YUMMY MUMMY AUGUST ISSUE
I M A G E : RO C K A H U L A K I D S
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[SHOPPING]
BABIES & KIDS BEACH BABIES The scalloped edged brim of this hat shades little faces and the pink gingham bow adds a pop of sweet and stylish charm! This hat is made for sun-filled adventures on the beach! rockahulakids.com
WE LOVE This Paladone Disney Angel SquishyGlo Rechargeable Silicone Night Light Available on Amazon
BACK TO SCHOOL Monnalisa’s back-to-school collection dresses girls aged 4 to 12 with elegance and practicality. monnalisa.com
TAILORED TO YOU Tailored Living is a multi-award winning interior design and interior architecture studio offering a personalised and comprehensive design process to create luxurious and elegant residential interiors throughout London, Kent and Surrey. tailored-living.co.uk
AUTUMN- INCOMING These mittens are made of a durable fabric and have a pre-shaped fit for greater freedom of movement. Designed to be easy to put on and adjustable for the perfect fit. polarnopyret.com 258 AUGUST 2026
FIT FOR A QUEEN Made using premium acrylic yarn, these beautiful handmade crochet crowns can be reused on different occasions. From shop Sheep Up on folksy.com
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Ready, Set, Roar! Run Wild for tigers at London Zoo. 20 September 2026
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amilies are being invited to Run Wild through London Zoo this September, in a brand-new family-friendly fun run - helping global conservation charity ZSL protect endangered tigers and wildlife around the world. Swinging beside the ring-tailed lemurs, swooping past the vibrant Scarlett Ibis, and trotting by the red river hogs, participants in the new event - open to children aged 4–15, alongside parents and guardians - will get exclusive early access to London Zoo. Designed for all abilities and fitness levels, there’s a gentle one-mile fun run for younger children and first-timers. A scenic 5K route that also ventures through Regent’s Park, is open to participants aged 11 and over, beginning in the Zoo before looping through Regent’s Park and returning to finish inside London Zoo.
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A LONGER CHALLENGE. Part of global conservation charity ZSL, which this year marks its 200th anniversary, London Zoo supports the protection of many critically endangered species – including Sumatran tigers. With fewer than 400 individuals estimated to remain in the wild, London Zoo plays a key role in the conservation breeding programme for Sumatran tigers and has led on veterinary studies and training to support the protection of the species in the wild. Every participant who crosses the Run Wild finish line will receive an exclusive medal and fullday entry to London Zoo to continue the family 260 AUGUST 2026
fun, spend time in nature, and support conservation, all in one memorable day out. Fundraisers who raise more than £80 will receive a free tiger plush toy, while those raising over £200 will be entered into a prize draw to win a family membership to London and Whipsnade Zoos. With just 1,000 places available, early registration is encouraged. Entry to Run Wild at London Zoo is £35 per participant and includes full-day admission to the Zoo. Discounts are available for members, patrons and fellows of the Zoological Society of London. Participants can find out more and sign up at londonzoo.org/runwild
“Designed for all abilities and fitness levels, there’s a gentle one-mile fun run for younger children and first-timers”
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Summer at The Paddington Bear Experience
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Until 6th September 2026
apture special memories this summer with an unforgettable family adventure at ‘The Paddington Bear™ Experience’ at County Hall on London’s South Bank. With bubbles in the air, delicious treats to enjoy including ice cream and macarons and plenty of fun photo moments along the way, there’s no better time to visit. Visitors are invited to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an exciting immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories. Starting with the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station, guests are greeted by a friendly Station Master and taken on a lively train journey through London’s most famous landmarks all the way to the Browns’ charming house at No. 32 Windsor Gardens. Once inside the famous tree-adorned hallway, the Brown family whisk guests into a whirlwind of multi-sensory activities as they need to help Paddington and his family prepare for a very special occasion – The Marmalade Day Festival! With numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way, the adventure culminates in a very special Windsor Garden Street party where visitors have the chance to enjoy the Marmalade Day festival too! A range of food (including Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwich!) and beverages are available to all, as well as an opportunity to enjoy fun and games with the Brown family. The Paddington BearTM Experience captures the hearts of the entire family, no matter the age. Summer Special Tickets are available for an additional £25 per child on top of the standard entry ticket price. A Summer Special Ticket includes The Paddington Bear™ Experience Suitcase Lunchbox, Paddington Ears, Marmalade Sandwich, a refreshing Fruit Shoot and a Paddington Postcard to remember your day. Book in advance or on-site to capture those special memories this summer.
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THE DETAILS The Paddington Bear™ Experience Address: London County Hall, Belvedere Road Tickets available now from paddingtonbearexperience.com
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Rockahula Kids Launches Its Back-to-School Collection Join Us at Harrods This August!
MEET US AT HARRODS’ BACKTO-SCHOOL EVENT To celebrate the launch, Rockahula Kids will be taking part in the Harrods Back-to-School Event on 15–16 August, with a professional hairstylist on hand to create beautiful back-to-school hairstyles using favourites from the collection. Families are invited to visit the Rockahula Kids Boutique on the 4th Floor, Childrenswear, between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm, where children can enjoy complimentary hairstyling, discover the latest collection and find the perfect accessories for the new school year.
EVENT DETAILS Harrods Back-to-School Event Dates: 15–16 August Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Rockahula Kids Boutique, 4th Floor, Childrenswear, Harrods
ABOUT ROCKAHULA KIDS
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s the countdown to the new school term begins, Rockahula Kids is making back-to-school shopping a little more magical with the launch of its latest Back-to-School Collection! It’s filled with practical accessories and thoughtful gifts in classic school colours. The collection includes their School Days Hair Gift Set, school bows, satin scrunchies, headbands and velvet headbands, all available in red, green and blue to complement school uniforms. Harriet Jones, Founder of Rockahula Kids: “There’s something so special about getting ready for the start of a new school year. We wanted to create a collection that helps children feel confident, comfortable and excited for that first day back, while making life a little easier for parents too.” 264 AUGUST 2026
Rockahula Kids is a boutique accessories brand just for kids, it’s all about being playful, bright and beautiful! With fun and imagination at the heart of everything the brand does, the designs aim to inspire a creative spirit in children and reflect the way they see the world around them. rockahulakids.com
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TIDY TOT:
The Weaning Innovations Turning Mess into Sensory Milestones
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ritish weaning brand Tidy Tot is championing a shift in how parents approach the introduction of solid foods, moving away from traditional methods and towards ‘Sensory Weaning’. This approach prioritises a baby’s need to touch, squish, and explore food as a vital part of their physical and cognitive development. Learning to eat is one of the most complex tasks a baby will ever master. It requires the coordination of multiple sensory systems, from the fine motor skills needed to pick up a slippery piece of fruit to the oral processing required to manage new textures. For some babies, this sensory experience can feel intense; providing the time and space to lead this exploration is key to building mealtime confidence and preventing sensory overwhelm. For more information on the Tidy Tot range and to explore the science of sensory weaning, visit tidytot.com.
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Innovative Design for Fearless Exploration Tidy Tot’s mission is to remove the barriers to this essential play. At the heart of the range is the multi-award-winning and patented Bib & Tray Kit. This innovation eliminates the gap between the baby and the highchair, creating a large, 100% mess-proof surface that gives babies the freedom to explore without limits. “Learning to eat isn’t just about taste and texture - it’s a full sensory experience,” says Jen, Founder of Tidy Tot. “ Before a baby can confidently eat a new texture, they often need the time and space to see it, touch it, and squish it first. By reducing the pressure and allowing for that frequent, messy exploration, we can help babies build familiarity and confidence at their own pace.” Milestones Beyond the Plate The Tidy Tot range extends beyond mealtime protection to support every developmental milestone: The Bib & Tray Kit: Recognised with numerous industry awards, this kit is a vital tool for baby-led weaning. By providing a dedicated, clean space for food exploration, it encourages the hand-eye coordination and tactile feedback babies need to become adventurous eaters. It ensures that the “bumpy road” to accepting textures is met with curiosity rather than stress.
The Dinky Cup: Transitioning from a bottle to an open cup is a significant developmental step. Another patented innovation, the Dinky Cup is specifically sized for tiny hands and mouths, encouraging the ‘sip’ action that supports oral motor skills and dental health, all while being perfectly weighted to minimise spills. Supporting the Next Generation of Eaters By providing tools that manage the mess, Tidy Tot empowers parents to embrace the process of discovery. When babies are given the space to see, smell, and feel their food, they aren’t just eating they are learning.
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WHY EARLIER IS BETTER FOR
LEARNING FRENCH
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sk a child at Club Petit Pierrot to translate a French word into English and they’ll probably look puzzled. Not because they don’t understand, but because, to them, French isn’t something you translate. It’s simply another language they use. That’s the power of total immersion. Not only does early immersion give children a genuine head start, so there’s no fear or struggle when French is introduced at school, it also
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supports their developing brain by encouraging mental flexibility and critical thinking. That’s the philosophy behind award-winning Club Petit Pierrot, London’s longest-established French immersion programme, trusted by families since 1993. Backed by neuroscience and developed over more than thirty years, its approach is delivered entirely in French by native-speaking teachers through playful, meaningful experiences in a caring environment. They don’t simply study French; they live it, using the language naturally to connect and communicate. That’s the difference between learning a few words and becoming a confident speaker. Along the way, they’ll also pick up an authentic accent. Oh là là ! Weekly classes & Holiday camps for children aged 6 months to 8 years across London. Sessions cover vocabulary aligned with Key Stage 1 & 2 of the curriculum. clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
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Back to School Decor:
Essential bedroom tweaks to help kids focus and relax this term
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s the countdown to the new school year begins, parents are shifting their focus from summer holidays to school uniform prep and academic routines. However, design experts at Nordic wallcovering studio FEATHR point out that one of the most powerful tools for easing this transition is a child’s own bedroom. “The start of the school year is a massive psychological shift for kids,” says Anne Puukko, co-founder of FEATHR. “Suddenly, their bedroom is asked to pull double-duty— functioning as a quiet study hub by day and a calming sanctuary by night. Simple, intentional redecoration with designer wallpaper can help children mentally switch between ‘homework mode’ and ‘rest mode’ without feeling overwhelmed.” To help parents prepare their homes for the autumn term, FEATHR shares four practical decoration tips to optimize children’s rooms for focus, learning, and emotional wellbeing. Style a Dedicated “Study Zone” (Even in Small Rooms) Mixing sleep spaces with workspaces can lead to 272 AUGUST 2026
subconscious restlessness. For a successful backto-school setup, use clever decor styling to visually isolate the homework desk. The Decor Tip: Position the desk facing away from the bed. Use a distinct wall mural or a block of structured, geometric wallpaper behind the desk area. This creates a clear visual boundary that signals to a child’s brain that it is time to sit down and focus, leaving the rest of the bedroom’s distractions behind them. Ditch “High-Octane” Colours for Calming Palettes While bright, primary-coloured bedrooms are popular for toddlers, high-saturation reds and bright yellows can cause sensory overload and anxiety in school-aged children trying to concentrate or unwind.
“While bright, primary-coloured bedrooms are popular for toddlers, high-saturation reds and bright yellows can cause sensory overload and anxiety in school-aged children trying to concentrate or unwind”
The Decor Tip: Update the room’s color palette with muted, earthy tones inspired by Scandinavian design. Swap out loud accents for soft sage greens, warm terracottas, soothing stone greys, and deep ocean blues. These shades are proven to lower heart rates, reduce eye strain, and create an atmosphere of quiet concentration perfect for reading. Bring the Outdoors In with Biophilic Design Integrating elements of nature into a study space—known as biophilic design—is proven to lower cortisol (stress) levels and improve cognitive stamina during mentally tiring school weeks. The Decor Tip: Maximise natural light by positioning the study desk near a window and dressing the surrounding feature wall with a largescale forest mural. This setup does more than look beautiful. Looking at a sweeping tree acts as a visual reset button for a child’s brain. During intense study sessions or screen-heavy homework, these natural vistas give a child’s eyes a healthy place to rest.
“Maximise natural light by positioning the study desk near a window and dressing the surrounding feature wall with a large-scale forest mural”
Breathe Easy: High Quality Inks Provide Toxin-Free Air Quality A hidden barrier to a child’s concentration and sleep quality during the hectic school term is poor indoor air quality. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) commonly found in traditional solventbased paints can cause subtle headaches and afternoon lethargy. The Decor Tip: When redecorating for the new school year, choose materials that protect indoor air health. Opt for wallcoverings printed with water-based HP Latex inks on breathable non-woven papers. Holding prestigious GREENGUARD Gold and UL ECOLOGO certifications, this technology ensures the room remains odorless, allowing your child to sleep safely in the room. The most inspiring classrooms aren’t always at school: they’re the spaces at home that quietly fuel focus, fire up imagination, and welcome deep, restful sleep when the textbooks finally close. We’ve shared our four essential bedroom tweaks, but how will you style your student’s sanctuary this term? Explore the full range of Feathr wallpapers and discover which design will transform your child’s room into their ultimate study hub and peaceful retreat. feathr.com AUGUST 2022 273
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Legoland® Windsor Resort presents
THE WORLD’S LARGEST LEGO FESTIVAL! Until 31 August 2026
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EGO® Windsor Resort is inviting families to step into the LEGO Festival experience designed with kids at the centre to spark creativity, selfexpression and the simple joy of playing together. Appearing at the next iteration of the festival of play are five interactive zones, perfect for guests seeking unique and unmissable experiences at festival. Guests will kick off their day of awesomeness with their LEGO Festival wristband, collected on arrival, and a festival map. These colourful guides unlock the full festival experience, marking guests as an official festival goer ready to play, explore, and celebrate creativity across the park all day long. Not only that, for extra LEGO Festival bragging rights, guests can participate in the 3 Build Challenge and collect stamps on the LEGO Festival map as they conquer each zone. It’s as easy as Build, Collect, Reward – those completing three
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or more exclusive LEGO® Festival brick-building activities, can pick up 3‑in‑1 LEGO® Creator gift before heading home. Plus, there’s a LEGO Insiders points giveaway available for grown-up builders too. Across the festival site, guests can expect themed play zones with hands-on brick-building activities, photo-worthy LEGO models, live shows, family challenges and a chance to meet many different LEGO characters in real life.
“Guests will kick off their day of awesomeness with their LEGO Festival wristband, collected on arrival, and a festival map”
LEGOLAND® SHORT BREAKS OFFER CAN INCLUDE: Enjoy the ultimate LEGO® sleepover at one of our fully themed LEGO hotels Overnight stays at one of our LEGOLAND® Resort Hotels include a stay in an immersive LEGO-themed room and a delicious hot breakfast. Early Park Access available with a valid Theme Park entry Free parking & WiFi
VISITORS CAN EXPECT: Music Zone: Turn up the volume and rock out in the Music zone featuring the “Battle of the Bands” show, where Rockstars and Popstars go head-tohead. Take centre stage in a high-energy space for kids to join in and sing along. Families can also add to a large festival mosaic build, spot selfie-friendly LEGO models, and meet characters including Melody Raye and Lyric Santos after the show. Creative Zone: Get hands-on in this unique building zone designed to help kids test ideas and see creations take shape. All-new highlights include The Creatureverse brick build tables and Master Model Builder sessions such as “The Anything Animal” and “Let’s Create a Creature.” Plus, photo moments with the festival LEGO® Panda and the LEGO® Peacock that guests can add LEGO brick build “feathers” to – it’s a colourful, creative playground. Chill Out Zone: Unwind and explore the serenity of a secret garden in this quieter zone designed for a peaceful, plant-filled escape. In LEGO® Botanicals “Build & Bloom” guests can build a LEGO Botanicals flower and add it to a growing display including LEGO bricks Butterflies and bug build – brand new for 2026. There’s also a LEGO brick build Gardener model to meet and the “Playtime with Hopsy” chilled out stage show. Thrill Zone: Hold on to your nerve for this soon to be announced sports-themed, high-energy Thrill zone planned for 2026, with further details to be shared soon. Play Zone: Power up in the “ultimate gaming fan zone” experience to be revealed soon.
Guests can refuel with new LEGO Festivalthemed food and drink, including the festival exclusive Brick Ice Lolly, available in three different flavours. Families can also visit the LEGO Store to browse the latest sets featured across the all the zones and pick up exclusive LEGO Festival merchandise to keep the play going at home. With the Festival included in the standard admission, guests can enjoy over 55 rides, attractions and shows that makes LEGOLAND® an epic day out where families can make lifelong memories. For those wanting to extend their fun, short breaks for all the family are just a click away. LEGO Festival is included with standard admission to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort with prices starting at £32pp, kids under 90cm go free.
To book your short break at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, please visit legoland.co.uk/shortbreaks/offers-and-packages/ Short break packages start from £60 per person.
For more information on LEGO Festival please visit legoland.co.uk/explore/ special-events/lego-festival
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The New Wellness Trend? Drinking Less and Feeling Better By Dr Sam Bennett, The London General Practice
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or years, a glass of wine was seen as the perfect way to relax after a busy day. Today, more people are embracing a different approach to wellbeing: drinking less, or giving up alcohol altogether. The benefits can be surprisingly powerful. One of the first changes many people notice is improved sleep. While alcohol may help you fall asleep more quickly, it can disrupt the quality of sleep, leaving you feeling less refreshed the next morning. Better sleep leads to improved energy levels, sharper concentration and a brighter mood. Reducing alcohol intake can also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Many people report feeling less anxious, more focused and generally have fewer mood fluctuations after cutting back. Without alcohol affecting the body’s natural chemistry, mood can become more stable, helping people feel calmer, more energised and better equipped to cope with everyday stress. Your liver will thank you too. The liver is responsible for processing alcohol, and regular drinking can place it under significant strain. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Reducing your alcohol intake gives the liver a chance to recover and function more efficiently, supporting one of the body’s most important organs. The physical benefits can be just as impressive. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to unwanted weight gain. Drinking less can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and
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support fitness goals. Many people also notice healthier-looking skin, improved hydration, and a more radiant complexion after reducing their alcohol consumption. Alcohol reduction may also support heart health by helping to reduce the risk factors associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that you don’t have to swear off socialising. With the rise of premium alcohol-free wines, beers, spirits and sophisticated mocktails, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a night out without the after-effects. Perhaps the greatest benefit of all is how good you feel. More energy. Better sleep. Improved focus. Healthier skin. A lighter mood. For many people, drinking less isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining a healthier, happier version of themselves. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or would like personalised medical advice, the team at The London General Practice offers confidential consultations and support.
Dr Sam Bennett, GP General Practitioner, Information Governance Lead BSc MBBCh MRCS MRCGP DOccMed
THE DETAILS The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL
Tel: 0207 935 1000 OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Services