Laura Rutherford

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Windsor Great Park

15th February 2019 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

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Last weekend we brushed off the winter cobwebs and went on a long over-due Sunday walk in Windsor Great Park. We didn’t get out much in January and we’ve pledged to continue to go on lovely family walks, especially to new parks.

We’ve not been to Windsor Great Park before and it’s vast! There are a couple of large car parks and we decided to park in the one which had the Visitor Centre in, Virginia Water Lake. The boys took some stale bread along and we stood to feed the ducks for a while before walking around the lake, weaving in and out of trees, collecting sticks and walking through ditches of mud.

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Windsor Great Park is full of so many hidden gems. There are apparently 4,800 acres of parkland to explore, which is bursting with Royal history, ancient forests and an abundance of wildlife and flowers. As the weather gets better and we get knee deep into Spring, we plan to re-visit and check out the landscaped Saville Garden which is apparently very beautiful. We’d also like to find the Long Walk and Deer Park, which is an impressive 3 mile long tree-lined avenue!

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After a couple of hours roaming much of the south of the park (Virginia Water), we went into the Visitors centre for some lunch and to peruse around the shop that is stocked with everything from plants, homewares, gift, toys and fresh produce. There are a variety of food choices, including freshly baked cakes and treats, to wood fired pizzas and hearty lunches for when you’ve got a family to feed following park adventures!

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If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to go during the half term with the family, head out to Windsor for stunning scenery and plenty to explore. You won’t be disappointed.

Windsor Great Park… until next time….

visit their website HERE for further visitor information.

by Laura x

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Filed Under: Family, Me time Tagged With: days out, days out with the kids, family activities, family blogger, family time, forest, mum blogger, mummy blogger, outdoors, parenting blogger, park, Windsor, Windsor great park

Our Jersey break with Condor Ferries

28th October 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

Condor Liberation first official visit to Guernsey and Jersey.

Condor Liberation first official visit to Guernsey and Jersey.

This half term we were treated to a family holiday to Jersey curtesy of Condor Ferries. Jersey has been one of those destinations I have always been keen to go to but have never been, so when we were asked if we wanted to take the Ferry over for a two night stay on the island during the October half term, we jumped at the opportunity!

We woke the boys up at 5.30am on Monday and loaded them half asleep filled with holiday excitement into the car to begin our drive down to Poole to catch our morning ferry. Despite it being so early, the boys were adamant they weren’t going to go back to sleep! We arrived at the ferry port as the sun was rising, with plenty of time before needing to board. A couple of cups of tea and bacon sandwiches  from the port cafe sorted us right out after two and a half hours in the car, with the kids asking if we were nearly there yet. IMG_6400

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Driving onto the ferry and making our way up to deck was an adventure in itself, or at least as far as the boy’s are concerned! Harry took it upon himself to locate our ‘reclining seats’ we had been allocated in the ‘Ocean Plus’ lounge. Then after about 5 minutes of Tye, myself and Harry trying to get our heads around the seat numbers in the thousands (maths isn’t our strong point hahaha), lo and behold the 4 seats bang at the front of the ferry were ours- BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE 😉 In order to get into the Ocean Plus lounge, you had to type in a 4 digit code at the door, so in true Harry style, he needed to ‘go to the toilet’ once in a while so he could independently type the code in… James Bond style!IMG_6407

The sun was up and the weather was absolutely perfect for sailing across the channel. We were seated, laptop plugged in, boat departing from the dock and all round a family of happy chappies. That was until about 40mins into our 4 hour journey when I suddenly remembered my issues with sea sickness!!! A slight minor issue I had overseen, because our usual ferry crossing from Dover to Calais for our summers in France, is so short that by the time I begin to feel sick, we’re pretty much docking! Discovering I felt best when I wasn’t walking around the boat, and plotted on a seat a few rows back away from the amazing views, made all the difference. Having a cooked breakfast and cup of tea on board actually helped too. Stanley and Harry were thrilled with their sausages and scrambled eggs- this was certainly a breakfast with a view like no other!

Half an hour before arriving at Jersey, we stopped off to let passengers alight at Guernsey. Another island we’ve yet to travel to and yet heard so many wonderful things about (..next time!). When we pulled into the dock at St Helier in Jersey, we loaded into our car and made our way to The Mayfair Hotel in St Helier, only a 5 minute drive from the port. IMG_6609

We were welcomed and shown to our suite, to find a  two double bedroom, two bathroom family room, perfectly more than adequate for our stay! Harry and Stan were thrilled they had their own space, with hot chocolate facilities and their own TV. We of course were just as thrilled to have our OWN space and large walk in shower! On our bed was a Visit Jersey welcome pack curtesy of the hotel, containing some tourist information, x4 Jersey passes for complimentary entry into attractions and caps and sunglasses for the boys. IMG_6432

It had been a long day of traveling but spirits were still high and Tye had already pre-booked our evening meal, so we had a couple of hours to relax, unwind and get ready to head back out for supper. As we were staying in town, and roughly knew were the restaurant was, we decided to go for a walk and see what was around. The pretty high street was literally on our doorstep, lined with fairy lights and conveniently in the direction of the nearest beach! Discovering the beach was the highlight of our long day. The boys were quick to run off in different directions and once again be at one with the sea air, sand and open space they crave so often. They really are at their happiest when they are on a beach- wherever they are in the world. We could only really spare about 45mins before making our way to The Quayside restaurant opposite the marina for supper. Give us a menu full of fresh fish and we are in our element. Luckily for us, the boys also love fish, so we went all out and indulged. We can highly recommend eating here, the food was utterly delicious! IMG_6433

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The following morning we woke up and discussed over our hotel breakfast what our Itinerary was for the day. Having been given some great suggestions from friends ahead of our trip, the agenda was to visit the Jersey War Tunnels and check out the beach at St Ouens. The Jersey War Tunnels is 100% worth a visit. They are beyond fascinating, incredibly enlightening and moving. Tye and I felt pretty emotional walking around them and reading all about the German occupancy during WW2, when Hitler was in power. You are educated about what life was like during those years on the island, and read first hand accounts from those living there during the War and experiencing such harrowing times. Stanley was too little to understand of course, but Harry was the perfect age to TRY to understand, although it was a lot of information to absorb. Even now, sitting here typing this, I continue to think about it, and want to know more.IMG_6497

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We heard that the beach at St Ouen’s Bay is GREAT for surfing, so we took a chance by bringing over Harry’s surfboard with us in the car! Unfortunately there was no surf that day, but it didn’t matter, because the boys didn’t need anything other that their spades to dig holes in the soft white sand while Tye and I admired the stretch of the beach in all its beauty. Just set back among the dunes, is Le Braye: a perfectly situated beachside eatery, serving up yummy fish and chips, fresh homemade cakes and all with a great sea view. I had a tasty crab sandwich for lunch which def hit the spot!IMG_6501

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Another beautiful beach we had heard great things about was Beauport Bay, an unspoilt cove in St Aubin, a short drive from St Ouen’s Bay and we were desperate to check it out. It certainly didn’t disappoint. From the minute we parked in the car park and looked over the edge of the cliff at the view, we knew instantly the walk down the many steps onto the beach would be worth it. Bearing in mind this is October and the view took our breath away, I can only imagine what a hot summers day would do to the senses! Arriving onto the bay having mastered the steep walk down was a real treat. Yet again, another beautifully sandy beach, with only one other family there…Stanley running in one direction and Harry heading straight out to the rocks in the sea for climbing. Such true beauty, a beach we will definitely want to visit on our net visit. The photos almost don’t do it justice!IMG_6521

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Back at the hotel, we tried out the indoor swimming pool which was fab, then returned to our room to get ready for our final night in Jersey. Our evening meal on our second night was at El Tico– a highly popular beach cantina with a vibrant and fun atmosphere. It also apparently has stunning views of St Ouen’s Bay, but as we went in the dark, we didn’t get to experience them. Harry ate the largest plate of bbq ribs and rice, while Tye and I both chose curries. IMG_6588

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Wednesday morning came all too soon, as the last day always does when you’re having fun on your holidays! Following a hearty breakfast in the hotel, we packed up the car and headed straight out to Jersey Zoo. Founded and created in 1959 by Gerald Durrell, bound by his passion for saving threatened animals for extinction. This Zoo experience is like no other. Tye and I both agreed that hands down it is the most beautiful Zoo, with its pretty landscaped gardens, winding paths and willow trees, happy animals BIG and SMALL and exciting family of Gorillas which are a MUST SEE! We were blessed with the sunniest and warmest October weather and luckily set aside the whole day to explore all that the Durell Zoo has to offer. If you plan a visit, don’t expect to rush around in an hour or so. It’s a visit that you should dedicate a few hours to, and do at your leisure because it doesn’t disappoint in any way whatsoever. IMG_6613

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We boarded our Condor Ferry home, just as the sun was setting and as we sat back in our reclining seats overlooking the horizon, we reflected over the jam-packed couple of days we had on the magical island of Jersey. Our feet barely touched the ground as we explored and discovered some popular places of interest. Our 2 night’s stay was a wonderful insight into a new destination, not too far from home and yet a lot closer to France than I had first anticipated! Travelling with Condor Ferries was an adventure and added a new dimension to our holiday experience, one that has provided us with new family memories and firm in the knowledge of being certain to visit Jersey again in the near future.

Condor Ferries operates a year-round service to the Channel Islands from Poole with its fast ferry Condor Liberation, alongside a conventional ferry service from Portsmouth. To book and check current prices, visit condorferries.com or call 0345 609 1024.

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by Laura xx

To take a further look, I’ve added links below;

Condor Ferries

The Mayfair Hotel

Visit Jersey

Jersey War Tunnels

Jersey Zoo

 

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Filed Under: Family, Reviews Tagged With: blogger, condor, condor ferries, Durrell zoo, family holiday, ferry, half term, Jersey, jersey war tunnels, jersey zoo, London blogger, mum blogger, that mummy smile, the island break, the mayfair hotel, travel, travelling with kids, visit jersey

Scooting into Autumn with SWIFTY

16th October 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

IMG_5402It’s hard to think of a world without seeing someone scooting everywhere you look and Harry and Stanley are no exceptions! The popularity of scooters for both adults and children has sky rocketed in the last decade and this SwiftyIXI scooter is hands down the most handsome one out there. The SwiftyIXI is a luxury product designed to be used in every day urban life, so chic that it has recently won ‘Best Toys’ at the Junior Design Awards!IMG_5420

Living in Notting Hill means that everything for us is within walking distance and easy access. We often walk or scoot to school and Harry’s new SwiftyIXI certainly gets heads turning!! He was kindly gifted one and chose the vibrant Orange colour way which attracts plenty of desired attention. The SwiftyIXI offers the smoothest of rides thanks to its 12 inch pneumatic wheels that can effortlessly handle gravel and grass. The gliding sensation whilst standing- up creates a uniquely comfortable ride which means you can travel further and for longer. What’s more is Harry is VERY impressed with the breaks because he’s able to stop safely and promptly which is ESSENTIAL when scooting on the pavement on the school run.IMG_5408

Letting the boys jump on their scooters is much more enjoyable than bundling them in the car for short journeys.

Swifty Scooters was founded by husband and wife team, Jason and Camilla Iftakhar. The company launched in September 2011 with their first innovative product SwiftyONE, the world’s first premium foldable kick-scooter for adults. The SwiftyIXI British designed two-wheeled scooter comes in six vibrant colours, offers a wide range of accessories and is aimed at children from the age of 7+ however you can ride in tandem with younger kids by using their Booster !

We had a family day out to Black Park Country Park so that Harry could try out his scooter on different terrain. See photos below.

Harry LOVES his brand new shiny Scooter and Stanley cannot wait until he’s big enough to have his very own!

Ive been given a unique DISCOUNT code to share with my readers, offering you 20% off when you type in code: MUMMYSMILE20 😉

To shop the products, head to their website HERE.

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Filed Under: Family, Reviews Tagged With: blogger, British brand, family time, mum blogger, scooters, scooting, swifty scooter, swiftyIXI, toys

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

Merci Maman celebrate 11 years!

15th October 2018 By thatmummysmile Leave a Comment

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Beatrice de Montille is the founder of the beautifully timeless jewellery brand Merci Maman and this October they celebrate 11 years of designing and making their stunning personalised jewellery. Merci Maman means ‘Thank you mummy’ and is a nod to the creators’ French roots and the celebration of the mother and child bond.

When I was little, my grandma wore the same gold necklace day in and day out that she never took off. I would sit on her lap and play with it whenever we visited. Fine jewellery is such a precious thing to wear and the sentimental value is second to none. The popularity of costume jewellery these days means that people chop and change according to their style and outfits on a regular basis, however the classic and timeless pieces are the ones that mean the most and tell the best stories- like my grandma’s.

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Hand-graved with the upmost love and delicate touch, the Merci Maman range consists of necklaces, rings, bracelets and accessories. They make the perfect and affordable gift for someone you really care about. Harry, Stanley and I have personalised bracelets which we got gifted at the start of the new school term, which are engraved with ‘mummy’ and their names, so that we can be close to one-another at all times! My most recent Merci Maman piece is their bestselling 18k gold ‘Duchess necklace’ engraved with the boy’s names and I’m TOTALLY IN LOVE with it!

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To celebrate the brand’s 11 year anniversary, Merci Maman are spoiling their customers with a 20% DISCOUNT to use across the entire range for 24hours only FROM 6pm on the 15th October 2018. Simply type in the CODE: CHEERS20

To shop the collection, visit their website HERE.

by Laura x

 

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Filed Under: Reviews, Style Tagged With: blog, fine jewellery, insta mum, Jewellery, Lifestyle blogger, London mum, merci maman, mum, mum blogger, 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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