Saturday 31 March 2012

{Things I'm Loving Right Now}

Here's a very short post on some of the things I'm loving right now....


I am majorly loving the recent sunshine... problems somehow seem a lot better when the sun is shining. I was out in the garden with my son & daughter yesterday. Toddler & I planted some herbs in a trough... we'll have to wait and see if they survive! I'm not great with indoor plants but here's hoping I can get to grips with the garden!



I bought some Amy Butler fabric a wee while ago which I had planned to make into a dress for my daughter's first birthday party (next month!), but I'm fast running out of time. I'm sure I'll make it eventually... All the Amy Butler fabric is so gorgeous.



My new favourite flower... what's not to love.


Don't need to say much on this apart from my friends have been amazing... I love you all :-)


Thursday 29 March 2012

{Getting Back in the Groove}

I'm linking up again with Kate on Thin Ice for her weekly blog hop, Grooving Mums.


My Button

I have been involved with Groovy Mums from the start, way back in September last year when I shared the first of my before and after photographs from my weight loss & healthy eating regimen. I am extremely proud of myself as I'm managed to maintain the weight loss that I achieved, all through the horrible, cold winter when the amount of exercise I did reduced dramatically... through the unhealthy eating over Christmas and New Year and even through the stress of everything else that was happening to me at the time.


I've slowed down a bit these past few weeks and instead of running around trying to do it all, I've been letting the laundry build up, I've been leaving the tidying up and I've actually enjoyed putting my feet up. I have started reading some more (working my way through Eat Pray Love just now) and I've been getting back into ER (I'm rather liking Luka Kovac!).





My new mug - Happiness is a cup of tea & a new magazine (& a bar of chocolate!)



My exercise has stepped up a gear as I'm now 8 weeks away from my half marathon attempt. We've already raised a whopping £2500 for Macmillan Cancer Support! I'm getting back into the running, especially as the weather has improved somewhat and the lighter evenings are also making it easier as I was too scared to run on my own in the dark!


I'm also enjoying the children more. I've been reluctant to go places myself... in case toddler has a tantrum or something... and I have been telling myself that I can't deal with both my son & daughter at the same time on my own. However, we went out for lunch just the three of us for Mother's Day to a local cafe and it all worked out ok. Yes, there are times when my poor daughter gets abandoned as I run after the toddler, or we have to leave somewhere with my son kicking & screaming because it's not what he wants to do... but all in all, things are actually getting easier *touch wood*



Making lots of mess whilst daughter learns to feed herself!

Having fun painting!


Each week there are optional Grooving Mums challenges.  Here are the ones for this week:



1. Body – Are you looking after yourself enough?  I am aware that I am really neglecting taking steps to deal with my pre-menstrual tension.  I am sure lots of mums have stuff that they really should do to care for themselves better.

I need to seriously start to look after myself. I need to listen to my body more and rest when I get the chance. Life is busy... I'm back at work and feel like I'm rushing around a lot. The weeks are flying by and I don't think I'm appreciating life and just being present in the moment. I'm spending too much time reliving the past and worrying about the future. I have to work on this... 
2. Mind – What are your current thoughts and feelings about the Groovy Mums blog hop and/or the Twitter party.   Blog about it or leave a comment.  I sense we are moving into a new era with new participants and want to ensure we keep on a track that is still positive for people.

I was disappointed not to make the Twitter party, but I was at work and unable to join in unfortunately. I hear through the grapevine though that #groovymums was trending... well done Kate!


I have really enjoyed participating in the blog hop thus far and I plan to continue my involvement, although it might be a bit sporadic.


I want to apologise to the other groovy mums for not being as supportive as I should have been lately... I've been so busy that I've not been commenting on blogs or even keeping up with my weekly posts. I was so motivated at the start and more lately I've been struggling to keep up.
3. Spirit – Do people find the spirit challenges helpful?  They are quite hard to come up with and I am aware that some find them uncomfy particularly if they do not have a faith.  What do you think?

I'm not particularly spiritual, so yes, I'd say I do find these challenges more difficult and I don't know that I'm always able to answer them. They are normally very thought provoking though...
4. Blogging – Please do take a look at the Brilliance in Blogging Awards shortlist over on Britmums.  I found it lovely to discover blogs that I did not know about.  We can all learn from and with each other.

I will do :-)
5. Charity Connections – Do think about supporting National Daffodil Month and raising funds for the Marie Curie nurses. http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/en-gb/fundraising-volunteering/great-daffodil-appeal/
I have checked out the website and have tweeted about the appeal. It's a Marie Curie charity shop that I hand in all my old clothes, home ware and other bits & bobs but I haven't been in this month so I wasn't really aware of the appeal.

6. Special Days – How are you sleeping?  It is National Bed Month and you can find out more on good sleep by clicking here http://www.sleepcouncil.org.uk/about/

When my children sleep through I sleep brilliantly! My toddler has been having nightmares and waking up screaming on the occasional night, and my daughter is teething or has also been ill recently so unfortunately I've not been sleeping great. I'm finding it very tiring being up during the night and then having to go to work the next day. 
7. The Big Question – Why do you set limits for yourself?  Are you setting them too low?  I ask this as over the last 6 months I have realised that when I start to reach out, good things come my way.  That can happen for you too.











{35 at 35: Perfect Nails, Check!}

I'm very pleased with myself as I've managed to tick another item off my 35 at 35 list, more specifically, this time it's #7 'practice painting my nails and keep them looking nice for at least a month'.

I've been practicing lots (& lots!) and I think I have perfected my technique... I've had fab looking nails (in my opinion of course!) for well over a month now.

My tip is to buy a good nail polish. I've been using the brand O.P.I and I definitely think it's made a big difference compared to the cheaper nail polishes I've used previously. My colours of choice have been a bright coral colour with a touch of shimmer, called 'Are We There Yet?' and a dark grey, called 'In The Expresso Lane'. I also have an O.P.I clear topcoat.

New ring from Wallis :-)

So that's 3 items ticked off the list... just another 32 to go!




Tuesday 27 March 2012

{Fabulous Finds: Easter}


I had thought I would make something with (who am I kidding, I'll end up making it myself!) the kiddies for them to give to their little friends at nursery, however, I've kind of left it a little late! Plan is to make something simple this weekend and we'll hand it in next week. Here are some of the fabulous ideas that I've come across on Pinterest...

Toddler loves to bake... just not sure how I'd make the grass!? I might just do green icing in a swirl. {image source}


This is a cute idea - mini marshmallows as bunny tails! {image source}

Some Bunnies Love You cards - maybe for granny & grandpa {image source}

Bunny gift bags {image source}

Easter chick boxes {image source}

Carrot favours filled with sweets {image source}

Bunny Bait {image source}

Bunny gift boxes {image source}

Thursday 22 March 2012

{First Birthday Afternoon Tea Party}

It's my daughter's first birthday in April and I'm in the process of organising a little afternoon tea party for her. Nothing fancy, just some tea and cupcakes with a few friends and family. However, I've found some adorable accessories (I couldn't help myself!) and thought I would share them here with some of my inspiration pictures from Pinterest.

The Invitation...




The Birthday Cake & Cupcakes...

If only I could decorate cupcakes like this!! {Cotton & Crumbs}

How gorgeous are these rose cupcakes!! {Hello Naomi on Flickr}




The Table...





The Details...

Truly Scrumptious teapot individual cake stands... how cute are these!!!

And I also purchased the matching Utterly Scrumptious Cupcake/Sandwich Stand...


The Birthday Girl Outfit...


I don't think I'll be buying an outfit especially for the party - she already has a very cute red tutu from Christmas - but if I have time I was going to applique on a number '1' onto a baby vest and she can wear that with the tutu. I also bought some fabric to make some bunting, which I thought I could decorate the table with and then use in their bedroom afterwards... I'm just not sure if I'm going to have time to make it. Watch this space to see how I get on!

Monday 19 March 2012

{Shopping Spree}

Those of you that read my blog regularly will know that I saw a personal shopper in November last year and purchased a capsule wardrobe. Well, I've managed to maintain the weight loss (phew!) and I found that I needed a few more items of clothing to supplement my wardrobe. Particularly as I tend to wear the same outfit over and over at my work... either my black pencil skirt with one of two tops, or my black dress.

So, here are the extra items I've bought over the past few weeks. I'm not a fan of my upper arms at all, so these outfits are perfect as it means I keep them covered up.

I've been wearing this with black tights and ankle boots.

Here I am in the M&S dress which I've accessorised with a chunky necklace, earrings and ring from Wallis.




I've worn this for dinner with Becky with thick navy wooly tights and some brown knee high boots but I think it could be dressed up with lycra tights and some high heels for work.

I have to say I do love Marks and Spencers!! 

I also treated myself to this amazing necklace... my gift to myself this Mother's Day. I spotted it in About Living in Giffnock, I stupidly tried it on and then couldn't not buy it. I had thought it was going to be extortionate but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be (£67). Although I think I'll need to buy a new LBD to wear it with! I'll post a picture of me wearing it soon.





Sunday 18 March 2012

{Happy Mother's Day}


This is a horrendous photograph... but here I am having morning snuggles with my babies. My son comes into my room most mornings at 6 - 6.30am, puts the bedside light on and comes round to see me... 'snuggles in mummy's bed?' he asks as he attempts to climb in. I can't resist, and so at the moment the routine is milk and Alphablocks in bed before making our way downstairs for breakfast. 

You'll notice that he still has a dummy, which he has for bedtime only, and he still has his milk in a bottle. But I'm not so concerned about these things... he's just 2 and a half. If he's not grown out of them by 3 years old then I'll make efforts to remove the dummy and make the move to a cup.

Anyway, Happy Mother's Day to you all.

It's also a sad day for me as I remember my own mum. It's been 10 years now, nearly 11 years now that I think about it, since she passed away and I still miss her everyday.



Wednesday 14 March 2012

{A Mother's Work Meme}

Right, I've been tagged by A Working Mum to participate in A Mother's Work Meme which was started by mother.wife.me

Here goes...

  • Please post the rules... done!
  • Answer the questions, in as much or as little detail as suits you
  • Leave a comment on mother.wife.me so we can keep track of the meme
  • Tag 3 people and link to them on your blog
  • Let them know you tagged them
  • Tweet loudly about taking part (well, ok, that isn't a rule, but how about if we start a hashtag #amothersworkmeme)
Questions:

Did you work before becoming a mum?

Yes, I have spent a number of years at university studying - I successfully completed a degree and I was mad enough to go onto study for a PhD too. I went from university into the 'real world' in 2007, working full-time job with a small Glasgow-based company.

What is your current situation?

I am still with my original employer. After the birth of my son, I returned to work after 12 months maternity leave on a part-time basis (3 days a week, Mon-Wed) and I have since had my daughter and I returned to in January after 9 months maternity leave, and I am still working 3 days a week. My employer has been very understanding of my situation, my hours are flexible to allow me to do the nursery drop-off / pick-up and I returned to work after my second child to a new promoted position and snazzy new job title! 

I believe I have a good work/life balance, even if I am a little tired at times!

Freestyle - got your own point you'd like to get across on this issue... Here's your chance!

My son is nearly 3 years old and will qualify for a funded nursery place at a council nursery or partnership provider from August this year. This is a free term-time, part-time place (3 hours per day / 15 hours per week). Unfortunately, the nursery at which my son is settled is not a partnership provider (when we had enrolled him I was under the impression that by the time it came to him turning 3 years old that they would have become a partnership provider, but they still are not - nightmare!). I'm now in a quandary as to what to do. I've put in an application for a council nursery, but it's also a placement request as the nursery is out with my catchment. I very nearly missed the cut off too - why are these deadlines not publicised more? I found out about the application process two days before the submission deadline!! Then, if I do get a funded nursery place, do I move my son from the nursery that he's settled in?? How will I work things if my son is at a different nursery from my daughter?? What happens if I can't get the funded nursery hours compressed into two days rather than 3 hours a day over 5 days?? Argh... I'm very stressed about it all! Why is it not easier?? There, rant over!

I'm not sure which of my mummy 'friends' on Twitter are working parents (well, we're all working really!) and those that are stay at home parents. So if there is anyone out there reading this that wants to join in the meme, then please feel free... :-)

Sunday 11 March 2012

{One of Those Days}

Just a very short post today as part of Kate on Thin Ice's Grooving Mums blog hop.


I've been realising that I can't do it all... It's a lot harder as a single mummy than I thought it was going to be. I can cope the majority of the time, but when the kiddies are poorly, teething, I'm under the weather myself and sleep deprivation is thrown into the mix too - it's all just been a bit much for me. I've been trying to do it all, but I can't keep up.


My healthy eating & fitness plan has not been going well... I've been eating far too many cakes and been having too many glasses of wine & cocktails! I'm also now at work 3 days a week sat at a desk, so I'm not as active as I was previously. As a result of all this I've put on half a stone, which is really disappointing. I was very happy with my weight and I had been maintaining it easily, but now it's slowly creeping up. However, at least I recognise this and I'm well underway to getting back into a good routine. I went for a run yesterday morning (only 5K but I recorded a new personal best) and this evening Becky & I went to the gym for a Body Pump class. Becky also very kindly made me a delicious healthy homemade soup after our class... yum yum!

On the social front I've been out to a few parties... a work night out, a friend's 40th birthday bash and more recently my sister was here visiting this weekend so we had a lovely girly night out with some friends... Dinner, cocktails & dancing and lots & lots of laughter... My confidence is starting to improve too.



Me & my sis :-)


I've also been managing some pampering me-time. Today I bought myself a lovely new nail polish, sort of a coral colour, and spent some time doing my nails. This will hopefully allow me to tick off another of my items on my 35 at 35 list...












Friday 2 March 2012

{Fabulous Finds: Glasgow Southside Cafes & Restaurants}


Here's the lowdown on my favourite cafes and restaurants in Glasgow's Southside (in no particular order!)...

iKafe (Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields)

I was a regular at the iKafe for a number of years... however I'm not there as frequently as I used to (I was there at least once a week!). iKafe is great for coffee & cake (highly recommend the pecan pie), a nice lunch (there is a massive selection of sandwiches, wraps & baguettes) or a casual dinner. Great for with kids too - they made a pesto pasta especially for my toddler when we were there and he would recommend the cakes also!



La Tea Doh (Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields)

On the same stretch as iKafe, La Tea Doh is a great wee deli. I've sat in the window a couple of times and had a nice cup of tea and watched the world go by. They do great paninis too - yum! Not really pram-friendly though as it's just small - don't think there would be space for my double buggy!


Gusto & Relish (Pollokshaws Road)

I've been to Gusto & Relish a few times, once for one of their themed evenings for Glasgow Beer Week with my good friend Becky and they're great for lunch too. On another note, Becky also currently has her photographic prints displayed on the walls and they're for sale at £20 each (including the frame!).


The Bungo (Nithsdale Road, Strathbungo)


The Bungo has just recently opened and I went there with Becky for dinner a few weeks ago. I loved it  - such a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. Can highly recommend the Hendricks and Cucumber too! The interior feels quite industrial which I liked, and I loved the mood lighting (might be a bit dark for some people in the restaurant). I'll definitely be going back.

Ian Brown Food & Drink (Eastwoodmains Road, Clarkston)


I went here in December for lunch with friends to celebrate Becky's 30th birthday. It had been recommended by another friend, and I'm so glad we went. The food was superb, service was great, and again, I'll definitely returning for another visit. The restaurant interior has been done in collaboration with Paul Hodgkiss and the woodwork is just beautiful. 

eat cafe (Shawlands)

This is my favourite place at the moment. I love it here. I can't put my finger on it, but I just have a good feeling about this place. It's ideal for kiddies - lots of space. Again, toddler can highly recommend the cake! Everyone was really friendly and helpful, despite my son being a cheeky monkey and introducing himself to every person in there (embarrassed!). It also looks lovely at night because of all the fairy lights.... I love fairy lights. There is also the eat deli in Clarkston which I've been to a few times, but it's not so great for with the little ones as there is less space for my big double buggy.


Biscuit Cafe (Skirving Street, Shawlands)

Biscuit is another regular haunt of ours. Whilst we're there I try and pop into Paper Plane and Butterfly Kisses which are across the street. Biscuit have a lunch deal which I normally have where you can have a bowl of their hearty soup plus a half sandwich of your choice (from a selection). Food has always been good (except for once I had a fruit salad with yoghurt which I wasn't all that impressed with) and I can highly recommend their burger - yum!

The Giffnock Ivy (Fenwick Road, Giffnock)



Friends and I went to The Giffnock Ivy for dinner last year and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the service was also great. To be honest I can't actually remember what I had to eat, but please be reassured that that does not mean it wasn't up to much. It was lovely and I do want to go back, I've just not had the reason or opportunity. I was designated driver too, so can't blame my rubbish memory on the wine.... just baby brain I guess!!

Beauty with a Conscious

I volunteer most weeks with the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice, located in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, where I deliver a mindfulness m...