We’re well aware that I am back on the dating scene, whilst with this grey wet weather I’d rather be in my sweats, but thinking about it dashing in this rain to meet a date could be very fun and quite exciting and it’s feels like it could be off a scene from sex and the city, just not looking like wet mess.

If you want to start dating, get out there to meet that special someone or simply meet new people, you gotta work at it! I’m the type of person that I can easily put myself off and talk myself out of doing something, it’s a pet peeve of mine! Once out there and on route I feel stupid even thinking why did I talk myself out of it, not only do I get to go on a date and see if I have a connection with someone, I’m also out of the house not in sweats and kid free evening, so if it doesn’t work out I can leave the date early, grab some pasta and prawns a nice bottle of wine and scoff the lot on the sofa whilst watching a movie.

I have fallen in love with the area that I live all over again and I find that I am enjoying meeting my dates in and around the area, not only does it mean less travelling, I also get to spend more time getting to know that person, the added bonus is that I get to eat out in my area which is perfect as there is always something new popping up.

No matter where you live what’s better than dating in your area, there loads to do in your area and great sites too see and explore, such as Love Shropshire Singles to Love Devon Singles! Yes don’t worry there are some in London too. But imagine out in Devon Dating that beautiful scenery and idyllic beaches you can get to explore or have a picnic date on, but not only are these sites solely for Shropshire dating site you can meet friends too.

If you find that you’ve out grown the apps and dating sites, I can’t stress enough the treasure trove that is your area! You are absolutely guaranteed to meet people on a night out with work colleagues on a Friday night or on a brunch date with friends. Shaking up your normal routine is great way to get you out there mingling and meeting new people, to even taking up a new hobby in your area to joining your local gym and definitely say yes to social events and new opportunities how else are you going to meet someone be it for a relationship or someone that you can flirt and have drinks with.

A few weeks ago I went speed dating, yes that is still a thing, can you believe! It was the funniest of nights that i have had in a long time, unfortunately I did not meet anyone but I did have a great night with friends over a few cocktails and nibbles and toasting to new dating adventures.

Lindsey

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


I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was in utter shock, totally unplanned in all honesty I thought me and my then flatmate just had a bad bottle of wine the night before, but no, it was much more than that, that was the day my life changed.

8 months later, the love of my life was born, an easy labour, well depending on what side of the bed you look at it, I did have my mother in a headlock, kicked the poor midwife in the face whilst I probably looked like Regan from the exorcist, quite frankly I thought I was a treat ha!


With my wolf baby in my arms (she was very hairy - kinda guess from all the acid reflux) I felt right there and then my life had only just begun.

Every parent all over the world has them! A brilliant shortcut to make your life easier, a lot less stressful and by goddamit to have something for yourself.

Hiding treats like a pro
Now, I must confess I’m not a chocolate fan, I prefer chewy sweets like Haribo, but on the odd occasion I fancy a sweet treat from time to time, I can’t keep anything for myself in the open, as sure enough Leanora and Milo (cat) will find it and scoff the lot! I learnt my lesson last year with my Ferrero Rochers. So I found the perfect way to stash my loot! Kale crisp bags! Leanora won’t go anywhere near these beauties which is great for me as anytime I fancy a little treat, I am guaranteed to have one.


Artistic Mess
Honestly, I can’t stand it, whilst I’m more than happy to have L paint in the house, it never ends up on the paper, more like the walls, tv and even the cat! So for a little less cleaning in my life and a lot more money saved in the form of white paint for my walls, I get Leanora in the garden and paint out there, so any mess she makes won’t be in the house and what ends up on the floor will be washed away when it next rains, plus an added bonus I’m able to the gardening and keep an eye on her at the same time.


Snack time
We all can agree too much snacking is bad for you especially when it is the unhealthy kind, but don’t beat yourself up about it, be kind to yourself. Rather than have L kick off in public wanting something to snack on, I always make sure to have a bag of snacks in my Ikea freezer bags. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t mind her having a chocolate here and there but a great shortcut I find that works for me and Leanora is making something at home, say our cheese and chive scones together or even having a bag of carrots or cucumbers and what is better, I find she will be more inclined to eat more healthy treats if she helps prepare it alongside me.

I recently read a post by another blogger Lucy post called the Fucket List a really great read, on cutting shortcuts and just owning and embracing all things that come with being a parent. 

How are you winging it in parent life, do you have any great shortcuts or hacks even? Let me know in the comments below!

Lindsey 

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post





A few weeks ago it was Leanora's 4th birthday, I mean I just can not believe how quickly she has grown up into this little miss independent lady. Gone are the days I can call her my baby, well that is because she won't let me, I mean the girl has supersonic ears, she even hears me when I mumble the words, mumma's baby. I have learnt so much and grown so much thanks to her, she makes me a better person, a woman and a happy mother. 

I have always wanted children, but never thought at 29 whilst getting ready to meet a friend who just had a baby, that I would find out that I was pregnant, I simply thought I had a bad bottle of wine from the night before, thank god it wasn't because I was blessed with the best news and little girl in the world. 



Leanora and children, teach you so much, much more than you would ever think or dream possible, now don't get me wrong parenting can be tough, even as a single parent, but it is as tough as you make it and what matters is how you face challenges in life, love and parenting that matters and when you know that you have a little person or persons to carry on for it makes it so worthwhile. 

Materialistic 
Nothing big or small other than your little person matters, be it Friday night after work drinks, partying until the cows come home, that must have bag and shoes you used to spend a bomb or your whole paycheck on matters anymore.

Love
I never really new love, I thought I did but nothing can compare to true natural love, until you hold your babe for the very first time, I mean that first kick you feel that movement when inside your tummy, your babies first smile, the first cry, laugh, step they take, when they find your secret stash of sweets and eat it and deny it to the very last moment whilst clutching the wrapper. Love for me with my baby sorry big girl is unconditional and endless and she has given me more than she would ever know. 

Communication
You learn how to communicate real quick when you become a mother, you have to, you have no choice, you got to be able to really understand and talk to your child. The key to nailing this is, listening, really listening to what they are saying and doing, or not saying and doing, yes I mean when they take your lipstick and draw all over the wall, then say that the cat did it. 

They are wise and sound
Trust me they are wiser than you think and a lot smarter than you realise. I asked Leanora how was her day, did she enjoy it and her response was 'yes mummy it was the best day ever', 'why Leanora' because I got to spend it with my families, they love me, they take care of me and you sat down with me and taught me how to spell my name, I' love all my families' she blew me away and left me beaming with pride.


I want to wish Leanora a happy birthday and for teaching me so much and allowing me to be apart of her life, my little Cha-Chi, Happy Birthday. Love you to the moon and back. Mumma xx

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London Mumma




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

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This little beauty brings me nothing but smiles and giggles, ok, ok, ok I admit she can be a little madam, you remember some of the stuff that I've had to say to her. But in honesty, she is a babe!

As a working parent I make sure that I set time for our girlie day dates, to get to know one another, to grow and learn from one another, after all, special time, leads to a special bond, between parent and child, plus before you know it, my threenager, well in actual fact be a teenager, so I want to get as much time in with her as possible, before she runs off, gets married and leaves me with Milo!

Day dates are the best, we literally get up to know good, but dare I say it on unhealthy food, which normally consists of crepes with lashing's of chocolate and strawberries, after all, we gotta get in one of our 5 a day in some way. To running around in the park to burn off all those calories, to a leisurely stroll around the park, normally a day ended in Waterstones to pick up new books to read or tiger to stock up on painting supplies which if I'm not careful ends up on my wall (thankfully B&Q and Homebase are 20 mins down the road).

But the best part about our Day Date's, no not me having to carry her because she has zonked out and I'm laden with goodies from the day (note to self, buy a rucksack!) but that she makes me feel like the luckiest Mumma in the world and that my little Cha-Chi is growing up and you know what, as hard as I am on myself, I've not done too bad, she is happy, healthy and loving life, well unless she is arguing with the cat, God knows why, oh yeah because he is not putting on her Frozen dress, then has a pop at me, because he is ignoring her, God forbid she realises that he is Cat and just wants to be fed and wants cuddles!

How are your day dates with your kiddos and what do you get up too. Would you like a list of what to do or, maybe what's on throughout the month?

London Mumma xx

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Mother's Day is fast approaching kids, have you organised something special for your loved one yet? I'm so excited, I've got a lovely day all planned out, for Leanora, my Mother and I, just us girlies having fun, do not want to say to much as it is all top secret!

But if you are still searching for the perfect gift, I've got some great Mother's Day Gift Ideas For You!

Naturally, you shouldn't just shower your Mother with gifts and love one day of the year, but it should be everyday of the year. Last year we made homemade little gifts they are a tad more meaningful but this year we decided to add a few little gift idea to the box.

Needless to say I found a few little items to spoil your mother rotten with and thought I share with you my great little finds, plus I really love them and I hope you do too.

Now us ladies and our Mumma's too all wear makeup and this little gem from Caudalie is brilliant for removing your makeup and is suitable for all skin types. 

A perfect book to introdce that state of mindfulness and bring about calm and peace in to a busy life, a great book to read and something that can be kept forever. 

These beautful powerful face oils from the amazing ladies behind Rosalena Bio-Actve Skincare are brilliant and truly divine and the smell absolutely heavenly. Both perfect for a late night treat to help you relax before bed and boost and hydrate your skin or a great face oil to have in your morning beauty routine which will have you and your mother positively glowing. Which ever you go for, your loved one will certainly be spoilt. 

Volupa 
They had me it a Prosecco! Cocosa is a real luxury treat, and this beauty from Voluspa is just the same. A beautiful blend of prosecco and roses, is enough to cheer up any Mother and what is great it is a sort of two in one as once the candle has burnt out, you can simply keep it and use it as storage of some of the Mother's Day gifts.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day.


London Mumma xx

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