Taking To The Hills....

I couldn't visit Italy without making plans with my gorgeous friend Michela.  

We usually meet in Venice and then our families share a meal at a restaurant, this year, because we drove and had the car available we were able to go further afield.

Michela's Parents suggested we take a trip to the Dolomites for an explore and a meal, this also had the bonus of getting out of the unbearable heat at the coast!

After meeting up along the way we stopped for a drink and a leg stretch just before we started climbing.

 

  

after a further drive, and I'm ashamed to say a bout of car sickness on the twisty roads!
 Sophie was treated to her first ride in a cable car, she enjoyed herself so much she is now obsessed with cable cars!!

A mere 1879 meters, to farmhouse for a regionally typical meal of Sausage, melted cheese and polenta!

Please pop over to Michela's post to see the amazing food we ate (Michela is much better at taking pictures than me!)

The views were breathtaking as you can see for yourself!

 

 

 

Such a beautiful town too, James and I decided that it would be lovely to spend a few days here!

We had a lovely time and would like to thank Michela and her family for sharing such a beautiful place with us!

Lots of Love xxxx

Holiday Snaps!

I feel like there is so much to catch up on, rather than write post after post I thought I'd share some of my favourite snaps from our Italian holiday, I hope I don't bore you too much!!!

We were also lucky enough to take several amazing trips which I will post about separately.

I'm off to catch up on some of my missed reading, I hope I can read about what you all did over the summer!!

Lots of Love xxxx

Home Sweet Home.....

Welcome to our new home!

In the middle of May James sent me a link to a website about some new houses being built in our area.  

We decided it wouldn't hurt to have a look, just a look mind!

We moved here at the end of June (2 days after loosing Angel and 1 week before our holiday!) and despite the events surrounding the move felt at home immediately!

We still have boxes around but things are coming together slowly, we have had some work done to get water and increased electric out to our garage to enable us to use my American style washer and dryer and had the loft space boarded out.

The foundations now complete we are looking forward to creating our family home together, I hope you will join me in the journey!

Lots of Love xxxx

Too Beautiful For Earth...

The past 3 months have passed by in a second yet it seems like forever since I have visited my little blog. Much has happened in this time, both happy, sad, good and bad and it is the sad and bad that have dragged out my return. I like my blog to be a happy place full of pretties, family and fun and have been lucky that for the past 3 years my life has been blessed beyond my wildest dreams with a wonderful Husband and together the greatest gift of all, our beautiful Daughter.

It is because of this that I have thought long and hard about whether or not to write this post, and if I did write it should I press the 'post' button. Is your blog the right place to share your sadness, heartbreak or should I keep my private thoughts just that, private?

In the past I have received great comfort during hard times and love during the good and hope I have been able to offer the same to others, so with that in mind I'll continue.

On the 25th of May we discovered we were expecting out second little miracle, we were happy at the prospect of a brother or sister for Sophie and over the moon at the thought of being parents for a second time. Our happines was to be short lived when, at ten weeks we lost our angel. It's been as long again since that day but it has become clear that the tears are going to continue a little while longer and, while I'm sure the feelings of loss will become less painful, for now I am still mourning for our lost baby.

I hope you understand that I can't disregard our loss with a breezy shopping post, I can't pretend our baby never existed, I can't pretend the loss hasn't changed me but equally I know I need to move on and say my goodbyes. I suppose this is part of that process so I hope you forgive me a sad post as I find the way back to my happy place

Lots of Love

Under Lock And Key

Following on from my last post about the gorgeousness that are Fossil handbags I thought I'd share the genius valet keyring I also bagged!

One keyring...............

Turns into 2!

 So I can carry all my keys on me but keep the ones I use everyday seperate from the ones I don't.

This has the added bonus of making my keys far less interesting to a certain little lady!  Unfortunately it just meant she has had to find something else to chew on!

Have a lovely weekend!

Lots of Love xxxx

Fossil Collector..............

No, I've not taken an interest in paleontology!!

I am, however, loving the amazing Fossil handbags and accessories I bought in Florida!

After a long time using only a nappy bag to carry my belongings I decided to treat myself to a new 'everyday' bag while on holiday. After popping into a Fossil outlet store and being impressed at the quality of the leather and all the useful compartments and pockets Incorporated in the designs I went completely mad and bought everything in sight indulged in a few little purchases.

2 smaller sized handbags, 2pouches, a wristlet, a purse and an amazing new everyday handbag!

Better still I popped into a Fossil shop during a recent trip to Westfield Stratford and found that I had paid far less for the items in the US (with outlet discount and exchange rate) even the bag I bought full price was the same in pounds as I'd paid in Dollars!  

Bargain!!!

Whats the best bargain you have ever had?

Lots of Love xxxx

Living Doll!

Having seen her on several blogs and being sent an e mail link by Victoria I had my heart set on buying a Pottery Barn Kids Sophie doll for my little princess when we visited Florida.

That's her in the middle!

Sadly Sophie was not enamoured with her namesake, refusing to have it anywhere near her!

Sophie prefers 'Spot Splatter Splash'

A quirky looking 'Lala Loopsy' doll with button eyes and paint splattered clothes!

Typical for our little girl!!

I like both but would have to agree with Sophie

Which do you prefer?

Lots of Love xxxx

Florida............

As promised some of our Holiday snaps!

Just a few while I work out why some are missing from my camera! (Or I'm just going to have to go back!!)

Green Beer on St Patricks day

 And Sophie's first park.......Sea World!

 

 

 

 

 

 A great start!

Lots of Love xxxx

Victory..............

While I gather my thoughts (and photos) from Florida I thought I'd share a picture my 'victory roll' hairstyle for the 40's party I attended!

I watched a tutorial on line and this was my second attempt.  I was really pleased with the result and it was really comfortable and felt really feminine, next time I'd curl the back but I didn't have lots of time to get ready!

I had a great time and was fascinated by the clothes and hairstyles some of the ladies wore, I have been invited to another event in May and can't wait to go!

Lots of Love xxxx

Brilliant Break!

Surely It's not been a month since I last posted?

Thank you to everyone who has e mailed to ask after us.  I really appreciate it and, of course, it's lovely to be missed!

We have just returned from a fantastic family holiday in sunny Florida! we had a lovely time and I can't wait to share some photos and, more importantly, the results of lots of lovely shopping!

for the time being we are recovering from our action packed fortnight, although some of us are more tired than others!

While she catches up on some sleep I'm going to catch up on your beautiful blogs!

Lots of Love xxxx

I Want That One!

Sophie never fails to make us laugh at the fact she knows exactly what she wants and how to communicate it to us.  On a visit to Cath Kidston to choose a new pillowcase for her bedroom she didn't hesitate to point at the one she liked, nodding when I asked her if that was the one she wanted.  

Just to make sure I showed her another (less pretty) one at which she pulled a face, shook her head and pointed again!

As usual she got what she wanted!

I think it looks great!

Good choice Sophie!!!

Lots of Love xxxx

Better Late Than Never....The winner!

As I am late in announcing the winner of Thursday's giveaway I've decided to allow all of the entries to be included, luckily for Scarlett @ Scarlett Loves Elvis, who the random number generator chose!

 Get in touch so I can send your prize!

Lots of Love xxxx

Flash Giveaway!

I spotted this tea towel in Primark and had to pick one up to give away!

To join in leave a comment telling me what your favourite cupcake flavour is! 

Be quick though, this is a one day 'flash giveaway'!  Winner announced tomorrow!!

Good Luck!

Lots of Love xxxx

Primark Chic

Loving Primarks range of cute homeware (check out that lovely bike cushion!) I was restrained and just bought a pink spotted fleece blanket for Sophie's room which goes perfectly with her pink spotty CK pillowcase!

What's your favourite?

Lots of Love xxxx

Loving the Earth...............

These 100% biodegradable shower gels from The Body Shop are on half price at £2:50 at the moment.
I got the Apricot and Basil and it smells great!
Perfect for my work shower bag!

Lots of Love xxxx

Retail Therapy............

I was feeling sorry for myself for having to work at the weekend and missing my little princess, who was ill with Scarlatina, and had cried when mummy had to go to work! (the guilt!) 

I took a wander into Convent Garden to clear the cobwebs! 

Treated myself to this little beauty............

A snip at £9 in the sale!  

Quite often we can get pretty dirty if we have to go out on a job at work, there are shower facilities to clean up but usually I just make do with a wash up and shower at home.  Now, with Sophie at home, I think it makes more sense to wash the railway off me before she wants cuddles!

This is perfect for storing all the bit's I will need (and the girlieness with stop the boys nicking it!!)

Lots of Love xxxx

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Have fun with your loved ones today!!

Lots of Love xxxx

Wise Words.........

Lots of Love xxxx

Giveaway news!

Pop over to Kelly's Clutter for the chance to win a copy of this!

 Good Luck

Lots of Love xxxx

GOSH..........

Its a place that everyone knows about but every parent hopes they never have cause to visit!

The Hospital for Sick Children first opened it doors at 49 Great Ormond Street on Valentine's Day 1852 with 10 beds.  Today It is considerably bigger but continues to help families of sick children by saving young lives, developing new treatments and offering special care to 192,000 children every year.

I was admitted in 1985 with acute kidney failure, the staff and treatment there saved my life and I have never forgotten how lucky I am to be here and the place and people I have to thank for that (you will never forget the name of the person who keeps your heart beating with their hands!)

This week I had cause to return when my friend's Son was admitted suffering from septic arthritis.  He is one of a pair of twins so as well as being in a strange place he, and his Brother, have had to be separated for the first time.

Luckily I work only 10 minutes away so have been able to visit and ferry bits backwards and forwards from home to hospital, dry tears and provide Starbucks.

Its been an emotional time, both returning to the hospital and seeing it through the eyes of an adult and parent and in seeing one of Sophie's playmates in a hospital bed.

Max seems to be responding well but it will take a while for him to recover, he is a brave, sweet little boy and I'd like to ask all of my bloggy pals to send some love his way!

Lots of Love xxxx

I'm Happy!

I love the Happyland toys from the Early Learning Centre!

Sophie spends many a happy hour destroying playing with our vast collection of vehicles, farms and houses (and I can have a play when she is in bed!) 

My fave is the royal wedding set though!  

 Don't you think the queen of Happyland looks very familliar?

Lots of Love xxxx

Pots of Ideas............

I'm loving these pretty storage tins from Ikea a snip at just £3.29 for the set of 3!  They look so pretty in Sophie's new bedroom. (pop over to Kelly's Clutter today to see my progress!)  Perfect for hiding the not so pretty, but essential, 'bits' that come with babies!

Also in Sophie's room is a thrifted find from our local CS.  I love these glass containers and have set it to work housing cotton wool pads (rather than just leaving the pack on the side!)

 

 The little Star decoration was a present from my friend's 3 year old.  Apparently she saw them at a craft fair and had placed her order before her mum caught up with her!  I love it and she was very proud to see her gift being shown off!

I saw this idea for storing cupcake cases over at Gem's Country Life Dream and threatened to steal it from her!

 I'm so pleased I followed through with my threat as the cases fit perfectly and  take up far less room in my (newly organised!) baking cupboard than the huge tin I stored them in before. 

(apologies for the rubbish photo, I always decide to take photos in poor light!)

What's your top storage tip?  I love getting new ideas!

Lots of Love xxxx

Guilty TV Pleasures!

I'm so pleased that the new series of TOWIE has started!  It's as cringe worthy as ever and I'm going to miss Mark Wright but the lovely Joey Essex and Chloe never fail to make me laugh and I'm pleased to see the very handsome Mick has continued to take part even if he does 'shop in Tescos'

Till the next episode.........

 We are also really enjoying the comedy series Stella!  I have Welsh friends and sometimes find myself laughing out loud at the things they say!

The only downside is I spend most of the programme wishing she would brush her hair!

What are you enjoying at the moment?

Lots of Love xxxx