Welcome to #mamamondays. Here I try to include anything that is making us happy – and hopefully you too – even though it’s a Monday. And, I have to say it really is making me try to make the most of this often ‘depressing’ day
It has been anything from what we’re doing or planning to what we’re eating, watching or reading. I’ve even included items I’m lusting after or buying and anything else that has been inspiring me to make Mondays – and the rest of the week if need be – just a little more bearable.
I really hope that #mamamondays is inspiring you to make the most of this fresh start we get every week…
VISITING
Over the weekend we got invited to a special bloggers event to see the brand new Great Little Trading Co. showroom. Based in Wandsworth, South London the showroom is a chance for GLTC to well, show off its pieces to full effect.
Although, GLTC have a great easy to use website being able to see the toys, rugs, storage solutions and especially the furniture up close was amazing. As not only could you see the quality – you could try it out too – I don’t know about you but when I shop I have to touch everything!
So, I took the chance to try the drawers on the desks, the lids on the toy boxes and Miss Marnie even tried out one of the beds. What was especially nice was each area was set as small room sets so you could get a idea of how the pieces worked together and dotted around them was of course all of GLTC’s infamous fabric wigwams (read about ours here) and wooden toys.
Miss M went straight to the wooden cafe area – and literally played there for hours. This is testament to the real value of classic toys and children doing what children do best – playing. While the kids role played and made pretend tea, us parents enjoyed a talk by the chairman, afternoon tea nibbles and GLTC (gin, lime, tonic, cucumber) cocktails in vintage teacups.
GLTC are immensely proud of their new showroom – and so they should be – it’s a wonderful space, family friendly (there is a seating area for new mums and babies to feed) and a great chance to see what you can sometimes miss shopping online.
The showroom is open now and at 12 Buckhold Road, Wandsworth, SW18 4GP.
WEARING
It was when I posted a recent shot of all of Miss M’s shoes that I realised she may have a problem – OK, I have a shoe problem – and I seem to be inflicting it on her too.
Miss M has more shoes than any 3-year old needs – but to be fair she wears them all. Infact I ensure she does as how fast do their feet grow? And, I don’t want them to sit unworn. But, the shoes she has been drawn to the most of late have been the ones she can put on herself.
Anything with a Velcro strap, pull-on pumps and slip on styles (which I try to limit). So, when the lovely people at EMU Australia offered to send Miss M some of its new styles to try – I couldn’t’ resist.
Although, in my mind EMU was where you went for winter sheepskin boots, water-proof boots and the best slippers ever (I’ve had a pair for about 8 years and they’re still as good as new) – so I was really pleased to discover its fantastic new kids collection.
Yes, they still offer baby sheepskin booties (recently seen on Princess Charlotte) – but its new Little Creatures collection features some soft sneakers and ballet flats. With fab animal designs like sharks, ladybirds, rabbits and cats – there is also some gold spot and star designs too.
Miss M was beyond excited with her choices (and loves the paw print soles) – although ballet pump style the secure Velcro straps offers some added support. Not only do they look great – she has been wearing them without socks or tights too – I can see they are comfy, easy to walk in and even better to play in.
If you haven’t thought to look at EMU Australia in the summer months – I suggest you do as beside the kids collection there’s a fab new collection of women’s sandals that are just that little bit different to what you can find on the high street.
See the full collection here
TRYING
When Miss M was a baby I was really particular about what I used on her skin – as any new mother is. I think to a degree I still am – some ‘cheaper’ bubble baths – bring her out in a rash almost instantly and it can take days to go down.
When this happens I go back to those early baby days and use plain water or a small amount of sensitive skin wash. One brand I wish I had tried when she was small is Little Butterfly Organic.
Little Butterfly is a beautiful looking mother and baby collection of organic, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested skincare. It’s also great for dry or eczema prone skin, on newborns and for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not only that it’s free of all those ‘nasties’, made exclusively in England and not tested on animals.
A lot to live up too, right? Well, I’m glad to say it’s as beautiful to use as its looks. Miss M and I have been sampling the Little Butterfly Floating on Clouds Bedtime Bathmilk and Bubbles in the Breeze top-to-toe wash – with ingredients such as buttermilk, oat kernel extract and papaya seed oil the products are infused with mandarin and orange pure essential oils.
The prices aren’t cheap – but a little really does goes a long way and I have to confess I have been using it a little more on myself than on Miss M!
** For stockists info as well as information on hotels and spas offering special new mum massages using Little Butterfly have a look here
We d love to go skiing, the children would have a great time they love trying anything new ?