A PERFECT MOTHERS DAY

Motherhood.  Such a huge, exhausting, important, daunting task.  For now I am no longer the centre of my own universe, I have relinquished that position to my daughter.  If it has taught me one thing, that is I can never thank my mother enough for what she has done for us.  My greatest role model, best friend and doting Nanny.  Thank you for always being there, for helping out and giving advice.  For your kindness and patience and always putting everyone before yourself.  We couldn't get by without you.

But Mothers Day doesn't have to be about your biological mum.  Whoever is there for you, cares for you, supports, encourages and believes in you.  To the single dads who have to be both mum and dad, to the grandparents, carers and friends.  We are truly blessed to know you, love you and be part of your life.  So to you all, thank you.

This year I was excited to receive my first handmade card from Harriet.  That beautiful, glittery card takes pride of place on our fridge and I probably will leave it there for weeks.  I guess this is the start of the hoarding pile, all of the things our children make that we never throw away!  I cannot wait to open the cupboard in twenty years and piles of homemade items  spill out. For her to say to me like I have said to my mum 'why don't you throw this crap away?' and like my mother has always replied to me 'no darling, you made all of this, it's special to me'.

All I wanted to do this mothering Sunday was spend time with my family.  My husband, my daughter and my dogs.  We started the day with a huge breakfast just at our local Frankie & Bennys.  Sadly Harriet gets bored in the highchair these days so we get about twenty minutes maximum to wolf down any food before one of us is running around with her.  Therefore are current restaurants of choice are always child friendly!

After visiting both sets of grandparents to show them our appreciation of everything they do for us, we headed off for a fun afternoon in the gorgeous Spring sunshine.

Merthyr Mawr sand dunes in the picturesque village of Merthyr Mawr, Vale of Glamorgan, a relatively large, unspoilt coastal and sand dune habitat.  This beautiful nature reserve is home to many plants and wildlife and is a magical place to visit. 

We walked along the sand dunes for hours whilst Harriet ran and frolicked with the dogs finally reaching the beach at Ogmore.  The tide was coming in so we jumped in the waves and splashed about.  We collected shells on the beach and skimmed pebbles for the dogs to chase.  I carried her back across the dunes in a sling, her little legs exhausted from all the fun.

In our chaotic busy lives, I relish these precious moments.  To appreciate nature and be lost in our own adventure.  Spending time with loved ones away from digital gadgets and time constraints.  These are the things we will remember and talk about for years to come.  These are the things that matter.

Victoria
xx



 




 

BATH & BODY CURRENT OBSESSIONS

Before I became a mum I didn't understand simple pleasures, like going to the toilet alone! In 19 months I think  I've been alone in the bathroom only a handful of times.  Gone are the days I spent hours in the bath with luxury bubbles, a sweet smelling candle, a book and a glass of wine.

These days I am in and out of the shower before I can even choose which conditioner to use or sharing my bath with a toddler and a rubber duck!

I don't have a lot of time to browse the latest bath and body must haves like I used to.  But here are some that I currently use and am loving right now.

I do love The Body Shop and their endless selection of skincare.  When I heard about their Drops of Light range I was keen to see for myself what all the fuss was about.   

I've been using the Drops of Light Resurfacing Liquid Peel for a couple of weeks.  This quick fix claims to visibly brighten the appearance after first use.  A transforming gel-to-peel technology that traps and gently peels off impurities and dead skin cells to unveil healthy looking skin that feels resurfaced from first use.  With brightening Red Algae rich in Vitamin C, minerals and nutrients.

This treatment is very creamy, it is similar to an exfoliator but more gentle and without the grittiness.  It is for both dry and sensitive skin and oily and acne prone skin.  Its aim is to remove dead skin and help to reduce excess oil and grime.  It certainly did not disappoint from the first time I used it. 

It says to use two pumps on dry skin and massage into your skin until clumps form.  I followed the guidelines exactly and was amazed how well it did remove dry, dead skin.  I then washed the debris off my face and instantly my skin felt smoother.  I have always suffered with very oily skin which gets congested very easily.  Since using this product (only 2-3 times a week), my skin looks clearer and brighter and the oil is under control.  I have also noticed a difference when wearing foundation.  It certainly sits better on my skin and doesn't dry. 

For only £18 I think this is definitely worth trying.  I am keen to try other products in the range which include; brightening serum, lotion, eye cream, day cream and a few others.

If you know of a local Body Shop Rep in your area, why not get in touch to order?  You are still ordering the same product from the same company for no extra cost, but you are also supporting someone in their own business.  

I do try to make a conscious effort to buy as many products that are not tested on animals and are vegan approved and Original Source is one of them.  My skin can be quite sensitive so body washes with a lot of hidden nasties usually end up turning me bright red.  These creamy moisturising body washes smell amazing and are gentle on my skin.  They all smell divine, this month I am slightly obsessed with the Coconut and Shea Butter.  It's a holiday in a bottle!

When did we all become so obsessed with white teeth?  Now don't get me wrong, we all want a nice set of gnashers, but I feel I am constantly comparing my teeth to those of celebrities.  They just seem to be getting brighter and brighter!  At the moment, I cannot justify spending over £300 to have my teeth whitened professionally at the dentists and I wouldn't dare visit an unlicensed practice, so that leaves me with various high street products that claim to make your teeth bright white.  I've tried a few, but I haven't really noticed that much of a difference.  I was introduced to the charcoal infused Ecodenta Extra Black Whitening toothpaste by a friend.  It claims to protects against tartar, provide a gentle antibacterial effect, and leave you with a long-lasting feeling of cleanliness and freshness. Presenting a more refreshing toothpaste with more whitening.

Charcoal is certainly having a moment.  Beauty bloggers and vloggers can't get enough of the stuff.  From teeth whitening to soap, this ancient beauty secret is making a major comeback.  But have I noticed a difference?  Well, my teeth are not Simon Cowell white but I have noticed a change.  If you can cope with the weirdness of using a black toothpaste and the black marks it leave in your basin then I would recommend this product.  It is safe to use everyday unlike some of the home made recipes all over the internet and the unique substance Teavigo, not only removes stains but prevents future stains.  Plus it is currently on offer at Holland & Barrett at £1.99.

Men can be notoriously tricky to buy for, they like stylish yet functional items.  My husband always needs a decent size, strong washbag for when he works nights and this canvas utilitarian inspired design from Ila & Lane is perfect.  Made from hard wearing 100% cotton canvas, with a large gold zipper design, it's the right size, unisex in style and lined with PEVA to keep the contents dry and tidy.  At only £15 I may order another one just to stop him moaning when I steal his all the time!  Well, if you have to travel, you may as well keep you toiletries organised in style too!

https://www.ilaandlane.co.uk/products/supplies-zipper-pouch


Victoria
xx

ORIGINAL SOURCE IS MADE WITH NATURAL PLANT EXTRACTS AND AUTHENTIC FRAGRANCES FOUND FROM ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE. WE BELIEVE IN RESPECTING THE WORLD WE LIVE IN AND THAT WE SHOULD LIVE IN IT LOUDLY AND PROUDLY.

WE INNOVATE, WE INVIGORATE.

 

KATIE'S HEART LAUNCH PARTY

I was lucky enough to be invited on Friday to the launch of Katie's Heart and had the pleasure of meeting Emma and Katie, two amazing, vivacious women.  Katie was diagnosed with cervical cancer and at just 36 years of age had a hysterectomy.  Sadly soon after Katie was then diagnosed with breast cancer.  Two years on after breast removal and chemotherapy, Katie is back on her feet and back to her old self.  The pair wanted to start a new chapter, prove that you can come out the other side, you can do whatever you want, and Katie's Heart was born.

If you're attending a festival this summer, be sure to head over to www.katiesheart.com Stocking glitter, rhinestones, hair braid ring kits and handmade customisable accessories, you definitely will be festival ready with these beauties.

The stylish hair kits include rings in your choice of colours, clear braiding bobbles, pliers and pretty charms to add some festival chic to your hair style.  All this comes in a sturdy printed cotton bag that's super cute.  At just £15 these make beautiful gifts.  Excellent quality and so unusual, I can see these flying out as the festival season starts.

Also £1 of every sale goes to 'Look Good Feel Better'.  A charity that helps women with cancer face it with confidence.  To find out more about this fantastic charity click here: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Katie's Heart amazing glitter is guilt free.  It's cosmetic grade and biodegradable.  It has been developed in response to the increasing environmental pressure on the use of plastics in the cosmetic industry.  It is produced from a special biodegradable film which is derived from sustainable and environmentally sourced raw materials.  Just another reason I love this new company.

So if you're heading off to a festival this summer, keep an eye out for this gorgeous company.  Go over and say Hi! Get glittered and support a new local business that's also trying to give something back.

Victoria
xx

FRIENDSHIP, MEMORIES AND MADRID

With mixed emotions and heavy heart I headed off to Madrid for a hen party on Friday.  As excited as I was to celebrate and party with one of my oldest friends, leaving Harriet for the first time was extremely difficult.  At 18 months the longest I have left her is just over 24 hours and that was only once.  So to go away for four days, even though I was leaving her in the hands of Daddy and both sets of grandparents who are perfectly capable, it still left me in a panic.  Harriet is still breast fed, she would never take a dummy or a bottle, I am her comforter.  What if she woke in the night screaming and wouldn't settle without me?  What if my milk dries up?  What if she forgets me?  (Ok I agree the last one is slightly ridiculous but as a first time mum all of these crazy things swim around your head).  So with a list longer than her, and outfits laid out for every day plus emergency outfits, I left knowing that Spain is only 2 hours away and I could jump on any plane to the UK if I had to.

Meeting a group of girls for the first time can sometimes be daunting especially knowing you have to spend the next four days with these women in very close proximity.  A couple were close friends, some I haven't seen since school and some were complete strangers.  However we all hit it off straight away and from the moment I stepped into the airport lounge and saw the Prosecco was already flowing, I just knew we were going to have a good time.

Our apartment which slept 12 was situated on Calle Toledo in the central neighbourhood of La Latina. Most of Madrids important landmarks are within walking distance of this vibrant area and it has the highest concentration of tapas bars.  Nightlife in La Latina has more of an artistic and fashionable flair.  On Sunday's it is home to El Rastro, the world famous flea market.   This area is uber trendy (think Shoreditch).  Pretty tapas bars and trendy cocktail bars make this area a foodies paradise.

March is a difficult time of year, yes it's hotter than Wales (isn't everywhere?) but it can still be chilly.  My staples through out this break have been a leather jacket, nude flats and a fairly neutral cross body bag.  Nearly every item of clothing can be paired with one or all three of these items.  Flats are great for the amount of walking you do whilst away and nude goes with everything.  A leather jacket can toughen up or dress down any clothing.  It's warm enough for this time of year but easy to fling over your shoulders if the sun makes an appearance.  If you are planning a city break then I would seriously invest in a good pair of smart flats.  But make sure you wear them before you go, there's nothing worse than having to spend a lot of time walking with red raw blistered feet.

One of the highlights was an hour Flamenco lesson with Sara Martin Flamenco on Calle Santa Isabel.  The dance studio is above a market, totally raw and authentic.  The beautiful Maria taught us a routine.  It was hard work and difficult but such fun, we practised our moves that evening in the clubs (yes we did, we thought we were amazing after a few cocktails).  At the end she demonstrated her own dancing skills.  The passion and talent that she had was mesmerising, enchanting. It was beautiful to watch.  If you are thinking of a weekend away in Madrid, it is definitely worth booking this.

During this trip we ate, drank and gossiped the nights away.  Tapas, Paella, Sangria, we devoured the local food and drink.  I would name every restaurant and bar we visited but there are so many you will never struggle to find something delicious.

I left Madrid excited to see my beautiful girl and family and happy that the hen had had a fabulous time.  But I also felt grateful.  Grateful for the new friendships I've formed.  These beautiful, intelligent young women have made me laugh, shared secrets, shared hints and tips for all aspects of our lives, shown generosity and most importantly of all inspired me.

Thank you for the amazing memories ladies. Thank you for the super distracting What's App group that I am constantly on, thank you to the beautiful bride to be, thanks to Ally and Claire who organised practically everything.  I raise a glass to you all.  Here's to the wedding....

Victoria
xx

WHO RUN THE WORLD......

For over a week I've been trying to write a blog post about my latest high street buys.  Every time I've sat down to write, another task has come up and I've had to leave my unfinished blog several times. This was starting to get me down.  How do other women manage? How do they manage children, dog walking, housework, work and find time for friends and partners?  Is it me? Am I just useless?  Do I procrastinate? (Probably answer yes, a little, to the last question). But why am I comparing myself? Why do we beat ourselves up?  This is my little space, something I'm enjoying.  If I start worrying about deadlines and content, am I really doing it for me anymore?  I think we are all a little bit guilty of comparison, of envy, of criticism.   But why?  In a modern world where we still have gender pay gaps and violence against women is still high, we need to support each other, empower each other not tear each other down.

 

 

Today marks International Women's Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  Whether you take inspiration from Frida Kahlo, Ida Wells or your mother. We are all women and when women support each other, incredible things happen.

As well as my my own mum and friends who I could talk about all day, I have also met some amazing women, through social media, baby groups and networking. All of these women have inspired me, they have encouraged me and for that I am truly grateful.  Now I'm a mum to a little girl, it's important to show her that she can be anything, she can do anything.  I want her to grow up to be a strong independent woman, to be bold and confident, there's nothing she cannot do if she puts her mind to it.

So here's to women everywhere.  I'm grateful I have had the pleasure of knowing you and the honour of raising you.

Victoria xx

HELLO SPRING

Can someone please slow down time.  I'm not ready for it to be March, I'm not ready for my baby to be 18 months old.  Toddling off to nursery in her first Welsh costume for St David's Day today.  I couldn't have been more proud.  She is turning into an amazing little human.  Full of character, full of laughter.  As much as I want her to stay my little baby forever, I am excited to watch her grow, see the person she becomes.  But here we are, March is upon us, lambs are frolicking in the fields and it's the start of gift season. 

Mothers Day is only around the corner and deciding what to buy for the most amazing woman in you life is always difficult.  Of course we do all love something special and handmade by our children, these are things that we cherish forever, but what else do you get for that amazing woman?  The person who will nurture you, fight for you, who believes in you, who will always love you unconditionally.

No matter what our age, we always need our mums.  Whether it is to tell her good news or share a problem, they are always there knowing the right things to say.  As I get older I find it more and more difficult to find her the perfect gift.  She has a house full of homemade gifts from when my sister and I were young, they are still displayed proudly all around the house.  But I always want to get her something special, something original, something to say thank you. 

Now I have stumbled across Ila & Lane, my gifting prayers have been answered!  This luxury gifting company make it so easy.  No stress or hassle, you can simply choose a ready to send gift box or customise your own.  I cannot get enough of the website,  it's so beautiful and artistic and easy to use.  It oozes sophistication before I've even started shopping.  The ready made gift boxes are so thoughtful and unusual.  I am pretty sure there is one to match each and every one of my friends and family members personality.  I am so excited for birthdays and occasions this year.  Here are my top picks for Mothers Day.

Ila & Lane

For the Prosecco loving fashionista mums, the Prosecco and Beauty Box is the box to get!  A Prosecco lip balm and candle that are divine.  (I genuinely vouch for both products as I have them).  Beautifully packaged along with the top selling Kardashian Beauty Lioneyeze eye shadow and what  I love most, the fact that also included in the remarkable price of just £35 is the top selling style-bible, The Goddess Guide by Gisèle Scanlon. Gisele has picked out the best bits from her personal diary, address book and fashion contacts to reveal insider information, glamour secrets and a multitude of heavenly recommendations in this book.  It is full of dos and dont's, hints and tips, a fashionistas bible.  It's not just a little pamper gift set, it is thoughtful and well put together.  I hope my husband reads my blog as this box is perfect... for me!

Prosecco & Beauty Box


For those on a smaller budget the ageless gift box for just £20 is ideal.  Let her spoil herself with marshmallow hearts and breathe in the delicious scent of the white rose and sea salt candle.  Also included is an award winning konjac sponge with French pink clay. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin, this is a treatment she can use every day.

Mothers Day Gift Box


A mum who loves something a little more alternative and quirky?  Included in this stunning gift box is a fortune telling book and porcelain phrenology mug, definitely conversation starters.  Additional treats include a white rose scented candle and charcoal and lavender soap.  A lovely treat for any age.  But also included in the price of £45 are a pair of luxury handmade Silver & Aqua Quartz Hoop Earrings.  These beautiful naturally formed crystals change colour in the daylight.  What a stunning gift she can keep forever.

Crystal Lover


But what if you think she would only like certain items from certain gift boxes or your budget is larger or smaller?  She's a keen crafter or Game of Thrones mega fan?   Simply complete the bespoke order request form.  Ila & lane will do the hard work.  Their mission is to source luxury, one of a kind, beautiful, personal gifts.  There's nothing better than when someone special opens a gift, smiles, looks at you and says those five words 'you know me so well'.

Happy Shopping!

Victoria
xx