Happy Monday friends! I hope everyone is well and in good spirits, I know I am even if its pouring cats and dogs outside, plus my hallway got flooded, ever the optomist me!

Last week it was chocka block and I have to say, it was great, I seriously have not felt as happy as I was then last week, in a long time, not because I'm a misery guts, far from it, I guess I just feel content in life lately. 

1. We have defo caught the reading bug again, which is great I snapped up Daisy Miller and The Return of The Screw, by Henry James, I am only on the first half of the book and I am fully enjoying it, will be doing a book review of this and some others this week. 

2. Leanora had Friday off school, as one of the teachers have covid, so the whole school shut down, we were quite fortunate thanks to her schools forward thinking, still had lessons via Zoom throughout the day, but thought it practical to head to the books store and pick her up some of these great CGP books, to keep her occupied and learning from home. 


3. Bagged myself a lovely new dress from Mango who currently have an awesome sale on and nothing quite says summer than a polka dot dress, to get you all in the pretty woman mood!



4. Attended a lovely leaving do for an amazing lady at where I work, it was also music to my ears and very refreshing to hear that 20 years ago, she was the first woman of colour in the company .



5. Best day ever with Leanora, we had a little work to do first thing in the morning and a few errands, then the rest of the day was for us to do with as we saw fit and we did just that. We finally got to try Korean corndogs from new eatery Busink London and they did not disappoint so much so I am off there for my dins tonight, without Leanora shhhhh! Then we tucked in to some glorious Buns from Bun House, super affordable fluffy as you like buns, filled with delicious melt in your mouth beef brisket and another lamb with all the cumin, then walked off our piggy belly's around the serpentine in Hyde Park.

6. I've been eyeing up a few new bags, such as this, this and this what one is your favourite?

7. Still dreaming of last weeks Lamb Shawarma feast and thinking of making a chicken version, thoughts?

What did you all get up to last week anything exciting happened or planned for this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin


Lindsey 

 

Disclaimer: affiliate links used





What a week! We've had rain, snow and clear blue skies all with a chill in the air. Regardless its has been a glorious week.

Restrictions finally easing we've taken full advantage of it, an added bonus is I've been off work all week due to the Easter Holidays! The beginning of the week, we were not too adventurous as I thought it best to keep it local and not hit the shops on the first few days as queues would just be insane and I hate to queue!

I was sure to make good of our free time and a few days off work, I got a plumber in and had installed some new taps in the kitchen and bathroom, plus refreshed both rooms with a fresh lick of paint. 

Each year I always like to spruce up our home, however I am thinking that this may be the last time as I am wanting to move, possibly get a bigger home, especially with Leanora getting bigger and in a couple of years she will be heading to secondary school, so it only makes sense, as well as pondering with the idea about getting a dog! But for now we’re more than content with our boy Milo!

With all the home renovations, updates and general Spring clean out of the way, I can happily say Mumma went out out! It was truly nice to see and spend good quality time with friends and family, plus having my first cocktail ‘Porn Star Martini’ in like forever.

A few of the Mumma’s and single gals, kids in tow got together for a late lunch early dinner a few days ago, to catch up, be social and just be in others company, plus we had a few extra socially distanced join in.

Now for the exciting fun part, a dad, his bestie and the dads Daughter ended up joining us, from the next table over. L and the daughter soon became new besties, playing hide and seek which was the cutest, bobbing and weaving through out the tables in the garden leaving us mum as, single gals and men talking from one table to another! Talk about Match me happy!

Honestly, it was the best day, no! We’ve all had in a very long time, just the normality of things of meeting new people and getting together with old, plus it didn’t hurt that the dad and his friend were hot!! 

All talking amongst ourselves and talking about work, to the next restaurant we will be eating out in, to even the next staycation got me more interested in the possibility of travelling to see other cities to explore get in a little Lincolnshire Dating with other singletons and exploring our amazing country! 

The UK has so much to offer, and with the promise of beautiful weather on the horizon and a little freedom, I plan on making the most of it by going on all sorts of adventures and trying new cuisines with friends and family. This week has been truly an amazing week. 

Let me know what you got up to in our first week of freedom! Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Lindsey


Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own




SHIRT | SKIRT | Bag | SHoes

I never really understood it, maybe because I did not want to face my fears, but alas now I am in my 30's and finally feeling somewhat grown up, I now know the importance of taking responsibility for my actions.

I used to think, ah fuck it, I'll deal with it tomorrow, the next day and the next, which I now know is a very unhealthy outlook in life, heck not just my life, but my life now as a mother, a role model (one hopes) to my daughter. 

How can I be a good human and a good mother, friend or sister (no lover for me, I'm taking a back seat from dating) if I can not take responsibility of what I am doing or lack thereof in life?

It doesn't just hit you, like the stretch marks do once you've pushed your baby out, no! It can be a gradual thing, you gotta think about what, who is going on around you, In order for you to take responsibility for your actions, but most importantly look at yourself in order to be in a healthy, acceptance mind frame. 

Whilst life can be tough, it's as tough as you make it as they say and yes, my sensitive feisty Scorpio nature may have played a part in some, ok most of my bad decisions and wild younger days, I'm ready to face up to certain things in life, in order to move forward and be a better version of me and the first step is taking responsibility. 





Accept defeat
Ahhh....A good old battle, a war of words if you like, I've never been one to back down from anything, even when I knew I've been in the wrong. I remember in my 20s when I worked in property, I had somewhat may call it a fiendish obsession with Greggs sausage rolls. I was not happy if I didn't have one, so strolling for my morning fix one day, I arrive at Greggs to order mummas baby (yeah, I'm that weirdo) to be told they had sold out, shut the front door they've only gone and bloody  'sold out, sold out' how dare they! I mean I've been out all night, still hungover and I've sauntered down here from the office and you've no sausages....poor thing, well not me, the poor staff after telling him the importance of providing sausages rolls as after all this is Greggs bread and butter. I stopped and laughed one because it was pathetic, two I did realise my unhealthy obsessions with scraps of pork, but ohh the pastry, the buttery pastry and thirdly I had to accept defeat and, take responsibility for me being rude and apologise. Letting things go, no matter the calorie content or big a small a matter may be, sometimes it is ok to accept defeat, riling yourself up and me looking like a twat will get me nowhere in life and you know walking away from a situation can be healthy for you and your soul, waistline too.

Step outside the box
Exactly that, put yourself in the other person's shoes, assess the situation from someone else point view and stop being selfish and put others first, take charge and accountability for your actions. 

Stop making excuses
Only you lose here, no one else. You miss out on new opportunities, friendships and experiences, so simply stop making excuses and accept responsibility for the situation at hand, after all, is it not a better you, better life, adventure, opportunities we all crave?!

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London Mumma xx





Even though we are firmly into our second week into the New Year, it does not mean you can not set in motion and start some new healthy habits now, as it is never too late.

With focusing on doing things for you this new year in terms of goals, you can not forget about the healthy side too. I mean, I am certainly not the only one nor will I ever be the last person in the world to want to start new healthy habits, especially after the party season, which has drawn to a close, and the frostbiting weather that has crept in, we are going to want our body and mind to be at it's healthiest. But I and you can to start off small, nothing major, just a few small tweaks and we can take, no, we should take baby steps  to get the ball rolling on you and I becoming and feeling healthier.

Exercise
A no-brainer I know, but this can also be the hardest, especially for those with busy lives or single parents like me, who can find it hard to get sitters. But I am not, nor should you let this deter you, you've got a home, a DVD player, wifi, Instagram even, so get a work out DVD, find something on Youtube or even search Instagram for some #fitspo and kick exercises butt at the comfort of your own home.

Quitting Smoking
Now I must confess I am only a social smoker, wouldn't dare smoke in the day, well unless I am super stressed, but for those who are finding it hard, remember baby steps cut down slowly but surely, set yourself a target and work towards it, you will get there. Plus after you start exercising you won't feel the need to want to smoke anymore, substitute that bad habit, with a healthy habit.

Be Proactive
Stop procrastinating and get up, be proactive with the things that make you happy, the more you do those happy things or see those that make you happy, will make you feel better and happier, thus leading you to have a healthier mindset.

Write A Gratitude List
Not gonna lie now, I thought this was a joke, whatever can a list make me happier? Well yeah, it does! I wake up a little extra earlier, grab my notebook by my bed, with my sleeping toddler next to me and write 3 things which make me happy, number one normally consists of not being kicked in the night, by Leanora and the others just flow and once written I always feel a lot better and it makes stepping out of bed in the freezing cold a little more manageable.

Make Time For Peace & Quiet
Nothing like a little me time to make a person feel more relaxed and happier, be it stealing a few minutes away from the office and going for a walk at lunch, instead of being cooped up in that god awful aircon swarming room, some fresh air into your lungs and head, is a sure fire way to make you feel a little more normal. For those that do not work, a dip in the bath with some oils is just what the doctor ordered to feel like you again.

Spoil Yourself
Nothing like a new treat, be it a jumper, book to even nail polish to make you feel better. Is buying something healthy you may ask, well yes. Stop being so hard on yourself all the time, ease up on yourself from time to time, just remember you are doing a great job and nothing healthier than spoiling you once in a while.

What healthy habits will you be implementing this year?


London Mumma xx


SHOP MY LOOK
Jumper -  SHE INSIDE
Caridgan- Next 
Bag - Next
Jeans - Topshop
Boots - Bershka (soldout) - Similar


There is something spectacular that happens every year in London in November and that is the opening of Winter Wonderland

With the smell of hot coco and mulled wine in the air, you truly know the festive period is upon us and if your a tad unorganised and not yet bought any Christmas presents put that to the back of your mind, bundle up warm with loved ones and friends and have a magical night  at winter wonderland, whilst probably chasing after a chocolate churro infused toddler! What better way to spend time together at the beginning of the holiday season.




We ventured out down to Marble Arch mid-afternoon, to be able to go on every ride and see as many shows as possible, thanks to the lovelies over a Mumsnet

We arrive with sheer anticipation, from the delight in knowing that we are going to have a great time, we race through the lined 'paths' with stalls from selling, trinkets to treats, it is a great place to grab, not just a bite to eat, but some delightful stocking fillers too.



The first ride of the season was these cars that the little ones sit, I did try to get in Leanora's insistence, but I'm afraid I got a big old toosh and was unable to squeeze in!

With a promise of a visit to the deep sea, we headed for the Magical Ice Kingdom! With sub-zero temperatures, make sure you and your little ones are wrapped up warm, with hats, gloves and scarves, big kids too, it is not for the fainthearted!





With so much beautiful creations to see, from the octopus, submarine and mermaid all perfectly carved out of ice you will truly be lost in the depths of this magical ocean.







Once weaved through the sea, we headed straight to Zippos Christmas Circus.








Our first ever circus fun together and I was quite unsure if Leanora would like it, let alone sit there and watch it all, but I was pleasantly surprised that she was glued to the whole marvellous Zippos Christmas Circus show, with acrobats leaping from death-defying heights, to dancing bears and clowns. The only downside was that the little minx scoffed all the popcorn! But it is a brilliant show for all ages lasting 45 minutes, so good that we watched it twice. 

If you follow me over on Instagram, you would of seen my insta stories of the little rollercoasters, suitable for Leanora's age, the views of Winter Wonderland are truly gorgeous, but what was more surprising were the heights of the roller-coaster for kids, a little high for me (becoming a scardey pants in my old age) But Leanora loved every minute of it.




Our last attraction of the evening, was a must Ice-Skating, a little scary for me as Leanora has never ice-skated before, but she took to it like a duck to water, we did three laps with  me holding her from behind, then we scooped up a penguin to give her more support, well ok, my back! The only downside, is that I could not master taking a photo whilst holding on to her, as you are unable to take your bags to the rink, but a little heads up, if you have little ones that require the support of the penguins, have some cash to hand in your pocket, as they cost £5 to hire. 

A little shoot off, to get my gal some toys before we head on home and I have to say I was a winner, obvs!

We both wondered off home, filled with hot chocolate and laughter from the perfect festive holiday affair. 

A massive thank you to Mumsnet and Winter Wonderland for having us both. 

Happy holidays everyone.

p.s. our Christmas stocking fillers is now live!


London Mumma xx








Nothing better than enjoying a lazy day off. Sometimes we all need a little downtime, just to kick back and recharge our batteries. With busy hard working and parenting lives, it can be Duffy to find a day, just to simply enjoy the little things in life and those little things can be simply doing nada!

Let me be frank with you guys, for the past few months I've worked my un-manicured fingers to the bone and I was quite simply burnt out, and a few days ago, I became a stroppy threenager and instead of all jumping out of bed, I turned to Leanora and said 'look, I'm not adulting or parenting today and I ain't getting outta bed, let alone the house' I was surprised when she smiled and said 'high 5 buddy, now go get me a bot-bot, put on my little pony and get back to bed and relax your batty mummy' That's my girl, my little partner in crime, she makes me proud lol! 




At that moment, for her my little threenager to understand and love the fact  that we were going to have a day off, no work, no preschool run, I even went as far as no social media 'shock horror' the only time the phone was picked up was to order pizza for lunch and Chinese for dinner! Told you super lazy day! But for her realise that I, we even need a day of it must have been apparent, just why does it take us so long, why wait to the point of exhaustion. Reason being, we all want that much more, be it success, money and a fighting passion to never give up, regardless if you are a parent or not!


But I think I've got the key to success to mastering the perfect lazy day off and you know what I am not ashamed to say it we took it on our stride and rocked it like an OG.

The first step is to not be all jovial and wanna get outta bed at 5 am, relax take it easy, for get the shoulda woulda coulda and just chill, this or time and your day why mess that up and get out of the comfort of our bed, when quite frankly you probably are not ready too, your body and mind will thank you for it and when your ready to move on to the next stage, be it brekkie in bed or heading to your local cafe for a spot of alfresco breakfasting with a little reading of your newspaper or new found book the day and decision is yours. 

Once you've completed phase one, why not head of for a leisurely stroll, no rushing and darting around for you, you've got nothing but time and some fresh air, plus a little sightseeing of your local area, could open up to new eatery or shopping finds, great for a spot of light browsing, nothing quite better than having fun exploring your neighbourhood.




Comfortably heading in to lunch, that new restaurant you spotted on your leisurely stroll why not swing on back grab a table and tuck in and when you are done and filled, why not spend the rest of the afternoon doing something for you, be it crafting, whipping up a batch of cookies, watch a movie, to simply taking a little siesta, but whatever it is that you do make sure it is what you want to do- no more, no less.

Evening fast approaching, why not try out a new comforting satisfying dish for those cold chilly nights such as butternut squash mac n cheese or aubergine lasagna whatever is tickling your taste buds, a little too much work on your lazy day off, simply order in. 

Nothing more relaxing in preparation of a good night, then a nice hot bath, filled with some amazing aromatherapy scents for an early night of unwinding with a good book, to help you have the perfect nights sleep.




London Mumma xx

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Simple things to do to get your life back on track and get focused, it may sound unrealistic, simple things,  but that is because right now you are probably in a negative mindset and not ready, but trust me you will be, it is as simple as A B & C and some determination.




This year for me has been a crazy and most likely the worst year of my life, but I had to reevaluate my life and my head and thought how I can I change that and make it work for me and be in a much better and healthier place!? I have great friends & family who have got me out of my funk, but there is only so much they can do, the only real person who can get my life back on track for me was ME!

Face your demons
In order to conquer what is holding you back and keeping you in a rut, face it head on, stand up for yourself instead of allowing it to hold you back and drag you down, make a change for you, don't let it change you! As scary as it may be you have to face it and challenge your fear. Those demons are the ones making you second guess yourself and that is what puts doubt in your mind, but I assure you by standing strong will put those demons in check and restoring normal order in your life allowing you to take back control.

Focus
Get organised, declutter your mind, life and home. Put things into perspective, make a list know and understand what you have to do to get back on track when you do, don't rush it, it takes time, keep a steady clear and focused mind.


Carve out your own success
Step out of the shadows and step into the light and create your own success, there is nothing better no matter how big or small an idea, be it lucrative or not, creating and forming something (not just babies) that has come from you is the first step to success and happiness.



Take care of you
I loved running it was my thing before I became a mother, but work being a single parent and support for just some me time was scarce unless I was working. But I had a few hours to myself and instead of coming home putting a load of washing on and doing the ironing, I got out my old running (reminds me I need some new gear) kit and went for a 45-minute run and it felt great, exhilarating even. I stopped making excuses as to why I shouldn't and took care of me, after all, if I can't take care of me who is going to!

Result
Don't just think about the outcome but think and process the journey you are on and why and how you have had to come down a path in order to get back on track, once you are able to understand the journey to make you better you will approach more the result in bettering you.

Forgiveness 
I am not going to lie, it is the hardest thing, especially when you have been hurt. But learning to forgive others and yourself as cliche as it sounds will set you free from all that pain and heartache, don't think of it as being for others but for your own peace of mind to move forward.

Remeber...Do not get sidetracked, by people that are not on track.

London Mumma xx

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