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?

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! 

PASTEL PERFECTION GIFT GUIDE WITH WEEKEND:IN

Oh hey pastel colour perfection! It doesn't take more than stylish design and dreamy interiors to get me swooning and that's exactly what I did when I entered the Leman Locke Hotel a few weeks back, for another fabulous brand event by Weekend:IN.

This space has been on my must visit list for soooo long now as the interior is total dream goals, and such a great place to host a day of networking and discovering 'new to me' brands!

I mean just look at this interior!

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.

MY FAVOURITE MAGAZINES AND WIN THIS STYLISH MOROCCAN PALM WOVEN PLATE

One of my fave pastimes is pottering around at home, rearranging things and generally creating pockets of pretty in the flat. I'm a visual person so good aesthetics helps me feel calm, happy and generally keeps me positive. So any chance to create a space to sit, chill and be inspired by some of my favourite magazine is ace for me.

MOODBOARDS AND MUSES 02

The short month of love is here *ahhh* and although it was only been a few week since I posted my first Moodboard and Muses, I'm quite keen to pop another one up and keep up the momentum in mustering up some much needed motivation, plus I'm really enjoying making these little collages.

Things I'm loving:

// Succulents. Yep bringing in some green to the home is certainly on my to do list in an attempt to shoo away the grey and fake spring. Also excited to hear about the plans for an Urban Jungle Bloggers Book!

// Water. OK that's sounds a bit random, but after drowning myself in coffee to pull me through Jan, I'm realising that my skin isn't looking so great and a good dose of hydration is needed. That plus a decent moisturiser/foundation would sooth the skin and I'm loving this organic range.

// Quotes. I'm really into inspirational quotes at the moment and pretty much sticking them at eye level around my home to give me some get up and go. I've ordered this print as a Valentines gift and planning to put it above the bed. What do you think? 

// Holograms. No I'm not talking back to the future, more holographic fabrics and fashion. I know I'm a little late to the party with this being more of a 2013/14 thing, but oh how the shimmery style has caught my eye! I'm definitely looking for some fun pumps to make my feet happy and this fun tee has just dropped in my shopping cart too ;)

Things I'm Not:

// Dungarees. OK this is a lie, I LOVE dungarees but finding a pair that fit me is like a quest for the Holy Grail, and it's driving me nuts! If you have any recommendations then please throw let me know. 

Other Things:

// I wanted to share who's been inspiring me on Instagram recently and who I'd definitely include in my February muses. These ace ladies snap stunning pics and create beautiful feeds, all with different styles and shot from various locations around the world. It's where I get my daily dose of heart eyes.

Top left: Frida over at Bon who snaps stylish selfies, cool studio spaces, hangs out with friends and pulls off the best grey locks // Top right: Julie over at Sincerely Jules who travels the globe and has a whopping amount of followers soaking up her sun kissed style // Bottom right: Irina over at Irinahp will make anyone envious with her foodie adventures, I'm totally hooked on her IG feed, totally love at first sight // Bottom left: Jasmine over at Jasmine Dowling is an amazing creator of words and prints, not to mention her style posts that make you want to soak up that Aussie vibes!

Also let's take a sec to swoon over these pins! I love this secret roof garden I pinned to my outdoor spaces board, a happy little hideaway to drink coffee and day dream among the clouds. Also keeping a note of these avocado recipes as I'm eating almost one a day at the moment!

I've started tagging some of my Instagram pics with the #moodboardandmuses hashtag so I can create a feed full of inspiration, whether it's style, colour, words, coffee etc and it would be fab if you want to join in. I'm hoping to find some fun new accounts and hopefully showcase some new muses here.

Have you got any plans for the month of love?

SUMMER STYLE AND JORD WATCHES // MAMA STYLE

So you've survived week one of the summer holidays? Yes? High fives all round. Not that the summer break is something to be feared, but as a mama who works from home I am constantly torn between meeting deadlines and showering my baby -fast growing soon to start school- boy in attention, cuddles, kisses... and  yes this may sound a little dramatic, but you didn't see the crazy lady who started bawling her eyes out at the final pick up of pre-school....oh you did?...erm yes that was me. Thankfully I have the perfect summer style and a new timepiece c/o Jord Watches to get me through the next six weeks.  

Nothing marks the passing of time quicker than having a child, all those important milestones fly by and then suddenly you find yourself in the throws of summer, their first day of school fast approaching and you wonder where all that time went. Even thinking about it makes me well up a little, big school you say? I remember the first few minutes of bringing him home in his car seat, placing him in the middle of the lounge floor and wondering what the hell I was supposed to do next.  So not only have I successfully managed to keep my child alive – because believe me as a new mama that is pretty much what you're focused on – but through all the years, days, hours, minutes and seconds I have somehow managed to raise a beautiful, thoughtful, kind, funny, brilliant and clever little person who will soon be leaving my side and running off into the playground, where to quote Will Smith, he'll spend most of his days.  

So this summer I want to fill all that time with beautiful memories and magic and mostly love. I want him to feel so loved that his little spirit bursts with joy and that way he'll go off to school happy and I'll have filled the memory banks for all those tiny seconds of the day where I suddenly get a pang for my messy haired bundle, his grubby little hands and infectious laugh.

I have decided to go slow, to not worry so much and keep it simple. Simple food, simple clothes, simple fun. I'm practically living in this patterned kimono/cardigan at the moment - you can find one similar here – as it's super soft and easy to throw on, plus makes a great impromptu picnic blanket. But my favourite new summer accessory has to be this beautiful Cora Series Jord Watch, completely crafted out of maple wood this automatic timepiece is so stylish and simple, with a splash of colour punctuated with Swakovski crystals. I love the whole range and the variety of styles, all delivered in a lovely wood crafted presentation box. Oh and did I mention how cool this book is?

Oh and look who couldn't resist being in on the action. The cutest little photobomber!

Wooden Watches by JORD

A MOTHER'S DAY LUXURY GIFT LIST // MAMA STYLE

Now we're in March my mind turns to thoughts of spring *yay* and my lovely mama as Mother's Day approaches. Since having F, I now understand how important it is to take time and celebrate the mama in your life. From sleepless nights to referee, boo boo fixer, friend and role model, teacher and councillor, you have to wear many hats in this role, and often you don't make time for yourself.  Before I had my kiddo, I didn't realise all the things that my mum did for me growing up, and although I try to show my love day to day, I can certainly see the importance of dedicating 24 hours just to her.

So I've pulled together a little luxury Mother's Day wishlist from Selfridges, one of my favourite stores.

1. This beautiful Vogue Amberley bouquet by Philippa Craddock.
2. Imagine lighting this Trio of Tom Dixon Candles while soaking in the bath.
3. This stunning BVLGARI one band 18ct pink-gold ring would make my mum swoon.
4. A framed photo of you and your mum in this stylish NKUNKU Kiko Copper Glass Frame.
5. Pamper your face with this Estee Lauder Day Wear Cream.
6. A toast to you loved on with Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne.
7. Give your travel some style with this Aspinal of London Passport Cover.
8. I'm love truffles so a box of Prestat Marc de Champagne truffles would be on my list.

As well as a beautiful boquet of flowers and a box of handmade cookies, I'd love to treat my mum to a spa day for some quality Mother & Daughter time, Plus it would nice for me to be pampered too.

What plans do you have to celebrate Mother's Day?

*This is a collaborative post.

OUTWIT THE WEATHER WITH JOULES

After what seems like a rather long winter I am most certainly ready for spring! The warmer weather, the sunshine and bursts of colour as trees and flowers start to waken from their slumber. I may have mentioned that I had a touch of he January blues, and although I was pretty busy with work I was feeling a little drained, so as we move into February I feel ready to outwit the weather and get that one step closer to spring.

With the weather being a little grey I've been turning to this Coast Jacket in bright green to lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. It's hard not to feel good when walking outside in such a happy colour with a coffee in hand – I'm obsessed I know – or enjoying a glass of wine and lunch with a friend, and if it does rain then I know I'm ready for it with this waterproof hooded jacket.

 

and look it even comes in pink!

I've teamed it up with quite a bold pattern here but I can't wait to wear it over some battered worn dungarees, a slouchy mid length jumper and a good old bobble hat for some blustery beach walks.

I'm taking part in the Joule's #OutwittheWeather campaign to launch their fab new spring collection. If you want some style ideas then hop over to twitter and Instagram and use the Hashtag to take a peek at what we're wearing.

Trousers H&M / White Top Next / Coat c/o Joules  / Coffee & wine my own ;)

JULIA KOSTREVA // MAMA LOVES

Every now and again you come across a designer who makes your heart skip a beat, whether it's the design, the style or a feeling they create, you know you've struck gold. So I thought I'd share my design crush of the moment, Julia Kostreva. Julia works as a creative director and graphic designer in her studio, based in the beautiful San Francisco *swoon*. My stomach did a somersault when I saw her mini copper planters perfect for succulents, and then I discovered her large print art works via April and May Studio, from then on I was hooked. I promptly headed over to Julia's shop to check out all her beautiful things and read her loves, interior and inspirations that she shares on her beautiful blog. 

I can't wait to order the Keep Going print for my walls and perhaps get a new iPhone cover. What has been inspiring you this week?

*Images via Julia Kostreva

A GOOD BOOK // Jane & Serge. A Family Album

As much as I love children's books and have a stack of stories I can't wait to share with you, I also have a growing collection of photography and art books that are slowly filling my bookshelves and coffee table. I find these pages a source of constant inspiration and it's always easy to get lost in a good book.

This beautiful treasure trove, Jane & Serge. A Family Album, captures the intimate moments and daily life between the highly public love affair of British actress Jane Birkin, and the beloved French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, as documented by Jane's brother Andrew Birkin during the 70's. These candid snaps takes us back to a time of nostalgia, a bygone era where babes were free range, music and art filled the air and life seemed simple. One of my favourite photos is of a white clad Jane cradling her daughter Charlotte amongst black sand and smouldering rocks, so striking is the colour and the simple pose of motherhood.


Each page contains a single image holding you in that moment, to explore the tenderness captured that so easily translates, as if you were viewing your very own family album. No words are used throughout this book, and instead we are asked to use our own reflections to narrate the pages, to feel each connection, which is so easily achieved with something so beautifully curated. The book itself comes covered in a clear plastic wallet containing a collection of goodies sure to delight:

• Text booklet featuring an introduction by Jane Birkin and Andrew Birkin’s memoir of Jane and Serge, illustrated by Birkin family childhood photos
• Softcover contact sheet booklet
• Fold-out poster
• 5 photo prints
• Sticker sheet
• Embroidered patch 

This is certainly a book to treasure and one that will hopefully ignite the passion to go out and capture your own family moments. 

LILI SCRATCHY // MAMA LOVES

All Images via Lili Scratchy

With her cute, quirky and slightly surreal ceramics, illustrations and paintings, Lili Scratchy captures a sense of fun and youthfulness in her work, which transcends any medium. I love the way her illustrations effortlessly leap off the pages into something so beautifully tangible.

When I'm not writing here, working elsewhere or pretending to be a dinosaur with F, I love nothing more than to spend time browsing the internet or flicking through books and magazines to get inspiration, which is where I found French artist, Frédérique Bellier, better known as Lili Scratchy. 

Click to read more 

WIN A PAIR OF SCOUT GLASSES OR SUNGLASSES // MAMA STYLE

When I was staying in Paris the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the women were. It wasn't that they were all skinny or wearing the latest fashion trends, it wasn't even that they were the standard symmetrical beauty that the media has us believe to be best. Instead the reason these ladies were oozing hotness was confidence, and with confidence comes the ability to pull off different styles.

I was always worried that I wouldn't be able to pull of a bold frame and had often shied away from wearing my glasses in public, but after seeing these Parisian women confidently wearing statement specs, bold frames and various shapes, I realised that it wasn't the frames it was me. I was lacking confidence in how I looked and my old frames were making me blend in with the crowd.

Well no more. On my return I decided I needed a new look, glasses I would be happy to wear and could alternate with my contact lenses, ones that made a statement. So after checking out Scout Glasses online I was super excited to order my new specs. The great thing about ordering with Glasses Direct online is the free home trial, allowing you to choose four clear lens frames so you can get a feel for the right look. Once you've decided simply make your choice, pop them back in the post and wait for your new glasses to drop through the letterbox. Easy.

I really love the urban and fresh bold styles in the Scout range and I LOVE tortoiseshell. I've teamed up with Glasses Direct for your chance to win a pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses from the Scout range. All you need to do is enter below for your chance to win.

Go on, stand out from the crowd.

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FEEL GOOD QUICK FIX // MAMA LOVES

Image via Sarah & Bendrix

Sometimes those poor things on the side of your head are completely overlooked in the dressing up stakes, destined to be bare while the face gets all the action. After all, a tired mama can easily go out armed with the sunglasses and red lippy combo to get them through the day on zero sleep. Ah the tools of the trade. But what about those times when your third day of dry shampoo just isn't cutting it and you're not quite ready for the stark reality of a pulled back pony tail, because all you want to do is hide behind your locks? It's time to invest in some super studs, something to make you feel good and draw attention away from the dark circles that you've been hanging out with. I'm loving these delicate gold triangle earrings from Sarah & Bendrix, a snip at only £12.

What's your feel good quick fix?

MAMA LOVES // STYLE

Image Source

Autumn is here and my jewellery of choice changes from silver to gold, like the leaves falling from the tree. This beautiful 24ct gold plated Wishbone Necklace by Angel Court has totally caught my eye and is on my must have list this season. Teaming it up with my loose black sleeveless shirt, jeans and leopard print boots will set you up for any kiddy day and will give that effortless casual chic style,  when all you feel like doing is crawling into a hole for another forty winks after a toddler fun fuelled night. According to Jenny Scott at Mothers Meeting, having a statement piece of jewellery is the only way to go when facing the early morning school run.

What is your essential must have for the school gates?