Gift cards: Yes please! or Noooo thanks!

Seriously, what is the flippin' deal with gift cards?! I have had several sitting in my wallet for a few months but I cannot bring myself to find anything that takes my fancy.

Maybe it's the store? Or the fact that I MUST spend it at one place. I don't know, but I am really not loving the whole gift card thing. Sometimes I feel cheated out of a proper gift.

The one that is really pissing me off is the $80 card from Macy's. I have had it since the 19th of December (my birthday!) and everytime I go to Macy's I am just turned off by everything in there. I tried again tonight and no luck. I even walked around TWICE "just in case" but nothing. I have never shopped at Macy's before but I would have thought their clothing selection was better. Yeah, I was way off.

But I also don't want to waste a good amount of money on just anything. See? So it's a tough one.

The other gift cards aren't much better:

* Dick's (sporting goods store ???)
* Belk (Dear Lord. Average age of customer is 68 and they sell clothing to match. And it's in Williamsburg)
* Columbia (I've never worn fleece in my life!)

The ONE good gift card I received was for Starbucks. Love it!

Anyway, I think I may just have to buy things like underwear, socks and everyday essentials at the old people store (Belk) and get a new running top/gear at Dick's and Columbia. I am also thinking of getting a perfume from Macy's.

Now this I need help with. Suggestions for a fragrance please!

Oh! And I realised tonight as I walked through the mall that in order to get to Macy's and these other stores, the person's who gave me these would have had to walk past Banana Republic, Gap, Loft...you know, THE PLACES I ACTUALLY SHOP AT! (and they know this)

Oh well, c'est la vie and I do need all the help I can get. Will let you know how I get on.

Do you have the same issues with gift cards? Do you love them or loathe them?

Wanna make some linky love?

As you can clearly see, this blog has been up and running since the second week of January.

I'm pretty proud of my baby and I'm even more happy having found new blogs to read and a different topic to write about. I love having a new project to work on because my mind is constantly running and thinking of new ideas. I tend to get them at the oddest, most inconvenient times, like you know, when I'm trying to sleep!

Anyhow, back to the blog thing. In the true spirit of blogging and link exchange, I am opening this up for anyone who has read my blog, maybe kinda likes it, thinks we would make a good blog match and would want to put my pretty red badge on their site in exchange for their badge on mine.

What do you think, wanna make some linky love?

If you are in the mood then get grabbing here:

My super stylin' badge

Grab it and let's exchange links!

<a href="http://www.verybusymamablog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h469/mummysbusyworld/VeryBusyMamalifebeautystylebadge.jpg" border="0" alt="Very Busy Mamá {life, beauty & style" /></a>

Place it on your site

Leave a comment telling me you have and your URL

I will come by, comment and grab your badge (sounds so naughty doesn't' it??) and place on mine (ooooh!)

That's it, grabbing over and we both go home happy.

Now let's link it on!

Oh LOFT, how I've missed you!

Since 2005 I have lived, worked and played in London. We would come back to visit for two or three weeks at a time, max. Once a year, no more. And this last time I went two years without coming back.

Anyway, when I was here on "holiday",  I had to cram everything into that short space of time. It was hardly what you would call time off. I took a few days to relax, but after that the madness began. I had to see my family, then visit my husband's family, meet with friends, and of course, SHOP.

Don't get me wrong, the shopping in London is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G but obviously expensive so I tried to stock up here on clothing essentials. Boots, jeans, jackets, bags, etc.  In the States I could shop in pounds and during the best of times the British pound was £1 to $2  BARGAIN! Seriously, I shopped like there was no tomorrow.

Some of my favourite stores were not in the UK, so I started at those first:

TJ Maxx (they exist in UK, but at the time I didn't live near one)
Target
Banana Republic (UK didn't have one until two years ago)
J. Crew
Sephora
Ann Taylor LOFT

And boy, did I miss LOFT! Their sales are fabulous and I would walk out of there with several bags all ready to go back to the UK with me and make my colleagues jealous.

Since being back permanently in the States I have had to be very careful with our money until we have jobs and are more established. This means no major shopping like the good old days. It has been a real exercise in will power.

However, driving by my local shopping centre, a big red SALE sign caught my eye. Oh good heavens... it was LOFT.

I ignored it for a few days, but writing this blog and reading other style blogs LOFT just kept creeping up. I finally gave in and ventured over on a Friday evening. In the car I told myself I would only get ONE item and it had to be on sale. Nothing full price (not that I buy much at full price anyway).

There was so much to choose from! Bright colours and stripes everywhere...oh look! OMG! I would look sooooo good in that! I told myself. I was like a kid in a candy store.

I tried on ten items and I came out with a sweater poncho for $24.99 AND (yes, I couldn't resist a second item) a lovely blue and white wrap scarf which was 30% off.

And breathe. It was intense in there.

I have been wearing the sweater poncho all weekend. I wore it at a local farm where I took my son and I teamed it up with a white blouse, black skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors. On Saturday night the Mr. and I went out and I swapped the trainers for high heeled brown boots.

The sale is still on at LOFT so get going. As for me, I have to stay away but I'm happy I got my fix!

Have you bought something on sale recently that just made you super duper happy?

Sweater Poncho: Loft

White blouse: Gap circa 2006

Skinny Jeans: Primark

Brown Boots: TJ Maxx

Blue & White Scarf: Loft

Mac: Marks and Spencer

Enter to win an e.l.f. eye shadow palette & hypershine lip gloss

What boots are REALLY made for...

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I spent it running after this little guy, went for a lovely long run in Washington DC, did some *light* shopping, and...puddle jumped. Yep. Me and my little man jumped into every puddle we came across. And I loved it!

So I'd say it was a pretty good two days.

Here he is right in the middle of the action. How great is this shot? 

He LOVES jumping in puddles and anytime there is even drop of water outside he asks to put on his boots. After all, that is what wellies are made for, right?!

So enjoy your day, and next time you see a puddle, why not go and jump in it. Your trousers may get a little wet, but guarantee it will make you feel like a kid again.

Have a great week!

Little M's Puddling Jumping Style:

Lightning bolt top: Circo from Target

Cargo trousers: Primark

Grey & Yellow Wellies: Gap Kids

Enter to win an e.l.f. eye shadow palette & hypershine lip gloss

Should I go GREEN?

Nothing I own is green (colored) Nada. Well okay, there is one striped blouse, but that is it.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I am dying to try out a green blazer or mac similar to the one below and a top or dress without looking like a leprechaun or golf caddie.

But it has to be the right kind of green.

Nothing too bright or neon because it's not 1991.
Nothing that resembles snot or puke.
Nothing that looks brown or dirty.

Here are a few items I found...and let me say, it wasn't easy!

 

Given the difficulty of finding these online I don't think I will fare too well if I try to go shopping. Mind you, I have several gift cards from Christmas and my birthday so if I did come across the right green, I may just go for it. I think they all go well with my Comfy Mamá Chic style.

Oh, and this is as "green" as I get:

So if you see a deep/darkish green blazer out and about, let me know!

What do you think, should I go green?

Is there a color you don't dare try? 

Green mac: Talbots

Striped green & white weekend bag: Scout by Bungalow

Flats: American Eagle

Blouse: J.Crew

Green & Grey Skull Scarf: Alexander McQueen

My look:

Striped top: Primark

Blazer: It's my mamás! Coldwater Creek

Enter my first giveaway! (US & Canada only)

e.l.f. eyeshadow palette & hypershine lip gloss

e.l.f. Eye Shadow & Hypershine Gloss giveaway

It's time for a giveaway! 

I have a lovely e.l.f. (eyes, lips, face) everyday eye shadow palette  with 12 colors, 1 eyeliner pencil, and 1 eye shadow applicator and a Hypershine Gloss to give to one reader. 

I received two of each for Christmas so they are brand new. Don't worry, nothing has been opened! And although I love, love, love makeup, I thought "You know what? Let's give these babies away". 

So that's what I'm going to do. 

I have been using e.l.f. for a few years now so I am not new to their products. The quality and colors never disappoint and it is extremely affordable...for real. The lip gloss goes for $1 and the palette goes for $5. How's that for an amazing deal?! 

Let's face it, some days there just isn't any time to put on makeup but I always say even just a little goes a long way or una manito de gato for those of us who speak Spanish. I'm sure your mamás always said that!

Since having my son my makeup habits have changed; it has to be easy to apply, quick and long lasting. I'm a big fan of glosses because they take no effort to put on and it makes me feel all pretty and girly.

And just FYI, these products are my own, they were not sent by a PR and I will be paying for the postage out of pocket so please be considerate and follow all the entry rules below. Sorry, US & Canada only.

 ¡Muchas gracias and happy makeup-ing!

Linked with Saturday Swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lost & Found: Accessories

Doing a little cleaning this weekend I came across a few items I had forgot I owned even though I wore them only a few weeks ago! Funny how that happens.

We still haven't unpacked all of our things from London because we don't have our own house and I have an assortment of personal items at my in-laws and another bunch of stuff at my mother's house, so my life is all sorts of messy right now.

So in trying to get some organization going again, I did some cleaning and began going through my suitcases. In one of the side pockets I found these lovely items in a little bag. 

Like I said, I've worn these things over the past few weeks but sometimes I stash things away and then I can't find them....so that's where they went!  

I think I am going to keep this up (well, actually I will find more stuff once we move and really have to unpack). This is like my very own spin on vintage, I'm diving back into my closet (or unpacked boxes) to see what I can drag out and rock all over again!

So, you like?

Handbag necklace: Primark

Black rose compact: Gift from a PR in London

Mirrored bracelet: It's my sisters, but I've been wearing it shhhh!

Black rose ring: Urban Outfitters circa 2005

Earrings: Target

Red belt: Came with a pair of jeans

Why not have a good look around your closet or drawers and see what you find. If I did a Lost & Found linky would you want to show off your finds? Let me know!

Let's talk about socks baby...

*singing* Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be, let's talk about socks....

Yeah, let's talk about it please. I need to get a few things off my chest.

First and foremost I hate nothing more than having to take my shoes off when I go to someones home. There I said it.

I might as well take of my top too, seriously, I don't get it. When I invite people over and they ask to take of their shoes I say "NO please keep them on". How can you have a lovely dinner party or take anyone seriously when they are sitting in front of you with their socks staring up at you? You can't.

Years ago I was invited to dinner at a friends house. I dressed up nicely and wore a pair of black boots. I didn't have any socks at hand so I grabbed a pair of my brother's sport socks and off I went. To my utter shock and embarrassment, I was asked to take off my shoes. WHAT?! I thought. No please.

So there I was having dinner wearing my brother's grungy, grayish, bulky and mismatched socks on display. And to top it off, there was a hole on the big toe. Mortified I tell you. Needless to say I was completely uncomfortable and very unhappy (Besides it just ruined my look. I'm only 5ft so the boots gave me height and my trousers were now dragging on the floor).

Clearly I have sock issues. And because I have never forgotten that day I have made it a point to always wear clean, matching and non-holey socks (same goes for my underwear).

So much so that I actually enjoy sock shopping and I love when I get socks for Christmas! Really, I have all sorts. Long ones, short ones, sport ones, striped, colored, thick, thin, woolly, cotton, mesh, etc. The variety is endless.

As I see it, there is a "sock season". For me that falls between end the end of October to end of March. April through October I don't wear socks much, only with running shoes or rain boots because I am mostly wearing sandals, heels and flats.

So remember, socks can be stylish and fun and they shouldn't be overlooked when getting dressed.

My advice: Rock the socks! You never know when you will have take off your shoes and I would rather not go through that embarrassing moment again. Ever.

Do you think about your socks or you don't care?

Homemade Beauty: Make your own moisturizer

I love lotions and creams. I have some for my hands, another few for my face, and an assortment for the body. And I enjoy and use each and every one of them.

I grew up using only Nivea (the classic one in the blue tin) on my face. That is pretty much what every man, woman and child uses in Chile. I had never bought or used any other brand until I was 26 years old when a friend introduced me to Clinique. There began my love affair with moisturizers and I branched out to other beauty products.

A few weeks ago I found an image of homemade moisturizer on Pinterest and jumped out of my seat with excitement. "I need to make this!" I said to Little M. He just glanced over and said "Okay mami".

The recipe was posted on Boho Mama's blog and I was surprised to see most of the ingredients were already in my kitchen cupboard and that it took less than 30 minutes to make. I have made this two times, the first time I added too much water and it was runny, the second batch was perfect and I use it on Little M's dry skin every night.

I asked Boho Mama herself to introduce the recipe and explain why and how she uses it:

Hi, I'm Megan from Boho Mama. I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband and our six month old twin daughters Ruthie and Afton, born last July. I write about our adventures, travels, and day-to-day life as a twin mama. There is never a dull moment!

I phased out most of my scented lotions and creams a few years ago, when I became very sensitive to their smells. This lotion has a great consistency, completely natural ingredients, and you can keep it unscented if you're sensitive...or add a little essential oil or vanilla extract. I've been very happy with the way it has made my hands feel, and I haven't seen any dry cracks on my fingers yet, as I usually do during winter. It's fun to make too! 

Visit Boho Mama: www.thebohomama.com

So here's what you need to make this yourself - I have amended it slightly after playing around with it:

* 3 Tbsp of beeswax (I bought a 100% natural beeswax candle at Whole Foods)

* 3/4 cup of olive, almond or coconut oil (use one or a combination)

* 1 cup of rose water or chamomile tea (I made one batch with rose water and another with tea)

* 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or almond extract

* 2 teaspoons of Vitamin E (helps lotion last longer and great for your skin)

* Clean containers for storing

Now for the fun part!

1. Fill a large pan or pot with water and bring to boil
2. In a separate heat safe bowl combine your oils, beeswax and half a cup of your chosen water
3. Place that bowl in the pot/pan (double boiler, see image 3) and boil until wax is completely melted

4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes

5. In a blender pour the remaining water and very slowly add the oil mixture - it will begin to congeal and look creamy

6. Continue to blend and with a spatula push down the cream on the sides of the blender

7. Once done remove into clean containers. Do not cover until cool
8. That's it! MOISTURIZE!

Storage and usage:

You can store it in the refrigerator if you have made too much, but lotion lasts 3-4 weeks. I took an old honey container (the bear one) and filled it with lotion and labeled it for Little M. You can also use old soap dispensers or old lotion containers to keep your moisturizer. 

It smells absolutely delicious and after a week of using it, my skins feels amazing and I'm even happier knowing there are no nasties in it! Besides, how cool is it to say "Yeah, I made my own moisturizer". 

I am going to start a homemade beauty series so please do check back in. Let me know if you have any questions.

Now off you go to lather up!

Snow stylin' from head to toe

This weekend it snowed here in the DC area. I was super excited because IT WAS ABOUT FLIPPIN' TIME we got some proper winter weather. 

Besides, I now had a good reason show off some of my winter pieces including my long warm pink argyle socks, my cream colored snow sweater and my iPhone friendly gloves that that have tech touch pads on the fingers. Yep! You don't have to take them off for the screen to work. 

It's been so mild this winter that I haven't really had a chance to truly bundle up. 

But I made up for lost time this weekend. It was cold! I'm talking below freezing here. But I didn't mind, I love the cold air against my face when you walk out from your heated home. 

It wakes me right up. 

I took my little man sledding, did lots of writing and just relaxed by the fireplace with a nice cuppa. The Mr. and I have really missed snowy winters. We don't get much (if any) of the white stuff in London so we were more excited than Little M to be out in the snow.

What's the weather like where you are? 

What I'm wearing:

Socks: Old Navy

Leggings: Walmart

Cup: Cath Kidston

Knit reinforced touch screen gloves: Kohl's

The mother of all giveaways! Win a Balenciaga bag

OMG. OMG. OMG. There is nothing I love more than handbags! (Well, shoes..but you know what I mean!)

BLM (before Little M) I racked up a rather large collection. Much like my shoes, they ranged from the cheap options to designer ones, but nothing more than $400. A red Marc Jacobs was my most expensive bag purchase ever and I take care of it like a newborn babe.

Tonight thanks to one of the new blogs I discovered  Her Sojourn,  I came across the mother of all giveaways...win a Balenciaga Arena Classic City in noir worth $1,545. And breathe.

Just look at it, it's gorgeous and I want it!

 I wish I could keep this giveaway to myself *evil laugh* but that wouldn't be completely fair. This post is my entry and if you too want to have a go at winning, visit Fashion Chalet for all the details.

Tonight I pray with all my might that this gorgeous bag goes to someone who will love and care for it like it so deserves. I pray that person IS ME!

Do you have a trendy toddler?

As you may have noticed I love all things beauty and fashion *doing a little dance*

This blog is about real every day style and how everyone can find their own look and work with what they have. I don't have an income anymore, but I try to make do with what I already own and make sure to accessorize!

The same goes for my little man. We are fortunate that everyone shops for him so there is a constant flow of clothing coming at him. But even so, I like my main man to be well dressed but that doesn't mean it has to  be expensive name brands (Hello Primark!)

When we leave the house I like his shirt to be tucked in, his hair to be combed and his face washed. Not too much to ask.

After that he can jump around, get dirty, spill food, whatever he wants. But I want him to develop good grooming habits.

Wearing Oh Baby London

So I began the Trendy Toddler Tuesday link up at Mummy's Busy World where parents can show off their kids style, look and accessories. It can be anything you like, if you think its trendy then it is! Style is what you make of it and with children it's no exception.

I invite all you lovely mamas that have visited my site to check out our link party every Tuesday where you can showcase the latest toddler trends (or kids of any age, but the name sounded great!)

You can grab the badge here:

Grab the button,

show your style and link to us!

<a href="http://www.mummysbusyworld.com/p/trendy-toddler-tuesday.html" target="_blank"><img src=" <a href="http://s1111.photobucket.com/albums/h469/mummysbusyworld/?action=view&current=TrendyToddlerTuesdayMummysBusyWorldBadge-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h469/mummysbusyworld/TrendyToddlerTuesdayMummysBusyWorldBadge-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The linky opens every Tuesday at midnight (US Eastern Time) and stays open until Saturday. During the week I visit each one, comment, tweet your entries and add them to the Trendy Toddler board on Pinterest. 

So what are you waiting for? I KNOW you all have some stylish munchkins. 

Got any questions, just let me know. 

See you Tuesday!

Why yes! I'm rocking a fur hat with ears

Skimming twitter today, this message jumped out at me: 

One2OneNetwork @One2OneNetwork

36m

Have y'all seen @suburbanturmoil's "I'll Take That Dare" fashion series on @CafeMom? Love it! ow.ly/8AIZv

I clicked through and was beyond excited to see almost a mirror image of my fur hat! Little M was standing next to me and pointing to the woman on the screen and he yelled out "MAMI HAT!". 

Lindsay Ferrier over at CafeMom took on the dare of wearing a fur hat with ears - and she looked fabulous!

So of course I wanted to share my fur hat with ears that I bought for $6.99 from the Gap Kids sale just before Christmas. I was going to do a post on winter hats next week and feature it, but today is a good a time as any.

Thankfully I have a small head and it fits perfectly. I did get funny looks, especially here in the 'burbs but I don't care. It's cute, funky, super super warm and Little M calls me "mami bear".

What do you think? Would YOU wear a fur hat with ears? 

I'm all for trying new looks and this one makes you go all wild! 

Thanks to One2One network for tweeting this and to @suburbanturmoil daring to rock this look!

P.S. It's faux fur - of course!

MAD glam from TK Maxx (UK)

Back in September, just four weeks before our move to the US, I attended the MAD Blog Awards (that's the Mum and Dad Blog Awards) at the TalkTalk building in London's Soho.

The MAD's as they are known are the UK's first and only awards for the parent blogging community

I was beyond thrilled that my blog, Mummy's Busy World was a finalist in two categories, Best Family Fun Blog and Best Pre-School Fun Blog. I was up against some pretty stellar competition including good friends Maggy from Red Ted Art and Ryan from Transatlantic Blonde. Did I think I was going to win? No. Did I want to win? HELL YES.

I have always said that blogging has presented me with some fantastic opportunities which would have never been possible otherwise. In this instance, TK Maxx (that's TJ Maxx over there just in case you hadn't figured it out) offered to "dress" a few of the finalists.

OH YES PLEASE!

I have shopped at TJ/TK Maxx for years, but I really didn't consider it a place to find "glam" outfits. Shoes and bags were what I usually went there for.

Two weeks before the ceremony I, along with a group of bloggers met at the London Flagship Store in Kensington and we just took over. That store didn't know what hit it! We helped each other find the perfect dress and in true girls day out style, we lunched.

The result? Six bloggers found totally glamorous outfits for under £100 - amazing!

My TK Maxx look:

Dress: {Designer} £35
Electric blue tights: £10
Grey Suede platform heels: £25

I had tried to stay away from black, but this dress fit just perfect. I have trouble finding dresses that don't cling to the middle and "enhance" my hips and cheaper fabrics don't flow as nicely. This one was an A-line style, it fell just above the knee, (I'm only 5ft) and the corset fitting kept everything tucked in and added a slimming effect.

I absolutely loved getting all pretty with Ryan at the hotel and rocking up to the awards with red lips and my gorgeous burgundy Lulu Guinness clutch. So I didn't win. But I had a fab time and a glamorous dress to match.

You can see all the other pretty bloggers here: Geek Mummy, Not Even a Bag of Sugar, Mum on the Brink, Mummy Whisper and A Boy with Aspergers.

Thoughts?

What's been your experience with TJ/TK Maxx for glam wear?

A well dressed man..

Today Little M insisted on putting on his own wellies. 

I haven't had to deal with him wanting to dress himself yet, but I guess it was bound to happen. 

How do you like the little guy's first attempt? Nothing like a well dressed man!


And if you want to show off your trendy toddler, join our linky party on Tuesday's over at Mummy's Busy World.

What Little M is wearing:

Grey & Yellow Skull Wellies from Gap Kids

Cargo Trousers from Primark

Faux fur shopping...with a kid

Truth be told I don't do much shopping these days.  Number one, there ain't no money or job (but we are looking!) and two, well that's pretty much it. I have the time, but no cashola. Anyway, on those rare occasions when I can shop, I have to take my little man with me. And that folks, makes it a whole another experience.

This week we were at our local shopping centre where I took Little M to run around in their play area. It was cold out and he needed to release some energy. So there I was, having my coffee and watching him jump, roll, climb and run with other kids.

After two hours (yes, TWO hours) it was time to call it quits. We rounded the corner and there in front of me was a massive SALE sign at H&M. Oooooh! It was calling and I answered.

We walked in and Little M immediately said "no store mami".  I did my usual skim around the shop and stopped at the faux fur vest/gilet on the mannequin.

I've never been one for furs, but ever since I saw my cousin's black DKNY one I've had my mind on one. I went over, tried it on and ahhhhh it was gorgeous. I then looked at the price and ahhhhh, it was $20!  Done. It was mine.

Then my son yelled out "mira mami, DEER!" And sure enough there was a shirt with deer on it. "Put it on" he insisted but I  passed on that one.

Still,  I went in to the fitting rooms to try on a blue striped top and to get a better look at the vest/gilet.

Little M was sitting unusually quiet in his buggy and then he looked up and said "put on doggie mami". I looked over at him and saw he was pointing to the fur. I just burst out laughing and he said "mami, I want to pet doggie, put on".

There we were both giggling and "petting" the vest/gilet. So you see I had to buy it, how could I disappoint the little guy?! Good thing it was on sale, both items came to $32.

So there you have it, my faux fur experience. Don't be afraid to try a new look, but best to *try* from the sale rack. Had it been full price, I would have had to say bye bye to the doggie...I mean vest/gilet.

What I'm wearing:

Flats: Clarks UK

Jeans: Always Skinny  from Gap

Top: H&M

Vest/Gilet: H&M

P.S. Can you tell I'm tired?

We fell in love in a hopeless place...

Okay, so everyone is using RiRi's latest tune as their anthem (including tonight's Glee episode) but it's perfect for today's post. I know this is a bit late, but I am was/am so excited I wanted to tell you about it and besides I only received my copy just after New Years. 

Back in October before making our way Stateside, I did a photo shoot with At Home Magazine for a feature called "I've found love in the strangest of places".

My "strange" story was being featured along with two other lovely ladies for the November 2011 edition of the publication.

The photo shoot took place in a small studio in Angel, London and the team was fantastic. The best part of it all was having hair, makeup and wardrobe done...what girl can resist that?!

I can't publish the article here, but I certainly did  meet the Mr. in a "hopeless place". We met in May 2003 when I was working at Country Music Festival selling ice cream....{insert laughter}. 

I was 24, saving money to move to Spain, recently single and to make things very clear, I had ZERO interest in country music. I hadn't even bothered to put on make up or even attempt to look presentable (image that!). The job just paid well and I really didn't have to do much... "one scoop or two?"

I was at the stand when I saw someone familiar walk by. I ran over to say hi to him and his friend. His friend was the Mr. I looked at him and thought "Well, well. Hello there" and then I suddenly became very conscious of the fact that I looked like absolute POO that day. 

After my shift ended (and after fixing my face up some) I joined the Mr. and his friend and pretended to enjoy the show *cough cough*.  

To make a long story short, we met for lunch that Monday, and again the following day, then drinks, then for dinner, then in July I left for Spain for three months, he came to visit (twice) we nearly broke up but didn't. I came back to the US, we continued together, got engaged, married, moved to London, worked in PR, had Little M, renamed myself mummy/mami and became a blogger. 

And the other two ladies? Sarah-Jane Tepper (left) a therapist for Herts Holistic met her man in a lift on her first day of work and Claire Van Den Bosh, a trainee psychotherapist met her other half at a, get this...cuddle workshop! 

So that's my story of finding love in a hopeless place. What about you, did you meet your other half somewhere unusual? I wanna know!!

What I'm wearing:
Red dress in feature: Primark

Striped red and white top: Uniqlo

Red scarf: Banana Republic

Glasses: Gok Wan for SpecSavers

P.S. I love RED!

Careful what you YouTube, it may embarrass your husband

Being a blogger means having the ability to take the piss out of oneself and just being able to have a laugh every once in a while. 

This video does just that. 

Last July I was in the production of Sisterly Feelings with my Am Dram group in West London. On the last night we had a cast party. Naturally there was wine, dancing and... oh someone just happened to be filming this (that would be my cousin who was visiting from NYC). 

I put it up on YouTube voluntarily along with the MILLIONS of other videos labeled "Lazy Song" or "Bruno Mars". It's only had 46 views, mostly friends and the theatre group.

Two weeks ago the Mr. asks me "Did you post a video of you dancing on YouTube?"

Ummmmmmmm????? I quickly thought of all the vlogs I've done but none included dancing. Then I remembered "Ahhhh, yes, at the cast party last year, remember?"

He just stared at me blankly and completely unimpressed responded with a harsh "No".

Okay then...so why was he asking?

He had received an email from an old colleague (from seven years ago) that said:

"Hey, happy new year. I found this video of your wife (I think) on YouTube. Weird".

Whaaaat?! I don't think it's THAT bad. But you judge for yourself...and if you want to laugh at me, go ahead. I do. Every time I see this.

And if you are wondering, the Napoleon Dynamite looking dude is Julian our tech guy (I had no idea he was even there). And the older lady is Jana, she writes children's books and is the coolest woman over 60 that I know. 

Good times! (despite embarrassing the Mr. Sorry!)

What I'm wearing

Emily and Fin dress from Oliver Bonas

Does your mobile have style?

I can't live without my iPhone 4s. Well I probably could, I just choose not to. I don't have any other major gadgets other than a slow running netbook.

I really don't know anyone, much less a mother who isn't rushing around with a thousand things to do. The only time I am actually sitting at a computer is after Little M has gone to bed. With my super duper phone I am able to take pictures and video of us, sneak in Facebook and Twitter time and see my emails.

And it's no secret that smartphones have now become fashion accessories. There are a million different ways to give your device it's own personal touch. I've seen everything from Swarovski crystals embedded on them to Hello Kitty covers and phone charms.  To each their own, right?!

This is the case/cover for my mobile. My husband got it for my birthday tow years ago because he knows how much I love Cath Kidston and because it was so "London". I love love LOVE it!

I've received lots of compliments on it and as you can see from the picture it has had a lot of wear and tear. While it doesn't have a cover to protect the front, it has broken a few falls and saved my phone.

(I  must disclose that just before leaving the UK Little M kicked the table we were sitting at and the phone went flying onto the pavement face down. The screen cracked at the top where this cover doesn't protect it).

Now I have an iPhone again and despite its worn appearance I am still using this case to give it my own personal touch (and keeping it away from the toddler). I have yet to see a Cath Kidston mobile case here in the States, so it's even better!

So what about you, is your phone all blinged out to reflect your own personal style? Oh come on! Someone please fess up to the crystals!

Childbirth, red toe nails & face powder

Three years ago on this very day in our small flat in London I woke up at 6.00 am with cramps. I was 38 weeks pregnant and suffering with pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure). I turned to the Mr. and said, "today is the day". I had been given a sweep the day before so I knew for sure Little M was on his way.

What I was going to wear was not a priority at that moment, but weeks before I had done some shopping and I had selected my clothes for the hospital stay right down to my underwear, socks, slippers and even a touch of face powder. Good thing because I ended up staying five days.

I had remembered seeing a friend who had her son in December right after she gave birth. Naturally she was completely exhausted and she had a face to match. I was still pregnant at the time and I watched as she got ready to leave putting her things away.

At the end she took out a mirror and brushed a natural coloured powder to her face, clear gloss on her lips and tied her hair back. With just that small touch of makeup which took less than 30 seconds to apply, she instantly looked refreshed and ready to go. I took note.

A week before I had taken my big ole' self to get a pedicure. I couldn't really see my feet, but I thought it would be nice to give them some much needed love and went for cherry red. I waddled out of there feeling like supermodel, despite being swollen from head to toe. Pre-eclampsia is not a good look or feel for anyone!

That morning after the pain started, I got up, took a very hot shower, washed my hair, dried my hair, moisturised my face, put in my small studded earrings, put on my new stretchy maternity trousers and comfy grey jumper and went back to bed. My bag was in the hallway and I was all set for the hospital.

Fast forward seventeen hours and at 23.36 I am holding Little M in my arms after a drug free birth (NOT by choice may I add. I wanted the drugs..all of them! But he arrived too fast and well, you gotta do what you gotta do) and trying to recover from single most painful experience of my life. I had other issues afterwards when I had to be operated on after losing more than a litre of blood, having a transfusion, and being in intensive care.

Two weeks later: My mother made me wash my hair put on a touch of makeup 

and go out with Little M

After it was all over, I was left with no strength whatsoever. My husband sat down next to me and said "now let's get you into some fresh clothes" and helped me into my comfy clean trousers, changed my socks and gave me a new undershirt and jumper to wear. He brushed my hair and gave me a damp cloth to wash my face.

He handed me my makeup bag and despite not having any energy, I thought it can't hurt. So I put some moisturiser on my face and the cold cream had never felt so good. I added a touch of powder and despite feeling and looking like death, that mini pampering helped me feel more relaxed, refreshed and ready to face the day with my son in my arms.

We finally left the hospital five days after giving birth and I officially began my life as a mummy and mami. Needless to say that was the start of the newest chapter in my life.

Happy Birthday Little M, te quiero. 

My {shoe} love story

Shoes. Zápatos. Kicks. Whatever you call them. They are just amazing!

I can't get enough of them, but now I have to "love them" in moderation. Before Little M came along and rocked my world (and also destroyed my stuff) I had a closet that overflowed with a variety of styles.

I had every kind you can imagine. Heels, boots, flats, stylish trainers, running shoes, Uggs, wellies, flip flops open toed, wide heels, thin heels and even some terrible style choices like Birkenstocks and clogs. They were all there and ready to add a finishing touch to any outfit. They ranged from super nice and expensive to the latest from Primark. I mean, loves has no boundaries.

But then it happened. That horrid rumor I had heard during pregnancy that once you have a child your feet grow and your shoes size changes.

Goodbye forever

"Yeah right" I thought. Not happening to me. No.

But it did.
And I cried.
And I denied.
But I persevered.

For an entire year after having my son, I would still try on my shoes in the hopes my feet had gone back to normal. At first I attributed it to the 50lbs I had gained and as I lost the weight, I would try them on, willing them to fit "Vamos, come on, fit, fit, fit".

But they were still too tight. I even wore them "to stretch them out" but I would just come home with blisters on my toes from the excess rubbing and ripped heals. And with all the walking I did in London, I managed to do some serious damage to my feet. So I gave in and started all over again. I had gone up from a size UK 4 (6 US) to a UK 5 (7 US).

When I broke the news to my husband he just glared at me and in a low whisper said "What? ALL of them? The entire closet?" followed by a long pause "Does that mean you need new ones?"

Ummmmm, yes!

You would think I would have been thrilled to shop for new shoes, but times were different. I was on maternity leave, we were on one income, there was a new addition to the family who was now a priority and I just didn't have the time to shop.

I bagged all of my shoes and put them away, but I didn't give them away. I kept them until we moved to the US in October 2011. My son had been born January 2009. Talk about dedication.

But I'm okay now. I have healed (ha ha). I have slowly added new shoes to my collection, albeit more flats and less heels. I make more careful choices and they have to be Comfy Mamá Chic.

I wanted to share with you two of my favorites from the ALM (After Little M) collection:

Say hello to these Franco Sarto suede tan and black rounded toe low pumps that I found at TJ Maxx for $30.

They look great with a flowy top, skinny jeans or with a dress. And I can walk in them and they don't hurt. I can't do the painful shoe thing anymore.

Then there are my grey brogues (or Oxford shoes as they are called in the US) that I got at River Island in London which look fab with bright coloured tights and dress or with back skinny jeans. I can still run around with my little guy in these and look stylish.

So there you have it, my shoe love story. I hope I haven't scared anyone, but it needed to be said.

Anyone else with me? Share your shoe story and your style!