Called ‘Nostalgia’ , this new Spring Summer 2014 collection by Soft Gallery is cool and unique. I see a lot of kids clothing lines and after a while many of them start to look a bit samey. But Soft Gallery is different and stands out from the crowd. Their illustrations are created by artists especially for their clothes and their styles are comfy and cool. In addition to the illustrations, there are some striking prints in the collection too. I’m loving that relaxed ice-cream dress as well as that quirky roller skating bear body.
Entries from March 2014
A nostalgic Summer by Soft Gallery
March 17, 2014
Have a colourful weekend!
March 14, 2014
This week we have had loads of sunshine in London. This makes us happy, very happy. I love all the change of seasons but this is by far the best one for me. You start to see a lot more colour appear on the streets because people start swapping their Winter greys for Spring colours, the parks are full of kids playing again and all the bright and beautiful flowers are starting to bloom. It’s been a colourful week here and I’ve got colour on the mind so I wanted to wish you all a colourful weekend! Enjoy x
Discover child friendly London with WowMom
March 13, 2014
I can’t believe apps have only been around for about 5 years but for most of us, we probably only really started using them about 3 years ago. And now, I can’t imagine life without some of my favourites that make life easier and more organised. Of course I love the fun ones too but it’s the ones that save me time and angst that I like the most. One app I wish I had when Anya was a baby is WowMom. WowMom is all about helping you easily find child friendly places (called WowSpots) for baby changing, for eating, for playing, for having a coffee and everything else you do with babies and kids in tow. So whether you’re looking for a gym with a creche or a playground to entertain your toddler, Wowmom has you covered.
Wowmom not only points you in the direction of kid friendly places based on your need of the moment but also details the facilities available at each place. So you’ll know if the place has a kids menu for instance or what age group it’s suitable for, if it’s paid or free or even if the venue provides crayons or toys to keep kids occupied. Handy. Apart from the useful side, I love the colourful and cute illustrations too making for a good looking app which always gets my vote. Right now Wowmom has the most WowSpots in London though there are many in other UK cities but they’re growing everyday with plans to include US cities too and if you want to find out more visit their campaign page. And did I mention, the app is free?
This post is brought to you in partnership with WowMom. All content, thoughts and words are my own. Thank you for supporting my work with carefully selected partners.
DIY checkers game
March 12, 2014
I love a good board game and always have ever since I was little. It does bring out my competitive side but that’s all part of the fun. As Anya is getting older, she is getting more and more in to board games and so we often spend an entire afternoon playing game after game. But she’s not the best loser but we’re working on this and hoping she will learn to try harder or at least be a better loser! Our latest obsession is this DIY game of checkers created by Marie-Laure of La Maison de Loulou especially for my readers.
How to make dark coloured walls work
March 11, 2014
While I am normally very much a fan of neutral white walls and like to use objects and paintings to add colour, I went against my instinct and painted my hallway in a dark aubergine. Despite myself, I love it! I think it works because of the contrast with the bright white floors. This got me thinking about rarely seeing kids rooms painted in bold, dark, statement colours and most of the time I can understand why. Pale, light colours do make a space feel larger and brighter while dark colours can have the opposite effect. But sometimes it’s fun to break from the norm and do something different. And if done right, it can really work. Here are 3 kids rooms that really make dark colours work in the space:
Dark purple is not a colour you often come across but it totally works because it’s been complimented with lots of white. I also love that the wall is a chalkboard wall making it even more fun. (via spearmint baby)
In this room there’s no respite with white. Instead it’s dark walls with dark furniture but by using similar tones, the room does come together and creates a moody effect which I like. (via cable & cotton)
This room uses the darkest colour of all – black and it’s a jet black. But I love how the black starts on the floor and goes only halfway up the walls. An all black room would be oppressive but by doing it this way it really works and gives an unusual look. Most dark colours paired with white or any pale colour would work well in this way. (via Kotipalapeli)
Would you try a really dark colour anywhere in your home? You never know, you may just love it.
{top photo by ebabee, colour is brinjal by Farrow & Ball}
A sweet Summer by Little Creative Factory
March 10, 2014
We’ve had the most glorious weekend here in London. For early March, we’ve had unexpected warmth and sunshine which has definitely lifted my spirits, especially after all the rain we’ve had this year. Another drop of sunshine that made it’s way to my inbox this weekend was this adorable new Summer 2014 collection by Little Creative Factory. The pictures instantly put a smile on my face, how could they not?
Little Creative Factory make the cutest swimwear and Summer clothing for boys and girls which is at once childlike yet sophisticated. Their little baby bikinis are some of the sweetest I’ve seen and their swimsuits for older girls are no less stylish. I’m especially loving that cream one shoulder swimsuit and the cute cream (post swim) hoodie. All the clothes are made not just with style in mind but also comfort and movement which is so important for little ones. There are also summer dresses, cool shirts, hoodies and more in their collection and there’s even a small line for adults… yay!
Oh, how quickly they grow!
March 7, 2014
I’ve been keeping a little photo log of Anya ever since she was born. My idea is to photograph her in the same chair, wearing white, sitting next to her favourite stuffed toy over a period of many years. I started when she was 5 months old and took the latest picture last week.
When I look back at the original picture and compare it to the latest one, I can’t believe the huge change in 5 short years. I’ve often been told ‘kids grow very quickly so make sure you enjoy them at every stage’. I never really understood or appreciated this sentiment till Anya came along but now I totally get it. Time is moving fast and life is busy for most of us so it’s really easy to forget to enjoy every little moment of bonding and love that we share with our kids every single day. I love looking back at these photos once in a while because they are a constant reminder that every age, every stage is fleeting so it’s important to enjoy the moment you’re in because it won’t last long.
I’m so glad I’ve kept this photo record and I plan to continue till she’s 18! Have you done anything similar with your kids? I’d love to hear.
Have a fun weekend and enjoy those amazing everyday moments with your kids. x
Collected for mama & baby: Natural wood
March 6, 2014
I’m a big fan of wooden things especially when the wood is left in it’s natural state and not painted or decorated in any way. From wooden toys to wooden furniture and even wooden bags, I like them all. Here is a selection of natural wooden things I’m currently loving for mamas and babies (that vintage rattan case – love!):
1. small vintage rattan case… 2. wooden animal toys… 3. minimal happiness high chair… 4. hand carved stirring spoons… 5. ayurvedic yogi soap… 6. natural baby cot
Stripy socks for your buggy!
March 5, 2014
How cute are these buggy socks? And the name too. Cheerful little stripy socks to protect your (umbrella) buggy handles that can fray and tear over time. But even if they don’t, I still love these socks for their cute factor. And besides protecting, they will also make your buggy standout from the crowd. Very handy in the playground. They come in many different coloured stripes and a range of sizes to fit a variety of buggy handles and there’s also a sweet pompom version of these handle protectors. I’m past the buggy stage but if I ever went back there, I’d have to choose the bright turquoise and grey striped ones. Which colour would you choose?
Buggy Socks also make adorable ponchos and buggy blankets in bright solid colours or stripes. They’re all knitted from 100% cotton so are especially ideal for Spring and Autumn. When I saw their range, it was the ponchos I first fell for. I love stripes and in these vibrant colours they will liven-up any outfit. Buggy Socks are are based in Spain where everything is made and most of their range is suitable for 0-3 year olds. They really do take stripy cuteness to a whole new level and therefore I’m happy to have them on board as my newest sponsor.
Beautiful Summer linens
March 4, 2014
Spring Summer 2014 from Made by Muku is here and it’s just beautiful. Cosy linen clothes in simple shapes and muted tones that are so comfy and practical for kids too. My favourite is that cross-backed play suit but really, I love all the pieces. It’s impossible not to.























