Posts by Lara in London

CELEBRATIONS
Sandcastle Cake -- a show-stopping centrepiece
We had a very little birthday party celebration for our two year old, since we had just arrived the night before to our little holiday getaway by the beach. So to keep it very simple, I used some seashells as decorations, and then the seashell necklaces made years before for as accessories for her siblings! ...
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RECIPES
Victoria Sponge Heart Cupcakes -- Perfect for any picnic or tea party!
I recently made these sweet little cupcakes for my eight year old daughter's birthday picnic and simply had to share them as they are so delicious, and so perfectly pretty too. Victoria Sponge Cake, a staple of a British tea or celebration, is essentially a cupcake sandwich. A simple vanilla cake, filled and topped with ...
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BOOKS
Many Shapes of Clay -- A Story of Healing
This beautiful book, Many Shapes of Clay : A Story of Healing is written and illustrated by Kenesha Sneed, and it is an absolute treasure. It is a piece of art, every page filled with graphic shapes and sensitive lines to create the most thoughtful story on grief, loss, and celebration of diversity. It is ...
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EASTER CELEBRATIONS
Make an Easter Party out of an Easter Egg Hunt!
Instant Easter Egg Hunt party success : Hang up a bunting, put out a picnic blanket and make a central station for the children to gather. Bring some healthy snacks and some real food to balance out the inevitable chocolate and sugar high hit. We made it a little outdoor tea time! For games we ...
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PARENTING
A big chop for charity, donating hair for children who need wigs...
The photos are from a year ago, but the pride remains the same for my brave big girl who chopped twelve inches off of her hair for charity. She was then six, soon to be seven, and more focussed in her desire and more confident than her years, not flinching even once when she went in ...
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FOOD
Chocolate Guinness Cake perfect for St Patrick's Day
I like cake. For our wedding nearly ten years ago we had a cake buffet with four cakes at the end of the night, because I could simply not choose just one favourite cake for the occasion. One of our cakes was Chocolate Guinness Cake, or stout cake. Not because I love stout beer, or ...
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Best Tips for Celebrating Birthday Parties in Lockdown or Isolation...
Neither the words lockdown, isolation, or social distancing seem to conjure up the best birthday celebration vibes do they? A part of me just wishes we didn't even have this as a topic to write about. But, the world is the way that it is right now, and so, as my son's 5th birthday approached ...
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FOR MUMS
A Mother's Day Guide (to print out and pass on)
Hello Mamas! In many countries it is Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day this weekend, (including here in the UK) and so we wanted to create a mini cheat sheet of our favourites recipes and ideas to make the day extra special! We know what we would love to make an extra special day -- no ...
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HEALTH & CARE
Essential tips for children's eye health and prescription eye glasses -- tips from a parent that knows
You might not think you need to read this unless you think your child needs glasses, but I promise, it is worth it. I have learned some incredible information from various doctors, opticians, other parents, and eyeglass stores (like our new favourite eyewear shop I wrote about here, Auerbach & Steele). I have become a bit ...
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LONDON CITY GUIDE
Auerbach & Steele -- all your eye and glasses needs for the family under one roof
Welcome to our family's new favourite all-under-one-roof eye health and glasses shop! Auerbach & Steele. This is the place to go, for all ages, for all needs. A curated collection in a contemporary space. And a staff that welcomes you and is patient and caring for both your glasses wearing family members and for the ...
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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
The Rule of Four for Christmas
Something to want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. It's the rule of four, a friendly but mannered way to approach gift giving for adults, and children alike. A more economical, environmental, and sustainable approach to a season which has started earlier this year than ever before. Could we all peak too ...
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LONDON CITY GUIDE
Weekends Away -- Wonderful Windsor, Great Fosters, and delightful Duck Tours -- your weekend away
What an interesting opportunity we all have right now to plan ahead for travel to places we have always dreamed of. Or even to start a list of places we didn't realise were so close and so convenient, in the case of a recent weekend trip we took before the UK's second major lockdown of ...
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BOOKS
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse -- a book for all ages
Do you know The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse? It is a book for all ages -- from eight to one hundred and eight. And it is a book full of hope and full of positivity. The perfect book for a gift, but also, as a treat for yourself.  This is the perfect ...
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CELEBRATIONS
Little You : A Beautiful Board Book
In November in the United States it is Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving is also just around the corner. So I wanted to share a lovely board book which is very timely called, Little You written by Richard Van Camp and illustrated by Julie Flett. This is a book written and illustrated by two Indigenous ...
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FASHION
Good Work Ethic & Entrepreneurial Teenagers
When I was growing up, and as teenagers, we didn't get an allowance. We didn't get pocket money. And we didn't expect to get all the things we wanted. This may sound harsh, but it wasn't at all. It was normal to us and totally fine. We knew that we could work, we could find ...
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AUTUMN CRAFTS
Infinite creative possibilities with Conkers
Even writing about this seems to simple and easy, but I want to plant the seed and let it grow. Conkers are fun to collect as the Autumn winds blow and the leaves fall. They are shiny, they are very soothing to hold. And they live inside of these tennis ball green husks covered in ...
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HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Brown-Butter Maple Popcorn -- perfect for all of Autumn's parties
We have been celebrating Halloween for weeks, because, why not? First we did these super simple and very effective oversized spiderwebs, and since then we have been layering decorations. We added in our pumpkins from last year. Our children love to dress up regardless of the season, so we just decided to make some of ...
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HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Oversized Kirigami Spider Webs -- a quick DIY Halloween decoration (and game too)!
Growing up, I loved Halloween so much! And I hope my children say the same same day. This year I have decided to start Halloween a bit earlier in the month, and to make up for all the things we can't do -- school Halloween discos and trick-or-treating, I have focussed on the things we ...
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TRAVEL
Life in a Lighthouse — our spectacular Scottish getaway
  Have you ever dreamed of living on your own island? An island with a lighthouse and cottager, visited by puffins and seals, surrounded by shimmering lochs extending over the horizon? Well I have. And my dream came true for one magical week in August. We travelled to Eilean Sionnach – an island off an ...
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RECIPES
Cranberry and Orange Scones -- a sugar free breakfast and tea time treat!
These Cranberry and Orange scones are an instant hit! We made them early one morning while on holiday, and the scent of the cranberry and orange baking away in the oven filled our home with happiness. Honestly, it is that warming and delicious of a scent! Great for an Autumn or Winter weekend but just ...
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OUTDOORS
SEEK (and find out amazing facts) -- the ONE app our children use!
Seek is our one and only app that our children use. It started in lockdown over the Spring, as things sprung to life, and our children would ask us 'what's that?' So my husband found the answer, which was for all of us to learn more from the world of amazing digital technology by using ...
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LONDON CITY GUIDE
Gelateria 3bis -- calling all ice cream lovers in London
Gelateria 3bis is a great way to keep summer alive as Autumn gets closer! We are so lucky (or is it so very very dangerous?) to live in walking distance to this gelateria on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. The thirty year old recipe and shop, famous on the Adriatic Coast in Rimini, Italy, is ...
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LONDON CITY GUIDE
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace -- visit The Queen's working stables -- A wonderful day in London
The Royal Mews is a hidden gem in the heart of London -- a working museum and home to her Majesty's horses, royal cars, carriages, and coaches. Ones that generations of royals have ridden in to processions, one which is even 260 year old. It is the perfect combination of culture, history, art, and tradition. ...
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CHECK THESE OUT

Bear & BeauAn exclusive range of hand-inked illustrations, wallpapers and lifestyle pieces
Lil' PapoeUnique and handmade accessories for little ones!
Magic Cat PublishingBeautifully illustrated children's books. Weaving ideas that matter into stories that engage.
COATTGorgeous, gold fill bangles and necklaces featuring your favourite words in morse code dots and dashes.

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This week is breastfeeding week and we will be sharing our tips and experiences over the coming days. But before we do, we wanted to share this fabulous graphic to remind ourselves of the different journeys we are all on. We celebrate the marvellous efforts of all parents in providing love, care and nourishment, in whatever form that takes. We hope that you find these posts useful and interesting, however you choose to feed your child. We hope that you will share your experiences with this community too. #breastfeedingweek #breastfeeding #parenthood #motherhood #baby #babyccinokids #worldbreastfeedingweek
3 hours ago
It’s that time of year again! The team are taking some time away with family and loved ones for the next two weeks but keep following as will be revisiting some of our most popular posts, taking a look at some of our much loved Babyccino boutiques and celebrating world breastfeeding week this week with some top tips from the team. Read today’s blog via link in bio. #moretocome #summerholiday #worldbreastfeedingweek #babyccinokids
14 hours ago
Calling all book worms! We are delighted to announce that the next edition in the best selling Slow Down series by Magic Cat Publishing, Slow Down and Sleep Tight, is out for pre-order today ahead of its release on the 5th August. Beautifully written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by @freyahartas, Slow Down and Sleep Tight is the perfect way for little ones to wind down and prepare for bedtime. Link in bio to pre-order. #slowdownandsleeptight #magiccatpublishing #bedtimereading #kids #familyreading #babyccinoreads
2 days ago
A few weeks ago, Lara was lucky enough to be invited to a preview of the spectacular Buckingham Palace Gardens. If you are London based and haven’t booked your tickets yet, read on...From July until September, the 39-acre grounds of Her Majesty The Queen’s official London residence is open to the public for the first time. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of highlights such as the 156-metre Herbaceous Border, plane trees planted by and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and views of the island and its beehives across the 3.5-acre lake. Despite its urban location, the garden is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna, including rare native plants seldom seen in London. Families can enjoy one of the trails or art and crafts activities (every Monday in August) and as part of two Family Festival days on 26 and 30 August, where Warden-led family tours will also be available. The added chance to enjoy a picnic (the first time this has been done since 2012) on one of the sweeping lawns makes this a truly memorable experience for all the family. Tickets are in high demand so you’ll need to be quick. Pre-booking is essential. Link in bio to book. Photo of Lara and friend kindly provided by James Forde of @washingtonpost #royalcollectiontrust #buckinghampalace #familydaysout #londonlife
3 days ago
Here’s something new to try, our take on the delicious Danish Dream Cake! We used coconut sugar throughout but for a more authentic feel, keep to the ingredients below. Ingredients: Cake: 250g plain flour 250g sugar 50g butter 3 eggs 200ml milk 2tsp baking power 1 tsp vanilla essence Topping: 125g butter 50ml milk 200g brown sugar 100g coconut flakes Method Whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Melt the butter and add the milk to the saucepan and stir. Add to the eggs and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, vanilla essence and baking powder. Add to the other bowl, and mix it all together into a smooth batter. Line a baking tray (about 25x35 cm) and add the batter. Bake the cake at 200 C (400 F) for about 20-25 minutes. When the cake is in the oven, prepare the coconut topping. Coconut topping; melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the milk and the brown sugar and let it simmer for about a minute. Add the coconut flakes and mix it well. When the cake has been in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Take it out and pour the coconut mixture over the it. Use a knife to spread the topping evenly. Bake the cake for another 10 minutes. Leave to cool. #babyccinoeats #baking #bakingwithkids
4 days ago
Today on the blog, Vanessa shares her family’s favourite summer reads and audiobooks. A great selection of stories that will make any travel journey much more enjoyable, link in bio. Do you have any family favourites? Let us know in the comments below. #babyccinokids #babyccinoreads , #audible #audiobooksforkids #reading #readingwithkids #travellingwithkids @vanessagerbrandy
6 days ago
Ever wondered what goes into a fashion photo shoot? Head to stories to watch this magical reel by girlswear brand @nelliequats, one of our Babyccino boutiques. Made with the help of @littlekindphotography and wonderful models @iggymint, @lavida_aurora, @mali_zebedee_model and @cindy._.
1 week ago
Holidaying with children this summer? Then take a look at our top tips in the latest blog by @the_flourisher_ . Link in bio. #babyccinokids #babyccinotravels parenting #parentingtips #parentinghacks #travellingwithkids #kids
1 week ago
The Olympics, will you be watching them? Find out how they can teach children so many valuable life lessons over on our blog today, link in bio.. #olympics #olympics 2021, #parenting #parentingtips #babyccino #babyccinokids
1 week ago
School’s out for summer! Here’s to all the amazing children out there who have kept on smiling, laughing, loving and creating this past year and a half! Why not celebrate this achievement with a Doodle Nest bespoke art book that will transform your child’s adorable creations into a museum quality collection - one that you will all cherish for years to come.. The process couldn’t be simpler - order your box - send them your art - delight in your book! Once they receive your art, @doodle_nest professionally photograph, edit and layout each piece, then send you a digital proof for approval before printing. Order yours today via link in bio. #babyccinokids #babyccinoboutiques #art #craft #schoolsoutforsummer #kids #makingmemories
1 week ago
Here’s a video of our latest ShopUp in East London (shot and edited by our lovely and talented friend Nadine Brandt). It encapsulates the ShopUp atmosphere really, really well, and it makes us so excited for the next one!
3 years ago
Check out our new book! 9 months: A month by month guide to pregnancy for the family to share. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE: UK: http://amzn.to/2n6eCT7 / US: http://amzn.to/2nVWOZo / AUS: http://bit.ly/2nDYggy
4 years ago
Our beautiful new book, '9 months: A month by month guide to pregnancy' for the family to share, is AVAILABLE NOW! You can order it here: UK: http://amzn.to/2n6eCT7 / US: http://amzn.to/2nVWOZo / AUS: http://bit.ly/2nDYggy
4 years ago
Check out the cool vibes of our Shop Up event in London in December!
4 years ago
Our 2nd live shopping event in Brooklyn was amazing! Great shopping, delicious treats, tons of kids activities and a super cool family photo booth!
4 years ago
Esther shows us her recipe for delicious mint syrup.
4 years ago
Our live shopping event in London at Chelsea Old Town Hall in 2015 was a big success and so much fun.
4 years ago
Here we show you how to harvest rhubarb from the garden, and make it into a delicious compote. If you make oatmeal at the same time, you have made a delicious and nutritious breakfast that your family will love! (Ours do!)
5 years ago
This gym bag is such a fun and easy project, also for beginners this is a nice sewing project. Esther, Emilie and the kids had so much fun going to the market choosing all the supplies. The fabrics from Little Cube are the cutest!
5 years ago
Our first live shopping event in Brooklyn was a great success. We loved seeing the best boutiques under one roof, combined with great food and fun activities...and some dancing! Hope to see everyone this year again on September 18th & 19th at 501 Union, 501 Union Street in Brooklyn.
5 years ago