Pick of the Month: April // Easter crafts

1. Blue Easter eggs2. Easter bunny rolls / 3. Easter centerpiece / 4. DIY Easter eggs / 5. Easter gift tags / 6. Tattooed Easter eggs / 7. Fingerprint Easter eggs / 8. Easter handprint art / 9. Easter strawberries

This month I have been feeling very crafty, and although I have no plans, or time, to tackle any craft project, I had fun browsing on pinterest to see what other people are doing. Easter is literally around the corner and it is fun, especially if you have kids, to spend some time during the holidays and get creative (read messy!) together. Eggs painting is probably one of my favourite activities, despite not having it done before. But I bet hand printing is going to be very popular with my little miss who likes to get messy and, fortunately, clean up afterwards!

Pick of the Month: March // My favourite online shop

The Mistery Queen on Etsy

I casually discovered this amazing shop on Etsy, and I have fallen in love since! The first time I went through this shop I was very tempted to buy almost everything they had in stock, but that was because of my pregnancy hormones, and so glad I closed up the page and went back to it the day after with a much clearer mind (otherwise we would have been bankrupt by now!). I ordered a few essential pieces in one go, much needed because of my 4-month-pregnant belly! And if you are wondering if this is a maternity shop, my answer is NO! but because of their loose designs, most of their dresses can easily house a growing belly and to me it is a relief buying clothes that can be also worn after the baby is out.

So far I have ordered quite a few pieces, dresses and blouses, and I’m so pleased with the tailoring, the fitting and the price. Just check the size of their model before ordering to make sure it fits your height (I’m petite and the length of the dresses was perfect).

PS: This is not a sponsored post in anyway. I just love this shop and wanted to share it.

Pick of the Month: February // Be My Valentine

1. Red floral corduroy dress from TheMysteryQueen on Etsy / 2. Valentine onesie from AshleyBoTiqueon Etsy / 3. Crochet Patterns * Valentine Slippers from Nuttypatterns on Etsy / 4. Valentines for little friends by Oana Befort / 5. Italy Art Print from FrannyandFranky on Etsy /6. Valentine’s day heart garland from TransparentEsDecoron Etsy

I’ve just realized it’s only two days until Valentine’s Day! Not that we could bother much, we are not very romantic anymore (although we used to be big time!), but it’s nice to browse the net to see what people come up with for this occasion. There’s plenty to choose from, all sort of things from homemade heart shaped cakes to romantic weekends gateways, family photo shoots and love coupons (oh yes, I remember those…we did this one too one year!). Etsy and Pinterest are the best places to look if you are lost for ideas. I’ve chosen a small selection of cute little things, mainly from Etsy, which make me happy.

Happy Valentine’s week!

Pick of the Month: January // Mother-to-be essentials: First Trimester

1. Olio 9 mesi from Weleda / 2. Morning sickness relief from Sea-band / 3. Quando arriva un fratellino by Nicoletta Costa on Amazon / 4. Yoga for pregnancy, birth and beyond Francoise Barbira Freedman on Amazon / 5. Homeopathy Chamomilla (30c) from Helios / 6. Decaffeinated Arabica Caffe from Lavazza / 7. Classic Brogues from Benetton / 8. Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt Dress from Uniqlo / 9. Travel socks from M&S.

I promise I’m not going to talk about pregnancy and babies too much this year, but this month I finally entered my second trimester and I just wanted to sum up all the things that made me feel better, physically and mentally, during these first three months.

The Weleda body oil for pregnancy has been a favourite of mine during my first pregnancy, so I’m using it again this second time around. I love the smell and the consistency, and the fact that it gets absorbed relatively quickly. I didn’t get any stretchmarks the first time, and I like to think that it was because I applied this oil everyday, almost religiously.

The morning sickness bands were fortunately used only for a week or so. I didn’t get any proper morning sickness, but a bad heart burn and a bit of nausea.

I’m planning to buy a book on how to explain to my two-year old what is going to happen in July and after that, and I’m hoping this book will help to cope with a toddler and a newborn (wish me luck here!).

This yoga book is done ever so well; I’ve used it last time too and planning to go back at it as soon as I manage to fit it in into my daily routine.

These little pearls of chamomile were a great deal during the first trimester. Emotions were up and down, especially in the evening, and these helped loads to find some balance and restore some calm.

The decaffeinated coffee is one of the things that I can’t get over easily! I love my morning caffeinated coffee, but for the sake of the baby (and the family!), we are all drinking decaf and so we’ll keep doing probably for the next year or so.

I bought a new pair of flat brogues for the office. Physical balance is one thing I seem to lose during pregnancy, so before falling on the pavement, I thought it was a good idea to get some comfy shoes.

The shirt dress was a great disguise of my growing belly during the Christmas holidays when we still hadn’t told anyone. Now is just a perfect maternity dress for the weekend…and there still room to grow into it!

The travel socks are as ugly as they can be, but if you are stuck to a desk for more than 8 hours, they are a must for your tired legs.

I’m hoping this list will be helpful to other as it has been to me.

Pick of the Month: December // Merry & Red

1. Knitted Tunic Dress from Purplish London/ 2. Macbook Pro 13” Case from MadeByJulie on Etsy / 3. Box Flannel Shirt from VANS on Two Seasons/ 4. Chilli Pepper Mohican Shoes from VANS on Two Seasons/ 5. Colour-a-Months 2014 Daily Diary from Moleskine on Amazon.co.uk / 6. Red Chunky Waffle Capped Gloves  from Accessorize/ 7. Arpillera cardigan from Peruvian kids/8. Chicken shirt from White Stuff/ 9. Racoon Pyjamas from Mothercare

It’s almost Christmas, time for presents and some rewarding shopping. We (read I) have actually bought all of the above, in time for our upcoming trip to Italy. Lots of red for this year’s holiday season! The red shoes might be a bit too much, but they are my favourite and add some colour into my plain daily life. My little one has recently developed an obsession for a green Peruvian cardigan (I’m not joking; she won’t even take it off for the night!). And so I bought her another one in orange, but should have really picked a red one to stay in tune with the season. And can you see the Moleskine set in the middle? That is my Christmas present, kindly offered by my other half…following several reminders. Feeling already festive and jolly for the holidays.

Pick of the Month: November // Warm and cosy

1. Wooden Crate Cabinets (9 Drawers) from truffula forest / 2. Birdie Print Weekender Bag from Accessorize / 3. Hand.Book Journal Square Sketchbook from CASS ART / 4. Print Leggings Trousers from Uniqlo / 5. Chunky Long Snoodfrom Accessorize / 6. Fleece Full-Zip Long Sleeve Jacket from Uniqlo / 7. Baby Body Warm Lite Full-Zip Parka from Uniqlo / 8. Garden Path Bootiesfrom Anthropologie / 9. Willow Catkins Botanical Giclee Art Print by Golly Bard on Etsy

November, November, November. It is amongst my least favourite months. The clock has just changed to winter time, the days are noticeably shorter by the day, the weather sucks and the Christmas holidays are still far away. But on the positive note, November is my other half’s birthday month, so we get to celebrate, it only has 30 days, so it feels less long, it brings up beautiful colours, and a lot of inspiration, it’s the month to make things and to start prepping up for December. xxx

Pick of the Month: October // Toddler Nursery Essentials

1. Shirt with lace from Zara / 2. Fine-knit cardigan from H&M / 3. T-shirt with floral applique from Zara / 4. Corduroy trousers from Zara / 5. Leggings from H&M / 6. Checked trousers from Zara / 7. Desert Boot s in Black Suede from Clarks / 8. Wellies from Mothercare/ 9. Etnies Visor Beanie Blue/Grey from tkmaxx.

Another month, another wardrobe update for my fast growing girl. Shopping is fun when you buy clothes for a toddler girl; there is so much to choose from and prices are still manageable. She loves patterns, like her mama, and comfortable clothes to run around and climb on things (I caught her jumping on a chair last week at nursery!). There are still a few things she's going to need for the winter, but these basics will keep her warm and cute.

Pick of the Month: September // Autumn Essentials

1. Autumn art print by oana befort on Etsy / 2. Short welly boots from Hunter / 3. Stormy weather mac from White Stuff / 4. Hat from H&M/ 5. Cookies box from Milliescookies / 6. Checked and floral print neckerchief from Zara / 7. Fox cardigan from Mothercare / 8. Wellies from Mothercare/ 9. Puppy leggings from Asda.

We put aside our summer clothes too early this year. the rain forced us to shop for some new wellies, macs and scarves. We discovered millies cookies once again and my mood has been lifted looking at the amazing Oana Befort's seasonal illustrations. September you went so quickly we are still catching up with you!

Pick of the Month: August // Dream Office Spaces

All from Apartment Therapy / Home Office

This house hunting thing is going very slow and doing my head in! There are only a few houses available in our price range and our preferred location; and when I say a few I mean 4 houses, one of which is on a small island! But that does not stop me about planning dreaming about my future work space. And although my Mr and I will have to share a room to start with, I’m already picturing it in my head. I’m thinking loads of storage, subtle colours, homemade wall arts, a comfy chair and possibly a sofa with loads of cushions and a nice free standing lamp for some late night reading.

This new house of ours is slowly coming together room by room, and if it wouldn’t just be in my head, it would be a dream house.
Check this old post here for some children's room inspiration.

Pick of the Month: July // Summer Wedding

1. Pink Baby Scalloped Edge Cardigan from Monsoon / 2. White Saltwater Sandals from SunSandals / 3. Pink Martina Satin Clutch Bag from John Lewis / 4. Sugar me up Holdall by Roxy from Surfdome/ 5. Pink Maddy Disc Hat from John Lewis / 6. Pink Flower Bud Bando from Monsoon / 7. White Baby Sara Striped Dress from Monsoon / 8. Forever Together Charm from Pandora/ 9. Pink Easy Grip Beaker from Nuby.

This July my little girl and I are prepping up for a summer wedding in Switzerland! We are going for a pink-ish theme here, mainly due to me recycling a dress I wore many years ago (and that miraculously still fit!). The dress code requires wearing a hat, and there is no way I can convince Olivia to wear one, so I'm opting for a flower bando, hoping that she won't realise she's actually wearing one!
Loving that Roxy bag, it would be perfect to keep nappies, wipes, clothes change, that colour matching beaker and all the other million things a child needs when out and about, and that I will have to bring to the wedding. Only a few days to go now!

Pick of the month: June // Summer 'must-haves'

1. In-shower Body Moisturizer from Nivea / 2. Lumea IPL Hair Removal from Philips / 3. Organic Children SPF25 Sun Lotion from John Lewis/ 4. Wayside Hat by Element from Two Seasons/ 5. Cold drinks in a free jug from Schweppes / 6. Little Bird by Jools Trilby Straw Hat from Mothercare / 7. Miami Geometric Print Picnic Blanket from Matalan / 8. Red Geranium Plant in Terracotta Pot from Tesco / 9. Roxy Chill Out Beach Bag from Surfdome.

Summer is here, or at least it is according to the calendar. We have been hoping for some warm weather for months now, and so far we have only had very few chances to enjoy some sunshine. But despite the greyness and cold-ish breeze, we are fully prepared and when the summer will come, we will just make the most of it…we will walk barefoot, we will have picnics in the park, we will be wearing shorts and keep our skin protected. Now let’s all root for summer to arrive!

Pick of the Month: May / Children's rooms

All from Apartment Therapy / Nursery & Kids

And we are house hunting again! Our one bedroom apartment, which we love, is not going to fit our family of three for much longer. So here we are, looking for the perfect house, the perfect location, the perfect price!

Is going to be a long search, I'm sure, until we'll fall in love with another place again, but it will happen at some point and I want to be ready. I'm already dreaming about decor, style, rooms to fill and new furniture to buy, but most of all I'm dreaming about Olivia's room! I haven't had the fortune to decorate a nursery for my little Miss before she was born as we didn't have a room for her, and still don't. I missed the chance to do what most pregnant women do, that nesting instinct that you get during pregnancy was only halfway fulfilled. Now I want to make up for the missed opportunity and get it perfect. I have a pretty clear idea on how I would like her room to look like; white walls and bold colours for evething else, including furniture. And while brousing on Apartment Therapy, I have found some rooms that inspired me and gave me more ideas to take on board. I can't wait!

Pick of the month: April / Shopping spree

1. Cable knit boatneck sweater from Gap / 2. Picot trim puff-sleeve T from Gap / 3. Striped dot skirt from Gap / 4. Lego Multi Coloured Cotton Dress from TKMAXX / 5. Converse All Star Hi Canvas from Office / 6. Lego Checked Dress from TKMAXX / 7. Brad top by Billabong from Two Seasons / 8. Edita vest by Element from Two Seasons / 9. Amed dress by Billabong from Two Seasons.

Olivia and I had our first girls day out a few Saturdays ago. We went shopping, had some lunch, she had a nap and I did more shopping, we had some fun at the soft play café.  She probably didn’t enjoy it as much as I did, but I’m hoping it will become a regular thing for us and that eventually she will start loving it too. The mid-season sales were on and in the craving for colours and light fabrics, I bought some spring/summer clothes for my little miss in the hope that the warm weather will make its appearance very soon.  And looking forward to our end of the month trip to southern Italy (and my birthday!), I also gifted myself with some spring/summer essentials.

Pick of the month: March / Green

1.Salter Weigh Electronic Kitchen Scale from amazon.co.uk / 2. Succulents Plants In Ceramic Pot from dunelm-mill.com / 3. Easter Dress from etsy.com / 4. Scarf from hm.com / 5. Vest from boden.co.uk / 6. Converse All Star from legendfootwear.co.uk / 7. Desert Boot from olivelovesalfie.co.uk / 8. Sunglasses from hm.com / 9. Zaza Crayon Dress by Louche from twoseasons.co.uk.

I’m rolling with the colour scheme for the pick of the month edition. Winter is almost over and I really need some colour in my life to cheer me up. I have always had this image in my mind, since I was a child, that each month has its own colour and GREEN is definitely the one for March! With all the new fresh green leaves starting to appear, the first green buds on the trees, and St Patrick’s day if you wish, this is the colour to pick!

To celebrate this month, I pulled together a few favourite items for me and little Miss O. And since green is the colour we picked for our kitchen, I’ve also chosen some favourite accessories, some of which have already made their way home!

Pick of the month: February / Lemon Yellow & Grey

White Cut Out Footbed Sandals from Mothercare/ 2. Shorts from H&M Kids/ 3. Knit Cardigan with Pockets from Zara Kids/ 4. Grey Matter 60 Seconds Nail Polish from Rimmel London/ 5. Ester Hero purse from White Stuff/ 6. Black Striped Dress by Billabong from Two Seasons/ 7. New Age T-Shirt by Billabong from Two Seasons/ 8. Large Butterfly Print Scarf from White Stuff/ 9. Light Yellow Flip Flops by Oneill from Two Seasons.

Let’s start this new monthly favourite activity of mine just saying that YELLOW is my favourite colour, ever! It is so powerful, so full of energy, so bright and so happy that helps me go through the grey winter months reminding me that summer is just a few stops away. 

This year February has been a revelation to me. Since always, February has been the least favourite month of the year; Christmas has passed by too long, the weather is always miserable and cold, there are no public holidays. And yet this year I noticed something that made me smile and gave me a positive attitude…by the end of this month, the days get noticeably longer; the sky is still light when I leave work in the evening.

To celebrate this month, I pulled together a few favourite items for me and little Miss O that well describe this month, the start of a new friendship between the still grey weather and the increasing lookout of the sun. 
February, I'm starting to like you!