Cottons Caribbean Restaurant and Salon de Rhum Notting Hill

Cottons Caribbean Restaurant and Salon de Rhum, Notting Hill

Last week I was invited to Cottons Caribbean Restaurant and Salon de Rhum, the brand new restaurant in Notting Hill.

The original Cottons restaurant in Camden opened over 30 years ago. Since then they've opened a street food Cottons in Boxpark, Shoreditch and now the flagship restaurant in Notting Hill, just walking distance from Notting Hill Gate tube station.

The Notting Hill branch offers a more refined experience but still in keeping with the Cottons relaxed and colourful vibe that customers will be used to.

Beautiful authentic interior decor at Cottons, Notting Hill

I was really looking forward to seeing the bar which stocks the largest rum collection in the UK, with over 300 varieties available and not just from the Carribean but all over the world.  As well as drinks and tasty cocktails you can also enjoy bar snacks and sharing plates at the bar like Jerk pork ribs (£7), Oxtail & bean stew (£7.50), and Ackee & saltfish (£7.50).

  

The largest collection of rum in the UK 

Our tasty cocktails!

We sat in the Glass house, the main restaurant, which has a large skylight with bright natural light and decorated with stunning oak wood flooring, beamed ceilings and beautiful bonsai plants.

Luckily Cottons offers mocktails for those of us who don't drink or like me are pregnant so I chose the fruit smoothie, a blend of strawberries, raspberries, passionfruit, mango puree, coconut cream and guava juice - very tasty!

Our starter - the Mezze platter - yum!

For a starter we chose the Mezze platter which was accra, aubergine choka, creole shrimps and pholourie.

Cottons Caribbean promises "traditional Caribbean cuisine" so reading through the tasty looking menu, my expectations were high. I opted for the sharing platter of jerk chicken pieces, rice and peas, fried plaintain, potato salad and smoked beetroot salad.  The jerk chicken marinade was delicious, with plenty of flavour and came in a tasty sauce which had a little kick to it and just enough spice.  Served with the rice and peas, plaintain and potato salad these side dishes were the perfect addition to my meal.

Jerk chicken pieces

Rice and peas

Fried plaintain

Potato salad

Smoked beetroot salad

For dessert, I chose the chocolate praline bar, a beautifully designed chocolate cake with praline mousse served with a knob of lemon curd and iced bubble gum marshmallow - it tasted as delicious as it looked!

Chocolate praline bar - so tasty!

As well as the restaurant and bar, downstairs there is a private room that seats 20 for parties and events. For those with special dietary requirements vegan, gluten free and vegetarian platters are also available on the menu too. 

 Private dining room area for parties and events

If you're looking to dine in a laid back atmosphere that serves authentic Caribbean flavours then you will have to visit Cottons. If the delicious food doesn't tempt you or the relaxed vibes then go for drinks and try out the electric cocktails, whatever you decide, you won't be disappointed! To book a table at Cottons restaurant visit www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk for more information.

*Disclaimer: I was invited to review this restaurant but all words and opinions are my own*

Project B Pregnancy Box Review - Month 8

Inside my Project B pregnancy box month 8

This month I received my Project B pregnancy box and this month's theme is "prepare". Now I'm approaching my 8th month of pregnancy I have started thinking about what to pack in my hospital bag for labour.

To prepare for the big day, it’s been recommended to start packing your hospital bag, including items for both you and baby, about four to six weeks before your due date.

So it is the perfect time to receive this month's Project B box, which is full of goodies to help me get ready for labour from practical items to relaxing treats.  Here are some of my favourites:

Nurture Breast Pad

Nurture Breast Pad
Breast pads are perfect for mums and mothers-to-be to help stay dry and comfortable for those leaking moments, due to breast milk or colostrum, in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. These Nurture Breast Pads are disposable, thin and discreet and each breast pad is specifically designed with two adhesive tape strips to ensure they stay in place.

MAM Anti-Colic 160ml Nature Meadow

MAM Anti-Colic 160ml Nature Meadow

The MAM Anti-Colic is the ideal bottle for mums who want to switch between breastfeeding and bottle. The MAM teat is a unique silky-soft silicone surface, the vented base prevents air swallowing, thus helping to reduce colic and has extra wide openings for easy filling and cleaning.

Sudocrem Care and Protect

Sudocrem Care and Protect

If your baby is suffering from nappy rash then they will need a cream to help sooth and protect the baby's skin. Sudocrem Care and Protect offers triple protection against the causes of nappy rash. This new light ointment creates a protective barrier that seals in the skin's nature moisture and keeps it protected against external irritants and rubbing that can cause nappy rash. Plus it also guards against infection and protects the skin too.

Aleva Naturals Bamboo Baby Wipes

Aleva Naturals Bamboo Baby Wipes

Everyone knows how handy baby wipes are and Aleva Naturals Bamboo baby wipes are made of eco-friendly, unbleached bamboo, enriched with natural and organic oils. Bamboo fibres do not require a bleaching process because it contains a natural anti-bacterial agent known as Bamboo Kun. Plus they help you do your part for a greener world as the Bamboo wipes are 100% biodegradable within 21 days.

GLUCO

GLUCO

It's a good idea to keep any eating or drinking during labour to keep your energy up so Gluco products contain fast acting glucose, the body's preferred energy source is just what you might need if you're feeling a little tired in pregnancy. They're free of artificial nastiness such as aspartame or caffeine which makes them a great choice if you're looking for the best option available when you need an energy boost.

*Disclaimer: The products featured were gifted to me for review however all words and opinions are my own*

Theraline Maternity & Nursing Pillow review

Theraline Maternity & Nursing Pillow

Pregnant ladies know how uncomfortable carrying a big bump can be. Now well into my third trimester, my bump is growing bigger by the day and as wonderful as it is being pregnant it can get sore and very tiring especially when sleeping.

Pillows are good at offering support for your legs, bump and back but no matter how many pillows you place behind your back or under your legs, it’s never quite doing the job of making you feel comfortable!  So I was pleased to receive the Theraline Maternity & Nursing Pillow to review as I’ve heard lots of great things about it.

First impressions when you open the packaging is just how big the pillow is. It is much bigger and longer than I expected and I was wondering how I would get the best use out of it.

The pillow is large but very light and filled with millions of micro beads

However, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. It is not until you actually start using the pillow then you get to feel the benefits of this product and it really is as good as they say it is!

Although it is long, the pillow is very light and filled with millions of micro beads, allowing you to easily change positions as it moulds around your body making it a perfect support throughout pregnancy.  It’s free from product nasties so it’s anti-allergenic, breathable and can be washed by removing the outer cover too.  The best bit? It’s extremely flexible and able to be bend into any shape you need, providing both support and relief for your bump, back and legs.

I love the support the Theraline pillow offers for your back; as well as for sleeping, I use it most whilst sitting on the sofa to prop myself up. Place it behind your back and fold it into a v-shaped pillow so that your body is in a supported and comfortable position, it makes relaxing in front of the TV comfortable again!

My favourite way to use my Theraline pillow - propped up on the sofa relaxing in front of the TV!

There are lots of different ways to use the pillow throughout pregnancy. Here are some of my favourite ways to use it:

On your feet all day – Use the pillow to prop up your legs and feet to help to help reduce fluid retention.

Trouble sleeping - If like me you’re having trouble sleeping use it to place the bottom curve of the pillow between your legs. It makes it easier to roll over and you have support holding your legs in place when sleeping.

Back support – Use the pillow as a back support when you watch TV on the sofa or work on your laptop, instant back support!

This pillow is fantastic! It provides the ultimate comfort at a time when you are feeling most uncomfortable and it is also reasonably priced too, compared to other pillows on the market. Best of all, you can continue to use it after birth once your baby arrives for breastfeeding.

Theraline pillow is available to buy online here and retails at £44.95. Visit their website www.theraline.co.uk to view the full range of products including nursing pillows, caesarean belt and more.

*Disclaimer: The product featured were gifted to me for review however all words and opinions are my own*

Project B Pregnancy Box Review - Month 7

 

Inside my Project B pregnancy box

Who doesn't love getting parcels through the post? It certainly makes a nice change than receiving bills or junk mail!

Since the launch of subscription beauty boxes a few years ago, the concept of receiving a box of products in the post has grown in popularity.  These days subscription boxes are not just aimed at the beauty industry; food boxes are also popular and now you can receive pregnancy and baby boxes for the parenting market too.

Project B Box

I was really excited to review a pregnancy box by Project-B. It is a monthly subscription box of wellbeing goodies designed to nurture mothers-to-be through their pregnancy journey. Working with some of the UK’s leading mother and baby brands and industry experts, each Project-B box is tailored to a specific month of pregnancy with handy products, useful tips and information for expectant mummys.  

I love how Project B’s subscription box is all about making sure that the mothers-to-be takes some time for herself. In this month’s subscription box, month 7, the theme is “relax”, designed to encourage periods of rest and induce feelings of relaxation during pregnancy. I couldn't think of a better time to start my subscription with Project-B as now I’m in the third trimester, finding ways and methods to relax is exactly what I need!

This month’s box includes a hypnobirthing book, alcohol free wine, special offer on a children’s décor and toy website, feeding cup and a beauty balm.  Some of my favourite items include the following:

"Why Hypnobirthing Matters" by Katrina Berry

Why Hypnobirthing Matters by Katrina Berry

Hypnobirthing is a method of birth preparation using a series of simple but effective techniques that can facilitate a calm and natural birth. In this book, Why Hypnobirthing Matters, author Katrina Berry looks at the origins and rationale for using hypnosis for childbirth.  If you’re looking for bite-sized information on hypnobirthing, this is a great little book as it explains what you can expect from hypnobirthing and dispels the common misunderstandings, all in a lively informative way. As let’s face it, anything with humour makes things much easier to deal with especially when it comes to pregnancy and labour!

Eisberg alcohol-free wine

Eisberg alcohol-free wine

When I saw that Eisberg alcohol free wine was included in this month’s box I was thrilled! Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean boring soft drinks are the only beverages on offer when you’re out and about. Eisberg is made in the same way as your favourite wine, the alcohol in Eisberg is gently removed using one of the world’s most advanced techniques to ensure that the original flavours of the wine are kept in tact. The result? Alcohol free wine containing less than 0.005% alcohol, 34 calories per 125ml glass and the real flavour of the wine taste that you know and love! Best of all, Eisberg is available in Chardonnay, Riesling, Rose and Cabernet Sauvignon so there’s a range of choice on offer.

Dr. Lipp’s “Original nipple balm for lips”

Dr Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm for Lips is a 100% natural miracle balm. A favourite with celebrity make up artists, nursing mothers and pharmacologists, this balm for lips is best used every day for soft glossy lips or as a treatment for dry, rough, sore or itchy skin.

Ivy Cabin website offer

Ivy Cabin special offer

Ivy Cabin is a new online store selling quality toys, décor and accessories for children. Their concept is simple, they want to showcase only the best products making online shopping experience as enjoyable and exciting as possible. In this month’s box, you get 10% off your order.

Useful tips and advice from industry experts

As well as all these fab products, this month’s box also includes information from industry expert’s who give useful and independent tips and advice on pregnancy. This month, midwife and health professional Nikki Holdsworth offers advice on eating well with recipes on how to cook chicken nuggets with an option for vegetarians too. There is information on what to expect from month 7 of pregnancy (weeks 25-29), tips on staying active by taking up yoga and other forms of relaxation techniques and what to buy for baby.

You can buy Project-B box as a one off gift, £14.99 or have it as a regular treat and sign up for a subscription, £14.99 per month. Mums-to-be can join the service at any point during their pregnancy and you only pay for the boxes you receive.

I loved receiving my box and looking forward to what surprises will be in next month’s box too.  To find out more about Project B, or to subscribe yourself or for a friend click here. To visit their website www.project-b.com

*Disclaimer: The products featured were gifted to me for review however all words and opinions are my own*

Pregnancy journal review

Pregnancy journal - BaeTheLabel

Polaroid camera - Amazon

Plant - Gift

A few months ago I came across a beautiful pregnancy journal from Australian store Bae The Label.

The stylish pregnancy journal is a great way to document your journey and store all your keepsakes like ultrasound photos and week by week bump pics which I have been doing using polaroid images as they're the perfect fit for the journal.

The journal is a compact in size and small enough to go in your handbag (12.5cm x 18.5cm) but sturdy with a vinyl hard cover and a ribbon bookmark.

The modern design is the biggest draw for this pregnancy journal.  Unlike some pregnancy journals with baby pink and blue pastel colours, the beautiful black and white striped cover with gold text really sets it apart.   The 110 interior pages are beautiful as well, containing a weekly diary of your entire pregnancy from week one, all the way up to week 40. 

What I love best about the journal is its inspirational quotes and light-hearted and fun writing prompts like: "The ultrasound shows it's a...", "Hooray, half way!" or "You move the most at..." I also love how each week, you get a sense of your baby's approximate length and weight from conception to birth with comparisons to fruit and vegetables. For example, at 27 weeks, your baby is the size of a cauliflower - really sweet!

This pregnancy journal is a true, modern keepsake and an ideal gift for mothers-to-be. It's lovely reading through the journal and reflecting on my pregnancy journey so far and I would definitely recommend to other first time mothers too!

Bae The Label ships worldwide - buy your pregnancy journal here.

Easter Break in Provence & Maternity Swimwear

Easter break in Provence

The first day back from Easter holidays is always a bit glum, especially when you've spent the last two weeks in the sunny South of France and return to cold and wet London.

It was lovely to get away, visit family, relax beside the pool and of course indulge in lots of easter eggs too! 

With temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees in Provence, it was time to update my spring wardrobe but this time I was on the hunt for maternity wear. I needed the perfect swimsuit that was both stylish and would compliment by bump and I came across this fab maternity swimsuit from ASOS by Mama.Licious.

Maternity swimwear - ASOS

Maternity shorts - Old Navy

Hat - New Look

Who says swimwear has to be boring when you're pregnant? Not me! I loved this playful black and white geo print which is super flattering for mums-to-be. Plus most importantly, it's very comfortable too, with an empire line tie and stylish cut out back.  

If you're after more styles in different colours, then I'd recommend checking out the ASOS maternity collection - they have a wide range of maternity swimwear that's both stylish and comfortable and purse friendly too!

Remescar Silicone Stretch Marks Scar Cream Review

Remescar Silicone Stretch Marks Scar Cream 

For many women, stretchmarks are part of being pregnant and it’s inevitable at some point before, during or after your pregnancy, you’ll get them. Even though we’re told to love our flaws, stretchmarks are not pretty!

When you think about how quickly your skin expands during pregnancy, it’s not surprising that most of us get stretch marks. They can appear anywhere on your body but during pregnancy they usually appear on your tummy, upper thighs and breasts as your pregnancy progresses.

Using a good stretchmark cream during your pregnancy will help prevent too many appearing, and after pregnancy they will help your skin repair and heal. Which is why I was keen to try Remescar Silicone Stretch Marks Scar Cream.

Remescar is a light scar and stretch mark cream that's silicone based which improves and corrects all types of stretch marks. According to a clinical study, it showed that it reduces up to 50% of stretch marks severity on stomach, hips and legs in just 28 days*. 

I've been using Remescar for a few weeks and following the instructions, I applied after bathing to dry skin and massaged the cream in until it completely absorbed, twice a day. I made sure not to rub it too hard as this does not increase the effectiveness.

The cream is white coloured with a soft texture and absorbs into the skin very smoothly. I love how it rubs in and blends well so you aren’t left with those white cream marks you get when a product doesn’t rub in smoothly. This can be incredibly annoying, especially on dark skin. The cream dries quickly leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturised and not too sticky and greasy unlike some thicker based creams.  The scent is clean and fresh too, so not too overwhelming, and stays on the skin for some time after application.

So does it prevent stretch marks? It’s hard to tell! Remescar is best used twice a day for 2 to 3 months and as a preventive measure mothers to be are asked to use from the second month of pregnancy, or on existing stretchmarks for 3 months.

I’ve been using Remescar cream for just over three weeks, so clearly not long enough to see the results - yet. But so far my skin looks and feels moisturised so I would agree with it’s description, that is moisturises the skin, but as far as a decrease in the severity of stretchmarks, only time will tell.

In my opinion, the Remescar stretch mark cream is worth buying for first time mums, like me, who want to protect their skin during pregnancy.  This would also be a great product to give to an expectant mother to rub on their bump as it is full of natural and organic ingredients, smells good and moisturises the skin well.

You can buy Remescar from Boots here.

*The most frequent score, based on the global evaluation of the panel according to a clinical 4-point scoring assessment of number, size and colour. For more information read here.  **Disclaimer: The products featured were gifted to me for review however all words and opinions are my own*

Zoe's Ghana Kitchen Review

My favourite meal of the evening!

This week I attended a Grub Club supper club event called Zoe‘s Ghana Kitchen, a Ghanaian pop-up restaurant in South London. I’m always on the look out for chefs who specialise in African cuisine so when I heard Zoe Adjonyoh was cooking up a storm in a kitchen at Pop Brixton, South London’s newest foodie place, I knew I had to visit her supper club and try these culinary delights I’ve read so much about myself.

Zoe promises guests will “eat good home cooked Ghanaian food in an intimate restaurant setting”. Her slogan is "It's #ghanabetasty" so I had high expectations of the night ahead.

Selection of drinks on offer for the evening

Firstly, Zoe introduced herself, her vision behind Zoe's Ghana Kitchen and gave an outline of the evening ahead. She explained about the drinks on offer: a selection of Ghanaian Beer, red or white wine and for the non-drinkers, CoCa Cola and Schweppes. What makes these fizzy drinks “African” apart from being sold in Ghana? Well, African fizzy drinks are known for having a slightly different taste, mainly being, super sweet, and having a sweet tooth I was very pleased with the drinks on offer!

My drink for the evening

Then we were served our starters for the evening, okra fries & crispy kale. Okra is traditionally used in West African dishes as a stew served with meat and accompanied with ground cassava, but Zoe gave a different spin to this by slicing and deep-frying the Okra in a light batter to turn them into crisps – certainly different but ever so tasty!

Okra fries

Crispy kale

We then had bambara bean stew - (Aboiboi) with spiced plantain pancakes which makes a good veggie dish followed by my favourite dish of the evening: the grilled lamb cutlets with spiced peanut sauce (Nkatenkwan) served with a portion of tasty rice and beans (Waakye). The lamb was incredibly succulent, very tender and soft and served with the groundnut sauce (a spicy peanut sauce) it was the perfect addition to this dish.

Bambara bean stew (Aboiboi) with spiced plantain pancakes

Grilled lamb cutlets with spiced peanut sauce (Nkatenkwan) 

Rice and beans (Waakye)

Finally, the supper club ended with a delicious dessert, Chin Chin Banoffee Pie. Chin Chin is an African baked biscuit usually eaten as a snack however Zoe used this famous African biscuit as the base for the Banoffee Pie and it tasted delicious!

Chin Chin Banoffee Pie

Overall, I really enjoyed the food at Zoe's Ghana Kitchen. I was intrigued to see how Zoe would serve traditional West African food and I loved how creative she was with her dishes, like changing the way Okra is traditionally used and turning them into crispy Okra fries. It could easily have not worked, but it really does!  It was also refreshing to see nearly all the dishes on the menu were vegetarian, gluten free or both, proving that contemporary African food can be both tasty and healthy too.

Zoe (left) hard at work

Zoe’s way of serving traditional West African food with a contemporary twist is a great way to showcase just how delicious Ghanaian food is. So if you're looking to try some tasty Ghanaian favourites with a modern twist be sure to check out Zoe's Ghana Kitchen, you won't be disappointed.

Book tickets to the next supper club at Zoe's Ghana Kitchen here.