Natural Mumma Magazine February 2018

Issue Seven February 2018

TakingCare CareOf OfYourself, Yourself,Your Your Tribe Taking And Our Our World...

World...

And

PASSION! Gifts Of Love, Made With Feeling

Under Cover Expert Luxurious Lingerie Laid Bare

Ethically Engaged The True Cost Of Gold

NMM February 2018

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Never Miss A Thing...

For all the best in: · ethical fashion · natural skincare and beauty · health and wellbeing · parenting and motherhood · healthy living and good eating · ecology and conservation · conscious lifestyle choices

all back issues available at Issuu Natural Mumma

Issue Five December 2017

Taking Care Of Yourself, Your Tribe And Our World

DRESS TO

IMPRESS Chic & Sustainable Partywear

Winter Holidays Unwrapped Exploring Ethical Tourism & Travel

Not Just A Pretty Face Season’s Best Eco Makeup

The Mane Event

Toxin Free Hairstyling

NMM December 2017

www.naturalmumma.com 2

February 2018 NMM

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Welcome to Natural Mumma Magazine Contents 6

What’s In Your Nail Polish?

Delving beyond the candy colours

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Feel Better Naked The best products for smoother skin

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Moral Support Beautiful ethical lingerie

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Natural Mumma Makes...

Beef with Beer, Bacon and Chocolate

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All That Glitters...

The true cost of jewellery

This month we’ve focused on love and passion, not only in a celebration of Valentine’s Day but also in a broader sense as we continue to look at ethical fashion; cruelty free, natural beauty and a more conscious lifestyle. We’ve included lots of wonderful Fair Trade and sustainable brands to mark Fair Trade Fortnight which kicks off on February 26th. We’ve delved into the world of Fair Trade jewellery, sought out the most beautiful ethical lingerie and explored what goes into a nail polish. Our product review this month is all about natural goods that help you to feel better naked and give you the smoothest skin yet. We got a little experimental in the kitchen, discovering how to make the perfect tender steak and whipping up a sauce full of some of our favourite indulgences... chocolate, bacon and beer. So whether you are wildly in love, waiting for Mr/Mrs Right, happily single or blissfully polyamorous there is plenty in this issue to whet your appetite and fuel your passion.

Contact: holly@ naturalmumma.com Photo by Gerard Hughes Holly wears Cocinella Bra & Knickers by Buttress & Snatch, Crisscross white shirt by House of Khadi. Makeup by bareMinerals, Green People, MiA Paris and PHB Ethical Beauty.

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Natural Mumma Loves...

LIORA

Uplifting Orange: experience the renewing properties of this timeless chocolate enriched with poppy seed and neroli oils.

Poppy seed (Papaver somniferum) oil has a smooth, subtly nutty flavour, high in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, omega-3s and minerals calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese and copper and zinc – which is so essential for skin-renewal.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium v. amara) essential oil is distilled from the hand-picked flowers of bitter oranges. It lends an intoxicating mix of citrus and floral aromas to this gorgeous chocolate blend. It is used by aromatherapists to combat grief and despair, and to relieve symptoms of the menopause.

Their neroli oil is sourced in Morocco. www.liora-chocolate.com

Ecovida Ecovida Gifts offers consciously curated gift sets featuring natural, cruelty-free, vegan friendly products. They carefully source all their goods from British brands who share their values so they can provide a range of beautiful, ethical and affordable gift sets.

Free shipping comes as standard for hassle free, mindful gifting. https://ecovidagifts.com/

Traidcraft

These fair trade candles are poured by hand by artisans at Wax Industri in rural Indonesia.

Each candle is vegan and crafted with 100 per cent natural palm wax, contributing to the sustainable production of palm oil. Light one, sit back, and enjoy a virtually dripless burn, with minimal soot or smoke. www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

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M&J London Spoil your Valentine with some romantic candle light.

Our luxurious candles are made with soy wax, natural oil, and recycled glass tumblers that can be upcycled. They are 100 per cent natural, plastic free and made in the UK. Our Samadhi candle has notes of Karpura, Tulsi and Rose. www.mj-london.com

LuvBug Baby through adult, this is the perfect sunscreen gear to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The fabric is UPF 50+, moisture wicking, fast drying, breathable and light weight. Perfect for any family holiday when baby’s sleeping, toddler’s resting or to cover your own feet! www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk

Fairtrade At St Michaels For one-stop fair trade shopping in the heart of Oxford.

For beautiful, unusual gifts and handmade cards to go with them; for design-led jewellery and scarves and bags: for soap and stationery, toys and textiles, mugs and mobiles, bowls and baskets and LOTS of delicious food… Also for sending children to school, opening clinics, digging wells, connecting electricity, training bookkeepers and enabling producer groups around the world to trade their way out of poverty. www.fairtradeatstmichaels.co.uk

Chocolatey Clare

A very special treat! Award winning dairy free milk chocolate handcrafted from superb ethically sourced, organic ingredients. Deliciously decadent, this premium confectionary is a chocolate lover’s dream. The beautiful gift box contains six exquisite chocolate bars of different flavours, individually wrapped in sustainable packaging printed with vegetable based ink.

Luxuriously vegan and gluten free. www.chocolateyclare.com NMM February 2018

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“It was tough, gave a high shine and most importantly in terms of mass production techniques, it dried quickly...”

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WHAT’S IN YOUR NAIL

POLISH?

B

eautiful hands and nails have become central to most beauty regimes. But increasingly, many of us are starting question the contents of the products we put onto our bodies, just as much as we query the additives of the food and drink we put into it. Nail polish (or varnish, depending on your global location) is fairly unique among beauty products. Most find their origins in a need to protect or nourish, whereas the need to colour and beautify nails is aesthetic, even from its earliest origins.

Nail polish is believed to have originated in China in around 3000 BC and was made from a mixture that included beeswax, egg whites, gelatine, vegetable dyes and Gum Arabic. It was worn to denote status, with reds and blacks being reserved purely for the ruling classes - later replaced by gold and silver - with the lower classes being allowed only muted shades. A commoner caught wearing a Royal shade on their nails could be punished by death.

During the same period in Egypt, Henna was used to dye nails dark reds and browns, and again the darker, more striking shades were reserved for royalty - strongly coloured nails denoted money, power and influence.

For many centuries in the West, people preferred a polished rather than painted look, and used tinted powders and creams which were worked into the nails, which were then buffed until shiny. This suited the tastes of the day, and particularly during the Victorian period where any form of colourful personal adornment was frowned upon.

Modern nail polish only appeared in a recognisable form in the 1930s, and could be seen as almost a by-product of the motor industry - which will lead us directly to a lot of the health issues associated with nail polish.

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Piggy Paint’s range is toxin free making them ideal for children

Enamel car paint meant vehicles could be quickly and easily finished - it was tough, gave a high shine and most importantly in terms of mass production techniques, it dried quickly. The new finishes inspired Michelle Menard, a French makeup artist who was working for the Charles Revson company, to wonder if nail polish could be created using the same technique. By the time the company had changed its name to Revlon, it was selling the first nail polish in salons in 1932 and by 1937, the product become widely available over the counter.

When you understand the origins of nail polish, it becomes clear why it contains a cocktail of quite volatile and potentially hazardous substances. The basic ingredients starts with a volatile organic solvent - most commonly ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or alcohol. Toluene, xylene, formalin and formaldehyde are highly toxic chemicals that used to be common in nail polish but their use has been reduced drastically, but they still may be found in some products in low concentrations.

Dissolved into the solvent will be a film-forming polymer, most commonly nitrocellulose. If this mix was applied to the nails, the

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solvent would evaporate to leave a thin shiny film.

Resins, or adhesive polymers, add depth, gloss and hardness to the film of the nail polish and ensures that the nitrocellulose adheres to the nail’s surface.

Tosylamide-formaldehyde resin is commonly used. They also make the film brittle, so a plasticiser such as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), dibutylphthalate or camphor is used.

To give a deep colour requires the addition of dyes and pigments.

Compounds used include chromium oxide greens, chromium hydroxide, ferric ferrocyanide, stannic oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, carmine, ultramarine, and manganese violet.

This is by no means an exhaustive ingredients list opalescent pigments like mica, bismuth oxychloride, natural pearls, and aluminum powder.

Thickening agents such as stearalkonium hectorite. And even ultraviolet stabilizers such as benzophenone-1, to help the polish resist colour changes when the dry film is exposed to sunlight.

Published in 2015, a study by Duke University and Environmental Working Group (EWG) Researchers found evidence of one of these

commonly used chemicals in the bodies of every woman who volunteered to paint their nails for the study. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), a plasticiser, has been found to cause endocrine disruption, meaning that it interferes with normal hormone functioning. Many manufacturers started to use TPHP as a replacement plasticizer for dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, which fell out of use because of highly publicized scientific studies showed that DBP and other phthalates are likely endocrine disruptors and toxic to the reproductive system.

TPHP may have grabbed the headlines in recent years, but it is by no means the only villain in this piece. Toulene is known to cause reproductive harm and dizziness.

It is also found in unleaded petrol and can cause central nervous system problems. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. When used in lab preparations, it is always accompanied by strict warnings to avoid inhalation or skin contact.

Camphor is known to irritate skin.

The good news is that the makeup industry is in the grip of a ‘clean beauty’ makeover and many manufacturers are going to great lengths to remove or heavily restrict the use of the

worst chemicals. It’s still worth noting though that practically all of the widely available products will still contain some chemicals, and if that concerns you, read the ingredients, buy very carefully and use sparingly.

You will now also see the phrases “3 Free”, “5 Free” and in some instances, even “8 Free”.

Products which claim to be “3 Free” contain no Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde. In addition, “5 Free” products contain no Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor. And walking the extra mile, “8 Free” products are also free of xylene, ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate. Check out the brands that interest you and with this small reassurance, you’ll know that you’re spared the most noxious of the substances that may be lurking within.

Some makers are now even using water based formulations with mineral pigments and natural colourants, meaning no synthetic solvents and getting close to a genuinely eco-friendly product.

They’re also kinder to you as they won’t dry or discolour your nails as solvent based products will.

The balance now seems to be finding a product that looks great, comes in a wide range of shades, works well and is free from the most dangerous of chemicals. And the good news, there are many companies out there doing just that. There are no truly chemical free polishes yet, but the way the industry is responding, it can only be a matter of time.

Products We Love...

Piggy Paint

Piggy Paint is a water based, non toxic and eco friendly line of polishes fit for princesses and the planet. Say goodbye to harsh, smelly chemicals, and hello to natural, colourful fun. The only hypoallergenic, organic, vegan and safe polish on the market that dries to a hard finish and does not peel off. www.piggypaintuk.co.uk

MIA

MIA’s range of nail polish has been formulated without the most harmful and toxics ingredients, helping take care of the health of your nails. With an innovative colour technology that meaning that MIA can last for at least 5 days, extended to 7 days if used with their Base coat and “Gel Effect” Top Coat. MIA’s Nail Treatment line offers different alternatives for a complete and comprehensive nail care. Vitamins and botanical extracts, in addition to the 5-free formulation will nourish your nails back to health and beauty. www.mia-laurens.com/uk

Little Ondine

What’s in a polish? Mostly water, but only if you’re wearing Little Ondine. This game-changing polish is water based, toxin free, odourless and - best of all - simply peels off the nail when you want to give your nails a break. No removers needed! https://uk.littleondine.com

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Natural Mumma Loves...

Visible Clothing The Greenwich Slim Fit shirt is made from a luxuriously soft, medium weight blue and white cotton jacquard and is accented with a crisp white cotton satin that lines the internal collars and cuffs. Add a luxuriously sophisticated style to your wardrobe with the Greenwich Slim fit shirt.

Ideal for work wear and social events. https://visible.clothing

Yours Sustainably If your Valentine is interested in art, design and the use of reclaimed materials, these upcycled cufflinks will make a perfect gift.

Each unique pair is made from artist canvas rescued from charity shops which is then splattered with acrylic paint... very Jackson Pollock! The canvas is then cut, varnished and mounted onto wood salvaged from building sites. A stylish token for your special man. www.yourssustainably.com

LĂźks Linen The Hakan peshtemal from LĂźks is the ideal gift for those who love to travel.

Ethically made and hand loomed from 100 per cent cotton the Hakan is a towel, scarf and sarong rolled into one. Lightweight and quick drying these peshtemals fold down small and will easily fit into a ruck sack or carry on. www.lukslinen.com

Africology Featuring Purifying Cleansing Gel, Shaving Cream and Beard Balm. The Cleansing Gel is a mild, foaming gel that gently cleanses without dehydrating the skin. Enriched with seaweed extract, for its anti oxidative and toning properties. The Shaving Cream Skin is left feeling soft, protected and moisturised. An all-in-one nourishing conditioner and styling aid, the Beard Balm moisturises and softens with shea butter to soothe and nourishes the skin and help make patchy or thin beards appear thicker. https://uk.africologyspa.com

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Po-Zu As featured in Star Wars, Po-Zu has a range of ethical footwear that was created just for the films.

These unisex high-top sneakers are formed from organic cotton and vegan friendly materials including a rubberised official Rebel Alliance badge. Evoking the spirit of the resistance these sneakers are as comfy as they are stylish with their memory-foam FootMattress™, quilted rear panel, cushioned tongue and high-performance grip natural rubber sole. https://po-zu.com

Next Month In

Natural Mumma FLORAL FASHION

Spring Summer 2018 Trends

GROW YOUR OWN

Teaching Children About Real Food

ORGANICALLY PRODUCED Better For Who...?

NATURAL MUMMA MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 AVAILABLE FROM 2 MARCH 2018

Natural Mumma Magazine February 2018

NMM Team Editor: Holly Daffurn

holly@naturalmumma.com

Creative: Gerard Hughes mail@gerardhughes.co.uk

Cover Image by Gerard Hughes featuring Buttress &Snatch, LIORA, House of Khadi, Herbivore and The Salt Parlour www.naturalmumma.com Natural Mumma Magazine

is produced by T5 Publications.

Contents may not be reproduced, stored or distributed in any form without prior written permission. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure all information contained in this magazine is accurate but the publishers can accept no responsibiilty for effects arising therefrom.

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Feel Better Naked!

Our pick of the best natural products for your smoothest skin y

A’kin Calming Body Cream Quickly absorbed this cream glides onto the skin and leaves a deliciously subtle fragrance. Your skin immediately feels soft and nourished and the effects last the entire day. Formulated without parabens and sulfates and enriched with shea butter, jojoba, avocado and chamomile. Gentle enough to use on the most sensitive of skin.

The Salt Parlour Salt & Sulphur Scrubs

These lovely scrubs come in delightful portable tins making them ideal for gifts, weekends away or simply adding charm to your bathroom. Made from Dead Sea salt, coconut oil and peach kernel oil each scrub is enriched with essential oils and natural ingredients to feed your skin as well as your exciting your senses. Great for dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.

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Kindred + Wild Herb Oil #1 Lavender, chamomile, calendula and geranium are blended together in this beautiful oil. The evocative scent will stay with you all day, as will the nourishing benefits of this fantastic natural oil. It’s gentle enough to be used on the body and face yet powerful enough to feed even the driest of skin types.

yet...

Isla Apothecary Lemongrass & Rosemary Foot Scrub and Blood Orange & Vanilla Sugar Scrub

For top to toe silky smooth skin, these scrubs from Isla Apothecary will leave your skin rejuvenated and renewed. The foot scrub exfoliates, moisturises and deodorises. The blood orange scrub formed from Organic sugar cane fights free radicals whole toning and cleansing the whole body. These scrubs smell fabulous and are the perfect primer for your favourite chemical free moisturiser.

Tropic Cleansing Body Pebble

Vegan, cruelty free and without the need for plastic packaging this cleansing bar is packed with nourishing shea butter with exfoliating oatmeal to give you beautifully soft skin.

Made in the UK, this product smells great without being overpowering and creates a brilliant lather too.

Friction Free Shaving FFS Gift Set

Obliterating your need for disposable plastic razors, Friction Free Shaving have not only created the world’s first metal razor designed for women but the effortless service means you can get refills delivered to your door each month. With a stunning range of all natural products and six diamond-coated steel blades and a bikini styling blade per head, you’ll be left with the smoothest legs.

Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish and Rose Quartz Body Oil

This body polish has a delicate floral scent and benefits from the nurturing qualities of coconut oil. Leaving you with silky skin ready to indulge in the body oil which hydrates and adds a subtle luminosity. Inspired by the beauty of the gemstone this oil is perfect for special occasions, with its jasmine and rose infused scent and delicate shimmer.

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MORAL

SUPPORT

It can be hard enough to find lingerie that is affordable and that you love, add ethical construction to your specifications list and it becomes even more difficult, but there are options...

E

xquisitely made underwear that is fashioned from sumptuous fabrics and constructed in a way that celebrates and supports the female shape is something truly special. Wearing the right underwear can make you feel incredible and there is no denying that it will ignite passion in anyone who already adores your curves and soft skin. Beautiful lingerie is a gift for both the wearer and anyone who has the privilege of seeing them in it.

Ethical lingerie is a true reflection of this, in that it not only makes you feel good by complimenting your shape but it also gives your morality a boost as it ensures a fair wage and work conditions to those who painstakingly construct these intricate garments.

We all know that wearing well fitting underwear can enhance your comfort as well as giving you

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a flattering silhouette. We look for underwear that feels great and looks beautiful. We opt for lingerie that celebrates our sexuality.

It can be hard enough to find lingerie that is affordable and that you love, add ethical construction to your specifications list and it becomes even more difficult. Since underwear is something we’ll continually need to repurchase, opting for brands that produce sustainably makes a huge impact over time.

Dressing for sex doesn’t need to imply subservience or exploitation, and by opting for lingerie that is made ethically we can shrug off the same associations. You can choose lingerie that empowers you while empowering those who made it.

Wear exceptional lingerie under clothing and no one will know that you are wearing it, but it will change the way you move and feel.

With ethical underwear this effect

is magnified, it’s your secret but it feels so good and can change the way you react to the world around you. Whether you are a die hard ethical covert or just dipping your toe in the water, these changes can alter your whole world view.

There has been a renewed interest in ethical practices in recent years with more consumers adopting a conscious and considered approach to fashion.

However, each new year also brings cheaper clothing solutions which often mean chemically laden clothing and slave labour.

Because underwear is made of so many different elements, it can be especially difficult to source ethically. Bras are composed of wire, hook and eye closures, sliders and rings and a variety of different fabrics (lining, a main fabric, foam, lace, mesh, elastic straps and ribbons). For most brands these parts are all sourced from different factories.

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MariLupa specialises in creating beautiful underwear using hand dyed silks, vintage jewellery, precious stones and antique lace mixed with high performance lingerie fabrics

The intricacies of constructing a bra mean that mass production is by far the cheapest way and many people opt for the reduced cost rather than buying beautifully handcrafted lingerie that comes at a lower ethical cost but with a higher price tag.

Many of the larger global lingerie brands face allegations of child labour, poor working conditions for factory workers and animal testing. They don’t tend to make their manufacturing practices public, and so you can never be too sure about the story and ethics behind your purchases.

The term ethical has become somewhat of a buzz word but there is a certain flexibility in its usage. Some use it to describe manufacturing processes – whether the workers are paid a living wage or the working conditions, some to describe the use of sustainable fabrics.

With this resurgence in conscious consumerism, there

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are more ways for us to learn about our purchases. The Good On You ethical shopping app is a great way to discover brands that match your values and also to check the ethical credibilities of other brands. Rank-a-Brand also allocates sustainability scores.

We need to know the story behind the brands that we invest in. We want to support labels who avoid overproduction and strive for quality while being open about their practices.

There are brands out there who offer complete transparency of the origins of their products.

Buttress and Snatch and their sister company Marilupa focus on crafting beautiful quality lingerie that is built to last. Supporting UK manufacturers and crafting all of their lingerie and swimwear from their Hackney workshops. Each piece is custom made meaning the customer benefits from the perfect fit and the finest attention to detail. This process also means

that there is no waste.

Buttress and Snatch have just launched a brand new bespoke service for those who are “concerned about a world full of overproduction, excessive waste, landfill and polluting manufacturing processes.” It’s an innovative and refreshing approach to lingerie.

You simply send them your best fitting bra, and they will make a pattern from it and fashion you a new bra and matching knickers.

You can even change the position of the straps or the depth of the cups to give you the best fit ever.

This approach doesn’t just give you a bra that will last, but they can also reuse wiring and fixtures from worn out underwear. This service allows you to buy bras in the colours you like in the exact fit that works for you.

Rachel Kenyon from Buttress and Snatch understands that every woman’s body is unique and her beautiful lingerie celebrates

the sensuality and diversity of the female form. Mass produced high street underwear brands lack the quality that the carefully constructed Buttress and Snatch creations benefit from.

All of the designs can be made to follow your own fit. This service brings a whole new dimension to ethical lingerie. Every garment made by Marilupa is also tailor made individually in house.

The ethos behind Marilupa is “buy less, make it special.”

Making use of Rachel’s 20 years of technical experience, in which she has clothed some of the world’s most renowned people including Kate Moss, Madonna and Beth Ditto. This brand is about sheer indulgence and offers ethereal designs that are deliciously soaked in fantasy.

Gone are the days when ethical underwear was drab and unappealing with brands such as Buttress and Snatch and Marilupa offering exquisite creations, sumptuous fabrics, ethical practices and a true understanding of the female figure.

Sylph Layered Metallic Silk And Gold Lace Slip

by MariLupa Two separate bias cut sylph slips, one in turquoise and one in gold silk sheer organza layered together which can also be worn on their own. The straps and edges are finished with a vintage gold lace and the slips are made from a sheer, structured organza.

Juanita Curvy Sheer Tulle Bra

by Buttress And Snatch

Sheer and supportive lightweight minx net structured cup bra with soft draped tulle top cup and shoulders, sexy and fantastic for large cup sizes.

Curvy Maria Bra and Sheer Lace Knickers

by Buttress And Snatch Sheer English Lace bra with vintage velvet flowers and sheer tulle drape, available in a wide size range.

Sheer English lace and stretch minx net high waist knickers with vintage velvet flowers cut high on the hip with a cheeky back to flatter a fuller figure.

www.buttressandsnatch.co.uk https://www.marilupa.com

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Natural Mumma Loves...

Buttress And Snatch Buttress and Snatch focus on crafting beautiful quality lingerie that is built to last. Supporting UK manufacturers and crafting all of their lingerie and swimwear from their Hackney workshops. Each piece is custom made meaning the customer benefits from the perfect fit and the finest attention to detail.

Drawing on vintage and burlesque styles, Buttress and Snatch also offer a bespoke make service.

Custom made, beautiful underwear. Could you ask for anything more...? www.buttressandsnatch.co.uk

Marilupa Left: Luxurious slate blue stretch silk satin demi bra with matching briefs. Soft sheer tulle draped cup and shoulders finished with vintage velvet hydrangea flowers and hand snipped embroidered silk leaves. Limited edition due to use of unique vintage materials.

Right: The Water Kelpie. Exquisitely soft sheer 100 per cent silk tulle hand dyed to different shades of deep emerald greens then snipped, fronded and finished with hand stitched swarovski crystals and scattered beads for subtle mermaid sparkles. www.marilupa.com

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From Belo Let your bag be the change you want to see in the world! This British/Brazilian company creates beautiful, convertible accessories, which help keep your goodies safe. The accessories are handmade and Fair Trade, using recycled fabrics, plastics and leather. Every item purchased helps support the homeless and in need in Brazil via the charity Casa De Maria. www.frombelo.com

The Salt Parlour Bringing the goodness of the sea straight to your skin.

The Salt Parlour’s range of luxurious body scrubs are blended with natural vitamins, minerals and cold pressed essential oils to leave the skin beautifully smooth, fresh and hydrated whilst also indulging the senses - it’s love in a tin. www.thesaltparlour.co.uk

Traidcraft Jewellery with heart, soul, and full of meaning – hand-hammered by traditional jewellery-makers in India and finished with an all-natural river pearl. Wear each piece in this ethical jewellery set with pride, and remember that all of our hearts are touched by the people we meet. www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

MAARÏ

MAARÏ is the swimwear you’ve been waiting for. Product innovation and timeless design blend together to create eco-friendly statement swimsuits for the modern woman.

Every piece carries the quality and heritage of ‘Made in Italy’. In this innovative feminine swimwear, you can make it your mission to feel good and do good this summer. https://maariportocervo.com NMM February 2018

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“Packed with great, fresh ingredients, this meal couldn’t be easier...”

You Will Need:

“...enhanced by the sharpness of the peppercorns and mustard”

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natural

mumma

makes

2 beef medallions 2 tbsp olive oil 2 large shallots 2 rashers of smoked bacon 1 ½ tbsp flour 1 can of stout 1 heaped dessertspoon of mustard 2 tsp mixed peppercorns 2 dessertspoons of tomato puree 1 dessertspoon of balsamic vinegar 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 orange 30g of dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids) We served with potato gratin dauphinoise and seared asparagus.

natural mumma makes

W

Beef With Beer, Bacon & Chocolate

e wanted to create a Valentine’s worthy meal for those who wanted to forego the crowded restaurants and indulge in a night in.

If you are looking to create something quick and simple that also tastes delicious, then this dinner is ideal. The bacon brings a delicious salty, smokiness that is enhanced by the sharpness of the peppercorns and mustard. The sweetness of the chocolate is beautifully balanced by the beer.

Packed with great, fresh ingredients, this meal couldn’t be easier. Even if you’ve had a busy day, you can whip it up once the kids are in bed. The steak is quick to cook

and the sauce simple to prepare meaning you can devote more time to other indulgences.

The beef may be the main act, but every star needs a great supporting cast. We served our steak with creamy potato gratin dauphinoise in individual ramekins, alongside lightly seared asparagus. You might prefer to make a huge dish of dauphinoise and put the rest by for another day.

There is something deliciously comforting about the layers of creamy potatoes infused with garlic. Put a little of the cream aside and add it to the end of the steak sauce for a more mellow taste.

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1Tip!

Take your beef from the fridge 15 mins before cooking to take the chill off it and help you achieve the most tender of steaks.

Tip!

2

Nam inum alia adicia Am Heat mi, the oil in ipsapid eiciolive Tem faccum

Nam inum alia adicia Am ipsapid mi, Tem faccum.

a pan, add finely chopped shallots and cook until transparent before adding the chopped bacon.

3

Once the bacon is starting to brown stir in the flour, stout, mustard, mixed peppercorns, chilli flakes, tomato puree, balsamic vinegar and the juice of half an orange.

4 5

Simmer the sauce for 10 mins while you get on with preparing your steak.

Take the other half of the orange and squeeze it over your steaks to add flavour and keep the meat juicy. Season the beef with coarse sea salt and freshly milled pepper.

6

Heat olive oil in a grill pan before searing the steak for two minutes on each side. Turn the steak every minute, slice a garlic clove in half horizontally and rub it over the steak with each turn. This will result in a medium rare steak, increase the time if you prefer your beef well done.

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After the four minutes have passed, remove the steaks and lay them on a plate. Rub them with olive oil and allow to rest for two minutes.

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While the steak is resting add the chocolate to your sauce and stir until well combined before adding a dash of cream if using.

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Carve your beef and plate it before pouring over the resting juices and a generous drizzle of the sauce.

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You may like to finish your dish by topping with grated chocolate and orange zest.

Serve with dauphinoise and seared vegetables.

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natural mumma makes

So there you have it, a delicious date night meal that won’t have you chained to the cooker. This quick supper is perfect for dinner parties and family meals too or any time when you want to mark the occasion without restricting yourself to the kitchen all evening.

Natural Mumma YouTube Channel You can find this recipe and plenty more on the Natural Mumma YouTube channel NMM February 2018 23 www.youtube.com/naturalmumma

Natural Mumma Loves...

Microblading & Permanent Makeup

El Truchan

How does Microblading & Permanent Makeup cut down the need to apply chemicals to the face on a daily basis?

Did you know that the average woman spends two years of her life applying makeup? Think of all the other things you could be doing with that time and money. You could start your own business or travel around the world – several times!

Luckily, it’s not too late to get the time back. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve going completely barefaced either!

Microblading & Permanent makeup is the perfect alternative to reducing the amount of chemicals that you apply to your face on a daily basis. El also only uses high quality, vegan friendly and medical graded pigments and tools.

If low maintenance is your thing, a Microblading & Permanent Makeup treatment could be just what you need to make your life that bit easier.

Have permanently perfect brows, eyeliner or lipstick and wake up with make up every day. Whether you love a bold dramatic look to your makeup or prefer a low-key natural effect, there’s a permanent cosmetic treatment for you. www.perfectdefinition.co.uk

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El is Microblading, Permanent Makeup & Medical Tattoo Specialist and also a Trainer at KB Pro and Nouveau Contour Academies for all things Permanent Cosmetics and Medical Tattooing.

WUKA WUKA Period Wear means you can have ultra-hygienic and luxuriously comfortable periods. Their Period Wear combines a hi-tech absorbent layer with anti bacterial properties with ecofriendly fabrics that are incredibly soft to the touch, kind to the environment and comfortable to wear.

Leak free – even for even the heaviest period. WUKA use a high tech absorbency layer that can absorb 200x its own weight in water and lock it in.

Ultra Hygienic – Anti bacterial treated fabric fights bacteria and odours.

Machine washable – Most reusable products need to hand washed.

Eco friendly – Micro Modal high tech fabric, designed in the UK and manufactured to the highest standards.

Comfortable – Super soft and body hugging with plenty of coverage for reassurance. Panties also allow a woman to freeflow avoiding the internal drying and health risks of tampons.

Less Waste – Reusable panties, it’s in the name, no more bins full of menstrual products.

Combining their skills of fashion and technology WUKA wanted to create the perfect period pants by combing the earth for the most high tech fabrics. Combining anti bacterial treated fabric (that also fights odours) and Micro-modal fabric that is as gentle to the planet as it is to your skin.

Ruby Raut is the CEO and Co-Founder of WUKA Wear. She is a passionate environmental scientist who combines her scientific knowledge and passion for lean startup methodology to solve the problems that surround disposable menstrual products.

“I was born and brought up in beautiful Nepal where, upon turning 12, I saw a different side to my culture. Nachune, the Nepali name for period literally translates as ‘untouchable’, which is what women are told they are when they start to bleed.

I also had to practise (the dreaded) Chaupaddi for my first period. It’s a social tradition in Nepal for women, which prohibits them from participating in normal family activities during menstruation, as they are considered untouchable.

It’s different in each region so I didn’t go and live in the cow shed like some do, but was sent to my aunt’s house where I stayed for a week. I was not allowed to go out in the sun, not to look at men, not to touch any plants - which would die if i touched them of course.

I had my own bowl and cup which I ate and drank from as I was ‘dirty’. Thinking of it now, it makes me cross, like a deep scar that itches now and again.

My sister and I used to use my mum’s old saree as reusable menstrual pads which on the plus side, was eco friendly and cheap, but on the negative side i always used to worry it would fall down when running!

I’ve since grown up a bit, gained a science degree and a love of travel. My aim with WUKA Wear is to bring science and design together to make menstruation hassle free and little bit luxurious.”

Photos © WUKA ltd. 2017 The first batch of WUKA period pants will be available from the end of February, you can pre-order now: www.wuka.co.uk

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ALL THAT G We have become used to seeing Fair Trade associated with farmed produce, but the same principles are now being applied to the production of precious stones and metals.

Jewellery with a conscience...

W

e all know how significant a piece of jewellery given as a gift can be. Something unique for that special person in your life, signature pieces given on an anniversary, or a ring to ask the question. They will be treasured and hold a deeper significance for the person who receives them which is far more valuable than the precious metals and stones used to make them.

But how much more special could that piece be if you could guarantee that all of those materials had been ethically and ecologically mined and processed?

That the miners who risk all to bring the gold or silver to the market had been fairly treated and the processes used had been regulated to cause minimal impact to the environment.

Most people know about conflict - or blood - diamonds. Precious stones used to be easier to move across borders, and they became the currency of choice for illegal arms deals. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was created by the United Nations in 2002 and was designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate jewellery supply chains.

Around 47 countries now subscribe to the Kimberley Process, including all member countries of the EU. Adherents ensure that any diamond mining is strictly supervised, and stones in both their rough and polished state can only be transferred between participating countries in

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tamper-proof containers and with proper documentation.

The amount of diamonds from conflict countries is now vastly reduced - far less than 1 per cent compared with 15 per cent in the 1990s. So De Beers, which produces 40 per cent of the world’s diamonds, can now call all its stones conflict-free.

Keeping precious stones politically clean is only part of the story, and there may still be ethical issues involved in their mining and processing.

Conditions in the mines and in the communities that supply them with manpower can still be terrible, child labour is still common in parts of the world and there are still endless dangers from toxic chemicals. And despite decades of progress in other areas, there are still no certified free trade diamonds or other precious stones.

There is now certified Fairtrade gold and silver available on the market, thanks to the work of companies like CRED. The independently accredited system at Fairtrade ensures that the mining community adheres to a strict code of conduct that we as consumers have become familiar with in relation to the farming of coffee, cocoa, sugar and bananas.

It ensures that the mine pays the miners fairly, that there is no child labour and that there is good health and safety in the mine. On top of this the miners are also paid a Fairtrade premium of $2,000

GLITTERS...

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and by searching out an older piece means no new metal or stones will have to be mined to make it, bringing a big ecological bonus. There is also some small reassurance in the fact that a lot of older stones will have been mined before the advent of diamonds used to fund conflict.

You may be lucky enough to have some vintage pieces of jewellery within the family, which have been passed down the generations and have a real sense of personal history attached. And there is a real sense of romance attached to presenting a unique and beautiful piece of jewellery to someone who is being invited to join the family.

But even if you have to look to the open market, you are sure to find a unique piece. Older jewellery is more likely to have been made to a one off design, a bespoke piece designed by the jeweller for a particular customer.

The fact that a vintage piece is a kilo to be used by the community to help develop the infrastructure including schools, health clinics, water and electricity.

CRED worked with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), a Colombian-based organisation which was born out of the Oro Verde (green gold) movement, which has been producing a responsible and traceable supply chain of gold since 2004. Mines in Peru and Bolivia have received the Fairtrade certification, including the Sotrami mine, which is now CRED’s main supplier of Fairtrade gold and silver. And they continue to try to push the certification and the benefits it brings out to the wider world. They are now working with Fairtrade to bring in the first African Fairtrade gold from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

There has been enormous progress in ethical practices in the production of gold and silver, but no mining operation is ever going to totally ecologically sound. According to an analysis from mining watchdog group Earthworks, producing the gold for just the average 18-carat wedding band is responsible for twenty tons of toxic mine waste. Highly

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toxic substances like arsenic are routinely released into the ecosystem by the process, and others, such as mercury, are used in the industrial process of separating the gold from the ore.

There is a huge environmental toll to be considered.

But as consumers, we can be grateful that companies like CRED, and organisations like FLOCERT (Fairtrade) and the Responsible Jewellery Council have pushed producers to take more responsibility for their actions. It also proves to the large mining companies that extracting gold in a cleaner, more responsible way is important to customers and in some small way, the industry has started to clean up its act. It’s not there yet, but there is progress and momentum is building. It’s our responsibility as consumers to look into the provenance of prospective purchases, and look out for those hard won Fairtrade logos and the symbols of the other organisations. Ask questions and reassure yourself.

There are alternatives which could be considered more ecofriendly. There is a healthy market in vintage and classic jewellery,

likely to cost you far less than a similar brand new item is also worth considering.

If you just can’t find what you’re looking for on the vintage market, there is another alternative to buying new, and that’s it to have the precious metals and stones in an existing piece remade. Many artisan jewellers are happy to rework an existing piece, and this can take many forms - from adding a stone mount on a plain band, or remounting stones in a new setting right through to melting down the gold to make something completely new. Once the gold has been processed, it’s is indistinguishable from new metal.

It’s a case of finding someone you can work with and who will be able to take your old jewellery and transform into the piece that fits your imagined goal. A unique hand crafted piece, with no compromise on the ethical or ecological fronts?

It’s incredibly hard to imagine a more perfect gift…

Products We Love...

Kay Reed

Using her passion and vision for a healthy planet, Eco-Silversmith, Kay Reed breathes life into recycled precious metals, transforming them into jewellery to capture the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife.

Challenging the jewellery industry, Kay Reed is asking consumers to move away from the heavily environmentally damaging practices caused by the mining industry. Which animal will you choose? www.kayreed.co.uk

Rock Hound

The Rock Hound are The Gemmologist Jewellers known for taking responsibly sourced raw materials to create bold design-led pieces. Proud Fairtrade Licensees they are bring the aesthetics to ethic. By creating “nuggets” for their GoldRush Collection they take the Fair Trade Gold back to its original, organic form presenting the gold similar to how it is found by the miners forming a deeper understanding and connection between mine and market. www.therockhound.com

Luna Tree Jewellery

Luna Tree Jewellery, have been selling Fairly Traded silver jewellery since 2007, working directly with a community of Karen Hill Tribe silversmiths in remote Thailand to bring high quality, ethical and affordable jewellery to the UK and beyond.

Audrey Earrings - Inspired by 70’s wallpaper, peacocks and Art Nouveau and bang on trend for SS/18 Also available as a matching pendant. http://lunatreejewellery.co.uk

The GoldRush Collection from The Rock Hound is made from solid Fairtrade gold

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For more, everyday...

www.naturalmumma.com for the latest on: · ethical fashion · natural skincare and beauty · health and wellbeing · parenting and motherhood · healthy living and good eating · ecology and conservation · conscious lifestyle choices

www.naturalmumma.com

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