Reflection

I wrote on this blog, almost a year ago to the day, that I would spend more time on this blog.
Yeah, it didn't happen. I wanted to, but holy mother of God life is so busy. I went back to work, Matilda's hours at playschool increased, the Husband was studying and taking exams, I made 4 trips abroad...it was exhausting.

That doesn't scratch the surface really on what we achieved last year. And when I look back, I absolutely LOVED 2018.

But looking towards 2019, and more specifically, the next few weeks, I feel a bit anxious about the return of the routine. I have taken on an extra day at work, this means more organising of my shit and less time with my children. trying to justify my decision to my own conscience is actually really hard. Why have I done it?

Other people have actually asked me this as well. Why am I working more?

What annoys me about all of it when I really think about being asked this - why do I have to justify this to anyone else? Why is it totally acceptable for the male half of a parenting couple to return to work full time yet if a mother wants to return to a job that she loves - God forbid it should be for more than 3 days a week! Why does society struggle with female equality in the workplace overall.
I saw a post on facebook about how we, as working mothers, are expected to give 110% in the 9-5 and also 110% at home.

I feel that pressure, anyone else with me? That constant gut feeling that lays half asleep in your tummy, always there telling you that you left a load of washing in the machine. Reminding you that you haven't cleaned the bathroom properly for a few weeks and that using anti-bac wipes doesn't really count as cleaning. Making you feel guilty for crashing out on the sofa at 9pm when you could be ironing...it just goes on and on.

My organisation has always been questionable. I am never fully 'on-top' of everything, I don't have it all under control. But that's fine.

I think what I am trying to say here, in what is a rambling, weird jumble of a post, is that being YOU is absolutely OK. You don't have to be better than the you that you were the year before...why are we ashamed to like the person that we are?

Don't make resolutions if you're the kind of person that won't stick to them (I clearly fall into this category) You're setting yourself up for disappointment.

I am heading into my final 6 months of my 20's and I think I am finally starting to know who I really am. Instead of thinking of all the things you are not, think of all the things that you are <3

I will try to write more rambling posts this year, I find writing so theraputic and some stuff just isn't for insta-stories. Although, you will find me rambling a lot on there too!

Happy New Year folks

Chloe x

Brushbox - a subscription

I was contacted a few weeks ago about a new subscription launching in January. This subscription is aimed at oral care. Now, my teeth aren't the greatest, so I am determined that my daughters have beautiful smiles they're proud to show off.

So I was intrigued how this subscription could work for us as a family and particularly for Matilda. Brushing her teeth can be such hard work, a real task and trying to find ways to make it exciting for her is exhausting.

When our subscription arrived, Matilda was so intrigued. the packaging was pretty - hello marble print box - and she wanted to rip it open immediately.

We were sent 2 adult brushes and 2 child's brushes - we are now brushing Winnie's 2 little teeth too!
Also in the box was toothpaste, dental floss and tongue cleaners. Now, I am a regular brusher and occasional flosser, but I have never used a tongue cleaner! So this has been great in upping my oral care regime.

I am so impressed by the brushes. The bamboo handles are so easy to hold and are much better aesthetically - bye bye ugly plastic brushes. Love the simple and sleek branding too!

You can tailor your subscription to what you need, it is sent to you every other month so there is no questioning of when you last changed your toothbrush. FYI - it should be every 2 to 3 months. The brand have a great charity ethic and are also cruelty free, so perfect for those of us that are trying to be more mindful on where our products come from and what they represent.

Take a look at Brushbox to see how it could work for you and your family.

Chloe x

Valentine's Day Lust List...

As I was trawling through the usual suspects this morning, trying to find something to wear for drinks tomorrow night, I was totally inspired to do a post on Things To Wear On Valentine's Day.
There is so much on the high street based on LOVE that I wanted to collate my absolute favourites and bring them to you. Afterall, it is just over two weeks until the day of lurve, and if you have grand plans to go out or stay in, you might want something new to wear...

ASOS

Lots to choose from on ASOS, as you might expect:

How cute is this embroidered LOVE ME t-shirt? Nothing like a strong message! Shop here for £14.

I love the shade of red on this dress. Sexy AF. Smarten it up with heels for dinner or just pair with black boots and an aviator to toughen up this girly number. £32 available here.

Don't fancy red or pink? This cute cropped shirt is the answer. Perfectly paired with jeans or a leather skirt. Damn. Shop for just £25 here.

I'm a big fan of this cheeky t-shirt. Only £12!

Single and proud? Tell the world with this brilliant slogan t-shirt £32. Great length on this too.

Always that friend with the blunt advice? Me too. Love this t-shirt, it's currently sat in my basket. £16.

Topshop have some really fun choices in lots of different colours...

This awesome sweater is available in a few colours, including the hot colour of 2018. Only £28 too!

Spending the day with your sweetheart? Let them know by wearing this cute t-shirt. £15.

In love with this cropped sweat top too, the colour combo is gorgeous. £26.

Elsewhere on the high street:

This knit is everywhere right now and I really want it! £59 from &otherstories

Want to make a subtle nod to Valentine's Day? Do it with these heart print wide leg trousers from Next. They also come in tall lengths. £32.

Channel Gucci vibes with this slogan tee from River Island for £20. They also have some really cute other tees on there.

And there you have it. 

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Chloe x

Going Back To Work

It is less than 3 weeks until my return to work. I cannot believe how fast that has gone.
When you're expecting, you count down the days until you finish work. Once you've finished, you're then counting down the days until your little bundle of joy enters the world. You certainly don't count down the days until you go back to work.

I didn't find it too hard the first time, and that isn't to say I didn't miss Matilda but this time, I've had 9 glorious months off with both of my babies. And it has been wonderful. 

I am going back to doing 3 days a week, and these are set days too so I'll have a great routine. However, with two children, one of whom is at playschool, I am going to have to be so organised. But I am looking forward to that challenge.

I can't say I am dreading my return, for me it is just one of the things I have to do. So why waste time being upset about it? There are advantages to work - my own money, adult conversation (I'm still hungry Mummy!) lunches in peace and hot coffee! It'll be great to see some old faces too. Oh and my uniform! I am looking forward to getting my glam on for 3 days a week (for anyone that doesn't know I work for Virgin Holidays.)

I think it will also make me really appreciate our days off together and encourage me to have more days out. I also think it will make me work harder, be more productive whilst I am there. Afterall, I am away from my babies so I need to make it worthwhile.

I'll keep you updated on how my return goes.

Chloe x

Winnie's Nursery

With Matilda, her nursery was ready months before her arrival. But, in the run up to Winnie being born, we had to prioritise which rooms needed renovating. This meant us getting a new kitchen and upstairs bathroom. Also, Winnie was going to be in with us for the first 6 months so we weren't in a hurry to get her room sorted. (She is still with us now, at 7.5 months old and will be until her room is finished).

Our box room, which used to be my dressing room, will become the second nursery and I wanted to share my plans for this room.

We have bought this wallpaper from Great Little Trading Company. The room is small and could really do with being replastered, but this is out of budget so I was looking for something subtle that wouldn't overpower the space. This is actually quite a brave choice for me as I would usually just go for grey & white, my husband hates how bland my interiors taste is! It'll be fun to experiment with a (small) bit of colour.

picture: pinterest

We are having to be very savvy around what furniture we put in the room, we definitely couldn't have the cot, a wardrobe and a changer/dresser in there. It just wouldn't all fit. So I have sacrificed having a wardrobe for creating something similar in the picture above. One of my favourite Mum bloggers, Ainsley from Life With Oaks and Olive had created something similar for her daughter's room soIi took inspiration from this and ordered a 'grundtal' rail from Ikea for £4! The idea is, to screw this to the underside of a shelf to create a hanging wardrobe. Beneath this we already have some existing boxing-in which covers the ceiling slant of the stairs (I really hope that makes sense!) so I've ordered lots of storage from Ikea that is already on top of this. 

picture: pinterest

I am going to order some of these Ikea spice racks to home Winnie's books and make them look all pretty. I'll probably paint them a pale pastel colour like in the picture, to add a bit more fun to the room.

picture: pinterest

I love the this shelf! I want to get something similar to go above Winnie's changer. I'll probably put little storage boxes inside to house the baby essentials, to keep it looking neat and tidy. Even though the existing changer we have (currently in Matilda's room) is a really decent size with a large cupboard, the reality is, I will probably have to store clothes in there too because the hanging wardrobe may not fit all of her clothes! I can also hang some of her pretty dresses from the hooks - cute!

The Great Little Trading Company have one pretty much exactly the same for £63 online here which is currently reduced in their sale. 

I haven't bought many decorative bits, well actually I've only bought one! And it was this gorgeous hanging ice cream garland, handmade by my friend Sarah. 

I think I'll have this taped to the wall with washitape, possibly up above the cot.

Isn't it so pretty? Sarah is so talented, I've linked her facebook page here so you can check out her work.

Here are some other pictures I've saved on my pinterest board - you can follow me by clicking here.

Our existing nursery furniture was from John Lewis, here is the 'Anna' cot which is still available.

We plan to make a start on this room within the next few weeks, and I will post an update when this happens. I'm really excited for her to have her own space, but sad at the thought she won't be sleeping next to me soon!

Thanks for reading,

Chloe x

What 2018 Means For Me

And just like that it was 2018.

I love that fresh feeling a new year brings. I'm not one for resolutions as I would never see them through and it would just shroud me in disappointment. But I feel that it is a great time to look ahead, think about what I would like to achieve.

The only goal I set myself last year (as for 5 months of it I was pregnant) was to lose a stone before going away to Vegas. Which I did.

This year though, it is time to look at the bigger picture.

Work

All I've ever done is work in travel. I love the benefits it brings and I've had some amazing opportunities, but is this really what I want to do long term? Travel wasn't ever my chosen career when I was studying, I just fell in to it. So could this year see me try something new? Not that I have any idea what that could be!!

Health

Throughout December I didn't really care about what went in to my body. But in September I am going to be a bridesmaid again for my sister Claudia, and there will be a hen weekend in Ibiza just before that so I really need to focus on Slimming World again. It may not be for everyone, but it works well for me. I am going back tonight after 4/5weeks of eating everything so we will soon see the damage I've done. (As I type this I am polishing off the last of the shortbread!)

Lifestyle

I really want to put more effort into this blog. I absolutely love it and need to dedicate more time to it. This leads me to being more organised. I feel as though if I were to plan my time better, be more efficient, I could achieve so much more with my time. So dedicate specific time to blogging. Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Keep my diary and calendar up to date. Be less lazy. Wake up earlier.

I go back to work 1st February so I'll be spinning a fair few plates - home, nursery, work etc. 

I also want to take better photos. I think I have started to, but there is still a lot to learn and this would include getting a DSLR, not just snapping on my iPhone.

Interiors

We've achieved so much in our house recently, but there is still lots to do. I need to make this a priority, as a few years ago I just wasn't really interested in how my home was decorated (I'm not good at this kind of stuff!) So the jobs that need doing in the first few months of 2018 include decorating the lounge - paint, wallpaper, woodwork, possibly new flooring and a new radiator. The dining room also needs updating - new wall colour, new flooring and radiator. I'll post updates about these as they happen.

So even though this isn't a 'new year, new me' type thing (I'm still going to love food, drink alcohol, moan about stuff!) I'm taking the opportunity to think ahead. 

What plans do you have for 2018?

Thanks for reading,

Chloe x

November Favourites

OK guys, a week into December already (WTF!) and I'm doing my favourites again. I've got some beauty, homeware & motherhood bits. Oh and two instagram accounts that I've loved in the last month.

I'll start with homeware. The Jo Malone dupe candles by Aldi. My sister Courtenay picked this Blackberry and Bay one up for me weeks ago, it was £3.99 - so cheap! It has burnt quite well, and I am impressed by how much scent fills the room. I find after a while (I'm talking a good few hours here) the smell starts to annoy me a bit, it becomes more herb like than fruity but that is just personal preference. For the price, it is fantastic! If you've not already seen the collection, there is also a Lime, Basil & Mandarin one and Pomegranate Noir - just like Jo Malone.

Next is my beauty favourites and it is two lip colours that I've been reaching for constantly over the past month, The Younique Matte Liquid Lipstick in Stellar, and the Younique Lipstain in sultry.

Stellar

Sultry

Now I am terrible at applying lipsticks, so apologies for the rubbish applications above but I wanted to show the colours on. Both are great for this time of year, ideal Winter colours and go with loads of outfits too! 

Now you all know I am a lover of fake tan. For most people, it is a summer essential. For me, it is even more essential in Winter! My skin is so drab and pasty, I need a bit of colour. I've raved about the Bondi Sands dry oil before on Instagram but just to recap - it dries instantly, smells divine and gives a gorgeous natural colour. Fantastic.

Motherhood wise, it is this wonderful book. Matilda received this for her birthday in April and even though we read it once or twice around then, she was more interested in other books (we always let her choose what she wants to read) but she has recently become obsessed with this book and I can see why. The story is about a little girl trying to find her name, she goes on adventure meeting creatures and animals that start with the letters in the child's name. So for example, M is for Mermaid, A is for Aardvark and so on. It is perfectly whimsical and wonderful and I just adore the fact it is personalised. It makes a fantastic gift for Christmas!

Also motherhood/Christmas related is the beautiful handmade garland my friend Sarah made for us.

How stunning! It is all handstitched and then personalised with my daughters names. I absolutely love it and you can find Sarah's work on her Instagram page here.

Finally it is two of my favourite instagram accounts that I've been obsessed with this month.

Jess @ thelayoverlife_ for her stunning travel pictures (I love a travel based account) She also blogs and Youtubes too.

Emma @ emmahill is one of my fave fashion accounts and has been for ages. I love her style, basic but with high end accessories and her instastories are hilarious. Emma youtubes as well and her vlogs are brilliant so go and take a look.

Hope you enjoyed this post, leave me a comment below with the things you've been loving and if there is anything you'd like to see in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Chloe x