Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:37 am
This week has felt really strange to me. I was busy but didn’t feel busy and yet felt like I could have done a lot more. I know it sounds as confusing as I felt it was going through it. I am looking to a weekend full of sunshine. I hope the forecast doesn’t lie and finally the rainy, dark days are behind us for a few days. I am in need of some major light and fun outdoors with my kids. I think they need it as much as I do too.
I got to catch up with a few friends during the week with a coffee here and a quick drop in to say hello there. Each one surprised me with belayed birthday presents. I felt so loved. It really is special when your birthday doesn’t really get celebrated huge being on Boxing Day to come back in the New Year and have surprises awaiting you, unexpectedly of course. I am loving this gorgeous home accessories my beautiful friend, Morgana got me for my birthday. It’s perfect for me. I eat, breathe and sleep my work and love every minute of it. Only problem is I have about ten places I want it to hang in my house. It’s move twice already.
THIS WEEK I AM LOVING…
I am still trying to finish Small Great Things. It’s definitely a page turner and great book but I am also struggling to find time to finish it. I get five minutes here and there but I wish I had an hour to dive deep into the story. I recommend it though. Then I have The Grisha Trilogy to read through. I know I was asking many of you about the kindle v.s. a real book but then realized I have the kindle app on my ipad so don’t need to buy one. Does anyone use the kindle app on the ipad? Only thing I am worried about is the bright glaring screen on my ipad v.s. the dull screen on the kindle to protect my eyes. They are bad enough staring at the computer screen for work all day. Thoughts or advice???
Did you hear all about “Blue Monday?” Well, I got just the thing for you… 10 Ways to Beat January Winter Blues right here. Would love you to watch and let me know how you get through January blues in the comments please???
I have been watching Dexter on Netflix with hubster. He definitely likes it more than I do at the moment but everyone keeps telling me Season 3 it picks up and moves faster. I like drama and fast pace. It’s feeling a little slow at the moment like Breaking Bad did. Trying my hardest to get through Gilmore Girls I could watch it long in the night but I have been working late each night and not having any time to watch tv. I am almost to season two would you believe… so far behind I know. But I also don’t want to rush it. It remind me my family and home so much it almost makes me so happy and so sad in the same emotion while I watch it. If that’s possible.
I will let the kiddos take of the fashion section of this week’s round up because I am just so in love with them twinning in swimming. It’s so hard to find matching shorts to a swim suit for boys and girls. I don’t know why there isn’t more shorts in the same patterns, details or coordinating with swimsuits out there. I know there is high demand for it so someone needs to jump on that idea stat. These were so adorable from Mini Boden and I was so ecstatic when I noticed they did a swimsuit too. I have a few coordinating swimwear for them but loved that these matched perfectly and funny enough the kids went wild when they realized they matched too.
This week I finally took some time to get back in the kitchen. My waistline hasn’t be happy because I just can’t not lick the bowl when I am done baking nor test out the finished results too. I wanted to make a few Valentine’s Day treats to share with you all. First one, is some easy Valentine’s Day bark that I make each year with the kids. It’s quick and they love helping. Second one, is also a fun one for the kids to do, dipping marshmallow pops in sprinkles. I am also working on my first ever four layer Valentine’s Day cake and I am really hoping it looks as pretty as I envision. If I stay on task and get these recipes up for you all the next week or so I also want to share with you my Valentine’s Day blonde brownies. Here is a little sneak peak.
Here are this week’s Instagram community hashtag #LIFECLOSEUP favorite features:
Come join us in sharing all your zoomed in captures of everyday life no matter what it is a photo of!
Linking up with Coffee Work Sleep Repeat for #LittleLoves
i think i watched the whole of dexter in a couple of weeks, loved it and def keep watching 😉 i’m hooked to the affair at the moment 🙂
OK I will keep going with it. Heard it gets better after season one too. Thanks. Oh the affair eeek
I’m currently reading Small Great Things also – Picoult’s writing is addictive, and so setting aside a good chunk of time is ideal for reading her books! Loved your January Blues video. The kids twinning at swimming is too cute! As are the Valentine’s treats you’ve made; the bark looks delicious!
I hope you have a lovely weekend, sprinkled with sunshine!
Thanks lovely. It’s been good so far minus chicken pox for my youngest AGAIN. 🙁 But we still got out for fresh air. Valentine’s recipes coming soon just need to sit down and get them typed up. Thanks for watching my video so lovely of you.
Lovely prize. This would come in so useful!
Aw, I’m so pleased you like your present! As soon as I saw it I just knew I had to get it for you.
I’ll have to have a watch of your beating the January blues video, if any one has top tips on being happy it’s you!! xx
Oh thank you so much lovely on the kind compliments. I try to be as happy as possible we only have one life to live after all. Thanks for watching. The present was perfect as was the prosecco that didn’t last a minute in this house. lol Tasty. Thank you so much.
These booster seats look great, they would be handy for my 2 daughters
I love the grey collection and Oxo tot is such a great brand that I used with both my kids. Good luck.
This would be perfect for my grandson, thank you for the chance x
This would be perfect for my grand baby in the making! Thanks for the chance x great blog btw 🙂
I can’t wait to read Small Great Things, it’s definitely high on my list for this year. Have you got a ‘night shift’ mode on your ipad? It can make the screen slightly yellower but it’s supposed to be better for your eyes if you are staring at the screen for a long time.
The kids look adorable in their matching swimming outfits. There’s no way Meg and Eli would let me twin them but I do wish I’d thought to do it when they were younger!
Thanks Jess i think it does have a night mode I will double check to see if I can turn the screen down that would help a lot. I am half way through the Small Great Things looks like everyone is reading it this month. Great story. I think my two haven’t ever had any different lol they always are coorindating or twinning. lol But mine are slightly younger than your two so I might be in for it soon.
thanks for the chance – lovely giveaway x
The matching swimwear is gorgeous – and makes me long for summer days! Your Valentine’s treats look wonderful and I can’t wait to see more foodie posts over here – have a great weekend lovely x
Thanks Donna. Oh I know me too. Every week at swimming lessons I think of the beach instead. lol Missing the warmth on my back too. I have so many recipes that I need to sit edit and write up before I keep baking new things hahaha. Having a lovely weekend hope you are too.
This would be perfect for our family 🙂
LOVE their matching swimsuits – they are gorgeous! Love the look of that Valentines Bark as well – we made some Christmas bark and that was a hit so I might have a go at this! #LittleLoves
Thank you Rachel. It’s hard to find matching ones but when I do I get a little excited and so do the kids. Bless them. I will hate the day comes when they don’t want to match or coordinate anymore.Oh yes bark in general is fun, easy and tasty too.
Loving the matching swimwear
Thank you lovely.
Love the matching swimwear. The baking look really good. I can’t resist sampling or licking the bowl either.
I wish I had better lick control for sure I am going to be a house if I keep baking things for my blog. I need to do healthy recipes next. lol
this booster seat would come in really handy when my granddaughter comes to visit. I used to have a high chair, but she’s outgrown that and still too small to sit on our dining chairs.
Yes definitely fab for that. Good luck!
This is really handy as I’ve now chucked my high chair and would really help us all sit at the table at once, as my son runs around and hardly touches his food and refuses to sit down while eating so it would keep him secure and hopefully eat more
Oh my goodness Jenny, the marshmallow pops look amazing and the bark looks delicious! Love the matching swimsuits. Have a wonderful weekend xx
Ahhh thanks lovely I can’t wait to edit them and get them up on the blog this week. I am so behind on sharing recipes. I wish I had a matching swimsuit to go with theirs hahahah Hope you weekend is lovely too.
Thanks for the chance x
– a fellow expat
oh those sweets! Don’t tempt me. I have a stack from yesterdays Go Glam Gala award event.
http://www.mycitymylondon.me
But they are so delicious what a few more won’t hurt you! hahahah
Loved your vlog-I caught it yesterday and the ideas were fab for perking me up! The matching swimwear is so cute-everyone seems to be boden mad right now. Ooooo look forward to some of your recipes that bark looks amazing-I really want to be a bit more adventurous in the kitchen this year. Sorry to see your weekend plans have been put on hold but hoping little one feels better soon x
Lucky for us she doesn’t have a fever and is happy in herself so we went for a walk at the park this morning. It was cold but refreshing to get out. Thanks for watching my vlog. I am trying to do one a week if possible and I love spreading happiness that’s for sure. I am the same I want to get in the kitchen and do more recipes practice food styling but not expand my waistline. I have always loved Mini Boden for my daughter I don’t normally get stuff for B from there.
Their matching swimsuits are too cute! I love your valentines food, they look so good! Hope you have a great week. #littleloves
Thanks lovely so kind of you. I wish I had a matching one too. hahaha Can’t wait to share my Valentine’s day recipes this year. I need to edit and write them up before its too late to share. Happy weekend.
Your Valentines Day treats look delicious! Your two look gorgeous in their co-ordinating swimsuits. Love that booster seat, would be perfect for Parker. The colour would go with our new kitchen and extension too! Enjoy your weekend xx
I love their new grey collection as it matches my house too. It’s a fab seat for the next step to sitting at the table with everyone. Good luck. Thanks for entering. The swimsuits were an exciting purchase not easy to match boy and girl swimwear. lol Happy weekend.
Oooh I love their swimwear, I’ll have to check out Boden for G’s swimming shorts this year. Oh I LOVE your valentines bakes, I need to see those recipes honey as G loves to be in the kitchen. I’ll check out your video honey. I hope you manage to enjoy some fresh air this weekend x #littleloves
Aww I love the kids matching swimwear, they look adorable! That valentine’s bark and marshmallow pops look delicious and easy to do too. Think I might have to let my two loose in the kitchen and see what they come up with based on what you’ve created. Can’t wait to see this huge cake you’re making, bet it’ll look gorgeous. Have a good week x
Oh that little ornament is just perfect for you! And I love the matching swimming kit – I love having my three matching while they’ll still let me but I agree it’s not always easy to do and now I have to dash over to Boden in hot pursuit of the right sizes!
It was a lovely present and so thoughtful just perfect for me. It’s hard to find matching or even coordinating someone needs to open up a kid’s twinning shop with coordinating designs and patterns too. hahaha There’s an idea. Thanks lovely.
Those sweet treats look amazing Jenny – definitely worth spending time in the kitchen for! Sounds like you’ve been super busy? I’m also struggling to get far with Small Great Things – it’s such a huge book! X
Thanks lovely it’s a great treat for sure and so quick and easy to make. Yes it’s a big book I know what you mean. I found it wasn’t fast pace enough for me but always loyal to the end.
I am definitely in the minority as I love January. I think it’s because mine and my daughter’s birthday are in the middle of January, so we have lots of celebrating to do. Don’t worry as we have just started season 2 of Gilmore Girls, and we tend to watch one episode a night. I say we as my husband loves it as well, which totally surprised me but I am not complaining. Love the baking treats Jenny #littleloves x
That’s awesome you can watch it with your husband. I usually save a few episodes on nights he is working late or gone. lol 🙂 I am selfish that way. hahaha Oh well January certainly has a lot for you to celebrate for sure and look forward too. I bet makes February harder. At least it’s the short month.
Dexter is in my top 10 favourite series ever I was so sad when it finished. I love those swimsuits, I might see if I can get matching ones for our holiday this year they are so adorable. Have a lovely weekend. #LittleLoves
Thanks hunny. We just started season 3 on Dexter. We thought that about Game of Thrones too hoping it comes out again soon. lol Yes it’s fun on holiday to match and way easier to spot your children too. hahaha
This will be ideal for my granddaughter when she is at my house
This would come in so handy x
Oh those treats look yum! The seat would be perfect for my youngest – she’s just at the right age for it 🙂
Thanks lovely and yes it’s fab for that. Best of luck to WIN!
So handy, esp on trips away, count me in 🙂
I love the matching swimsuits for your two, they look adorable. And those marshmallow pops look gorgeous! xx
Oh thank you lovely it’s fun when they coorindate or match I love it.
Great idea, thanks for the giveway
Adorable swimsuits
What a wonderful giveaway
The Valentine Day chocolate looks yummy. Going to try this with my eldest LO.
The booster seat would be fab for my littlest as we continue his weaning journey!
Ah this would be great for my little boy to join us at the table! He isn’t ready for no straps yet so would be a great transition!
Amazing swim wear, such a great find. I loved your January blues video and it cheered me up straight away! I’m on the waiting list for small great things at the library so looking forward to getting my hands on it x #LittleLoves
Amazing swim wear, such a great find. I loved your January blues video and it cheered me up straight away! I’m on the waiting list for small great things at the library so looking forward to getting my hands on it xx #LittleLoves
Oh glad to cheer you up lovely. I keep looking at it thinking I look like a clown in that lipstick now. hahaha Let me know what you think of it when you read it. So many love or hate it. lol
nice booster seat, not too cumbersome.
I am really liking the grey collection from Oxo
Fab blog and great giveaway
I love the matching swimwear! So so cute. I love it when my little ones are matching. The oxo seat looks so comfy. It doesn’t have those horrible chunky sides that most seem to have.
It’s a great booster seat for the table for sure. I had those bulky ones. It’s hard to find matching swimwear but I love it when I do they were over the moon with these. So fun. I will hate the day they don’t want to match anymore.
What a fab giveaway, Thank you.
We love Dexter!!
This would be fantastic for my Sofia! xx
The grey collection from Oxo, looks great, thank you for the chance x
This looks like a brilliant idea. Thanks for the giveaway
This looks brilliant and sturdy for my 18 month old who just wont stay in her high chair anymore! I think her sitting in this on a dining chair would make her feel like a ‘big girl’ and help make mealtimes a little less stressful!
Love it 🙂
Love this giveaway for my little one who is just about to go onto solids
That bark looks amazing but how did you get it so thin???
I love this booster seat, would be perfect for my little princess 🙂
this seat is brilliant, perfect for my baby granddaughter when she is a bit bigger, but for the time being I would use it when my little niece comes over and we go out for a meal. love to win it
Great prize, this would be really handy
would be lovely for my granddaughter
Perfect for my little one
Perfect for my little one
I love reading your #ThisWeek posts. I have a few pages to go on the book I am currently reading, and then I have Jodi Picoult’s ‘Small, Great Things’ to read next and I can’t wait. I have heard some really good reviews so as I am a massive Jodi Picoult fan I really hope this lives up to expectations.
this would be great for when my granddaughter is here
i have her 3 days a week so would be really used a lot
Thanks for te giveaway and review, sounds perfect for our baby girl 😀
I Really enjoyed reading this blog post
Our shows we are addicted to on Netflix are Once Upon a Time, Stranger Things and Shadow Hunters. The booster seats are lovely 🙂
The booster seat is great, love the grey colour as it so neutral. It would be so handy for when my little neices and nephews come round and wont take up much space when not in use.
this would be very handy for my son
This seat would be perfect for when my little granddaughter comes to visit. When she was smaller we used a high chair that I got from Freecycle, but she’s too big now and it also took up lots of space. This one looks as if we can easily stash it away in between visits.
I’d love to win this for my friends little one