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My Little Loves

Pots and Bumble

 

I have always been obsessed with old fashioned toys. A weakness that makes me purchase so many little pieces in a hope that my little loves want to play with them forever. Pieces that you can have for your own littles but then hold on to for many generations to come. Recently we purchased a Dolls House from the lovely ladies at Pots and Bumble called the ‘Rosie’ house. One of their many collections and so dreamy that I love to sneak a play when they are in bed.

I am in awe of their creation, which opted me to ask them for a quick interview to pick their brains on how they come up with such a magical concept. Little did I know that they would have many more ideas in the pipeline.

Firstly the biggest congratulations on coming up with such a unique idea! Tell us a little bit about how you came up with this gorgeous concept!

Francesca : We originally created the Pots & Bumble dollhouse because we couldn’t find anywhere in Dubai offering what we where looking for – so we made it ourselves!

I just LOVE the name Pots and Bumble. How did you come up with the name?

Laura : Thank you – we’re so glad you love it! We wanted to name the business after our youngest girls’ as we first built the dollhouses for them. Lottie’s nick-name is ‘Lottie pots’ & Alba’s is ‘Bumble’ – the combination had such a ring to it, that it really was a no brainer!

 

 

What advice would you give to other “Mumpreanors” with a dream?

Laura : Just go for it! 

Francesca : I think regardless if you’re a mum or not, if you’re passionate about something  & can’t sleep for thinking about it then you have to act on it.

How do you manage to balance your work and family life with 5 little loves under 8? 

Francesca : I think trying to find that balance will always be challenging… I try to schedule work as much as I can on the mornings that the kids aren’t with me. With Pots & Bumble it helps that Laura and I are both in the same boat, so any meetings that we have together are usually just at home, with the kids keeping each other entertained. 

Laura : We do alot of family meetings which includes all of the kids. We find this easier as they all play together. Rosie (my biggest) thankfully looks after them all. We cook dinner together and brainstorm, design and plan, whilst the Daddy’s are off building, painting and ignoring us. We have a great balance which works so well for us all.

 

 

Do you have any mentors/people that have inspired you along your journey? Who are they?

Francesca : Since arriving in Dubai 8 years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to have worked alongside so many creative and extremely hard working women – who have taught me a lot. I’m always pushing myself to keep learning, so I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who encourage that and want to see you do well.

Laura : For me it was you and Milly from @bycamillahind  a meet up that happened in Park House on Kite Beach over yummy pancakes and lots of coffee. Before that meeting this was all a dream and we really didn’t know what people would make of our idea. Your’s and Milly’s reaction was so amazing that it gave us such a boost. Which inspired us to go forward with the planning.

What is your best advise to women out there with a burning idea?

Francesca : I would say research & go see what’s out there already – is there already a market for what you want to do? The reason we created the dollhouse, is because we couldn’t find what we were looking for.

Laura : I am very lucky with my partner Frankie. She knew exactly what was needed for so much of it – Especially the computer side of things. Thankful we met so many people that could give us advice along the way and pushed us to figure things out and learn as we went along.

What does a typical day look like for you? Do you have any rituals? 

Francesca : I’m a morning person too, so if I’m up before the chaos erupts, I like to have a cuppa tea in peace and plan my day ahead; I always keep a notebook beside my bed as I like to write everything down – ideas, to-do lists etc. After school drop off is when I work or run errands and my afternoons are mostly spent at home with the kids.

Laura : I get up at 5am. It is the only way to have a cup of tea ad breakfast in peace! I try to always be ready before I wake my girls up. I have everything that we need for the day ready the night before, uniforms/clothes out, lunches and snacks done. I love to be prepared so there is less chaos. 

How do you unwind?

Francesca : A hot bath, a glass of red or listening to a good podcast. 

Laura : Oh a good Mani/Pedi. I love a cold beer, watching something like ‘working mums’ or ‘the let down’ anything easy to watch in my PJ’s. When the beer is not an option – A cup of tea and cadburys is a winner.

 

 

You both make motherhood look so stylish! Any tips and tricks for those of us feeling a little blah!?

Laura : Dry shampoo! Dry shampoo every single time! Good make up is a top investment and an added bonus if you can do a french braid. Winning combo’s right there.

Francesca : Since having the kids, I’ve always opted more for comfort than fashion trends – I think if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing then you’re more likely to feel good about yourself. My staples are anything denim, a simple pair of trainers and a cross body bag. Failing that, a blow dry or a nice mani/pedi will always lift your spirits!

If you could give one piece of advice to Mums who are trying to live their dream of having it all, what would it be?

Francesca : The quote; ‘you can have it all, just not all at once’. I live by that now because it’s so true! Just be kinder to yourself & stay grateful for all that you do have.

Laura : Appreciate what you have because you probably have far more then most people have and should be grateful for it all. Feeling proud of the girls I have raised – Realising they are great girls makes me feel so thankful.

 

I am feeling so inspired by these two women.

This quote comes to mind…

When you admire something about another woman, tell her. Get into the habit of lifting each other up!

Head over to their Instagram be clicking HERE or their Facebook page by clicking HERE.

Keep up to date by using their website by clicking HERE and if you sign up to their website you will receive 10% off your order.

I look forward to many more hours of peace while my little loves enjoy their very own Pots and Bumble home.

Helly x

Seat of stokke Dreams

The Stokke Tripp Trapp has always been a fantastically luxury choice of high chairs. Developed in the 70’s and it is still rocking the baby market – The seat of dreams!

Made of solid European beech wood. An intelligent design that grows with your child. It provides a comfortable, ergonomic seat which can be used at any age. It has been made to fit right up to the kitchen table so that baby can be apart of the family dining experience.

It allows Littles to eat, learn and play alongside those they love.

It is available in a range of colours and you can add extra comfort and colour with the additional accessories.

Since becoming a parent 10 years ago, I have noted that some brands continue to push out new products, whereas Stokke has really kept with more of a core offering making tweaks and evolving these select few along the way, rather than extending the range too much.

The Tripp Trapp high chair is a classic example. It’s designed for use from birth right up to adulthood – how’s that for longevity so what more do you need?!

With a classic Scandi design, this chair (calling it a highchair seems like it’s doing it an injustice) hasn’t changed much since it’s original design back in 1972.

I should say at this point – my best friend has had hers since the 70’s. It has now sat all of her own Littles.

Another reason I love and believe in the product!

The simplistic design ensures it’s easy to clean with no annoying nooks and crannies, and the high quality beech wood means it doesn’t wear like other materials would over time.

For babies, I really like that the Tripp Trapp can really be mixed up based on your baby’s size, weight and parents preference.

The Newborn Set makes it more of a baby chair, and then from six months, the Baby Set works the standard chair as more of your conventional highchair – perfect ergonomic back piece and supportive chair restraints to bring baby up close to the dining table, or with the harness and tray table works well as a standalone chair.

Post toddler you can use as a standard chair – no belts, buckles, trays etc, just a chair that sits neatly under your table and can take up to the weight of a fully grown adult.

The Tripp Trapp Chairs are available in an array of classy colours ranging from pops of red and yellow, to varying natural woody shades and stains.

The great thing is that they can either be a standout feature because of their iconic design and colour, or work well with an established colour scheme you already have.

As we already have a Scandinavian vibe going on, we have stuck with the original beach wood and whites.

The new stylish Junior Cushion, can be added for a softer overlay on the seat for little bums aged around two to three. This simple cover has a gripped bottom to prevent it from moving, and it sits flushly on the chair for comfort.

For more information on the Stokke Tripp Trapp and new accessories, visit Just Kidding and as an added bonus you can get 10% off by using my discount code HELEN10

Happy Shopping…

Helly xx

Mermaid punch and crocodile blood! We love a family brunch…

We were invited to attend an award winning brunch at the Address in Dubai Marina.

To start off – this hotel is gorgeous. Marble Decor from the floor to the ceiling and flowers draping down from the ceiling which really brings the outdoors – indoors (which I loved).

The food was exceptional. So much variety that there was nothing left out. Asian, Indian, western, Arabic and street food bites also.

The array of desserts had me drooling – My favourite being the tiramisu. The Seafood selection went on and on so I can imagine if you love seafood this is the brunch for you!

Mermaid punch and crocodile blood for the Littles was extremely creative. They loved being able to pick and choose their own and there certainly was a lot to choose from. You could be as healthy or as naughty as you liked and they even got to make their own pizzas which was a big hit!

Magic Phil (kids entertainment GOD) put on incredible show which had both the Littles and the adults in hysterics. My Littles absolutely love him – as well as his “Koochiwaaaa dance!” Pizza making, pancake decorating, a large bouncy castle, face painting and kid friendly food – what more could you want?

I should also say here that if you dress the Littles (or yourself) up in mermaid or pirate theme there is a fancy dress competition and the prize is to come back for brunch which is an incredible prize!

I just love ending the weekend with a lazy Saturday brunch with my family.

Details –

Every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Packages –

AED 330 per person, including soft beverages.

AED 460 per person, including house beverages.

AED 622 per person, including house beverages and free flow bubbly (who doesn’t like bubbles?)

*Children aged 5 years and below are free*

What is your favorite family friendly brunch in Dubai?

Helly x

Boot Essentials…

Well truth be told… A LOT… But here is why!

As a Mama in Dubai there are many items I need to make my life easier. I am sure every Mama is the same and writes notes all over their house, car, children to keep up with the day to day chores.

That is me!

I am one of those Mama’s!

A Mama that is really good at writing said post it notes but useless at ticking them off. Which is so strange as in the workplace I am all about ticking jobs off one by one and not leaving my desk until they are done. So why do I not get the day to day jobs done?

Often it is because I am not prepared. I think of something I want to tick off the list but realise fast enough I don’t have the items I need to do the said chore. So I have decided to simplify my life a little to make life easier and I am starting with our car. Below are the items I am loving that I have neatly (for now) stored away in the boot or items that I am using daily that I cannot live without!

YoYo by Babyzen

I feel like every pregnancy we find one item that we couldn’t have done with out! This pregnancy was our first using the amazing Babyzen Yoyo from newborn. If you haven’t heard about this dreamy travel stroller yet, it was the first pushchair to be approved for cabin luggage (measuring only 56x45x25cm when folded up). It can be folded with one hand in a few seconds – and there is a strap to carry it over your shoulder like a light baby bag. Previous trips when our older girls were small, we have been told, “your stroller will be there for you when the door opens” – LIES… it is never there! So thankfully this light stroller is as easy to push and easy to store. You can purchase it from Just Kidding and as an added bonus the colour packs are incredible and so reasonably priced. You could have a colour for every season if you wanted. Popping the link here for you to check out yourself.

MiFold

This Grab and Go booster seat has been a life saver! Whether it has been for Uber journeys, school pick ups – when you need another car seat (safety first folks) or like this summer, used to protect our children in Ireland, Amsterdam and Cyprus. As we know every child is different and MiFold adapts to suit every child. You can adjust it to fit the Childs height and width and it provides a safe and secure fit every time. I have major trust issues with care seats and I trust this one hundred percent. I will be doing a proper video on this soon as I really want to show parents how easy and safe it is to use… Stay tuned but in the mean time you can purchase here.

Skip Hop Back Seat Mirror

I am sure many mums are like me and start to panic when they cant see what their little one is up to? It is such a catch 22 because as soon as it is quiet in the car I am relieved that she has fallen asleep, but within a minute I then panic and need to pull in to check that she is ok. This mirror makes it easy to remain calm. Every traffic light or stop sign I can glance (when safe to do so) at my rear view mirror which shows me the skip hop mirror and gives me a sneak peak into what she is up to. It is really easy viewing, fits on to the headrest of my car and allows her to look at her reflection also – Which she loves! It also has shatter proof mirror and padding around the edges which makes this Mama happy as her safety comes first. Click here to purchase.

Just Essentials Summer Seat Cover

Had me at hot pink!? In all seriousness though. It protects her maxi cosi and is easy to wash when needed. The most important part is that it keeps her cool and cosy. This product is now on sale for DHS 15! Honestly – It is a must have! Click here to check it out.

Just Essentials – The Coolest Car Seat Sun Protector 

Fiadh-Belle’s spare car seat is in her Daddy’s car and I always get nervous that as it is not being used it will fade with the sun. Not only that but it is roasting at the moment and I don’t want her to burn herself on the buckles if she ever has to go into this car. A friend told me about these covers that the sun bounces off and I was sold. This is an ESSENTIAL living in Dubai as far as I am concerned. You can view and purchase here and it is currently on sale!

Thank you so much for reading 🙂

Love, Helly xx