Procrastination Mama

Anthropologie products for kids

2012-01-31T12:02:00.000Z

A quick trip at the weekend to the Kings Road store and these caught my eye.

Some great gifts for toddlers to teens.

The Owl Wallpaper was amazing and even if you don't buy anything it's just as fun to go and be dazzled by the styling!

Yes please...

2012-01-29T23:22:00.000Z

Baked Brie Popsicle.

Instructions via Joy the baker.

Zoo

2012-01-25T16:58:00.000Z

The twins were one. Happy Birthday boys! Off we went to the zoo.

Blogshopla

2012-01-24T21:20:00.000Z

...is coming to London and i have myself a spot.
Am i grinning ear to ear and giddy with excitement? Yes i am.

So i get to learn photoshop in 2 days from Bri Emery and Angela Kohler and hang out with some totally cool bloggers at the same time.
Yes aahhh.
Anyone joining me? Anyone taken this class before?

All images via blogshop. Find out more here. Or just go crazy and straight sign up for the London one here.

Monday LOVE

2012-01-23T17:49:00.000Z

Mini and Maximus

Polar bear cake

2012-01-22T21:39:00.000Z

Original idea taken from luna magazine

I made this on Boxing Day but i think it could be fun for any cold time of the year especially as a simple birthday cake. The original idea says to use a pre bought cheesecake but i think you can make this with any cake and the more homemade the better.

1. Make or buy your favourite cake ( i baked a light sponge)
2. Melt white chocolate and pour over greaseproof paper, then with a spatula thin out. Leave to set and dry in a cool place. Refrigerate if necessary.
3. Cover your cake in whipped cream.
4. Snap up the cooled and hardened white chocolate into iceberg shapes and stick to the whipped cream around the cake.
5. Dust the cake with edible glitter and add polar bear figures ( or penguins etc...) Mine were from Schleich.

Simple.

long or short?

2012-01-18T21:51:00.000Z

At the moment i am long. I am growing and it is getting loonng.
Somehow this one picture kind of rips my years of hair growing resolve...oh and that hair dyeing thing i thought i'd never go back to. Yep, ruined.

Heidi Hackemer/Six items or less Via Carousel.

Not saying i'm going to rush out and do this but i know somewhere the short is coming back. Sometime, someplace, maybe sooner than i thought.

FYI: That picture is so me. I'd need smaller boobs but the rest of it i'm loving minus a few pounds of baby shizz. One for the fridge!

Belle and Boo party

2012-01-18T11:19:00.000Z

Two birthday parties to organise in the next two months. Aren't these perfection? Think i'm going to keep this for Lola's 1st birthday. Never had a summer one to organise before!

Via Belle and Boo

Madonna eat your heart out

2012-01-12T14:25:00.000Z

Inspired

2012-01-11T11:09:00.000Z

I have decided. Envious really just means inspired for the positive happy person. Just as jealously really means admiration. On that note. Here's some things i am inspired by and admire.

home dsn

1 kind design

All via dwelling gawker

via pinterest

Envy is a terrible disease

2012-01-10T13:41:00.000Z

It is sickening. It is shallow. I need to get over it!

A lovely collection of Christmas presents did not help.

And neither did my little trip to a new friend's house today for an impromptu coffee. I smiled though i could of cried at the beauty of her period yet contemporary house. I melted in her kitchen/dining/living room. Nearly wet myself in her hallway and almost cried in her downstairs toilet....(cloakroom to all the posh people.) Her house was large, but it is never the size that appeals, more the style that gets you, don't you agree? I never saw upstairs. And i did not of course ask to take photos and publish them in my blog. Surely not on a first 'date'! Did i mention it was IMMACULATE and she has 2 kids.

My problem is that
a) I am a chameleon. I do not have just one style i like. I change my mind a lot. Though recently i have seen a new clarity that seems to come from listening to what i love in my heart and not to follow my head.
Why do i have cream shutters in my kitchen when i actually don't like the colour cream?
Well somehow i was convinced by someone else that white would look bad with the cream cabinets. But in actual fact my heart told me white and now in hindsight i think, well i could just paint the cabinets so that they matched!

b)i have an ever changing idea of what to do with my house. Mainly because i am always just trying to make do. We spent every penny on buying 'the' house and don't get me wrong. It's a wonderful house but it is just not my perfect style. So unless you have the funds to do the whole room makeover in one, room by room - new furniture, new window dressings, new floors etc... you constantly strive to make do, bit by bit, and doesn't always make for a cohesive look.

Any of this sound familiar. Anyone else with a small case of house envy?

I wonder if they therapy for this?

(ps. This is for light relief and self catharsis. There is no need to comment to tell me that living in the slums of India or some other poverty stricken place in the world would surely cure me. I am aware of this but reserve the right to post such flippant and frivolous rubbish anyway!)

First Christmas...

2011-12-30T23:59:00.000Z

A merry Christmas to you and a very happy new year

2011-12-30T20:19:00.000Z

last minute christmas gifts...

2011-12-24T02:01:00.000Z

when you only have a day left and no money left in the bank...

For the kids...

jet pack via pinnedit

For the adults in your life ...

A homemade gift voucher for

cuddles/kisses/

...something more?!

dinner cooked by you

A massage

A girls night in

with manicure/pedicure by you

A houseclean by you

An night of ironing for them

(Use your skills and imagination! )

Or if in doubt make them something edible (if you can cook!)

Still not finished wrapping. Might need a couple of these 'vouchers' myself.

Advent Calender for the non crafter!

2011-12-16T11:44:00.000Z

Surely a dog in mittens could make this? Simple is good.

Via nooshloves

Christmas to do list

2011-12-15T23:52:00.000Z

Cards to distant friends : tick

Tree up: tick

Nativity from last year out and already ~~bent and trashed~~ played with: tick

Happy Birthday to me

2011-12-13T12:57:00.000Z

Big fat 33.
Basically spent last weekend...

Image via Pinterest/ Urban Outfitters.

Fun. Fun. Fun.
(If you've heard of TOWIE...we had a 'The Only Way is Essex Party. Hilarious!)

19 days...

2011-12-07T00:08:00.000Z

I am totally miffed that the days are just evaporating before my eyes. I am miffed that i haven't finished buying presents, haven't started wrapping presents and have only just ordered mt christmas cards online. WHERE does time go?

Hence my absence. I will not bore you with a tirade of rubbish posts and instead have decided to make this month a crazy sporadic month at procrastination mama. Basically. I'll be around as much as this crazy life of mine allows over the next couple of weeks! Did i mention we are still to buy a tree and decorate?

On the plus side, I saw Kitty in her first ever play 'happy birthday Jesus' at school today. She was sat at the back of the stage and it was muchas amusing to watch her poke her eyelids, make crazy faces and randomly sing to entertain herself whilst the show was on. Guess she thought no one was really watching. Oh to be 4.

I love this time of year. I love the magic the excitement, the present finding, the smell of the tree but sometimes all the time it takes to go to all the christmas lunches, parties, drinks, fetes and plays, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking and look after the kids is seriously no walk in the park. Plus both Mr C and my birthday's thrown in and it's like you need an extra 5 days just to fit everything in!

Anyone know how to pull off a simple family christmas season?

xoxo

Yes please...

2011-11-29T00:06:00.000Z

Make all shoes superhero shoes at Smallfly. Now who wouldn't want to be a superhero?

Quicker than a sandwich: Make it

2011-11-25T00:43:00.001Z

Salad leaves, baby toms, beetroot, dressing

pan fried halloumi, 45 secs each side in a hot pan.

Quicker than a sandwich. Amazeballs.

Words

2011-11-24T23:26:00.000Z

word.

Via Heidi Claire Via pinterest

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:01:00.001Z

Hello to everyone celebrating Thanksgiving today.

We don't celebrate it, but then i think i'm a little ignorant because i'm not even 100% sure what it is, or where it came from. Is it a day to give thanks? If it is, i like it. And if we celebrated. I'd do it just like this.

Via here.

or maybe just play it cool and celebrate with a little of this

Via Live the Moment

Or go the total whole hog and get myself one of these!

A hot chocolate bar via norococo

How does your thanksgiving day go? I'm intrigued?! Presents/no presents...how do you celebrate?

Tracey xoxo

Cool rider

2011-11-21T10:47:00.001Z

These 1970's inspired trikes by LA Designer James Purse must be high on the shopping list for more than a few design conscious parents. But which colour?

Via here

I on the other hand would forget the kids and go straight for this ping pong beauty. Words cannot express how much i love a bit of ping pong every now and then. One rainy holiday to the Maldives and i was addicted!

Via James Purse

Random Acts of Kindness

2011-11-19T22:11:00.000Z

If you want to feel good about yourself, do something for someone else.

 kushandwisdom

I just came accross a link to this post. 35 Random acts of kindness to celebrate a 35th birthday. Her present was to see the best of her children and the joy these acts brought to others. An absolutely awesome list! I would definitely get a kick out of doing something like this.

My favourite is the change of a vending machine or a car park machine!

I on the other hand am getting ready to send my parcel of gifts for Christmas to the children at The Small Things Orphanage in Tanzania.

And at the moment i can't help but think that any spare money i had really belongs here. I have never even met any of these children but it is so hard not to feel a connection with them from the wonderful blog and lifesaving projects set up by the amazing Bekka Ross Russell. I have never before come across anywhere where your single donation however tiny goes directly to them with no middle people involved to take their cut. I have found her blog a lifechanging experience for me personally. If you have a dollar or a pound or even a Euro rattling around in your paypal account today why not donate it here? At the moment they are trying to save baby Peace. Your dollar could be the difference they need.

Go on do something wonderful today, whatever that random act of kindness may be!

FAVOURITE BLOG FRIDAY: DecoPeques

2011-11-18T00:28:00.002Z

If you love kids and design and just want to be inspired and don't care that you might not understand a word of it...then you'll probably want to check out this. DecoPeques. This is a teeny meeny tiny miniscule selection and they have SO much more fabness in many different categories.

All images via DecoPeques Ambientes que Inspiran

I have no words Wednesday: Slide me up baby

2011-11-16T12:00:00.000Z

Via Little Lovely/ via Love Life

Moodboard

2011-11-15T23:11:00.000Z

Loving my new moodboard inspired by Decor8's Blogging your way course.

Thinking of making some changes around the joint. What do you think?

Anything you love and wouldn't want to miss? Anything you wouldn't miss?

Don't be shy. Pretty please.

xoxo

Reading: I still love the real thing. Yes paper.

2011-11-14T23:53:00.000Z

Never usually buy Harpers Bazaar but this cover...oh the light!

Insane photography by Tom Munro and Styling by Cathy Kasterine

In love with this German family magazine Luna

And this German interiors magazine. Such a find from one of Mr C's trips!

Finally...Milk Decoration No.5

A sight for sore eyes.

This is why permanent markers and kids do not mix.

2011-11-07T14:22:00.000Z

Luckily these were whiteboard pens. Not half as much scrubbing required, but for them, still as much fun!

Favourite Blog Friday Interview: Peep My Style

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000Z

This post carries and time and jealousy warning. All i'm going to say is i have total blog crush and if you like it too, you will spend at least some of your day checking out her site. Claudia's style totally rocks out...and she's a pretty cool cat too.    

Hannah Blackmore Photography

Have you always had the same style or has it evolved as you got older?
  

My style has always been pretty similar but  has evolved over time - what i could afford 5 years ago is very  different to what i can afford now (or at least how much i am willing to  spend on things!). I used to be more trend driven, which i still am to a  point but i tend to spend more money on things i know i will still have  in 10 years time. i go through phases too, like i am totally having a  pink/minimal year at the moment but next year, who knows! I am also all  about editing, looking at my spaces and tweaking, taking away things  that aren't harmonious no matter how much i love them. my most favourite  thing to do is rearrange a room/vignette, it's so satisfying...

Having kids often means making some changes to  your environment. For your F.K (future kids!) What design/style/piece  could you not live without or give up?

That is such a good question! I have actually  gone through that scenario in my head, what will i have to give up when i  have kids? one of my closest girlfriends has a son (Tex) who loves to  pick up my things and got hold of my ceramic antler bowl which was a  goner! a chunk cracked off but i was able to glue it back together -  despite this i still have it out when kids are around. i really hope i  dont have to censor my style for kids, mind you i have been seeing some  kid friendly furniture that i am (in my head) incorporating into my  look. i think, if anything, the glass domes may have to go, and i may  have to scotchguard the louis chair!

 Who/What inspires you?

I get inspired by blogs (tabletonic, theselby, thecoveteur, jakandjil,  intothegloss, fffound, whowhatwear to name a few), magazines (US elle,  aust vogue, inside out, belle, real living, aust vogue living,  architectural digest and french vogue), peoples places, window shopping -  everything! there are a few shops that i go to that inspire me  everytime i walk through the doors, also my girlfriends are all very  creative and have great style which inspires me (hannah, alice and  zoie). i am obsessed with kelly wearstler - she is so incredible and  also martha stewart and carine roitfeld (just got her new book!)

The little glimpse i saw of your parents house  (above) looks totally modern and cool. Did you get any of your fashion/design  influence from them?

More and more as i am getting older and  maturing i appreciate mums style - when she was my age she did a design  course but kids got in the way of her making a career out of it. she has  a really great eye for making neutrals work and chooses really classic  pieces that stand the test of time. dad on the other hand is where i got  my penchant for everything old and junky, he is very sentimental and  has an great collection of 'vinatge stuff' (old typewriters, tins etc)  dad is also who i got my neat freak organised nature from, we are two  peas in a pod when it comes to tidying. 

If your home were on fire what three things  would you save? (People and animals not included. Let's just assume  you'd save them first!) 

oooh i love this question! well first would be  my mac because it has my massive image file and all my photos, then my  skull book by artist tai snaith that was custom for me from my brother  and his girlfriend, and thirdly my black giant day bag from balenciaga -  this bag has been EVERYWHERE with me over the last 5 years and just  gets better with age (can i also jam my hermes bangles i got from mum in  there?!)

 Visit the beautiful Claudia (Claud) at Peep my Style here. 

P.S All Photos taken by Claudia/Hannah although most of the above are actually taken by Hannah (Blackmore) her photographer  stylist friend who is also somewhat of a styling genius so while  you are on a roll you might want to clicky here too!

the hair update

2011-11-02T07:05:00.000Z

So Lauren was right and short is too high maintenance right now. Blunt bangs would make my nose look too big so a trim and a zhush up with colour it was...

Look how small my nose could look if only i chopped the end of in some freak lawnmower accident or something!

Can you see the (can't even see it /invisible to the naked eye) colour change to the ends? Nope? Well subtle is my middle name. ( well some might say?) Just look to where my finger is pointing and squint a bit. I'll have a few more and bit lighter next time!

Let's talk about Halloween

2011-11-01T22:34:00.001Z

We (here in England) just don't seem to get it right.

I look at all your cool photos of your amazing night of fun and frivolity and it occurs to me it's actually not about scaring the living daylights out of your kids. You are not even dressed in scary type costumes. It's just fancy dress.

Here, let's face it, it's not big. BUT the marketing dream rolls out it's selection of SCARY things to buy, mainly witches, bumpkins or skeletons or a whole array of masks.

The (really evil/nasty looking ) masks freak my kids out,

The scary witches cackles music freak my kids out,

And well anything halloweeny kinda freaks my kids out.

My friends 5 year old daughter has spent the past two nights having nightmares about being buried alive/buried in the ground after a halloween colouring session at school.

It does seem to involve a lot of kids jumping out of bushes and lots of eggs getting thrown.

I'm guessing we have it totally wrong.

How is it for you?

something that is too scary for the kids to enjoy OR
A total blast?

P.S.

Best Halloween Costumes, in fact, best fancy dress costumes ever...

Jolie/Pitt Family Via Girls Gone Child

Hair tomorrow

2011-11-01T00:29:00.000Z

My appointment will be slightly less relaxing with a 4 month old in check but hopefully she'll love hanging with the cool kids in the salon!

So i'm loving this

Via refinery 29

Malene birger model via pinterest

But so not convinced on the whole my hair + bangs issue?

Also adore this

Image of Emmanuelle Alt via Bodie and Fou

And this

Lily Aldridge via InStyle

Solimene Photography/WireImage

So really it's bangs vs no bangs and add colour or no colour...too many decisions!

Or i could just go back to this

Shannyn Sossamon Via CarrieBradshawmademedoit and pinterest

I know i'll only go back to short again one day anyway!

Just chillin'

2011-10-24T00:56:00.000+01:00

Photos taken by the amazing Louise Freeland.

It's half term this week from school/clubs/and that crazy rollercoaster of a hamster wheel called family life! Mr. C is working away so i mostly going to be chillin' with the crew. Going to try and shut off the trusty computer for a few days and enjoy. Catch up with you in a few days.

Feeling like you need a break...maybe you should do the same? I'm hoping it will be revitalising and revolutionary! Well maybe just a tad more relaxing. A bientôt!

FAVOURITE BLOG FRIDAY: rafa kids

2011-10-21T00:33:00.000+01:00

Agata's blog full of lots of things i love. Kids, design and the beauty of simple things. Go take a peek.

I just adore the diaries she writes for her sons.

How wonderful!

New shoes

2011-10-18T23:13:00.000+01:00

And new hair. Every girls dream...well mine anyway. I need a little sparkle pick me up. I am tired, life is busy, the house is messy, washing is everywhere, ironing is...oh wait. I don't iron! Still. The mess is draining me. Not sure where to start. Wish i could put on some sparkly shoes, do my hair and run around the garden instead. So much more fun.

Message to my kids. Word.

2011-10-18T00:08:00.001+01:00

Via Joe Felix

I definitely think this is one to poster up on your kids door as soon as they turn 13!

15 Weeks

2011-10-17T21:47:00.000+01:00

She is such a good baby. Lola, you rock!

I have no words Wednesday: Divine Bathing

2011-10-12T12:43:00.000+01:00

Anile and Christian's bathroom renovation (from a kitchen!) Via Lake Jane

Kids clothes

2011-10-11T21:30:00.000+01:00

As much as i love buying clothes for my kids i wish that sometimes i could just make them something totally rad and have some of their clothes designed and totally unique that i had made them instead. Not to mention how much cheaper it would be. This is one of those dresses.

Having read the instructions i am seriously thinking it could be time to give it go...how bad could it be? Worst case it might fit a teddy?!

Designed by Prudent Baby. Make your own by following their pattern here.

Apparently jersey is easy to work with! I'm in!...ooh now just the small matter of finding the time...

Baby K

2011-10-11T13:50:00.000+01:00

Loving the new range of Baby K by Myleene Klass. How rocking is this little denim shirt for boys?!

Baby K via Mothercare

Elle Decoration Winner

2011-10-09T23:07:00.000+01:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 2

Result: 2 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Kim...it's yours!  

Quote

2011-10-06T20:13:00.000+01:00

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me … Going to  bed at night saying we've done something wonderful … that's what matters  to me."

Steve Jobs

Wall Street Journal 1993

Simple Style

2011-10-06T13:04:00.000+01:00

Sometimes simple is enough.

Ikea Family Live via

SNAP! = Giveaway

2011-10-05T16:25:00.001+01:00

The best thing about Mr. C's trips with work are the presents he brings me back...namely magazines from other countries. This time he was in Germany but managed to get a bit confused and buy me a UK edition of Elle Decoration...which i already have a subscribers edition of.

Anywhoo...anyone fancy a UK edition of Elle Decoration? I have one spare!
Leave a comment and I'll pick one of you to post it to on Friday.
(if there is more than one comment!)

Mommy Faves

2011-10-04T22:16:00.000+01:00

If you missed my pick of favourites over at Stella and Henry 's Mommy Faves feature this week, go and check them out.

How awesome is that gorgeous cushion?!

Love is...

2011-10-04T12:28:00.000+01:00

someone who let's you eat the bigger chocolate souffle.

And someone who swaps their fillet steak (because it is perfectly cooked) with yours...(a bit too overdone) so that you get the perfect one.

We celebrated 6 years of wedded bliss and 3 mini Chalks this weekend.

One of them not so mini anymore as she managed to take this picture!

We went to the beach. It was hot. It is October. Unheard of!

Not quite successful with one king of tantrums who refused to set foot on the sand!

We enjoyed flying kites and eating ice cream anyway.

And in the balmy evening Mr C and I strolled down to a local eatery and leisurely dined in style, walked home with the stars and felt like we were actually on holiday with the heat of the evening air.

Happy happy days.

Lola's picture

2011-09-30T10:25:00.001+01:00

My dear friend Nikki bought this gorgeous gift for Lola

so we have been thinking about where to put it in her room.

Anyone else nervous of hanging pictures above a cot?

I have positioned the cot away from the shelf in case it fell and at the moment i put her feet to the other end to sleep. The canvas owl i pained is not at all heavy in case it fell down on her but i am always so cautious to put up glass and mirrors where they could fall on sleeping children!

DIY Tutu Fun

2011-09-28T20:36:00.000+01:00

So so loving this.

Make your own tutorial from the talented KristanLyn at Adelyn Stone.

i will not be photographed, but my dolls will

2011-09-26T00:15:00.002+01:00

River Island Boys and Girls

2011-09-23T13:49:00.000+01:00

River Island Boys and Girls. Tres cool.

My faves...

No i have not been burgled. This is my house...

2011-09-22T00:15:00.000+01:00

And despite a serious toy cull this seems to be how we live. Constantly dragging toys and 'play items' from one room to the next, then constantly tidying up toys. Toys in my bedroom, toys in the loo, heck toys in the pocket of my jeans! There's got to be a better way but i seem to have missed the OCD tidy gene. I know zillions of people have kids and not all of their houses look like this! I can name at least 5 people i could 'drop' in on and i know that at any given time their house would be beautifully clean and tidy. Damn it, I need that gene!

But in black and white at least the mess looks arty!

Yes please...

2011-09-20T23:11:00.000+01:00

Need this.

OK. Rephrase. Want this.

Claire Vivier Via Bodie and Fou

First full day at school

2011-09-19T22:33:00.000+01:00

My big baby is growing up way too quickly.

She is loving it.

Me on the other hand misses my little friend. For a four year old she's got pretty entertaining chat.

And some that makes my heart swell.

"When i die will you come with me?"

I wanted to say yes, of course i would.

"But everyone sees each other again in heaven anyway." I said.

Compared to death, the 'baby' questions were a walk in the park.

Random Home Snapshots

2011-09-14T22:41:00.001+01:00

Cake in the post

2011-09-14T13:53:00.000+01:00

This came for me today, in a box, in the post.

Oh and these too...

Cherry Cake, Chocolate Cake and Lemon Shortbread biscuits from Meg Rivers Artisan Bakery.

What a wonderful gift from some great friends of ours in Hong Kong. Such a fabulous idea. Find some amazing little bakery/shop in the country you need to send something to and get it sent directly there. Saves postage and taxes and is the best surprise!

10 Weeks

2011-09-13T23:13:00.002+01:00

10 weeks of being sisters. 10 weeks of loving. 10 weeks since she arrived, no longer an 'it', a bump, a thing about to happen. 10 magical weeks. Where has the time gone?

And how do they know to love each other so much? It's not pretend or attention seeking. She actually loves her new sister, really loves her, wants to hold her, be with her, sing to her. That bond i hope they will have forever. The one that puts tears in my eyes and a joy in my heart. That is another miracle in itself.

Haven of Rock

2011-09-13T08:23:00.000+01:00

An eclectic house for a rock lover. Comforting and Cool on equal levels.

Love it all...minus the giant hay fork.

Via Bo Bedre

Nudey Bums

2011-09-12T00:35:00.000+01:00

So tell me. At what point do they stop wanting to be naked?

Lola's Nursery ...in our dressing room!

2011-09-09T10:28:00.000+01:00

Amazing what you can fit into a tiny space.

Black and white basket - Ikea
Swallow mobile - Flensted
Grey Star blanket - Zara home kids
Love picture - Made by Girl
Shh! Owl picture - me!
Panda print &
You are so loved card - Jessica Gonacha

Leo the softie pin

2011-09-08T00:53:00.000+01:00

These softie pins are so darn cute! I know someone who would LOVE Leo!

Though Flossie is quite the charmer too!

Via Bikbik and Roro

Words

2011-09-08T00:23:00.000+01:00

Via

The Wheel of Responsibility iphone app

2011-09-07T21:39:00.000+01:00

Now Mr. C does actually pull his weight around this joint but i know plenty of husbands/partners/men who don't! This has got to be worth 69p from itunes.

I might get it just to see whose turn for emptying the bins!

Gone fishing

2011-09-06T23:20:00.000+01:00

The perfect weekend before school.

2011-09-02T01:35:00.001+01:00

We are off for a short break this weekend to have some fun before Kitty starts big school for the first time on Tuesday. I think there will be more than just me missing her around the place. Have a great weekend everyone!

Names...one little word...the rest of yor life!

2011-09-01T09:56:00.000+01:00

So you want to hear the ones we didn't pick?

I have to admit. This little babe was a toughie. I was sure she was a boy. I had some awesome boys names. I picked my favourite. That was it. Back of the net.

I had a girl...are you sure? Check again. Yep.

What are we going to call her? ...4 days later i was pressured into a decision. You cannot have an unnamed baby forever right? We chose. I love it. BUT...i was waiting for the perfect name. The one that maybe doesn't exist or that i haven't heard yet...a newborn baby and there i was trawling the internet for names...it wasn't easy.

Here's a few that i/we loved but weren't quite right.

GIRLS

Stella - can't put my finger on why this wasn't quite right?
Roxanne - Loved Roxy...this was a toss up.
Francesca - love Frankie, also for a boy. But don't like the idea that there could be a boy in the same class with the same name!
Silly but i felt the same about Reece/Reese.
Suki
Violet - Not so keen on Vi or Lettie
Viola - End of the day we preferred Lola
Delphine - Me love, Mr C...not so much!
Cecile - Cute but better said in French!
Cecily - Same
Camille - same
Anais - definitely better in French. A totally different pronouciation here.
...can you tell i love a little bit of French! (not so great in an Essex accent let me tell you!)

BOYS
Leon
Hugo
Rafael
Rafferty
Henry
Frankie/Frank
Jude

But nothing at all was more perfect for us than Felix.

A little, i mean tiny, miniscule part of me wants to have another baby just so we get to call him Felix.

This will like never happen, well never say never but i won't use it for any pets...just in case.

Lola wears Mini Rodini

2011-09-01T00:01:00.000+01:00

That panda motif gets me every time.

Bodysuit : Mini Rodini

Yes please...

2011-08-31T00:34:00.000+01:00

Coat love at Emerson Made. I'll have one of each please...

I know it's still meant to be summer here but it's getting cold around this joint! You never mind the cold quite so much when you have a rocking coat to wear.

Someone cut her own hair...

2011-08-30T23:04:00.000+01:00

Don't ask. I think it must be a rites of passage for little girls.

At home. One week before she starts school. Where you kinda need it tied back. She had a beautiful haircut. I had a colour. While the hairdresser washed off my colour, she played 'hairdresser' with the scissors. Oh dear. Another few trims later and it's bearable. Can just scrape it into bunches with a few clips holding up the short bits. Could be worse!

Well you can hardly be annoyed at a 4 year old over their hair. What kind of message would that give. You are only pretty/beautiful/nice or mummy's only happy when you have a certain hairstyle? She seems to be pleased with herself anyway.

Notice the difference?

Paul Smith Wallhangings

2011-08-30T20:46:00.005+01:00

Alphabet blocks needlepoint wallhangings by Paul Smith. Perfect heirloom for the nursery!

Via The Rug Company

iPhone Festival Snapshots

2011-08-25T05:59:00.001+01:00

V2011 Hylands Park, Essex, England

I have no words Wednesday: Birgitta Wolfgang Derjer's living room

2011-08-24T22:38:00.000+01:00

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejers home

Via Cherry Blossom

Superhero

2011-08-24T10:49:00.000+01:00

All you need is

a muslin cloth

imagination

No added sugar AW11

2011-08-22T22:13:00.000+01:00

No added sugar...born and bred in London.

Although it's still lovely and warm here, these Winter outfits are calling my name. Not that i'd actually fit into them of course! But it's fun to look when you have a baby, a boy and a girl.

Whatever you see it'll work on one of them!

FAVOURITE BLOG FRIDAY: Nooshloves

2011-08-19T00:02:00.000+01:00

Stylish fun ideas for kids = One big fat image fest. A kids room ideas, haven of style! Go pop in and say hi to Tina.

And if you want your own slice of Australian Nooshness go and see their stuff here. My favourites are these.

Hair and other stuff

2011-08-18T22:05:00.000+01:00

Her hair has started to fall out at the back where she lies in her moses basket. I saw a few hairs on her sheet today where her head rests. It's a sign of her growing up and moving to the next stage. I wonder if it will all fall out or turn to blonde like the others. And her smell, that smell of her hair so baby sweet. She's still got it.

I am so lucky to have her here and healthy. I have my fingers crossed for someone else i love to be this lucky very soon, to have this smell of their own to breathe and i know that it will happen. Fate unfortunately is not governed by time but be strong my friend. You have a few angels on your side.

And if you want to do something great today for others who may not have this in their life soon, because not everyone in the world has what we have... food, water and a roof over their heads, let alone a computer. You might want to go here or here, have a read and trade in your coffee, cake or magazine money today to help someone who needs it on a whole greater level.

Photos by Louise Freeland

Artist and Illustrator Lola Donoghue

2011-08-17T15:37:00.000+01:00

Saw these illustrations on current trends in the latest issue of Babekins magazine, (which by the way is their best EVER.) Aren't they divine?!

Lola ...(great name ;) is an Irish artist living in Galway. She also sells some her prints and work via Etsy, but i'd love to see some more children's work for sale.

Sass and Bide Eyewear

2011-08-15T09:17:00.000+01:00

Love these images from Harpers Bazaar
My favourite are these hexagonal honeys.

FAVOURITE BLOG FRIDAY: Lula Honey

2011-08-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

"A little bit French, a little bit vintage and a whole lotta of rock n roll."...What's not to love?
J'adore Lula Honey! If you like looking at pictures of cool kids, you probably will too.

And if you liked that you'll love her little concept shop.

Being updated at the moment so check back here later.

The Family

2011-08-11T00:01:00.002+01:00

Taken by the Awesomeness that is Louise Freeland. Having a friend who is so amazing with the lens makes me one lucky, happy girl.

I really need to nail it...

2011-08-10T16:37:00.001+01:00

Mine are in desperado need of attention, but a bit of polish would go amiss either. My no.1 thing to do on my list tonight. Some inspiration...

via

Via

via

Via

I have no words Wednesday: Leaves

2011-08-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

Snap!

2011-08-09T00:04:00.001+01:00

Remember this post about The Brand? Well i finally got my hands on some matching mini flounce tops for the girls amongst other items. I'm all over matching siblings! My sister and i were dressed similarly on a few occasions when we were young and i just love those pictures of us. Some of my friends hate it though...what do you think?

Ooh and if you get your new purchases gift wrapped it's even better! This was the most beautifully presented package with it's own mini rubber ducks included!

Can you tell Scandinavian Minimal have a sale on?!

Do you believe in love?

2011-08-08T23:13:00.000+01:00

Beauty like this is contagious so you've probably seen this before but i have to have this on record on my little space. To watch again, to show my kids. This is how you should feel when you get married...this is what love is.

nick+maria • england wedding from Paperback Weddings on Vimeo.

Thanks to Plush Palate for the find and to Paperback Weddings.

Black and White Swedish Home

2011-08-08T05:01:00.000+01:00

What i really love is how they have incorporated the black and white into all of the childrens spaces. It flows so effortlessly through each room of this home. Just sensational!

And the amazing storage and organisation! Love all the baskets. I recognise a few things from my own home too!

View the complete tour here. Found via the deliciously wonderful Pinterest.

The Ladybird Whisperer

2011-08-07T21:44:00.000+01:00

Kit: I've found hundreds of ladybirds...

Us: Where?

Kit: Here in my hands.

I think we are calling her the ladybird whisperer.

FAVOURITE BLOG FRIDAY: Kviddevitt

2011-08-05T22:48:00.000+01:00

A stunning Swedish blog by Elle focusing on children's fashion. Most of her images are from her 2 gorgeous children and their style, but also in general on fashion, design and life.
The images are beautiful. She has my idea of the perfect kids style.

Thanks Elle. You are gorgeous too!

But even more... thanks again Google translate. You rocketh my world!

Note to self: Hardly any pink. Remove from said child's wardrobe as she grows out of it try your hardest not to replace!

Slice of lemon with your drink?

2011-08-04T21:37:00.000+01:00

Loving the colours!

See here for the tutorial via The Purl Bee.

350,000 post it's looks a little something like this...

2011-08-04T00:23:00.000+01:00

Insanely simple. Insanely stunning.

Via and here...where you can also see how they made it and all the awesome designs inbetween!

I have no words Wednesday: Neon

2011-08-03T21:21:00.000+01:00

Via

via

Images all via pinterest unless direct source given.

Four whole weeks

2011-08-02T21:10:00.000+01:00

I love her hair, how it smells and how thick and soft it is.

That smell could bring a grown man to his knees.

And she has my nails too!

I don't know where the time has gone. I haven't taken nearly enough pictures.

Better write a birth post soon before i forget it all!

i LOVE maps AND watercolours

2011-08-01T22:24:00.000+01:00

Just ordered...

just died and gone to heaven.

Via poppyandpinecone at etsy.

Seb

2011-07-28T21:44:00.000+01:00

Loves his dad, wants to be just like him. Wants to hold his watch, his keys and listen to his music.

It starts early...good job he has someone great to look up to.

Lucky him.

Thank you!... Yes You!

2011-07-27T00:09:00.000+01:00

To all my readers and followers...

All Images Via

Yep...all 101 of you! You make my day. YOU ROCK!

For all those fellow bloggers, If you haven't done it so far make sure you stop and say hi with your blog address so i can check in with you too. xx

Tree of Magic Wonder!

2011-07-26T22:03:00.000+01:00

Remember my not so obsessive girl crush? Well how could i not show you what Heidi created for her daughters. A tree of magic wonder. So magical and what a great idea to have up all year round. Kids love having mini trees in their room and Christmas decorations over the festive season so why not a magic tree the rest of the year. Gorgeous!

Via Sass and Bide Blog

Julz Beresford's Sydney Home

2011-07-26T00:04:00.002+01:00

Remember i showed you some lovely prints by the Sydney stylist at Peachie Kids Art?

Well here's her gorgeous home too!

Via Real Living

Peachie Kids Art by Julz Beresford

2011-07-25T09:34:00.000+01:00

Loving these great limited edition prints from Sydney artist and stylist Julz Beresford.

Via Peachie Kids Art

Words to Share

2011-07-23T23:09:00.001+01:00

via

I find it impossible to imagine how it must feel to be a parent of one of those children on Utoya Island but i have to believe something beautiful will come of this somehow, somewhere, someday.

Today i give my heart to Norway

2011-07-23T15:18:00.000+01:00

via

It's Friday!

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000+01:00