you need more support then reach out to a professional. Find a way of eating that teaches you healthy habits – this is key for long term weight loss. Look at your behaviours around foods, what can you change to make weight loss as easy for yourself until the new behaviours become ingrained habits? For me, overall health is also important, including when it comes to fat loss, so make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. Yes, weight loss is ultimately about calories, but we still want those calories to be from nutritious sources. And finally, consider the lifestyle factors that we know can have a profound impact on weight loss such as sleep, stress and movement.
My hair is falling out and it’s really worrying! I’ve been going through the perimenopause for the last two years. Could that be why?
A
Q
I’ve got PCOS and all I see everywhere is that I should stop eating dairy and gluten to help my symptoms and to lose weight. Is this true? I love cheese!
A
This is absolutely not true! There is no clinical evidence that removing dairy or gluten from your diet will help with PCOS symptoms. It may help some for different reasons – such as creating a calorie deficit and helping weight loss that way. But for most, it is far more effective to identify what your specific PCOS drivers are and address those through food and lifestyle. Although there isn’t one approach that works for all women with PCOS, there are some general dietary guidelines that have been shown to improve PCOS symptoms. Research shows that increasing fibre in your diet will help, specifically, including pulses like lentils and chickpeas. Swap refined carbs for high-fibre options instead. Getting enough healthy fats and omega 3 is also very important, oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds – just be aware of quantities as these can be high-calorie. If fat loss is a goal, ensuring adequate protein intake is distributed throughout the day will definitely help. Gut health and managing blood sugar levels are important in PCOS and both can be significantly improved with a healthy balanced diet that works for you. There may be some supplements that can help such as inositol, probiotics, vitamin D, omega 3, carnitine and a couple of others, depending on individual needs, but these are best used as recommended by a health professional as part of a nutrition and lifestyle protocol. The only time I would support removing any food is if you feel better for it, so you definitely do not need to eliminate your beloved cheese to see improvements.
#lookafteryou
If you’d like to have a consultation with Christianna, contact her on 07851 680 211 or christianna@eathappyfeelgood.co.uk 56 | Cherubs Magazine
020 8154 3664
INTENSE ZONES THERE’S INTENSE, THEN THERE’S BLAZE. It’s new, it’s unique, like nothing you’ve experienced. A test of your strength, stamina and willpower, you’ll run, lift and fight. Blaze will push you to your limit and beyond. An overload of light, sound and energy will power you through your workout. Our instructors will challenge, push and support you, to achieve results you never thought possible. A Myzone heart-rate belt will track your performance every step of the way. With your heart rate streamed on digital screens, you’ll work your body at just the right intensity to get the most from your workout. Get ready to feel the burn and join the tribe #Blazetribe
LIVING
EatHappyFeelGood
Loaded Sweetcorn Chowder Warming, filling, delicious corn chowder, served with loads of toppings… add as many as you like! A perfect winter family meal.
Ingredients
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes • 2 large (340g) tins sweetcorn, drained • 3 cups vegetable stock • 2 cups almond milk Method
1. Add olive oil, onion and garlic to a large pan. Cook for three minutes until softened. 2. Add the potatoes, stir into the onions, cover and cook for five minutes. 3. Add the corn, vegetable stock, almond milk and bring to gentle simmer.
58 | Cherubs Magazine
4. Reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked 5. Blend until smooth. You can either use a stick blender or a blender. Be careful as it will be very hot. 6. This will give you a beautifully thick chowder. If you prefer it a little less thick, add a little more water or vegetable stock. 7. At this point season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 8. The chowder is delicious on its own, but the toppings take it to the next level. You can add whatever you like, I’ve given you a few ideas below.
Toppings Avocado, chicken, crispy bacon, spring onion, extra corn, chilli flakes, chilli oil, tortilla chips, coriander, chives… the possibilities are endless.
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LIVING
Pear & Almond Crisp Base
• 6 large pears, peeled and cut into sixths
Topping
• 1/2 cup flaked almonds • 1 cup ground almonds • 1 cup whole jumbo oats • 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon • optional extra pear for topping.
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180C. 2. Put all the base ingredients in an oven proof dish, mix to combine and bake for 20 minutes. 3. While that’s happening, mix all the topping ingredients in a bowl. 4. Add the topping mix on top of the pears. 5. If using the extra pear, peel, quarter and put on top. 6. Lower the heat to 170 and bake for 45 minutes in the middle of the oven.
Carrot Cake Muffins Ingredients Makes 9 • 1 3/4 cups whole grain or plain flour • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 2 cups peeled and coarsely grated carrots (2-3 large carrots) • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1/3 cup raisins coated in 1 tsp flour • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 2 large eggs, room temperature • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt • 2 tsp vanilla extract • rolled oats and extra chopped walnuts to sprinkle on top
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180C and line your muffin tray with cases 2. Put a sieve over a large bowl, and sieve in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ginger. Mix. 3. In another bowl, combine the oil and maple syrup and whisk well. Add the eggs, yogurt and vanilla and whisk well. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix. 5. Add the grated carrots, chopped walnuts and floured raisins and stir to combine. 6. Sprinkle the top with the oats, extra walnuts and sugar. 7. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a knife inserted into a muffin comes out clean. Enjoy!
Family Favourite Fish Pie Ingredients
• 1kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and halved • 2 cups milk, plus a splash • 2 tbsp butter, plus a little extra for the mash • 2 tbsp plain flour • 6 spring onions, finely sliced • 500g fish – half salmon, half cod • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • parsley • zest of 1 unwaxed lemon • 1 1/2 cups sweetcorn • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas • 1/3 cup grated cheddar Method
1. Preheat oven to 180C 2. Make the mash. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer till tender and cooked through. 3. Drain the potatoes. Add a little milk and a knob of butter. Mash and season well. 4. Put the butter, plain flour and spring onions in a large oven proof pan and cook for two mins. 5. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to thicken. Keep whisking to avoid any lumps. 6. Take off the heat and mix in the mustard, peas, sweetcorn, parsley and lemon zest. Season well with salt and pepper. 7. Add the fish, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish. 8. Gently, spoon the potato on top. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake for 25mins.
Website: eathappyfeelgood.co.uk Instagram: @eathappyfeelgood Cherubs Magazine | 59
HOME - ADVERTISING FEATURE
Landlords Secure a Cash Bonus When Helping Vetted Tenants Get Their Own Home You may be aware that Brexit and coronavirus have made it difficult for tenants to find good quality London property to rent. Although many people left the city for a lifestyle change in the countryside, the trend is shifting. Over the past few months, the demand for rentals has significantly increased. The reason for this is that people are looking to return to London. Plus, domestic and international students are returning to campus. What’s more, the type of rental property is limited as most tenants are searching for the same sort of property… a place with enough space to work from home with a garden or terrace. Finally, thousands of people have lost their jobs, had their income reduced or lost their homes during the pandemic. Now they are struggling to find a suitable home to rent within their budget. What’s the solution to this housing crisis? Introducing the Reka Property Home Finder Scheme: The REKA Property Home Finder Scheme helps landlords immediately let out their properties to fully vetted tenants while providing quality accommodation for Local Housing.
60 | Cherubs Magazine
We give landlords the opportunity to rent their properties immediately through local authorities in London and receive London housing rates. Plus, landlords will receive a cash incentive of up to £1000. In some cases, landlords receive a top-up on the housing rate, making this an attractive incentive. In addition, rent can be guaranteed in some cases, so there is no cash flow loss if you have a vacancy. The benefits of the REKA Property Home Finder Scheme Your property will be let within one week for a solid two-year assured tenancy period, subject to your property satisfying the local authority requirements. What’s more, we give landlords the following benefits: • Access to a Housing Benefit Liaison Officer who can answer queries throughout the tenancy • Direct housing benefit paid to you, not to the tenants • A dedicated property management team to deal with any day-to-day tenant issues • A complete maintenance and repair service can be provided • Property inspections to ensure your property complies with the regulations • Access to our trusted contractors to do any necessary work to comply with the
local authority • Professional advice to help you complete your property license if required by your local authority • Prompt electronic monthly payment of your rent • Maximum Local Housing Allowance (LHA) plus top-up from tenants in most cases • Assessment and vetting of tenant suitability for private renting • A Lettings Officer to help you complete the housing benefit application form to ensure smooth and fast payments. • In some cases, a rent guarantee can be provided by the local authority. All Home Finder tenants are provided with tenancy training and tenancy sustainment support to ensure that your property is looked after. Next Steps? If you have the following types of properties: • • • • •
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How Landlords Can Help Ease The London Housing Crisis, Without Impacting Their Rental Returns If you’ve struggled to find quality tenants, reduce rental vacancies or been frustrated doing the necessary legal compliance, repairs or maintenance, then maybe the REKA Property Home Finder Scheme can help you. This FREE service helps landlords to immediately let their properties to good tenants while providing quality accommodation for Local Housing. Benefits to Landlords: • property let within 10 days • a solid two-year assured tenancy period • fast-tracked housing benefit within days of inspecting your property • a cash incentive up to £1000 • fully vetted quality tenants • receive the housing benefit payment directly to you, the landlord, not to the tenants
To find out more information, call us on 0203 286 6468 or email us at lettings@rekaproperty.co.uk and quote “rent my property.” W W W. R E K A P R O P E R T Y. C O . U K
PARENT LIFE
Telling Your Children You’re Getting Divorced Divorce applications have recently increased but it’s simplistic to put that down to the pandemic. The reality is that the decision to divorce is many years in the making. Covid-19 may have been a catalyst for some couples, and understandably so given the increased pressures of spending months at home and increased amounts of time together, but the underlying cause of a couple’s decision to separate is likely to be much more multifaceted than just one reason. Divorce numbers are up from last year, this is partly due to the courts being shut for several months, causing a backlog for couples wanting to separate. What is really interesting is the change in approach amongst the couples looking to separate. Perhaps it is a by-product of living through a pandemic, and the perspective that has given us all, but couples are increasingly approaching divorce as a life-change they want to navigate well. They have no interest in stigma, or blame, and are looking to get through the process in a way which does not further damage their relationship with each other, or their children, or their own mental health
It may seem straight-forward but the way in which you tell your children that you are getting divorced is hugely important as it will frame how they view this life change you are about to embark upon as a family. Approaching a life changing topic can be overwhelming for parents and navigating these problematic discussions is something that Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates co-founders of The Divorce Surgery have helped many clients to overcome during the last three years. For most couples, the priority is to ensure that children are protected from any fallout, although of course this is easier said than done. So, what are Sam and Harry’s top tips for breaking the news?
Agree on a narrative Agreeing on how and when you’re going to tell your children that you’re getting divorced is vital. Many couples understand the need to agree a script ahead of the conversation as the objective should be to diffuse any distress, agreeing the narrative takes the heat out of the situation at the earliest stage.
What you’ve achieved and what won’t change A bombshell as big as divorce often needs breaking down and explaining step by step. It’s important to illustrate to your children what’s been achieved over the years, the memories you’ve built as a family and that you’ve given each other strength to be brave to try new things alone. You are still very much a family – just reshaped.
Reassurance is key Your children will need lots of reassurance that the divorce is not their fault, stress that nothing they did could have caused or prevented what is happening. Since there are many unknowns at the start of a separation, don’t make promises you may not be able to keep. Reassure them that it may be hard for a while but that it will all be okay after getting used to new arrangements.
Instagram: @thedivorcesurgery 62 | Cherubs Magazine
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Come and join the most inclusive women only night out
WOMEN PROSECCO PIZZA GLITTER LIVE DJS MORE WOMEN…?
When? Thursday 9th December Where? The Clapham Grand For tickets, visit: designmynight.com & search: CHRIZZUP @mrshhayward #YOUCANDRINKWITHUS
READING
The best books to read this winter Recommended by Sara Bragg, host of The Feel Good Book Club @thefeelgoodbookclub With the colder days upon us, it’s time to curl up with a cup of tea, break out the blankets, and get in the festive mood. It’s also the perfect time of year to spend cosy nights at home with some good books. Here, we’ve rounded up six of the best new page-turners to see you through the winter.
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Eight Perfect Hours
By Lia Louis Orion, £8.99 What if you fell in love and then he disappeared? When Noelle and Sam’s lives collide one snowy evening, they spend eight perfect hours stuck side by side believing that they’ll never see each other again. But soon their lives become entangled in ways they never expected – and it’s going to change everything. A heartwarming, romantic tale about fate and second chances.
By Abigail Dean HarperCollins, £7.49 The Sunday Times and New York Times global bestseller, Girl A is a story of redemption, of horror, and of love. Following the news that their abusive mother has died in prison, Lex and her siblings must face their past in this arresting debut that is both a page-turning thriller and a searing portrait of survival.
Are We Having Fun Yet?
The Lincoln Highway
The Joy of Small Things
By Emily Bell Penguin, £7.99 Fate pulled Norah and Andrew apart, but not before they made a promise. If they are both single on Christmas Eve in ten years’ time, they will meet under the clock on Grafton Street, Dublin. Can one extraordinary Christmas bring them back together? An irresistibly romantic read that captures the magic of Christmas in Dublin perfectly. If you loved Josie Silver’s One Day in December, you’ll love this!
By Lucy Mangan Profile Books, £12.99 An uncannily accurate and hilarious portrayal of the diary of a suburban working mother, which absolutely nails the many absurdities of modern family life, from Guardian columnist, Lucy Mangan. Follow Liz for a year on her epic quest for that holy grail: a moment to herself. This book will resonate with any parent who’s been caught out by World Book Day, babysitters and threadworms.
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By Amor Towles Cornerstone, £17.99 The author of A Gentleman in Moscow pays glorious tribute to 1950s America in this extraordinary journey following a group of misfits in pursuit of their dreams. Eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson, recently released from juvenile detention, plans to start a new life in California. But the plan is derailed by Duchess and Woolly, who want Emmett to drive them to New York instead. And so begins this epic tale of obstacles, beautifully written by a master storyteller.
Girl A
By Hannah Jane Parkinson Guardian Faber, £10.00 Drawn from the successful Guardian column, these everyday inspirations will get you through dismal days. Hannah is a specialist in savouring the small pleasures of life. She revels in her fluffy dressing gown, finds calm in solo cinema trips, celebrates pockets and gleefully abandons a book she isn’t enjoying. These everyday joys will utterly delight.
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BEC AUSE W ORKI NG F OR YO URSEL F CAN BE T OU G H. BU T YOU DO N'T NE ED T O D O IT A L ONE.
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LASTLY
5 minutes with Cat Sims Queen of Instagram and making people laugh on a daily basis with her beautiful, honest self! Blog: notsosmugnow.com • Instagram: @notsosmugnow • Podcast: @tvmyhusbandhates
Your bedside reading at the moment is…
Favorite perfume? Tom Ford, Velvet Orchid.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray. After the last 18 months, I’m reconsidering a lot of things and drinking is one thing that I’m trying to figure out. It’s such an interesting read and, for a book about sobriety, not preachy at all which is refreshing!
What gives you instant calmness?
When the kids climb into bed with you on a Sunday morning and snuggle in.
If you needed to hear a voice of comfort, who would you call?
Favourite podcast when you have five minutes peace...
Anything True Crime. I can’t listen to anything else. My favourite True Crime podcast so far has been West Cork – just so, so good. If you want something other than true crime – it can be a bit dark – my husband swears by Stuff You Should Know and Dax Shepard’s podcast, which is really good!
My husband.
Next destination on your list is…
Anywhere! I am so desperate to get aboard. I’ll take anything – except Dubai. I can’t get morally comfortable with Dubai on any level.
Three things you always have in your handbag?
A mask (who’d have thought we would have got to this point), a couple of random stones that my kids have demanded we look after and a tampon that’s probably about two years old, a bit ragged and covered in bag fluff.
Insta or TikTok?
Ooooh, don’t make me choose. That’s like asking me to pick a favourite kid! I love them both. I love the freedom of TikTok but I’m forever grateful for the awesome community on Instagram.
You can choose one superpower… Which album will you have on loop and never be bored with?
Anything by Vulfpeck. Anything. Anytime. Best. Band. Ever.
Favourite holiday memory is...
Sugar. Once I start I just can’t stop. Also toast with butter so thick you can see your teeth marks and bowls of cereal (that stuff is like crack).
Holding hands with Jimmy in New York as we watched Vulfpeck perform at Madison Square Gardens. I took him for his 40th and we were recovering from a really rocky period in our marriage. This trip, the first alone for five years, was the first time I was sure we were definitely going to make it.
Coffee or tea?
Thoughts on mismatch pjs?
Ultimate food weakness?
Until three months ago I would have said tea, but I’ve started having black coffee in the morning and I can’t remember the last time I had tea. However, if I do have a tea, it has to be Yorkshire tea.
Same as my thoughts on mismatched underwear – it’s a fact of life. The people who have the time and energy to always wear matching undies and matching PJs are probably not my people.
It would be super speed. Just imagine all the stuff you could get done!
What language would you love to learn?
I’m pretty good with French but I’d love to be fluent. It’s a language that just makes sense to me and I love how it sounds.
How would you describe yourself?
A goofy, occasionally annoying creative mum committed to kindness with a propensity for committing to something new every week and not being terribly good at sitting still. Lover of dogs and cats, married to music, a mother of girls, a voracious reader and lover of long walks, my hair extensions, writing and napping.
The mantra you live by?
You can do what you like, just don’t be a dick about it.
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