With the Easter holidays upon us, and the sun finally showing up, the team is in full swing planning little getaways, packing up the toys, stocking up on crisp linens, and booking in for the kind of refresh that has mama waking up feeling brand new.
Think brand-new playgrounds to explore, must-see shows to catch, and pastries so good they’ll have us lining up before breakfast.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
VISIT I am beyond excited to take my kids to Walt Disney World (with all honesty, I think I may be more excited than them. Staying at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, character breakfasts, plenty of days out, is going to be one super Easter trip. SEE I’m booking ahead to see Paddington The Musical, again one I may be more excited about than my kids! ENJOY Fairy Tales at British Library is an incredible new magical adventure at British Library with a new interactive exhibition from sitting down at the breakfast table with the Three Bears, to telling the genie your wish, to smelling the wicked witch’s potions. Hours of fun! WATCH My daughter adores the ballet so I’ll be taking her to see Cinderella at Peacock Theatre with the English National Ballet. USE Brushing teeth has become quite the fun daily activity with Little Brushies for my 2 youngest, easy to hold and use, and particularly satisfying for a teething baby. The 2 minute nursery rhyme adds the minimum time for use and a little dancing fun in the mornings and before bedtime. TRY We have this very sweet cookbook at home for my kids to try their own recipes. Endless messy fun. EAT WITH I’m all over the no-plastic revolution particularly with my kids bottles and lunchboxes. We use KleanKanteen steep cups at home and BKR for out and about.
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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
VISIT We’re off on holiday just the three of us, which hasn’t happened since July last year, and I seriously cannot wait. The stars also happened to align with some BA companion vouchers (which almost never happens!) and we’re headed for a week of much-needed chill time in The Bahamas. While it’s not a family resort per se, Coral Sands, on Harbour Island has cottages and bungalows that are spacious enough to feel like a home-from-home environment – albeit way, way chicer. Plus the perfect stretch of pink sand beach with calm waters for little ones. I already can’t wait to see the pink and seashell clad interiors, however I think I might be on my own on that one… WEAR As a result, I’m realising that my son needs an entirely new summer wardrobe. I used to shop at Newbie a lot – it’s so good for babies – but it’s back on my radar this summer for it’s cute swimming shorts and linen shirts. BUY He’s also outgrown his car seat, we’ve loved the one we had from Cybex, and will be trusting them with his second-stage seat – this time from their newly launched Premium Platinum Range. HOME It’s transition time all round as we’re finally making the move to a big boy bed too. Sadly, the bed I fell in love with didn’t work to the dimensions of his room (if we ever wanted to open his wardrobe doors again) but I think Posie & Penn may have claimed the title for the best bed for tots, that mums will love too. WATCH Little Angel Theatre in Islington has adapted Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back trilogy into a puppet show, aimed at ages 3-6. Like the books, this one is bound to be a hit with adults too.
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
TRAVEL My toddler and I are flying to Turkey this month to stay at Maxx Kemer Royal, a luxury resort overlooking the Med. It includes a very impressive-looking family offering, starring a top-rate kids club. Watch this space. BUY H&M launches a very sweet-looking Miffy beach collection on 23rd April, which I’ll be snapping up for our travels. The towel and Terry cape look particularly cute. GO Crystal Palace Park has unveiled its long-awaited dinosaur-themed playground – and it’s a goodie. Skeleton shaped structures perfect for climbing and swinging sit alongside a dino trail, expansive sandpit and slides. The cafe nearby caters to niche coffee whims and alcoholic beverages, should you have had that kind of day. BUY For a rainy day activity, I’m eyeing up kids West End show, Midnight in the Toyshop, about a magical toyshop where the toys come alive after midnight.
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BOOK I’ve taken my kids (now aged 5 and 9) three times to The Paddington Bear Experience at London County Hall, and they’ve loved each visit, not least because it incorporates fun seasonal details (Christmas was fun – now we’re going to go for its Easter-themed adventure). I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but it starts with a train ride from “Paddington Station” to 32 Windsor Gardens, where you get to meet all the characters and help them solve puzzles and play games. At the end, you can hang out on Windsor Gardens for as long as you like, eating marmalade sandwiches from the care. SEE I love Little Angel Theatre – everything I’ve seen at this little theatre in Angel has been so special, and it caters for a full range of ages. I’m excited to take my little one to The Everywhere Bear this April; it’s one of my favourite Julia Donaldson books, and i know it will be done beautifully. We pair the trip with a coffee and babycinno at nearby Gails, and a ride on the bus home: perfect mini Londoner day out. BUY My beautiful new tennis-style bracelet by the Birmingham-based jewellery Laura Vann looks incredible with an evening outfit, but equally resplendent with a white shirt and jeans. I can’t stop glancing down at my wrist, and haven’t taken it off. TREATMENT The change of seasons always leaves my skin a bit confused, but the “Red Carpet Facial” at Petit Saint clinic in Mayfair has transformed it. A 90 minute treatment involving lasers that were honestly so relaxing that I fell asleep twice. There was no downtime – I went straight to school pick up without feeling self conscious – and about two days later really started to notice the glow. Always nosy, I took a tour of the clinic before my appointment and was wowed by both what it could offer (from wellness treatments like hyperbaric chambers and nap pods alongside aesthetic options) as well as how beautifully designed – and filled with art and sculpture – it was. A true treat for all the senses.
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Laura Normanton, Citizen Enfants Contributor
STAY I love spring in the UK with the emergence of wild flowers and the promise of longer days. I’m planning a long weekend at Gitcombe in Devon which has self-catered cottages to suit all family sizes. With proximity to beaches, an indoor pool, playground and food delivery hampers, there is everything you can want for a family holiday in this picturesque corner of the English countryside. BUY La Coqueta have introduced womenswear in matching prints to their girls clothes. For a sweet mini-me moment, the collection of summer dresses are irresistible. EAT I’ll be heading to the new Frankie’s bakery in Chiswick to try their infamous pastries, milk pie and sandwiches. Everyone says it’s well worth the queues and it looks reasonably priced too. They open at 9am and often sell out so it’s wise to go early in the day. DO I can’t wait to see the exhibition of Hurvin Anderson’s work at the Tate Britain. This is his first major solo show and I love his use of colour. I also want to visit the Marthe Armitage exhibition at Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing; I have long admired her distinctive approach to pattern making in wallpaper and fabric design. While we are there, I plan to enjoy the family easter trail through the manor and gardens where you follow clues around the house and spot playful props hidden along the way.
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Lucy Scovell, Citizen Enfants Contributor
BOOK Nothing says spring quite like the Chelsea Flower Show, and the good news is there’s still time to snap up tickets. They’re selling fast, though, so be quick. TRY The Guess How Much I love You Afternoon Tea at Lanes of London is the perfect spring treat for you and your little ones. The menu brings the magic of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare to life through playful and immersive references to the story – a whisker tip hare biscuit, a chocolate orange tree stump and a fluffy lychee rose cloud with a magical moon motif. What’s not to love? DO The arrival of longer, warmer days means outdoor play is firmly back on the agenda. I’ll be taking my toddler to the free nature-inspired play events in Regent’s Park. Check online for dates and locations. If you’ve got older kids, check out the King’s Cross Super Nature Family Trail. Pick up a free activity book from Lightroom and then follow the trail through King’s Cross, looking for insects, wildlife and plants en route. The perfect family adventure for the long Easter weekend. STAY With both my tots finally sleeping through the night, I’m looking to treat myself to a much-needed night away to recharge. At the top of my list is the recently opened Newman Hotel in Fitzrovia. Its art-deco interiors, chic all-day brasserie and impressive wellness offering tick all my boxes for a spoiling London staycation. BUY If you’re still on the hunt for a suitably indulgent Easter egg, look no further than Pavyllon’s ultra luxe dark chocolate creation filled with a rich hazelnut praline. Available for collection until 5 April.
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