Tea for plus 0.5

Wonder what to do with your time and your babys monthery? I ended up booking afternoon tea with my daughter using wowcher, groupon, and bookatable. Here is my review on the baby friendlyness of the places we went too. On 2 occations the only baby was my daughter on the other two we had my almost 2 year old Godson as well, and if you know boys and terrible twos, you'll understand the test.

The Leonard Hotel

Booked on wowcher as a 2 for 1 deal. Went with my then just turned 2 month daughter and mother. The hotel is just off oxford circus and easy to get too. There is a small step to get in, but the door man is more then happy to help you.

This was our 1st afternoon tea, and we enjoyed it. It was quiet and cosy, the staff were great and helpful and even talked to us and cooed at Mia. The decor is old british which reminded me a little of christmas. 

Food was good and we were even offered more tea.

Baby friendly.. yes and no. Yes the staff did make us feel like it was okay to have a baby (trust me some places really don't) The hotel doesn't have a baby changing facility but the staff were good enough to get some towels and put it on a table in the toilet for us.

Over all experience 8/10

Will recommend if your looking for something nice and quiet from the busy shopping.

The Hilton Park Lane - Podium

After the 1st tea for plus 0.5 being a nice experience. I thought to try out the lavish and well known Hilton Park Lane. The offer was on Groupon for a Chocoholic afternoon tea.

I was late to arrive but they seemed okay about it. The restaurant wasn't as lavish as I thought it would be, it kind of felt like a caffe in Knightsbridge rather then a 5 star hotel.  Non the less, food and staff were again nice and the atmosphere was busy with people but no problems. As we couldn't finish the food (after all most of it was chocolate) they offered to pack it up in a nice box to take home.

Baby friendly.. Yes, there is a baby change up on one of the floors in the hotel, step free entrance, and no one gave us the "how can you bring a baby out" look that some do. 

Over all experience 7/10 Food was great and the chocolate idea was yum, happy they offered to let us take it home. But its a 50/50 on bringing the little one. Mia was about 4 months at this stage.

The Waldorf Hilton

Mia was turning 6 months and we brought along my Godson Myles who was 1yr and 9months. This was probably the worse of the 4 afternoon teas.

The entrance had to be opened as the step free entrance was locked, and even worse was the flight of stairs to the restaurant, which okay they helped us carry the buggys up, but on the way down we had to find someone to help us.

The hotel decor in the restaurant was as expected from the Waldorf. Was airy with a harpist playing. There wasn't that many customers, so you would have thought customer service would have been better. Yes one of them was attentive, but just one of them, if you saw them. The atmosphere from other customers where as if you're not allowed to go out and eat because you have a child, as they looked at us with disdained frowns. From the last 2 experiences most of the customers would have been from the voucher deals as well, so I am to assume so were these women, who gave us looks as if to say afternoon tea had to be a quiet affair.

The food was good just like the other 2, but nothing stands out from this experience.

Baby friendly? I think it's safe to say no.
A. stairs and hardly any help.
B. atmosphere was as if we were not too welcome
C. no baby changing facilities.. and if there was, there was no staff to say otherwise.
D. on that note when we left there was no staff to say goodbye too or ask if we liked the food.. which we didn't finish. We actually just walked out (vouchers are paid for in advance, it's not like we didn't pay the bill)

Over all experience 3/10. Would not recommend it unless your stuck up and hate kids. 

The Sanderson Hotel Mad Haters Tea Theme Tea

This time we were early. Mia was almost 7 months, and again I brought along my toddler tester Myles. One step entrance was no problem, yes the step free access was locked but the step was low and not a problem for buggys. The decor and space was great in the lobby for both adults and kids. Myles had fun running around the large space as we had fun taking pics on the different furniture. Reception seemed to have no problems with us enjoying ourselves, as we were early.

Food was different, and nice. The speciality teas and the different types of sandwiches were all nice and we actually finished the food. The theme had us snapping away at the food and decor and customers next to us were all too happy offering to take pics of us as well. Bare in mind it was a half term when we went and they too had their toddler with them. However when they left the next set of dinners were not as baby happy. But the venues atmosphere made it less noticeable and not so irritating to myself.

There is a service charge of 15% added to the bill which I really did not want to pay (of course I did but reluctently) The waitress hardly explained the teas, it was just "these are the speciality teas unless you would like the normal ones in the menu" The guy was who brought out the food explained what we were eating which was fine. Again we noticed the girl ask other dinners if they would like more sandwiches, to which we were not offered, and nor were we offered jelly from the cart.

The experience was booked with bookatable.com and frankly when I saw the bill the discount was actually only £6 for 2. So if you are to tell me that because we got a 10% discount we do not get the quality of service or extra food then you are having a laugh as it really was a measly £3 each, thats 5% discount each. Plus pay 15% for a service we didn't even get, when all it was, was giving us the food?!

It is a shame but The Sanderson would have been my fave if it were not for the poor quality of service. Even when I asked the reception for the baby change (they had to unlock the disabled toilets) he asked us how was my day but not sounding at all sincere, he had that "I can't be bothered to make conversation with you, but I am walking you to the locked toilet so I have too" look to his clenched smile.

Overall experience 7/10. Yes the food, theme and decor was so much fun. Baby friendly yes, just don't understand why things like the toilet need to be locked. Major points deducted for service. As it is the service that makes you FEEL like you are welcome there, bad service makes good food look bad.

Fashion Night Out 2014

Fashion night out is usally my one night in the year that I make a note to go out too. Parties, fashion, and dinner with friends. Last year I missed it as it moved to Manchester, this year it was back in London and Im still wondering where it went?

Previous years as you turn the corner of New Bond Street you will find lots of people and the road blocked off. You can feel the atmospher and you can hear the parties and see the commotion happening down as you reach Old Bond Street. This year there was no commotion, no people, no road block.

South Molton Street seemed to be hosting most of the night and only a hand full of the main designer shops were doing anything. I dont know if it was badly advertised or just hardly any flagship stores partisipating that it just felt like such a flop compared to previous years.

I really hope next year will be better or I will end up not going any more, as this year it might as well not of happened as it felt like there was No Fashion Night Out.

#FNO #FashionNightOut2014

Day Out: Hyper Japan

It's not the 1st Hyper Japan event being held in London & and since it is a culture of entertaing, fun, interesting, cute, beautifull and weird.. this should be good.

There was gaming stations, cute "kawii" shops, a few traditional bits and bobs, some manga illustrators (A drawing of you can range from £5-30), craft areas that you can participate in (for free write your name in Japanese or make origami), and food stalls!

Those who follow my blog know I've been to Japan. So I was a tad disappointed that I didn't see the things I liked from when I was there. No banana roar, no easy eat bento boxes, no representatives showing Kyoto, hardly any sushi, and prices for things like soft toys were more then in the shops outside.

There was still a lot of space that can be filled and in time there might be more shows and stalls. It was fun to see people dress up in their character outfits.. one was even in stilts as a robot (cracked me up ordering food).

I did watch some traditional music as well as some J pop performances. Wish they had Japanese drummers.. seen some before and they were awesome!

I think its an event that is still yet to grow.

*regular up coming event info posted on my Facebook fan page*

Day Out: Taste of London 2014

Foodie? This weekend Regents park plays host to the Taste of London Food Festival. Sample and buy food and drink from restaurants, bars and shops from around London. Watch demonstrations of cooking tips, recipes, and new products.

If you book in advance there are some sites that have special 2 for 1 deals. Otherwise booking in advance over the organisers website will save you a few pounds rather then paying at the entrance.

Personally I was a tad disappointed. As I brought my 2month daughter in tow trying to find food. I found more alcoholic beverages then anything. The food and drinks cost more then going out to eat for the size portions you get, so I'd advise you to eat before you arrive. Average cost of food is £4 for a small bowl of anything that looks like child's portions and £5-£10 for drinks.

As an avid baker I was hoping to see more demonstrations and at least one baking shop participate. All I found was a couple bread shops.

It was however an enjoyable day. Good idea for a date or even a day out for with your besties. As my friend put it we are 'ladies who lunch'

Go on try some culinary delights and have a few drinks, even have a bit of a dance at the silent dj stand.

www.london.tastefestivals.com

Organic Make Up

Burt's Bees - lip balm

I was researching organic skin care for babies when I came across this little fun "lip shade finder" questioner..

"What is your eye colour?"

"What is your hair colour?"

"Do you look better in gold or silver?"

As I was going to try out the nappy cream for my daughter I thought to treat myself as well. I bought the lip shimmer in fig.

It's slimmer then an average lip balm stick. It's smooth, gives my lips a slight minty tingle (not taste) and doesn't feel like it sits on top of my lips like a sticky residue. The colour they picked for me is actually nice a slight stain makes me think of autumn or that natural Bobbie Brown look.

Why not see what your natural bee colour is.

www.burtsbees.co.uk 

Neal's Yard Remedies - Mascara

I saw this featured in Stylist magazine as it was co created by them. When it comes to mascara I look for one that makes my lashes longer rather then fuller, and this one is said to be "the ultimate chemical-free lengthening mascara"

They talked about the wand, the wiper 

"as you pull the wand out you can actually hear it remove excess formula"

the ingredients and, the formula 

"uses a finely milled bamboo-derived silica to thicken the mascara, making it quick-drying and smug-resistant but not flaky"

It doesn't make a big difference on 1st try. It is soft, natural feeling and drys quickly. Apparently it should lengthen my lashes up to 85% and you should see a difference in 2 weeks. Watch this space.

It was advertised as being available in November, but its actually available now.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

bronzing powder, mascara and burt's bees xoxo

Ear Cuff: Ryan Storer

If you have read and seen my obsession of last years Ear Bling that was seen on the catwalks and models and as usual transcended on the likes of read carpets and music artist, you'll understand how happy I am to find the originals.

Ryan Storer jewellery.. My wish list!!

http://www.ryanstorer.com

YEY!!

Pregnancy Photo shoot: Shoot by Hobbs

No one really tells you how exhausting it can be to be pregnant. If your not sick you could be juggling work, home, midwife appointments and preparing for the new arrival. So I finally decided to go on maternity leave and spend some me time.

I have many pregnant, or just gave birth friends, after all we are at that age group now, and people have been asking if I was going to do a shoot. I hesitated since all the shoots I have seen are in studio, cheesy and all looks the same. I like to think there should be a feel and look to a photo. I just couldn't find someone that was giving me that creative individuality, and with my photography background I guess I was being more picky as I wanted less edited pictures something natural.

I pretty much thought not to do the shoot, till by chance whilst walking the dog with my sis, I come across a vintage shop with fashion, cafe, and photography.

Chloe Hobbs Photography.

We talked about what I was looking for and how she works and samples of her work, and there I knew I wanted to book her. I sent her samples of pictures I found on line, to show her the feel of what I was looking for. She also helped me book a make up artist and hairdresser, who was just next door!

Francesca MUA and Hair

Day of the shoot I turn up, was offered tea, tell Francesca what look I am going for, get a mini facial, have my glam face on and hair done. Francesca was also trained as a Midwife before going into Make Up and worked on shows like "Don't tell the Bride" so she was great and bubbly, understanding how to make you comfortable with your big bump. As I wasn't sure how it would look like on the pictures, she even came to see the test shots if I needed a touch up.

Chloe showed me some pictures that she had found so we both knew what we were trying to achieve. She had some clothes and accessories as well for me to try. Shoot lasted about 3 hours with about 3 costume changes. A butterfly even came into the room, so we took the opportunity to place it on my belly. I said before I don't want my belly out, but she made me comfortable and knowing the type of belly out pics I liked, it wasn't such an issue anymore.

I truly love my pics and would recommend both Chloe and Francesca to anyone who wants natural pictures and someone who will take their time with you. The only editing done to some of my pictures are the vintage colour grading! Me and bump have not been edited in any way and when I was doing my viewing selection it was so hard to pic between the shots and the edited and non edited versions as well.

Lets put it this way a girl from antenatal classes went with pixie. She was slotted in for an hour she felt rushed and could only pick large size photos. She said she wont be using them again.

Details:

Chloe Hobbs Photography

www.facebook.com/shotbyhobbs 

Francesca MUA

www.facebook.com/francescafonzarellimakeup