Hello there! How are you? Are you away for the Easter weekend? We will enjoy it here in London with friends. And sun. Because the forecast says – temperatures of 20 plus, lots of sun and BBQ. I am so excited.
Because what better than hosting friends, opening BBQ season, a real Easter Egg Hunt outside and doing a bit of sightseeing and sitting outside for coffee and toilet stops?
But before, I have compelled a sweet list for you:
Ira Loves Mae is founded upon the idea that less is always more. And their clothing inspires families to live more intentionally in the moments that matter most.
Special Day – lovely journals* to keep memories from baby’s first year. (great gift idea)
Emily Ward designed a family home for herself and actor Giovanni Ribisi. So cool!
All Doodly items* are ‘approved by children’: they are suitable for active play and fun and contain unique elements that amuse little dreamers so much.
I have decided that I will follow the same approach to my Insta as I do here now – less is more. And instead of sharing photos just for the sake of sharing I will share the ones I truly love or when I feel I need to talk…
Hej! We are in lovely California today and even so I could write a lot about Jessica and her cool fashion style I am focusing on her cool and effortless family home.
Fashion stylist Jessica de Ruiter and her husband, artist Jed Lind, live here together with their daughter James. Nestled in the Silver Lake district of LA, it is a lovely mid-century home that is modern, elegant and light filled.
It features amazing use of plywood throughout and was updated during a two-year renovation period. However the couple decided to keep the main features.
Let’s have a tour:
Starting with James’ room of course. A lovely space that includes a sleeping area as well as a space for playing, reading as well as hiding or just relaxing for a bit.
Below you will see the built in plywood arrangement that has an integrated seating area. It is so cool and is a great idea for small spaces too.
“Legos live in the basket, stuffed animals in the drawer, crayons in the buckets at the easel etc… and that way it’s easy to tidy up quickly and get things away and out of sight for the most part. And if your storage containers and vessels are attractive they can make kid stuff look good when put away.”
Decor: A wall-mounted swan* by Tamar Mogendorff,” the natural tipi* from Vilac, cute rabbit lamp* and the rocking chair* that you will keep forever.
Such a relaxed oasis that feels eclectic, and timeless.
California meets a bit of Scandinavian design and includes gorgeous textures, wood built-ins, and whimsical kid-friendly details.
Very often I dream about California actually. Since we did our long road trip I am in love and could go back all the time. Obviously I am only seeing the positive parts of beach, sun, surfing and chilling. Oh and Tex Mex cuisine. But hey, otherwise it would not be a dream…
Good Morning and hello new week. A short week which makes it an even better Monday.
Plus on Wednesday we will pick up some friends from the airport who come to visit us here. Everyone is very excited and planning fun things. More good news… the weather forecast says sun, warm (around the 20C marks!!!) and happy. So our Easter egg hunt plans will be fine and the Vitamin D will put everyone in a good mood.
And for today I am sharing the new collection from Cyrillus because there are lots of lovely things and they all have an affordable price tag. And Spring is such a good season to re-fresh the home a little bit.
All it takes is a new cute basket, a fun poster or new bed linen in a great colour or with a sweet print.
What do you think? Lots fresh accessories, fruit prints and cute cushions and baskets.
I am keeping it short for today and wishing you all a great, short, week!
Today is the 2nd round for Genuine Friday (the last week really just flew by) and I have another topic that comes up very regularly: Your partnership after having kids.
Between your job and being a mum, you are a woman too. And most likely a partner. So how do we keep our relationship alive? Interesting, romantic and fresh? I agree the crazy part is over. You decided to have kids and moved on to the next stage. The very serious stage. The one that changes you, your life and your future.
I know my husband (and even so I always call him my husband we are not even married. But after four kids together it does not sound right to call him a boyfriend either) for 20 years now. (we just had our anniversary this March) That is a very long time – I agree.
We know each other like nobody else. We share everything and yet we need to pay attention to not loose ourselves in our daily, busy, lives. It is easy. Getting up. Preparing the kids, breakfast, yourself. Out the door. Work. Collecting kids. Catching up about school, homework, friends, events. Making food. Eat, wash, bed. Done. Sounds familiar?
What we do? We are lucky. I am working from home and that means I am very flexible. And Eric manages to work one day a week from home as well. (or at least that is the plan and often it works out)
On that day we go out for lunch. Always. Only very special circumstances will make us change this ritual.
Other couples try to manage diners without kids, we do a nice lunch every week. When it is the school holidays and we cannot go, especially if it is more than once or twice, we really miss it.
And the days we are not both working from home we call each other at least once a day. Just to say hi and a little chat. Usually nothing fancy but definitely a ritual.
Is it something you could implement as well? If you both have office jobs – could you meet for lunch in the middle?
What else do we do? Once the kids (all of them) are in bed we will have a tea on the sofa. Every evening. And talk a little. And we enjoy the silence. I literally sit on the sofa every evening and appreciate the moment when they are all in bed. It feels so good, haha.
But not so long ago I added something else to our evenings. Twice a week – Monday and Thursday for us – we have a Talk Talk evening. No Netflix, but talking. You may say now, well… if you need to talk, you talk. Why having special days for that. True, these are not the only days we are actually talking to each other (no worries) but the days we actually discuss more heavy topics. And I felt it would be good to fix time for that. Because in that way we both know that we cannot plan to work that evening.
Like I said, we just started this recently but it is good. And, good old German list loving woman I am, actually make little lists of things I have in my mind and do not want to forget. Examples: Holiday planning 2019, childcare, home security, work schedules for the next 14 days (also to find lunch date days) and so on…
We hug. A lot. And whenever we need a hug we hug. Physical touching is important to both of us. Therefore we ask each other regularly how we feel. And if we cope or we feel like we are running a marathon that we can’t win. Because once somebody feels worn out it is too late. We try to be on top of it as good as we can and check in with each other. If necessary we make a plan on how to shift workloads to give a little more space to the person in need.
And yes, there are periods when things are a bit shaky. Re-connecting is not always easy but possible. And you can do it. And when you think about it – those crazy years with newborns, two year old’s testing you and kids approaching the tween years – they make you strong and a really good couple. There is so much JOY in parenthood.
And never forget: You are not alone. No couple is perfect. Do not ever think they are. Do not judge by perfect Instagram images. They all have ups and downs. This is life and normal. (which also means: do not compare!)
And one more tip from me – let it go. Sometimes all I can do is laugh (because the other option would be crying). And then I might throw a piece of cucumber at my husband and everyone has to laugh too. Or we decide to put the music on and dance after diner. It helps. It really does.
Go to playgrounds together. Just tell the kids that playground means PLAY if necessary and have your moment to talk to each other. We do this too.
Find your ways to be a couple and not just parents. See what fits for you, your life and surroundings. But do it!
How often did you say: “I wish this came in my size!” or “My kids are better dressed than me…”. Don’t despair, here are the best mini me looks!
Small clothes are cute and yes, some pieces we really want for ourselves. Children’s fashion changed a lot over the last years and we can find some amazing brands. And the mini me trend is not going away and more and more brands are adding adult lines or at least a few pieces for mums and also dads.
Obviously you cannot just make any style that looks super in a child size for adults. Mostly because of our shapes but also because some prints might be too girly, or just too cute for a women even when they look adorable in size 62.
For today, I picked out a few brands that do pieces for mums too. Pieces we really want and can wear… mini me looks for this summer here we come:
Louise Misha
Louise Misha* started in 2012 and very quickly their boho style was adored by little girls and mums alike. The collections are always sweet, delicate and very feminine! And the collection for mums* is getting bigger and bigger each season.
Numero74
Numero74* – what once started with deco accessories has became a brand for every part in our lives. Including fashion. Staying true to their style pieces are simple and comfortable. And each piece is made from the softest cotton materials and in a very special colour palette of lightly washed-out shades. Affordable and so comfortable. Sizes for mums are here*. Personally I think this really is T H E mini me look.
Little Creative Factory
Clothing for children aged from 0 to 99! This is what Little Creative Factory* offers. Original collections, attention to detail and definitely one of the brands you wish would dress you too. And they do! This summer Cristina launched her women line* and it was is a big success.
Bonpoint
Bonpoint* has been a leading brand in the kids fashion sector for over 40 years. Ultra-chic and always on point with the sophisticated French look! Before they used to have a teen line called YAM and the sizes fitted adults as well. But, as of now, Bonpoint has a collection dedicated to women* too. (I love this ultra chic yet simple navy dress*!)
Louis Louise
Louis Louise* is another classic in the French children’s fashion world. Chic, timeless, modern and relaxed. The brand adds some pieces for women* for every collection, and especially for summer the dresses and tops are divine!
Caramel
Caramel* is luxury baby and kids fashion based here in London. Very elegant, full of details and every piece is made from the finest materials. In 2015 Eva Karayiannis added a woman’s line.
Poudre Organic
Your favourite brand when it comes to soft, organic clothes in subtle colours – Poudre Organic*. What started with babies has grown into a brand for the whole family. Slowly adding bigger sizes and now catering for mums* too! The latest collection is very lovely and we really want one of those comfy dresses for ourselves.
Bonton
Bonton is always on my list when in Paris. Of course I could shop online but I love their stores so much that I need to step in. And their fabrics, colours and silhouettes are famous and kind of iconic. You can never go wrong with something from here for your children*. And, the brand joined the mini me trend too and designed a few pieces for adults* as well.
Le Petit Lucas du Tertre
To be honest I am a little bit confused what came first for Le Petit Lucas du Tertre. I was knew it as a children’s brand* with the most wonderful colours and prints. A whole world of flowers, ikat and precious fabrics. And the adult pieces* I only discovered recently. And they are just as gorgeous. So in case you are looking for something special, this is it!
By the way: I really prefer their mini sizes and I am not a big fan of the maxi versions but have a look for yourself and decide – Bobo Choses Women*.
Overall, what do you think about mini me looks? Would you wear it? I believe some looks are really great and if you do not like the matching look, you can just wear them on their own.