Friday, 6 January 2012

Purple Dragon a kids wonderland


Purple Dragon looks more like a posh Japanese restaurant from the outside, but step instead and you are transported to a kids paradise. With uber library, swimming pool, recording studio, mini kitchen, trampolines, in-door golf and they can even chase butterflies- not real ones. This place is hard to fault.

While children play you can grab a juice or have lunch at the swanky restaurant or relax and indulge in a manicure(while your cherubs are watched over by the teachers)or pedicure.

We love the Purple Dragon’s Adverntures + experiences offerings which aims to enhance children’s learning through teacher-led classes that promote confidence, communication, co ordination and creativity. You have to see it to believe it. We took away painted lanterns, mini pizzas and sleepy but very happy children. The only question from 3 year old Huxley was “but where was the Purple Dragon” - perhaps the only thing that the clever people behind purple Dragon have missed.

www.purpledragon.com

Monday, 19 September 2011

Your IVF bible


As someone who had huge problems falling pregnant I understand what an emotional rollercoaster it can be. For those struggling with conceiving and considering IVF treatment, Brigid Moss’s (Health director of Red Magazine and expert on the subject) new book IVF - An Emotional Companion is a modern day infertility bible.

It clearly answers all the practical questions you might have about IVF but what I love most about this book are the real life stories shared by 23 women. Just hearing how other people are coping through this difficult time offers great emotional support and can help us feel more positive.

IVF - An emotional companion by Brigid Moss is published by Collins and available from all good book stores nationwide.

Friday, 16 September 2011

Oiling up gets personal


Aromatherapy Associates Oils are fast stress relief in a bottle. I take them away with me (the mini’s) I have my bathroom stocked up with them and I buy them for my loved ones. So as a loyal fan, it was music to my ears to hear they are opening their very own boutique in Knightsbridge. Expect a gorgeous ‘at home’ environment, expert led aromatherapists and a range of stress busting and radiance boosting treatments.

Choose from radiance inducing facials, deeply restorative massages and a range of healing body treatments - I'm booking in for their Sleep Deeply treatment. Perfect, post long nights awake with baby which has brought on insomnia. I love the idea of the Ingredients bar where you can experience essential oils in their raw form and learn more about what they do. Best bit? You can book your very own session with Aromatherapy Associates founder Geraldine Howard who will create a bespoke oil blend that is perfect for you - they even engrave your name on the bottle. I'm not one to gush but this is genius. I can barely contain my excitement. I’m first in line even if it's not cheap (£450) it means I can create my very own spa experience at home night after night home and away. This is wellbeing at its very best. Down side? It takes four week to arrive, I am waiting with baited breath!

Will update you once my little bottle of happiness arrives...

For more information visit www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Friday, 5 August 2011

Stretch your limbs Chelsea-side


triyoga, the UK's leading yoga centre has just launched a new branch in Chelsea. If it's great yoga teachers, inspiring workshops and fantastic treatments you are looking for then it's worth checking out. I'm already hooked and stretching my limbs with vigour. Be warned, chic yoga wear is advised. Most stylish and comfortable brands are Hardtail and LuLu lemon ( currently only available in US) and British newcomer Shanti Sundays. Shop then stretch.
For yoga schedule and more click www.triyoga.co.uk

Monday, 25 July 2011

Super charge your life


I've been harping on about the benefits of alkalising the body since the genius chef Christophe Reissfelder introduced me to green juicing and yummy superfoods over a decade ago. So I was delighted when Honestly Healthy, a new healthy food concept launched a few weeks ago at Selfridges. The brainchild of Natasha Corrett ( forward thinking chef) and Vicki Edgson ( the UK's leading nutritionist).

Honestly Healthy is a line of vegetarian food which is tasty, wholesome and very moreish and also supports local farmers.

Why is it so special?

1) its the only truely healthy lunch you can get on the high street

2) It is brimming with alkalising ingredients which is often lacking in our western diet.

I treated myself to the Green Goodness which was packed with juicy portobello mushrooms, a good helping of seaweed and quinoa. The combination of ingredients promises to deliver healthier skin as it is antioxidant rich. Eating on the run has never been so healthy. Now I am looking forward to trying their Powerful Protein lunch box - perfect for new mums who are sleep deprived and in need of a natural energy boost.

Available at Selfridges food hall.

for more information visit www.honestlyhealthyfood

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Feel good supper


On Tuesday The Sorority ladies gathered together for the charity Keep a Child Alive hosted by Sorority founder Lisa Tse and supported by the lovely Alicia Keys (and not to forget little baby Oscar, Lisa’s gorgeous new baby). The evening was hosted by Mews of Mayfair and the food delicious.

The Sorority will be launching a collaboration with Alicia and her charity to help to empower women in developing countries.

The wonderful evening inspired and uplifted me. And knowing that we have the opportunity to support women in developing countries to become independent is truly exciting. During the evening ideas were shared, a vision begun and a feeling that many positive things would come was felt. Watch this space…

For more information visit www.keepachildalive.org , www.thesorority.org

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

A summer of yoga....


The workshop - Yoga + live music with Shiva Rea

Shiva Rea, the original Californian goddess comes to London with the talented Kirtan musician Dave Stringer. Shiva will lead two workshops 'Fire + Flow' which will explore ways in which we can learn to channel our energy using yoga methods to help us achieve what we are seeking and 'Drops of nectar' a class which will help you renew and rejuvenate using the method of prana flow yoga. Both workshops will be lead by Shiva to live music by Dave Stringer. This is yoga at its best and is not to be missed.

Tickets - £100

To book visit www.bodyinbalancetv.com

The retreat - Yogaabode's Yoga + Pilates escape


I'm treating my post baby tummy to Yogaabode's restoratative Yoga + Pilates retreat in pretty Suffolk. I will get to stretch my limbs and strengthen my core abdominal muscles by taking two daily yoga classes and one pilates class. Retreat is set in a converted barn nestled in the quiet countryside. Food will be vegetarian, seasonal where possible and very tasty. Hoping for tighter stomach, longer limbs and to come away feeling more energised after having many sleepless nights with new baby.

Dates - 10th - 12th June

For more information visit www.ya-retreats.co.uk

The kit - Lounge lover yoga babe set

Fed up with the usual dull yoga kit? Be more inspired and invest in some yoga pieces that make you feel good. I love this chic tank and leggings set by lounge lover. Both top and bottom are flattering and feel great to wear. The price is hefty(£145) but worth it as the fabric is durable (stretch-modal)so will last many a wash and you even get a cute bag to pop it in post class.

Available from www.net-a-porter.com