There is nothing more than I love, than a little family time, especially in April as this is when I have a little time off from work, which I get to spend with Leanora and family and friends, plus its Easter. Easter is time when the daffodils bloom, spring has finally come plus, we get to eat all the chocolate we want and not regret it.
Lemon and Pistachio Cake
Nothing quite screams spring more than lemons, it fresh and tasty and combine that with pistachio nuts in to a cake and its like spring has sprung and tickle your taste buds with this beautiful cake to share with family and friends.
Easter Egg Hunt
Who doesn't love a good Easter egg hunt, for those with families or even if you don't, get some friends round a for a fun game of hunting for some eggs and other little treats. What I love about this game you can personalise it your needs, great creative and create some fun colorful bunting and other decorations and personalise it with the players names this is something that you can get everyone involved in.
Easter Meringue Delight
With left over mini eggs and a whole load of fresh eggs and cream, this is a sure fire crowd please, this super light Easter meringue delight, perfect treat after all the Easter egg hunting.
Lamb Shawarma
No Easter is complete without a tasty lamb dish, we are huge shawarma fans and we've used a lovely leg of lamb which is enough to feed the whole family and tasty left over lunch the following day. Super easy to make just click on here for the recipe.
Let me know if you make these tasty recipes or have your own Easter egg hunt in the comments below or by tagging me over on Instagram and using the #LondonMummaEats tag or save over on Pinterest to try for a later date.
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Lindsey
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Last weekend we spent the day at Chessington World of Adventure's, courtesy of 365 Tickets, nothing like a fun weekend riding roller coasters, face painting, stuffing our faces with doughnuts and a whole lot more, especially after a long week and Leanora starting school plus it is a great end to the summer, the perfect send-off.
Going to Chessington with Leanora has been on our list this whole summer and finally, the day came, to share a fun day out with her as I used to when I went with my Mumma and brother when I was a kid, it was literally the last thing to check off.
We jumped on the train, 3 generations all super excited, and within an hour we had arrived! I love theme parks, the thrill of the rides, the endless hot dogs and Leanora's favourite....the arcade, Chessington is just bursting with so much to do and explore, they have Sea Life, a Zoo, daily shows, meet and greet with the Gruffalo and a few extra things for the whole family.
Honestly, we took so many photos, nearly dropped the camera thankfully that morning I put the strap on earlier that morning! I mean I am no baby, but Christ some of those kids rides were a little scary even for me and I have to admit that even though I struggled, Leanora and my mum were both in their element, to cheer me up, mum and Leanora bought me a doughnut. Clearly, I'm a big kid.
A little rest from the rides, we went for a stroll to meet some of the animals. We were in luck as we spotted a new addition to the gorilla family the sweetest baby gorilla, full of beans playing with family, it was lovely to see that the whole family got stuck in to care for the baby, whilst dad took it easy.
Back ready for action we headed to meet the Gruffalo, in the deep dark woods, well a little boat which took us round where the Gruffalo roams.
I really like the fact that Chessington is not all about crazy rides for us big and little kiddos, but it is educational with talks throughout the day, about sea life and the other wildlife too.
The whole experience is brilliant and totally recommend you should go, no matter your age! Have you ever visited Chessington before? Great that the fact that is open all year round, if you do not happen to live near Chessington and live further afield, 365 Tickets have you covered no matter where you are in the world for some theme park fun at affordable prices.
A brilliant way to spend the summer wind down.
London Mumma
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
Listen up mummas, I got a few little secrets that your midwife can fail to share with you.....
Recently at work, I've had two lovely women come and help out my department, we've been inundated with work and I always love a little extra help. These two women are pregnant and both gearing up for maternity leave, being the only one in my office to be a parent, I knew that I would be inundated with baby questions and chat. Being an old pro at this parenting malarkey, now that Leanora turned 4 last week I kinda got this parenting thing down....... well one hopes anyway.
First thing is first I loved being pregnant, even though I was probably a pain in the arse to most, I thrived, until I hit a few bubbly roads, that my midwife or antenatal teacher neglected to let me know. For those that are planning a pregnancy or those that are currently pregnant, I've knocked up a list of things your midwife doesn't tell you.
Hair loss
Pregnancy glow is a real thing, if it may lack in your skin, your hair certainly benefits from pregnancy, your hair grows, strengths and has a nice sheen to it and I loved it, my hair never grew so much in such a short space of time and that is due to the hormone boost in your body. What anyone failed to tell me, 18 months after pregnancy that your hair falls out. Hair loss is a big thing for those that have had a baby, it does not necessarily occur just after you stop breastfeeding, it can start in the postpartum period also. But to help restore and keep your car healthy taking vitamins is vital and a good massage to the scalp when washing will help stimulate your hair follicles to promote growth, but for those that have suffered severe hair loss, I know of some mothers that have sort hair transplant in London.
Sight loss
I have worn glasses for as long as I can remember, my prescription has probably changed 3 times in my life, that's not bad for someone who has been wearing glasses and contacts 25+ years. But whilst pregnant and on route to work, I was gearing up to cross the road, busy screaming teens either side of me on route to work madden wth McDonald's, I started getting a really bad headache I thought nothing of it maybe the smell of egg mcmuffins causing me to be queasy, but later on crossing same said road (on route to McD's for my craving of chips and milkshake, the two dipped together makes sweet harmony) I found that I was actually struggling to see and straining to see what was ahead of me, thus leading me to have regular headaches. Fed up glasses and contacts not working, plus the fact I had nearly been knocked over twice, I headed straight to the opticians who informed that this was quite normal in pregnancy and to not worry about it, it will go back to normal after pregnancy and can you believe not to get a new prescriptive eyewear!!! Obviously, I ignored this poor response and slightly annoyed that midwife failed to tell me that this could happen, but for me, safety for me and my unborn daughter comes first and changed my lenses twice throughout pregnancy. So if you feel you are having headaches and straining your eyes, I completely recommend seeing your optician.
Snoring & nose bleeds
Unfortunately with most pregnant snoring can be a big factor and one that I did not even know was a thing, when I snored so loud I woke my damn self up and had my mother and her friend laughing at me as they never heard anything like it before. The good thing is that if like myself you were never a snorer before pregnancy, you will most likely to stop after you had your baby. The reason why we snore is due to high levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone cause the blood vessels in your nose to open wider (hence my extra largeness throughout pregnancy) causing congestion, this also can lead to you having nose bleeds which explain the few I had.
I hope these tips and advice are helpful before, after and during pregnancy and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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London Mumma
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
It's impossible to not feel overwhelmed when you are a parent, with so much to do and juggle from work to kids parties, to be being on the PTA and looking after pets (no, I don't mean dad) and making biscuits for colleagues and preschool, and everything else in between, it can be hard to stay put together, phew I said it and I am not afraid to share some of my mum fails.
The past few weeks have been a little tough, to dealing with mediation, work, parenting, being a pet owner (Milo has been in a few fights of late) homeowner and blogger, trying to keep everything together on little sleep and with so much to do has been really hard and I felt my focus on being a better me/parent/daughter/friend has slipped and felt that I just needed a good cry, but instead I decided to take some time out and this weekend will be my first FULL weekend off in a very long time, and I am clawing my way to it!!
As a parent, I find that you are always expected to be on top of your game and frankly it's ok to not be on top of everything ALL the time. There are days when you just need to do as your child does and simply join in and kidult for the day.
What does matter however, is that you and your child are happy and healthy, I believe in teaching children it is ok to not be the best 100% of the time at everything, and it is ok to take a break and just be silly, have fun and enjoy the simple things in life, there is a time for play and time for work.
I find at times parents just are on a hamster wheel and going at 100 mph and forgetting to have some quality downtime be it on your own to recharge or with family and friends. So surely we should be forgiven when we become somewhat slightly frazzled and slip up, just a tad, I mean there is no shame in the game and just putting everything on pause as saying sod it, I'm getting down with the kid's, parent responsibilities, appropriate parent responsibilities are going out the window just for today.
Despite claiming that I have had a few mum fails, I thought I'd share with you some of my recent ones, to help brighten up your day and put a smile on your face and let you all know, that we can all have a few hiccups along the way and I am bloody sure I will have loads more to come.
I ate her sweets and blamed the cat.
I told her If she eats all her breakfast, that I would buy her a unicorn - SHE IS STILL WAITING AND ASKING.
I pretended I was asleep so that I did not have to get out of bed.
Forgot to pack tissue so let her wipe her hands all over me ( I had white jeans on!!).
I let her put makeup on me so that I could watch the tv in peace.
I let her put makeup on herself so that I could continue watching tv in peace.
I blackmail her, not afraid to admit it when I need quite or for her to get dressed.
I could not be bothered to leave the house all day, so didn't give her or me a bath.
I secretly encourage her to mess up my mum's house, so she knows how it feels and is sympathetic and has L for the night.
I farted and blamed her.
She farted and blamed the cat.
The cat farted, gave me a smug look and walked off (it stunk!).
London Mumma xx
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I have to confess, I was dreading when I got to the threenager stage with Leanora, especially as I did find the terrible two's hard at the beginning, but it evened itself out.
Thank the Lord and a helping hand of wine aka mumma's juice!
Now 3 1/2 years old, and firmly in the threenager stage, it and my little sassy madam are fine, and you know what I am loving it and I am totally embracing it! Well, the days there is enough chocolate in the house to console myself with after I've faced her wrath and determination to conquer me.
Flaws and all, tantrums and tiaras (there have been lots, mostly all broken or trodden on) I let her get it out, cause if I don't allow her to express herself and give her a positive outlet and me ranting and raving it will get neither of us anywhere and I've learnt to understand as hard as it was, it is part of her development. This is your threenager expressing themselves, now let me me say, first and foremost I am by no means a push over, but this is the time, where they come out of their shell there character is being built and they serve you a whole load of reality of what is to come, in them taking and owning the world.
Now I am not saying the threenager stage is easy or hard, there are many more stages to come in our children's life, God knows it has been hard when Miss sassy pants, want's to walk as slow as hell, because she is walking with her soft toy 'Minnie Mouse', or hear this, she wants to enjoy the summer sun! Girl, do you not know Mumma has gotta go to work, or the shops closing in ten minutes on a Sunday and I gotta get the milk! But it is what is and I am loving this beauty and seeing her grow through it.
Confidence
This is the time they grow and shine and your child comes out of their shell. Confidence allows them to take more risks and control there own emotions, they don't care what others think, if it is good enough for them it's going to work. Even it means looking mismatched in their outfit, it's cool to them to wear two different pairs of shoes and they are rocking the hell out it.
Fun
They are fun and funny as hell, you find they are up for doing more activities and they encourage you to do more fun things, which is great for bonding time for you and them which they love. Leanora has already made me say things that I never thought I would say since becoming a parent and she is now saying things I never thought she would say, no look, for instance, I said to her on our, ok my lazy day, where I could not be bothered to cook, after all, it's Saturday. 'Do you want a hot dog or MacDonalds Leanora?' You know what the little minx said to me 'HotDonalds mummy' - Bloody hell, where did I get her from lol! Love it!
Intelligent
Nothing gets past them now, they are much quicker than you give them credit for and hell, a lot wittier too! They are like little sponges and soak up everything and more open minded to, to take in more information, just to catch you out and then call you out on it, for trying to out smart them.
How have you got on with the threenager stage, have you embraced or tried to hide under the bed, from those sassy little people? I would love to hear your comments and stories below.
A big thank you to Next for sending Leanora this fab Star dress. Her boots are from Zara.
London Mumma xx
Truth be told, I never set out to be a single Mumma, I did not even set out to be a Mumma! I thought I was sick and caught the lurgies from a girl in the office, took me 8 times of peeing on a pregnancy stick to remotely convince myself that I was in actual fact pregnant! In all honesty, I didn't know what to do, where to go and how to even tell her my daughter's father. But I had a decision to make and one that needed making real quick, and you know what it was the best decision I have ever made in my life and one that changed me for the better.
Yes being a single parent can be frustrating, I mean you can't go for a crap on your own, morning coffees the one to get you going for the day you wanna make and enjoy in peace, to realise that there is no bloody milk in the house and the babe is still asleep, so you have to wait until they rise to go and get milk, then they are up and know you need milk, but wanna take their sweet merry time to get ready, then wanna dress up as Elsa, shoes and everything then dress the cat up too as Olaf and put him in the toy buggy, which god knows why he sits in! Those frustrating single parent dramas, you know the ones I mean. But for all, it's downsides, where your child leaves the house looking like a clown and you just think MEH! The best bit about single parenthood is all the cuddles and unconditional love, that sometimes you think do I deserve this?! Well yeah I do, I mean for the past three years I've had an audience whilst crapping.
But jokes set aside, us single Mummas deserve a lot more credit after all we are totally kicking this single parenthood arse/ass. How can you tell well I am sharing 7 Traits of a Kick Ass Single Mumma, guaranteed you are already nailing most of these without even knowing it.
Resilience
Nothing now fazes us, you got something that needs doing, we get it done you learn not to depend on anyone and we recover quickly from bullshit.
Strength
We are a lot stronger than most, we man-up and get on with it, no moping (that's what Friday nights with prosecco is for, after a long week with work and the kids, whilst gossiping on the phone) around. Even our bodies are stronger, you carry a sleeping kid, that's dead weight peeps, plus you got a gazillion heavy shopping bags, the ones with the 4-pint milk, cat food, tin sh*t, fresh fruit and veg you know those bags.
Multitaskers
We have mastered this and got this down to a T! To making a packed lunch for the days adventures, at the same time whilst booking the vet, putting a load of washing on and thinking about dinner and heading to the hardware store, to buy that shelf you wanna put up later.
Forgiveness
Now, this has been the hardest pill for us Mummas to swallow, but by heck, we do it well and with grace! Check this, Leanora found my nail varnish the other day I said I'll paint her nails but later, it's blue, so in her eyes its Elsa blue, so I put it up high on a shelf, I am in the kitchen all is quite, cats not running around being chased, something is afoot! Half the bleeding bottle had only fallen out on to my bloody expensive sofas, yes sofas, not one but the both of them, to top it off she painted her nails dodgily and was just about to paint the cats, poor Milo! What did I do? Well, my eyes literally rolled into the back of my head I thought I was going to pass out! Instead, I said a little prayer with Madonna and went out and did the gardening, aggressively! Told Ya forgiveness, plus I was able to get the garden done, win-win. Yes, I did clean it up later and wash the sofas, not all out, but that's what my new throws from H&M are for.
Laugh
You gotta be able to laugh, I mean you've read my 10 Things I said since becoming a parent. After all, you don't laugh you'll cry and you gotta find that strength to get through, not for you, but the kids.
Patience
I mean, the kids have little legs, after all, you're running late for work, they wanna walk crazy slow knowing you gotta get sh*t done, but hey, that's how you master the art of patience.
There are probably a lot more traits I've missed off, but these are the important ones and the one that we learn to master quickly and well. To all, you other single Mumma's and pa's too out their I salute you. After all this list could go on, but it's 6:30 am, the babe will soon wake, and we have to leave the house in an hour, I've got this post to publish, kid to take to preschool, go to the post office, sort the cat out and get to work before 10 am, oh yeah and Instagram stuff to do! Never ends ha!
Here is to you all have a kick ass day.
Leanora and I love nothing but spending quality time together, be it hitting the supermarket, singing Let It Go on route to preschool loudly and me badly, nothing makes me happier than when I'm not working than spending time with her.
With the weekend fast approaching and wanting to spend quality time with your little one, I have four fab ideas for you and your mini me to do together. Be it whizzing through the park to enjoying a little luxury shopping I know there is something that you both can do and have a blast at the same time.
Pamper
Hit the shops and why not splash out on some fab skin care products for you both. Neals Yard has a fabulous collection for both mother and child and they are the perfect natural products for your delicate skin.
Skate
Why not glide your way through the weekend, then with a pair of skates! If your mini me has not learnt to skate, then why not bag a pair of Heelys! They come in loads of colours, hundreds of different designs and they will certainly look fashion forward perfect for your trendy mini me, plus they come in adult sizes too perfect for gliding around the park.
Sweet treat
Who doesn't like a sweet treat and what better way than to hunt down a delightful treat, then by hitting your local market, a great way to support the community and try something new. Besides who doesn't like going for an adventure in the big outdoors and perusing all the treasures on offer.
Watch
Nothing better than watching a movie together be it curled up on the sofa, in plush seats at the cinema or alfresco at an outdoor cinema it does matter, what does is that you are together.
Here is to many more fun filled weekends with the mini me's, filled with sweet yummy treats, fun filled playground antics and beauty pamper sessions galore.
If you like this post, then I certainly recommend day dates, family activities and coffee spots to take the kids too. Have a fab weekend.
London Mumma xx
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