This post has been months of me wanting to post and I will always carry it in my bag as a reminder to me. We tear our body down acting like they are not enough but we should celebrate where it has got us. Over the last couple of years I have put it through trials. However look at actually where and how it took me . Got me through from being a child to my teenage years puberty (crap right) right into my adult hood. So this is a thank you to my body to getting me through the years. Thanking you for helping me carry my beautiful child even though it was tough we did and so grateful. To providing her with food . To dragging myself in out of bed to doing early starts, school and standing up at work for 12 hour work days. Healing my body from recover my operations I look at my scars proudly. To tattooing my body because tattoos are the stories in your heart, written on your skin.
Thank you to this glorious figure getting me through my divorce and starting dating and not losing the will ha ha .To the late night dancing till the early hours of the morning and kitchen karaoke.To the home DIY. To punishing my body with no sleep on occasion , sometimes because rcheekily binging on netflix. Thank you for getting through my workouts and when my daughter loves to use me as launchpad but so what it makes her happy. To this perfectly imperfectly form. To many more years of adventures together. I am not ashamed of you if anything I love you We have got this you are fabulous.
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This was my first proper solo trip abroad just me and daughter. I was apprehensive about doing so just because of the added stress of everything, however, I was determined to make it possible, without sounding strange I hadn’t left the country in years because of certain circumstances. So a trip of 3 became just us two. So my advice and reason when looking for hotels to stay other than looking at usual reviews stars and price/budget. For me, the main thing was the location. I wanted to make it easier on myself in terms of getting around and being in the perfect location that I was central to everything. So I chose to be in the Paris city centre, just so we close to the metro. So I picked Hotel Hector because we were 15-30 mins from everything to give us a typical Paris experience, but prior warning we were up 4 flights of stairs but I didn’t mind because of the view. I wanted to make the journey simple, especially on a 5-year-old. Make sure you check your in One other bonus of Paris gave me a reason to burn a hole in the plastic and top up already full wardrobe. No point working if you can not enjoy it all. I would say I have my daughter style down now what she does and don’t like so it makes shopping for so much more fun and easier. If you going with a kid try to plan some kind itinerary nothing too heavy, and lots of food break if you have a child like mine she does nothing but eat with the mantra “mummy I'm hungry” p.s I don’t starve my child. So without me waffling on, early morning we got up before the sun was even up we headed off on our coach with one excited little girl for a mini winter getaway. Now I wouldn’t count the first day are first as most of it was spent travelling. Hopefully, you are bit more the planned than me because the one essential I forgot to pack was my power bank and don’t end up the situation of my phone dying just as we got to Paris and went to book a cab for a moment felt stranded I knew I would have one moment. Luckily enough by good grace, we found the taxi rack. So finally when we arrived in Paris checked in the hotel quite literally drag one heavy suitcase up 4 flights of stairs. Yes, we were there, plus with just enough time to catch the Sunset with the perfect view. We was to wiped to go out to eat so I cheated and used Deliveroo to order food. Our first morning in Paris we was staying in Place De Clichy. ( I chose to order to use Kapten to take us closer it is a Taxi app which I use in London). I wanted to do some sightseeing we to Musee Lourve & The Palais Royal which seem boring to most young kids, but wanted to jump in freezing cold water, loved running around little. We took lunch Break at Le Café Blanc, from doing some quick research it was like 5 min walking distance from Lourve and it did not let down such a Parsian Vibe , and setting was food was amazing the staff was lovely. After all the walking and looking around was good for me. I love to push myself out its comfort zone. Did help using the Citymapper app which I use here in London hint it cover most majors cities around the Globe. Safe to say was pretty worn by the time we made back to the hotel in evening. That we crashed out and took nap. Our second and last full day in Paris. We of course had visit the EffielTower we wouldnt be true tourist without taking my daughter. First food we both fancied pancakes. So braved using the metro which I couldnt remember using from the first time I went. It is fairly simple to use, easier then London Underground if your not seasoned londoner. So picked HolyBelly 5 for brunch For a smallish venue it was packed out, Good food and Great Atmosphere they surely did not disappointing. Bellies surely full short walk back on the metro to Effiel Tower. If I could bottle up that moment forever of my little girl seeing it for the first time pure amazement she was not prepared for how big it was. Then back to the hotel to change get ready for last night meal. Picking this restaurant was important I wanted to end our last night watching the Effiel Tower Light Show.
I wanted that night to feel magical from giving the pink dress I knew she would love, Dressing up having a take us there car to the roof Top Terrance/Bar with a spectacular view of Paris. The restaurant Perruche was everything and more the staff service went out their way to make my daughter special to letting us out sit outside and watch the lights and helping capture that moment on camera. As it is rare for me to have pictures of us together. Being our first trip away together looking forward to many more Au Revoir Shante XX I consider my daughter a blessing .Not a lot of people know this as something I keep close to my heart something I use to be ashamed of saying .That before having Serena that when me and daughter dad was trying for a baby I miscarried . So when I found out I have was pregnant with Serena, I was to say the least shocked and surprised and thankful.
So this is to my daughter.
For all you are I am grateful for memories we create together from the girl brunches to do doing muddy walks through the woods because you make me see it all through fresh eyes. I am excited for the rest to come. Love Mum xx So I've had a lot on the last couples months which I won't get into. By doing to so I put certain to back of the list like neglecting my feet, I'm not saying they look horrible but they needed tending to. Now there was no I way I was going back to the last place I got a pedicure. I hate to moan about people’s work but my feet got really roughly treated and hacked which made it uncomfortable for me to walk. Now I kept seeing The Retreat Beauty Clinic come up on my Instagram had a nose around. They have a great feed and attention to details does mean something to me. Being a mum to a little girl she, of course, had to come along, and my daughter has formed an opinion of her own. So I made it treat for her as there is no nail polish policy at her school. So on Saturday after she broke up from school hand in hand we went, well her with her scooter to speed things up. When we arrived The Retreat Beauty Clinic , now for the size of salon it has been very carefully layed out and the decor draws you in from the way the flowers flow round the wall and loving the gorgeous marble effect well done ladies, it makes you want stop and take pictures. Back to our girly day, I had booked myself for the Luxury Rose Pedicure done by the stunning Ellie.After having my "old" polish taken off, my feet were treated to a rose petal infuse milk bath to soften the skin before any work is done including a very relaxing mini foot massage that my poor feet were much in need of and now I have pretty feet. My little princess, had the Little One Mani on her hands and feet. She chose pink it is her favourite colour at the moment. She loved every minute of being pampered and had the biggest smile humanly possible while feeling ‘very cool’ her own words. The lady doing her nails was fantastic with her even when she got a bit tired at the end and for any parents, if your child is happy then you know you are going back. From the moment we walked through the door they was welcoming and the ladies kept me in tea and great conversation the salon is run by sisters if I am correct and massive credit to them. So glad I went.
Instagram : Retreat Beauty Now that the January Blues are out of the way and we step into February. 2019 is very much in full swing. It is now time to say goodbye to some of those horrible 2018 trends and clear out the closet and really start fresh. True to be told I hope these never come back. So here are 8 Trends to leave in 2018
2. Oh, and Bike Shorts should stay for workouts only not evening wear. 3. Plastic Bags. There are better-looking bags out there. 4. Teeny "Tiny small framed glasses one they do not suit the face (they do not frame you) and two they do not serve a purpose i.e No sun protection .So no you do not look "cool" quite the opposite. 5. The Over the Top Bedazzled Denim. Let's just keep that for the little ones dress up. However, there is nothing wrong with a seamless classic staple piece, with maybe some subtle embellishments. 6. The across the chest Bumbags. Very much glad to see the back of them. 7. Head-to-toe Animal Prints. Now I love leopard print as much the next person but I am starting feel like they are becoming endangered. So just stick to key pieces ladies. 8. The Unflattering Fit. Let's step away ! from the very boxy shapes.
Credit : These are not all my images thank you The iconic Bedford Pub closed last summer and was taken over and totally refurbished by the Three Cheers Pub Co . I had been a handful of times prior, so I was really curious to see it after the new revamp! Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be invited to their grand opening. So then I had to find a last-minute outfit.(but that’s another story:) The Bedford is not just your typical local pub. It offers different variations of Rooms i.e The Club Room The Ball Room, Saloon Bar Cocktail Bar etc they also have a range of plush hotel rooms which are available to book.
On the night we were looked after in the VIP area of the Saloon Bar. They have fine wines, champagnes, beers & exquisite cocktails on offer. Launch night was a lively, warming, lavish affair. The wine & cocktails were flowing and the Canapes which included "Mini" Meat/Vegan burgers, Fish & Chips, Pizza, Yorkshire Pudding with Beef & Chicken Pie were delectable! The staff were really attentive and the pub really had a great atmosphere . I m amazed at how the Three Cheers has turned The Bedford around during its refurbish and I can’t wait to go back. Credit : Last two pictures from The Bedford website For me fashion is important; it is way I describe myself, in what I wear and how I wear it, especially after having child. I love being a mother, I felt like it gave me more of a purpose in life, but I didn’t just want to blend into the background, so I had to fight hard not to lose myself. At first after having a child I tried to be practical and comfortable, but I like to love what I have on. I always dress in what I want as it gives me confidence. I also refused to give up my handbag, which I know sounds silly, I didn’t want to carry around a big rucksack – each to their own it just isn’t for me, although I wouldn’t say no to a cute backpack. What I am trying to say to say is not dress like a "mumsy" mum. It is easy to choose practicality over style. At first you might think that you will look ridiculous and may feel uncomfortable, however it’s important to try to mix it up instead of the wearing the same old tried and tested outfits. You want to flatter your shape instead of hiding it, so stay aware from anything too baggy. We can all feel as though we shouldn’t bother sometimes but it will pay off in the long run. The plain fact is that by embracing this new step in your life you will feel better. All while learning to love fashion again Things to consider
Ways to avoid fashion " Mum" rut:
Now I understand this is not everyone but I hope it helps those it does. I really strive for quality time together with her and I, now that she is at school on top me being at work .The weekends and holidays are so much more precious to me these days. Now not everyday going out has to cost money i.e break the bank , there are things we can do for free with our children such as exploring you local area. Just tell them they are going on a adventure . Which is what we did one day. I packed a lunch and snacks the night before to take with us so I was prepared but somehow I always manage to forget something.
So we wrapped up warm as it is still winter unfortunately. We decided to walk to Peckham levels but ,just my own luck its closed so that is for another time. But the best adventures are the ones we do not plan ,so we took a route and wound up in Bussey Building surroundings thanks to idea Malaika who had come along with us. We saw loads of street art and around every corner there was always something bright and different that they could try and draw something themselves what kids dont love drawing. Trust me you will know what I mean it does not always stay on the paper they might leave some "lovely" creation on yours walls which I had my fair few of them. After loads take a picture mummy please . It was onto the next destination which is Dulwich Woods now I wont bore you too much .So Dulwich Wood has so much to offer it is good if you are a runner, or like to hike and have if you have a pet .It is very extensive you so could easily get lost in well not really . It is good for those little explorers so you could follow the numbered map or go off terrain go hunting looking for the old ruins or the old train station that use to be there .It is also Nature Reserve so have a look out for the wildlife and ponds. I would definitely say wear wellies or boots as it can get quite muddy as lot of times we had to walk off path couples time trying to not slip and fall as I can be quite clumsy .Oh and bring spare clothes if anyone child like my daughter who normally keeps mostly clean ,who decided to just sit down on the ground in the mud and said my legs stopped working was then covered also her boots but everything can be cleaned so all in fun. Photography : Instagram @blessedwithcolour After such a busy Christmas period, I wanted to have some proper mum and daughter time. However, we still had to get through the first week of term back at school, which made me feel like zombie between doing the school run and then going to work; I felt like I needed an energy pack after that. I want to enhance my daughters childhood memories and give her the opportunity to experience new things and see what she can achieve. So Saturday came around and madam picked out her own outfit, I had kept where we were going a surprise and only hinted that there were unicorns and that they were pink. We made the short walk - well she made me run so we wouldn’t miss our train - to the station. Then as we walked up the stairs at Knightsbridge station (Brompton Court Exit), you could see the Elan Cafe (Hans Crescent Branch) straight away. When we got there we were greeted by a lovely lady, I wish I had her name, she was great and instantly saw my daughter staring in awe of the unicorns. She asked if she wanted to climb up and take a picture with them, then told she told me she would give us her best table and once we were seated I knew this fact was true: we were surrounded by love hearts. Elan Cafe lives up to the reputation of being one of the most "instagramable" places to go. Now I want to give some praise to the cafe as the day before I went, I looked at the reviews online and there were some negativity which I would say was not fair. The staff that served us downstairs were great and efficient, the food and cakes were delicious. I would suggest arriving at time that is less busy otherwise there will be a queue, as you cannot book in advance. We got there just before lunchtime and there were no issues. I would say Elan Cafe is a must go to.
P.S trust me she asked to pictures of her I do not make her. As parents, we all feel a pan of guilt; going out and leaving our kids and having a night out/date night, anything that does not include them etc.
I would say for myself that it was not until my daughter got to the age of 2 that the guilt eased up; also for her first year she was breastfed which limited me at the beginning even with the help of a trusty Medela electric breast pump. I feel like I am getting off topic ,which is typical me. Well, on the topic of going out, New Years has never been for me in general, not since having a bad experience. I would say without my friend S helping me and joining me in my quest to live a bit more.I do not know what I do without her . This year everything was pointing to me going out more, between my mother waking me up offering to babysit before I had any plans, well solid ones anyway and my friend constantly asking me to go out. I had always said no, but finally I said yes. I feel like I am waffling on, but long story short, we had a great night, we ate ,drank & danced into the night. I got to pop one very Large Confetti Popper at the sound of midnight so I was loving life right there. However it was time for me to leave as I had work the next day, so back to reality but it worth seeing my little girls face when I I walked through the door. Venue: The Exhibit Balham. |
ShanteBeing an average mum living in London doing my daydream. I love exploring places with my little girl. Archives
November 2019
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