ParentFolk South East. Issue 3

27th July - 1st September 2019 years of Godstone Farm

In this issue: Fatherhood - Dan Snow talks family life and his passion for history

Page 4

Men’s Style - The Summer Edit

Page 6

Paying It Forward With The Gift of A Smile - How to fundraise for Operation Smile

Page 7

Out & About - What’s on, when

Page 8

Food & Drink - Summer recipes, outdoor eating and new launches

Page 12

Competition - Win an overnight stay and family ticket to Marwell Zoo

Page 16

Motherhood Interview - Jessica Ennis-Hill on medals and motherhood

Page 18

Behind the Brand - Cat Sims and Gayle Haddock talk branding and business

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Women’s style - The Summer Fashion Edit

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Social Insight - Michelle Kennedy on raising boys

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Interiors - Bringing the exotic inside

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Travel - Family summer holiday inspiration, Paris without the kids and a cool Cornwall staycation

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Style Interview - Salt-Water’s Rachael Lainé discusses how to create an iconic brand

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It’s all about the Flex - Louise Deverell-Smith on flex working opportunities for parents

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Mums on the Run - Women’s health physio Emma Brockwell on the increase of women on the move

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Surviving the Summer - Parenting coach Livvy Gormally on her tips for surviving the summer holidays

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Wellbeing - Caroline Britton: In Search of Success?

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Get in touch: ParentFolk The Oaks Business Centre, The Courtyard Village Road West Kirby Wirral CH48 3JN Join our community: Social channels: Twitter @parentfolk facebook.com/parentfolk Instagram @ParentFolk For Press/ News/Brand Collaboration or Enquiries please email us : pippa@parentfolk.co.uk COVER IMAGE:T-SHIRT FROM £26. JACKET FROM £42. LINEN TROUSERS £34 BY TOOTSA. WWW.TOOSA.COM

F O U R FAT H E R H O O D I N T E R V I E W

Fatherhood Interview

Dan Snow

Historian and TV presenter Dan Snow tells Jade Wright how his childhood is shaping his journey as a father, and why he will always be grateful to his mum and dad.

WWW.PARENTFOLK.CO.UK

I

t’s a familiar battleground in families across the coun try - the thorny issue of screen time, and how to limit it.

But for dad-of-three Dan Snow, it’s not his children that he’s trying to wean off their tablets and phones, but his father, veteran BBC journalist and acclaimed historian Peter Snow.

“Dad has been stuck on aviation tracker apps - we can’t tear him away from them,” laughs Dan, 40.

“He has such a thirst for knowledge, that whatever he’s fixated on at the time, he has to do until he knows absolutely everything about it.”

It’s a trait that runs in the family.

Dan has inherited his enduring passion for knowledge, and particularly his love of history, from his dad - king of the Swingometer - and his Canadian journalist mum Ann MacMillan. He spent his early years adventuring with his parents, sailing and swimming, camping and hiking, learning along the way about the natural world and the history of each place they visited.

“My father used to take me out on

jobs with him. I got to see places I’d never have had access to otherwise, and got to see behind the scenes of history.

“I remember him taking me to Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles, and seeing what a beautiful place it was, and obviously a very difficult time for the people there.”

It’s a journey he’s since recreated with his own children, filming for History Hit TV, his on-demand documentary channel and website.

“I took them to the border and around South Armagh recently,” he says. “It’s a fascinating place and I think they found it very interesting.

I’m lucky that I can take them with me, in the same way I was lucky to go with my parents.”

He’s keen to give his own children the kind of upbringing he learnt so much from. As we talk, he’s on holiday with his family in Italy.

“There’s been a lot of trudging around museums and historical sites,” he laughs. “The family know what to expect by now. They humour me. We’re at the birthplace of Christopher Columbus today. We’ve been talking about his life, and what

“

“I’m more hands on than dads were in previous generations, I think, but my wife is the rock on which our family is built, and on some matters I do defer to her” it must have been like in his time, to explore the world before there were maps.”

He clearly enjoys life as a parent, sharing the things he’s learnt along the way.

“I’m more hands on than dads were in previous generations, I think, but my wife is the rock on which our family is built, and on some matters I do defer to her,” he says.

In 2010 Dan married philanthropist and criminologist Lady Edwina Grosvenor, the daughter of the late Duke of Westminster Gerald Grosvenor, in an intimate ceremony at the Bishop’s Lodge in Woolton. The service was conducted by the former Bishop of

Liverpool, James Jones. Dan and Edwina have three children - Zia, Wolf, and Orla.

He finds some of the simpler, if messier, bits of parenting easier than the chores that require a more detailed planning. “When it comes to nappies I’m fine, taking children away, great, but packing their bags is an absolute nightmare. I took our eldest skiing earlier this year and having to think of everything they might need was a real eye-opener.”

One thing he’s clear on is that he wants them to be able to spend at much time as possible in fresh air.

“Getting them outdoors, and letting them see things for themselves, are the two greatest gifts I can give them,” he says. “I’m quite Victorian about it. We try not to have too much screen time, which is what made me laugh about my father.”

Dan’s passion for history is well known, but maybe not so widely known is that he has ancestors whose names take prominence in the pages of the books he studied.

He is the great-great-grandson of British Prime Minister David Lloyd

George, and great-grandson of Lloyd George’s contemporary, World War I general Sir Thomas D’Olyly Snow.

His father’s cousin is the Channel 4 news reporter (and owner of some of the most famous socks in television) Jon Snow.

Dan graduated with a double first-class honours degree in modern history at Oxford and rowed three times in the University Boat Race.

He first appeared on our screens, alongside his father, on the Baftawinning series called Battlefield Britain, and then took the role of the History Hunter on The One Show.

So what doesn’t he know about history?

“Almost everything,” he laughs.

“That’s the brilliant thing about it. I don’t know most things about most periods in history. There are huge swathes of it that I have no idea about, and I learn new bits all the time. Every day there’s a new bit of information, always something new to discover. I love that about it.”

See Dan’s documentaries at tv.historyhit.com

&

EIGHT OUT & ABOUT

Family Fun Garden Adventures with The Very Hungry Caterpillar at RHS Garden Wisley

OUT

20 July – 1 September

Visitors to RHS Garden Wisley this summer can join in a very special anniversary celebration, as the Royal Horticultural Society partners with The World of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a summer of family fun. There’s a family trail through the garden and fun activities including a giant collaborative artwork, puppet shows, storytelling and music workshops.

ABOUT

Festival Theatre at Hever Castle Until 30th August

The open-air summer Festival returns to Hever Castle with a jam-packed programme of family shows. Choose from Elemer The Patchwork Elephant Show, learn to draw the Wimpy Kid characters, hear classical musicians introduce their instruments with the help of author Anthony Brown and the Willy The Wimpy Books, or join Fizzlebert Stump at the library. There’s also a plethora of wonderful performances for the grown-ups, so all tastes and ages are catered for. www.heverfestival.co.uk

www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Camp Wilderness, Penshurst Place 29th July - 30th August

Camp Wilderness run residential summer camps in woodland locations for kids aged 6-15. Designed to encourage children to unplug and rewind during the summer holidays, Camp Wilderness at Penshurst Place is the perfect place to send them for an exciting back-to-nature summer camp experience.

During their time on camp, children will build and sleep in shelters, cook over open fires, learn bushcraft skills and develop an understanding of the flora and fauna around them. www.campwilderness.co.uk

Guildford Fringe Festival 28th June - 28th July

An exciting programme of over 120 arts events will be on offer this summer for Guildford’s Fringe Festival. Taking place in 12 different venues, the line-up includes some fantastic shows for children such as Kotuku and The Mood Child and Boogie Shoes Silent Disco, an immersive and hilarious dance-walk through the streets of Guildford. There are also a number of free family-friendly including Opera on the Balcony and Music in the Meadows. www.guildfordfringefestival.com

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BounceZilla at Thorpe Park Until 8th September

It’s big, it’s bold and it’s definitely bouncy! This 90m inflatable course is bouncing into Thorpe Park this summer. Bounce past obstacles, tumble through tunnels and slide your way to the finish. With over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and a whole host of immersive vents throughout the summer, Thorpe Park is a great option for a family day out. www.thorpepark.com

Priory Farm Strawberry Fair 29th and 30th June

Nothing says summer like strawberries and this June sees Priory Farm celebrating it’s 10th Strawberry Fair. The perfect event for foodies, visitors will be able to browse a delicious spread of artisan and locally-made food and drink, including handmade bread, regional cheeses, charcuterie - and of course strawberries! Entry is free for this two-day event and children can also enjoy tractor rides and follow the summer-themed nature trail on the Discovery Walk. www.prioryfarm.co.uk

Family Fun at Hever Castle

National Trust

Summer holidays

Summer Holidays

There’s a whole host of family fun to be had at Hever Castle this summer. Children can attend the Knights and Princess School and learn how to prepare and protect their armour as well as slay a dragon. There are also summer Jousting Tournaments taking place on weekends throughout the summer. Don’t forget to visit the 100-year old maze, Tudor Towers adventure playground, water maze (take a change of clothes!), and the natural Acorn Dell play area.

There’s activities a-plenty at National Trust venues this summer. Feel the sun on your back as you wander through meadows, parkland and majestic gardens ablaze with the colour of summer blooms. Learn about nature, climb to the top of a castle or watch the sunbeams on glittering lakes. Kids can get involved in trails, workshops and ’50 Things to do before you’re 11 3/4’. From Big Tree Climbing at Scotney Castle to the f-ant-astic Ant Trail at Emmets Garden and Family Mondays at Knole, you can make it a summer holiday to remember with these family-friendly events.

www.hevercastle.co.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

4TEEN FOOD & DRINK

Best places for

OUTDOOR

EATING

When the sun begins to shine, there’s nothing better than eating outdoors. ParenFolk picks the places to head for some al fresco eating

PRIORY FARM NURSERY, NUTFIELD

THE LITTLE BROWN JUG, CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY This relaxed and welcoming pub in a sleepy, idyllic Kentish village is a great option for families. It has a fantastic, big beer garden that’s great when the sun is shining and there are three distinctive and popular huts, offering a unique and fun dining experience that the kids will love. This is a must for foodies - not only have they won awards for their fish & chips, they also have a great vegan and vegetarian offering. Serving traditional pub food with a twist, The Little Brown Jug offers really interesting specials such as spicy jackfruit tacos with tahini slaw, sriracha vegan mayo and avocado, or pan roasted cod fillet with Puy lentils, pancetta, celeriac puree, baby carrots and leeks with a bacon crumb. The kids’ food doesn’t disappoint either - you can choose smaller version of the main meals or they have a good choice of meals that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy. www.thelittlebrownjug.co.uk

A cafe in a garden centre might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but trust us, once you discover Priory Farm, you (and the kids) won’t want to go anywhere else. The person who designed the layout deserves a medal. The garden centre offers a delightful cafe which opens out onto a large seated terrace with an enclosed children’s play area. It’s the perfect place to relax whilst you watch the kids play and soak up some rays. And the food is utterly delicious and freshly prepared too. Serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, choose from Poached Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Guacamole, Falafel Salad, the Priory Burger, Pie of the Day and a whole array of scrumptious sandwiches. Plus great coffee, fabulous cakes and a great kids’ menu.

It’s a win win. There is also the brilliant Priory Farm Discovery Walk and Pirate Ship playground nearby so there’s lots to keep you and your kids entertained. www.prioryfarmnursery.co.uk

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THE BRIDGE, CHERTSEY This picture-postcard riverside pub offers unrivalled views of the River Thames and stylish interiors. Set on the waters’ edge, this newly refurbished pub is a go-to for al fresco dining when the sun comes out. Talented chef and ex-Masterchef contestant Karl Byron is behind the delicious menu which showcases seasonal British dishes featuring expertly sourced produce including sustainable fish from British waters, Surrey beef and local veg. The broad menu offers brunch and light bites, such as Buttermilk and Almond Pancakes and All Day Breakfast Sesame Bagel as well as pub classics with a twist including as BBQ Pork Belly, Mussels & Fries and Vegan Arancini. Those with a sweet tooth will be in for a treat with the pudding menu which includes Caramelised Custard Tart with Rhubarb Compote and Double Chocolate & Guinness Mousse. www.bridgehotelchertsey.com

RED BARN, LINGFIELD The gorgeous paddock at the Red Barn is perfect for al fresco dining under the pergola. With a Burger Shack dispensing gourmet patties and an outside bar, it’s a great summer hotspot set against a stunning backdrop of the rolling Surrey Hills. Delivering food from farm to barn, the menu champions local farmers and suppliers offering fresh and vibrant dishes such as Smoked Mackerel Nicoise Salad, Skippers Catch, Smoked Chicken & Pea Croquettes and Heritage Tomato Gazpacho. Many of the ingredients are picked from the Red Barn’s own community allotment. Kids are more than welcome with a great children’s menu and on Sundays they offer well-loved stories and fairy tales told by The Cat’s Grin Theatre Company. They also have a programme of events over the summer months including fetes, cider festivals and a series of al fresco supper clubs for the grown ups. www.theredbarnblindleyheath.co.uk

6TEEN

Local nurse giving parents life-saving confidence I

f your child was choking, would you know how what to do? What about a burn from a kettle? Or a bang to the head? “We hope that these incidents won’t happen to us, but accidents do happen and giving yourself the knowledge of how to deal with the situation before it happens is the best way to prepare yourself. You never know when you may be required to put learnt skills into practice and be required to give CPR”, says Lucy Gillet, founder of Gillet Training Services.

As a local nurse working in A & E, Lucy noticed there was a real need locally for parents and carers to be able to access children’s first aid courses. “It occurred to me that I could run accessible and affordable courses that would empower parents and carers in life-saving situation.

After all, First Aid Training is an essential part of modern parenting,” says Lucy.

With her nursing experience and medical background, Lucy set up Gillett Training Services to offer first aid training to parents, kids clubs, fitness instructors and groups throughout Surrey and the South East. As a parent herself, Lucy understands that courses need to be clear, practical and affordable.

Lucy has driven the business from strength to strength and now trains certified qualifications to care homes, childminders, schools and even construction companies.

Gillet Training Services offer a variety of First Aid training that can be tailored to individual needs and carried out in your own home or office. With prices from just £15 per person, it’s a brilliantly affordable way to learn the skills that might just help you to save a life. www.gilletttrainingservices.co.uk @gilletttrainingservices lucy.gillett@outlook.com

WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...

We’re going to the zoo...

Win a Family ticket to Marwell Zoo and stay at Marwell Hotel, including Bed and Breakfast

G

et closer to the wonders of the natural world at Marwell Zoo. From ring-tailed lemurs to majestic giraffes, and curious meerkats, to stunning snow leopards, the 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.

Until 1 September, don’t miss BRICKOSAURS! A world exclusive, prehistoric LEGO® brick experience that will see 50 astonishing dinosaur sculptures inhabit Marwell Zoo, including the biggest ever move-able LEGO brick dinosaur model - a whopping 8 metre T-Rex! Created

by LEGO brick building company Bright Bricks, BRICKOSAURS is sure to excite LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Track down all of the dinosaurs with the free BRICKOSAURS! trail (or download the Marwell Zoo app) and even create your own masterpiece in the ‘brick pits’.

Experience a living rainforest at Marwell’s Tropical House: Energy for Life! Share the habitat and enjoy uninterrupted, close-up views of colourful and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

Visitors can enjoy a range of daily animal talks, plus, with five adventure playgrounds, a rail train and free road train, there’s plenty to occupy your little ones whilst you relax and soak up the surroundings.

For your chance to win a family ticket and stay at Marwell Hotel, including bed and breakfast email marwellzoo@parentfolk.co.uk with your name and contact number by 15th August 2019. www.marwell.org.uk T&Cs: Family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children (age 3-16) and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Ticket is non-exchangeable and non-extendable.

Hotel stay is subject to availability.

WWW.PARENTFOLK.CO.UK

All the Flavour with Little Freddie

O

rganic baby and toddler food brand Little Freddie

was developed by husband and wife team Piers and Taslim Buck when they started weaning their own children and couldn’t find baby food that was nutritious but didn’t compromise on taste. “We wanted higher quality products with more of the ingredients that mattered and fewer fillers such as water. We also wanted more up-to-date and relevant recipes in tune with how we were eating so the kids could grow up loving real food and flavours,” says Piers.

Their latest product range is the 7M+ meals which are naturally high

in protein and adventurous in flavour, with recipes such as Beef & Coconut Curry with Wild Rice and Free Range Chicken and Ratatouille Linguine. The recipes have all been developed with a paediatric nutritionist to introduce babies to new flavours including mild spices, coconut cream, parmesan and sun-dried tomato.

Each meal is nutritionally balanced with the right energy levels to satisfy a growing baby and with a fork mashed texture they are ideal for palate development.

Little Freddie’s UK-first zero waste to landfill pouch recycling scheme means that these pouches are also recyclable. Parents can post their empty Little Freddie pouches via a free prepaid recycling bag. www. littlefreddie.com

8 T E E N M OT H E R H O O D I N T E R V I E W

Motherhood interview

Jessica Ennis-Hill ParentFolk talks to the world champion about medals, motivation and motherhood

O

lympic champion and three-times

world champion

heptathlete, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of Great Britain’s most successful athletes.

Following a career that spanned 15 years and saw her win countless medals, smash numerous records and be awarded an MBE for services to sport, she retired from competition in 2016. But she didn’t stop there. She has since forged out a successful career as a commentator, charity campaigner, children’s author, Adidas ambassador and, importantly for her, as a role model

to inspire others to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Her latest venture is the launch of jennis a new fitness app and website created for fitness lovers, pregnant women, post-natal and beyond. The app will offer a one-stop destination where Jessica can share her unrivalled exercise and wellness expertise.

“I had really different experiences with my two pregnancies. With Reggie I was still training and had a team of world-class coaches around me, then I had Liv once I’d retired and was left to my own devices so I had to use my own knowledge and

everything I’d learnt over the years.

It was much harder to get back to exercise the second time round. I “The launch of jennis has come at just the right time for me. It’s great to be able to get my teeth stuck in and I feel proud that I’ve created something that I genuinely believe will help other women.” didn’t have the same motivation of getting back on the world stage

that I had before. I wanted to be fit and get back in shape but I had to make the most of the little time I had and cram in effective training that worked with my lifestyle as and when I could.”

“I’ve created jennis to draw on this expertise I’ve built up over the years. jennis Pregnancy and Post-Natal is a great resource of exercise videos and unrivalled expert wellness and exercise advice for both during and after pregnancy. It also includes invaluable insight from my physio Alison Rose to help you read your own body and stretch and strengthen to help you with posture,

balance and core strength. The workouts have been specifically formulated to suit each trimester and as well as the exercises, we’ve put together loads of content based around Active, Food & Nutrition and relaxation. There’s recipes, talks from my personal fitness and wellness team and some insightful editorial.”

“I know through my own experience how important exercise and keeping fit was for my own mental health and wellbeing whilst I was pregnant. Your body is changing and it can feel like a long nine months. It wasn’t about

WWW.PARENTFOLK.CO.UK

pushing myself to exhaustion or making physical changes for me; it gave me back a bit of control and allowed me to switch off and have some time for myself.”

Jessica herself understands it’s hard to find the motivation to exercise with young children in the house. “We had quite a long period where Liv hasn’t slept and then the kids are up at five in the morning.

But I know if I can squeeze in a 10 or 20 minute quick circuit in the garden then I will feel a lot more energised and feel better to take on the day - and another long night.”

“My approach to exercise now is that it has to fit in with my life - It might be a quick circuit once I’ve put the kids to bed, or I pop out for a run with the dog at weekends. I make it work, but not at the expense of balance and my family life.”

Getting her kids active is key for Jessica. “It’s so important that we’re good role models for our children.

The things they see their parents doing has a huge knock on effect in later life. My husband Andy and I will often get the kids involved or they’ll be playing in the garden whilst we’re doing a quick work out.

I want them to see that exercise is a normal part of their day so that when they grow up it isn’t a chore.”

And do her children show any of their mum’s athletic ability? “Well Liv is only 19 months old, so she’s a bit young but she’s pretty fast running around the kitchen. Reggie

is quick and picks up direction really quickly. He loves tennis and playing golf in the garden. For me it’s just really important they they enjoy it.”

The shift from professional athlete to working mum was a big change for Jessica. “When I was competing I had routine and consistency. When I retired I went into an unknown world. I wanted to make sure I was passionate about whatever I did next. I really try to find the balance between being mum and my work life. I’m usually there for school pick ups but I also have an amazing support network around me with my mum and Andy’s mum, so it means I can go to work and be where I need to be.”

Looking at the long list of everything she’s achieved so far, what is it that Jessica is most proud of? “Professionally, my Olympic Gold medal in London is up there but my World Championship medal in Beijing the year after I had Reggie is probably the thing I’m most proud of. I was doubting myself, questioning whether I could do it and feeling guilty and torn between wanting to win and being a mum. I had to get myself in the right mindset and make every training count. I didn’t want it all to be for nothing. I wanted Reggie to see what I had achieved and thank goodness it paid off!”

So does Jessica ever stop? “I do love a holiday, Reggie’s at school now so we’re limited to the school

holidays, but we had a fab holiday in St Lucia - despite the very long flight with a young baby and we’ll be going to Italy in the summer. Then we have the Olympics in Japan next year.

Reggie is very excited about going on the Bullet Train.” Jessica says she’s very grateful that she can give her children the opportunity to see and experience different parts of the world, “When I was young we went to Wales every year but with work we get to travel and see all sorts of places.”

And so with Reggie at school now, is Jessica gearing herself up for the mums’ race at sports day? “We had an email about that this week - I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

When it’s suggested she could let another mum win she responds quickly “Oh no, I couldn’t do that, I might have to sit it out.”

She’s achieved so much and is only 33, so what does the future hold for Jessica? “I’m having a great time.

I’m enjoying the kids and having the quality time with them, and I’m working on things I’m passionate about. The launch of jennis has come at just the right time for me. It’s great to be able to get my teeth stuck in and I feel proud that I’ve created something that I genuinely believe will help other women.” It seems that Jessica Ennis-Hill isn’t slowing down any time soon. www.jennisfitness.com @wearejennis @jennispregnancy

TWENT Y ZEIGEIST

Zeitgeist MUM IT: For the Love of Mum This independent online store sells super stylish products for mums and mums-to-be from brands such as Avery Row, The Bonnie Mob and Mabel & Fox. Created to help mums retain their own sense of style and identity, all the products have been carefully put together to be practical for use during pregnancy or with baby, but are also design-led and on-trend for style-conscious mums. www.fortheloveofmum.com

WEAR IT: Luna River

A relaxed collection of modest, fresh pieces curated for the mini minimalist. From rompers to smock dresses, all of the pieces in this gorgeous collection for 0-4 year olds are inspired by nature and simple silhouettes. The pieces have been carefully curated with comfort in mind and offer timeless classics that can be passed down generation after generation. www.lunaandriver.com

PRINT IT: Coco and Wolf Using the most beautiful Liberty fabric and soft washed linens, this contemporary and luxury bedding and lifestyle brand creates stunning pieces for adults and children alike.

From the tiniest clothes, to the prettiest bedding, the collection consists of carefully considered and designed pieces, such as cot sheets, quilts and duvet sets, changing mat covers and cushions.

All items are proudly handmade in England. www.cocoandwolf.com

SWIM IT: Child s Farm Those clever clogs at Child’s Farm have done it again with the launch of their 3 in 1 Swim for top-to-toe after swim care.

Ideal for summer holidays, this shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one has a delicious strawberry aroma as well as organic mint. It’s perfect post swim, washing away chlorine and leaving skin and hair clean and shiny. What’s more it’s suitable for newborns & upwards and is clinically tested and approved as suitable for sensitive and eczema prone skin. www.childsfarm.com

TWENT Y2 BEHIND THE BRAND

Hustle & Fox ParentFolk talks branding, business and managing the juggle struggle with Cat Sims and Gayle Haddock, co-founders of marketing agency Hustle and Fox Who are Hustle & Fox? Cat: Hustle & Fox is four women who came together to create an agency that responded to a whole new type of marketing. It was co-founded by myself and Gayle in 2015 and then Debs Paterson and Becks Clarke (of Parent Apparel fame) joined the team as partners in 2018. We are passionate about guiding brands, large and small, to maximise the potential of social media, to use it properly and creatively. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with brands such as Universal, HelloFresh, Camp Bestival and a host of creative independents too.

What work are you most proud of?

Gayle: I’m proud of all of it to be honest; of what we’ve achieved and how we’ve been able to grow over the past few years and the reputation we have built. I guess the first big event we did with Quinny, back in 2016, was something that started to put us on the map and made people take notice. I was really proud of that. But I’m also proud of the connections we’ve made and the people we bring together and the messages we get after meetings that tell us that we’ve really made a difference to someone’s business and life.

Cat: I’d have to agree with Gayle.

When we discussed the idea of Hustle & Fox neither of us knew

that 4 years down the line we’d have achieved what we have achieved, grown what we’ve grown. It’s interesting that Gayle mentions that first Quinny event because we recently worked with the brand again in May, we hosted a panel talk that I was really proud of. We wanted to ask the difficult questions surrounding motherhood and diversity that are so important and it led to a powerful discussion about responsibility of individuals, brands, consumers and influencers.

I’m really proud when we get to do something meaningful, and also see it impact a brand positively.

What are your top tips for building

a brand?

1. Know what you are. What does your brand look like, sound like, what does it do? It may sounds obvious but a lack of consistency across every platform your brand occupies, or every product it puts out is really confusing and won’t make noise.

2. Know your customer. Even if it isn’t the customer you thought it would be. Write down how old they are, what gender they are, what they like to do in their spare time, what income bracket are they in, what do they do for a living. The better you can get to know your target customer, the more likely you are to

create what they want and convince them to give you money for it.

3. Work your ass off. Building a brand and a business is not easy.

Even if you can do it from home, or when the kids have gone to bed - it’s not the easy option by a long shot.

It requires huge sacrifice, almost no sleep, it’s a strain on your relationships, and it’ll make you question your ability every day…and that’s when it’s working. It’s possible but it’s not for everyone.

What are the most common mistakes new brands make?

Hands down, not doing enough research. The work involved before

TRAVEL L I F E S T Y L E / PA R E N T I N G / S O U T H E A S T

PARIS ESCAPE: Oo la la - Paris without the kids

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SANDS RESORT, CORNWALL: Create some magical family memories this Summer

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Where to next?

Family holiday inspiration

IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON: Surviving a family festival PAGE

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T H I R T Y T R AV E L

WHERE TO NEXT?

Family inspiration

Summer holiday Fancy getting away in the Summer holidays? It’s a great time to head off for some family time. So whether it’s sightseeing or sport, beaching or just the chance to bring everyone together, here’s our pick of where to head.

BEST FOR Beach

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Located on Silhueoutte Island (40-minute boat ride from Mahe). Labriz Resort & Spa is the ideal beach getaway for families. Labriz is the only resort on the island and with kms of white sandy beach and quiet waters, it offers a

peaceful haven for relaxing on the beach, swimming and snorkelling. The beach is never crowded so families will always have plenty of space to themselves. Children can also make friends at the hotel’s Kids’ Club (four-12 years old).

Just 40 minutes by boat or 15 minutes by helicopter from the main island of Mahé. The

resort offers idyllic views, 111 spacious Villas and outstanding amenities. Prices start from €310/ £268* * in a Garden Villa per night on a B&B basis. For more information and to book, please visit www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com

BEST FOR unwinding

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland This leading spa and wellbeing destination unveiled a Family Spa in 2018, along with Family Suites, tapping into the rising trend of family wellness travel and three-generational travel. The Family Spa is open to children up to the age of 16 years old and offers a space to play, dive and splash around together. There is also a Kids Spa Menu for little ones who like to be pampered!

Nightly rates at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz start from 570 CHF/ £436* per night based on double occupancy. Rates include breakfast, welcome aperitif, use of the Thermal Spa area and Tamina Therme, fresh fruit and Ragaz water each day and daily fitness and relaxation lessons as well as VAT. For further information and reservations please contact Grand Resort Bad Ragaz on +41 81 303 30 30 or visit www.resortragaz.de/en Villa Clarisse, Ile de Re, France This nine-bedroom hotel villa is a fantastic base for families wanting to explore the picturesque Ile de Re. With the largest walled garden in the town and an outdoor heated pool, the property offers lots of space for kids to run around safely.

Outside of the hotel, families can spend their days exploring the cobbled streets, cycling along over 100km of cycle routes, horse riding along beaches etc.

Nightly rates at Villa Clarisse start from €210 / £187 per night in a Superior Room, excluding breakfast (+33 546 684300; www.villa-clarisse.com)

BEST FOR Sightseeing

DUKES LONDON, Mayfair Located in the heart of Mayfair, DUKES is a great base for families wanting to explore the city. Within walking distance, guests can discover Hamleys, the National Gallery, Big Ben and so much more. Green Park & St James’s Park are also only a stones throw away for those

wanting to run free! DUKES LONDON’s concierge is on hand at all times to arrange last minute theatre tickets, dinner reservations and anything you and the kids want to do.

Nightly rates at DUKES LONDON in a DUKES room start from £320 inclusive of VAT and breakfast.

Visit www.dukeshotel.com or call 020 7491 4840.

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BEST FOR sport

Le Touquet Paris-Plage, Northern France Le Touquet Paris-Plage, commonly known as Le Touquet, is a small seaside town in northern France between Boulogne and Baie de Somme. Set along seven kilometres of white sandy beaches, Le Touquet is a hub of sport with almost 300 activities available, from sand yachting and wake boarding, to horse riding and championship golf courses, there’s

something for all interests and ages. The town’s Tennis Centre was designed by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Games, and offers guests a whole host of sporting delights – 22 outdoor tennis courts, five indoor tennis courts, two outdoor paddle board courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

For more information on Le Touquet, please visit the Tourist Board website at www.letouquet.com

BEST FOR kids clubs

Sani Resort, Greece This five-star resort has a kids’ club for every age and various sporting academies for children wanting to keep active. Sani Creche caters for four months-four years; Melissa Mini Club for four-12 years old; Teenagers Club 13-17 years old.

There’s a wide range of Sporting Academies for all interests and abilites - including new for this year, Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy.

Prices for Junior Tennis Programme ‘Learn to Compete’ start from €250 for seven hours & 30 minutes of training over five days. Prices at Sani Club in a Double Room start from €145/ £129* per night, on a half-board basis.

Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Mauritius Paradis is a top choice five-star family resort in Mauritius.

Situated in a prime beachfront location on a protected peninsula, the property offers a secure playground for kids.

Paradis Kids’ Club welcomes children three-11 years old with daily activities - children four years and older can learn to waterski in a quiet lagoon.

BEST FOR bringing the family together

Lokuthula Lodges, Africa Albida Tourism, Zimbabwe Bring the family together with a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Leading Southern African hotel and lodge operator, AAT, is challenging the belief that seeing the big five has to break the bank, by inviting families to book a self-catered or B&B safari at Lokuthula Lodges in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This accommodation option, available at affordable prices for those travelling

on smaller budgets, allows animal lovers to experience unforgettable game-viewing opportunities, without compromising on comfort, space or privacy. The 31 rustic Lokuthula Lodges are located just 3km from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls town, nestled in quiet, lush gardens frequented by warthogs, bushbuck and mongoose.

Nightly rates start from $160 per night in a two-bedroom lodge, on a B&B basis in low-season. For more information, please visit www.africaalbidatourism.com

T H I R T Y 2 T R AV E L

Oooh La La… Paris Without The Kids

W

here better to rekindle and reconnect in

Paris, the city of amour?

Just a hop, skip and jump across the channel, Paris is the perfect city for a sneaky weekend away a deux.

Take advantage of not having to plan around tiny feet and tummies,

Where to stay

In the city of romance there is an abundance of stunning accomodation for all budgets.

Mama Shelter A dark, sexy hotel for a great price.

The rooms are moody, with the most comfortable beds. Set quite far east in the 19th you’ll need to be prepared to use the metro/ Uber to get around, but it’s in a great position for visiting the

and let the city do the talking. From romantic strolls along the Seine, to sampling the gastronomic delights that the city has to offer, it’s the perfect place to remember why you like each other in the first place.

Here’s our guide to 24 hours in the big city.

Père-Lachaise cemetery which is well worth a visit. It also has a super cool restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a fabulous roof terrace in the summer. (Pay a bit extra for the room on the top floor if you’re a light sleeper - it’s worth it!)

Hotel Des Academies et des Arts A charming, arty and elegant bijou hotel in a great location in the heart of the Rive Gauche on the Left Bank.

Offering the perfect mix of homely

and romantic, it’s a great place to pretend to be a Parisian. Just a short stroll from the stunning Luxembourg Gardens.

Air BnB A host of great apartments spread around the city. The key is choosing which area you want to be in. We loved the Marais district for the lively buzz, great bars on cobbled squares, boutiques and restaurants.

Where to eat

Where not to eat!? Around every corner is something offering the delights of the city - from the most beautiful patisseries to the finest Michelin-starred meals.

Wear your loosest clothes and venture forth, we say.

Sebastien Gaudard, Rue des Martyrs The epitome of a Parisian patisserie, this gorgeous shop on the Rue de Martyrs sells some of the finest edible treats in the city.

The sumptuous strawberry tarts, melt-in-the-mouth eclairs, the finest, butteriest pastry. It’s the stuff Parisian dreams are made of. The difficulty is choosing which one to go for. You may want to visit more than once.

Le Restaurant, 13 Rue des Beaux Arts A real treat, this Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the most romantic restaurants in Paris. Set in L’Hotel, where Oscar Wilde famously died, it exudes old school

What to do

Take advantage of being just the two of you and walk - everywhere. Paris is such an accessible city with something to see around every corner.

Stumbling across an old book shop or a stunning building is half the fun.

Luxembourg Gardens 60 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of the Left Bank dating back to the 17th century. A lovely

place to sit and watch the Parisians go by - and chat about how much your kids would love it there.

Rue De Martyrs A street so lovely that it’s had a whole book written about it. The embodiment of Parisian life with the hustle and bustle of locals going about their daily routine. There’s fromagerie, patisserie and charcuterie galore with locals queuing to get their daily bread.

There’s also lovely restaurants and a lovely mix of boutiques.

Père-Lachaise cemetery A cemetery; perhaps not the immediate place you’d think to visit on a romantic weekend away.

But it’s well worth a visit. This is the place where the great and good of Paris are buried including Molière, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Pilaf. It’s a fascinating - and beautiful - piece of Parisian social history and you can spend a good few hours strolling around the grounds.

glamour and serves impressive modern French cuisine. Make sure you leave enough time for an aperitif in the bar before your meal - the cocktails are to die for.

Le Christine, 1 Rue Christine This superb restaurant set in the 6th arrondissement offers a fresh twist on traditional French cuisine, inspired by seasonal, local products.

The art-filled walls, stunning courtyard and laid back approach creates a relaxed and modern vibe.

A great, cosy restaurant to experience a gastronomic treat for the tastebuds.

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I

Creating magical family memories at the Sands Resort, Cornwall

f you’re looking for a staycation this summer then look no further. The Sands Resort Hotel near Newquay is an ideal base for a Cornwall adventure. With spacious two-room suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a gorgeous bar and restaurant and lots of family activities, they’ve thought of all the details that make a perfect family holiday.

There’s so much to do at Sands Resort; kids will love discovering the

enchanted maze, conquering the pirate ship or taking advantage of the free bodyboards and wetsuits hire. There are also heaps of sports and activities to take advantage of from zip wires to tennis from croquet and FootGolf and even a bouncy castle.

Don’t worry if the weather isn’t on your side, that’s all catered for too with a fabulous entertainment programme including clowns, magicians and a silent disco, as well as an indoor playground and soft

play.

For parents who are looking for a bit of me-time, you can take advantage of the Ofsted registered crèche and kids clubs. Enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa or a drink on the stunning terrace whilst your little ones make the most of the complimentary childcare sessions.

They also offer flexible family dining options, so you don’t have to change your routine just because you’re away from home. From early family suppers to adult-only dining,

you can enjoy mouth-watering dishes to suits all ages. And you can take advantage of the baby-listening service whilst you enjoy a meal in the restaurant. With delicious dishes such as locally caught mussels, catch of the day and mouthwatering steaks, you’ll certainly not go hungry.

If you’re looking to explore then Whipsiderry and Porth Beach are only a short walk from the hotel whilst Watergate Bay is a 5 minute drive. Popular family attractions like

the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo and the famous Eden Project can all be easily reached by car.

With all of this on the great Cornish coast, you really don’t need to go abroad to create lasting family memories and have a holiday that you all enjoy.

Book your Summer break at Sands Resort Hotel & Spa from £70 per adult, per night. Child discounts apply according to age. www.sandsresort.co.uk

T H I R T Y 4 T R AV E L

Sister Act

Two Queen Bee Sisters with bags of inspiration

T

he Two Queen Bees story starts on a beach in Devon when sisters Nicky Odell and Kerry Cook found themselves with four children, tents, picnic blankets, wetsuits, body boards, buckets & spades, balls, clothes, towels and all the other things you need in the middle of summer with young children in tow. The sisters

searched for one great big bag to do the job and when they couldn’t find it, like lots of brilliant brands before them, they decided to make it themselves. The Two Queen Bees bag is all you need for carting around the sundries of everyday family life. It offers a simple and stylish design, is hard quality, hard-wearing and water resistant and offers a the perfect

beach bag at a great price. Plus each big bag comes inside a clever little version which can be used individually or for easy accessories such as nappies or spare clothes.

A great idea for hand luggage, gyms, swimming, an overnight bag and of course - the perfect accessory for the beach. £40 www.twoqueenbees.co.uk

Staying Safe in the Sun, the Altruistic way

D

r Andrew Birnie is on a mission. As a leading British dermatologist and skin surgeon his aim is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by enabling more people to use more sunscreen.

He believes that “Everyone should have a basic right to take the necessary precautions to reduce their risks of developing skin cancer.”

“Cost should never be a factor when deciding whether or not to wear sunscreen, or how much or how often to apply it.” It’s this passion and belief that has driven him, in his spare time, to team up with Dutch economist David Westerbeek van Eerten to create a range of sunscreen that offers the finest quality UV protection, for the lowest possible price. The result is Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen,

offering both SPF50 at just £4 and SPF 30 at £3.75.

“Whilst there are some excellent products available, most are so expensive that people are reluctant to use them as often, or in as large a quantity as they should,” says skin cancer specialist Dr Birnie.

Research shows that using more quality cream, more often will help to save lives by reducing the incidence of UV induced skin cancer. With almost a quarter of Brits admitting to not wearing sunscreen at all, the need to provide a 5 Star quality sunscreen that everyone can afford, has never been more necessary.

Figures from Cancer Research UK demonstrate that skin cancer rates have more than doubled since the early 1990s. This, coupled with the fact that the British Association of

Dermatologists claim studies have found most people apply less than half the sunscreen needed to provide adequate protection, means skin cancer is on its way to becoming the most prevalent form of cancer.

Dr. Birnie believes that good quality sun cream should be available to all; “As a father of two I wanted to create a product that would make a tangible difference and help to make sun cream more pleasant to use and affordable, thus making people more likely to use it.”

What’s more, proceeds from the sale of every bottle of Altruist are donated to the charity Under the Same Sun who work to protect children in Africa suffering from albinsim. Altriusm at its best. www.altriustsun.com

THIRT Y5 LITTLEFOLK STYLE

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Festival Ready

LittleFolk will be ready to dance like no one is watching with the coolest festival gear from Childrensalon.com

PLAY SHOES RED & SILVER REFLECTIVE RAIN BOOTS £22

SIENNA LIKES TO PARTY BLACK FEATHER FLORAL HEADBAND £25

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS GIRLS PINK LOGO SUNGLASSES £100

PETIT BATEAU UNISEX RAIN COAT £64

BARI LYNN RAINBOW GLITTER BAG £37

MINI RODINI UNISEX ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRT £29

SOUZA GIRLS GREEN CROWN HAIRBAND £12

PLAYSHOES NAVY BLUE & SILVER REFLECTIVE RAIN BOOTS £22

GUESS FAUX LEATHER BELT BAG £39

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS BLUE CAT EYE SUNGLASSES £100

BOWTIQUE LONDON UNICORN & FLOWER HAIRBAND £40

BOWTIQUE LONDON SHOOTING STAR HAIRCLIP £8

BARI LYNN GOLD BACK PACK £60

MINI RODINI UNISEX ORGANIC COTTON TROUSERS £35

MINI RODINI ORGANIC COTTON SWEATSHIRT £45

How to survive a family festival Two festival regulars give us their top tips on festivall-ing en famille

Rachel Baseby is co-founder of Woodlands Festival in Kent 1. Take something to identify your tent day & night! Something that glows in the dark or lights up 2. Take a highlighter to go through the line-up & activities on arrival Ensure you have a couple of practical torches with you e.g. one you can hang up & even a head torch 3. Take a Peebol (pocket sized toilet) to avoid the night toilet runs with the little ones 4. Ensure you have a little kit on you of biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer & sunscreen 5. Have refillable water bottles with you to avoid single use bottles 6. Take FANCY DRESS!! This is an important one!

Josie da Bank is co-founder of Camp Bestival which she runs with her husband Rob. 1. Don’t worry about sticking to a timetable. Go with no expectations and let the festival mood guide you, you’ll often encounter more this way and makes the whole experience much less stressful.

2. Be prepared for cold evenings.

Although it might be hot in the day, it can chill right down in the evenings and campsites are often a decent walk from the main site, so remember to pack plenty of layers (and snacks!) for the kids and keep them in your rucksack. There’s nothing worse than a special moment suddenly being ruined because someone is having a melt down!

3. Meet your neighbours. Always make friends with your tent neighbours; you can give each other festival tips and keep an eye out for each other’s belongings when the other is off exploring.

4. Be open-minded. Immerse yourself fully into the festival and enjoy interacting with your children differently. Let them see a different side to you from the daily grind – dance and dress up in silly costumes!

6. Take time to relax. Festivals can be overwhelming experiences for parents and kids alike, so take time during the day to sit and watch the festival world go by and let it all sink in. It’ll keep your energy levels up and there’s always something interesting to look at.

THIRT Y8 STYLE INTERVIEW

Saltwater Sandals ParentFolk talks about how to build an iconic brand with Rachael Lainé, CEO of Salt-Water Sandals UK & Asia

How did you discover Salt-Water Sandals?

I spotted Salt-Water when on maternity leave with my second child. I immediately saw the huge potential for a water-friendly but 100% leather sandal that offered a stylishly nostalgic aesthetic compared to the rubber and plastic swimming shoes on the market.

How did you go from finding them to bringing them over to the UK? craftymothers was supposed to be a Brand Consultancy that specialised in designing the communications for new brands launching into Europe. However Salt-Water pushed me into bigger plans - They wanted me to represent them but they also

didn’t want to manage any of the operations. I had to really quickly learn all about importing, warehousing, supply chain and accounts and scale up to be the Distributor.

Salt-Water was the first brand I approached. It was also the first brand that I had seen for years who I was truly inspired by. They just gripped me. After all I‘d get the chance to tell the best story over and over again: “A small four-generation family business with an exceptional 75 year old product, that grew out of a chance pair made out of scrap leather from the factory floor plus they could go in water!” And NO-ONE knew about them outside of the States. It was my dream opportunity!

After I received my first samples I spent hours pounding the pavement with a little travel suitcase having meetings with stockists I’d researched online, in-between looking after my baby. The first summer I sold 700 pairs, the next year 7000 and now we sell in the hundreds of thousands and to over 30 countries.

How has this grown since you’ve been working with them?

When I launched the brand in 2011 it was only within the UK and by 2013, I was also managing the EU market. In 2014 I was given the opportunity to prospect the Asia markets. By repositioning the brand in Japan, our creative strategy has seen sales quadruple in two years.

Salt-Water sandals are now sold in over 35 countries, 30 of which are managed by craftymothers alongside our trusted and handpicked partners.

Average growth in EU has been consistently triple digit. Asia’s growth is tracking faster and we expect it to be the majority market outside of the USA by 2022. Our humble office started out in my bedroom with one other person and now we have a team of 15!

What is it about Salt-Water sandals that has captured people’s attention?

The brand is indeed timeless. Its pared back aesthetic pairs perfectly with all types of clothing and ages.

Whether you are wearing jeans or a designer jacket, shorts or a sundress, the sandal is a great neutral. We like to say “Salt-Water is the full stop to every outfit”.

Our secret is in fact not re-designing

every year, but staying neutral with only a few new fashion colours introduced that compliment current colour palettes in the clothing Industry.

Tell us about the Salt-Water brand is it still a family owned business?

Yes. There are four generations all working in the US HQ and soon to be a 5 th as a new grandchild will be born in June.

What have you found tough that you weren’t expecting?

Never switching off. If its your own business you have permanent hum of responsibility – to your employees, to the brand, to your stockists and of course your family. I have found juggling family and business incredibly tough at times. It leans one way and then another but if its tipped one way for too long – the other suffers.

How have you had to adapt as you’ve launched in more countries?

100%. Cultural intelligence is key to success. You have to be sensitive to differences whilst selling the exact same product. A key adaptation was incorporating Velcro into the Asian kidsmarket. In Japan they take their

shoes off over 18 times a day. Having 30 nursery school kids struggling with buckles x 18 times would send any teacher over the edge. In Europe they love the fact young kids CANNOT take their shoes off at will or chuck them out of the buggy.

How different is it working in the Asian market vs the European?

The key difference is the immediacy that Asia demands. They are not used to and will not tolerate waiting for things. Stores here are used to ordering at least 6 months ahead of delivery – in Asia they’d like it next day. We are working through supply chain tweaks to try and make it faster but we can’t turn production around in 24 hours so there will have to be compromises.

What’s been your career high?

Probably turning over the first £million if I was truly honest. I knew I was onto a good thing but now I am invited to attend lunch with trade ministers at Houses Of Parliament to get involved with debate on trading across borders. That means I must be doing something right! www.salt-watersandals.com

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FORT Y LITTLEFOLK STYLE

BRAND Bazaar

This summer we’re flying the flag for brilliant indie brands and teaming up with them across our social events. Stop by their pop ups, check them out online, shop local and show them your support.

The Other Mums A club for all mums, no matter how you mother. After experiencing a less than warm welcome during a visit to her first mother & baby group, Founder of The Other Mums, Mary-Jane, decided to create a club for all mums.

Focused on reminding mothers to support one another this is one community and label flying the flag and celebrating and empowering mothers everywhere. You’ll be welcomed with open arms. www.theothermums.com Instagram @theothermums

For Mama and Baba One of the original teething jewellery crew, For Mama and Baba built their reputation being one of the first brands in the UK making silicone teething jewellery. Fast forward to today and now For Mama and Baba offers a collection that includes their jewellery for mama, teething toys for baba, and a beautiful line-up of gifts and books. www.formamaandbaba.com Instagram @for_mama_and_baba

The Pigeon Bundle Beds Bundle Beds is the future of sleeping over, sleeping out, camping and adventures. A Bundle Bed is a self-contained, fully-bundled bed, complete with a slim, but deceptively-comfortable self-inflating mattress, built in luxury duvet and pillow with ultra cosy sheets to provide comfort, warmth and a great night’s sleep. Simply unclip, unroll, unzip and it’s ready to use. Then in reverse it gets zipped, rolled, clipped and you’re ready to go.

Durable, washable and practical, the Bundle Bed can be used in all sorts of situations, from camping and festivals to sleepovers and the odd night on the nursery floor. www.bundlebeds.com

The Wolf

The Pigeon and the Wolf is a timeless childrenswear brand inspired by classical tales that will see you through the seasons.

Designed and made by Hannah, mum to three, in her Northampton studio, she designs, cuts and makes everything by hand with care and attention to detail.

Pieces are crafted with longevity in mind using natural fabrics where possible and are made to encourage a slower fashion.

Shop the collection: www.thepigeonandthewolf.com Instagram @thepigeonandthewolf

Instagram @bundlebeds

Wunderlang

Oya Goode

Wunderlang Childrenswear is a sustainable collection using 100% recycled materials such as silk, cotton and wool felt, handmade in the North West of England. Each design is considered for ease of wear and movement.

Fabrics are natural, soft and sustainable. Every single item is unique with its own individual details.

The collection is unisex with age ranging from 6M - 3YR. Wunderlang are all about creating beautiful clothing for children, which is as kind to the planet as it is to their skin.

Oya Goods makes lifestyle goods for motherhood. With an emphasis on slow and proper ways of making that are kind to the earth and the little ones that wear them. Using only sustainable, recycled and toxic- free materials, Oya Goods are worthy of care and passing on.

Explore the range of sustainably made goods at www.oyagoods. co.uk sign up to the mailer today for 10% off your first order!

Products are sold to most countries worldwide (excluding USA and Canada) online via the website www.wunderlang.com Instagram @wunderlang

@oya.goods

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The Little Outfitters

Handmade Scandi Company Handmade Scandi Co is luxury handmade baby decor boutique, born through the love of all things that sparkle and a passion for creating beautiful things. Offering magical, bespoke designed mobiles, garlands and personalised gifts to help you create a dreamy space where your little ones can play, dream and imagine.

The Little Outfitters is a shopping service for busy parents who want their children to look as stylish as they do. For children aged two to eight years, parents receive a box filled with cohesive pieces that can be mix and matched creating multiple outfits that reflect their child’s personality and style. The Little Outfitters stock a range of European brands which have been carefully selected for their standout designs and high quality.

Find out more: www.thelittleoutfitters.com Instagram: @thelittleoutfitters

www.handmadescandico.co.uk Instagram: @handmadescandicompany

Casey Is There’s a new kidswear brand on the block, launched by Founder of Smudge Kids, Carina Walsh. This is a brand that pushes gender stereotypes and old fashioned social rules aside and says hell yes to kids being whatever they want to be!

At a time when mental health and self care is finally getting the recognition it deserves, when we are finally learning to embrace diversity, encourage self expression and self love, Casey Is [ ] believes it’s time to celebrate and their first collection does just that.

As well as loving who we are, we must love where we are, and so Casey is [ ] promises to keep all their products organic and sustainable, and all their packaging recyclable. www.caseyis.co.uk

Olive

Cowboys

Oscar

There to help you and your little ones be as adventurous and creative as possible through their mini me fashion, Olive + Oscar is more than a cool brand, they champion being unique, encouraging little ones to express themselves with the way they dress.

The hardworking team behind Olive + Oscar instil positive values into their business. You won’t meet a friendlier more passionate team focused on designing and sourcing the best garments for your littlefolk.

Shop the styles online www.oliveandoscar.co.uk Instagram: oliveandoscar_uk

Rockaway Toys Rockaway Toys is a cool independent toy shop that was founded back in 2017. Founded by parents with a background in the environmental sector, they wanted to minimise their impact on the environment and buy toys for their daughter from sustainable and renewable sources. Struggling to find them they took the leap and launched Rockaway Toys. We love the diverse selection of toys they stock!

Check them out www.rockawaytoys.co.uk Instagram: @rockawaytoys

Angels

Cowboys & Angels Children’s Boutique started out as a small boutique selling fantastic brands for children.

Now in a new phase of their journey as an online business, they offer a handpicked curated line up of children’s clothing, brands, toys and gifts. Brands including Lilly + Sid, Sophie La Girafe and Kite Clothing. You’ll find them online and at a host of events this summer. www.instagram.com/cowboysnangels/ www.facebook.com/cowboysandangelsWK/

FORT Y2 LITTLEFOLK STYLE

Cub & Pudding launch their new collection

S

arah Birchall was a frustrated city PA pondering how her maternity cover pitstop from features journalism had turned into a nine year corporate comfort ride.

Bemoaning the lack of creativity in her life, she was spurred by the time spent adding to her son’s haul of printed leggings and a chance meeting with a career coach, and launched Cub & Pudding.

Inspired by her love of illustration and wordplay, Cub & Pudding has launched with its first collection.

Designed at home in London by Sarah, these quirky prints appeal to those who love bold and tasteful wares.

Speaking to ParentFolk about the launch of Cub & Pudding, Sarah says: “I have lots of exciting ideas brewing for future collections of Cub & Pudding - all of them linking to my zeal for illustration and the influence that books, in particular children’s tales, have on my print designs.

Our AW19 collection will include our stalwart leggings and dungarees

The gorgeous new collection from Zara Kids has landed The collection of premium dresses feature the most beautiful styles with delicate shirring, ruffles and lace trimmings.

The result? Dreamy summer dressing.

The collection is priced from £29.99 – £39.99 and available at www.zara.com/uk

- which I hope will always be a core product of ours - but we’ll expand to include signature-style boxy sweatshirts with unique prints. I’d love to collaborate for future ranges with some of my beloved illustrators and when I can find the time and headspace, it’d be a dream accomplished to create a story book to accompany a future collection’s theme.”

Check out the new collection online at www.cubandpudding.com Instagram @cubandpudding

FORT Y3 WORKLIFE

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It’s all about the Flex W e catch up with Louise

Deverell-Smith about

her new recruitment site that has flexible working at its core The Daisy Chain is a new recruitment platform that connects parents looking for a new role with

family-friendly employers. It was set up by Louise Deverell-Smith in an attempt to help working parents get back on the employment ladder and tackle gender inequality in the workplace.

According to research from the Equality and Human Rights

Commission as many as 54,000 women lost their jobs in 2016 due to maternity discrimination, and one in five mothers experienced harassment or negative comments related to pregnancy or flexible working.

“After working in recruitment I

became more aware that many mums were missing out on employment due to employers not being flexible to mum’s needs, especially when it comes to childcare,” says Louise.

She then met with several companies who said they wanted to help women work flexibly, but could they put their money where their mouths were?

“Yes, they could!” says Louise.

“And on The Daisy Chain are employers such as Savills, the British Fashion Council and Michelmores and who want to connect with parents and prove they are family friendly, flexible companies to work for.”

The Daisy Chain is free for parents where they can match + connect with employers to enhance their careers and work-life balance.

Parents can register and provide information about their likes, interests and what they are looking for in a role. The Daisy Chain then matches them to potential family-friendly employers and if they are interested they will then get in touch. Crucially, parents can state when they are available, staying in control of their time. www.daisy-chain.com

“I know how hard it is going back to work having had a baby, not to mention just going to work in the morning and dealing with the feelings you may have about whatever ‘mum’ issues arise,” says Louise. “So in addition to our match + connect service, working mums & dads can also find helpful advice from our Daisy Chain contributors, including our fashion stylist, confidence coach, fitness and nutritionist expert, to help you along the path of being a parent!”

Louise Deverell-Smith Daisy Chain

FORT Y6 WELLBEING

SURVIVING THE

School holidays Going from the routine of term time to the summer holidays can be a tricky for some families.

Children’s behaviour expert and parent coach Livvy Gormally gives us her top tips on how to stay sane and keep your kids amused this summer.

1

For many of us, the Summer holidays mean freedom and lack of time pressures, but switching from term time routines to holiday routines can be a challenge. Knowing what makes you family tick is important, if your family works better with routine the holidays will work better with a bit more structure. If your kids get “hangry” and need regular food to avoid mood swings, then your days will be easier if you keep to regular mealtimes.

2

When the holidays start the kids don’t always

realise that “holidays”

don’t really exist for

parents-the expectation to stop everything versus the pressure of mounting jobs can be huge on

parents. We all try to be master jugglers but try to be realistic with your time, the jobs that can’t wait, what you can fit into the day and the expectations of the whole family.

3 4

Tired school-weary kids

are not as tolerant, may be

quicker to get moody or

squabble. So, bear this in

mind when planning activities for the first few days.

Play to the strengths of

your family- if your

kids don’t function well

when tired, accumulated

late nights will have a

negative effect on the whole family. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy cinema night, or some meals out on holiday, it just means you have to be prepared and know that a siesta or an early night might be needed the next day to get everyone back on track.

5

Be realistic with your expectations-if your kids find it hard to play together after

school, then it is unrealistic to expect them to play harmoniously all day during the holidays.

Different aged kids access free time, toys and games in different ways so try to plan activities which are appropriate to their ages, interests and abilities to keep things running smoothly.

6

During holiday times

some parents say they

feel pressure to fill the

days with adventure but this is often not what their kids want or need-sometimes kids just need time to chill-so enjoy the odd pyjama day, say no to some activities or playdates and make sure your kids have time to rest and regenerate - rested kids are happier kids.

7

Always be mindful of

what makes your own

family tick - as a mum

of 3, 2 of whom are

like energiser bunnies, just chilling is very hard, my guys actually relax more when they have had a burst of activity - finding the balance for your kids is key.

8

If you are going away

try to set some realistic

“holiday rules”. It’s

lovely on holiday to go

with the flow, be more flexible with timings, later bedtimes and treats - but be aware that these changes may result in an increase in challenging behaviour for children who do not cope well with less sleep and shifting routines.

9

Be clear from the

beginning that these

holiday rules apply to

the time you are away

and try to set realistic rules that you are confident that you can stick to. For example, you may allow extended screen time on a travel day, but let the kids know that once home your normal rules will apply. Your rules should be family specific and should reflect the behaviour of your kids. If you know that extended screen time marks a deterioration in behaviour or too many treats lead too challenging behaviours this should be reflected in your rules.

10

My background is behaviour

analysis, as such I always coach

parents to look at why behaviours are happening. This does not only apply to the challenges, but to the good times too. Try to become a behaviour detective - if you find yourself in a “don’t cycle” try to turn it around by focusing on and praising the behaviours you want to see more of as opposed to the ones you are trying to reduce.

Livvy has over 20 years’ experience as a behaviour specialist.

If you would more information or support with any aspect of parenting and child behaviour please visit www.letsasklivvy.co.uk.

Livvy offers personalised strategies that fit in with how you want to parent.

WWW.PARENTFOLK.CO.UK

In search of success?

Head to spiritual bootcamp.

H

by Caroline Britton

ocus Pocus or the route to success? Morning affirmations, yoga, journaling, these are some of the rituals practised by some of the worlds most successful CEO’s and business founders. Here transformational coach, Caroline Britton, shares what she really learnt from her spiritual and emotional bootcamp.

‘At the beginning of the year I made the decision I wanted to expand my reach, serve more people and double my turnover. For me this could never be done on a business strategy alone. I instinctively knew at the beginning of the year that to get to that next level of success I had to do the internal work, the much deeper stuff we are often reticent to get into. Being a coach I already do a lot of the mindset and emotional work but this was taking it to another level. This has been an emotional and spiritual bootcamp for the last 5 months and I’ve learnt a huge amount about myself in the process. Over the last 5 months I have done daily mediation, morning affirmations, weekly coaching, reiki, cranial osteopathy, weekly kundalini yoga, massage, daily journaling, morning routines, visualisations ... the works. You name it and I’ve been employing it. For me it has been an experiment in how much of an impact all this work can have [I

know a big one but I wanted to see at what level] and also so that I can categorically show my clients that you get the external rewards when you do the internal work.

So what impact has the last 5 months really had?

1. Firstly I’ve been surprised at how difficult some of it has been.

Especially some of the work around some of the harder times in my life and in relation to people who have been unkind to me. I realised how much we hold on to this stuff and how hard it is to let it go. I still feel this is a work in progress but I know that as soon as I treat those past situations and people with love and forgiveness there is a huge change in my physical and emotional state. I feel lighter and much more peaceful.

It has made me realise that anger and resentment can be fundamental blockers to real change and to allowing the abundance and joy you seek.

2. The way I run my morning has a massive impact on my day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and I always seem to have my most productive and magical days when I’ve spent time in the morning implementing a good routine [this is on the advice of The Miracle Morning] - affirmations, meditation,

some yoga stretching, visualisation.

It gives me huge amounts of clarity and focus and my day seems to have a huge impetus 3. Being focused on a BIG goal works. When you ask for it, let it go and surrender with total belief it is already yours then you get it. I have purposely set targets of quadrupling my monthly income for March and May and I have done it on each occasion. It really, really works. This is about choosing what you focus on and then having trust and letting it go.

4. The best thing you can do is become more conscious. Step back and create space with your thoughts by constantly choosing a thought that makes you feel good. This does wonders for your vibration and it is really amazing how you can

Words by Caroline Britton

consciously move from the reality you have created for yourself [a fear based one] to one that serves you.

You create your own reality and can change it at any moment. You always start with picking thoughts that make you feel good.

5. I am much nicer, calmer, grounded, present and a better coach when I meditate. Want to take the experience to another level? Try kundalini yoga.

6. When you are in a period of immense growth it can feel like you are on a roller coaster. For me blocks and past self doubts came out for me physically. For 5 weeks when I started this bootcamp I had a terrible shoulder and neck… I know now it was the energy quite literally shifting through me. Let the emotions come out and stop storing them in your body 7. I picked a coach who quite literally made me completely re-condition my way of thinking.

As I did this I went through various stages 1/feeling annoyed that she was challenging things I believed to be true about the way the world works 2/ tears as I realised that I had spent 38 years believing things to be true about me, money, business that were not - it’s an illusion we all buy in to 3/that at one point I felt like I

was free falling and felt dizzy 4/the clarity, contentment and the influx of business that followed was mind blowing 8. Resistance is everywhere - in our minds, bodies, thoughts. Our feelings are the perfect barometer for the level of resistance we have.

There is a constant stream of well-being flowing to us and our feelings tell us how open we are to that well-being. Feeling anxious, angry, flat, worried, pessimistic then you are most likely resisting what you want. Feeling joyful, happy, excited then you are open to receiving all of the things you want.

9. Lastly, the external rewards speak for themselves… I hit my target, my income has sky rocketed, clients are flooding in, massive work opportunities have open up and I have been manifesting at an unprecedented level. However, most importantly I feel focused, confident, joyful, balanced, in flow and full of trust.

So for any of you out there thinking about doing the internal work then start today, give the mindset work the benefit of the doubt and the changes in you and your life will speak for themselves.

It’s not easy or pretty but it is SO rewarding.

Caroline is a transformational and intuitive coach. To find out more about Caroline please visit www.caroline-britton.com