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Laura’s Big Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

16th October 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

Another year on and this October I am once again spreading awareness for the amazing work the charity Breast Cancer Care do, by wearing something PINK for every day of the month for Breast Cancer Awareness. BCC’s campaign this year is #ShareTheCare and all about ‘giving back’ so I took it upon myself to gather a bunch of fabulous women to join me in a mass group photo wearing nothing but PINK bras and jeans. Collectively we all have an amazing social reach of over 500, 000 followers on Instagram alone, so it felt right for us to give back, and help spread the importance of knowing your body and CHECKING YOUR BOOBS REGULARLY.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, one person is diagnosed every 10 minutes.

1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month around 5,000 people will be diagnosed.

Some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • a change in size or shape
  • a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
  • a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
  • redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
  • your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
  • liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
  • pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time
  • a swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

These beautiful women took part in my campaign;

@beckieegan_photography
@thatmumwithcancer
@thismamadoes
@hungermama
@gayle_haddock
@mamazou85
@lovelashesandfashion
@lights_mama_action
@itsthefergusons
@halloqueen82
@allthefamily
@beautybytahirauk
@adaintymum
@voguishandcalamity
@pinkhouseliving
@cocmamastyle
@londonstylesisters
@maiatomasi
@we_are_konoc
@sarahjanehart78
@taniasidoli
@stylemotherbeat
@norahsbrownies
@finlay_fox
@the_cheapblonde
@redrobynski
@thevitamindproject
@booksbabyandback
@lobellaloves_jo
@nichoyle
@poppybeckett
@4realmamaof3
@themiddlemama
@essexmama
@shellandthelittlies
@sasandyosh
@notsosmugnow

@cadencelondon

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Below are the PINK items I’ve been wearing this month, with links to buy;

Oliver Bonas Corduroy dress HEREIMG_5665

Oliver Bonas Printed dress HERE

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Miss Selfridge button through cardigan HERE

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‘Be Badass’ pin badge from Mama Roo and Boy HERE

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ShoeAholics Pizza Party glitter pumps HERE

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Oasis oversized jumper HERE

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GIRLvsCANCER charity Banana Tee HERE

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H&M faux fur coat HERE

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Warehouse chunky colour block scarf HERE

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Emani Vegan Lipstick in colour ‘Shangri-La’ HERE

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NEXT merino roll neck jumper HERE

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Pickle London ‘Happy’ Tee HERE

Oliver Bonas loop knit cardigan HERE

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Topshop snake print blouse HERE

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——- MORE TO COME——-

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Filed Under: Me time, Style Tagged With: bcam, big pink, breast cancer awareness, Breast Cancer Care, charity, fashion, fashion blogger, high street, Instagram, instamums, mum blogger, photoshoot, style

Valentine’s Crafting

1st February 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

There’s nothing better than giving those that you love something personal and homemade. This Valentines Day, why not get creative with the whole family and try your hand at these fun crafts. Using a variety of materials, gift someone a treat handmade with love.

Mixed Media Valentines Card

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What you need

Card

Floral wrapping paper or magazine

Watercolour paints

Paintbrush

Pencil

Scissors

String

Glue

Instructions:

  1. Fold your piece of Card in half.
  2. Cut out some flower and foliage from your wrapping paper.
  3. Gather them into a bunch and stick onto the card.
  4. Sketch out your vase.
  5. Paint over your pencil drawing, adding stems onto your flowers.
  6. Glue on some string and bow.
  7. To finish, attach a Valentines message to your string bow.

Cardboard Cacti

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What you need:

Scrap cardboard

Ramekin dish or plant pot

Acrylic Paint

Paintbrush

Scissors

Glue

Pencil

Marker pen

Brown paper

Instructions:

  1. Sketch out your Cactus shapes on the cardboard and cut out.
  2. Make narrow cut slits using your scissors on each piece.
  3. Paint your shapes in your desired Cacti colour.
  4. Using your marker pen, add the details once the paint has dried.
  5. Slot together your shapes to create your Cactus plant.
  6. Using strong glue, stick down your cardboard plant onto the base of the Ramekin.
  7. Cover the Ramekin with a strip of brown paper and glue to secure.

Clay Heart Necklace

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What you need:

Air hardening modelling Clay

Acrylic Paint

Paintbrush

Glitter

Threading Cord

Clay shaping tool

Instructions:

  1. Mould small amounts of clay into heart shapes.
  2. Using the shaping tool, make a small hole in the centre of each heart.
  3. Paint the hearts and sprinkle glitter to decorate.
  4. Rest aside the hearts to dry overnight.
  5. Thread the cord through the finished clay hearts and tie into a knot.

Hanging Heart Garland

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What you need:

Coloured Card

Scissors

Stapler

Instructions:

  1. Cut the card into strips about 1.5cm in width.
  2. To begin the garland, secure x4 strips of card in your hand.
  3. Staple on one end to secure, about 2cm in from the end.
  4. Splay the 2 outer strips and meet the ends together with another 2 strips.
  5. Staple the ends together as before.
  6. Repeat this process until you have the desired length of your Garland.

by Laura xx

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Filed Under: Creative, Me time Tagged With: art, arts and crafts, craft, creative, family activities, kids crafts, Valentine's Day, valentines

Mothers Meeting

29th January 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

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I discovered Mothers Meeting in the very early stages of my blogging, after a mum friend from school told me all about them. Run and founded by the powerhouse that is Jenny Scott, Mothers Meetings were going to be an integral part of my growth as a Blogger and Influencer.

Jenny set up MM when she was pregnant with her firstborn. She simply put out a post on Facebook asking if any fellow like-minded mum-to-be’s fancied meeting up. To her surprise, a couple of women turned up and it was from this the MM has grown into what it is today.

I became a mother at the ripe age of 26, young and the first of all of my friends to have a child. Luckily for me I had the large support network of my family, however so many new mums don’t have that luxury and can find that first pregnancy very scary and lonely. Let’s face it, motherhood is very lonely. It throws up so many emotions and challenges which can prove to be difficult adjusting to. Jenny wanted Mothers Meeting to be a safe place for mums to get together, become aquatinted, share experiences and more importantly have some common ground.

My very first MM I went to was about 4yrs ago and it was a workout in Equinox, a premium gym in Kensington. Jenny welcomed me instantly and although I felt anxious and out of my depth turning up to a workout session with a bunch of women I had never met before, knowing we were all mums eased me in seamlessly. Some knew each other already, but I didn’t find that intimidating at all. I remember meeting Heledd (@heleddlavender), Bonita (@mamasvib), Katrina (@coolbananasblog) and Adrienne (@adrienne_ldn) who had all kickstarted their blogs and were taking steps to develop their brands. image image image image image

Ive been a part of the Mothers Meeting family for 4years now and I can hand on heart say that I owe everything to Jenny and the team. The incredible opportunities I’ve had over these last couple of years, the introductions to speakers, brands and businesses, the lasting friendships I’ve made, the steps out of my comfort zone which frankly are mahooooosive in themselves… thats all MM. The support, the love and the comfort I’ve gained during my journey as a mum to two and developing my blog and business to new levels….thats all MM.

As a mother herself, Jenny has invested her time and energy into Mothers Meeting like it was another child of hers! Her personal journey has by no means been easy- in fact it’s only made her more fierce and willing than ever to connect people. Having met and welcomed so many mums to her events, I’m still in awe that she always remembers everyone’s name! No matter your background, your life’s choices, your current situation, anyone can go along to a MM. If you’re looking to expand your network whether it be business or personal, these informal-take-your-baby-along get-togethers will have you leaving with a new found confidence. You don’t have to feel like you need to make friends. You don’t even have to have all your shit together. Just expect a warm welcome, a cuppa (or glass of fizz if you’re lucky) and an opportunity to get out the house and away from the remnants of the kids’ breakfast or mass laundry pile!

Mothers Meetings have played a huge part in where my life is today, and for that I am so very thankful.

I’ve not been asked to write this, nor has it come from any place other than admiration. Admiration for a woman who I think is amazing and in all honesty doesn’t get praised enough. Jenny’s just welcomed her new baby girl into the world and what better time to share the love than now. If anyone deserves happiness and success in every sense of the word then it’s her.

by Laura xx

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Filed Under: Me time, Uncategorized Tagged With: bloggers, instamums, me time, motherhood, mothers meeting, mothers meetings, mums, parenting, women

Speaking out about Sexual Assault

18th October 2017 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

Speaking up about Sexual Assault…

I’ve been thinking about writing about this for a very long time but it just hasn’t happened. Finally I’ve been ready to push the ‘publish’ button albeit extremely nervously… In light of everything in the press at the moment I thought I would share my story.

In my early twenties I was happily living life to the full. I’d returned to London leaving university behind to pursue my dreams of wanting to get into Fashion. After a number of interviews I landed my first Buying Job at Austin Reed as a Buyers Admin Assistant. I’d done it! I’d dropped out of uni, left my friends back in Bristol, followed my heart and got my size 4’s firmly into the Fashion industry. The dream however was always to work for Topshop- My favourite high street store. Everything about it was appealing and I knew that’s where I was going. After a couple of years here and two successful interviews for both Topshop and Urban Outfitters, I jumped straight onto the Shoe team in Topshop’s Buying office to pursue my dreams. Life was GREAT. I had a great job, lived off Portobello market, was excitable and thrilled with where I had come and what I had so far accomplished.

One weekend I had been invited along to a wedding with my then boyfriend and his family. Neither of us knew them too well, but it was going to be different as it was a very traditional Indian ceremony. The day started off well, I love everything about a wedding; the people, the sights, sounds, happiness in the air. We had lots of yummy food ad met some very nice people. The day soon turned into night and the drinks started to flow.

I got talking with a man who I’d never met before, about my job and my journey into the Industry so far. I’d talked about my passion for fashion and how much I was enjoying it. He also had a fashion background, so we had a lot to chat about, despite him being older than me. I was interested to hear his views, what he had to say and of any advice he could give me…you could call it intrigue. I remember drinking a lot (as everyone was) and the conversation moving outside to where I was smoking. My then boyfriend was also around, but was similarly mingling with guests. It was from this point that things become a bit of a blur.

Having ‘walked and talked’ engrossed in conversation, I found myself a street away from the wedding party, down an alleyway by some car garages. It was dark, no street lights and I had no idea where I was. The word NO had very little affect. My hands pushing his strength away didn’t seem to help either. I remember wondering where my boyfriend was. I kept thinking about the wedding party and asking myself how I got here. No one was around. This strangers hands were on me and the sound of NO was falling on deaf ears. Eventually and god knows how, I managed to get away from this situation and began walking the streets to try and find the place I had come from. The man had disappeared. Dishevelled and confused, I somehow found my way back and was greeted by a ton of guests who proceeded to shout and scream ‘where is he?’. It was at this point that I broke down in tears and realised what had just happened.

The following hours and days consisted of police interviews and examinations. Then I got the phonecall from the detective on my case ‘we’re taking it to Crown Court’. While this was exactly what needed to happen, it was also so big a deal that it scared the hell out of me. For weeks I was questioning everything. Replaying the events from what I could remember. Repeating things over and over to officials, to family, to myself. How did this happen? What did I do? How could I have changed things? My emotions were scarred. I felt vulnerable and lonely even though I had such a huge support network around. Speaking to police every time was highlighting the reality that I had been violated. Taken advantage of because I was young and vulnerable.

I was given the option to have a ‘screen’ in court, so that I didn’t have to face the man. The last thing I wanted was to see this person, so having a screen in place was my protection. The whole process was daunting… walking into the courtroom, seeing the members of the jury- regular people ready and waiting to hear what you have to say. Thankfully I had a couple of great detectives who had prepped me and put me at ease before he hearing. Despite this however, no one can ever prepare you for being cross-examined. I did my very best and managed to maintain as composed as I could albeit very teary and emotional. I had the biggest support of my family and best friends throughout it all and without that I fear it would have all got too much.

It was around this time that I fell into a depression and seeked help from my GP who offered me counselling and medication. This ordeal had triggered a depression that I honestly think had been lingering for a while. Sometimes it just takes that one thing doesn’t it? The therapy gave me an opportunity to talk openly and a safe place to express my emotions.

Years later and now I’m a wife and mother. As a parent, it’s important that the message NO is very clearly understood. No means No. I tell Harry who is my oldest that if someone at school says ‘no’ whether it be in a game or messing around, equally if his baby brother says ‘no’, then he must listen and pay attention. When children are excitable or hyper, it’s not uncommon for this word to be lost among the noise HOWEVER It’s these very words that mean so much but sadly in some circumstances, so little.

Raising boys, it’s paramount that we teach them respect. Respect for others and ultimately respect for themselves. My husband and I have a very loving relationship with our boys and do our utmost to instil healthy values and as they get older, encourage them to be honest and open. I hope that by always being here to listen to them, that they grow up feeling comfortable to talk to us about anything and ask questions freely, with no judgement or anguish. I want my boys to grow into lovely men who have he utmost respect for women and consequently build on friendships and relationships in a healthy way.

Sadly I know of a few people who have fallen victim to sexual assault. It’s a very private matter, so isn’t something you talk about openly. I’m hoping that by sharing my story I can enforce the message that being touched or violated in some way is not acceptable/ not ok/ not allowed. Speak up, have yourself heard. If I can do it, you can too.

Unfortunately for me and due to lack of hard evidence, the man who Sexually Assaulted me was acquitted. I don’t regret going through the court process one bit despite him not being prosecuted and do wholeheartedly encourage to report things to police as soon as they happen. This man remains on the sex offenders list for the rest of his life, which for me, is good enough.

#metoo

By laura x

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Filed Under: Me time, Uncategorized Tagged With: #metoo, depression, sexual assault

My BIG PINK Takeover for Breast Cancer Care Awareness

24th September 2017 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

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I have been asked to be an ambassador for amplifying the importance of Breast Cancer Care Awareness and it is because of this that I have pledged to wear something PINK for every day of October and to help visually spread the message through my Socials.

I jumped on board the creative fundraising campaign The Big Pink by also hosting a PINK LADIES night local to me in Notting Hill. An evening of drinks and dancing, charity raffle and a room full of women wearing PINK!

Here are some Pics:

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and the lifetime risk of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 8

Every year, 62,000 people in the UK are told they have breast cancer. The diagnosis not only changes their lives forever, but also the lives of their family and friends. Breast Cancer Care understands the emotions, challenges and decisions people face every day. They know that everyone’s experience is different. That’s why they are there to offer support and information and campaign for better care.

Breast Cancer Care are the only specialist UK-wide charity providing support to people with breast cancer. Their free services include support over the phone with a nurse or someone who’s been there, welcoming online forums, reliable information and local group support. They’ll help people to live life with breast cancer and beyond. From the moment someone notices something isn’t right, through their treatment and beyond, Breast Cancer Care will be there.

691,000 people in the UK are currently living with a breast cancer diagnosis. Right now, Breast Cancer Care can’t reach everyone when they need them. With support, they can be here for more people, with care, support and information. By supporting Breast Cancer Care, you can be confident that you’ll be helping people through one of the most difficult challenges they will ever face.

You can donate through to my Just Giving Page HERE.

GOING PINK ON INSTAGRAM @that_mummy_smile SHOP MY OCTOBER LOOKS BELOW:

The Girl can’t help it Jumper, from Joanie Clothing. 

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‘Pink Pigeon’ matte lipstick by MAC Cosmetics

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Checked Per Una blouse by Marks and Spencer. 

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Cross body pink camera bag by Accessorize.

B492BD58-4E52-435F-9D0B-94131B140374 78F042DF-A58E-4573-8E03-D7435537D613

Pink Chelsea Boots by Next.

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Tickled pink charity heart scarf by George at Asda.

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Faux Fur pink Shearling jacket by Next.

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Balconette Bra by Tutti Rouge.

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Satin lace up trainers with velvet laces, by Marks and Spencer.

192A1F31-9ACA-48DB-AF5C-B43BED3187840B35A292-041C-4DFC-AEF2-86AF0E50AF1B

‘Chatterbox’ pink lipstick by MAC Cosmetics.

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Pink bag by Next.

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Pink wallet by The Foundry Design.

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‘Pink Nouveau’ lipstick by MAC Cosmetics.

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Lace Cranberry colour bra by Marks and Spencer.

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Mid length floral dress by Monsoon.

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Cable knit cardigan by River Island

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Roller Disco Sweatshirt by Disko Kids.

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Velvet jumpsuit by Onjenu.

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Pink lipstick ‘Melon Pop’ by Clinique.

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Pink T Shirt bra by Marks and Spencer.

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Strappy cami dress with border print, by Topshop.

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Pale Pink mini cross-body bag with chain strap, by Accessorize.AFB35C39-8C71-4B5F-B773-326822955CBD

Limited edition ‘Santorini Pop’ pink lipstick by Clinique. BDE8FEA6-55AB-4B69-8C2B-675ED30425B0 64961940-543D-4B89-8AFC-F0A89F18736B

By Laura xx

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Filed Under: Me time, Style Tagged With: awareness, blogger, Breast Cancer Care, cancer, charity, donate, fundraising, influencer, Instagram, pink, shopping, style

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Everyone kept saying I should start a blog

So I have done and here it is! I'm a devoted mummy to two boys, I live in Notting Hill and I love painting and making things. Read More…

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