Mermaid Maternity

Today I was given a brochure for an amazing new maternity retreat in Chelsea. Having had two pretty difficult labours, I'm very conscious of how the stress of birth can adversely affect you in the weeks and months following delivery. I wish I had been fortunate to re cooperate at Mermaid Maternity Retreat, a non-medical haven which not only offer post-natal support in the form of breast feeding advice, first aid training, and general tlc, but also a whole host of incredible antenatal options, from Pilates to hypnotherapy classes.

The rooms are incredible, sumptuous  relaxing and ideal for recovering after labour or a c-section, and when you add in the full-board aspect (delicious, nutritious food. They also offer a take away food service for children at home or husbands!), the baby zone (a baby creche in case you need a few hours of sleep) and the workshops (sleep training is a must; it seems like the ideal place for any new mum. 

Mermaid Maternity Retreat, 234a Kings Road, London, SW3 5UA, visit mermaid.co.uk for more details and prices.

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Skinny Weeks and other stories

I've already written about how much I like Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookery book, It's All Good. I've cooked lots of the recipes and can't really find fault with any of them (for my review, click here), however, there are not a huge number of evening meals (and Mr G will only go without meat for so long). So, I decided to try out Gizzi Erskine's book, Skinny Weeks and Weekend Feasts. As a fellow member of Leith's Cookery School alumni, I had faith in her and her recipes! 

It's a very different approach to GP, not so focussed on the healthy side, more on the fat and calories, which is fine by me (quinoa and Vegenaise, though delicious, can get tedious!). There are lots more meaty dishes, and lots with an exotic twist (Korean, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern etc), which is right up my street. 

I've tried a handful of her recipes, and am almost as in love with Gizzi as I am Gwyneth (her tattoo's are crazy!). The recipes are nutritious, filling and delectable! So far, my favourites have been A Berry Good start (a yoghurty breakfast, which is light and fresh), Thai Chicken Satay Rice Bowl (super quick), Griddle Baby Chicken with Fattoush (sublime, my new favourite dish) and Roast Bananas with Peanut Butter (amazing when put on the BBQ!). 

This book is a sensible and gorgeously delicious collection of recipes for anyone trying to lose weight healthily, while still having the odd treat! I am a convert, and Mr. G is jumping for joy that kale crisps are off the menu this week!

Skinny Weeks and Weekend Feasts, by Gizzi Erskine, £6.99 from the Book People

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Softly Scented

We've just completed our new wardrobe in our house, having spent months planning shelves, hanging rails and carpet colours. So, before I start filling the cupboards with all of my clutter, I want to make it all smell divine, and keep moths at bay. I'm lusting after the Jo Malone Scent Surround Hangers, which are infused with one of my new favourite scents, English Pear and Freesia, a light, floral fragrance that screams springtime. However, at £40 a pair, I fear that they may remain a dream!

Slightly more practical are the White Company's Cedar Hearts. Perfect for deterring hungry moths, yet a little more luxurious than the plastic wrapped moth balls I have been using until now. They can be refreshed regularly with a spritz of cedar spray, so there is no excuse for holey cashmere!

Finally, L'Occitane, a perennial favourite, have just opened a branch a stone's throw from my home, over the river in Putney. And, their Lavender Perfumed Sachet's are a gorgeous way to gently infuse your clothes with lavender. The rustic, fabric bags that they come in look infinitely chic hanging from the rails or in a draw.

Jo Malone Scent Surround Hangers, £40 for two, available from Jomalone.com

White Company Cedar Hearts, £16 available from thewhitecompany.com. Use discount code AB948 for 15% off and free delivery until 31st May 2013.

L'Occitane Lavender Scented Sachets, £7, available online and from the new Putney store in The Exchange Shopping Centre.

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HD Ready?

Yesterday I tried out a beauty treatment called HD Brows. I have always had thin, straggly brows, that I've never really liked. Since the meteoric rise of Cara Delevigne, and her stunningly beautiful brows (not to mention the rest of her), I've been researching how I can get that strong look. Everything I read suggested that HD Brows was the right answer. It's a 7 step process, involving tinting, threading, waxing and plucking, to get your brows groomed and looking much better defined. 

Sadly this is not me......

This is what my brows looked like before the treatment....

The treatment itself takes about 40 minutes, and is pretty simple, nothing scary or too painful. The final step of the process involves your eyebrows being penciled in, to balance them and help define arches etc. To be really honest, this was possibly a step too far for me, as I felt it looked a little too strong and heavy, but once I had taken the pencil off, I was thrilled with the results. My brows looked natural, but a little thicker and much better defined and shaped. 

It's not a cheap treatment, costing around £35 each time, and requiring monthly appointments to maintain the look, but I can see how easily I could become a convert, especially if I end up looking a little bit like Cara.....a girl can dream!

HD Brows, available in salons nationwide. Visit HDBrows.com for more details.

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Chanel Summer 2013 Collection

A little gasp escaped my lips this morning, as I saw some of the press images of the new Chanel summer collection. 'L'Ete Papillon De Chanel' captures all things butterfly and beautiful into a collection of stunning makeup. Some of it looks quite bright, but the balance of coral, azure and turquoise would look incredible with a tan. I am counting down the days until it is launched in the UK (12th May).

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It's All So Good!

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had just bought Gwyneth Paltrow's new book, It's All Good, and promise to review it. I've spent the last few weeks trying out as many recipes as I could (there's only so much kale and quinoa Mr. G is going to take), and am so thrilled with it, that I want to shout from the roof tops.

Now, before I go into detail, I am aware that not everyone loves GP. Her books have had mixed reviews in the press, and her well publicised eating habits are openly criticised. I adore carbs as much as the next person, so a macrobiotic/vegan lifestyle was never going to work for me. But, I do want her figure, and her glow (and several elements of her life), so thought I'd try to cut back on the bad stuff (refined sugar, wheat, dairy), and things that don't agree with me (I had a severe milk allergy until I was a teenager), and see the effects. It's All Good is a brilliant resource for anyone trying this sort of diet or lifestyle change. The recipes are plentiful, simple and absolutely delicious. Really, they are to die for.

I've been starting my day with Green Juice (p212), a surprisingly yummy concoction of apple, ginger and kale, which has been really setting me up for the day, and keeping me full. Snacks of a few nuts and fruit are easy and perfect for a busy mum. But it's the dinner recipes that have impressed me the most. The  Mexican Chopped Salad with Green Goddess Dressing (p57) is sublime. I cooked it for my mum, and she instantly ordered the book for herself. The dressing goes with anything and is amazing, you wouldn't think it was super healthy (I use pickled jalapenos intsead of fresh ones). The turkey meatballs are juicy and filling (p105), and the Two Pan Chicken with Harissa, Preserved Lemons and Green Olives (p112) is divine on the bbq (last night's dinner!). Quite Savoury Quinoa (p33) is delicious, even Mr. G manages to eat it, and the Saute Corn with Chimichurri is so easy, but super satisfying  And, the children's section is imaginative and actually making Fifi eat healthy, unusual food (i.e. not fish fingers).

I love the book, I can't bear to put it back on the shelf, and am finding it a great companion to my Abel and Cole box. I'm also feeling fantastic, energised, happier and healthier. It's definitely worth a try if you are feeling tired and sluggish.

It's All Good, Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great, by Gwyneth Paltrow and Julia Turshen, £12.99 from Amazon

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Spring Style

The sun has made an appearance, and it has got me feeling all summery. Here's my pick of some gorgeous summery clothes that I'm coveting for my little ones!

Caramel Baby and Child, click here for the website and store details

Jojo Maman Bebe, click here for the website and store details

Elias and Grace, click here for the website (one of my favourites!)

Gap, stores nationwide or click here for website

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