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Pregnant Then Screwed

Did you know that every year, 74,000 women in the UK lose their jobs simply because they got pregnant or took maternity leave? It’s shocking, but it’s happening, and it’s more common than you think.

You’re probably staring at your screen thinking, “That’s got to be illegal.” And you’d be right. But that doesn’t make it any less real. New research from the charity Pregnant Then Screwed reveals a shocking truth: only 2% of women are actually able to take their claim to court. That’s a classic case of a system designed to silence them. 

I was Pregnant Then Screwed

This cause is deeply personal to me. I was made redundant just 10 weeks before my due date. Yes, I got more time with my newborn – but it came with minimal maternity pay and now, two years on, I’m still trying to re-enter the workforce.

It’s not a coincidence when recruiters/hiring managers ask, “Is this your first?” or hint that hybrid work might be too difficult with a child. Funny, new dads don’t get asked those questions. So why do mums?

I always feared motherhood would stall my career. And sadly, that fear became a reality for me. It’s time for real change—in the UK, in Europe, everywhere. If governments want people to have children, they need to protect jobs, offer real maternity support, and invest in accessible childcare. Anything less is just lip service.

You can find out more at Pregnant Then Screwed.

All views and opinions are my own.

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5 East London Coffee Shops you need to visit

5 East London Coffee Shops you need to visit
(Left to right: Cafe Melo, Ngopi, Lodestar, Haru Coffee, Batch Baby)

East London Coffee Shops you need to visit

Whether I’m looking for a spot to chill with my book or somewhere to start a conversation with staff or patrons, East London has a coffee shop for my every need. I’m not joking; I often ask myself, “What kind of mood am I in today?” when deciding which coffee shop to visit. And it’s no surprise when there’s a coffee shop on pretty much every corner.

Lodestar – The Chilled One

Lodestar is my go-to spot for expertly brewed coffee in a chilled setting. During the autumn-winter months, Lodestar hosts a night cafe, aimed at offering a late-night spot to read, catch up with friends, or just enjoy an evening coffee/hot chocolate, all with some smooth music. It really sums up the vibe at Lodestar—relaxing, easy-going, and creative.

Melo – The Cosy One

Melo was one of the first coffee shops I discovered when we moved back to Stoke Newington. Five years later, I still visit every week. Reading a book in the bay window is one of my favourite things to do. Not only do they offer up a variety of coffees, pastries and hot dishes, they do it all in a proudly LGBTQIA+ safe space.

Ngopi – The Foodie One

Indonesia is globally recognised as being one of the top coffee hotspots in the world. Now what if somewhere in East London brought that expertise alongside innovative drinks you won’t find elsewhere, and some of the best Indonesian comfort food? Well, you’d have Ngopi!

HARU Coffee – The New One on The Block

Ok so at the time of writing HARU has been around for a few months, but it’s still relatively new to the coffee scene in East London. Serving up the usual suspects, as well as some Taiwanese specialities. I love how friendly the owner is; the last time I visited I left with a hotpot restaurant recommendation and a killer flat white.

Batch Baby – The Speciality One

I suppose Batch Baby may seem like the stereotypical East London coffee shop with speciality coffee, uber cool baristas, and a bustling environment. A hotspot for those working remotely, it can be hard to grab a seat at busy times. But if you do you’ll not only be rewarded with a feeling of smug self-satisfaction, but an expertly made coffee.

Don’t forget to check out more of my ‘Where to Eat in London’ posts.

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5 Tips for Slow Living in London | Wellbeing

Tips for Slow Living5 Tips for Slow Living in London

A while ago I wrote an article discussing the art of slow living and whether it was possible to do whilst living in a busy city such as London. I talked about the difficulties involved, but also the importance of wellbeing. I simultaneously ran a poll on my Instagram, asking my followers whether they thought it was possible. Most people believed it wasn’t, and as optimistic as I am… I can understand why. So I decided to update my slow living series, and bring you all some tips for slow living in London, because I do honestly believe there is the possibility for us all to bring a little bit of calm and wellbeing to our everyday lives.

5 Tips for Slow Living in London

  • Make time for your mental wellbeing
    • Living in London, a city full of opportunities, it can be easy to just say yes to everything. And before you know it your calendar is heaving with social activities. But it’s important to realise when you can, and should, say no.
  • Turn your phone off/say goodbye to social
    • Social media and messaging apps can cause a lot of stress, whether it’s intentional or not. I personally mute all notifications except for texts and calls. Try putting aside a few hours everyday, where you switch your phone off, and put your laptop down.
  • Less is more
    • Visiting new restaurant openings, or buying the latest on-trend items can be tempting in a city like London. But it’s not always rewarding. Try doing/buying less, and focusing more on the quality of the experience or item. It will help you appreciate it more, and it will save you some money along the way too.
  • Make more of your evenings 
    • Working 9-5 can be draining, and a lot of people cherish their free time in the evening, so why not make more of it? Light some candles, put your favourite music on, have a bath, make a meal from scratch. All little things that when put together can be incredibly satisfying and relaxing.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others
    • One big underlying problem in most people’s lives is the fear of missing out, or the idea that someone else has a better life than you do. It’s important not to compare yourself to others. After all, the grass isn’t always greener, and the world isn’t going to end if you don’t attend a social event.

If you have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments.
If you enjoyed my tips for slow living in London, check out more of my wellbeing articles here.

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How can I go back to work after having a baby?

We all know the hardships of looking for a job. Going back to work after a baby is no different – you’re currently working a full-time job and trying to find the time to look for another, let alone applying and finding the time to interview. For those of us who have been privileged enough to take maternity leave, like myself, the prospect of going back to work can be both exciting and daunting.

How can I go back to work after having a baby?

Sadly, there is still a stigma around mums returning to the workplace. I was reminded of this after having a conversation with my partner about when and how I would return to work after being made redundant just before giving birth (yes, that’s legal). He affectionately said “Don’t worry, it will be easy”, but deep down I knew otherwise.

Questions dart around my head on a daily basis, such as:

  • Have I forgotten how to interview/work after extended maternity?
  • Will future employers worry I’m going to leave to have more children?
  • That I won’t be as dedicated to my job?

Of course, the answer to all of these on my part, and hopefully my future employers, is no.

As wonderful as my maternity leave has been, I still can’t help but feel anxious about the time I’ve had away from work — the pause I willingly placed on my career.

Read more of my pregnancy and parenthood related posts.

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Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips & Recommendations

  • pregnancy skincare routine tips
  • pregnancy skincare routine tips

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips & Recommendations

Did you know you need to change your skincare routine if you’re pregnant?

This was something I found out recently during my first trimester. Thankfully I was too tired or ill during this time to actually carry on with my regular skincare regime, as it turned out it was full of pregnancy skincare routine no-no.

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips

You may have heard of “the pregnancy glow”. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is a myth. During pregnancy, you’re skin changes, a lot. You may find that certain products and procedures don’t work like they used to, you have greasier, spottier skin, or dark spots popping up out of nowhere.

That doesn’t mean you can’t help combat it with a skincare routine though. Here are my top tips for your pregnancy skincare routine:

  • Stop using retinoids & salicylic acid – this is because they are absorbed into the skin and could reach the bloodstream and travel to the fetus
  • Moisturise, a lot – Dry skin and itchiness are common in pregnancy. Moisturising can help combat both of these
  • You can still exfoliate – Just because you can’t use certain ingredients doesn’t mean you can’t exfoliate – use products with glycolic acid or lactic acid instead. Exfoliating is also great for combatting those pesky pregnancy dark spots
  • Less is more – Try to keep your skincare routine simple during your pregnancy. You’ll probably find that your skin’s wants and needs change throughout these 9 months

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Recommendations

It can be tiring trying to figure out what to do with your skincare routine whilst you’re pregnant. And the last thing you need to do is buy a whole bunch of products you know nothing about.

Here are some of my recommendations for pregnancy-friendly sites and products:

Thanks for reading!

Check out more of my skincare saviours and tips here.

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Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse with Côtes du Rhône

People stand around chatting whilst drinking Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for a few years now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer. Most recently I was invited to a wine tasting of white wines from the region at Shoreditch Treehouse.

Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

Our evening began with a guided tasting of AOC Côtes du Rhône white wines with the lovely Julie Coutton, shortly followed by canapés, small plates and some delectable chocolates, provided by Native Feasts Michelin star chef Chris Godfrey. All of which were expertly matched to the wines, and set among the gorgeous backdrop of Shoreditch Treehouse.

White Wine From the Côtes du Rhône

When someone says Côtes du Rhône you’d generally think of red wine, but the region’s white wines also offer a delicious range of styles. From rounded peachy and apricot, sometimes floral character of southern wines which gain their juicy ripeness from the area’s Mediterranean climate, to the more refined creamy, nutty and honeysuckle-scented wines of the north; the variety of the landscape and climate means there’s plenty to discover.

We tasted a selection of 12 wines (favourites in bold) throughout the evening, including:

  1. Domaine de l’Espigouette 2021
    Viognier 40%, Clairette 20%, Grenache blanc 20%, marsanne blanche 20%
  2. Le Coq Valant Blanc 2020, Domaine de Galuval
    Grenache blanc 25%, Viognier 25%, Roussanne 25%, Clairette 25%
  3. Elements Luna 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Viognier
  4. LAUDUN CHUSCLAN VIGNERONS 2021 Maison Sinnae, Eléments Terra 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Ugni blanc, Viognier
  5. E.GUIGAL 2021
    Viognier 60%, Roussanne 15%, Marsanne 10%, Clairette 8%, Bourboulenc 5%, Grenache blanc 2%
  6. M. CHAPOUTIER, BELLERUCHE 2021
  7. DOMAINE DES CAPTIVES Château de Montfrin “à la rêverie” 2020
    Grenache blanc 60%, Roussanne 40%
  8. Domaine Grand Veneur GRAND VENEUR 2021
    Clairette, Roussanne, Viognier
  9. CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY EARL Chateau de Manissy Oracle 2021
    Grenache blanc 60%, Clairette 40%
  10. Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins 2020
    Grenache blanc 50%, Viognier 40%, Marsanne 5%, Roussanne 5%
  11. FAMILLE RAVOIRE Famille Ravoire Banderet 2021
    Grenache blanc 70%, Viognier 30%
  12. EARL EYGUESTRE Domaine Eyguestre AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Blanc Le Maupas 2020
    Viognier 80%, Marsanne 20%

If you’re looking for a bottle to adorn your dinner table this summer, I’d suggest you keep a lookout for the above next time you’re perusing your local independent/supermarket wine shelves. You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône white wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.
Words and opinions are my own, photos are by Robin Boot.

  • Someone holds a glass of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey grating cheese on to canapés at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to a bowl of mushroom risotto by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to handmade chocolate by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • A bottle of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Bottles of Cote du rhone white wine
  • Someone holds a bottle of Cote du rhone white wine
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Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch Restaurant Review

issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch
Issho-ni | Bethnal Green, London | Japanese | Map

Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

Located in the heart of Bethnal Green, East London, Issho-ni’s Japanese bottomless brunch is the only one of its kind in the capital. Issho-ni takes Japanese Izakaya style food and gives it a modern twist. Guests can enjoy scrumptious Japanese delights with Issho-ni created cocktails, Prosecco and non-alcoholic drinks.

What’s included?

What’s included in the Issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch?

  • Unlimited starters
    • Sashimi, Maki Rolls, Edamame, Chuka seaweed, Kimchi, and Wasabi peas
  • Main dish (one per person)
    • Vegetable Tempura, Nasu Dengaku, Wagyu Steak, Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu Curry
  • Unlimited drinks
    • Prosecco, Bloody Mary

You can view the full menu here.

My Review of Issho-ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

I was invited by Issho-ni to experience their bottomless brunch for free, however, all words and opinions are my own.

I booked a table for two at 12pm on a Saturday (this is the only day they do bottomless brunch). We were one of the first tables to be seated, but the restaurant quickly filled up with couples, groups and even a few parties. We started with a glass of Prosecco and all of the starters.

The starters were insanely moreish, especially the sashimi and the prawn maki rolls. So much so that we tested out the bottomless feature and ordered a couple more plates after finishing the first round. I really liked that we were able to ask for “only salmon sashimi” and “just a plate of prawn maki rolls” – I’m not kidding when I tell you I scoffed down 12 prawn maki rolls in record time. After a few more dishes, we moved to the mains – vegetable tempura and salmon teriyaki. The tempura was super fresh – perfectly crisp outside, soft and hot on the inside. The salmon was bursting full of flavour, and my favourite part, the skin, was crispy, juicy and ever so slightly fatty – perfection!

During our feast, the lovely wait staff walked around with a bottle of prosecco, ready to top up anyone’s glass. I really appreciated this as it didn’t pressure me to flag someone down, which has been my experience in the past. I had four very full glasses of prosecco before calling it a day.

At £54pp (alcohol included), I feel the quality and value are fairly reflected in the price.

Don’t forget to check out more of my ‘Where to Eat in London’ posts.

  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch
  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • issho-ni Japanese sashimi
  • issho-ni Japanese maki rolls sushi
  • issho-ni Japanese vegetable tempura
  • issho-ni Japanese teriyaki salmon