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.
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}
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 Factorymake 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!
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
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!):
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.
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.
This family of elephant dolls is just the cutest, don’t you think? They’re created by a new group of designers called Atelier Sans Souci who also make furniture, illustrations, jewellery and more. Their first collection, full of imagination and creativity, is all handmade by local craftsmen and carpenters making it even more special. There’s a dolls house that can be used as a play or work space, there are the sweetest bow shaped wall hooks, fun illustrations and more. My favourite though are this adorable elephant family.
I’m loving the pops of neon throughout the collection and the little extra details on each piece. You can see the rest of the collection at the lovely Sisters Guild, who are the only UK stockists of Atelier Sans Souci at the moment.
While I’ve never been much of a make-up junkie, I have always had a weak spot for nice smelling creams and lotions as well as pretty clothes. Ever since I became a mum, my focus though has been Anya. Especially since I started this blog, I am always looking out for beautiful kids things and kind of tend to forget about myself. Last weekend while visiting Borough Market, I walked in to the Aesop store and this reminded me of how much I miss indulging myself and finding nice things for myself.
The store itself was a real experience, so stylish in a minimalist way and the service I got was nothing short of outstanding. Anya was with me and they even pampered her by sitting her down and putting some cream on her hands which delighted her no end. I ended up buying a face cream which smells divine but it wasn’t just the purchase that I enjoyed; it was the whole experience of doing something for myself and discovering this little gem of a store. I’ve since had a look at their stores around the world and beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe them.
Being a mum means very little time for yourself. But I feel it’s important to find a little time to do what you love doing. I want to try and focus on getting my mojo back by seeking out beautiful clothes, beauty products and experiences for me like I used to. And when I find something worthwhile like this experience, I will share it here with you mamas. Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, are you good at finding a little time to indulge yourself in doing it? Or do you forget about yourself like me? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I’m loving these sweet little flamingos and hearts dotted over tees, dresses, bags and more. Pretty little prints for the cutest little people. My favourite is that flamingo baby tee but I also love that heart print sweatshirt for older girls. What would you choose?
Ebabee Likes is a style guide for babies, kids, teens and their mamas. It’s all about inspiration, ideas and indulging yourself and your brood. It’s written by me ~ Nomita ~ a style loving girl from Mumbai who now live’s in London. Read More...
