HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW ME?

Happy New Year, Happy New Me?

I’m two weeks late to the party, shouting those  celebratory welcomes to 2019 and presenting my goals, but sometimes it’s OK to rock up fashionably late, hell I can even go far as to say it’s my party so why not?

Anyway Happy New Year Everyone! Even though we’re a few weeks in I do wish everyone the best year they could possibly dream of, because whats a life without dreams right and you know, kindness is kinda my jam. But as the clock struck midnight and we emerged on the other side, I sat and wondered what the year would have in store for me, what resolutions would I put in place, what spring clean and good habits would I install. Like Lori v2.0, except I’m getting on a bit so actually it’s more like Lori v38.0

So it’s a Happy New Year but will it be a Happy New Me? I found 2018 was the year of being present, you might have noticed as this little corner of the Internet was mainly quiet and I dipped in and out of instagram, instead swapping the online time for cuddle time, soaking up the first year with Romi, all consumed and drunk on love. I didn’t focus on myself, and if I tried it didn’t last long. But on reflection this last year of standing still has done me wonders, it has taught me patience that I couldn't quite grasp the first time round, to be humble and just enjoy our time learning about each other. I let my body rest and didn’t worry about what I ate as long as it nourished me. As they say time flies when you’re having fun/getting on with stuff and it’s hard to believe in a few weeks my baby will turn the big one!

This blog has acted like a raft for me, something to cling to during stormy waters, a place to while away the time, taking me on wonderful crazy adventures and always teaching me new skills, like a castaway getting to grips with the ropes. Normally I set a word for the year, something to reflect upon, but this year I’m switching things up, if this space has been my raft then this year I am setting up the sail. I shall drive myself forward, compass in hand with the shore in sight. Not just on here but in all areas of life.

Generally I struggle with consistency and maintaining my vision, but this time is different. I feel a change is near and I am using different methods to set a clear path, so I thought I would share my strategy here with you:

MANIFESTING
I am such a strong believer of the law of attraction and manifesting good stuff. Sounds a bit woo woo but throughout my life if I needed something, then within a few days or weeks I would be presented with it or an opportunity to get it. At first I just considered this to be extremely Lucky but now I understand it’s more than that.

In a nutshell you need to have a clear vision of what you want, believe that you not only want this but you whole heatedly deserve to have this, be open to opportunity and then live the best those desires and vision. If you’re interested in learning more then there is great easy breakdown here.

PLUS I have been loving Sarah Akwisombe and the Money Medium 3 Day Money Mindset Accelerator, it’s a must if you want to manifest money.


SMART GOALS
It oh so easy to say this year I’m going to be super healthy, loose the excess Christmas pounds, grow the business, go out more etc etc. But there is a reason why most New Years resolutions fail. Because a goal without a path to achieving it, is just a dream said out loud. Instead I’ve been focusing on creating SMART goals

S - Specific. What is it that I want to achieve? what is the desired end result?
M - Measurable. How can you measure the progress of achieving your goal?
A - Achievable. What steps can you take to achieve it? Break it down into smaller tasks.
R - Relevant. Is you goal relevant to you? Do you need to learn new skills to achieve it?
T - Time. Have you set a realistic deadline? Create a realistic flexible deadlines that work for you.

I’ve invested in a MiPlanner which I picked up at Papersmiths to help me get my goals organised and you can learn more about SMART goals here.


SELF CARE
This year I am going to nourish myself and feel strong again, regain ownership of my body and mind. I’m starting slowly with exercise and good foods, sticking to a more vegetarian based diet, using short online courses to develop my parenting skills, healing any old emotional wounds and focusing my energy on good nourishing people.The grass always grow where you water it! So it’s time to let go of any drama and toxic relationships. And finally travel, because this is what makes me happy.

So these are my main techniques I’m using, plus creating as much work time around two kiddos as possible. The hustle continues!

I would love to hear if you have any intentions for the year?

A LOT OF LOVE AND OUR FAMILY OF FOUR

I always wondered what it would be like living as a family of four. How I would be able to divide my love between two children and how the new family dynamics would work? Well as it turns out this little maths puzzle was quickly resolved when our new daughter, Romi, came along and I realised – probably as most parents do – that it's a simple multiplication rather than division sum.

MOTIVATIONS AND INTENTIONS // MOODBOARD AND MUSES 6

While on baby countdown as she's now officially late to the party *definitely my child*  I thought it would be good to share some of my motivations and intentions for 2018 and what has inspired me so far! Embracing Motherhood a second time round has made me really think about how I want to connect, not only to my little family, but also to myself. Seven years ago I totally lost myself in motherhood and change, and it was haaaard, coupled with PND it seems like a lifetime ago! This time round I feel like a totally different person, one I can hopefully hold onto.

So let's take a peek at what has got the grey matter going this month:

Things I'm loving:

// SELF DEVELOPMENT. I have always been a big one for investing in yourself and practising self development as there's always room to grow. It's also a super healthy trait to pass onto your kiddos, that learning doesn't stop at the school gates. This year we have concentrated on doing a review of 2017 and where we want to be in 2018. For this I have been using two resources: First, the lovely Hannah from Seeds & Stitched January Book! I love this free downloadable resource and definitely has given us room to evaluate the year. Second is the a more detailed approach to a personal end of year review. Both are great and really help you focus on the year ahead! 

// BOOKS. While I'm on the self development train of thought, here are a list of books for both personal and business growth that I'm stock piling for all those night feeds:

Mindfulness for Mums & Dads - I've already read the first two chapters and love it. Definitely going to use techniques to calm my brain when I'm feeling frazzled. 

In the Company of Women - Written by Grace Bonny, this book focuses on women across the globe embracing their entrepreneurial spirits and starting creative businesses. YAAAS!

Brand Brilliance - I've been hearing good things about this and can't wait to dive in. It's all about elevating your brand, enchanting your audience and creating a business that really works for you. 

Playing Big - Also available both as an audio book, has been recommended to me by sooooo many people as a 'life changer'. Focusing on being a successful woman, this has got me thinking 2018 is the way forward!

Braving the Wilderness - Another one that has been on my list for a while now. Renowned author Brene Brown challenges everything we think we know about cultivating true belonging in our communities, organisations, and culture.

Self Care for the Real World - New to me, this book comes with a lot of praise from celebrities, book critics and a few friends, so I'll be checking this one out soon.

Don't Read This Book - I LOVED this book! If you are a creative person with terrible time management then this beauty is for you! 

// CREATIVITY. I think this year I really want to spend more time with my actual camera in hand rather than my iPhone. Distraction seems to be the thief of time for me, that and procrastination! 

Things I'm Not:

// FASHION. Well not fashion per say but the lack of it in my life at the moment. It is a wonderful thing to watch your body bloom and grow but I've been living the last two months in the same four outfits on rotation to house my pregnant belly and I CAN NOT WAIT to fit back into my wardrobe!  

Other Things:

// Did I mention I was having a baby?! 

Instagram Inspo:

//Top left: Words_of_women daily snippets of wisdom totally make me smile. // Top right: Darling feed is another empowering women goodness all over the internet // Bottom left: Loving the illustrations be Margotinmargate // Bottom right: Because BiancaCash has all the right words! 

So there we go, a little look at my motivation and inspiration for the year ahead, while waiting on this little one to arrive! hopefully my next post will be introducing you to our newest member of the family! 

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

** So this one is a bit of a special one, as it's the first post that Paul has written for Wild & Grizzly! It certainly has been a journey so it's nice to hear his side of this whole crazy pregnancy journey and his thoughts on choosing a baby girl name. **

What’s in a name? Well, it seems like quite a lot!

So here we are, nearing the end of pregnancy, about to welcome a new baby into the world, a new daughter, a new sister. It’s been a long journey. I’ve always wanted two children, I’m not sure why, but two seems right for us, though Lori would argue for three or four, or maybe even more. Though for those of you who read the blog know, to get to this stage, well, it hasn’t been easy. We’re incredibly lucky to be expecting at all, it’s crazy and wonderful and unbelievable and amazing…we’re incredibly lucky.

So what do you do with all of that luck, how do you turn that into a name? When we had our first child we just knew (well, Lori did) straight from the 20 week scan, the name was sorted, in place, it fitted, it was perfect and has been perfect ever since. We love our little free-spirited boy, he is wild like his mummy and sometimes grizzly like his daddy (though never as much, that would be impossible). So, we need another perfect name, out of all the names in the world, that shouldn’t be too hard, right?

A LITTLE PREGNANCY UPDATE!

So it turns out I haven't quite been keeping track of my pregnancy on here, or elsewhere for that matter! No weekly bump shot, no dear diary journal, no weekly Instagram updates. In fact I'm wondering if this little girl might look back and feel a little disappointed at the lack of evidence of her growing in my belly? 

HOW TO PLAN A HARRY POTTER BIRTHDAY PARTY

A few weeks back the kiddo turned seven! wow how did that even happen?! I had promised myself that I would go all out this time for his Harry Potter Birthday Party, as one last hoorah before being a big brother and having to share us a little. To be honest I think I got reeaaaaaallllly into making it a super special day and spent hours making props and details to bring his Harry Potter Party to life.

HARRY POTTER & THE DREAM PET

For the last 5 weeks Harry Potter has been the most talked about subject in our house. Yes the kiddo is obsessed and has been sooooo excited for his HP themed 7th birthday party. Our house has pretty much become a storage facility for all things Hogwarts related: wands, spell books, Nimbus 2000, wanted posters and now thanks to the folks at Petplan we have a Phoenix to add to the mix too!

THAT TIME I CRIED IN JOHN LEWIS

Now don't get me wrong, I do love a good shop at John Lewis and it's not my go-to place to shed a tear but that's what happened this weekend. After getting the kiddo kitted out with new P.E/ football/money pit trainers I saw out the corner of my eye all the cute little tiny baby grows. Cue my coohs and ahhs as I went over to take a peek, after selecting the cutest little knitted newborn leggings, my eyes wandered onto pushchairs, then cots, breast pumps, car seats, night lights... and as Paul started to immerse himself in the world of baby. I froze.

GENDER REVEAL! WE'RE HAVING A ....

I still can't quite believe that we've got past the 20 week mark and that in January 2018 we'll turn into a family of four! Due to this pregnancy being high risk and the brilliant support we've had from the NHS, we actually found out the sex of this baby a few weeks ago but I didn't feel comfortable sharing the news until we had our 20 week scan and I knew everything was fine.

WE HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS!

Oh hey you lovely lot! Sorry it's been a bit slow to post on here and hopefully this will explain a lot of the radio silence, but if you haven't already seen our exciting news over on Instagram and Facebook, we are becoming a family of FOUR! Yes in January we are expecting our rainbow baby!

We have been blown away by all your wonderful messages, comments and kind wishes sent our way over on social media and just want to say a huge thank you for all the love you've shown us!

As some of you may know this has been an extremely long journey for us and we are already so so thankful to have such a beautiful, kind, sweet and loving son who is waaaay to cute for his own good. As I've only touched upon our story briefly on here, I thought this would be a good opportunity to document it all in one space and share my thoughts on it so far...  erm you might want to make a cuppa and get comfy ...

This pregnancy is a total miracle, a true Rainbow baby! After three miscarriages (four babies) and a full year of investigations by a fertility specialist, we were given the numbing results that we had less than 5% chance of having another child. My ovaries were shutting up shop also known as Premature Ovarian Failure. 

In all honestly I was traumatised after loosing our first pregnancy at 15 weeks to Parvovirus (also known as Slapped Cheek) and it took a long time for the fog to lift, so when we suffered our second miscarriage and then third miscarriage I felt broken. We were advised to try IVF as our only route and to make a decision quickly due to my faltering hormones. So we talked and talked and cried and talked some more before booking in the treatment. However we were advised that even using ICSI our odds were still way below 20% and at almost £7000 a go we knew we would only have one shot at growing our family.

Now let's rewind back to early May, after spending a weekend with all my family and being particularly agitated and somewhat obsessed with lemon meringue pie, my mam tentatively suggested I do a pregnancy test. Annoyed at the suggestion due to our treatment starting the next day, I eventually agreed as my mam was convinced something was amiss and imagine our shock to see those two pink lines staring up at us! It felt like a miracle, cue tears, laughter, fear and more tears.

Since then the NHS have been nothing short of amazing, due to the pregnancy being high risk we have had scans every two weeks, given all sorts of drugs to help support the pregnancy and they have been at the end of the phone for every anxious moment or worrysome pain. Our consultant said she wasn't sure how this had happened but was thrilled, our councellor cried at the news and for the first part of of the pregnancy I remained in full denial, terrified that each scan would bring bad news.

As the weeks have progressed, my tummy has blossomed and is now hard to hide! So I have finally come to the conclusion that this is actually happening and I'm trying to enjoy it inbetween the nasuea, headaches and extreme fatigue that are still plaguing me at 15 weeks.

We have opted to find out the sex of our new arrival so we have plenty of time to find a meaningful name and make sure F is comfortable and excited about becoming a big Brother. We are so thankful and excited for this little precious person growing and hopefully joining us Jan, until then we are trying to stay postive and enjoy this crazy ride!

Once again thanks so much for all your kind words and support and I just want to send love out to all those who are struggling in their own journey right now.

xx

MY QUICK SUPER SPRING SALAD & HOMESENSE HAUL // RECIPES

Some of the things I love about Spring is the early morning light, the spring blossoms, super quick spring salads and the occasional picnic weather permitting. Apart from the general spring clean and declutter that ritually takes place I have been focusing the past few months on self care, investing in mind, body and spirit so to speak. 

The easiest place for people to make change is in the food we eat, now I'm not suggesting in anyway that I'm all saintly and have cut out all the bad stuff from my diet, I mean I like a cadbury's cream egg as much as the next person, but I am trying to make informed decisions when it comes to food and trying enjoy as much good stuff as possible.

MY COFFEE RITUAL WITH THE DOLCE GUSTO MOVENZA

I think it's an understatement to say I like coffee, in reality it's become a necessity of my waking routine, and without one I am no fun to be around at all. With our rushed school run and frantic mornings full of me chasing a six year old boy around the house, any attempts to use the machine I bought Paul a few years back is a distant memory. Leisurely frothing milk to the perfect temperature has been duly left to slow weekends – oh the days of no school – and instead grabbing a takeaway for the walk home is the first caffeine hit I can get.

SLOW DAYS, EMU AUSTRALIA BOOTS AND MAMA STYLE

Over the last few weekends we've really been enjoying slow days pottering around the city, hanging out with friends, trying out new places to eat and generally having fun. As the weather is still proving to be quite unpredictable I've been switching between trainers and these spring boot c/o Emu Australia – totally crushing on these – and maybe the occasional sandal and naked toes! The silvery metallic finish looks really cool with a pair of skinnies and because they are so lightweight and breathable, they make for a perfect boot that can be enjoyed all year round. So when we headed down to North Street I decided to team them up with my leopard print jacket and sunnies for a bit of fun mama style.

The other week we decided to check out the new-top-us, Pizza Workshop, and a new coffee pit stop for me. Both Paul and F are huge pizza fan's so we thought it would be fun to sit out on the street front channelling some Brooklyn vibes in this small but perfectly formed restaurant/pizza bar, which oozes cool with its striking geometric stools, minimalist interior, delicious sourdough pizza and gluten free bases *win*.  

Typically we didn't manage to snap many pics inside as we were to busy enjoying our slices! They were delicious and it's definitely a place I'd recommend for families, as F loved the colouring in menu and the service was super friendly and quick. Afterwards I grabbed a quick flat white from Tincan Coffee and wandered around taking in some pretty blossoms before heading back up to our neck of the woods. We even took a blanket on the Downs for a bit of R&R. 

The kiddo, as per usual, had boundless energy and was very excited to try out his new Cheetah Sneakers c/o Emu Australia, which of course can make him run faster ;) They are so super cute with the little face on the front and I even caught him chatting to them about a race. It makes me feel quite nostalgic seeing him wear such a iconic Australian brand as I spent the first few years of my life growing up in Perth, and even though this is a far cry from Oz, it feels like I'm somehow giving him a little connection to my childhood.

This boy surprises me everyday with his kind nature, inquisitive mind and boundless energy, he really makes my heart swell with pride. As the weather has been so unpredictable I've been carrying around this Pac-a-mac c/o Muddy Puddles for any sudden downpours, plus he looks super cute in this raindrop jacket.



This weekend is going to be filled with more slow days, a school friends birthday party for F and a Eurovision party for us big kids ;) and fingers crossed there might even be sun!

What are you up to this weekend? 

A SLOW SUNDAY MORNING FOR MAMA

Did you have a fab weekend? I really bunkered down at home staying super local with a slow Sunday morning for mama, enjoying the pops of sun we've been getting in Bristol *hails all the weather gods* and thankfully finishing the last of antibiotics – hurrah! 

Normally there's nothing better than heading out for a good brunch full of my favourite eats, but at home I tend to skip breakfast or grab a piece of fruit before starting the day. So as an early mother's day treat *any excuse right ;) I decided to whip up some Ranch Eggs, Italian coffee and fresh juice. I've been really wanting to try this recipe out at home for a while now and I must admit it is sooo tasty. 

There's something so lovely about setting the table and taking time to savour the morning, to sit and share stories with my boy. As I'm flying solo on Mother's Day due to Paul's clashing work schedule, I'm grabbing any excuse to take it easy and enjoy being pampered, cue all the flowers and coffee ;) It's so easy to take this role for granted, I know I often look back at all the little things my mam did for me in a new light, and wonder if the kiddo will feel the same when he has a family of his own.

There's still time to be spoilt this Mother's Day with wonderful gifts, I've already dropped a hint or two, but certainly one of my favourite gifts is waking up to my kiddo's cheeky little face as he gets excited to show me his handmade card and crinkly wrapped presents.

The ranch eggs went down a treat and it was all smiles from the boy in his pj's as we tucked in to brunch, before getting dressed and taking a stroll around the neighbourhood.

What's your idea of a perfect slow Sunday? Do you enjoy breakfast at home without the fuss or hanging out in a cool cafe?

*This post is in partnership with Debenhams.

HELLO 2016

Hello 2016 and you lovely lot! I hope you all had a beautiful start to the New Year and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas festivities with family and friends. Sorry I've been a little AWOL, nope I haven't been eaten by crocodiles or kidnapped and held at ransom in a lonely mountain scene somewhere far far away, although at times over the last few weeks it has felt like that.

On entering Christmas I made the decision to give myself time off, to fully be present, put down the camera and my phone – although I struggled a little at times – and to enjoy a break from all things work/technology related. It was much needed and I enjoyed the space, but now it's time to to come back to this cosy little nook I've created for myself and I'm looking forward to sharing lots with you.

You might remember I started the year with the word Self, full of good intentions and determination. I loved all the adventures: Amsterdam, Berlin, Palma and those closer to home with festivals, glamping and beautiful hotel stays. I loved exploring and taking in all things new. However looking back I didn't uphold my chosen word, I also faced challenges and heartache, more than I had expected or wanted... but as midnight struck I was dancing, hands held high, raising the roof with laughter and it was all good.

I had aimed to start January with much gusto, however I feel like I've been allowing 2015 to wash over me as 2016 slowly comes into focus, and so I've sat and wondered what this year would hold for me, what words and intentions would guide me through the next 12 months. To be honest there has been many and also a desire for none.

Instead I'm allowing time for myself, for growth, for self development, to create new connections to love and be present, as well as my usual lust for travel, laughter and coffee. I'll be here planning, doing, creating, learning, documenting, sharing, except when I'm not, because sometimes I will be absent and that will also be ok.

I am so grateful for all this space has brought: the friends, the opportunities and I'm excited to see what the world has in store. I hope you all have a fabulous year full of love and adventure. xx

SLOW SUNDAYS AND WINTER STYLE

So it's finally here, the cold air nipping at my toes, finger tips tingling, rosy cheeks and warm breath rising from behind woollen scarves, and just like that it was winter. Yesterday morning as the sun streamed in though the window and dappled light danced on the wall, it felt like the perfect moment to sink into a slow Sunday filled with coffee, fresh air and cosy knits.

Weekends are such a precious time for this family of three as it's the only time that the kiddo has us all together, what with work pulling us all in different directions and continents, it's those two days that he looks forward to the most and sometimes I try and fill it with busy, yep all those jobs that need doing and things to tidy but not this weekend. Nope instead I decided to step out of our routine and do something different.

My first thoughts turned to coffee as they so often do and with the train tracks littering the lounge we made a race of getting ready to leave the house. Pulling on layers to ensure we were warm, the weather warranted the cosiness that only comes from a chunky jumper, one that can be snuggled into. Excited for our first festive jumpers c/o Fat Face, I wore the beautiful Fairisle Yoke Jumper channelling the cool Nordic vibes and grey is pretty much a staple in my wardrobe meaning it will last me though winter and look chic all in one go.

Paul is a huge fan of winter knits and the more festive the better, so this colourful Windham Placement Crew jumper was a perfect choice for him, and as he is so tall I was surprised how great a fit is was. Obviously F chose the best of all, rocking this amazing wolf jumper  – it's now the only thing he wants to wear – once dressed we headed into the city for brunch and an impromptu game of boules in Queens Square.


I love heading out for brunch on a Sunday as it's one of my favourite treats of the week, to sit and be slow, sipping good coffee and watching the world go by. Tucked on the corner of Queen's Square is Spicer & Cole with its small but beautifully proportioned interior and cool urban style. Concrete counters meet chalk board walls and the dark moody design is lit by the wood floorboards and wrap round window.

After tucking into poached eggs on sourdough and freshly squeezed orange juice, we ordered coffee to go and took our Boules over to the square. F got hooked on this when we were in France and is always eager to play, and although we had a few odd looks it was great fun and free! Plus we were kept cosy in our winter knits.

Another weekend gone, dusted off and retired to the memory banks and oh what a good one, and with Christmas on its way I can start to feel the excitement in the air. Soon after Paul headed off to Heathrow and we took a lazy walk around the harbour, sharing stories on our way home, ready to snuggle down indoors.  Oh and one more pic because I can't get enough of this kiddo! 

Are you winter ready? do you love to snuggle up in a good jumper during the festive season?

*This is a collaborative post.