Magazine back issues
- Published on Saturday, 02 April 2011 16:30
- Monica Costa
Click on the magazines’ images to download a PDF of all of the London Mums Magazine back issues.
Issue 31 Winter 2020/2021 
Phew! The pandemic has made us all reflect on our lives and hopefully act more mindfully towards ourselves, our loved ones and nature. As this dramatic year draws to a close, we need to keep positive. To help create more happiness around us, I interviewed star mumpreneur Fearne Cotton who founded a special Happy Place which spreads joy on a daily basis through inspirational podcasts and now an album featuring original songs. Enjoy our chat including her views on modern-day parenting and anecdotes from her family life.
Fearne’s concept is the same that inspired me to create the London Mums magazine and network with the aim to provide daily comfort and positivity to parents. Since I was a little girl I wanted to edit a newspaper of only good news and I can now say that I have managed to fulfil my dream.
During the quarantine we couldn’t have survived the loneliness without music, movies and art in general. Luckily, our film reporter Francesca Lombardo attended the Rome Film Fest and met Hollywood legend Edward Norton. Don’t miss insightful stories about his amazing career.
In a fun telephone chat, star dad comedian and genuinely qualified space expert Dara Ó Briain told me how to send a Tik Tok to Mars, how he felt inspired to write his latest children’s book Is Anybody Out There? and how to become a stand-up comedian.
If the lack of sunshine makes you feel blue, it’s probably time to escape. So, in this issue you’ll also find suggestions for happy destinations in Tuscany to get you in the festive mood.
Find out the trendiest gifts in Santa’s sack in the London Mums’ Christmas gift guide and shopping wish lists.
Issue 30 Summer/Autumn 2020
What a year! Little did I know that I would be spending four months locked at home during the Covid-19 pandemic when I produced the Spring magazine back in February. Self-isolating has taught me that real human relationships are vital to live well. Thanks to technology, I have managed to remotely interview very interesting people, though. You’ll agree that Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach and the world’s most beloved PE teacher has been crucial to keep us all fit and motivated during lockdown. I was delighted to virtually meet him. With his super approachable, friendly and affable demeanour he made me feel immediately at ease. Enjoy our chat including his views about parenting, his weaning book and his plans for the future.
During the quarantine we couldn’t have survived the loneliness without music, movies and art in general. Luckily, I virtually went behind the scenes of Think Like a Dog, a fast-paced family comedy in which anything seems paw-sible, with director and writer Gil Junger best known for 10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger. Don’t miss his exclusive anecdote about the iconic Australian actor.
In a fun zoom chat, single dad Simon Bartholomew, the undisputed Funk Guitar master and member of multi-platinum UK soul legends The Brand New Heavies, talked about single parenting, home-schooling during lockdown, and his new 30th Anniversary Funk EP going back to the band’s roots.
For mums with young children in need of a relaxing break after a tough year stuck at home, I’ve checked in the most welcoming locations in central Italy: Villa Pia in Umbria and La Radicata in Tuscany, where you can learn how to cook Italian dishes while enjoying la Dolce Vita.
Issue 29 Spring 2020
Holidays, holidays … My mental scrapbook is filled with the blue of the Italian sky, the white of a fresh and soft snowfall in the French Alps, the green of the Dutch countryside, the yellow of the saffron in a Valencian Paella. Can you tell I’m missing a holiday? Welcome to our travel issue.
If you are about to book a getaway for the summer, then plunge into these pages for a dose of escapism and inspiration. As an Italian, I have always unashamedly been an advocate of travels to Italy but I have a constant Wanderlust that takes me anywhere I can discover new places and cultures.
So, check out my trip to the Isère region, where social skiing meets city break. Resorts in the French Alps such as Grenoble, Vaujany and Les 2 Alpes are catering more and more for après-ski attractions, night-clubbing and premium shopping.
For a special holiday with kids, we take a look at Efteling Theme Park, The Netherlands’ World of Wonders, a destination with a storybook atmosphere, natural surroundings, thrilling rides and shows.
For mums with young children in need of a relaxing break, we explore the most welcoming villas in central Italy: Villa Pia in Umbria and La Radicata in Tuscany, where you can learn how to cook Italian dishes while enjoying la Dolce Vita.
My cover interview is with CBeebies TV presenter and star dad Nigel Clarke, who talks to us about bringing up babies in London, TV stardom, Dadvengers and the West End.
At the launch of Disney’s Frozen II, I recently enjoyed a chat with another super dad, Josh Gad, best known for voicing the affable snowman Olaf.
Issue 28 Winter 2019/2020 
While Britain tries to get a good Brexit deal, London Mums’ magazine presents a special edition dedicated to all things Quintessentially British. And what could be more British than Downton Abbey The Movie. I was delighted to meet the entire cast and filmmakers at the London press conference as well as to chat to creator Julian Fellowes and actor Hugh Bonneville. Tea at the Ritz London is a unique English tradition. I report about that and my recent chat with award-winning Royal Correspondent Robert Jobson who has written Our Royal Baby to mark the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten. Whether you believe in Brexit or not, London remains a vibrant European city. Here’s the proof: I am Italian and for the last 13 years I have been the front lady for the London Mums’ organisation created by and for mums and mumpreneurs based in London and beyond. I was honoured to be recently nominated by the Mayor Sadiq Khan as the ambassador for Italy at the ‘We Are All Londoners: Celebrating our European culture and communities’. Check the full memoir of that day in this edition.
My cover interview is with comedian and mother Olivia Lee, who has a British sense of humour. She shared with me her secrets on how to be a mindful mum and how not to lose her marbles. Her unique spin on mindfulness brings laughter and anger therapy together, to battle stress and the pressure of parenting for 21st century mums.
If the lack of sunshine makes you feel blue, it’s probably time to escape. So, in this issue you’ll find a guide to Valencia, the hidden gem in the Iberian Coast and the perfect destination for a family city break. And hopefully Christmas in Tuscany feature will get you in the festive mood.
Find out the trendiest gifts in Santa’s sack in the London Mums’ Christmas gift guide. For additional ideas check our London Mums’ dedicated site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions. Check also our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
Issue 27 Summer/Autumn 2019 
Welcome to our Summer and Autumn edition, a bumper look at fun travelling with and without kids as well as inspiring talents both from Hollywood and the West End. I love London. After 21 years spent here, I still find it the most surprising and exciting city in the world, but as the Summer approaches and the sun does not shine, I start feeling a bit blue. It’s time to escape a little. Escaping doesn’t just have to mean exotic locations and 10-hour plane journeys, so, with the Brexit deadline looming, I wanted to look a little closer to home with this issue: check out my guide to Amsterdam and Tuscany. If you need to get away, what are you waiting for?
The stars I have interviewed for this edition shine so much that they replenish us with enough vitamin D for the rest of the year. Hollywood legend Will Smith talks to me about his role as the Genie in Disney’s live-action Aladdin, Netflix sensation Alysia Reiner from Orange is the New Black opens up about her film Motherhood and her own views on parenting in a heart-warming interview and last but not least West End star & singer Cassidy Janson chats about her debut album Cassidy during a night out to celebrate my birthday backstage of musical The Man of La Mancha.
In this issue you’ll also find a few interesting health trends’ features including a chat with Dr Michael Mosley, the intermittent fasting guru, on reverse ageing as well as ideas for alternative plant cakes.
Issue 26 Spring 2019
Spring is in the air and the brighter days bring positive energy. My two interviewees are gorgeous and talented: global singing sensation mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins talks motherhood and her latest album ‘Guiding Light’ while mumpreneur and former Strictly winner Abbey Clancy shares her tips for achieving a work life balance with us.
The good weather makes me want to go out and on adventures. In my travel feature I take you to the gorgeous slopes of Alpe d’Huez in France which have been a very pleasant discovery and made fall in love with skiing again after 30 years (don’t you dare calculating my age!).
In this issue you’ll find a few interesting education features too. Schooling is a sensitive topic, after all. Ranulph Tees tells why tutoring can be a force for good if done right while Stella Bataille explores the challenges of raising a bilingual child even if you can’t speak the language yourself.
London Mums’ first aid contributor Emma Hammett explains what it means for our kids having first aid training as a mandatory part of the curriculum in UK schools.
Last but not least London Mums’ globetrotting reporter Rita Kobrak shares her favourite Italian recipes inspired by her life at Villa Radicata in Tuscany with us.
The London Mums’ shopping pages are crammed full of ideas for new games inspired by Toy Fair as well as toys and gifts for kids and parents. For additional gift ideas check our London Mums’ dedicated site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions. Check also our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
Autumn and Winter might bring dark days but my interviewees will bring light and sparkle to your life. Alesha Dixon with her Lightning Girl book is a ray of sunshine, not to mention Hollywood heartthrob Andy Garcia and iconic 80s pop singer Paul Young. They all inspired me with their tremendous talents and kindness.
In a heart-warming and funny interview Alesha Dixon opens her heart about motherhood, her first laugh-out-loud superhero novel, female role models, guilty pleasures and a few BGT behind the scenes stories.
Andy García talks about his role as Fernando in the Mamma Mia sequel and shares a few Cher gossips.
Everyone’s favourite 80’s crooner Paul Young talks to me for the second time about his album No Parlez, a revival of his music career, the 80s and, of course, his new passion for cooking. You’ll fall in love with him too! You can watch this and all my other interviews on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
Last but not least London Mums’ globetrotting reporter Rita Kobrak gives us tips to visit Tuscany with the children.
The London Mums’ shopping pages are crammed full of Christmas gifts for kids and parents from toys to books. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
The mums I have interviewed for this issue have done extraordinary things in their lives. Their stories are inspiring and positive. I don’t often interview the same people twice, but I have made an exception for Sophie Kinsella who holds a special place in my readers’ hearts for making us laugh with her bestsellers, including the hugely popular Shopaholic series as well as a sweet and funny new children’s series called Mummy Fairy and Me. Hippychick founder and mumpreneur Julia Minchin reveals her secret path to success by building a popular brand. In conversation with London Mumpreneur and founder of the Honest Mum blog and brand Vicki Psarias, she talked about her first book Mumboss and the challenges of building a successful mummy blogger business.
Mum and Chef Rachel Allen takes us to a culinary trip to Italy with her yummy recipes while our globetrotting reporter Rita Kobrak gives us tips for Summer and Autumn Food festivals in Tuscany for all the family.
Talking about Italy, I have caught up with international music icon Zucchero who opened up about his lifelong love for blues and his collaborations with the biggest pop and opera stars of our generation. You can watch this and all my other interviews on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
In my travel feature I tell all about my latest trip to Ibiza San Eulalia where I experienced the Family Moments, an initiative aiming to bring more families to the quietest and possibly the most beautiful part of Ibiza. Last but not least, photographer Aida Llanos and I went to Notting Hill for a special urban photo shoot.
Issue 23 Spring 2018 
This year’s first issue includes stories that focus, one way or another, on the most meaningful things in life. How we approach ourselves to diversity in our society, how we teach our children to face the difficulties life throws at us with mindfulness, how we carve our space in the world without fear of not conforming to stereotypes are some of the topics I discussed with three of the most inspiring actresses of our generation: Julia Roberts, Sally Phillips and Kelly Macdonald. With both Julia Roberts and Sally Phillips I talked about issues of disability and diversity while discussing their latest family movies Wonder and Ferdinand. Scottish star mum Kelly MacDonald opens up about her bedtime stories and her role as nanny to Christopher Robin, the boy who inspired the Winnie the Pooh books. You can watch all my interviews on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums In conversation with London Mumpreneur and founder of First Aid for Life Emma Hammett, she revealed the importance of learning first aid to save lives. Last but not least, our globetrotting reporter Rita Kobrak gives us tips on how to travel with baby and shows us how to enjoy La Dolce Vita in sunny Tuscany in two special travel features. Finally, as always at the beginning of a new year, I highlight toy trends for parents who want a hint of what will turn out be the new craze in the world of play.
The London Mums’ shopping pages are crammed full of all things trendy, playful and fun from toys to gadgets. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
Issue 22 Winter 2017-2018
For this Christmas issue I have interviewed some of the loveliest people in the world: Charlie & Lola author Lauren Child and Wimpy Kid’s writer Jeff Kinney, as well as Hollywood legends Dennis Quaid and Lisa Kudrow. In an exclusive chat Lauren Child told me all about her favourite doggies and her daily challenges parenting her adopted daughter Tuesday. I talked about dogs also with Hollywood legend Dennis Quaid who took five minutes off his busy schedule to tell me a few behind-the-scenes gossips from his emotional movie A Dog’s Purpose. To keep up the good spirit I could not find a better person than comedian Lisa Kudrow, star in sitcom Friends and more recently The Boss Baby. She spoke about voicing the boss baby’s mum in this hilarious animation. And because it’s good to laugh out loud, I met Wimpy Kid’s author Jeff Kinney when he was in town to promote the funniest family film of the year, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul. You can watch this interview on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums In conversation with London Mum & star author Alice Tait, who designed our logo for the past three issues, she revealed how the British Capital inspires her stories and illustrations. In the lead up to Christmas, I love staying indoor except for when I join my ladies’ football team for training to prepare for our Sunday League matches. And believe me, if I can do it, every mum can too. Read a letter from the lady behind the best Ladies Football League in London, Jo Farmer, for true inspiration. Last but not least, you can find out why I had the time of my life during my week in Tuscany last Summer in my special travel feature.
The London Mums’ Christmas shopping pages are crammed full of all things trendy, playful and fun from toys to gadgets. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
Issue 21 Summer – Autumn 2017
This London Mums Summer-Autumn 2017 magazine issue celebrates 10 years since the foundation of the London Mums’ organisation including interviews with inspiring mumpreneurs and stars. For the next three issues guest illustrator and celebrity author Alice Tait has designed a new logo inspired by the character from her latest picture book No, Nancy, No.
And who better than star mum and Hollywood royalty Reese Whiterspoon to make us all happy in our special chat about her role as yummy mummy Rosita in the animation Sing. I could not miss the opportunity to interview Sing writer and director Garth Jennings who reveals more exclusive behind-the-scenes gossips from this masterpiece by Illumination/Universal (the same filmmakers behind Despicable Me 3 out soon). Former tennis champion and London mum Annabel Croft tells me her predictions about Wimbledon 2017, her views on fashion on the tennis court, how to deal with teenagers and her tips to be successful in sport.
Check out more celebrity interviews on our dedicated YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums including a recent one with handsome British actor Luke Roberts as well as US author Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid).
Last but not least, you can find out the latest Summer essentials in the London Mums’ shopping pages filled with lots of inspiration for trendy toys, games, party supplies, travel and camping essentials. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated attractions’ site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
Issue 20 Spring 2017
This London Mums Spring 2017 magazine issue is a happy one. Spring is in the air and who better than Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick talking about their Trolls and 80’s Disco music to make us all happy and positive after a gloomy 2016. In my exclusive interview they tell me a few behind-the-scenes gossips from their latest roles in Dreamworks’ animation comedy Trolls. Nicole Scherzinger, the stars and filmmakers from Disney’s Moana reveal lots of anecdotes from a movie destined to become a classic Disney animation. To be in tune with our 80’s theme iconic pop icon Paul Young talks about the Magic 80s & bringing his stretchy pants back for his 80s Invasion Tour 2017. Check out details of London Mums’ relaxing trip to Tuscany week commencing 19 June 2017 and how you can join too. Don’t miss out Travel with kids feature on fun activity holidays in stunning Tuscany for all the family.
Read all about Baby Swimming and why water confidence is essential for babies and toddlers. Last but not least, you can find out the hottest Toy Trends for 2017 in my report from the London Toy Fair. You can watch all the interviews our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
The London Mums’ shopping pages are filled with lots of inspiration for baby essentials, toys, trendy gifts and films. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated attractions’ site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
Issue 19 Winter 2016-2017
This London Mums Winter 2016-2017 magazine issue is a special one for our team as we feature an exclusive interview with Britain’s most beloved Dad, Bear Grylls, in which he tells us all about his parenting skills and a few behind-the-scenes gossips from his adventures.
In the lead up to Christmas, Bake Off star and super London mum Nadiya Hussein gives us tips for alternative festive cakes and opens up about family, her new career, the Queen’s cake and her latest book Bake Me A Story, a unique hybrid of children’s recipe and storybook aimed at bringing families into the kitchen to spend time sharing stories and cooking. Film Director Mira Nair talks about her latest flick Disney’s Queen of Katwe that tells the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. You can watch this interview our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/londonmums
Scottish TV presenter Carol Smillie speaks about her latest entrepreneurial venture, the Diary Dolls, a pioneering range of pretty clever underwear for young women who might be worried about heavy periods whilst at school, playing sport and sleepovers.
In conversation with Francesca Lombardo, author of Beatrice and the Bus, we discuss her educational children’s books aimed at helping young people overcome urban isolation and enjoy living in this wonderful melting pot. Her series ‘Beatrice and the London Bus’ was voted by London Mums as the ultimate kids’ novels based in London. UK’s most trusted GP Dr Anshumen Bhagat tackles children’s problems with allergies in our popular Ask the Doctor’s section. Last but not least, you can find out why we believe that Nadia Ivanova is a Fashion brand to watch in 2017. The London Mums’ Christmas shopping pages are filled with lots of inspiration for trendy gifts, toys and films. For additional gift ideas check out London Mums’ dedicated attractions’ site http://londonmumsmagazine.entstix.com where you can get up to 60% off tickets for West End shows and lots of London attractions.
Issue 18 Summer – Autumn 2016
This London Mums Summer – Autumn magazine issue is dedicated to Hollywood stars! We are excited and honoured to have two of the world’s most talented artists, Johnny Depp and Jon Favreau, who discuss their latest film roles.
We have also caught up with Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington who explained us why she prefers motherhood to sport competitions.
Issue 17 Spring 2016
This London Mums Spring magazine issue is dedicated to talent! Our cover interviews are with two very talented female artists, Amanda Holden and Kimberly Wyatt who discuss their work commitments, family and a few other gossips. Amanda is truly hilarious and incredibly familiar. Talking to her about her kids, toys, dogs and Britain’s Got Talent, feels like having a chat with your best mate. Former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt talks about how she helps girls get active and motherhood. There’s no better place than Disney to talk about talent in action and I went behind the scenes of new animal talking comedy adventure Zootropolis with film directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore. Talent is abundant in Star Chef Gennaro Contaldo’s cooking. In this interview, he reveals his top pasta tips and his favourite dishes. Dog loving talent, TV Star and London Dad Ben Fogle opens his heart on his love for Labradors and his children. The London Mums shopping pages are filled with lots of inspiration if you want to upgrade your Spring wardrobe, if you are looking for affordable items to entertain kids over Easter and trendy toys.
Issue 16 Winter 2015 / 2016
This London Mums Winter / Christmas magazine issue is dedicated to all Shopaholics out there and what better way of do it then with an exclusive chat with Mrs Shopaholic in person Sophie Kinsella, author of the chick-lit Shopaholic novels. For the first time we also have a Star Dad on the front cover, Popstar and Strictly Come Dancing revelation Peter Andre. They both bring glitz and glam to our special double cover issue. We could not choose between Sophie and Peter for the cover so we have placed them on the cover back-to-back.
Other magazine highlights include film critic Freda Cooper’s reviews of the family movies for this Christmas, an insight in the new Bratz dolls and lots of Christmas Gift pages filled with lots of Shopaholic inspiration for your seasonal shopping and beyond. Shopaholics also take a trip to Italy and show you how to enjoy La Dolce Vita. But London Mums also do serious stuff and to prove it to you our child reporter Diego and I took a first aid course and reported back on how it all went.
Enjoy reading our Shopaholic issue as much as we have enjoyed making it!
Issue 15 Summer / Autumn 2015
The London Mums Summer magazine issue is dedicated to children and to inspirational children’s books’ authors including Cbeebies’ presenter and writer Cerrie Burnell and Tom Gates series’ author Liz Pichon. Other magazine highlights include film critic Freda Cooper’s interview with rising movie child Star Raffey Cassidy, parenting expert DR MIRIAM STOPPARD Agony Aunt column and Dr Adam Fox’s article on how to fight allergies this Summer. Last but not least, you will love my five-minute chat with glam pop star and footballer’s wife Louise Redknapp who told me her secrets to family happiness and eternal beauty.
Issue 14 Spring 2015
Exclusive interviews with Glam Model and Mumpreneur Caprice, Aliens Love Underpants bestselling and award-winning duo Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, Cbeebies star Justin Fletcher, Dr Pierre Dukan and Dr Miriam Stoppard.
Issue 13 Winter 2014 / 2015
Exclusive interviews with The Apprentice Star Mumpreneur Karren Brady, Illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, Celebrity Chef Aldo Zilli, The Great British Bake Off star mum Cat Dresser, TV Dr Ellie Cannon.
Issue 12 Summer / Autumn 2014
Exclusive interviews with TV Dr Ellie Cannon, Horrid Henry’s author Francesca Simon, TV and radio presenter Jamie Theakston, TV Super Mums Konnie Huq and Katie Hill.
Issue 11 Spring 2014
Exclusive interviews with British TV star Holly Matthews, Iconic baby photographer Anne Geddes and new children’s author Sally Green.
Issue 10 Winter 2013 / 2014
Exclusive interviews with Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher, Strictly Come Dancing star and Rugby champion Ben Cohen, actress Tamzin Outhwaite and former Apprentice Winner Tom Pellereau.
Issue 9 Summer / Autumn 2013
Exclusive interviews with Cherry Healey, Miriam Stoppard and the Creators of Abney and Teal.
Issue 8 Spring 2013
Exclusive interviews with Zoe Ball, Johnny Ball, Jools Oliver and Amanda Lamb.
Issue 7 Winter 2012 /2013
Exclusive interviews with Jenny Falconer, James Cracknell, Arlene Phillips and Lowri Turner.
Issue 6 Summer / Autumn 2012
Exclusive interviews with Myleene Klass, Denise Lewis, Sarah Beeny, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Jo Frost.
Issue 5 Winter 2011 / Spring 2012
Exclusive interviews with Davina McCall, Gail Porter, Patsy Kensit, Natasha Kaplinsky, Jo Frost.
Issue 4 Summer / Autumn 2011
Exclusive interview with Melinda Messenger
Celebrity Mumpreneurs Annabel Karmel and Nicky Hambleton-Jones
Issue 5 Winter 2011 / Spring 2012
Exclusive interview with dancing star and Mumpreneur Karen Hardy
How to Make children’s dreams come true
Laila Rouass gives up her heels to Save the Children
Issue 2 Summer / Autumn 2010
Issue 2 – Summer / Autumn 2010
Issue 1 Winter 2009 / Spring 2010
