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Me and Mine – March

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What we’ve been up to this month…

* Dom and I had a very rare night away without the kids at the beautiful Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa. It was so nice to have some time to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. We also had some treatments, enjoyed the fabulous, award winning spa and had a delicious meal. We really must do it again soon!

* Poppy and I spent a fun morning at the swanky Equinox gym in Kensington with Mother’s Meetings. It was our first Mother’s Meetings event and we had such a great time, we’re already looking forward to the next one!

* I spent a fun afternoon at Henry’s in Covent Garden with some fab bloggers. Some of them I’d met before and some I met for the first time but they were all so lovely and welcoming. We drank, chatted, laughed and danced to some dodgy tunes! My head was very sore the next day (which happened to be Mother’s Day) but it was well worth it!

* We celebrated Mother’s Day with my parents, who were staying with us for the weekend and had a beautiful lamb roast cooked by my hubby. We decided not to go out to a busy restaurant with two little ones on Mother’s Day and I’m so glad we didn’t as we had such a lovely and relaxing day at home.

* As you can see from the pictures above, we had a family day on London’s Southbank. We love the Southbank for so many reasons,  that carousel happens to be one of them.

* Dom and I are loving The Good Wife – we’re currently watching season six on More4. I swear this series gets better and better.

* The girls and I have been to listening to the new Annie soundtrack on Spotify. After watching the film, we couldn’t wait to listen to the amazing soundtrack and it’s now a firm favourite. At last we’ve found something to replace the Frozen soundtrack!

* We celebrated Dom’s birthday with a day out in Guilford, which included a few hours at the indoor water park and a meal at Jamie’s Italian. Not as crazy as the ‘good old days’ (pre-kids) but we did have a fun family day out!

* Lili has been learning to ride her bike without stabilisers. It’s a big step and we’ve still got some work to do but she’s getting there. Watch this space!

* Dom and I have finally finished Game of Thrones! I’m still obsessed and can’t wait for season five to start next month.

Me and Mine is a monthly family portrait project. The idea is to share a family picture on a monthly basis and give a little write-up of what you’ve been up to during the month.

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5 Things that have made me happy this week…

It’s Sunday night and the beginning of the Easter holidays, I have two whole weeks with my two girls ahead of me and lots of plans and activities in mind. But before I get too carried away with Easter, I thought I’d tell you about a few things that have made me happy this week.

1) Baking a birthday cake for my hubby – The girls opted for a chocolate cake (no surprises there!) decorated with ‘chocolate balls’ – Maltesers to you and me! They took it in turns to mix the batter and both helped me to decorate it.

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2) Mothers Meeting – on Wednesday Poppy and I went off to our first Mother’s Meeting event at Equinox, a very swanky gym in Kensington. I was treated to a full work-out, while Poppy was having fun in the crèche. This has to be the best looking gym I’ve ever seen, it even had complementary Kiehls products in the changing room! However, the best part was meeting all the other bloggers and chatting over the scrummy breakfast that was given out.

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Me and Pops with Bonnie from MamasVIB, Nat from Style Me Sunday and Zoe from Dress Like a Mum

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3) A delicious meal at Jamie’s Italian to celebrate my hubby’s birthday – I love how the kids get their menu on these retro 3D viewer toys, so cute! I went for the crab spaghetti, which was simply amazing!

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4) Finally seeing Fifty Shades of Grey – okay so the film itself wasn’t anything amazing. To be honest, I don’t think Jamie Dornan and Dekota Johnson could have less chemistry, it was all very sterile and not passionate at all. But it was good to be out at the cinema with my lovely sister-in-law and I did have a delicious tub of Ben & Jerry’s.

5) Buying Easter bonnets – and lots of bits and bobs to decorate the hats. I had so much fun buying it all this week, I can’t wait to get going with the girls next week!

So there you have it, five things that have made me happy this week, along with the sunny weather and as always cuddles with my girls.

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My Captured Moment #12

Welcome to My Captured Moment, a weekly linky where I share my favourite ‘Captured Moments’ and invite you to do the same.

This week my Captured Moment is a shot I took a couple of days ago. The girls and I had been caught in heavy rain on our way home from the swimming pool. By the time we got in we were all dipping wet, so I decided to give the girls an early bath. After the bath Poppy and I were having an ‘after bath’ cuddle and I managed to take this slightly awkward picture.

This ‘after bath’ cuddle happens after every bath but this is the first time I’ve managed to capture it on my phone. I know that this will be a picture I look back on in years to come with a big smile.

Also linking this post up with Mummy Daddy Me’s Ordinary Moments.

my captured moment

Share your Moments

Your ‘My Captured Moment’ can be a single picture or a series of shots, new (taken this week) or old, with or without words. The idea is to simply share a moment in time you’ve captured on your camera and make sure it doesn’t go unseen. This could include vintage shots of your own childhood and beyond or a simple picture you’ve recently taken and want to ‘show off’.

How to Play Along

• Link up every Thursday to Sunday (ending at 11.55pm)

• Add my badge (or link back to my website using #MyCapturedMoment) at the bottom of your post.

• Share the love – try to comment on at least three other posts. After all that’s what it’s all about.

Go Social

Tweet your posts to me @HeleddLavender using the hashtag #MyCapturedMoment and I’ll retweet. Hashtag your picture #MyCapturedMoment on Instagram (follow me @HeleddLavender) so we can share our pictures and hopefully get some new followers and likes.

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Beauty Q&A with Hayley from Home

Welcome to this month’s Beauty Hub post, where I ask my blogging friends about their beauty heroes and favourites. A few months ago I shared my favourite beauty products and recommendations in a post called My Beauty Hub Q&A. This week my gorgeous friend Hayley who writes Hayley from Home is sharing her favourite products and answering the same Beauty Hub questions…

beauty hub

1) What is your day time make-up uniform?
I always put on my No7 BB Cream after I’ve moisturised and I don’t tend to wear anything more in the day. I find it gives enough coverage but if I have time I’ll put on some No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara and Revlon Balm Stain before I leave for the school run.

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2) What do you use to wash/ cleanse your face?
I love L’Oreal Micellar Water, it’s the best at removing everything and doesn’t sting at all. I usually follow up with Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish – again if I have time!

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3) What is your most indulgent beauty product?
Elizabeth Arden Intensive Lip Repair Balm; I first got this in a goody bag but it is so good I bought another! It lasts ages and helps keep my lips soft and smooth.

4) What is your favourite super market beauty product?
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation is quite a new find for me but I love it. I’d seen it featured in many youtube videos and thought I’d try it out. It’s perfect for my skin, with quite a light coverage that gives a healthy, radiant look.

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5) Do you have a favourite body product?
I recently discovered Nivea In-shower Body Moisturiser which is amazing, it’s a moisturiser you put on in the shower. It is the best time saving product ever for a busy mum!

6) What would be your desert island beauty item?
This is a tough one as there is a few but I’ve already mentioned them – so in the interest of finding something new, I’ve recently discovered the Origins GinZing range. I love the moisturiser, it smells amazing and can be used morning or night; I’m not sure what I’d do without it now!

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7) What is your number one hair care product?
Lush Jasmine and Henna Fluff Ease is another recent discovery. I haven’t really used hair masks before but this has converted me. It leaves my hair feeling so soft and glossy. I must admit it is quite expensive so it’s a bit of a luxury treat!

8) You’re at a Spa, what treatment would you choose?
I have never once been for a spa treatment! I would love to though and I think I’d either like a facial or a hot stone massage.

9) Do you have a signature scent?
I don’t wear perfume as regularly as I used to but one of my favourite everyday perfumes is Nina Ricci.

10) What do you use in the bath?
Anything from Lush; a good bath always has to be a Lush bath for me. One of my all time favourites is Butterball.

beauty hub

Over the next few months I’m going to be asking some of my blogging friends the same questions and serialising their answers in this Beauty Hub post. If you’d like me to feature you in My Beauty Hub, please copy these questions and email me you answers ([email protected]), along with your blog URL, social media details and a picture of yourself.

Thanks for taking part Hayley xxx

The Twinkle Diaries

 

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Weekend on the Southbank

We live so near London, yet we very rarely go into the city. I’m not too sure why really because it’s so easy to jump on the train, and the city has so much to offer. The girls love the adventure of getting on a train… lets face it, it’s much more exciting than being stuck in the back seat of the car – and they get our full attention for the whole journey. London’s Southbank is my favourite part of the city and is literally 25 minutes (by train) from our house, so it’s an ideal day out for us.

So why do I love the Southbank so much?

1) There’s so many landmarks to see from the Southbank, you’ve got Big Ben, The London Eye, Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral to name a few. It always takes me by surprise how much you see just from walking along the south side of the river.

2) The girls love running along the ‘wobbly’ Millennium Bridge!

3) It’s always fun to watch all the street performers, you never know what you’re going to see. Last time we went, we saw a  talking dog in a box, a man floating in mid air, a group of Jamaican dancers and a man making bubbles. Guess which one was the biggest hit with my two girls?

4) Near the London Eye is a beautiful old fashioned carousel that we love and always hop on when we visit. It always makes our day!

5) The food is amazing! There’s usually a massive choice of fabulous street food down on the Southbank, in the past we’ve had lobster rolls, which were out of this world but last time opted for a ‘sit down’ meal inside as it was too cold to be sat outside. We went to Wahaca, one of our all time favourite family restaurants. Their Mexican food is the best and their cocktails are just perfection! In fact Wahaca is one of my biggest tips for anyone visiting London. It’s a chain so there’s a few dotted around the city, just check the website before you visit!

6) They always have so many different festivals and events happening down on the Southbank, it often feels like you’re in a different country. Nothing better than feeling like you’re on holiday when you’re not… well other than actually being on holiday of course!

7) It’s such a colourful, vibrant place with so much to do and see.

8) I also love the amazing second hand book stalls that are always set up outside the National theatre. I’ve never actually bought anything but I do love a good rummage around, on the off chance I find a little gem.

9) At night the walkway is lit up beautifully with small fairy lights on the trees that line the river, making it one of the prettiest spots in the city.

Here are some snaps from our last day on the Southbank…

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southbank.31 southbank.5This is Lili taking a picture of The Globe on her ‘own’ camera. I love how she seems to be taking it so seriously.
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I’m linking this post up to the Tots100 Royal Garden Hotel competition, as I’d love to do this all again soon and stay at their gorgeous London hotel.

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My Captured Moment #11

Welcome to My Captured Moment, a weekly linky where I share my favourite ‘Captured Moments’ and invite you to do the same.

For this week’s My Captured Moment, I’ve gone back to November 2011 and our first holiday as a family. Lili was almost eighteen months old (so she was walking, talking and becoming a real little madam), when we decided to take her to Dubai. Our good friends were living there at the time, so it was an easy destination choice for us.

These shots were taken on one of our more relaxing days, on the beach. I love how gorgeously chunky she was, and how when she was tired, all she wanted to do was cuddle up with me and go to sleep in my arms. This was such a lovely day and is one I remember with a fond smile. Honestly, is there anything more relaxing or calming than having your baby sleep in your arms?… wherever you are!

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Share your Moments

Your ‘My Captured Moment’ can be a single picture or a series of shots, new (taken this week) or old, with or without words. The idea is to simply share a moment in time you’ve captured on your camera and make sure it doesn’t go unseen. This could include vintage shots of your own childhood and beyond or a simple picture you’ve recently taken and want to ‘show off’.

How to Play Along

• Link up every Thursday to Sunday (ending at 11.55pm)

• Add my badge (or link back to my website using #MyCapturedMoment) at the bottom of your post.

• Share the love – try to comment on at least three other posts. After all that’s what it’s all about.

Go Social

Tweet your posts to me @HeleddLavender using the hashtag #MyCapturedMoment and I’ll retweet. Hashtag your picture #MyCapturedMoment on Instagram (follow me @HeleddLavender) so we can share our pictures and hopefully get some new followers and likes.

Running in Lavender

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The Braun Face – Jessica Alba’s Magic Beauty Wand

the braun face

Have you ever wanted a hair removal tool and cleansing brush in-one?! No, me either but actually this handy little beauty gadget is very effective. The ‘Braun Face’ is the world’s first two-in-one facial epilator and cleansing brush, but don’t worry, there’s no chance of mixing up the two options, as it has two removable heads! One is the facial epilator – that gives up to four weeks of smooth, hair-free skin (perfect for your eyebrows, upper lip and chin). The other head is a deep cleansing brush that effectively removes make-up, dirt and all impurities – leaving a beautifully, flawless complexion.

 

the braun face

Jessica Alba is the ‘face’ of The Braun Face – she says it gives her the confidence to go out without wearing make-up! This clever and powerful little tool retails at an eye watering £89.99! Not cheap, but as far as I’m concerned, if it gives Jessica Alba (one of my biggest style crushes) her glowing skin, then I for one am sold!! According to the always beautiful Jessica “Braun Face allows women the freedom to choose whether or not to wear make-up. After all, beautifully cleansed skin makes for the best foundation.” So there you have it, the secret to Jessica Alba’s perfect skin!

So how does it work?

With its unique sonic technology, I can tell you that this brush gently and effectively cleans your skin in a whole new way! It will polish and cleans your skin to smooth, perfection – deep down into the pores. Of course, it also has the tiny tailored epillator that keeps your upper lip hair-free by precisely removing fine hairs from the root – so no need to spend hours in front of the mirror with a pair of tweezers. Who needs a Spa facial when you have Jessica Alba’s beauty magic wand?

Giveaway

The lovely people at Braun have given me a Braun Face 831 – Beauty Edition (worth £89.99) to giveaway. Enter now for your change to win! This Beauty Edition also comes with a small, light up mirror and a handy beauty purse.

the braun face

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Only open to UK residence. Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

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Sisters in March

I can’t believe we’re half way through another month! This can only mean one thing, it’s time for the Siblings Project hosted by Lucy at Dear Beautiful. 

This month the girls have been getting a little naughty at bed time. Basically, they’ve been sharing a room for the past nine months but recently Poppy has learnt how to climb out of her cot and has been getting into into bed with her big sister! Tonight, I went up to check on them as I could hear giggling coming from their room and as predicted they were both hiding under the covers of Lili’s bed, having the best time. How could I be angry at this scene? I love how close they are and how much the enjoy playing together – especially when they know they shouldn’t be!

Part of me wanted to let them share a bed and see if they’d just fall asleep next to each other. However, the sensible side of me realised that Lili needs a good night sleep, ready for school tomorrow. Plus, as it’s only a single bed it’s very likely that one of them would fall out at some point.

The portrait project
Here are a few snaps I took of them at Polesden Lacey last weekend.

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Sunday Stars – 15th March

Welcome back to our Sunday Stars linky, a place for you to share your favourite posts each week.

Myself and a group of my blogger friends decided to set up this linky together. We wanted to create a place where all our favourite posts from the week could be easily shared – then we thought why not let everyone join in? We take it in turns each week to host but we all comment and re-tweet throughout the week.

Top Reads…

Last week’s ‘Star’ posts came from the fabulous Kate at Pouting in Heels, with her inspiring post for International Women’s Day. It left us all feeling so proud to be a woman!

And this beautiful post from Muddle Through Mama, where she shares her ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ for life.

Back to this week…

This linky is designed to give everyone a place to show off their favourite posts and make sure they don’t go unread. This week it’s myself and lovely Amy from Everything Mummy hosting and we can’t wait to read your star posts!

Tweet your posts to either of us (@heleddlavender or @amycooperem) and @SundaysStars using the hashtag #SundayStars and we’ll RT.

Next week’s hosts will be two of my favourites; Karen from Mini Travellers and Jess from Mummy of Boy Girl Twins – so keep an eye out for them next Sunday.

The Rules:

• You can link up to 3 post old or new, anything that you are really proud of and want to share.

• Please remember to add the Sunday Stars badge to the bottom of your posts.

• Share the love – try and comment on at least three other posts. After all that’s what it’s all about.

Running in Lavender

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My Captured Moment #10

Welcome to My Captured Moment, a weekly linky where I share my favourite ‘Captured Moments’ and invite you to do the same.

I can’t believe we’re already at week ten of ‘My Captured Moment’, where have the weeks gone?

This week I came across this sweet little shot I took a few years ago at my mother’s 60th Birthday Party, in Wales. Lili had literally just turned one a few weeks earlier (when she was given that lovely mini Boden dress). I love the light in this picture and how my dad is looking at his granddaughter with total amazement. They spent most of the day together, playing on that little colourful climbing frame – it has to be one of my fondest memories from that wonderful day.my captured moment

Share your Moments

Your ‘My Captured Moment’ can be a single picture or a series of shots, new (taken this week) or old, with or without words. The idea is to simply share a moment in time you’ve captured on your camera and make sure it doesn’t go unseen. This could include vintage shots of your own childhood and beyond or a simple picture you’ve recently taken and want to ‘show off’.

How to Play Along

• Link up every Thursday to Sunday (ending at 11.55pm)

• Add my badge (or link back to my website using #MyCapturedMoment) at the bottom of your post.

• Share the love – try to comment on at least three other posts. After all that’s what it’s all about.

Go Social

Tweet your posts to me @HeleddLavender using the hashtag #MyCapturedMoment and I’ll retweet. Hashtag your picture #MyCapturedMoment on Instagram (follow me @HeleddLavender) so we can share our pictures and hopefully get some new followers and likes.

Running in Lavender

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