The best spring activities this Easter

Our new collection is inspired by nature, and reminds us of woodland walks, carpets of bluebells and lawns sprayed with thousands of tiny daisies.  With Easter just around the corner, we’ve come up with a list of the best spring activities for families to enjoy over the long weekend:

A History of Chocolate, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew:

Kew Gardens will be offering families the chance to learn where our passion for chocolate originated over the long Easter weekend – from the use of cacao in Ancient Maya to the finest chocolate houses in 17^th century London. Chocolate themed activities will also be taking place.

http://bit.ly/chocolateatkew

Osterley Park Bluebell Walks, London:

Enjoy tours of the beautiful park to enjoy the bluebells at their best and learn about the history of this native species – Osterley Park is one of London's last surviving woods of native British bluebells.

http://bit.ly/osterleypark

Bunny Wood Wildflower Walk, Nottingham:

Families have the chance to see a beautiful array of spring wild flowers, take part in a children’s scavenger hunt and enjoy a guided walk of beautiful Bunny Wood. http://bit.ly/bunnywildflowerwalk

Easter Egg Trails and Activities, Stowe, Buckingham:

Such a lovely treat for the family, Stowe are offering families exciting Easter egg hunts and treasure trails in the beautiful setting of Stowe Landscape Gardens:

http://bit.ly/stowegardens

The Magic of Beatrix Potter, Tatton Park, Cheshire

 
Find Mrs Tiggywinkle, Peter Rabbit and their friends in the Mansion, Gardens and Farm. Beatrix Potter's characters will be popping up in their Stableyard shows and you can enjoy a spot of shopping at the Easter crafts and country shopping fair.

http://bit.ly/BeatrixPotterTattonPark

 
Hot Cross Bun Baking, Hampshire

Not strictly an outdoor event, but Easter wouldn’t be Easter without Hot Cross Buns!  Families can discover how freshly milled stone ground flour can be used to make delicious hot cross buns and Easter themed treats, all ready to take away, yummy! http://bit.ly/hotcrossbunbaking

Weaver Walk, Staffordshire: 

This long walk takes its name from the Weaver Hills, and takes in some of the most beautiful flower-rich meadows and heathlands filled with pretty spring wildflowers. 

http://bit.ly/staffordshirewildflowerwalk

The Southbank Chocolate Festival, London

With chocolate making workshops, displays and demonstrations, for chocolate recipes, cakes and cocktails, the Southbank Chocolate Festival also has fun events and activities for children:

http://bit.ly/southbankchocolatefestival

Lambing at Lovesome Hill Farm, North Yorkshire

Try a break with a difference – John and Mary Pearson at Lovesome Hill Farm, Northallerton (not from our head office!), invite you to stay on their working farm during lambing time.

http://bit.ly/lambingatlovesome

West Wood Wildflower Walks, Winchester.

Visit the beautiful West Wood in Winchester, which is famous for its beautiful patches of wildflowers, alive with colour in the spring.

http://bit.ly/westwoodwinchester

If you fancy a spot of shopping in London over the Easter weekend, head to our gorgeous shop on Ledbury Road, and take a look at our new spring window!

Simply visit www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk or pop into our shop on 52 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ and say hello!

Junior Loves - Junior magazine's favourite picks from our SS13 collection

We asked Linda McClean, Fashion Director of children's style bible Junior Magazine to select her top picks from our new SS13 collection.  Here are some of Linda's favourite pieces that she predicts will be big this spring summer.

For the full range of Linda's top picks from the new collection, simply visit the Junior Loves section on our website.

I love the new bright colours of the ilovegorgeous summer collection.

It has fab modern touches such as lace overlays on the vibrant Eliza Dress and pretty Sea Foam Dress, as well as neon trimmings on pieces such as the Zip Jumpsuit.


The collection brightens up these dark grey days while waiting for the sun to come back, and their swimwear collection is full of brights, perfect for the beach.

As always, shapes are easy to wear, such as the Freewheeler Playsuit - great on it's own or with a belt, and they've included the cool all in one playsuit style, set to be a big trend this summer.

The Zig Zag Girl Romper is a stand out piece from the playsuit collection, with such a bold print.

I especially like the slouchy Flamingo intarsia knitwear with its vivid pink colouring too.

To view the full selection, visit the Junior Loves on our website. The collection is now available to buy at www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk.

Inspirations behind the SS13 Collection

Inspired by the beauty of nature from the shapes, corals and colours of the sea to tiny wild flower strewn woodland walks, this season we hope we have created a collection that is both beautiful and wearable for girls of all ages. We asked Sophie to tell us a little bit more about the collection and the inspirations behind it…

THE SEA

This summer the beautiful colours and shapes of the sea and all the treasures it holds has inspired a large part of the collection. Beautiful twisting coral, starfish, sea urchins and giant sea shells, foaming waves, soft blues, sea greens and warm coral colours. 

We have 2 prints inspired by the theme; the sea urchin print in either coral or sea green, seen on the Maggie Dress and the Jellyfish dress with jellyfish print (which was taken from a fragment of vintage fabric) in warm tones of mauve and brown.

We were also inspired by all the glorious summer activities of the sea side with a wide collection of beachwear from cute bikini’s to cool cotton cover ups and brightly coloured shorts, tops, and knits. We hope we have designed a complete tool kit for sea bound children whether they be scrambling round rock pools in Scotland, or splashing in the warm waters of the Mediterranean this summer.

WILD FLOWERS AND WOODLAND

The English summer with its ever-changing hedgerow is an important theme in this spring and summer. The thrill as the first fritilla’s appear followed by primrose, tulips, narcissi, wild cherry blossom, bluebells, cow parsley and wild roses entwined on the side of the road. Woodland walks and adventures. tree houses, indoors brought outdoors, building camps in the garden for imaginative play and make believe. 

The Princess and the Pea under the trees…

We have three floral prints this season. The Dahlia print, seen on the Breakfast Dress in soft grey with hints of yellow or muted mauves and blues brings to mind the softer dew soaked misty and romantic spring days when the sun isn’t shining but the bruised clouds bring a softness to the sky. The tulip print, seen on the Maddie Skirt is a bright and modern floral print with a hint of a 50’s feel to it and the summer flower print, seen on the Poppy Dress is an utterly pretty and traditional floral print that looks fresh and innocent.

1950’s

Some of our pieces have been inspired by the 1950’s and vintage finds. Pretty cotton print dresses, which are feminine and nostalgic. 

Slim waists, full skirts…think Mad Men without the fags, alcohol and affairs! 

The ice cream girl, the fab dress and the lampshade dress all have a hint of the 1050’s in their design.

TOMBOYS

Playsuits have been such a great new fashion trend for girls enabling them to run, skip jump and cartwheel. 

For Spring Summer ‘13 we have increased the number of playsuits in the collection as well as the number of shorts and T’s and cute little jumpers in order to appeal to tomboys and sporty girls. 

Outdoor adventures, scrapes, sports and above all good healthy fun are an important aspect of the collection.

TROPICAL

For Spring Summer 2013 tropical is topical. Flamingo jumpers and florescent pink, hot sultry days, Palm Springs and all things kitsch. 

Mustique in the 70’s – think Basil’s Bar, Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger.

PARTYWEAR

This summer we wanted to make sure that we had a fabulous collection of partywear for little girls to twirl and dance.

From the luxurious silk cotton FAB Dress (named after the brightly coloured ice lolly) to the pretty sea foam lace and net dress and the more casual School’s Out, our party dresses are truly fabulous.

We hope to have created a girl's spring/summer clothing collection which is truly unique, beautiful and utterly wearable for gorgeous girls of all ages. The new collection is now available to pre-order on our website. To receive a copy of the brochure in the post, please click here.

Easy-peasy Pancakes

Happy Pancake Day! If, like us, you get home and suddenly realise you’ve forgotten, we’ve got the perfect recipe that will guarantee perfect pancakes everyone will love. Try the recipe below and let us know how you get on.

This recipe makes about 12-14 pancakes, depending on the size of your pan.

Basic Batter Recipe – Ingredients:

100g plain flour, sifted

Pinch of salt

2 eggs

300ml semi-skimmed milk

1tbsp sunflower oil or a knob of butter

Preparation of batter

Put the flour and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a small well in the centre, and crack both the eggs into it.

Begin whisking the centre, using a whisk or a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from around the bowl into your middle mixture of eggs.

Continue to mix, and gradually add small quantities of milk, still whisking, until all your liquid has been added and your batter is smooth. Your ideal consistency should be like thin cream – you can add some more water if it’s too thick.

If you like, pour your batter into a jug for easier pouring into the pan, or use a ladle.

Making the Pancakes

Heat the frying pan, and add the butter or oil. Allow this to melt in the pan – make sure it’s evenly spread so the pan is oiled.

Get the pan really hot and then turn down to medium. Ladle or pour some batter into your hot pan, and then tip and tilt the pan from side to side to make sure the base is coated with batter and you have an even thin covering.

Cook for half a minute or so (try lifting the edge with a palette knife – once the pancake is tinged gold, it’s ready to flip) and then flip your pancake! Either toss your pancake (trying to avoid hitting the ceiling )and catch in your pan, or play it safe and flip with a slice or palette knife.

Cook the other side for another 20 – 30 seconds until golden brown, then slide out onto a hot plate, and repeat with the rest of your batter.

The girls at ilovegorgeous, will be serving their pancakes rolled up, and sprinkled with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar.  However, you could fold yours to form triangles, or try some of the below toppings. We’d love to know how you serve yours!

Topping Ideas:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Honey

Maple Syrup

Golden Syrup

Chocolate Sauce

Peanut Butter

Bananas

National Storytelling Week

Saturday 26th January - Saturday 2nd February 2013

Here at ilovegorgeous we love storytelling. Whether it's hearing inspiring stories, telling an imaginative tale at bedtime or reading beautifully illustrated storybooks, we love the creative opportunities storytelling can offer, and its ability to feed the imagination.

We wanted to discover the inspiration behind the art of storytelling from those in the know, so we asked illustrator and children's author Sarah Dyer to tell us a little bit information about her work and where she gets her ideas.  Sarah has written and illustrated 7 books and her first book Five Little Friends won the Bronze Smarties Prize and has been translated into 8 different languages.

Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?

Most of the time starting a book develops from character drawings in my sketchbooks or the want to draw a particular animal, creature or situation. It is normally a fairly selfish reason; something I'd like to develop further because it inspires me to do so.  If I sit and wait for an idea to come, that never really works for me, as it is too forced and I get far too easily distracted by other things at my desk or on my computer.  Sometimes an idea stems from something overheard - often from a child, or else a particular memory I have from my childhood.

How much does your son influence your writing and illustration?

Stanley has just turned two, and he is inspiring me more and more. I have always read to him, and he has enjoyed books, but now I read him many picture books (mine and others). By reading them out loud properly with all the voices and to a child, it really lets me see straight away what works, why it works and what he is interested in. He is becoming quite a little chatterbox too, so I'm hoping that soon he will start saying so many little stories of his own I'll have a wealth of new project ideas!

Where do your characters come from?

My characters build up alongside the story. I work on them in my sketchbooks and continue to draw them over and over until I feel at ease with them. I sometimes draw characters just for the pleasure of it, and then see if later on I can develop a narrative to suit their character. Recently I have started working with an author, and it has been a great change for me to have someone else to put words to a character I have developed.

What tends to come first, the story or the illustration?

They tend to come at the same time, each develop at different rates alongside each other in my sketchbooks. It doesn't tend to work so well when I focus on just one or the other; it's vital they develop together. The illustrating is more natural for me, and the thing I love most, but I do try not to neglect the words as they need to be the perfect partnership.

What advice would you give budding illustrators and writers?

It sounds obvious, but just keep going! It is such a competitive environment, and although I would never put anyone off wanting to become an author or illustrator, you need to be completely sure it is your passion, to ensure you do it all the time.  It is a good idea to have a good understanding of what is currently popular, and what sells well. Being a regular to your children't book section in your library or bookshop will help you see what's out there at the moment.

Finally, what was your favourite childhood story?
My favourite was a funny little book called 'The Three Little Kittens'. I still have my copy and I love the illustrationgs. I was also a fan of 'Where the Wild Things Are' and 'Each Peach Pear Plum', which now my son, Stanley, adores too.

For more information about Sarah and her work, take a look at her lovely website. We absolutely love her fantastic blog, which has regular posts about her work, gorgeous Stanley, and various tips, recipes and inspiration. Her illustrations are available to buy here, and for regular updates, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. 

National Storytelling Week was founded by the Society for Storytelling, established in 1993, and aims to support and promote the ancient art of storytelling. For more information on various events during National Storytelling Week, visit the SFS website.

Gorgeous Decorations

With Christmas just around the corner, we’re turning our attention to decorating! All the glitter and sparkle certainly adds to our festive spirit, and there’s nothing like a fabulous wreath or beautiful tree to make us feel Christmassy. 

If you will be adorning your home this weekend, we asked Mary, stylist for the ilovegorgeous photoshoots and the lovely lady responsible for dressing our fabulous windows, for her best advice to help inspire you:

What inspires you when decorating the ilg windows for Christmas?

For an ilovegorgeous Christmas window, I start by revisiting favourite childhood books with illustrations that I have always marvelled at, like those of Edmund Dulac, which are full of beautiful imagery. 

There is also a 'feeling' in the air with regard to design and fashion; this often influences the choice of props.  Although, it is always important to tailor this to children, as some Christmas imagery is quite frightening- or is that just me? 

As the ILG Winter collection is either party dress oriented, with lovely fluttery hems, sleeves and plenty of sequins, or soft, downy and cosy knitwear, I have no problems!

What does your home look like at Christmas time?

At Christmas in my own home, I max out on the greenery - I love completely covering an entire wall with natural green and plenty of lights. I go around the whole front door so that you can hardly get through it, and sometimes it goes all across the ceiling and over the table so that people often have to pick pine needles out of their stilton! I buy blue pine for it's aroma, and larch which is my favourite: it's really bendy and has beautiful tiny cones scattered along its length. From my garden I cut Scot's pine, birch twigs and ivy.

Who helps with the decorating (if anyone)?

My children love decorating the house, although sometimes they flake out before the tree is finished, which secretly pleases me as I love to get stuck in! The Christmas box is truly enormous, and is full of decorations collected over the years, and it all has to go on. Some of these treasures have been going on the tree since 1900, and I love the feeling that they have had an outing with our family once a year since then! Some of the more unusual ones are fish shaped baubles from the 1920's, anti aircraft silver metal tape from World War 2, and glass poodles.

What is the best DIY decoration you have come up with or come across?

The best decorations are home-made with the children - they can be really simple- you can cover your tree in cotton wool balls and plain lights, or just gingerbread- so pretty. 

I also love to make salt dough shapes - paint them with poster paints (it's worth getting some neon poster paint for added ooomph) and glitter, and cover them in sparkly spots. Tie them on with off-cuts of ribbon or coloured wool.

Also the most unexpected things make great decorations: old lightbulbs; pieces of sea- burnished glass; odd chandelier crystals from junk shops; dolly teacups and tiny teapots; silver teaspoons and cookie cutters; bows, birds, stars and hearts cut out of brown paper or newspaper decorated with sequins and glitter- clip them onto the tree with old fashioned wooden clothes pegs (yes, you can go all Ilovegorgeous and coat the pegs with glitter too!).

What are the top things to invest in when you’re buying decorations and where are good places to find Christmassy things?

giselagraham.co.uk

It's worth buying one or two really beautiful baubles every year to compensate for any casualties. These you can purchase quite cheaply in the post Christmas sales- the best are from Liberty's (although their amazing Christmas shop often sells out in November), or anything by Gisela Graham from any gift shop or department store. Weirdly some of the nicest I have bought have been from the Globe theatre shop on the Southbank.

 Another great place for Christmas decorations is Lidl; you can get boxes of little wooden Christmas figures for around £5.  They also do really lovely nostalgic chocolate Christmas tree decorations- cheap and cheerful, and the chocolate is surprisingly good!

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

The best thing about Christmas for me is creating a magical environment with the children for all our guests to enjoy, and then party, party, party!  Enjoy!

If you're still searching for last minute presents and stocking fillers, take a look at our hand-picked list to make it a little easier for you.  ilovegorgeous sparkly party dresses are perfect to wear on Christmas Day - what a treat to find under the tree!

Merry Christmas from ilovegorgeous! 

Time for toys...

Choosing a great toy for a child that both children and parents will love equally is no easy Job. In steps fantastic on-line toy shop Toyella. They first came on our radar in July when we both won a Junior Design Award. Their toys are built to last and will be appreciated for generations to come. No gimmicks or fads, just beautifully designed toys sourced from around the world. We spoke to their 'Head Honcho', Carl Shaw to find out a little more (that's him below with his son Ollie).

They're also offering ilovegorgeous subscribers 10% off everything until 19th Dec with code LOVE10.

Christmas is a time for toys - what were your favourite toys as a child?

I have distinct memories of toys like Kerplunk and Mousetrap in the 70s. The latter, in particular, seemed so exciting at the time when (for those who can remember) there was great anticipation as to whether the trap run would actually work! These were fantastic 'social' games and still stand the test of time.
 

What are your children's favourites from the Toyella collection and why?

The American Kid-o range are very stylish modern classic toys and there's not one line I don't like. In particular the Opera Theatre game (right) which has lots of educational benefits yet still remains a stylish fun game. I love the fact the makers took a risk on an Opera themed toy.

German toys makers feature heavily on Toyella as they successfully combine style, quality and intelligence...rather like their cars. The SIBISs Max Toddler ride-on car (bottom) typifies the German approach to toys.
 
What inspires you when creating new toys? 

We start from the outside in. Any toy making Toyella's collection must...have great packaging and look like a gift; be stylish and different from what you would normally see on the high street; have a social or educational aspect designed in; enhance a household rather than feel like clutter; and have longevity and environmental benefits.

We have a saying when we select products. "Do we like it, or do we LOVE it?' Likes don't get in.
 

What toys would you recommend as Christmas gifts for little girls and why?

The a-fore mentioned Opera house would be loved for girls 4 to 8 years. For 1 year olds there's still time to buy the amazing (British made) Spherovelo ride-on. Also the beautiful Mozartkugel music ball (right) is a heirloom gift for this age range.

Our double sided Dutch flip dolls (above) are great imaginative play toys that appeal to all ages. These can be walked in the Danish Moover dolls pram which is a true modern classic.

And to get them off the computer nothing beats the Magnatab Freeplay...we call it the Nintendo DS killer...traditional play beating byte power.

What's your favourite thing about Christmas?

When you sell toys you think about Christmas from about February! This year we'll finally clock off (exhausted) on the 21st December when I start to think about my own Christmas shopping. This year Christmas day is just going to be myself, my wife Clare and our three young children and I'm really looking forward to just the five of us enjoying the day and thinking about our own Christmas. Of course, when the children open their toy gifts it's going to be hard not to be analysing each product!
 

What new toys are you excited about launching next year?

The exciting thing is we don't know yet. We travel to Nuremburg Toy Fair each February. Very few English toy retailers do. It's huge and each year we know we'll find beautiful world toys from independent toy makers who are desperate to find a channel into the UK market. Toyella prides itself in providing these great designers a first foothold over here. I'm hoping to find more nice outdoor toys as I feel there's going to be a revolution of parents wanting their children to spend more time outside with their peers indulging in what children do best...fueling their imagination and expending energy.