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…
READING
I admit to being a bit of a magpie when it comes to beautiful books. I have many a coffee-table style book on everything from fashion and interiors to cocktails and old Hollywood movie stars.
Since having Miss M I have been the same with children books – in fact I think it started before then as I collected all the Madonna children’s books and vintage Eloise books long before Miss M came along.
So, when we were sent these beautiful Little People, Big Dreams books to read and include in my #mamasvibXbookclub posts on Instagram – I was literally sucked in by the covers alone.
But, far from judging a ‘book by its cover’ these fantastic biographies of famous women are the perfect way to inspire little ones – especially girls – to follow their dreams.
Miss Marnie and I have been reading them and the stories – although adult are re-told in a quirky, fun and fresh way that appeals to younger minds. The illustrations are not your standard kids books cutesy drawings either – they are bold and thought provoking.
The first two titles to be launched are Coco Chanel and Frida Kahlo written by Ma. Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Each book charts the incredible things they achieved with their lives (Coco who beam a fashion designer and Frida who was a celebrated artist) and shows no matter what obstacles they had to over come (like Coco’s early life in an orphanage and Frida’s devastating accident as a young girl) they started life as a little girl with a big dream.
Both books include a fact section and time line at the back (great for older kids) and information on further reading. Miss M has really been enjoying these books and often asks for ‘the book about the lady who paints’ – I really hope this books will be a constant inspiration to her growing up.
I’m also looking forward to getting the next two books in the series. Launching in September the stories of singer, actress and writer Maya Angelou and Amelia Earhart – the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean will be re-told for little eyes.
Coco Chanel by Ma. Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Ana Albero
Frida Khalo by Ma. Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Gee Fan Eng
Amelia Earhart by Ma. Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Maria Diamantes
Maya Angelou by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Leire Salaberria
All £9.99 each (published by Frances Lincoln)
VOTING
I’m not talking about last weeks mayors vote, the elections or even the EU referendum in June – although all of course important. I’m talking about Blogging Awards votes.
If you read this blog regularly you may have noticed I asked for votes in not one, but two blogging awards this year. Well, I’m really excited to say I have made it into one of the nominations list for a BIB Award.
Hosted by Britmums in June – the Brilliance in Blogging (BiB) Awards are a pretty big deal to us bloggers. Not only is it nice to get a nomination, it’s knowing the vote has come from fellow bloggers, friends and family and of course YOU – my lovely readers (Hi, mum!).
But, now I need to ask you to vote again – as although I’ve made it into the 10 shortlisted blogs in the Beauty & Fashion category – I really would like to make it as one of the 5 selected finalists…
So, if you have a moment – and like what I do in this little space of mine – then I would love your votes. It’s an easier form this time too!
Just fill in the details here and remember to select mamasVIB in section 11 as voting ends next week May 18th.
And, of course a BIG thank you.
CELEBRATING
So, there it is… #thisis40 happened over the weekend.
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen some images from my birthday weekend by the sea and the 1970’s dinner party I had with my closest friends.
I’ll planning on sharing some more pictures and maybe even recipes from the weekend soon – but for now I’m taking it easy this being my first #mamamonday in the #thisis40 Club (and, yes I have a very slight hangover…)
