Yoanna Hanbury X Mums In Style

Recipes:

C: You are mother to four gorgeous girls and have just published your debut recipe book, congratulations! How do you strike the balance between work and motherhood?
Y: Thank you! Honestly, it’s a constant dance. Some days feel beautifully in sync, and others are pure chaos—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I try to involve the girls where I can, especially in the kitchen, and I make sure work fits around family rather than the other way round.

C: What inspired you to publish Cornelius’ Sweet Treat Recipe Collection?
Y: The book was born out of a need to find wholesome, allergy-friendly treats that my girls could enjoy without compromising on fun or flavour. It all began with meeting Clementina for lunch, telling her I would love to create a cook book with her illustrations. My daughter Catinka’s beloved teddy, Cornelius, was the perfect character to lead children through these recipes. I wanted to create something magical, comforting, and nourishing—all at once.

C: What are your children’s favourite recipes from the book?
Y: They’re obsessed with the marshmallows, jelly and the chocolate sweet potato cookies! But honestly, it changes weekly depending on their mood. The panna cotta is also a current favourite for an after-school treat in this lovely sunny weather!

C: Not only are your recipes delicious but they are also healthy and easy which will appeal to all parents. What are the healthy, alternative ingredients you have incorporated into your recipes?
Y: I use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, and banana instead of refined sugar. I also lean into gluten-free alternatives like tiger nut flour and dairy alternatives such as coconut milk. Everything is egg-free too, which helps a lot with common allergies.

Balance: 

C: Favourite way to unwind?
Y: A long walk with the dogs and horses, or a quiet bath with a book (if I can steal a moment of peace after the bedtime chaos!).

C: What's the one thing about Motherhood that no one ever told you?
Y: No one ever told me how much motherhood would change me. You don’t stay exactly the same—you grow, shift, and see the world differently. And the emotions can be a rollercoaster: love, joy, frustration, pride, exhaustion—all in the space of ten minutes. It’s a constant learning curve, but one filled with so much love.

C: What does your perfect evening look like?
Y: The girls in matching pyjamas, and everyone cuddled up together in bed for storytime—followed by some quiet time with my husband once the house finally settles.

Family Time: 

C: Favourite family activity?
Y: Baking together! It’s the heart of our home and always ends in laughter (and a lot of mess) as well as going for hacks with the girls and our horses. Last weekend we bumped into 20 fallow deer in the woods!

C: Favourite bedtime story?
Y: That’s a tricky question as there are so many good ones. Guess How Much I Love You— It’s a classic.

C: Favourite Spring activities? 
Y: Nature walks, playing with our foals, picnics in the field, and spotting the first bluebells—Spring feels like a fresh start, the world becomes alive again. It’s easily my favourite season.

Style: 

C: Do you think your style has changed since having children?
Y: Yes, it’s evolved to be more practical—but I still love pieces that feel elegant and timeless. I gravitate toward quality over quantity now.

C: What is your approach to transitional seasonal dressing? Both your own wardrobe and the children’s?
Y: I look for beautiful but comfortable pieces that can move with our busy lifestyle. For the girls, I love classic silhouettes with a playful twist—anything they can twirl in!

C: We love how you dress your girls and embrace special sibling style moments. What are staples for your children’s spring/summer wardrobes?
Y: Light cotton dresses, bloomers, sun hats, and soft cardigans for layering. I always choose breathable fabrics and timeless prints that can be passed down.

C: Go-to gift ideas for a new arrival?
Y: A lovely hand-knit blanket, a classic book like The Velveteen Rabbit, and a La Coqueta romper!

C: What are some of your favourite pieces from La Coqueta’s latest collection?
Y: The smocked dresses are always a favourite and so divine—especially in soft florals and pastels. I also love the traditional leather Mary Jane’s and cotton rompers for the littlest ones.

C: Three essentials you always have in your handbag?
Y: A natural lip balm, a snack (because someone is always hungry), and a hair brush (with 4 girls that is a must)!