VALENTINES DAY STYLE
Wow, it seems like we blinked since the last edition… as we write this Christmas has sprung upon us and before we know it will be New Year’s and we’ll be holding this edition in our hands!
Since our last column, it was announced that we had won 2 awards in the TMM Awards! Gold for best personalised products and silver for best new baby gift under 3 months! We can’t tell you how happy this makes us, as you all know we strive to bring you the highest quality products at affordable prices and to have this recognised by industry experts means the world to us! It makes all the hard work worth it and it was great to end 2024 with not one but two awards!
The run-up to Christmas is always a challenging time – we are so thankful for how busy you all keep us but the mum guilt can hit hard as we have to work such long hours during our peak seasonal time! That being said we love how being our own boss gives us the freedom and flexibility to attend the hundreds of school commitments on the run-up to Christmas and it also allows us to be present for our gang even if it does mean a lot of midnight finishes and tired eyes!
Amongst all of the office chaos, we did have some lovely Christmas trips out with the kids including, light shows, pantos and trips to see the big man himself! Actually, when you write it down you realise how much you do with your kids and it’s a reminder to maybe try and lose a bit of the mum guilt next year!
We also managed to sneak in an adult afternoon out in Manchester at the Christmas markets, another thing we shouldn’t feel guilty for, as we needed that for our own sanity!
We can’t believe how organised some of you are – there we were, we hadn’t even done our Christmas shopping and people have already placed their orders with us for Valentine’s Day!
With that in mind, we thought we would focus on Valentine’s Day Style and show you a few ways to make sure love is in the air in your home including a few bits from our collection, seen as though Valentine’s is now for the whole family and not just your other half. Of course, it’s to celebrate with friends now too with Galantine’s!
We’re so excited to continue to share our exciting business plans with you and keep sharing a snippet of our lives as Mum’s in business!
Lots of love,
Holly & Emma
VALENTINES GIFTS
Pandora Elevated Heart Ring
Amore Heart Stone by Overdressed
Next: Set of 2 Pink Heart Shaped Side Plates
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Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
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whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
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There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
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A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
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Have you ever found yourself in a situationship that doesn’t serve you? You’re not sure why, you can’t quite put your finger on it, but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. Your gut is nudging you, your heart feels heavy, the energy is off, and somewhere in the background, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS
This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!
Building a Brand from the Kitchen Table
Mum-of-two Megan Ford shares how family life, late nights, and a passion for purposeful play sparked the beginnings of Ellor & Co — proving that big dreams really can start at the kitchen table.
