A Girl Can’t Have Enough…

Bags.

It’s a lot harder now with having 2 littles to carrying around a nice little purse, but now that we’re back in California with a car I decided it’s time to not just be a mom, but also feel nice with what we’re able to accessorize with and still be functional.

I wanted a diaper bag with a lot of compartments and leather to really feel like this is a nice bag. I also wanted one that could give you the option of being a backpack when necessary.

It took awhile, but I found my dream bag at a designer brand called Lily Jade.

Seriously, here’s why:

• Leather is so soft!

💟  P.S. sneak peek of Addison’s room – we clearly love the color grey. The London storage bins are from KaiKai&Ash – city collection.

• designs are clean/colors are lovely

• just enough compartments inside and outside the bag

• it gets better – 12 compartment tote inside the bag can be easily taken out to leave with the “grandparents” while you go out with your non-mom items!  Fear not, there are still compartments and zippers to store your goodies when the tote is removed.

💟  P.S. I have some of my favorite essentials from Bebe Au Lait (they have the cutest patterns!).  Pictured is the Muslin nightingale nursing scarf and hot air balloon wet/dry bag sitting on the Muslin moon crib sheet.

• big enough to put your laptop in as well so you don’t have to use it just as a diaper bag (or maybe your little too)

• did I mention there is a removable tote inside so if you’re the type that really wants to use your Longchamp’s bag with not enough compartments or need to make a quick bigger bag change, you are able to put a little “Lily Jade” in there for a quick transfer of your little’s necessities. How well thought out is that?
• And of course, you can wear as a backpack to be hands free. Yay!

I’ve had my Lily Jade bag for a bit now and it’s been perfect for all types of weather and adventures. Oh yes, in California we can get to the snow driving in 1.5 hours.

Cheers for now and yes, this bag is everyday perfect. #lilyjade

#musthave #inlove

OMG, 22.

Abigail (3.5 years old) has now been to 22 European countries in the span of 2 years since moving to London. She’ll have some stories to tell but definitely iPhone pictures to share. Isn’t it crazy how tech savvy kids are?

This trip to Cyprus was a little painful since she was sick with a cough and probably a sore throat, but she toughed it out for the most part and only made it apparent she was just a toddler 30% of the day and wanted tons of cuddles from us.

We stayed at The Royal Apollonia for this holiday and we would definitely recommend it. It’s been renovated nicely and the hotel room floors are tile which makes it feel so much cleaner (plus, they provide hotel slippers!). We had a spectacular balcony view of the pool and Mediterranean Sea.

📷: Outside our balcony 💟 Already drooling at 13 weeks but this Frecklebaby bib makes my list as absorbent, soft, bamboo, and the cutest prints on both sides. But wait, imagine nothing dropping on the floor with the unique snap on leash for a teething toy or paci.

P.S. Use CODE: GIVE for $4 off any of my sets of books. Free shipping. Visit www.ajangsley.com 

 

Breakfast is included and there is a pretty yummy range of food to choose from so get there before 10:30am. Oh and parking is free!

📷: 💟 cutest organic panda bear outfits from Turtle Dove London. Super soft material, monochrome patterns, modern, and a new shop. Love!

📷: one down, one more to go.  

The pool. We went when the pools were not heated (indoor is) so it was pretty cold water. I think the ocean was warmer! They have their own beach which is great because there is also a jetty so the waves are not so big. Perfect for swimming in the sea.

📷: the kiddie pool (this is sectioned off and the adult pool with pool bar is next to it).

What was really sweet as I think we were also one of the few families with kids on the property was when the staff came at night for turn down service (they usually just give us chocolate) and gave us a jar of honey for Abigail’s cough. So thoughtful – thank you Royal Apollonia 

Visiting the capital, Narcosia, was pretty neat. We got to see more locals, have a typical Greek lunch, and do some shopping (no, we didn’t bring home a bird!).

 

📷: We had to get another Bebeaulait muslin infinity nursing scarf as she is constantly seeing Addison in it and wants to be just like mommy.

Travel tip: bring a scarf (muslin would be ideal since it folds up so compact in your bag) as it comes in handy in so many ways for you and your little.

📷: See you later Mediterranean Sea. 💟: Thrilled to wear my Bellaha flip flops to see the world. This shop gives back to support infant and maternal health around the world. Win, win ladies – pretty and comfy sandals that give back!

Cheers for now and thanks for reading. xx

It’s One Month.

Do you start your day with a list of things you’re going to do and wonder why at the end of the day you didn’t finish it? I’m currently on that boat with having a now one month old.

Addison is a tough egg to crack. She’s a super light sleeper and it sure has been a struggle getting her to sleep and then keeping her asleep. Painful is what I would call it so here’s to hoping month two is better in our flat.

BUT, at least she has some cute accessories from some amazing shops. 

📷: Hello world! I’m all smiles for mummy. 

Product LOVES (serious Liberty love!)

Mille & Bee – this mama gives back a portion of her proceeds from Liberty hair bands to a UK miscarriage association. Amazing! 

Made by Jay – baby and children’s clothing in Liberty print along with other cute accessories. She also knits shoes too! 

📷: Millie & Bee even sent this lovely card as well. 

📷: Product LOVE: Lorena Canals

2 words for the extra clean mom – machine washable. This sold me quickly and I’m in love with this rug. My 3 year old also takes her daily naps after nursery on it and insists she sleep on London. So, yes it is soft and thick enough for a toddler to nap on! 

On a happy note from one mama to another (sorry if you’re a male reading this!), 1 month post partum and everyone keeps telling me I’m looking great and what is the secret. Here goes (drum roll please):

Product LOVE: Belly Bandit

From maternity to post, Belly Bandit has me covered. I wore the upsie belly during pregnancy and it totally helped with back support and all the walking I was doing. It also had the hot/cold pack which was wonderful to use on the back as well.

After giving birth, I started wearing the bamboo belly bandit with belly shield and have been for a month now. It has been helpful as you can hopefully see and has made me feel better – now if the stretch marks would just magically disappear!

OK, now the true secret – ladies, I know you’re looking for the perfect black leggings – here they are – Mother Tucker leggings. I’m wearing them in a small.

Heading to check out the gorgeous London Aquatics centre by the late Zaha Hadid. This is pretty neat to check out if you want to visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic park (also across from the mall). There is a fun playground with sand for kids, the world tallest tunnel slide, water fun, and a river!  Worth checking out if you’re visiting for a week with kids! 

Quick note, the diaper backpack I’m wearing is from Jujube. They have a huge collection of styles and just launched a new selection. I must agree that their bag is light and a perfect fit for this mama of two so far. LOVE – the one I have is called the Black Widow from the Be Right Back collection. 

📷: Now, please give mama some sleep too.

Cheers for now and thanks for reading (would love if you subscribe – I promise I won’t “spam” you). xx

Falling Apples Here.

Oh so sad to feel fall is here. It is like it was never here with this crazy London weather. Last year was not like this as I clearly remember calling the landlord and asking how to turn on the air conditioning since it was so hot & humid.  He proceeded to tell me it’s not common for London flats to have a/c since it is only hot a handful of days and to just open the windows (oh so true!).  Another thing not common to have are screens on the windows – not a big bug/mosquito problem here! 👍🏻

Anyhow, when I think of fall, I think of apples (although I haven’t gotten the chance to go apple picking).  Now, throw in a 3 year old toddler and I’m thinking crafts and food. I love looking at Pinterest for ideas, but I do try to restrict the time I spend on there as my hubs keeps relaying I should be sleeping when the newborn is.

I found this amazing blogger named Kimberly and love her website with both crafts and recipes. She had exactly what I was looking for: apple crafts.  I can’t wait to try some with my little on some of the rainy weekends to come.

OK, OK – it’s time to talk rain gear since we live in London.  I couldn’t be happier with what we have for our first little. We went with Hatley since it’s popular in London with its stylish prints and terry cloth lining inside and of course I found an apple print.  Did you know they’re based in Canada and ship worldwide?  Now, time to find something for mama! Any favorite brands you have?

Showing some Hatley love with her raincoat and boots. This is from their new fall collection. #soinlove

📷: Photobombed by my little. Baby wearing wrap from Beluga Baby. They use bamboo material and it’s amazing.  Super soft and stretchy just enough for babe to be comfy. Also, very breatheable and I’m not sweating in it!  Can this be my outfit everyday? #musthave

📷: Sunday funday was checking out the #greatfire350 of London. They burned this 120 foot display later in the day to celebrate its 350th anniversary.

📷: She’s ready for fall…

I am for pumpkin spice!

Don’t forget – love my watch? I partnered with JORD for a giveaway. Enter now! 

Cheers for now and thanks for stopping by. xx

Happy 100th Roald Dahl.

One of my favorite all time authors growing up. I can still remember going to the library to check out his books to read. What I didn’t know until now is that he is British novelist and that makes it all the more special to celebrate his 100th anniversary here in London. He has sold over 200 million copies worldwide. #authorgoals

Also, Roald Dahl gives back too (What an inspiration as I give back from my alphabet books as well!).

• 10% of all Roald Dahl income goes to their charity partners (e.g.specialist children’s nurses, grants for families in need, and educational outreach programmes).  If you would like to donate: Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity

My 3 favorite books of his (I didn’t realize Abigail has done the London inspired events with his books):

• Matilda
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• The BFG

Currently going on in London is the #BFGDreamJars until August 31. It’s been awesome to see and watch how amazed Abigail is with each of them.  We’ve been on a mission to see some of my favorites from the 50 dream jars. We even put in a bid to own one of them since all the proceeds go to Save the Children and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.  Crazy, I know, but how cool would it be to have one?!

So, if you’re in London and looking for something to do while getting in some iconic spots and showing your littles about the book they read/watched, this is a trail to do! 

More about #BFGDreamJars here

📷: Obviously this is my favorite one and it’s so intricately designed.

Read by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

Dress: Wren & James (I’ll tell you before you ask as I had so many compliments on this pinafore. Our little loves it and wants to wear it everyday. Nice, thick fabric with great stitching. This is in 4T so she’ll grow into it a bit more. 

📷: My little bookworm loved it and even found a hippo and the letter “A” for Abigail in this jar. You can guess where my bid went and what a dream come true it would be to get this.

Read by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

Dress: Wren & James Bow: Honey Say

 

📷: Safe by: Ryan McElhinney

Dress: Hatley (they give back too!)

 

📷: I Dream of the Universe by Stephen Hawking

Dress: Hatley

📷: Innocence by HRH The Countess of Wessex

Dress: Wren & James

📷: Happy Jumble of Life by Sophie Dahl (the real life granddaughter of Roald Dahl)

Dress: Wren & James  Bow: Honey Say

📷: We went to watch Matilda earlier this year and A loved it. It was almost a 2 hour performance!  She loved the energy and singing of the kids. Well thought out musical and would definitely recommend watching. 

📷: Right before the show began. Recommend trying to get the seats with the extra leg room. 

📷: Of course you can’t go to the musical and know there is a Matilda inspired afternoon tea to top with this smart gal. We went to aftenoon tea with our California visitors – yes you get a free copy of the book and yes there are better afternoon teas to go to like what I’m going to show/tell you next! 

📷: donut lollipops were to die for along with these brownies not pictured. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea. I would say this is a super delicious high tea to go to if you’re into sweets (savory is good too!) and a fab presentation/spread.  More info here. 

Happy 100th to an amazing novelist! 

Cheers and thanks for reading. Xx

36 Weeks Pregnant.

My hubs always says it is only 9 months and I always have to correct him and say it’s actually 40 weeks which is 10 months of sacrifices. 🙄

Pregnancy the second time around has been a little bit more relaxing as I’m not stressing about everything and I feel I know what to expect when baby girl #2 comes. One thing I’ve been really focused on is making sure I’m showering lots of love and attention to my first – Abigail. 😘  We talk about baby sister a lot and what she will share and help me with to what she cannot eat or play with yet. It’s crazy at 3 years and 3 months what she remembers from these “deep” conversations we have. Love it.

We’ve been getting happy mail post for both her and baby so I always want her to feel extra special when mail is for her and she gets to wear it first.  She loves when I tell her baby sister gets it as a “hand me down.”

She loved happy mail post from Hatley since she adores wearing dresses and twirling like a ballerina or just busting a groove with finally good London weather (well one day at least). So, we have been going around town and just spending mummy and daughter time. ♥️

I fell in love with Hatley for the bright colors and adorable prints and even more in love when I read their about us page. They support an orphanage in India called Open Door Mercy Home Trust – home to 22 boy and girls. How amazing to know they are doing this as giving back to the community is high on my agenda with my children books as well.

📷: Oh, Hatley you can even make my little dance in a smock dress.

📷: How cute is this blouse? She loves the horses and silver stripes on it. #toddlerapproved #hatley

📷: Superstar status

📷: This dress was hands down her favorite as she loves strawberries and pink. We’re on the Millennium bridge heading back home from Tate Modern.

📷: Fall collection is coming soon so be sure to keep an eye out for Hatley that also gives back – my kind of shop. ♥️♥️

Mamas & Papas – what else do you do in preparation for the soon to be expired only child status? I would love to hear! xx

LOOKBOOK BELOW
I just couldn’t resist taking more pictures with these adorable prints from Hatley. They have women’s clothing as well and some are perfect for twinning with your little!  LOVE.

Cheers for now and don’t forget to stop and enjoy life’s little things (like lavender). 😎

Liberty London Love.

I just can’t get over how these Liberty London flower prints got me and millions of other people swooning over them. They are too precious! Maybe I love it more since we live in London. 🇬🇧♥️ More on specifically Flowers of Liberty.  

Currently, there is a lot of Liberty prints at uniqlo – I wanted to add I love their line called airism. Amazing, especially the bra camisole. Perfect length and so comfy. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to go back to wearing a bra! Sorry, #tmi ☺️

Shop Small LOVE

One of the first small shops (and she just launched!) that I found on IG that made Liberty print dresses was Madebyjay. She was a pleasure to work with and omg her packaging and details are wonderful. The dress came at a perfect length and my little loves it. We actually have matching prints but mine is a tank top from Uniqlo that she said the flowers are much bigger on my growing belly 😂. You have to love that candid honesty in a kid. 

📷 : cute buttons at the top to take on and off easily. It would be pretty awesome if it was reversible as its thin and perfect for warm weather. 

📷 : if you’re really sweet, Madebyjay may even throw in a pair of bloomers. ♥️

📷 : Loves it with her cons of course. Ready to run amuck! 

Of course, if you give a girl a dress, you have to give her an accessory (just like giving a mouse a cookie 🍪). I’ll highlight just one bow shop that I love since she’s also an expat from the USA living in London like me! Her shop just opened as well and this mama couldn’t be more sweet. She also makes bow ties for your little dude too! 

Shop small LOVE: MaddieandMeLondon 

• We got several items but my little got to them before I could snap some pictures. The last 2 before she insisted she open them. The headband will be adorable on baby girl – super soft. 

📷 : twinning in their bows at princess Diana’s memorial playground. 

Cheers for now and thanks for reading! xx