Wednesday 28 March 2018

Fresher, Brighter Eyes



Nothing quite like spoiling yourself rotten with a little mini in-home pampering session, especially after a long busy week, it can cause havoc on our mind leading to stress and even leave us with tired eyes. 

I have found that my eyes have become so dry of late and that my contact lenses leave my eyes feeling irritated, especially with this cold harsh weather, that I am giving them a little bit of loving, but thanks to Feel Good Contacts they have kindly sent me a great pearl eye mask which is perfect for treating my tired eyes, all I simply need to do is give it a quick zap in the microwave slide on, put my feet up and relax all in the comfort of my own home.


Choosing the right products for your eyes are essential to help combat wrinkles, fatigue and help brighten and hydrate your eyes, but with so many products out there and on the Feel Good website there is something for everyone and every eyes.

I have found that now in my 30's and especially after having a baby my eyes need a little freshen up from time to time, whilst eye drops help, plus a good nights sleep being the most effective ways of freshening and brightening eyes, they are times that they need a little extra care and the Thera Pearl Eye Mask does just that.

The eyes mask can be used two way chilled for a few hours to help rejuvenate, irritated eyes as well as helping reduce dark circles and puffiness, even used it after a night out to help ease a hangover and worked a treat. 


Alternatively, you can pop it into the microwave for 15 seconds to relieve dry eyes and even nasal congestions, so if you have the flu then this will certainly help relieve airways. 

This eye mask is super affordable and will suit all pockets, and can be used time and time again perfect for a little self loving, plus an added bonus I've got a cheeky 10% of the code, simply enter in code LOVEFG03 at check out.

What product or products do you use to help revive dry tired eyes?

If you like this beauty post,  you can follow me on social media
Facebook for recipes and updates
Instagram  For daily shenanigans
Bloglovin for more blog posts
Twitter daily ramblings and other nonsense
Pinterest for what I am currently craving and lusting after

London Mumma xx


SHARE:

Tuesday 27 March 2018

Spring Investments You Need Now


 How fast is this year going I mean, it is Easter in a few days. Whilst Spring has not officially kicked off her in the UK does not mean that I am not investing in some great pieces and beauty products to see me through, tempted to find out more follow my blog

I am all about out with the old and in with the new, a good spring clean is what I require, heck we all do. We need some key pieces in Spring especially as the weather can be unpredictable and what great item to invest in than a trusty mac, great worn on its own, but even better layered up, throw a hoody underneath or even a blazer to give that classic look a fashion lift. 
SHOP MAC


Spring brings about bright pastel colours, from your must-have colour of the season lilac to the delectable minty blouse which I am wearing time and time again. It can be worn with anything I have styled it with my classic tapered white trousers, or a casual day worn with a pair of jeans. Just injecting a few pastels into your wardrobe will have you looking Spring ready in no time. 
SHOP PASTELS


I am all about recycling and last year basket bags were a major must-have item, every fashion gal had one clutched at the hand looking picnic ready even whilst heading into the office, and I can say they are not going anywhere anytime too soon and I am more than happy about that.
SHOP BAGS


Do you ever that your complexion changes over seasons?! Mine does, so I am always more than happy to change up my beauty products over the Spring month's, I want something a little bit pinkier a little bit more of a rosy glow to my skin to be looking all soft and dewy. Well, that's what I aim for so I certainly suggest on a good refresh of makeup too., plus do we really need an excuse to go makeup shopping........I think not! Just make sure to hide it from the toddler if you have children. Leanora and Milo were locked away in the bathroom the other day and Milo (cat) came out looking like the Bride of Chuckie, when Leanoa was questioned she told me Milo had asked her to do it...Yeah because I'm that mug haha, thankfully a friend told me all about a website called WOW Free Stuff so think I'll head there for my little minx beauty bits. 
SHOP BEAUTY


To complete your Spring investments, I suggest investing in some shades, coloured is preferred, gives your outfit a little pop and they were all over fashion week. Whichever style/shape you go for just make sure they are tinted to be bang on trend this Spring and would look great whilst relaxing by the pool in a high waisted bikini.
SHOP SUNGLASSES


What pieces will you be investing in this Spring?


SHARE:

Monday 26 March 2018

2 Books To Get Lost In This Month


Bookworm to the rescue. I've always been an avid reader, but when I became a parent, I kind of lost track and got caught up, or simply too bloody knackered to pick up a book, but with a little extra space in my new bed, elbows jutted out on the tube, Mumma's back to getting lost in her books.

I've always wanted to be apart of a book club, but never got the chance too plus I kinda didn't wanna be like that weirdo, but you know what now that I am older I think it's kinda cool and I am on the hunt for one, so if you know of any good book clubs hit a lady up!

But I digress, back to business....This month I have found myself submerged into some beautiful thrilling books, which I have been getting lost in on the commute to work, or waking up a little bit earlier to get a quick reading sesh in as I simply have been unable to put these few gripping reads down.

First on my hit list was Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, all about a lady, who has no concept of the real world and majorly lacks social etiquette or she thinks those around her lack it and she is totally fine with that. This book is a must read this 2018, totally funny about a hard life of a socially inept woman finding her way through society, unwillingly but determined to reinvent herself with a little assistance from Bobbi Brown, attending hardcore rock events and drinking her way through the weekend to making new friends unexpectedly, plus if we keep our fingers crossed we may, just may be seeing this book be made in to a movie.

A book about a savage murder set in 1842 brought to you by the amazing author Sarah Schmidt. See what I have Done, is gripping, and outstanding haunting book, I am only halfway through, but this book certainly makes the cut in a book to get lost in this month. I have pounded my way through this book and by the time, I've made this post live I would have devoured the whole thing and for those that may have read the book, I would love to hear your thought, on this explosive book.

As always, don't forget to follow me for more fashion posts on Bloglovin and some inspo on Instagram and Pinterest too. 


London Mumma xx




SHARE:

Wednesday 14 March 2018

What to Do With Kids When Its Cold


The cold snap is on its way back round, which potentially could bring round a bout of snow. We all love snow, but it can cause problems a lot of problems for those that work with travel delays as well as becoming considerably costly on your gas bill

SHOP THE POST 


Swimming 
Yes it may be cold outside, but it's warm inside the leisure centre, so scooter on down to your local and practice your breaststroke. Swimming pools will be a lot less busy during the week, freeing up some space to help teach the kids to swim, we are taking some new gear from finis to help guide us and make me look like a pro.....I hope.

Science museum
Just because it's cold and the kids face a possibility of a few days off from school, does not mean learning should stop there, head down to the science museum as we have a few days of British Science week for some fun learning perfect for the whole family to get stuck in.

Easter Ready
With a visit from the Easter bunny not too far away, what not hop on into the kitchen and get making some delightful Easter treats with the kids.

Movie date
Pack up your treats and head off to the movies, a lot is coming out soon perfect to get everyone into the half term and Easter spirit and watch movies such as Peter Rabbit, which Leanora is super excited about watching along with a new family fantasy a wrinkle in time. 



SHOP THE POST 


London Mumma xx
SHARE:

Tuesday 13 March 2018

2018 Travel Bucket List


2018, just you wait I am coming for you. This year is the year that Leanora and I intend on exploring a little further afield, especially as this is the year she starts big girl school (mum wailing).

Last year we did not get to have a year of fun in the sun, but this year baby I plan on making it happen and I am excited about it so much so. 

Not just to catch a little tan, a little glow to our skin, but it is great to learn new cultures, try new food and meet locals from all over the world, to learn and have fun whilst doing so with my best gal pal. 

I can never sit still and just relax, not whilst at home let alone on holiday, I am always looking to explore, hunting for adventure in every nook and cranny, to absorb the beautiful sites around me and that is exactly what we will be doing this 2018.

I created a little bucket list of where I would love for us to go and plan too, well permitting I can get some time off work and monies right duh, will probably have to get the family some freebies whilst travelling to help look after Milo too.

Marrakesh
I have never been but, just for it's rich and vibrant decor, roam their splendid palaces and bustling markets.


Greece
I have been dying to go, each year I like to take Leanora away for her Birthday, we've been to Croatia and now I have our eyes set on Greece.


Portofino
A little bit for it's gelato a little bit for its beauty and to climb the multicoloured Italian coastline. 


Cotswolds
I wanna come spend some good quality time exploring good old England and nice little staycation as it were and I have always wanted to go to the Cotswolds, even for just a few days a little weekend getaway, rent a little cottage, explore the little villages and take in some good fresh country air, whilst roaming the wild fields and chasing butterflies. But for this, I do need to get my drivers licence I imagine I could catch a train, but the idea of loading up the souped up car, kids, cat, blankets and suitcase's with some packed lunch to snack whilst on the open road sounds like such fun and a great family adventure. Just need to get back on the driving situ and get my test all done, but I guess for now I'll just have to hire some bikes and ride around. 


Do you have any holidays planned, or created your travel buketlist?


London Mumma xx
SHARE:

Monday 12 March 2018

A Classic White Shirt and Jeans


Is there anything more chic, more relaxed than a classic look, a crisp white shirt and high waisted mom jeans is what I live for and is a staple look and a classic combo for Spring. 

SHOP THE POST





A classic white shirt is a basic and must have piece to have in your wardrobe, from fitted, to loose, even a mans shirt, they are easy to wear and you have endless possibilities of styling a white shirt. A great tip, for something a bit more relaxed and cosy do not be afraid to go a size up or even two, great for draping when a little bigger, or even tying up at the front, to having it draped off your shoulder. Have to confess I love a worn shirt, nothing to pristine for me, especially as I am not a major fan of ironing. 

Every girl's best friend, a great pair of jeans. I am forever wearing jeans and it's important for me to find a great fit and style that suits my shape. Currently, I am forever living in high waisted jeans, one the hold my Mumma tum in, two they give you a great shape and lastly the make me look like I gotta butt, not a big Kim K butt, no bueno, not thank you, but a nice peachy one. 

My brand of the moment for a great pair of jeans is from Next, they have a massive selection and the fit and fabric are to die for, plus they have loads of different colours in one style also and when you wash them they do not lose their shape or colour. But however I am on the hunt for a new reliable brand of jeans, so if you know of any and have your faves, let a gal know in the comments below, please. 

See below for a line up of perfectly fitted white shirts, that are classic, feminine, masculine and a little bit sexy.

SHOP WHITE SHIRTS



Some of my favourite pairs of jeans too. 
SHOP JEANS





As always, don't forget to follow me for more fashion posts on Bloglovin and some inspo on Instagram too. 


London Mumma xx


SHARE:

Friday 9 March 2018

Mother's Day Friday Favourites


The snow has finally broken, and I do I smell a hint of Spring in the air? Well being that I am sharing some Friday Favourites I am always hopeful as we have finally reached the weekend


Food
This week has all been about comfort food, something nice warming and fun from our cauliflower cheese & pancetta soup and sharing slow cooker brisket beef tacos we have been loving and eating this week. 



Athleisure
Finally warm enough, well a tad to shed a few layers I'll be back this weekend in my comfort zone, in some off-duty athleisure to relax in not before our Sunday swimming ritual which I am super excited for as I have brand new mumma tum cover up in the form a high waisted bikini which I am loving.



Holidays
Easter holidays fast approaching I am scouring Pinterest for Easter food inspiration to my Easter meringue delight, to a tasty lamb dish to something new an exciting to make with Leanora to share with family and friends, the possibilities are endless and you can follow us over on Pinterest to see what are Friday favourites are.



Parenting
A great but tough week with work, but weekend is here which brings the delightful Mother's Day round which means time to be spoilt and fingers crossed showered with gifts, as well as partying it up with Big Fish Little Fish and spending some good quality Mumma and daughter time with Leanora, who has been cracking some brilliant one-liners and embarrassing ones too which I'll share more with you next week. I mean this kid, you couldn't make it up!

Happy Mothers Day and Happy Weekend.


London Mumma xx

SHOP THE POST

SHARE:

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Cauliflower Cheese & Pancetta Soup


You can not beat a classic bowl of hot cauliflower cheese soup and pancetta on cold, rainy days to warm your heart.


Whilst it's not the number one choice of veg to be consumed in its natural form in my home, cooked and blended is a great disguise and always goes down a treat, combine it with a few favourites cheese, more cheese and did I mention cheese, with some tasty salty crispy pancetta it's happiness all around.


This creamy and cosy soup is the perfect form of comfort from shielding from the rain, so pop your fashionable umbrellas, leave your new high waisted bikini in its carrier bag down head on home armed with a few ingredients your favourite people and a nice bottle of red wine and prepare to have your mind blown.

Ingredients
25g butter - or a glug of rapeseed oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 medium cauliflowers, broken into florets
1 large baking potato, cut into chunks
450 ml hot vegetable stock
70ml carton single cream
50g mature Cheddar, grated
60g mozzarella, grated
80g of cubbed/copped pancetta
Handful roughly chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, to garnish

Directions
1.Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the cauliflower, all the potato and the stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 20 minutes, until very soft. Cool slightly.

2.Whizz the soup in a blender until smooth. Return to the rinsed-out saucepan. Add the cream and season to taste, then gently reheat, until hot but not boiling. Add cheese and stir until melted.

3. Fry the pancetta in a small frying pan until brown and crisp, pour on to a tea towel or kitchen paper and remove excess grease and scatter on top of your soup with the parsley to serve. 

If you like this recipe you can follow me on social media
Facebook for recipes and updates
Instagram  For daily shenanigans
Bloglovin for more blog posts
Twitter daily ramblings and other nonsense
Pinterest for what I am currently craving and lusting after


London Mumma xx
SHARE:

Tuesday 6 March 2018

How To Get Ahead At Work



Every day I'm hustling, hustling, hustling.......Finally, I am doing jobs that I love and when I'm in a happy workplace nothing more rewarding for you and your company by going the extra mile and getting ahead at work.

When you love your job, you are more than willing to jump out of bed with a spring in your step. You go into work your happy, not just within your role but your colleagues too, god knows some can be a pain, but that's ok, today is a new day and a day that you don't mind seeing that sourpuss, your happy to be at work, your positive and you want to get ahead because secretly you love and are happy with you and your role.

Everyone wants to be rewarded and promoted, but it won't just happen overnight, you gotta put the work in. You see yourself wanting to grow and learn within the company you work at, you gotta put the work in love to get noticed and be rewarded. With these practices, you will sure to be promoted in no time.

Know your role, knowledge is key
Once you've grasped an understanding of your role and what you are meant to do, get to know other roles and other departments. Nothing quite like, being able to support or driving revenue to another department.

Share your knowledge and support
We all need help and support and those that you work with need it too. As cliche as it may sound there is no I in team, so share that knowledge whatever it may be, to being kick-arse at a spreadsheet or a whizz kid at coding and if you see someone that needs help, offer some support they will appreciate that support and others may notice and come to you for additional direction.

Get involved 
Nothing says I'm here and ready to get involved by actively doing so, by attending work functions, to possible courses they may offer to help you get ahead at work, even if it may not be your division, nothing quite shows gumption than by taking the initiative to grow and learn within the company, besides no one takes a job to be in it for a short period, nothing quite like learning new skills.

Ready, steady, BAKE
Admit it, don't lie now, we all love a cheeky treat with a cuppa! Anyone who says they don't they are LYING, EVERYONE loves a cheeky mid-afternoon treat. So why not occasionally treat your colleagues to something scrumptious. Luckily I made 2 of my bitchin banana bread took them in to work and the greedy sods wolfed it down happily with a cuppa in hand and all departments came together for 20 mins and we had a cheeky chat, which is great not only you get to have a quick catch up and a sweet treat, you get to know others too in different departments, nothing like a treat to bring you all together and a little in-house networking.

Stay ahead
Sort out your checklist, nothing quite like being organised for work and staying on top of things to be able to get ahead, as you never know what could happen, things change all the time. You may find yourself being cancelled on by a client at the last moment, nothing wrong with having a backup plan, schmooze another new potential client, take them out for lunch, drop them an email, to even touching base with their EA.

Be true, be you!
No one wants to work with a phoney, you can spot a deceitful person a mile off, no one wants to work or promote someone who doesn't have the best intentions for the company or true to themselves. People remember those that are true, kind, honest and respectful and so quite simply just be you. 

If you like this post, you can follow me on social media
Facebook for recipes and updates
Instagram  For daily shenanigans
Bloglovin for more blog posts
Twitter daily ramblings and other nonsense
Pinterest for what I am currently craving and lusting after

London Mumma xx

SHOP POST

SHARE:

Monday 5 March 2018

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Tacos





I've finally done it, I took the plunge and finally bought a slow cooker, god knows what I was playing at I could have been making these tasty slow roasted brisket tacos years ago!

Now I am not a vegetarian and I know I made these veggie tacos first, but if I am honest I can not live without meat and after eating these dreamy brisket tacos you will know why. I have never cooked this particular meat so was a little anxious, but god knows why I was worried it turns out delicious every single time. It was probably a fear of not using or having a slow cooker before and worried that if I did not need much interaction with the dish once placed inside, that it would not turn out as I wanted, but as I said I am glad I went for it's one of the tastiest and easiest of dishes I've ever made.




I have cooked my slow roasted beef brisket a few times now, I look to cook it when I have family and friends over as it makes a for a great sharing dish where everyone can come together and build their own tacos, or on a Saturday evening when Leanora who I am extremely surprised loves these tacos and us girls can have a proper pig out session whilst watching our favourite Saturday night programmes.

Thanks to Kitchenwithcumbers and winning his amazing giveaway a trunk filled with amazing goodies, I had most of my ingredients to reach at hand. With a little forward planning, this dish does take between 8-10 hours to cook, after all, it is best to plan this from the night before in order for it to be ready for supper.



With this beef, you can use it not just for tacos, but a variety of dishes which I am sure I will make with my soft, melt in the mouth leftovers, ranging from tacos.  Burritos.  Nachos.  Salads.  Tostadas.  Whatever you want really, even a late night snack!!!

Ingredients
Beef brisket (about a kilo/2lbs)
Spice mix
5 1/2 tbsp of cajun spice (has most of your ingredients needed, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder salt, black pepper)

Beef
2 tbsp of olive oil
3 garlic cloves chopped
1 onion diced
185 ml orange juice
juice of half a lime
1 can of chopped tomatoes
500ml beef stock
water

1. rub spice mix over beef and leave to marinade for 3-4 hours.
2. heat the olive oil in a large deep dish and add the beef and brown on all sides. Once done set aside on a plate.
3. Add some more olive oil if needed to your deep dish and fry off your garlic and onion for 3-5 minutes until soft. 
4. Add your orange juice, chopped tomatoes and stock to the dish with the garlic and onions in and heat up for a few minutes.
5. Switch on your slow cooker and add a touch of oil and whack in your beef brisket, then pour over all your stock from the deep dish over the brisket, pop the lid on and leave to cook for 8-10 hours. 
6. Once all tender, shred the beef in its juice and decant into a large sharing plate.

Heat up your tacos, shred some lettuce, grate some cheese, dice up a few avocados, squeeze out a few gem nuggets of pomegranates and tuck in!

That's what I'm taco-about...

If you like this recipe you can follow me on social media
Facebook for recipes and updates
Instagram  For daily shenanigans
Bloglovin for more blog posts
Twitter daily ramblings and other nonsense
Pinterest for what I am currently craving and lusting after

London Mumma xx







SHARE:

Friday 2 March 2018

February Beauty Obsessions


I'm so excited to share with you my February beauty obsession's, they are products that I have been reaching for time and time again throughout the month and thank goodness they have been within reach as the weather has totally ravaged my skin.

With temperatures dropping rapidly this cold, dry period we are having is reducing the moisture and glow in my skin and what better way with a few indulgent products to help restore some natural glow and moisture back into our skin with these February beauty obsessions.

I've got everything here to help protect our most exposed skin part, the face!

I think I'll be keeping some of these products still within reach. Even though it's the 1st official day of spring it certainly does not feel it or look it as it's bitingly cold, which I am not complaining about as it's letting me have more stay at home spa pampering days.



An old-school favourite, a peel-off face mask has returned from Elizabeth Arden. I know we all do not have the same skin type, but this City Smart, Double Action Peel Off Mask is suitable for all skin types, it's great to help fight off the harsh effects of daily pollution also removing impurities from your pores, thanks to the cocktail of antioxidants it helps fight future pollutants and toxins. It's thick and rich and smells amazing and when peeled off, your complexion looks clean and radiant a great product to start restoring the natural glow to your skin.


I am a major fan of oils, I rather apply an oil at night than moisturise my skin, especially after applying a face peel/mask as moisturising straight after can clog and block your pores. Sunday Riley Luna Night Oil has Retinol in it, what does that mean GOLD! I like to use this every night and have been doing so the past two weeks and I've noticed my skin looking more balanced and a slight glow, thanks to this non-greasy oil enriched with avocado, chia and grape seed oil which helps restore hydration into my sensitive skin.


Bobbie Brown Face Base
Smells divine and is rich with shea butter and I am sure was totally made for me in mind, with its scrumptious geranium and grapefruit fragrances, it's uplifting and inviting, a great way to start the day. Talking of starting the day, this is a two In One if you like, not just a lightweight moisturiser but doubles up as a primer also so for the busy lady in the morning that does not have masses of time to get ready and out the door before the preschool drop of than this is perfect. A little pricey, but a little goes a long way and you are saving with the primer double up.


Cold harsh weather can totally ruin and chap your lips, what you need is a little TLC from the ladies behind Rosalena. A recently launched new product to sit alongside there magical face oils is the lip conditioning balm. Jam-packed with natural ingredients to help protect and restore your lips to there kissable best.


Not a major makeup person, I do want to have a nice dewy glow on my cheeks and next great multi blusher does just that a certain favourite and great for all complexions and affordable too from Next.


Are there any beauty favourites that you had last month, that you will be suing in March?

If you like this fashion post you can follow me on social media
Facebook for recipes and updates
Instagram  For daily shenanigans
Bloglovin for more blog posts
Twitter daily ramblings and other nonsense
Pinterest for what I am currently craving and lusting after


London Mumma xx

Shop My Post






SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig