The idea behind the night was an experimental and intimate dining experience, free from the use of conventional eating instruments so that the diner could reassess the way they eat. The meal involved being blindfolded at certain times and eating without the use of your hands. And with a feast consisting of everything from purple potato mousse to frozen champagne and pomegranate popsicles, it definitely sounds like a night to remember!

Ania X

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Last week I went to the launch party of my friend Grace Saunders, whose book was launching the next day. It was a great party at Electric House (thank you Grace!). The book is called Life’s Too Short and it’s a light-hearted lifestyle guide for the modern woman. Covering everything from getting your career on the right path to buying your first home, this book offers top tips for organising your life. Less a self-help book and more of a handy manual for modern living, Grace gives lots of useful hints and websites to help you on your way. Whether you’re looking for the best holiday or a catering service to inspire, this book is a great resource. I read half the book before I went to sleep. Congrats Grace!

If you fancy getting your hands on a copy of Life’s Too Short, just click here.

The post Life’s Too Short by Grace Saunders appeared first on Pregnancy Style.

Click on the links included to get a taste of each bands’ music.

Marina

Pink Floyd- The Dark Side of the Moon

My stepdad introduced me to Pink Floyd as a child and I have loved their music ever since. This album would play throughout the house and garden on lazy Sunday afternoons and every time I listen to it now it reminds me of my stepdad building something in the garden and my mum and I baking in the kitchen. Apart from the happy childhood memories, this album is a pure masterpiece. It experiments with long instrumentals, rich textures and atmosphere and mixes together rock, soul, gospel and funk to create the perfect blend of musical influence. With iconic songs like Breathe and Money, this album is a timeless classic in my music collection.

Larysa

Billy Idol – White Wedding

It’s the song that got me onto the dance floor for the first time! I wish I was born 10 years earlier so I could have seen Billy Idol in the 80’s when it was all happening!

Baukjen

My favourite is any album by Crowded House. I’ve loved them for years. Four Seasons in One Day is one of my favourite songs.

Ania

Sinéad O’Connor- I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got

I still remember playing this album as an old cassette many many years ago using my scratched hi-fi player. I love everything about Sinéad – especially her beautiful voice, rebellious personality and her shaved head ( I wish I could pull this look off but Sinéad has such a beautiful face that she always looked amazing). I love this album not only because it includes Nothing Compares 2 U but all the songs are absolutely amazing!

Michelle

Adele- 19 and 21

I think Adele is the most amazing singer and her albums are great to sing out loud to in the car. Adele seems to encapsulate every emotion through her songs which makes her music so powerful. She has to be one of the best singer/songwriters of our generation and I can listen to her albums on repeat for days.  Someone Like You is a classic song.

Rosey

Fleetwood Mac – Rumors

It’s got songs with a good mix of moods and tells a true story about the band at the time!

Sarah

My Favourite album is Pixies- Doolittle. I discovered it when I was 19 and it just seemed like the perfect album for me at the time. Short, fast, loud and easy to sing to, every song on the album is a great track and I never find myself skipping over songs. Particular favourites include Tame, This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven and Debaser. It’s grunge at its best.

Estelle

Again this is a real tough question, I have different music for different moods depending on whether I’m in the mood to party or something quiet in the background, I usually have playlists on my iPod depending on mood so very rarely listen to a whole album from start to finish anymore (the joy of MP3 Players).

My favourite album (at the moment until I listen to it to death) is The Secret Sisters self-titled album, is described as new-age traditional country music and is heavily inspired by the musical style of the 1950’s.  The sisters have been musically compared to The Everly Brothers and Doc Watson.

The album was recorded with original 1950’s analog equipment with no computers or digital equipment; they even used vintage microphones and the same recording tape as would have been used 50 years ago to get the authentic sound which they desired.

I personally love this album as I think it is a timeless classic, one which you can return back to again and again and listen with a different outlook each time. With 1950’s pop fused with classic country ballads, the sisters harmonise together with breath-taking beauty which is hard to compare, it is so refreshing to listen to some ‘real’ music sung passionately by two twenty something sisters from Alabama rather than the usual commercial and manufactured music that is pumped through the airwaves…My favourite song from this album has to be Tennesse Me.

Geoff

My favourite album must be Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge over Troubled Waters, the Central Park version…. I sang it to Baukjen in the church at our wedding.

Francesca

Belle and Sebastian- The Boy with the Arab Strap

I was introduced to this Scottish band by my elder sister and consequently copied all her CD’s so I could listen to them to my heart’s content! I love this album, its gentle yet upbeat and the perfect soundtrack to lazy summer days.

The post Our Favourite Albums, by the Isabella Oliver team appeared first on Pregnancy Style.

The sale, which will showcase fashion brands such as Miller Harris, Myla, MiH Jeans, Duchamp and also Isabella Oliver Maternity and 365 collections, will also offer great deals from food and lifestyle retailers so there’s truly something for everyone. It will be held in the beautiful grounds of Kilver Court, owned by Mulberry founder Roger Saul, and promises to combine style and value with an excellent range of sales happening across the weekend.

Isabella Oliver will have a pop-up store located within the emporium and will offer up to 80% off, so make sure you don’t miss out on getting your favourite items for less.

The Grand Summer Sale at Kilver Court opens at 10am on Saturday 23^rd and will charge £2 on the door. For more information visit www.KilverCourt.com.

We’re all really excited here at Isabella Oliver, and look forward to seeing all those that will be there.

IO_PRGirl xx

Photos courtsey of Kilver Court Website

The post Isabella Oliver at Kilver Court Grand Summer Sale appeared first on Pregnancy Style.

Hope you like our selection; let us know what your ultimate film is in the comments box below.

Love, the Isabella Oliver team

Estelle loves:

Grease- Now although I have many favourite films depending on my mood (comedy/romance/weepy/classic/musical) I find myself coming back to this again and again, I must have seen this film a thousand times in my life, yet every time I see it I love it just a little bit more.

I first watched this at the age of seven, quickly became obsessed with it and watched it every day for a year, I loved the cars, the clothes, the makeup, the scenery, the boys, I wanted to live in the make believe world of Rydell High.  For this reason I think it is probably the one film that stylistically has had the greatest effect on my life because as a result I became interested in the 1950’s as an era, now I am affectionately known as a ‘50’s throwback’ and live the lifestyle with the clothes, the makeup, the house, the car and even the boy!

Ania loves:

12 Angry Men- This is a black and white low budget movie that is limited to only one room where 12 men – as the title suggests- are in talks to determine a verdict on a poor, uneducated boy who is accused of killing his father. From the very beginning they are sure that the boy has committed the crime until one man votes ‘not guilty’ because of his reasonable doubt. The entire movie follows the story of this man as he persuades the other man to slowly reconsider their judgments.

Geoff loves:

True Romance

The music, the dialogue and the actors all contribute to making this film a cult favourite and soon-to-be classic! The famous scene of Dennis Hopper winding up Christopher Walker in the caravan is fantastic.

Henry (who couldn’t decide on just one film!) loves:

Ronin - Former US intelligence agent, Robert De Niro, tries to track down a mysterious package that is wanted by both the Irish and the Russians. Jean Reno, one of my favourite actors, and Natascha McElhone star in this exciting and credible action packed movie.

A Good Year – Based on a book by Peter Mayle (of A Year in Provence) Russell Crowe in an unusually delicate and sophisticated role plays a British investment broker who inherits his uncle’s chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle and a love interest played beautifully by Marion Cotillard.

Chocolat – A woman played by Juliette Binoche and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. Also stars Dame Judi Dench and a brilliant Alfred Molina – Johnny Depp also features.

Leon – Professional assassin Leon is played by Jean Reno, a great role for him to showcase his talent, reluctantly takes care of 12-year-old Mathilda, a neighbour whose parents are killed, and teaches her his trade.  The film brings with it high tension, surprises and an interesting twist.  You are on the edge of your seat when the curtain starts to fall…..!

Baukjen loves:

My favourite films are two that belong together: Jean de Florette followed by Manon des Sources. They are French drama films that take place in the Provence. It has a superb story and features some of my favourite actors: Gerard Depardieu, Daniel Auteil, Emmanuelle Béart and Yves Montand. A perfect (long) evening would be watching these one after the other curled up on the sofa with a big pot of tea. It really is a shame if you haven’t watched them, they are a really worth it.

Francesca loves:

Little Women- This coming-of-age story brings back childhood memories and I love it just as much now as I did the first time I watched it. Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, the film follows the story of four sisters living in New England during the civil war. The story centres around Jo (Winona Ryder), an aspiring writer who’s brave and outspoken nature captures the heart of her wealthy neighbour, Laurie (Christian Bale). It’s a feel-good film with touching moments.

Michelle loves:

Ocean’s Eleven-Where else can you find Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon in the same film? I love this film, not just for the eye candy, but for the wit and humour, as well as a great storyline that can be watched over and over.

Rosey loves:

Dirty Dancing- The reason I love this film is because it’s a classic and puts me in a really good mood. When I was about 10 I watched it every night for about three weeks and am still not sick of it. It’s always my go-to film if I’m feeling bored or lonely, and I’m guilty of always singing and dancing along. I haven’t persuaded my boyfriend to learn the routines with me yet though, but I’m working on it.

Anna loves:

Lord of The Rings – How can I not admire the beauty of my home country. New Zealand really is like that! It never fails to move me no matter how many times I watch it.

Sarah loves:

Casablanca- It’s got evil Nazis, the French Resistance, smugglers, an exotic location, dangerous underworld characters, an amoral anti-hero, an unapologetically corrupt police chief, and a tragic love story. I’m always charmed by the snappy dialogue and sense of humor even in the middle of a dark situation. Even people who haven’t seen the film would know the famous line, “Here’s looking at you kid”.

Anthony loves:

Amadeus- This film is about Mozart’s life. I like this movie a lot because within two hours you learn about the type of person he was and get a realization of how good his music actually is. On top of that, the acting (especially the main character) are cast brilliantly. It’s interesting and probably an easy and quick way to introduce this genius composer to the little kids who have never heard of him!

La’ Toya loves:

I’m a sucker for love so Love & Basketball has to be one of my favourite movies. It is written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.  The film is about two childhood friends who have a deep love for basketball and have big dreams of playing in the NBA when they grow up.  The film spans roughly across 13 years of their lives. They have a love-hate relationship with each other. They both eventually make it pro but Monica finds out that basketball is no longer fun without Quincy. Their paths cross again and they play for love in a final one-on-one game.

The post Films We Love by the Isabella Oliver team appeared first on Pregnancy Style.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, take inspiration from our favourite books below or if you’ve read something you just can’t put down, please let us know!

Love, the Isabella Oliver team

Ania Loves:
The Millennium Series by Steig Larsson

This series of bestselling novels was originally written in Swedish by the late Stieg Larsson. The series includes The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. What I love about them are the primary characters in the series, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Lisbeth is an extremely intelligent and eccentric woman in her twenties- a brilliant hacker with a photographic memory and poor social skills. Blomkvist is an investigative journalist with a history similar to Larsson’s.

Michael loves:
The Darwin Awards: Countdown to Extinction by Wendy Northcutt

I like this book because it tells the stories of how people have met their maker through the ‘interesting’ (silly) choices they have made. It makes me laugh!

Anna loves:
By The River Piedro I Sat and Wept by Paul Coelho

It is very poetic and mesmerising, along the lines of the ‘follow your heart’ theme Paul Coelho is known for. It covers fear and rejection, passion, love & courage….and it’s full of inspiration. He writes so beautifully that as the reader you kind of get transported to the character’s world. It was perfect for back seat reading through France and wiling away hours on the beaches of Spain and even better sitting at Venetian cafes along the canal!

Larysa loves:
Skellig by David Almond

It’s a beautiful story about a boy who moves house and discovers a man living in his shed. He is having a tough time at home as his mother is in hospital, so he is feeling very alone. He spends time getting to know this man, who seems very fragile and ill, and feeds him up to strength, bringing him his favorite Chinese takeaway. After a while, he discovers this man is actually not fully human, and realises that he has wings and he has in fact been helping to heal not a person, but an angel.

It’s a short story, but so lovely because its shows the simplest acts of kindness can really help make a difference to a person in their hour of need.

Sarah loves:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I like novels that are based in different places and from past eras. The 1920’s and the 1930’s are my favourites.

Joanna loves:
Shantaram by Gregory David Robert

Although the book had over 900 pages, I couldn’t put it down and after reading this I can’t wait to go to India. It’s amazing and mesmerizing first novel by Gregory Roberts, set in the underworld of contemporary Bombay.

Baukjen loves:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Addressing issues of race and injustice in 1930’s Alabama, this story is told by a young girl who recounts the story of the trial of man in her town who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. It is an intelligent and engrossing story which I first read when I was in my early teens and since then I try to read it every couple of years.

La’ Toya loves:
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

The book is authentic, vibrant, unpredictable and raw and I wasn’t able to put it down.

Estelle loves:
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

First published in 1932, it parodies romanticised ideals of rural life between the wars. The heroine – Flora Poste, is a 20 year old orphan who only has £100 a year to live on which ‘hardly keeps you in stockings and fans’ and unwilling to find herself employment, decides the only way is to live off of one of her relatives and decides on the Starkadders, of Cold Comfort Farm in rural Sussex. Who curiously call her ‘Robert Postes Child’ and vow to put the right the ‘wrong that my man did to your father’.

The farm is a ruin (this is blamed on a supposed ‘curse’) and inadequately run by the extended family, the figure head of which is Aunt Ada Doom, who has said to have been driven mad by seeing “something nasty in the woodshed” as a child.

Flora in her idealistic and spirited way drags the Starkadder family and the farm into the 20th century.

This wonderfully written book is subtle British humour at its best….

Francesca loves:
One Day by David Nicholls

Starting from the day of their graduation in 1988, this story follows the friendship of Emma and Dexter, visiting them on the same day each year for the next twenty years. A touching and very real will-they-won’t-they story, this novel is an absorbing page-turner that has the ability to make you laugh and cry. This novel is currently being adapted into a film but I urge you to read it first as you won’t want to put it down!

Daniel loves:

The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

I enjoyed reading this book as I like Bill Bryson’s writing style and hearing about his travels in various places around the world. This book is a witty insight to his childhood in 1950’s America.

Michelle loves:

The Book Thief by  Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany during WW2 it tells the story of a young orphaned girl and her relationship with her foster parents, the other residents of her very poor neighbourhood (in particular her best friend Rudy, the boy next door) and the Jewish fist fighter they hide in their basement. A very moving book, told through the eyes of the Grim Reaper (Death). It made me cry!!!!

The post Our favourite books by the Isabella Oliver team appeared first on Pregnancy Style.

We may all be eating pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday today but March 8th also marks the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This day is all about celebrating outstanding and inspiring women throughout history. In many countries this is a day where men follow a tradition of honouring the women in their lives with flowers and children give small gifts to their mothers.

Here, the Mayor of London has created an exhibition at City Hall that celebrates 40 women who have strong connections with London and who have made a significant contribution to their chosen area. The exhibition includes women from all spheres, from those involved in politics to fashion.

The exhibition runs at City Hall from 4-17 March 2011. Click here for more information on exhibition or here for the history of International Women’s Day.

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend I would recommend taking a look, I know I’ll be there. Chinese New Year actually takes place on Thursday 3rd February, but the London parade and dances happens a bit later, on Sunday 6th February.

For more information on the celebrations click here.

Ania X

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We wish them all the best for the big day next year and their future happiness together,

The Isabella Oliver Team

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