Hibiscus Bloem

this weekend we

2012-01-30T20:05:00.002+01:00

watched two great movies.

'Beginners' with Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent. A 30 something man whose world is rocked by his widowed father announcing he has terminal cancer and that he also has a young male boyfriend. He meets the wonderful and unpredictable Anna just months after his father has died. I enjoyed this movie so much. It shows how funny life can be, even at the most despairing and saddening times. Oh and there is a fantastic dog named Arthur too.

Congratulations to Christopher Plummer who just won a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for this movie.

'Sideways' is about two middle aged men adventuring on a weeklong road trip through the California wine region. Disappointed with their lives, one depressed the other out for a wild time before his impending marriage. Funny, sad and brilliantly acted. An excellent movie staring Paul Giamatti.

These are both so my kind of movies. Any recommendations from you?

We also had another day trip to the coast on Saturday on yet another blue sky and sunshine day! So lucky in January. This time to Pacific City - with lunch at the great Pelican Brewery right at the beach.

Hope you had a relaxing weekend.

saturday night at the rodeo

2012-01-24T05:54:00.000+01:00

Not my usual kind of birthday celebratory Saturday night out - but great fun all the same.

Our family had a fun evening out at the Professional Bull Riders event held at the Portland Rose Arena. Stetsons, checked shirts, demin, leather chaps, loud music, magnificent bulls and fearless riders.

how many candles on the cake?!

2012-01-21T18:50:00.000+01:00

And today it is!

Starting the day well, with a big cup of tea in bed!

And then out to breakfast with my family.

And this evening to see the Pro Bull Riding Rodeo! Yee Ha Cowboy!
I wonder if I'll come home with a Stetson!

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

this and that

2012-01-20T01:09:00.002+01:00

Things that have caught my eye these past few days ....

Sandals (for Ruby and I) for much much warmer days than we are having right now.

Asos

Crew Cuts

A great poster by Jill McDonald @ etsy

Reminds me of the train going over the mountain in the movie Dumbo.

What a door! Perfect Hibiscusbloem colour too!
photograph to order via Jessica & Holly @ etsy.

rock pooling and a haystack

2012-01-13T23:33:00.000+01:00

What child doesn't like paddling around in rockpools? Looking for crabs, shrimps and fish. Watching the anenomes waving their arms. Searching for shells. Finding gorgeous starfish with big fat legs in red, green and bluey colours.

My kiddos, stripped back to their swim shorts and bikin bottoms in January on the Pacific NW (I know, it makes me shiver thinking about it), spent hours paddling around in rockpools, carching shrimp and gently (kind of) poking anenomes, on Sunday afternoon. And yes, their feet were blue by the end of it!

With skies the brightest blue and sunshine the whole day (although still very chilly) we headed to one of our favourite beaches - Cannon Beach. This gorgeous coastline is just 1 hr 20 mins drive from our new home. The journey is also a huge part of the enjoyment in heading to the coast as you pass through such beautiful landscapes - farms, orchards and then dense forest, all the way to the coast. And there in the ocean waiting to greet you, sits the magnificent Haystack Rock, along with a long wide stretch of fine pale gold sand.

Oh how I would love live in one of these beach view homes. To wake up each morning with such a beautiful view. Brisk walks on the beach. A dip in the ocean (when it was just a bit warmer of course), and sitting watching the weather roll in from far out in the Pacific. Dream Dream!

iPhone artwork

2012-01-04T23:30:00.000+01:00

I spied the book New York - Finger Paintings last week whilst shopping in my very favourite food store New Seasons.

These brilliant 'digital finger paintings' of New York life were created by Jorge Colombo using an iPhone! Yes, really an iPhone and the application called 'Brushes' (do you know/use it?). Well, I'm just about getting around the basics on my iPhone, so these pictures impressed me so much. And as you can see, some of his work has graced the cover of The New Yorker too.

Can't wait for my copy of the book to arrive now.

2011 - 2012

2011-12-31T17:29:00.000+01:00

Goodbye 2011 - Hello 2012.

A year of very mixed emotions comes to an end.

A heartbreaking goodbye to my mum, who will forever be loved and remembered - for her 'strange' apple crumble (a joke my sister and I will always laugh at), for her love of dancing and singing, for being such a brave and courageous lady and a truely wonderful mum to my sister and I.

An exploration of Singapore - which in the end wasn't to be our next home!

Another wonderful May vacation in Florida - we've visited the same place for the past 5 years and having so many wonderful family times there.

Good times with my sister in Scotland where we had the most unbelieveable hot weather (yes really in Scotland!) and our kids got to have so much fun together.

Weekends with Nanna Doris and the Huzz's side of our family, always having fun, eating great food and playing with all our technology together (and confusing said Nanna!).

Enjoying good times with old friends and families and making new ones along the way.

A change of school for our children which worked out perfectly and prepared them for the final event of 2011......

An exciting move to the US and a new adventure for my little family.

At midnight we will raise a glass of champagne to the loved ones we have lost over years gone by, especially to our mum Barbara. Always loved and never forgotten.

We welcome 2012 with excitement for all that it may hold for us and the new adventures out there.

May 2012 bring you love, health and happiness and all wonderful things.

zoo lights

2011-12-30T09:10:00.000+01:00

It's great to be back in Portland. Top of our Christmas 'To Do' list was visiting the Oregon Zoo Lights. We first did this trip when Luca was just 3 years old (now he's 9!). Now we have two kiddos in tow and plenty of fun to be had seeing the fabulous lights in the evening, eating hot dogs and elephant ears, with Christmas music in the crisp air.

sparkling shoes

2011-12-26T01:58:00.002+01:00

Santa delivered to Ruby a lovely pink and white Radio Flyer bike (that letter to him really did work). I do love the retro style of the Radio Flyer bikes, karts and wagons, so I'm as thrilled with it as her.

The only thing about getting a new bike for Christmas is that we need to keep popping out for bike rides! Well, that does help burn off a few of the excessive calories that come along with Christmas!

Of course Ruby couldn't resist wearing her lovely new silver sparkling shoes and white tutu on each bike ride. This girl cycles in style!

Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-24T07:07:00.001+01:00

Whatever you may be doing this Christmas weekend, remember to relax,

enjoy and share the good times together.

This week we've visited Santa at Macys, made a gingerbread Christmas house and enjoyed the Zoolights at Oregon Zoo. New Christmas traditions for us in our new home.

From our new home here in Portland

I wish all my family and friends a very happy Christmas.

at last.... it's beginning to feel

2011-12-19T04:19:00.001+01:00

a lot like Christmas.

Three days ago we were saying goodbye to all our wordly goods which were packed into a huge container and onto a ship heading this way.

Two days ago we were in NL, hugging our friends and shedding more than few tears.

Now we are more than 8000 miles away in our new home of Portland, OR, USA!

Yesterday we ordered a turkey for Christmas feasting and received lots of parcels from Amazon.com (where I'd done a little advance Christmas shopping ).

Today we bought a gorgeous Christmas tree and all the decs to go with it (all ours of course are in said container) and we decked the halls in our new (temporary) home.

We are at last beginning to feel a little festive. Horrah!

It is just what I need after the weeks of planning and organising for this major move.

This evening I shall be kicking back with a delicous local Pinot Noir.

We made it all this way to start our new adventure and

what better way to start than with Christmas just around the corner.

Ho Ho Ho!

Cheers!

malteser treats

2011-12-08T17:13:00.000+01:00

These delicious little (or not so little, depending on how big I cut them) cakes are helping me through these incredibly busy days sorting, form filling, telephoning, packing, organising and trying to live a normal (whatever that is) life too! I've made 4 big batches the past couple of weeks - one for us, one for Luca's birthday party, one for his class at school and one for nursery bake sale (the bake sale batch sold out in 15 minutes!).

Malteser Cakes

1 and a half x family size bags of Maltesers (half bag crushed)
Half a large family size bar of milk chocolate broken into pieces
Half a packet of Digestive biscuits broken into small pieces
Approx 85g of unsalted butter
3 tbs golden syrup Method

1. Melt the butter, chocolate and golden syrup in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Remove bowl from over the heat.

2. Add the Digestives, and then the crushed Maltesers until well combined.

3. Allow to cool slightly, then stir through the rest of the whole Maltesers.

4. Line a 1lb loaf tin or flat tin with cling film, pour in the mixture and press down well, but be careful not to crush the whole Maltesers.

5. Chill in refrigerator until set. About 2 hours min.

6. Slice the chocolate malteser cake into chunky fingers or squares.

So easy, how can you resist? Indulge and enjoy!

PS - Thanks to my sister for this recipe!

nine

2011-12-03T13:28:00.001+01:00

Happy 9th Birthday Luca.

Wishing you a wonderful 9th year ahead.

We are so proud of you and love you so much.
Now, can you emerge from that pile of Lego you have unwrapped!

Happy Happy Birthday.

xxxx

moving on.....

2011-11-30T17:44:00.000+01:00

Apologies for a lack in blogging recently! Things have been busy behind the scenes, and here's why.....

We are packing our bags and moving to Portland, Oregon, USA - in 18 days!

You may remember back in January when we visited Singapore, wondering if that country would be our new home. What an adventure that would have been. But as things turned out, Singapore was not meant to be.... and then Portland popped up again!

So, this is not a last minute kind of move! We've been going through the usual negotiations and planning for months now, but as always in these kind of moves, weeks can go by with complete radio silence, and that it all picks up again and before you know it moving day has arrived!

Excitement is building. We are moving back to the city we lived in from 2004-2006. A place we loved. The pre-move visit was done in October - searching for the right school for the kiddos, looking a potential new homes. Getting to feel excited once again. Visiting old favourite places. Meeting up with great friends we hadn't seen in years. The trip really cemented our feelings that we could without doubt live in such a great place again.

image via Shop Sweet LuLu

And so this week the goodbye parties start (as well as Luca's birthday and Sinterklaas to celebrate). And of course the sorting out, preparing etc continues at a pace (which probably needs to be picked up a bit now!). Add to that lot a dash of Christmas excitement building up AND trying to keep the usual regular activities and normality for the kiddos! Phew!

Imagies via Pinterest

So, if you don't hear too much from me over the next couple of weeks, you'll know that I'm hidden somewhere under packing boxes or paperwork! But I will be back ....... 8000 km away from here!

old school badges

2011-11-29T13:40:00.000+01:00

A fun collection of badges for the lead players at a wedding!

Just so they don't forget who they are!

Bloomsbury & Co

all that glitters

2011-11-16T22:22:00.001+01:00

I'm spending far too much time browsing Pinterest and pinning all things sparkly to my board. Obviously the festive spirit is already creeping in! My favourites in the wardrobe department so far are...

Twinke Twinkle!

conran @ m&s

2011-11-16T14:43:00.001+01:00

A trip back to the UK isn't complete without a pit stop at the great British institution of M&S! Usually it a quick whizz around the food section to see what new goodies are in store, and then stocking up on new underwear (is there any British woman that does not have some M&S underwear at home?!).

This time, the new collection of furniture and homeware by Sir Terence Conran distracted me. Not quite small enough (like said underwear) to fit into my suitcase unfortunately!

sparkle

2011-11-09T21:22:00.001+01:00

Mmmmm .... love this sparkling Swarovski 'Palace Necklace'.

The perfect amount of sparkle for all the festive parties that will soon be upon us.

the colours of autumn

2011-10-31T04:16:00.002+01:00

The trees are the most incredible colours right now.

Ruby has even started to colour her tree pictures red and yellow instead of the usual green.

girl on a haystack!

2011-10-29T01:46:00.000+02:00

In the middle of a pumpkin patch.

On the top of a haystack.

Painted butterfly on her cheek.

This girl has fun wherever she goes!

the boy with the dragon tattoo

2011-10-26T06:01:00.000+02:00

Well, not quite a tattoo!

Great face painting at a pumpkin patch.

my wedding cakes & other gorgeous creations

2011-10-18T14:05:00.000+02:00

At our wedding we had 120 individually made vanilla sponge cakes, each covered in white fondant icing, with a white and yellow fondant daisy on the top of each cake. They looked great and tasted wonderful, so I'm told, as amongst all the joy and celebration, I didn't get to try one! No, not one! And, this is the only photograph I have of them! Obviously the photographer was having too much of a good time and forgot the cakes!

I love these flower cakes. So elegant and beautiful. I'd be hard pressed to choose which one if I were to have my wedding again (to the same Huzz of course!).

rainy day dress

2011-10-14T17:29:00.000+02:00

A most appropriate little girls' dress for rainy autumn days!

Dutch kids design store Buisjes en Beugels.

welcome to the new week

2011-10-10T10:07:00.000+02:00

Hope you had a great weekend.

What a difference a week makes!

Last Sunday we had temperatures reaching 27 degrees.

We were trying to get sun lotion on the children.

Drinking chilled Prosecco!

This Sunday we were in wellies and fleeces.

Eating bowls of warm bean soup.

Keeping cosy by an open fire and drinking delicious red wine.

Autumn is here.

Here's to a new week of blustery days and showers.

Wrapping up in new scraves and Hunter wellies!

images via Pinterest

27 degrees and new gloves!

2011-10-03T09:59:00.001+02:00

How much have we been enjoying this gorgeous sunshine this past week here in NL? Temperatures reaching 27 degrees and everyone delighted to be wearing their summer clothing for a few more days.

Still, it didn't stop me spying these gorgeous yellow / mustard leather gloves in In Wear at the weekend. I tried them on. Left the shop and walked around town a little. Then started thinking... What if they sold out in that colour? What if I couldn't get them when the temperature had dropped to a chilly 12 degrees? I thought of what my mum used to say "Don't hesitate .... if you like it, buy it." So I hot footed it back to In Wear and within a few minutes they were mine and are now waiting patiently to be worn when the real autumn weather arrrives.

I have visions of sitting outside a lovely cafe on a chilly morning. Hands clad in my gorgeous new gloves, holding a steaming hot chocolate or coffee. Now I'm ready for autumn! But still hoping these hot days will last a little longer!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend. Welcome to the new week.

handmade chocolates!

2011-09-29T11:24:00.001+02:00

Chocolate

Melting

Stirring

Dipping

iPhone photos

An evening with 20 ladies from our Mums & Tots group, stirring, dipping, cutting, mixing and decorating chocolates - although no licking of the spoon allowed! Deliciously smooth ganache flavoured with coffee, cinnamon, tea and orange was then dipped and bowls of melted smooth chocolate and when cooled, hand decorated with swirls, initials, and other creative designs, and piped white truffles covered in dark chocolate and then dusted with cocoa powder.

Boxed and tied with lovely autumnal coloured ribbons, our individually made chocolates were taken home to show off and enjoy. Not sure many of us made the drive home without tasting one or three!

We attended a class by Chocolaterie Nicole..... cake maker and chocolaterie.

piet hein eek designs and showroom

2011-09-26T13:13:00.000+02:00

Here's a little look inside the showrooms of Dutch furniture designer Piet Hein Eek - possibly known best for his use of reclaimed wood.

The location is great - an old Philips factory in my town Eindhoven, with huge floor to ceiling windows, where you can wander around and see the craftsmen at work making PHE designed furniture. The location holds a showroom, factory, gallery, shop and cafe / restaurant. All definitely worth a visit if you are living here or passing through.

It has become my new favourite place to browse the furniture, ceramics, bikes, books, glassware, vintage finds mixed with interesting modern pieces - oh and have a great latte and brownie afterwards in the café, where antique tables and chairs are mixed with bright modern wood pieces.

Ceramic collection 'Dik' = thick in English

Tokyo bikes

Tableware by Jeanine Eek Keiser

- mismatched pottery reglazed to form complete 'new' sets!

fun birthday party ideas

2011-09-21T16:51:00.002+02:00

Fun birthday party ideas to keep in your 'inspiration' file.

via here

Birthday Rules!

bunting

2011-09-14T13:50:00.000+02:00

Don't we all love a little bunting these days! Not even just for children's parties, but to decorate bedrooms, or gardens, to welcome new baby's or loved ones home, weddings, and all the festive occasions of course. From the simplest handcut paper flags, to embroidered and hand sewn. Just what every celebration needs.

Here's a few lovely ones that caught my eye.

Etsy

via alphamom - download and print here for new arrivals

for that all important beach party!

Cute festive flags

music i'm enjoying right now

2011-09-08T13:35:00.000+02:00

Back in May whilst on our annual Florida 'first dose of sunshine for the year' vacation, I picked up this cd, 'Chamber Music Society' by Esperanza Spalding, purely because the cover was so eye-catching! I was not disappointed. I'm not familiar with or a fan of jazz music so this is totally different for me but I'm loving this.

The Chamber Music Society won Esperanza Spalding a 'Best New Artist' Grammy back in 2010, the first of its kind given to a pure jazz musician. And since then her star has risen even higher. She has appeared in Banana Republic ads, and performed at the White House and the Nobel Peace Prize concert, to name just a few.

Not only is she a very talented musician and singer, she also rocks a fabulous afro and super cool wardrobe too.

Great article here in the New York Times 'Style' Magazine where you read all about her music, career and rise to jazz fame.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/babys-got-bass/

party time

2011-09-05T10:20:00.000+02:00

3rd birthday celebrations were enjoyed yesterday. Pink cake, masses of balloons, little girls in pretty dresses and their favourite bead necklaces, gorgeous September sunshine. All the makings of a lovely party with friends.

The pink version of this cake turned out great - with extra pink sparkling sprinkles.

There wasn't a crumb left!

What cake shall I choose next I wonder?

Another present for me?

0-3 in a flash!

2011-09-02T20:03:00.000+02:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Ruby.

You are smart, funny, cheeky, gorgeous and full of mischief.

We all love you so much Ruby.

You might like to see last year's birthday post showing photographs of Ruby just moments after she was born to her 2nd Birthday. How the time flies.

favourite red bag

2011-08-29T20:07:00.000+02:00

A spontaneous hour of shopping on Friday evening (just before meeting with a big group of friends for drinks) resulted in some great autumn wardrobe purchases that I'm delighted with.

My favourite is this gorgeous red leather shopper from Zara.

I've already loaded it up with all my 'necessities' and used it today.

cake practice

2011-08-26T10:49:00.000+02:00

I'm not much of a baker. Most cakes I have made have turned out just about ok. However, my good friend A is an excellent cake maker and recommended this easy birthday cake from Nigella's 'Domestic Goddess' book (which co-incidentally I have, but had never noticed the recipe before).

As Ruby turns 3 next weekend, my plan is to make a simple birthday cake for her, covered in all things pink - including the buttercream. So a practice run was essential, without so much pink!

Well... it turned out just perfectly in my practice run. Filled with buttercream and a light spread of blackcurrant jam, this cake tastes delicious. I highly recommend it for those not so experienced in the cake making department.

Yum.

Watch out for the pink birthday version coming soon!

wrist action

2011-08-22T17:20:00.000+02:00

Loving the overloaded wrist styles I'm seeing around these days.

I've been wearing a favourite silver white and yellow beaded necklace wrapped around my wrist, together with an old favourite Louis Vuitton leather strap with silver four leaf clover fastening.

Refinery29 has been doing a little project seeking out the most stacked and stylish wrists in NYC. Check out the 200+ bracelets they have photographed for some inspiration.

images via Pinterest

i tried to stop myself

2011-08-18T14:42:00.001+02:00

from posting these photographs of Mr Beckham, but I just couldn't ! Enjoy!

image via Pinterest

1940 wedding day

2011-08-17T19:31:00.000+02:00

Whilst looking through family photographs on our trip to the UK over the summer, I found this wonderful photograph of my maternal grandparents on their wedding day, 21st September 1940. No fancy white wedding dress, but both equally glamorous in their wedding day hats, corsages and a lucky wedding day silver horseshoe.

j crew colours & jenna lyons's home envy

2011-08-08T20:09:00.000+02:00

The (heavy weight) Sept issue of British Vogue came back with me from our UK vacation. I've been drooling over the home of J Crew's president and executive creative director Jenna Lyons's home. So stylish and filled with unique and gorgeous furniture and decor. A little home (and fashion of course) envy going on now!

Always one of my favourite shops to visit in the US, its good to hear J Crew will soon be shipping to the UK as it has some gorgeous colours going on for the autumn /winter months. I usually stick with a lot of black and grey after the summer (when I love lots of colour) has passed, but these colours are sure to tempt me away to some brighter warmer hues.

(ok, greyish again!)

pumpkin donuts

2011-08-06T21:39:00.000+02:00

Now these I could eat right now!

Recipe here, if you dare to look!

hello again

2011-08-04T23:14:00.001+02:00

Yay. I'm back in the land of internet access again! Missed my blogging and yours too.

So a lovely flower to say hi again. An orchid found growing in the fields at my sister's home. Just a few centimeters tall and peeking through the long grass.

We've been on a whirl wind tour of the UK. Leaving a not so sunny NL, we drove to Calais in France to the Eurotunnel and once aboard, 35 minutes later we were in the UK. First stop for a few days with family in Tring, Hertforshire. Next stop was to my sister near to Edinburgh for 5 days. Then 5 days at a cottage in the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire and finally back south to Brighton before heading home to NL once again. Yes, we sure did clock up some kms these past 15 days. And we can hardly believe our luck that the sun has been shining on us nearly every day!

Its been fun seeing the kiddos playing with their cousins and enjoying all kinds of fun summer activities. Visiting farms, swimming, rock climbing, making new friends, collecting bugs, playing outdoors late into the evenings, windsurfing, sailing and picnics in the sun. Not to mention the bucket loads of icecream that has been consumed!

Can't wait to catch up with all my favourite blogs and hear how your summers have been going too. First though, I need to unpack!

sheep racing!

2011-07-28T18:52:00.001+02:00

Yes you did read the title correctly!

How hilarious it was to see sheep racing at Mead open farm in Hertfordshire. Six sheep, six mini jumps and a little teddy bear jockey tied to the back of each sheep. All in good fun, and you can even win a medal if you pick the winning sheep! Baaaa!

'glamping' in the uk

2011-07-22T22:17:00.002+02:00

Camping ain't what it used to be apparently!

My memories of damp sleeping bags, bumpy ground, cold showers, and tents getting half blown away are all in the past.

Now its all about the 'glamping'!

jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk

devonyurt.co.uk

featherdown.co.uk

With the comforts offered above, and the look of that gorgeous hot tub, I think I might be persuaded to give it another try!

essential vacation purchase

2011-07-20T17:05:00.001+02:00

Well, not my usual vacation purchase. But, as we are heading to England and Scotland over the summer, I need to be prepared for every kind of weather!

So as well as swim suits, sunlotion and t-shirts (forever optimistic!), raincoats and umbrellas are needed and also a lovely new pair of wellies!

Here's hoping I won't have to wear them!

Happy summertime friends.

Ruby's handbags

2011-07-18T13:52:00.000+02:00

So, the handbag collection has begun.

Ruby likes to have at least one with her on her trips out and about.

Filled with all kinds of essential items -

Lego pieces, pencils, bracelets, a feather or two, a purse, a plastic snake!

A girl is never too young to start her love of bags is she!

beach colours

2011-07-14T20:52:00.001+02:00

Love these summer colours.

I have some of these shells and star fish on my hallway table.

They come out for the summer months to remind me of the beaches we've enjoyed around the world.

image via Pinterest

trampoline jumps

2011-07-13T09:02:00.000+02:00

My boy Luca.

Looks as if he is 'suspended' over the trampoline!

tastes of sunday

2011-07-11T19:48:00.001+02:00

Pancakes, poffertjes, raspberry jellies.
Shared with two wonderful aunts, the kiddos and the Huzz.
Sugar overload!

bollywood and henna party

2011-07-04T20:53:00.001+02:00

Living an expat life, with friends from all corners of the world, has its advantages for sure. A group of talented Indian ladies organised a fabulous ladies only evening on Friday, where 50 of us enjoyed the delicious food from south and north India, Bollywood dancing and atmosphere of an Indian party in our Dutch city. The professional classical Indian dance teacher was amazing - the hand movements, gestures, and theatre in the dancing was mesmerising. And even the non-professional Indian ladies were fabulous too - so graceful and beautiful in their jewel coloured saris and tunics.

I've wanted to wear a sari and have my hands henna painted for a long time, and both wishes came true on Friday evening, when a friend shared her beautiful sari collection with 8 of us. And I had my right hand painted and also the back of my neck. Below are mine and a few other friends henna painted hands.

Lets hope this wasn't a one off, but at least an annual event. Thank you so much ladies.

Now all I want to do is watch 'Slumdog Millionaire' and listen to 'Jai Ho'.

new chanel colours

2011-06-28T22:07:00.000+02:00

Not wishing the summer sunshine away too fast, here's the new autumn shades of nail varnish from Chanel.

These colours are definitely more up my street that the Chanel Mimosa which I just cannot get used to at all. If I were spending my summer on a gorgeous white sandy beach, with tanned feet and sand between my toes, then maybe, just maybe, the Mimosa would work for me. But so far I'm not loving it, but Ruby is. Those cute little toes are bright and cheerful in this sunshine yellow.

table for 120 anyone?

2011-06-26T21:52:00.000+02:00

Wouldn't you just love a seat at one of these long tables?

Take a look at this site...... Outstanding in the Field. With a mission to reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food, whilst honoring the farmers and artisans that cultivate it, these events have been taking place across the US and are venturing into other corners of the world too.

Amazing dinners held in fabulous locations. Wonderful locally sourced food that is prepared by highly regarded chefs from wherever the dinner is being held.

Tickets available here.

summer, what summer?

2011-06-24T13:43:00.000+02:00

June 21st came and went. Looks like the sunshine did too! Those glorious days we had back in April / May seem a distant memory already, as the weather here in NL has been rain rain and more rain. I've been soaked to the skin, with rain dripping from my hair, 3 times this week whilst doing the school pick up on my bike. Seeking shelter under trees, in church doorways and then peddling as fast as we could home. No stopping at the icecream parlour after school like we usually do a few times each week - brrrrrr! Instead the kiddos have been drinking hot chocolate drinks as soon as we've arrived home from school - hot chocolate! Its June!

image via Pinterest

Anyhow, rumour has it that the sunshine will reappear at the weekend, and specifically on Sunday in time for the Huzz's b-day. So maybe a bbq and a few glasses of chilled prosecco will be enjoyed in celebration, and the bunting won't be dripping on our heads!

Wishing you a very happy and (hopefully sunny) weekend wherever you are.

this is books

2011-06-23T21:34:00.000+02:00

This is .... Paris, London, San Francisco, New York, Texas, Washington DC, Munich, Venice, Rome, Israel, Ireland, Greece, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Australia, Britain, United Nations, Historic Britain, the Way to the Moon.

Do you know this set of books by Miroslav Sasek? Beautifully classic, illustrated so wonderfully and timeless in their quality. The Czech illustrator and author Miroslav Sasek started this collection of books in 1958 with 'This is Paris'. Filled with facts and figures, each book is a treasure in its detail and an historic account from when it was first published (although all reissued books do have up-to-date facts and figures to keep up with the times).

The first one I bought for Luca was 'This is New York', purchased whilst I was in NY with some lovely girlfriends for a weekend. See, even when I'm away from the kiddos, they are always on my mind! Don't you find that too?

Anyhow, a great collection to have at home, and books that we look at time and time again.

smile please

2011-06-23T12:31:00.000+02:00

Ruby has a toy camera.

She takes a photograph.

She turns the camera around for you to see yourself in the viewer.

You will either be a Princess, Boy, Monkey or Dog !

Don't be offended if you are the dog or monkey! Its not personal.

monday

2011-06-20T17:04:00.001+02:00

Not enough sleep this weekend. It was a busy one with a big dinner with friends, a father's day pancake house lunch, judo green belt success for Luca, a fitness class, sorting and organising at home, and late nights! My Monday list is going to carry over into at least Tuesday!

Hope you had a good one!

via Pinterest

a great start to the day

2011-06-16T10:05:00.003+02:00

This would have been a great start to my day.

A lovely morning swim in the pool, followed by an even longer delicious breakfast at this beautiful table setting with my very favourite friends.

image via Pinterest

corner view 'on my wall'

2011-06-15T20:33:00.003+02:00

This guy hangs proudly on my living room wall. We went out shopping for a bookcase, and came home with him instead! The following time we were out searching for the bookcase, we came home with a gorgeous Indian mirror! On our next shopping trip we found the perfect bookcase. Third time lucky as they say!

For celebrations like Christmas or birthdays, he always gets to wear a Santa or party hat or have twinkling lights around his horns!

Thanks to Elsa for today's theme. For more Corner Views, take a look at Francesca's blog.

2 summer dresses

2011-06-11T14:29:00.000+02:00

These would be great additions to my summer wardrobe.

One for home life, and one for beach life. Perfect.

H&M.

mikoh

lookouts

2011-06-09T19:59:00.003+02:00

The best view on the beach!

Florida and Hawaii

i scream for ice-cream

2011-06-04T22:27:00.002+02:00

Or gelatto, soft scoop, frozen yoghurt, sorbet etc etc etc.

via Pinterest

The temp reached 30 °C (86 °F) here in NL today, and all thoughts turned to cooling down with something frozen and delicious.

With blue skies and sunshine almost every day this week, ice-cream parlours have been visited or the freezer raided daily. These frozen treats have caught my eye. Delicious!

My favourite flavours are lemon, hazelnut and coconut. What about you?

Scoop on a stick

Naia's Bar Gelato

via Pinterest

little girl after sunset

2011-05-30T20:16:00.000+02:00

Covered in sand and smudges of orange ice-cream.

Enjoying the beach for as long as possible after sunset.

the thrill of the ride

2011-05-25T13:52:00.000+02:00

We visited the Efteling at the weekend. This is the largest theme park in NL and one of the world's oldest, having opened in 1952. Originally with a fairy tale theme, the park has developed over the years into a full blown roller-coaster riding thrill seekers delight.

Well, for some that is. Just looking at some of the rides makes my head start spinning and stomach churning! Still, the Huzz and Luca love them and they waited patiently in the lines for the thrill of riding for just a minute or two. And Ruby was very happy riding the beautiful old carousels with me (but I wonder how long that will last?)!

Are you a thrill seeker, loving the roller-coaster speeding along, twisting and turning, diving and plumenting? Or are you happy to sit in a giant tea-cup twirling around?!

airstream

2011-05-23T10:39:00.000+02:00

We've driven past the Airstream Ranch many-a-time. This time we stopped to get some long overdue photographs. Not only are there these old Airstreams, half buried in the ground, and an 'Airstream Village' of lovely used ones, but they also sell brand new shiny Airstreams too. If I had a 'caravan' of any type it would have to be one of these.

Unfortunately, the usual gorgeous Florida blue skies were missing at the time and the biggest storm was rolling in and pelted us for the next hour as we drove back to Orlando airport for our (delayed by 4 hours) flight home. Anyhow, photographs were made and that was a great end to the vacation.

ahhh.... its the weekend

2011-05-20T21:00:00.000+02:00

So pleased that Friday has rolled around so quickly.

via Pinterest

Whatever you do. Wherever you may be. Enjoy!

breakfast, home & away

2011-05-19T14:16:00.000+02:00

Breakfast at our house is either toast with butter and Marmite, a bowl of breakfast cereal or fruit and yoghurt, followed by a cup of Yorkshire tea or Illy coffee.

However, these past couple of weeks we've been having a little vacation indulgence! There have been a lot of breakfast trips to our favourite donut and coffee shop - Lighthouse Donuts. Luca and my favourite is the maple glazed. Ruby loves the chocolate glaze with sprinkles. Huzz goes for a breakfast bagel - filled with egg, bacon and cheese. Yum!

All my pre-vacation fitness classes and cutting back on the calories now need to be trebled!!

Do you have a favourite glaze on your donut?

front row

2011-05-18T13:02:00.002+02:00

Another perfect end to a perfect day, and front row seats to enjoy the view.

beach info

2011-05-16T22:28:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, after a day at one of our favourite beaches, we stopped by the Postcard Inn for dinner at Wildwood BBQ & Burger. Deeeelicious!

This huge floor to ceiling chalk board in the hotel lobby caught my eye (as well as loads of other cool elements about this hotel which I'll post another time).

All the info you need for a day at the beach.

Surfs up.... must go!

corner view 'motion'

2011-05-13T19:48:00.004+02:00

Not the easiest of subjects for CV this week. Capturing somebody / something in motion can often end up blurred and unidentifiable (for me anyway!). So I asked my Huzz to take some shots of the amazing herons at the beach where we are staying. Such big birds, but so graceful and elegant in flight.

Thanks to Cole for this weeks CV theme. To view more Corner View motion blogs around the world, stop by Francessca.

PS - Blogger deleted the original of this post and all 250 comments (actually make that 6 comments)! So this is my 2nd time of posting CV this week. So, I hope this stays put!

a new favourite

2011-05-10T03:23:00.002+02:00

A quick and unplanned purchase, has turned into my new favourite dress. The shape is so flattering with the halter-neck and fitted waist, and I'm feeling ready for summer.

Warehouse

beach feet / corner view

2011-05-05T03:24:00.014+02:00

Oooohhhh, those little chubby feet. So cute in her new beach footwear.

And I've just realised that this can also be my Corner View 'By the Sea' contribution for this week too! Two posts in one - lovely!

Thanks to Lise for this week's theme. For more Corner View's 'By the Sea', stop by Francesca's blog.

head scarves

2011-05-04T03:51:00.000+02:00

If I had long hair, I would wear a 'hippie style' headscarf just like these ladies. Love this look, but I just don't think it works with short hair like mine. Shame!

corner view 'what's for lunch?'

2011-04-27T21:09:00.001+02:00

Its been a while since I stopped by for a Corner View blog. But what better way to return than to see what all the Corner View contributors are having for lunch in their little corner of the world. Take a tour..... but beware, it may make you hungry!

My very favourite lunch is the Huzz's homemade focaccia bread with some olive oil and a little balsamic to dip it in, and a Greek salad on the side. Perfect for this gorgeous spring weather we've been having here in NL. These past couple of weeks, a focaccia has been made about 3 times a week!

FYI - the recipe of the focaccia comes from 'The Bread Bible' by Rose Levy Beranbaum - a fabulous book and well worth having around.

Thank you Dorte for this week's idea. For more Corner View lunches start at Francessa's blog.

easter @ the beach

2011-04-27T08:22:00.000+02:00

A 7.30am chocolate egg hunt started Easter Sunday off well. Fondant chickens, big chocolate rabbits and multi-coloured foil wrapped mini-eggs hidden amongst the bushes, slide, plants pots and scaffolding (we're having some renovations done on the house!) were discovered with such noise and commotion I was just a little concerned for the neighbours without children trying to enjoy a Sunday lie in!!

And then, car loaded up and off to the beach. Roads free of traffic were a delight (apart from those attrocious Belgian roads that are so bumpy its like riding a rickety old rollercoaster!). An almost empty beach awaited us on arrival at 11am! Sunshine, sand, sea, buckets and spades, skim board - what more could the kiddos want? Chocolate eggs of course! But with NL being the hottest place in Europe this Easter weekend, the chocolate eggs were better off back home in the fridge.

Hope you enjoyed your Easter weekend, and didn't overdo the chocolate eggs too much!

being 2 (part II)

2011-04-21T13:47:00.005+02:00

These days its ALL about the pink and sparkles.

image via freeextras.com

Offer Ruby anything and its always "I want the pink one."

She will only watch the Charlie & Lola dvd that comes in the pink box (blue, green and red are rejected daily).

Her most used sentence is "I want something." which actually means "I want a cookie / sweetie / cake."

Her second most used sentence is "I can do it myself. I can."

She loves sparkly nail varnish on her toes.

She wants to try out my lipstick.

She sings ALL the time. Even when looking for her ball, she is singing 'Ruby's ball where are you?". This kind of sent the Huzz crazy when they recently did a 2.5 hr drive and she sang the whole way!

She knows all the names of the BOYS in her big brother's group 4 class at school. And all the BOYS names in her nursery class - girls are never mentioned. She's gonna be trouble this one!

being 2 (part I) is here.

cardboard toys

2011-04-14T20:49:00.000+02:00

These are on my shopping list for the kiddos. Cardboard toys. Easily assembled. Easily stored. Children (or you!) can assemble, decorate, play, pack away, and eventually when they have been enjoyed until they are falling apart, they can be recycled! Firstly, I'm thinking of a small house that can fold down flat and be popped into a suitcase to take on vacations.

Some of these large creations are great don't you think (although a little more bedroom space might be needed).

kidsonroof.com

creativetoyshop.com

quote to remember

2011-04-11T20:34:00.003+02:00

via Tatyana @ Pinterest

morning walk

2011-04-08T08:22:00.002+02:00

The third day in a row of blue skies and sunshine! Yay! I know its only 3 days, and not so exciting for those of you who have months of this kind of weather, but we do appreciate the smaller share of the sun we get here you know!

Days like this make you want to get out early and enjoy every minute. Ruby and I did just that. A walk to feed the new ducklings (so cute and fluffy, and not too afraid of Ruby pelting them with handfuls of bread!). Me stopping to photograph the neighbourhood blossom. And a stop at the cafe by the park for a coffee and hot chocolate. This cafe always has lovely displays of flowers or huge bowls of fruits outside throughout the year. And we enjoyed our drinks sitting in the sunshine before our trek (10 mins through the park!) back home.

Wishing you a great weekend ahead. Hopefully we'll spend most of it outdoors.

royal wedding memories

2011-04-06T22:27:00.006+02:00

Not long until their Big Day now.

Prince William and Kate Middleton - Friday 29th April.

It all brings back memories of my attendance at Charles & Diana's wedding day - 29th July 1981. Well, not quite an official invitation!

My mum, sister and I (I was 14 years old), together with a neighbour (and millions of others of course!), camped out the night before the 'fairytale' royal wedding, direclty oppostite Charing Cross Station in London. A night of no sleep at all. Walking down The Mall at 2am. Amazing crowds, flag waving, whistle blowing, horn tooting fun. Music, dancing, joy and anticipation. Cheering and waving our flags until our arms ached! The memories of that night are actually more vivid than the big event itself. Of course, all those carriages and official cars filled with royal families from around the world passed by us, the bride and groom, bands, horses, guards etc - but I don't recall much of that. Just the cheering and waving really!

Paper chairs from Cox & Cox

As a Brit living aboard, I won't get quite the same amount of wedding coverage or enthusiasm as my fellow Brits back home, but I will have the TV on throughout the day on 29th April. Waiting to see 'the dress' (such a BIG part of any wedding), and a friend is hosting a 'royal tea-party' for our Mums & Tots group. Everyone loves a wedding (don't they?), no matter whose it may be.

I'm curious. Are you interested in Prince William's wedding if you aren't from the UK?

Will you be watching, cheering, attending a street party or raising a glass etc to William and Kate?

Do tell.

sleep easy

2011-04-04T11:12:00.004+02:00

Do you toss and turn at night? Your head filled with this and that? Blogging, watching tv, reading until way too late and then busy head?

There's nothing like a good night's sleep to make you feel ready to take on the world (or at least the kiddos at 7am). Unfortunately, I've had nothing like a good night's sleep for goodness knows how long! So, this morning here are a few reminders of how to achieve that all important beauty sleep.

Try to keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time (even on those weekends when you'd just love a lie in!).

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, relatively cool, comfortable and a place for relaxation.

Have a lovely comfortable bed with enough space - avoid sharing with pets and the children if you can!

Try to do some daily exercise - 30 mins at least - although not before bedtime as this can interfere with sleep.

Relax before you go to bed. Listen to music, a little reading, take a warm bath, gentle yoga.

Try not to eat too late or too larger meal before bed. Sometimes a little snack does help though!

Too much to fluid before bed may mean you'll be waking in the night to use the toilet.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine late at night.

Hide your clock! A bright illuminated clock can become a focus if you are waking regularly.

Keep a little notebook by your bed. Make a note of things on your mind if they are keeping you awake.

If you do wake up, don't lie there tossing, turning and worrying about going back to sleep. Get up and do something until you feel tired again.

Go to bed when you are tired!

All the above tips aren't possible for everyone of course, but maybe you can incorporate a few to help get in a few extra hours beauty sleep.

Of course, we've all got our own little bedroom rituals too. I like to get lots of fresh air in the bedroom during the daytime to clear the air. I only have white crispy bedlinens. On chilly nights I cannot get to sleep with cold feet, so socks are sometimes needed. And on hot summer nights, I hate to have hot feet so cool them down with cold water before I go to bed! Each to their own!

What about you? Any special sleep tips to pass on?
Wishing you a restful night tonight. x

yellow

2011-03-31T12:43:00.001+02:00

Loving the splash of yellow around now for spring. A great lift to an outfit.

A little shopping trip into Brighton at the weekend found me drawn towards these two items, now added to my wardrobe (and I'm sure there will be more).

Inwear - cotton crinkle scarf

Toast - white silver and yellow necklace

And I might just add this dress soon too.

Asos

Let the sunshine in!

happy 2nd anniversary

2011-03-28T14:59:00.000+02:00

My best friend Elisha and her lovely hubby will be celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary today!!! Yay!

Wishing them many many years of happiness together.

Big Hugs

Photograph taken by Huzz at the wedding venue.

flowers cycling and chocolate eggs!

2011-03-25T12:27:00.002+01:00

Hope the sun keeps on shining on us this weekend at least. Loving the doors and windows open, washing drying outdoors, and being out on my bike every day. The school run, shopping, parks. My favourite form of transport on these sunny days.

I've already eaten my own weight in those white mini-chocolate eggs that are in the stores (already for a few weeks) for Easter. Wish they wouldn't start selling them so early! One is never enough!

The hydrangea bushes in the garden are starting to look alive again - bright green leaves pushing out into the sunshine. I can't wait for their flowers to start blooming in gorgeous purples and pinks.

Photographs taken summer 2010

Wishing you a great weekend, whatever you may be up to.

8th anniversary

2011-03-22T09:22:00.000+01:00

The Huzz and I have been married 8 years today. It feels like yesterday, and yet also so long ago (both in good ways).

We married on Saturday March 22nd 2003 at Somerford Hall, Brewood, Staffordshire. Our wedding 'party' took place over a whole weekend. Friday evening dinner and party, with my brother-in-law's band playing, guest appearances singing from the bride-to-be and girlfriends and groom-to-be with his friends as backing singers! A great way to start our celebations.

The sun was out the whole weekend - blue skies all the way. Friends and family arriving from around the UK and from far off countries. Everyone was so relaxed, including us.

My Huzz-to-be made a pre-wedding speech that brought tears in my eyes. We drank champagne with our family and friends before the ceremony (just the one glass - who wants to slur their wedding vows!?).

At 4pm we walked into the ceremony room together, hand in hand, with 'Light My Fire' by The Doors playing. We were singing too.

The fragrant smell of hyacinths filled the room.

I read my poem, taking deep breaths to stop the tears of joy.

We kissed before we were pronounced husband and wife - we couldn't wait!

Laughter and joy filled the room.

When we left the room as Huzz and Wife, 'Voodoo Child' by Jimi Hendrix was playing.

We had a fabulous dinner, wonderful speeches, music and dancing, photographs and memories.

The joy, the fun, the friends and family. Our wedding weekend was unforgettable. The past 8 years have been unforgettable too.

Happy anniversary Huzz. Here's to the next 8. xxxxxxxx

lace coat

2011-03-17T22:20:00.003+01:00

A month or so back, I posted a fabulous photograph of my mum and dad taken in Barcelona back in the 60s. I'ts one of my favourites, and I had so many wonderful comments from you guys.

But I still had one photograph on my mind that I hadn't seen in a few years. A particularly gorgeous outfit my mum was wearing at a friends wedding in the early 60s. Well.... I found it whilst I was back home with my mum for the last time.

I just love this navy blue lace coat over her white satin dress. The hat. The sandals (I have a pair just like this). She had all her special occasion dresses made for her personally. How gorgeous does she look? What a fabulous couple.

thank you, and other things

2011-03-14T18:08:00.002+01:00

Thank you so so much for all your caring comments after the death of my wonderful mum. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of someone so important in your life. I feel such a huge space has been left, which can never be filled.

I'm working my way back into blogging again. I missed it and you, but felt I had no words to write or anything to say the past week.

But now.... I'm feeling like saying just a little Hi again.

And....

I do love a ruffle or two, and grey.

If I was anyway a half decent seamstress, I would love to run up this little t-shirt project.

Found via Andrea Caballer @ Pinterest

Tutorial on all the easy peasy steps here at All Things Heart & Home.

at rest

2011-03-06T09:56:00.001+01:00

My dearest mum died on Friday.
She is no longer suffering.
Rest and peace have finally come.
But our hearts are breaking.

I have no more words right now.

X

happy happy birthday

2011-03-03T08:35:00.003+01:00

My best friend turns 40 today.
Welcome to the 40s Elisha. Life begins, so they say!

image via Martha

Celebrate in style this weekend.

Happy Birthday.

Hugs

xxxx

kitchen love

2011-03-02T18:18:00.018+01:00

I do love these kitchens.

The first because of all the lovely space and the mix of sleek work surfaces, open shelving, and big old table and mismatched chairs. Perfect.

And this second one, on a much smaller scale, but the gorgeous warm wood and 'concrete' work surfaces look so good together.

Both in my file for future kitchen inspiration.

Do you have one of those kind of files?

3 thank yous

2011-02-27T14:11:00.001+01:00

Back in January, on my birthday weekend I read on two of my favourite blogs that I had won prizes in their giveaways! Yes, 2 prizes! I'm someone that hasn't won anything in years, no decades! Must be my lucky year.

From the always beautiful blog 'The Bottom of the Ironing Basket' Simone sent a wonderful package filled with all kinds of sample beauty goodies from Space NK. Now my bathroom is pampering central. Be gone wrinkles and dark circles!!!

From Deborah aka 'Metropolitan Mum' the book 'Amazing People of London'. Can't wait to spend a quiet lazy Sunday afternoon with this book and a big mug of tea by my side.

And finally, I was delighted to receive a request from Felicity at 'Gifts of Serendipity' to use one of my very favourite photographs of gorgeous pink peonies on her blog.

So ... Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

camper cookies

2011-02-24T17:15:00.002+01:00

I've always loved VW Beetles and camper vans.

The idea of packing up a VW camper van and heading off on a beach
camping tour sounds perfect.

Opening the doors each morning and stepping out to soft sand and sunshine.
Late night camp fires with the sound of the waves in the background.
Dream.

My first car was a black and cream VW Beetle. What a lot of fun was had in that.
Apart from the fuel gauge didn't work all the time and I came to a very slow, and unexpected, stop on quite a few occassions! Not so much fun!

Anyhow, these wonderful camper van cookies caught my eye straight away.

Perfect for a happy camper.

photograph and cookies from I am Baker

brrrrr

2011-02-22T09:24:00.001+01:00

- 6 this morning.

I am so ready for some warmer days, aren't you?

routine is good

2011-02-20T22:06:00.002+01:00

image from Pinterest ManaRose via Make It Perfect

All is quiet.

The bedtime routine (with story time as always) worked perfectly this evening.

It doesn't always!

Bliss.

an evening out is all it takes

2011-02-18T22:11:00.002+01:00

So many of my friends' husbands/partners have been travelling non-stop with work in January and February, my Huzz included. Home alone for us Mamas, with the kiddos for days (sometimes weeks) on end can take its toll after a while. When you wake at 7am and see the day stretching before you and know they'll hardly be a moment of quiet or just sitting still time - it can feel a little daunting, especially at the weekends.

One evening out, babysitter in charge at home, no 'mama' this 'mama' that, is often all it takes to feel the balance again. A couple of glasses of red, a lovely cheese board, bread, tapenade, and the world seems a friendly place.

via Pinterest Luizsa

That was my evening yesterday. Instead of opening the MacBook and blog surfing or Facebooking for hours on end, or reading until my head is dropping and going to bed much later than really needed. Nails were painted in Chanel 'Particuliere', my highest heels, my favourite black suede trench coat, and my lovely Swarovski black ring were all put on and I was out the door without barely a backwards glance, and off into town on my bike (this is Holland you know!). A small group of us, in need of an evening out of the house, met at a new bar / restaurant in town and talked, and ate, and laughed and enjoyed just being 'out'.

And now I'm ready to face the weekend ahead. Wishing you a good one.

being 2

2011-02-16T21:20:00.001+01:00

Delights from my 2 year old Ruby.

We popped into the Library last week. She calls it the 'bibliotheek' - with a little dutch accent coming through - so cute! As we enter I say "Ruby, remember in the Library you must walk and not run, and you must talk quietly and no shouting".

She says "Ok mama". And then runs off screaming at the top of her voice 'I want a book'.

I left her in the kitchen for a few minutes alone. When I came back, she was standing on her step stool by the microwave. There is a burning smell. Crackles and sparks. She has fried a Game Boy! OMG! Needless to say, Game Boy is the the bin. Microwave shall remain unplugged from now on.

A chair falls on my foot. It hurts so much and I cry a little. So sweetly she comes over to me and says "Mama, I wipe the snot from your eyes". Ahhh.

She screams at her brother. "Luca go away". "Luca don't do that". And yet asks about 20 times a day when we can collect him from school.

She has been wearing her ear muffs around the house. She calls them her 'ear muffins'.

The joy of being 2. Don't you just love 'em.

Hope your week is going well.

the blues

2011-02-14T20:42:00.001+01:00

I do like all the blues in this photo of my No. 1 boy Luca.

Taken on the Singapore Flyer (the world's largest giant observation wheel - 165m high).

hearts and flowers

2011-02-14T09:39:00.000+01:00

The Huzz and I don't really 'do' Valentine's Day.

But, still I just wanted to say....

Huzz

You fill my heart with joy every day.

Love You.

red stripes

2011-02-10T12:19:00.001+01:00

I've lived in my navy striped 'Breton' style tops this past year. They seem to team up well with so many things and whatever the weather. But maybe now I'll be giving them a rest in favour of the red stripes.

Chance

Breton

J Crew

And, not only clothing. Take a look at the lovely 'Cornishware' by T. G. Green. Usually seen in the blue stripe, I've now discovered the red stripe. First produced in the 1920s, but abandonded as it was hard to produce the colour consistently. The few pieces that were produced became collectors' items. But now back in full production and looking so bright and eyecatching. Lovely packaging too. How nice are these for spring?

like father like daugher etc

2011-02-06T20:49:00.001+01:00

I've mentioned previously my love of Converse All Stars haven't I? And that of Ruby as well. I've kept all Luca's from age 2 - 5 (they are so cute those little ones).

Well, so did my dad it seems. Here he is, on a holiday with the boys (and one unidentifiable lady) in Jaywick, nr Clacton-on-Sea in the UK, in June 1957. He's the one sitting on the fence, shirt off, looking moody and cool, wearing his high-tops!

Looks like the love of Converse is in our genes eh!

friday flowers

2011-02-04T21:40:00.001+01:00

Flowers for your weekend lunch table dear blog friends.

Wishing you a lovely weekend, be it filled with activity, family and friends, or quiet and restful. Mine shall be a mix - delivering Luca to tennis and judo lessons and a science club. A pilates class for me. Homemade pizza making Saturday. Huzz off on a trip early Sunday. I plan on making a big apple crumble for Sunday evening when a friend will be popping over. And thats about me done!

Enjoy!

Barcelona 60s trip

2011-02-02T18:18:00.003+01:00

This photograph of my mum and dad, taken on a trip they made to Barcelona in the early 60s, has always been a favourite of mine. I like the way my mum is looking down and my dad is holding his sunglasses, like they are a little 'paparazzi' shy!

'Tibidabo' printed on the photograph is the mountain that overlooks Barcelona.

pretty packaging and other things

2011-02-01T22:25:00.000+01:00

For me, no trip back to the UK is complete without a quick stop in M&S.

These lovely boxes of tea jumped out at me immediatley. I couldn't resist the pretty colours and texture of the packaging.

I also picked up for myself (with some birthday money I'd been given) this gorgeous felt 3D flower cushion that I mentioned previously.

And finally, a pair of Autograph skinny fit combat trousers. I needed to get out of my jeans rut.

With that little lot (and a good few things for the kiddos too), my luggage weighed in at exactly the measly 15 kilos allowed with that horrible airline where the staff are so rude (but I still do use them for travel to the UK as they are usually the cheapest).