2017SPRING EDITION
’s WhatIN LONDON THIS OnSPRING 1 Welcome to the Spring Issue of Word of Mouth Magazine
AUTUMN EDITION 2015 A Note From The Editor... SUMMER EDITION 2015 A Warm Hello to Our Readers!
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS Have you heard, the universe is telling us that winter is long gone, and THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH HEAL YOUR spring is here to stay – this can only be a good thing, right? As we MIND, BODY AND welcome springtime with open arms, we’re also starting to notice the perks of lighter evenings, blossoming flowers... and leaving the house MAKE THE SOUL MOST OF without wearing a fur-hooded coat is always a bonus. AUTUMNAL THE REST FASHION & OF SUMMER HOME In and Out of the city with WOM + For your reading pleasure, every issue we like to keep a finger firmly on the pulse of what’s happening in and around South London. We also | 3
like to give you a taste of international waters by including scintillating | [email protected] • ACTIVITIES WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE• FOOD • SHOPS • FASHION reads about the likes of wine and travel, just in case you fancy holidaying any time soon. FITNESS • • BEAUTY HEALTH WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE | [email protected] | 3
HEALTH• BEAUTY • FITNESS• FASHION • SHOPS • FOOD • ACTIVITIES In the spirit of spring, we’ve been busy rounding up the best topics for you to enjoy with your morning coffee, or a cheeky glass of fizz - whatever floats your boat. From the history of Easter and sweet dessert wines to pair with your favourite dishes, to the hidden museums of South London and the skinny on which events and exhibitions to go see now; there’s lots of exciting features to keep you entertained.
Turn to page 12 if you’re in the mood to book a budget-friendly spring break anytime soon, and page 34 where you’ll discover the quirky ‘Robot Zoo’ exhibition every Londoner is talking about.
From ethical fashion and trendy London day spas, to productivity apps that’ll help you stay organised... oh, and spring-cleaning hacks that actually work, you’ll find it all here amongst the glossy pages of Word of Mouth Magazine.
Enjoy the issue...
Dawn Wood Editor-in-Chief Word of Mouth Magazine
Why not tell us what you think of our Spring 2017 issue? We’d be delighted to hear your thoughts. Facebook us your comments @wommagazineuk @WOMMAGAZINEUK@WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK@WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK@WOMMAGAZINEUK
2 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE: [email protected] 3 UNWIND WITH MOTHER NATURE’S SLEEPY TEAS LAVENDER AND CHAMOMILE ARE THE ONLY HERBS TO HELP YOU EASE INTO YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE. Page 46 TOP 5 LONDON DAY SPAS FOR THE RESTLESS SOUL WHAT CAME FIRST, THE EGG OR THE CHICK? BREATHE AND REBOOT YOUR MIND, BODY AND DISCOVER THE ORIGIN BEHIND EASTER’S TREATS SOUL WITH THESE LUXURIOUS LONDON SPAS. AND TRADITIONS. Page 52 Page 6 PRODUCTIVITY APPS THAT’LL CHANGE THE WAY JET-SET YOUR CARES AWAY THIS SPRING YOU WORK & LIVE FOR THOSE WITH PERMANENT WANDERLUST, WE ALL NEED A HELPING HAND IN THE CHECK OUT THESE BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT FROM TIME TO TIME. SPOTS. Page 64 Page 12 THE 24 HOUR TUBE IS HERE SWEET WINES TO SIP ALL YEAR ROUND INTRODUCING LONDON’S MOST CONVENIENT INTRODUCE YOUR TASTE PALATE TO THIS PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODE, THE NIGHT TUBE. SELECTION OF STRICTLY-SWEET WINES. YUM! Page 68 Page 22 YOUR WHAT’S ON GUIDE FOR SPRING 2017 THE HIDDEN MUSEUMS OF SOUTH LONDON DON YOUR CULTURE CAP AND IMMERSE YOURSELF THESE WELL-DISGUISED MUSEUMS ARE QUITE IN A SLICE OF THE ARTS, SOUTH LONDON STYLE... POSSIBLY THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD. Page 74 Page 28 WHAT IS LASER CUTTING? AIN’T NO TOURIST! GET CREATIVE AND TRY AN ARTISAN TECHNIQUE ESCAPE THE CROWDS AND DISCOVER FUN THINGS USED BY THE FASHION INNOVATORS OF TO DO THAT ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM THE YESTERDAY AND TODAY. NORM. Page 78 Page 30 GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK ROBOT ANIMALS ARE FASCINATING CREATURES ETHICAL FASHION HAS BECOME MORE APPARENT LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAVE ZOO ANIMALS AND THAN EVER. LEARN HOW TO DO YOUR BIT FOR THE THEIR UNIQUE BEHAVIOUR IN THIS ROBO-TASTIC ENVIRONMENT. LONDON EXHIBIT. Page 82 Page 34 THE DANGERS OF MICROBEADS EXPRESS YOUR SELFIE WHO KNEW THESE TINY PARTICLES COULD HAVE LOVE SELFIE-SNAPS? THIS IS ONE EXHIBIT SUCH A CATASTROPHIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT? DEDICATED ENTIRELY TO THE ARTISTIC SIDE OF Page 86 SELFIES. Page 36 THE ULTIMATE SPRING-CLEAN GUIDE SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING HACKS TO HELP KEW GARDENS: A HISTORY OF NATURE, ART & YOU DUST THAT GRIME OUT OF YOUR HOME. ARCHITECTURE Page 88 ENJOY SPRINGTIME IN THIS BOTANICAL GARDEN OF BLISS... IT’S THE PERFECT ESCAPISM. Page38
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE: [email protected] 4 5 EasterTREATS & TRADITIONS Written by Chloe Laws
6 7 Easter is often seen as a paradoxical holiday: in one sense it’s the time of year when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the other hand it’s a commercially-driven celebration where children are gifted chocolate eggs, and we all eat hot cross buns lathered in butter. Yum! of Jesus that was shed on the cross. Eggs were also typically a food that Christians would Whereas eggs were once seen as the typical abstain from during Lent, thus they were Lent sacrifice, now it’s chocolate. But where do these traditions stem from? And how did bunnies, saved and decorated for ‘Holy Week’ before Good Friday, the day that Christians being gifted to children. remember Jesus was crucified on the cross chicks and chocolate-eating become so integral to Easter? Today over 90 million chocolate eggs are for their sins, has many a tradition too. Hot sold in the UK every year, and on average a cross buns are widely consumed, with the child receives eight. Yes, as many as EIGHT. cross decoration engraved on top to remind THE ORIGINS OF EASTER WHICH CAME FIRST, THE EGG The Easter-egg hunt is said to re-enact the Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice. These delicious OR THE CHICK? The word ‘Easter’ is derived from two old pagan rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb, buns are said to replace the historical offering festivals - that of ‘Ostara’ which celebrated So where do Easter eggs fit into all this history? with the most famous Easter Roll taking place of bread - and they are much tastier than a new life, and the Arabian Sun festival, ‘Ishtar’. The egg symbolises new life and fertility, while on the White House lawn every Monday after piece of toast! Early Christians turned this celebration of the bunny stems from the goddess, Eostre, the holiday. new life into a celebration for the new life of whose earthly symbol was the rabbit. The The tradition of chocolate eggs began in 19th HOW TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR Jesus. And historically it falls on the date of egg was given as a gift long before it became Century France and Germany before it spread For 2017 Easter eggs have gotten even more Passover, a time of year when Jewish people synonymous with Easter, often wrapped in a across Europe, and eventually to the USA. lavish and delicious, with high-end designers remember God saving Jews from slavery in gold leaf, or boiled and painted by peasants. Katherine Tegen, a children’s author who having a go at creating them. For example, Egypt. For thousands of years hard-boiled eggs were wrote ‘The Story of the Easter Bunny’ said, Roberto Cavalli has just launched a Zebra Officially Easter starts with Lent on Ash decorated on Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. “To receive the special Easter eggs, children white chocolate egg. The perfect gift for Wednesday, and then continues for 46 days Christians adopted this symbolism, stating were told to make nests from hats or baskets your fashionable beau. Want to show mum until Easter Monday. that dyeing the egg red represents the blood so the Easter Bunny could leave them there.” how much you love her? Go for Fortnum and 8 9 Mason’s Marc de Champagne truffle egg, it’s dreamy! Do you partake in a vegan lifestyle? Think that means you have to give up Easter eggs? Think again. Hotel Chocolat has a selection of vegan-friendly products with “more cocoa and less sugar.” After all, saving the planet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy chocolate. Another tradition getting a serious makeover this year is the hot cross bun, with M&S launching a savoury take on the popular pastry. This may sound peculiar to the palate, but definitely worth a try. With mature Irish cheddar, sweet onion, Brewers paste and sultanas, they’re surprisingly good. Who knew sultanas and cheese was such a delightful pairing? Want to steer clear of the inevitable sugar rush your children will have on Easter weekend? Why not get them an alternative gift, one they’ll be equally as excited by. Build-A-Bear has a workshop that lets your little one build their own Easter Bunny toy. Super cute! Whether you celebrate Easter as a Christian or in a more secular way, it’s a great time of year to spend quality time with your family and sample some treats. With Good Friday and Easter Monday both falling on bank holidays in England and Wales, it’s worth taking some well deserved time off and heading to one of London’s many hunts. Lindt is hosting a Bunny hunt in Hampton Court Palace, there’s a trail at London Bridge, and not forgetting the upcoming Moomin adventure extravaganza at Kew Gardens.
10 11 Ready, Jet-Set
Written by Charlotte Walsh Springtravel Holiday Destinations That Won’t Break The Bank
12 13 FARO (PORTUGAL) FLIGHTS FROM £38. Fancy a bit of pre-summer sunshine on a budget? As the capital of the Portuguese Algarve, Faro’s a great destination for the savvy sun-seeker. The climate this time of year is just right, averaging around 20°C, and the city itself has so much to offer. There’s a 13th Century cathedral and an original Moorish wall that offer an old worldly charm, not to mention plenty of restaurants, nightlife and beautiful scenery to take in.
14 15 Venice (Italy) Flights from £34. A floating city of marble that’s renown as being a romantic destination, Venice is rich in history, innovation and beguiling beauty. Venice is pure magic, and an absolute must-visit if you love cities cloaked in mystery, romance and awe. If anything, you know you’ll be in safe hands with the Italians when it comes to food! But do be wary of gondola pricing (although it’s totally worth it for the experience alone.)
Prague (Czech Republic) Flights from £56. The city of a hundred spires, Prague is a medley of iconic architecture; colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches, the medieval astronomical clock and the historic Charles Bridge. Culture vultures will find themselves in heaven here with affordable opera, museums in abundance and the stone-clad beauty of the cobbled streets. 16 17 Nice (France) Flights from £58. At the heart of the French Riviera, with pretty coastal villages and scenery on the doorstep, Nice also has plenty going on to be able to sell itself. Set on the pebble-paved shores of Baie des Anges, the quaint, cobbled streets lead to historic cathedrals, including Nice’s own Notre Dame. There’s also a plethora of art museums, with one dedicated to the work of Henri Matisse, one of Nice’s many former trailblazing artist residents. Cafés, bars and bistros mean you’ll never be short of a sunny spot to enjoy a glass of wine, espresso or a meal.
18 19 Stockholm (Sweden) Flights from £34. Prefer a cooler getaway? Then look no further than Stockholm! Whether you enjoy a cooler climate or more stylish surroundings, the Scandis have got you covered. Bursting with colour on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm is a cobbled group of islands with more than 50 bridges and full of boutique-style hotels, each with their own cool, minimalist Scandinavian charm. An increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly city, the people are friendly here with a myriad of sights just waiting to appear on your instagram feed.
Dubrovnik (Croatia) Flights from £57. Dubrovnik is a city of beauty, culture and history; this vibrant city with its distinctive Old Town sits right on the Adriatic Sea, and the weather is usually warm and dry in the spring. There’s plenty of historical sights to soak up as you wander the limestone- paved streets. In terms of fun stuff to do, there’s beaches, sailing, kayaking and cable cars to keep you busy. The islet of Lokrum is also just a short ferry ride away and has free roaming peacocks, a medieval monastery and a small salt lake nestled amongst its *Prices from skyscanner for April 2017, accurate as of 27thMarch 2017 flying from London. 20 verdant scenery. 21 Sweet Wines To Sip All Year Round
Written by Lauren Denyer
22 23 When we think about sweet wines, many think of Californian medium-sweet rosés or the semi-sweet Liebfraumilch. But these are just a drop in the ocean for what the world of wine produces.
Historically, many sweet wines have been the most sought after and coveted wines in the world. So why is it that some modern day consumers are still unaware of the quality and potential these highly delicious, exciting, sophisticated and labour-intensive wines offer?
Here is a selection of different styles and residual sugar per litre of wine. This makes for production methods for some of, in my opinion, a creamy wine with notes of honey, apricot and the best sweet wines on the market. These nuttiness, particularly with age. Younger styles varieties are affordable and widely available and have more citrus and freshness due to their high make great pairings with your favourite dishes. acidity. One of the most famous sweet wines is Château Guiraud, a highly regarded top Sauternes. Made in Bordeaux from the Semillon producer, creates one for Sainsbury’s which is grape, this wine relies on precise weather certainly a treat for the taste buds. Considering conditions and can only be made in very specific the labour costs and age at just £12 for a 37.5cl places. Perhaps you’ve heard of Noble Rot, or bottle from 2011, that my friends is a bargain! botrytis? This is when misty morning air starts I personally love this wine with Foie Gras, and a rotting process of the grapes. Then a sunny for the ethical non-veggies amongst us, it is now afternoon halts the rot, and stops it from having possible to get Foie Gras from geese without a detrimental effect on the grapes. them being force-fed: http://sousa-labourdette. Believe it or not, the end result is a pleasant com type of rot that perforates the skin of the grape The acidity in the Sauternes cuts so well enabling the water in the flesh of the grape to through the fat of the Foie Gras and there is a evaporate. This leaves the grape with highly beautiful synergy that the combination of sweet Château Guiraud, a concentrated natural sugars and with less, but and savoury can occasionally bring - this is one more concentrated, juice. of those moments. highly regarded top During the winemaking process the yeasts Pop the Foie Gras onto a piece of brioche producer, creates one can’t convert such high volumes of sugars into accompanied with some fruit marmalade, jam for Sainsbury’s which alcohol, and the fermentation process stops or chutney and you’ve got some sublime taste naturally at 13% alcohol. This means there is sensations going on. If you’re a veggie do not is certainly a treat for lots of sugar left over after the fermentation despair, goat’s cheese and honey or Stilton are the taste buds. - generally more than 120g of what is called also a match made in heaven!
24 25 A lovely and light sweet wine that you can have either as an aperitif or with a ‘With sweet wine and food pairing, there is a summer dessert would be a Moscato general golden rule - never pair your wine with a d’Asti, or the slightly food that is sweeter than it...’ less complex Asti If your wallet doesn’t stretch to Sauternes, fortified wine to have with sweet desserts is another of my favourite wines made using the Tawny Port. In my opinion, the older the better. same method is Monbazillac. It is made just With toffee and nutty notes, this for me goes down the road from Sauternes. Lidl sells a 2015 so well with something caramel-based, either edition by Chateau Birondie at £9.99 for a 75cl Banoffee Pie, salted caramel ice-cream or bottle. millionaire’s shortbread. Graham’s 10 year old Other methods of producing sweet wines are Tawny Port is always a winner and retails at to stop the fermentation before the wine can around £18-£20 for a 75cl bottle. It is available reach dryness by adding alcohol, which kills off at most supermarkets and wine merchants. the remaining yeasts. In this case you will get a A lovely and light sweet wine that you can have fortified wine. Think of Port, Sherry or Madeira. either as an aperitif or with a summer dessert One of the most sweet, luscious wines I know is would be a Moscato d’Asti, or the slightly less a type of sweet sherry, but I’m not talking about complex Asti. This is one Italian fizz that looks Harvey’s Bristol Cream here. Pedro Ximinez, to be making a bit of a comeback. Again, with otherwise known as PX. PX is a grape variety, so this wine the fermentation process is stopped you can find dry wines made from it, but its best before the wine can ferment to dryness. To keep use is in PX Sherry. The grapes are dried out this wine extra sweet the fermentation is halted in the sun, effectively on the path to becoming very early on, so the resulting wine is pretty raisins. This makes this otherwise white grape low in alcohol, usually around 5.5% for the turn brown and the resulting wine is a dark Moscato and a bit higher for the Asti (7-9.5%). brown, almost black colour. The combination The peachy and floral flavours in this wine lend of sun drying and adding alcohol means this well to a fruit salad or apricot tart, but you’d be wine is the sweetest of the sweet. With flavours pleasantly surprised pairing it with salami or of chocolate, coffee and sweet spices, a popular light cheeses, like Burrata. use for this wine is to pour it like a sauce over ice cream! With sweet wine and food pairing, there is a My recommendations would be general golden rule - never pair your wine with Saracco Moscato D’Asto for £16.99 a food that is sweeter than it as it will make the at Selfridges (75cl) and Waitrose wine seem less sweet and more bitter; you will sell San Leo Asti NV for £9.99 (75cl). never have that problem with PX. Sainsbury’s has come up trumps again with It is recommended that sweet wines a 12 year old 50cl bottle for £8. Another great are served at around 6-10°C. Cheers!
26 27 Everyone loves London’s classic choice of museums, but there comes a time when we get a bit bored of the usual V&A and National Portrait Gallery, yes? So here are some of the hidden gems you might be missing, right on your doorstep...
THE CINEMA MUSEUM of forgotten social history. The best part? Once The Master’s House, 2 Dugard Way you’re done learning, you can go and explore all (off Renfrew Road), London SE11 4TH the areas you just learned about. Fab. This one is great. It’s a museum dedicated entirely to cinemas and their lighting, carpets, SOSEKI IN LONDON MUSEUM architecture; even down to some of the more 80 The Chase, London SW4 0NG traditional staff uniforms that were once worn. This has to be one of London’s most hidden There’s also cinematic ephemera. It all began treasures - hardly anyone knows about it. with co-founder Ronald Grant’s lobby card Dedicated to writer Natsume Soseki who is collection, but it now showcases classic style 3D famous in his native country, Japan, this museum glasses, movie posters and other pieces of iconic is actually an apartment on a quirky residential film history. street in Clapham. There are recreations of Soseki’s personal library, as well as photographs WIMBLEDON WINDMILL MUSEUM of early 20th Century London events and places Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, he visited. Be warned though, this museum London SW19 5NR closes in September 2017, so why not visit while This amazing museum is hidden among the you still can? shrubs and bushes of Wimbledon Common. Best approached on foot from Wimbledon Village, you can immerse yourself in the diorama that depicts MUSEUM OF CROYDON construction of the 1817 windmill. There’s also Central Library, Croydon Clocktower, great exhibitions about bread-making, milling Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET and you guessed it - more windmills. Croydon actually has fascinating facets of human history. The Riesco room of this museum CRYSTAL PALACE MUSEUM mixes antique Chinese ceramics from Riesco’s Anerley Hill, SE19 2BA collection with Anglo-Saxon finds from under The Hidden Museums Museums Hidden The London South of Croydon’s very own streets. The ‘Then’ gallery Written By Daina Renton Written The Crystal Palace Museum perches on Anerley upstairs features fascinating pieces from 19th Hill near Crystal Palace station, and is dedicated Century Croydon, and touch-screens detail to the park’s history before the palace was built the context about every piece. There’s even in 1854. There’s melted glass that, according books from the Croydon-born sexologist Henry to local lore, ran like a river all the way down Havelock Ellis, an unexploded bomb shell from the hill while the Crystal Palace burned. This WW2, and well… lot’s of other interesting stuff museum features a history of events from the park, not to mention other amazing wonders
28 29
Non-Tourist Things To Do In South London this SpringWritten by Charlotte Walsh
30 31 Living in London can be a minefield of tourists stopping in the middle of the pavement, blocking the way to check their map and find out where the British Museum is. As the sun begins to reappear, the city streets swell as we all jostle to make the most of what’s left of the season before it’s really started. Here are a few South London spots you can choose to avoid the crowds once you’ve left the house...
YOGARISE (PECKHAM) pong tables are worth checking out on a bright Kick the day off with some affordable yoga in afternoon. They’ve also got ‘Project Awesome’ the trendy ex-warehouse Bussey building in which means free fitness classes in The Scoop Peckham. It’s got great windows for greeting the every Wednesday morning, and Balls Brothers spring sun and being in the hipster-hub that is around the corner in Hay’s Galleria has a public Peckham, you know you’ll get a good morning Pétanque court. coffee right around the corner. BLUE ELEPHANT THEATRE HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS (CAMBERWELL) (FOREST HILL) A small theatre that isn’t afraid to dream big, the Okay, so it’s a museum, but it’s far enough out Blue Elephant puts on intimate and innovative YOGARISE that tourists don’t know how to get there. One productions with independent theatre Kick the day off with of the most curious collections in London, companies. It has a vibrant, energetic production some affordable yoga in the Horniman is choc-full of bizarre nic-nacs of Twelfth Night coming up in collaboration with pertaining to anthropology, natural history, Original Impact, but they host free events too. the trendy ex-warehouse musical instruments and taxidermy. It also has There’s ‘Trunkated’, a showcase of 10 minute Bussey building in an unusually laid out aquarium (you have to see excerpts and works-in-progress from a selection Peckham. it to understand) and a spiffing garden. of artists from London.
RICHMOND PARK (RICHMOND) FRANK’S CAFÉ (PECKHAM) Far away from the maddening congestion, At the top of Peckham’s multi-story carpark, Richmond is practically the suburbs. Bring a this seasonal, non-profit café/bar is back for picnic, see some deer and harass some cyclists Bold Tendencies’ tenth year. Who needs the in London’s largest Royal Park. If you’re feeling Shard when you can see London’s panoramic adventurous, you might even like to go horse- skyline whilst drinking beer on top of a multi- riding. story car park?
TABLE TENNIS AND PING PONG What’s your favourite non-touristy pastime (LONDON BRIDGE) to enjoy throughout spring? Facebook us your It may be a little closer to the river, but More comments @wommagazineuk - we’re all ears! London Riverside’s table tennis and ping
32 33 Exhibition Alert The Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens Written By Daina Renton
There’s a new exhibition in London that you just have to check out when you have a free afternoon. At the Robot Zoo you’ll get to watch in awe as everyday gadgets and machines come to life in the form of spectacular mechanical creatures!
This fun, hands-on family experience allows visitors to see some of nature’s cleverest inventions using interactive robots to show you how different species hide, hunt, hear, see and move.
You can learn why a chameleon changes colour and try out squid racing. You can even design your own mutant robot creature at the special activity workshops.
An adult ticket costs £7, a child ticket is just £4, and for the entire family (2 adults and 2 children) the entry fee is £17 per ticket - bargain.
The curator of the exhibit says “Animals are amazing, and these robots really show us how the everyday parts used – tubes, hinges and even a fly-swatter – form innovative representations of the amazing tools and abilities that have evolved in nature to allow animals to survive in a wide variety of environments and habitats. From a housefly’s lightning reactions to a bat’s ability to locate prey in the dark, this exhibition demonstrates just how extraordinary the animals that share our world really are.”
This exhibition runs until 29th October 2017, and here is the address:
100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ
Nearest Rail Station: Forest Station Bus Services: 122, 63, 176, 185, P4 and P13.
You can read more about The Robot Zoo exhibition here: www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/44952340-robot-zoo-at- horniman-museum-and-gardens 34 35 Saatchi Gallery and Huawei have joined forces of your Instagram followers on the walls of the to offer artists, photographers, and enthusiasts Saatchi! Entries are vast and eclectic, from around the world a chance to present their those featuring Snapchat filters to sketches and most creative selfies internationally, and have old school mirror shots. Basically, anything their work exhibited at The Saatchi Gallery as goes. part of the #SaatchiSelfie competition. Selfies have been seen as narcissistic acts of Here’s exactly what you can expect to see... presenting one’s self in an untrue or unrealistic “This international competition offers a chance fashion by many, but the Saatchi is aiming to be part of a worldwide cultural phenomenon to prove that it is in fact a true form of self- Express Your Selfie and for entrants to express themselves, by expression. Famous selfies will include those exploring and advancing the creative potential taken by Barack Obama, David Cameron, Kim of the selfie today.” Kardashian and ‘that’ group shot from the The One Exhibition You Need to See This Spring… The winner will be announced at the show’s Academy Awards. official launch on March 30th, and 10 runners- Nigel Hurst, CEO of The Saatchi Gallery up with receive Huawei’s latest smartphone said, “In many ways, the selfie represents the Written By Chloe Laws edition. epitome of contemporary culture’s transition The exhibition opens on March 31st until into a highly digitalised and technologically Do you love a cheeky #selfie? Then this exhibition is an absolute must-see! May 30th, and will span across an entire floor advanced age as mobile phone technology has The Saatchi Gallery will explore “From Selfie to Self-Expression” with artwork of the gallery. It will be exploring “the history caught up with the camera. The exhibition will of the selfie from Velazquez to the present day, present a compelling insight into the history ranging from Vincent van Gogh to Tracey Emin, as well as selfies from the while celebrating the truly creative potential and creative potential of the selfie.” general public. Because your face is a masterpiece! of a form of expression often derided for its Check out the exhibition while it lasts, and inanity.” be sure to snap a selfie while you’re there The chance to get your face featured has now for some serious inception! A selfie within a passed, but you never know, you could see one gallery of selfies. The mind boggles. 36 37 Kew Gardens A History of Nature, Art and Architecture
Written By Charlotte Walsh
38 39 Spring has sprung, and where better to see the glorious floral evidence than the London institution that is Kew Gardens? The equivalent of a living botanical museum, Kew Gardens is a veritable cornucopia of horticultural intrigues, steeped in history.
Kew Palace was first built in 1631 and remains as the smallest British royal palace. The grounds became known as the exotic garden at Kew Park in 1759, but with Kew Gardens itself founded in 1840, it has expanded ever since.
40 41 ROYAL ORIGIN to saplings, there’s more than a little to see in utter dependence on plants, including tools, “the driving force behind a revival of interest the way of lush greenery. Lawns of daffodils Although there’s a long history of Royal ornaments, clothing, medicines and food. in botanical art” and whose collection it wave at the feet of the ‘Queen’s Beasts’ statues, involvement - perhaps most notably the The Marianne North Gallery has an unusual preserves, this gallery is also the first in the with 10 animals bearing shields that guard the Dowager Princess of Wales, Augusta for story. It was built in the 1880’s to house the world solely dedicated to botanical art. perimeter of the Palm House. This breathtaking whom the Great Pagoda was built in 1762 - paintings of Marianne North who painted the The Hive is the latest addition to Kew’s Victorian building is home to tropical palms Kew Gardens also has a rich cultural legacy native flora. Marianne travelled alone across artistic life: an immersive, multi-sensory and features a fabulous, very instagram-able encompassing art, architecture, botany, and North and South America, Africa and Asia, installation designed to illustrate the life of viewing platform of palm fronds grazing the even a little politics! but at the time, solo travelling was completely bees. Aluminium and LEDs create a stark curved glass roof. Botany is truly the name of Kew Gardens’ unheard of for a woman. The artist herself left contrast against the greenery, and visitors can the paintings to Kew, and to this day it’s the interact with the structure. There’s a hollow game; it is home to one of the largest ART herbariums in the world (that’s a collection only permanent exhibition in Britain dedicated inside as well as the interesting experience of of preserved plant specimens) and a living Kew is known for all things that grow, but to one woman. putting an ice-lolly stick in your mouth and collection of over 30,000 different kinds of it also has a long history with botanical art, The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanic pressing it into a metal slot to hear the sound plants. This magnificent plantation is arranged and is home to two galleries and a museum. Art holds yet more artistic observations of of bees in their hive! with care and cultivation to create a sublime Established in 1857, Museum No.1 displays botanical wonder. Named after Dr. Shirley garden of all gardens. From 250-year-old trees curiosities that illustrate the human race’s Sherwood, who was described by the BBC as
42 43 ‘ The equivalent of a living botanical museum, Kew Gardens is a veritable cornucopia of horticultural intrigues, steeped in history. ’
ARCHITECTURE Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, on the other hand Not only a botanist’s delight, Kew houses is the epitome of quaint English style complete ornamental buildings galore to delight any with thatched roof, wooden outer beams and architectural enthusiast. From ancient Far- ageing brickwork. Eastern ornamental buildings and wrought- On a more modern note, the Sackler Crossing iron glass marvels, to minimalist marriages Bridge across the lake is a minimalist sweeping of granite and bronze, there’s something for curve of bronze and granite that transfigures everyone. in a wonderful trompe l’oeil from solid wall to Kew Palace itself is a classic red-brick Dutch bronze pillars along the sides. House, a Grade I listed building. Although a Royal palace, it is maintained entirely by PUBS independent charity Historical Royal Palaces, The plants are beautiful, but Kew Gardens has without Government or Royal funding. so many other alluring facets, including some The Great Pagoda sits in the southeast corner of smashing pubs closeby to slake your thirst after the gardens, but with its towering height, can be a day of walking in this southwest wonderland. seen from all over. It was built as an imitation of The Tap on the Line is a perfect pit-stop on the Chinese pagodas and echoes this ornate style. way home. Located right next to Kew Gardens It is closed at the moment, but later this year station, it has a good selection of beers served visitors should once again be able to climb to the in a high-ceilinged, grand space that used to top and enjoy the view of the rolling estate. The be part of the station. Visitors will also be able Eastern influence is echoed in the four-fifths to discover this pub’s ornate iron and glass scale replica of the gateway to Nishi-Honganji conservatory. temple in Kyoto (“The Japanese Gateway”) and The Botanist on the corner of Kew Green may the Minka House, a Japanese wooden house not have the same grandeur, but for the beer originally constructed around 1900 in Okazaki, connoisseur will be preferable as they really do and painstakingly rebuilt at Kew in 2001. have a beverage selection worth boasting about! 44 45 Transformative Teas for Restful Sleep: Lavender & Chamomile In our previous issue, we looked at the benefits of regularly drinking Oolong and Yerba Mate teas. But great as these teas may be at reducing the risk of certain cancers, aiding weight loss, and ironing out digestive problems, they aren’t the best options for bedtime consumption due to their caffeine content.
When it’s time to wind down for bed, lavender and chamomile teas are equally popular choices. Read on as we delve deeper to find out how these transformative teas serve your mind and body when trying to get cram in those forty winks.
Written By Lily Niu
46 47 Lavender Blossoms and Tea Lavender’s use in food and medicine dates back as far as ancient Greece and Rome. Widely available throughout Australia, Southern Europe, Japan, and the United States, lavender blossoms from the dried shrub can be steeped in boiling water for seven to ten minutes before being strained for consumption. Given that dried lavender possesses more of a tang than fresh lavender, it’s recommended that you use only a fraction of the amount.
A 2006 study by Keukdong College in Korea found that lavender’s natural aroma helped to relieve insomnia and depression in their participants. The very act of drinking lavender releases the herb’s fragrance which helps ease the restlessness that causes insomnia.
There’s also evidence to suggest that lavender tea may help to treat painful symptoms of migraines; essential oils from lavender within the brew are what scientists believe have a positive impact.
Unsurprisingly, lavender’s essential oils also pack other key benefits, including relieving indigestion and nervous intestinal disorders. The oils have a soothing effect on the stomach and can protect against gastric ulcers.
48 49 Chamomile Herbs and Tea Another herb used for medicinal purposes in ancient times, chamomile boasts multiple health benefits that everyone can enjoy.
Used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its antiseptic properties in salves to treat cuts and wounds, chamomile can be used topically as well as ingested as a calming evening brew. Thanks to its antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, this herb can also treat and prevent the common cold.
As a nighttime beverage, what really makes chamomile great is its ability to soothe the central nervous system and ultimately promote sleep. Used for centuries as a cure for insomnia, chamomile is somewhat regarded as a mild tranquiliser thanks to its sedative effects.
Which Herbal Tea Will Aid Your Restful Sleep?
Whichever of these transformative teas you choose to ease you into a deep, fulfilling sleep, just remember you’ll be doing your body a world of good thanks to the highly regarded benefits of both lavender and chamomile!
50 51 The Top 5 London Day
for the Restless Soul SpasWritten By Chloe Laws
Living in London can be a daily grind, and sometimes all you need to get back to feeling like yourself is a refreshing spa day. Think about it, the city’s pollution wreaks havoc on your skin, but certain home treatments just don’t cut it.
We all deserve a day of R&R from time to time. And with budget and blowout treatments dotted all around the capital, there’s sure to be a spa tailor-made for your personal needs.
Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans swore by mineral-rich springs? Fast forward to 2017 where you’ll find an overwhelming amount of treatments available - good for variety, but confusing when it comes to making a spa selection.
Here’s our pick of the Top 5 London Day Spas to calm your restless soul…
52 53 The Grace Belgravia Knightsbridge This spa is London’s leading health, well-being and lifestyle club. This top quality spa believes in order for a woman to thrive in today’s society they must invest in their greatest asset, their health. The Grace Belgravia isn’t just for members - although after one trip you’ll be likely to want to sign up! It’s open to visitors for £150 per day.
Due to this spa’s strict privacy reputation, you’ll probably bump into a supermodel here and there without even realising it. With eight treatment rooms, a nail salon, steam, sauna and relaxation area, it might seem like your typical luxe spa. But head upstairs where you’ll discover GPs, medics and psychologists ready to help you battle stress. With vitamin drips, colonic irrigation, hormone treatments, a low-calorie café and a library, this is definitely not your run-of-the-mill spa.
54 55 Away Spa The W London Hotel Looking for a spa day with the girls? The W in Leicester Square is an absolute winner, perfect for a pre- night out pamper or a post-birthday morning. Offering light pampering and plenty of beauty treatments at prices that won’t break the bank, what’s not to love? Get your nails polished to perfection for an hour at just £45.
56 57 Urban Retreat Harrods Harrods, it’s the epitome of luxury. The Urban Retreat, which is situated on the fifth floor, has professional therapists that will get the job done at lightning speed. If you’ve only got time to pop in for an express treatment on your lunch break, this is the spa spot for you. With lash tints for £30 in just 15 minutes, or a scalp massage for £45 in 25 minutes, here you can relax and preen without having to book the day off work.
58 59 Bamford Haybarn Spa Knightsbridge There’s no other time in a woman’s life when a pamper session is needed more than when she’s pregnant. Head to the Bamford Haybarn at the Berkeley for a rooftop pool, an aromatic herb garden and shaded sun loungers. It’s a mini-break at home! This spa’s pregnancy massage, mother-to-be package and infamous Oskia rejuvenating facial doesn’t come cheap, but it’s so worth it and guaranteed to cure any pre-birth jitters.
60 61
AmanThe Connaught Spa This spa offers tranquillity and simplicity, a place where relaxation and rejuvenation go hand in hand. Take a break from hectic London life and indulge here. With complementary therapies, an ionised pool, steam rooms and a fitness studio to enjoy, the Aman is a wonderful world of well- being.
Whenever the tough gets going and you need to get away from it all, these 5 luxury spots are readily available for the taking. And breathe...
62 63 Productivity apps That’ll Change the Way You Work & Live Written By Lily Niu
While there are many people who pride themselves on being naturally organised, others require a little more help to balance their work and personal life.
To-do lists and desk calendars may have evolved into smartphone apps, but out of the hundreds available on the App Store or Google Play, which ones rule the roost in terms of increasing your productivity?
Here are five apps that’ll change the way you work and live for the better!
64 65 IFTTT (iOS and Android) This free app is arguably the Godfather of all productivity apps. For those who don’t consider themselves as tech-savvy but want to optimise their smartphone’s capability alongside other productivity 4 DROPBOX apps, social media, and even news 3TRELLO (IOS AND ANDROID) 1aggregators; IFTTT goes above and beyond on the functionality scale. “If (IOS AND ANDROID) Sure, you may depend on iCloud or Microsoft OneDrive for online storage, This, Then That” allows you to do things CAMSCANNER If ever there was an official hierarchy but how comfortable are you with mixing with your device that you may not have 2(IOS AND ANDROID) of to-do list apps, Trello would even thought possible. Think “Get an business with pleasure? If you want to The majority of people now own a definitely be at the top. Also available email with your photo when you snap store work files that need approval from smartphone, laptop or tablet, but on your desktop, this app lets you a pic on your iPhone”, “Sync your new your coworkers, creating a Dropbox haven’t quite invested in all the create boards to organise everything Instagram snaps to a Pinterest board”, account enables you to share files for equipment needed to build a bonafide you’re working on and share them or “Track your daily Fitbit activity on a collaboration across a secure network. home office. CamScanner allows you with friends, family and coworkers - Google Spreadsheet.” to use what you’ve got already in place basically whoever needs to view your of a 2-in-1 scanner/printer, making boards. Additionally, you’ll be able important document-scanning a to upload media such as pictures and breeze. This document management videos as well as other attachments. app can also rearrange pages, keep or delete selected ones, upload media to cloud storage and even share them to contacts in your address book.
POCKET (IOS AND ANDROID Whether you’re travelling on the tube, have your phone set to Airplane Mode, or simply5 don’t have mobile data, Pocket (evolved from Read It Later), lets you save articles and web pages directly to your phone to look through when you’re not online; perfect whenever you’re scouring news articles, coffee in hand first thing in the morning, but you don’t necessarily have time to read them in full.
66 67 London’s Night Tube Your Inside Scoop
Written by Daina Renton
68 69 Commuters rejoice! London’s night tube service is finally starting to take off.
Here’s some key facts you need to know: The night tube operates on the Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, Central and Piccadilly lines. Night tube fares are off-peak, and according to the TFL website, “Day Travelcards are valid on the day of issue (using the date printed on the card), and for journeys starting before 04:30 the following day. For example, if you buy a Day Travelcard at 11:00 on Friday, you can use it until 04:29 on the following Saturday. Daily capping on Oyster cards and contactless payment cards also applies.” There are already half a million users of London’s new night tube service.
70 71 So why did our leading city decide to introduce what’s now known as the 24 hour tube? This brand new service has been made possible thanks to the continued modernisation of significant parts of the Underground network, and improved levels of reliability. Independent research into the economic benefits of the Night Tube found that the new service will boost jobs and help maintain London’s status as a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit.
This new addition to London’s travel network is said to cut night time journeys by an average of 20 minutes - and we all know how insufferable (and strange) the night buses can be.
The 24 hour tube is said to be playing a vital role in opening up London’s night time economy, making it possible to support over 2,000 jobs and boost the economy by £360 million. Nice one. With regards to safety, TFL are making the same efforts as they would any other time to make it a safe, low crime area.
“Demand for a 24-hour Tube service is clear - late night Tube use has increased at double the rate of day-time trips and Night bus usage has risen by 173 per cent since 2000. There are already over half a million users of the Tube after 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays” TFL said in a recent statement.
Should the next planning stage go ahead, it is expected to expand the service to parts of Metropolitan, Circle, District and Hammersmith, and City lines. Services could even operate on parts of the London Overground in 2017 and the Docklands Light Railway by 2021, so sources say.
Tube times are slightly slower than the normal tube with Jubilee and Victoria lines running approximately every 10 minutes. The same can be said for the Central line, every 10 minutes between White City and Leytonstone, and every 20 minutes from Ealing Broadway to White City and from Leytonstone to Loughton/Hainault.
The Northern line is marginally faster and runs every 8 minutes between Morden and Camden Town, and every 15 minutes from Camden Town to High Barnet/Edgware. The Piccadilly Line is also every 10 minutes.
What are your thoughts on the night tube - hit or miss? Tweet us @wommagazineuk
72 73 ’s Whatin South London On Written by Charlotte Walsh
74 75 Don your culture cap and immerse yourself in a slice of The Arts, South London style...
AN OCTOROON AT THE ORANGE TREE stand the sight of blood, it won’t be for you! If you can TheatreRichmond get past the gore element, you’ll find a story that echoes (18th May-24th June 2017) the ancient classics by tackling taboo through relatable, A truly engaging space, The Orange Tree Theatre is sensitive characters with a view to catharsis. always worth a punt, especially if you happen to enjoy a stroll by the river in the sunshine. If you haven’t been NEW MOON already, the space itself is ‘in-the-round’ where Monday Evenings at The Half Moon, Putney audiences surround the stage. It’s this stage layout that The Half Moon is practically a Putney institution at this lends itself well to simple yet sophisticated productions. point. This charming old pub with its great selection of The Octoroon is one exciting production that will be beer, quirky corner building and iconic name has found running this spring, and it’s a modern take on the 1859 its way into London’s heart. The music venue is melodrama by Irish playwright, Dion Boucicault. The intimate, which is truly refreshing in a music scene as production tackles issues surrounding race with saturated as London’s. Every Monday they have an eloquence, innovation and imagination. The Orange exposition of new bands hosted by Signature Brew (beer Tree also has a lovely pub/hotel sharing its name, well and music working in harmony, can you ask for more?) worth popping into before or after enjoying a At £2.50 a head, this place is cheap and cheerful and scintillating performance. Even if you just fancy a pint offers a good selection of fresh talent on the London minus the culture on the day, we won’t judge. music scene.
RAW FILM QUEER BRITISH ART AT TATE BRITAIN Out Now in Selected Cinemas (Including BFI Westminster Southbank and The Ritzy Picturehouse) (5th April - 1st October 2017) If you’re a film buff, you may have already heard of this The Tate Britain might be (just) north of the river, but French cannibal horror film that’s been causing quite it’s decadent enough that we won’t hold anything the stir. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, Raw is a against it. Gender and sexuality are two defining coming-of-age story about a teenage vegetarian who spotlight issues of this generation, and ‘Queer British becomes a cannibal. Portrayed with guts (literally), this Art’ spans a broad spectrum of the diversity surrounding visceral story is not just a thrill-fest, but also a study sexual preferences. Beginning in 1861, when the death into sisterhood, the way we look at and depict women, penalty was abolished for sodomy, to 1967, when sex the human condition and death. The fact it’s written between consenting adult men was decriminalised; the and directed by a woman earns major points against the show narrates historical change spanning over a gender imbalance of today’s filmmaking industry, but century, through the eyes of forbidden coded desire. that’s not the only reason to go see this. If you can’t
76 77 London Guide to Laser Cutting Written By Ruth MacGilp
Luxury design houses like Tom Ford, Julien Macdonald, Iris Van Herpen and Holly Fulton regularly look to laser cutting for a unique twist on their high fashion collections. Since this artisan technique has grown, lots of smaller independent brands are now exploiting this technology to create their own innovative designs.
78 79 WHAT IS LASER CUTTING? Laser cutting involves the cutting or engraving of materials with the output of a high-powered laser. Everything from HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? perspex to wood, leather and paper can be transformed into a Send Your Artwork to be Laser Cut Professionally modern piece of laser-cut art. The finished result is intricate, highly precise, and it’s a degree of accuracy that only a large Develop your own laser-cut products by creating high-tech machine can produce. This process used to be designs from home and sending them to a bespoke confined to large scale industrial use, but has now become laser cutting studio for manufacture: more accessible for smaller brands, schools and hobbyists to practice. Cut Laser Cut 2b Stewarts Court WHICH LONDON BRANDS USE 218 – 220 Stewarts Road London LASER CUTTING? SW8 4UB
JEWELLERY Dot Laser Unit 4.9. The Chandelier Building ROSA PIETSCH 8 Scrubs Lane South London based Rosa Pietsch creates architectural 3D Willesden, London jewellery using both laser cutting and handcrafted NW10 6RB techniques. Each piece she crafts is totally unique and sold all over the UK. These products are comprised of mixed DigiHaus media materials including resin, wood, metal and precious 2-35 Union Street metals. Rosa’s jewellery pieces are visually stunning and London perfect for day or night accessorising. SE1 0LR
LITTLE MOOSE LEARN HOW TO LASER CUT Little Moose creates quirky, unusual jewellery orders such as Learn creative techniques such as how to design necklaces, brooches and earrings, each made from laser-cut jewellery and product patterns, how to use a laser materials like perspex, wood and precious metals. Designed cutter, cut out your own designs and then finish the with a desire to create unique pieces, everything is made by pieces in a professional studio. You can create a hand in their studio. unique gift or tailor this unique skill to your brand toolkit: FASHION Morley College ENSUK HUR 61 Westminster Bridge Road The ‘Wonderland’ collection is a portfolio of structural textile London pieces designed to be transformed by the wearer as a custom SE1 7HT item of clothing, or a one-off accessory that promotes sustainable design. Each piece can be put together in a variety Create Space London of ways to allow the user freedom of design, and playful Mill Hill experimentation with different outfits both durable and London multifunctional. NW7 4SL
CM AOX London Craft Club CM AOX is a collaboration between German product The Create Place designer, Alex Freudenberger and Swiss fashion/textile 29 Old Ford Road designer, Caroline Minar. This Central Saint Martins alumni Bethnal Green duo understand what it takes to create the most coveted and E2 9PJ contemporary fashion pieces of today. Each leather bag, smartphone case and intricate accessory is produced using modern laser cutting technology, with everything hand- finished in London.
80 81 For the first time in history, a pair of jeans can cost you less than the price of a sandwich - you can buy them from the same shop too.
In a culture of supermarket fashion, we’ve become so far detached geographically (and mentally) from the people who make our clothes that we forget how much it actually costs to craft them.
As an insight, let’s list all the stages of making and selling a pair of jeans. Consider all the people involved at each stage of production, as well as shipping to and from several different locations for each development stage:
1. Developing design ideas, conducting market research
2. Designing the end product, creating samples
3. Planting, growing, harvesting the cotton plant
is the New Black 4. Sorting, ginning, sampling, combing and carding the cotton fibre Written By Ruth MacGilp
5. Dyeing the fibre using hundreds of gallons of water and environmentally green toxic dyes, applying easy-care finishes 6. Spinning the yarn and weaving or knitting it into denim fabric, transporting it to the next processing location
7. Cutting the pattern pieces and constructing the garment
8. Sewing buttons, zips, pockets and any other embellishment or detailing
9. Conducting quality control tests
10. Packaging and shipping, sending and merchandising to retail stores and outlets
82 83 Do you still think it’s acceptable to Green is most definitely the new black. pay £5 for a pair of Primark jeans? GO ECO Fashion trends come and go, but one that couldn’t, and shouldn’t die down anytime soon is ethical fashion. To shop ethically has an array of meanings, but generally speaking, ethics means doing the right thing.
Through the clothing we purchase, and more importantly the clothing we don’t purchase, we can make a difference to people and the world we live in. TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE To make the fashion world a more ethical place means making changes to our own shopping behavioural patterns. Pressure from the consumer - you and me - can make a huge difference to how the industry operates.
From writing letters to our favourite glossy fashion magazines about eco issues, following and supporting ethical fashion bloggers, to boycotting the worst offenders in sweatshop labour and searching for fair trade or organic alternatives; we live in an economy based on supply and demand. So if we as consumers demand change, brands will eventually start to take note.
The cycle of extreme waste, environmental destruction, animal cruelty and human exploitation will only continue as long as customers keep buying into cheap, poor quality clothing. FINAL THOUGHT Fast fashion is all about rapid change that focuses 100% on design aesthetic, and 0% on the lasting impact of the product. So let’s slow fashion down and choose the right trend to buy into this season: green is most definitely the new black.
84 85 Did you know that the US, Canada and the UK are pledging to ban the use of microbeads in manufactured products because of their Here’s a list of mainstream earth- catastrophic environmental impact? positive brands you might like to try: Due to the tiny particles found in microbeads, The Dangers of these aren’t properly filtered through our sewerage Grassroots Health Arbonne systems. As a result of unintentional consumption Neal’s Yard Happy Place they enter the oceans in mass, polluting seawater and causing damage to the lives of sea Remedies Cosmetics creatures. Since they are not biodegradable, these White Rabbit Lucky Cloud microscopic particles exist in our waters infinitely, Skincare Lush MICROBEADS getting passed up and down the food chain and ESPA The Body Shop Written By Ruth MacGilp threatening the health of all life form - humans and animals included.
Thousands of everyday health and beauty products, like MICROBEADS FOR HEALTH & BEAUTY PURPOSES DIY BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO MAKE AT HOME toothpaste and face wash, contain tiny particles of plastic The use of microbeads is justified by health and beauty brands for exfoliating qualities. You’ll find You can also make face and body scrubs easily at called microbeads; and just lately they've had a lot of press. them in products like face and body scrubs, deep home from store cupboard essentials. These cleansing toothpastes, skin cleansers, face masks, recipes are perfect for sensitive skin as they and many spa products. contain zero harsh chemicals, using only natural The main benefit of microbeads, other than their ingredients. ability to create smooth, blemish-free skin and super clean teeth, is that they can easily be rinsed Here is a simple face and body scrub recipe to get off and washed away without causing blockages. you started. Enjoy! However, our everyday cleansing habits can be detrimental in that we unknowingly wash away COFFEE SUGAR SCRUB millions of microscopic particles as sewage. Cost per batch: £3 - Uses per batch: 25+ Eventually this waste water filters into our rivers, Ingredients: lakes and oceans, affecting every stage of the 2 tbsp Brown Sugar* global ecosystem and food chain. Benefits: Gently exfoliates 1 tbsp Coffee grounds* ‘MICROBEADS’ DEFINED Benefits: Energises and revitalises Microbeads is simply a marketing term used by 3 tbsp Coconut Oil* brands. You can find out if a product contains Benefits: Cleanses and moisturises microbeads by checking the ingredients label for Optional: 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil* ingredients like polyethylene, polypropylene and Benefits: Anti-ageing hero polymethylmethacrylate - otherwise known as *Aim for organic options if possible. PET, PTFE and PMMA. A brilliant resource for finding out more about microbeads, and checking which brands and HOW TO PREPARE: products use them is website and app Beat The Mix together all ingredients in a bowl with a Microbead. www.beatthemicrobead.org wooden spoon until you whip up a smooth paste. On the bright side, there are many excellent To make the process easier, it helps if the coconut alternatives to these products. Eco-friendly, oil is warmed up slightly first. Next, massage into cruelty-free brands are on the rise, and luckily damp skin once or twice a week and rinse off with these are becoming more accessible and warm water. Store in an airtight container for affordable to consumers. continued use.
86 87 The Ultimate Spring-Clean Guide Written By Daina Renton
It’s that time of year again, yay! But we know what you’re thinking... “How the hell am I going to get rid of all this mess, and who could possibly give me the best advice when it comes to something so difficult?” Ta-dah! Word of Mouth Magazine is sharing the ultimate spring-cleaning tips, tricks and hacks for you to get it...done and dusted (pun intended) sooner than you think.
88 89 THE HACKS CINNAMON AIR FRESHENER - Want a sweet smelling home at all times? Then sprinkle cinnamon all over your carpets. Make a mess if you like, then hoover up the sprinkles... your house should now smell super sweet with no harsh chemicals required.
ANNOYING DUSTY LAMPSHADES - Use a lint roller! This is the single most perfect way to clean any complicated designs, and makes a far better alternative than a wet cloth. Cheap, easy and effective. No more unwanted dust, just minimal effort.
USE SHAVING FOAM ON MIRRORS -This trick is amazing because it doesn’t just clean your mirrors - it stops them from fogging when you shower. Squirt some shaving foam onto the mirror and wipe clean with a cloth. There’ll be no smears, and the soap creates a protective film over the glass that keeps it from fogging.
OLIVE OIL FOR STAINLESS STEEL - Another natural alternative for those who prefer it, olive oil will rid your home of stubborn fingerprints and smears. In fact it leaves the surfaces gleaming to perfection. After you’ve rubbed those steel surfaces, use a clean dry towel to wipe off any excess oil so it doesn’t dull the surface.
RUBBER GLOVES FOR PET HAIR - Forget the hoover and use rubber gloves instead. Pet hair will stick to the gloves easily so you can gather up the clumps and bag them if you have a lot of pet hair lying around. This method also prevents your hoover from becoming blocked. Just give your carpet a good rub down, then dip the gloves in water and the hair will fall off easily.
BICARBONATE OF SODA FOR OVENS - Add bicarbonate of soda to water in a spray bottle to create an affordable cleaning solution that eliminates all that unwanted grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals in your oven and instead use vinegar, baking soda and albeit it, a helping of good ol’ elbow grease. Coat the mixture all over the interior surfaces of your oven and allow it to rest overnight. In the morning you’ll be able to wipe it all off with a wet cloth. Then spray vinegar over any remaining soda and it’ll react, making it easier for you to see any excess residue to wipe away.
90 91 THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST Home remedies are good, but if you like your spring- cleaning to be even more thorough, Kelly at Imperfect Homemaking has the perfect checklist for you to tick off your chore BEDROOMS checklist...
Open windows Dust furniture. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly. Donate Items you no longer need. Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly. Donate items you no longer need. Try not to store things on closet floor. Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed. Try not to store things under bed. Put bed back. Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up. Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens. Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim as needed. Wash mirrors or dust art. Wash doors and doorknobs. Wash floor registers and other vent covers. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.
92 93
KITCHEN
Open windows. Remove and clean window coverings. Click here for instructions on cleaning mini blinds. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly. Donate unneeded items. Wash and sanitize cutting boards Sharpen knives Wash cabinet doors and knobs Clean and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates. Clean oven. Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back. Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates. Clean under fridge and stove. Vacuum refrigerator coils. Clean microwave. Clean crumbs out of toaster. Clean and descale kettle. Wipe down any other counter appliances wash counters and backsplash. Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain. Clean Dishwasher. Dust light fixtures. Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screens and wash.
94 95
DINING ROOM
Open windows. Wash curtains. Wipe down table and chairs. Wipe down or dust other furnishing. Clean chair pads, if applicable. Polish table, if necessary Create a pretty spring vignette on table! Dust any displayed china or serving dishes. Launder table linens. Shine silverware. Dust art. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens. Wash switch plates Wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs Wash floor registers and other vent covers. Clean floors.
Thanks to Kelly, who also made this list printable! Grab the complete version of this checklist if you want to be extra clean, and combine our hacks while you’re at it. Happy spring-cleaning!
www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html
96 97 AUTUMN EDITION 2015
SUMMER EDITION 2015
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS Advertise Your Business with Word of Mouth Magazine THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH HEAL YOUR MIND, BODY AND Want to advertise with our unique community-led magazine? As well as SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS unlimited opportunities to be featured on the pages of future issues, you also THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH SOUL have the option to advertise across our key social media channels. Jam-packed AUTUMNAL FASHION & full of Londoners who want to know the in’s and out’s of what’s happening HOME + around South London, now is the perfect time to take action and grow your MAKE THE MOST OF business. THE REST OF SUMMER In and Out of the city with WOM What We Do: Using ‘word of mouth’ we present local businesses like yours via
our social media platforms and digital magazine. Our magazine’s extensive | 3 WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE | [email protected] | 3
| [email protected] HEALTH• BEAUTY • FITNESS• FASHION • SHOPS • FOOD • ACTIVITIES network of local clubs, event listings and contacts means we’re in the know • ACTIVITIES • FOOD WORD OF MOUTH MAGAZINE • SHOPS when it comes to promoting your company online. • FASHION • FITNESS • BEAUTY HEALTH Why Choose Word of Mouth Magazine? By harnessing the power of targeting strategies, we’ll elevate your business to make sure your brand message resonates and reaches the right people. No muss, no fuss.
How We’ll Assist You: Our team of expert social media strategists will analyse your business to determine exactly where your online demographic resides. We’ll target your market place via respective networking platforms, and engage with various social media communities. When it comes to exposing your business to thousands of potential new customers, our team takes a hands-on approach and accurately positions your message where it will get noticed the most.
Contact Word of Mouth Magazine and Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business
To advertise your business directly via our social media campaign service, or to be featured in one of our future issues, please call our 24hr answering helpline on 0843 7130 0432. We will return your call by the next business day. LET’S GET SOCIAL! Word of Mouth Magazine is active on the following social media platforms: Alternatively, you can email us: [email protected] @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK @WOMMAGAZINEUK 98 99