Sheepskins and Fairylights: April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

30 Day Challenge

Feels so long since I posted so I'm happy you are here!

I've had a mad week, both at home and work, chasing my tail whilst

struggling with niggling back pain and lack of sleep.

I'm grateful that my back isn't a quarter as bad as it has been in the past

but now know I need to do something preventative -

I'm thinking 1:1 Pilates sessions initially then moving to group sessions.

I know my problem is my core - despite being generally fit my core muscles

are far from the strongest and I know they won't improve by themselves -

time to put some work in I think!!

I was unable to lead my running group last week and that just guts me....

I have always been fortunate to enjoy free Yoga sessions at work on a Friday lunchtime but never quite managed to carve time out in my diary - now they have finished :-(

(due to lack of attendance gggrrr)

So, I have decided to join Gwen Moss with Matt Cutts 30 Day Challenge.

I am going to wake slightly earlier and do a 10 minute morning

yoga session for the whole of May.

According to Leo Babauta who writes the fabulous Zen Habits a

habit is formed after 21 sessions have been incorporated into your life -

so hopefully this ritual will last far longer than May!!

Obviously starting a new activity means a trip to Sweaty Betty.

Research shows that if you feel good in your chosen sport clothing you

actually work harder, well that's my excuse anyway, hehe!

Calypso Yoga Pants Niyama Vest

pilates

“In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference and in thirty you will have a whole new body.”
Joseph Pilates

Does anyone practice Pilates?
I'd love if you could share some tips or advice! XX

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Memories

Memories are strange things - they happen when you least expect it.

Today I was walking with the pup when I called him

dod yma -

"come here" in Welsh.

Gosh, where did that come from? My Mum taught my Sister & I a little Welsh but the overriding language she taught us was 'Pig Latin'.

Memories of chatting so fast in the kitchen and learning nursery rhymes - seeing my Dad and Brother's look of disgust as they had no idea at all what was being said and whether we were talking about them. Ha!

'The language', my Mum told us was spoken by the girls to enable private conversation about the boys ;-)

It is something I taught my Daughter as Mr.L and 'L' looked on thoroughly bemused as 'A' and I tried to control our laughter. Unfortunately for us 'L' worked it out and spoke much faster than we ever could.....gggrrr!

A few years ago when I worked in Sexual Health for Young People two young lad's came to see me for condoms. They spoke to each other in Pig Latin about what they wanted, imagine their faces when I answered back in their 'secret language'. They nearly fell over!!

Anyone reading speak 'Pig Latin?'
Memories - strange things!
Have a lovely week!
XX

Sunday, 20 April 2014

Flowers for Easter

& an Easter bunny.....or two!!

Happy Easter!
XX

Softer

Loving this hand moisturiser from The White Company.

At the age where I need to look after my hands!!

& this beautiful scent helps!

Geranium - Juniper - Patchouli

Seem to be developing a 'thing' for Patchouli!

Do you take care of your hands?
XX

Saturday, 19 April 2014

Baby & Mama-To-Be

Exciting times ahead for friends and family.

New babies on the way; life changing.

Nothing anybody says can prepare you for the huge waves of emotion and the many ways life changes when you have a baby, the joy it brings and a love that sweeps throughout your body in a way you couldn't even dream....

for Grandparent's too, I remember my Mum saying to me that she didn't think the love she felt for her grandchildren would be as strong as it was for the birth of her own,

me, us...it was, it is.

I have been asked by a friend if I could put together a post on gift's for expectant Mothers and new babies. Hope you like it!

Mama Bee Gifts - take the time to replenish and keep your skin hydrated with these simple, natural products. Good for you and the planet!

Neom Cocooning Candle with Mandarin, Ylang Ylang and comforting Chamomile to help you relax before and later when life is more hectic ;-)

Mexican Bola Necklace for Mama to be - now these I LOVE! What a gorgeous gift for a mama to be! So tactile and they chime gently. Traditionally worn in Mexico when pregnant to bond with your unborn baby.

You can also buy on a Liberty print scarf rather than a chain. Simply beautiful!

Ikea Grey Sheepskin - my love of versatile sheepskins is well known. These are tactile with curly fur, a gift for Mama and Baby!

White Company Bunny Night Light - softly glowing for those all important night feeds and later a pretty feature in the nursery.

The Animal Printshop Lamb - visit the site. Baby animals, often rescued, photographed by Sharon Montrose on a plain white backdrop. Beautiful for a Nursery. The difficulty will be choosing...

White Company Muslin Squares - a must for all Mama's!

Buzzy Bee Sleepgown - for baby boy's and girl's. For easy nappy changes, I cannot extol the virtues of these enough! You can buy them plain but I just loved these little bee's!

White Company Snuggle Blanket - so soft & snuggly, this will become a firm favourite with it's satin bound edging too...

FLATOUT Bears Oh my days, that is all!!!

When You Were Born by Emma Dodd Gorgeous book, beautifully written.

Sweet and meaningful.

Black & White baby development playmat Black and white has long been known to be stimulating for little minds encouraging cognitive development.

http://www.johnlewis.com/storage-trunks/c80000192 For someone extra special you could buy all of the above and place it in this bright trunk, a keepsake forever!!!!

Just had to show this little play space from The Imagination Tree

Of course all of the above are treats. A baby's main requirement is to feel safe and secure, feed when cues are given and closeness to Mum. All of these can be provided without the need to spend money.

I leave you with the following quote and hope you liked this post!
XX

"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence." Author: Grantly Dick-Read

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Kiehl's at the Trafford

My complimentary facial courtesy of Kiehl's was a wonderful experience.

Despite being in-store behind the Kiehl's counter I managed to close my eyes & relax, completely unaware of anyone stopping to take a look!

Welcomed by 'Mr. Bones' himself ;-)

I had lots of wonderful products applied during a relaxing facial massage which cleansed, toned, exfoliated, face masked and serumed, softening my skin and making it appear so much plumper and brighter. Glowing!! Literally!