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The Lifestyle Lady
  • Home
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Skin Care
  • Decor
  • Editorial
  • Family
  • Food
    • Baking
    • Meal Planning
    • Recipe
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    • Health & Fitness
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Editorial

EditorialFamily

Sweet Dreams

by thelifestylelady September 14, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

My blog is seldom very personal, in fact I was so very reluctant to post this simply because it exposes me at my most vulnerable. I am doing it for several reasons. I want to preface that this is not for sympathy, that is not what I desire from you my reader, but more a sense of sharing feelings. Perhaps it is a subject with which sadly you are familiar, or perhaps one with which you have no experience and find it difficult to understand. I share this mainly because it is a topic I think very few people open up about. I feel I can share it not because I am healed but because I am healing and I believe this will help me move forward and I hope it might help others.

Two weeks ago (it will probably be longer by the time I publish this) I suffered a miscarriage. Finding out you are pregnant when moving several hundred miles is not something unfamiliar to me, it happened before I had Little L. The Lord seems to think that we can manage. I was shocked, but they say miracles happen when you least expect it. We were happy. It took those first few weeks to accept the idea; it was never that the baby was not wanted, it was more the added emotion on top of everything else we were going through. I felt different, my body was beginning to change and my mind was beginning to think about loving another child the way I do my daughter. You get carried away, of course you do. It is the private euphoria you feel as a couple: boy or girl? What about names? You make your first scan appointment, you start thinking of how you will manage the birth. You know there are risks, especially with my history, and you try to keep the excitement contained just in case the worst happens.

I had no cramping or pain, just bleeding. Sorry if that is TMI for some of you. As I drove myself to the hospital alone, knowing what was happening, I have never felt so alone. Mainly because I was alone – my husband was still working in our old city. I am so thankful for my friend K. She held my hand, she kept my spirits high and most importantly she cried with me, she listened as I selfishly thought “why me?” I will forever be in her debt, I will forever remember her total unconditional friendship. She is one of the few who has seen me at my most vulnerable. I also want to thank the other K – and she knows who she is – who stepped in and helped me with Little L while I was at the hospital. Thank you.

Since the physical event I have been healing. I have been through so many emotions, mainly guilt. Guilt, it is such a nasty emotion, could I have done something different? Did I push myself too hard? Did I move too many packing boxes? Did I get stressed over crazy pointless stuff? I feel guilt towards my darling husband, that my carelessness has deprived him of being a papa again. A kind and caring man who has hugged me and cared for me, told me to slow down and to think when my inclination is to carry on as before. A man who must be grieving himself. It is so hard for men, society suggests they are not really supposed to show emotions although I know he has felt them. I have moved through guilt to anger, I was briefly angry with the ridiculous notion of “why me?” Like I am a fifteen years old. Why the hell not me?? I got angry with life, I know that to most of the world I live a charmed life and you would be right, but when you relocate as regularly as we do, the solitude and the effort to start again and meet new people can be tough. I had moved to a place where I knew so few, my husband was working away, my little one was unhappy because I had torn her away from all her friends, plus my mother has lost her mother and I wanted to be there for her. How much can one person take before she cracks? I have moved past this anger, after all I have never held a pity party and I am not about to start.

Instead I have been healing by being positive and focusing on the good things, of which I am blessed with so many. I am very fortunate to be a mother to the most wonderful child, I have that bond and I am eternally grateful. I am so lucky to love and have that love returned by my husband, a good man, the best of men, whose life purpose is to make the world a better place for Little L and I. Sometimes I think isn’t that enough? Am I, was I greedy to want more? I am now in a passage where I am being more reflective and philosophical. Mr L the scientist tells me that perhaps it was natures way, things were not right. Of course whether science or religion is your recourse there is some truth in what he says. Does it help ease my guilt? Perhaps yes. I often think the Lord has a different plan for me. Maybe I am only meant to have one child? People say this is a process of grief. After all we cannot all have large families. The planet is struggling with the current population.

So for the sweet angel I carried for those weeks, know this: you were and are loved. You will forever be etched in my heart and soul. I will always be your mother. Although I never met you, I think of you often and imagine what could have been.

 

As life moves on which it naturally does, I feel more positive. If you know me at all you will know how unbearable this is for me to write, but I think sharing it will help. If you have stuck with me to the end of this emotional post, I ask this of you: please think before you might casually ask “are you having a second?” Or “isn’t it time you had another?” You sometimes have no idea how these words hurt. I am definitely philosophical about the future whether that is with another child or whether we decide to stay as the Three Musketeers. I do know that this experience has made me grateful for the love I have in my life and it has made me a better mother. I am trying to be more patient and tolerant and it has made me appreciate all the little things with Little L all the more. I still have bad days but they are fewer and fewer.

I promise no more sentimental things on the blog for a long while! If you have suffered a miscarriage, or know someone who has, I am so sorry but please know you are not alone.

Sweet Dreams Angel.

TLL x

 

 

September 14, 2016 9 comments
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Editorial

I’m Joining Bloglovin

by thelifestylelady September 7, 2016

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Howdy Y’all,

Come follow the link above and follow me!

TLL X

September 7, 2016 0 comment
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Editorial

Birthday Time What I Have Learnt This Year!

by thelifestylelady September 2, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

So today I reach the milestone of another year older and wiser.  Last year on my blog I wrote this blog post. It was entitled A letter of life lessons and learning for Little L, Little L is my daughter (Little Lifestyle.) This year I wanted to do something a little different and write about some of the things I have learnt in the past year. I feel this year has been a year of personal growth and development for me and before I sound like I have read the shelf of self-help books I will crack on:-

  1. Life is not fair – obvious huh? Not sure who ever thought it should/would be? Bad things happen to good people and sometimes bad things can keep coming. If we didn’t have bad times how would we know to appreciate and celebrate the good times?
  2. It is ok to be down and to ask for help! This is something I struggle with, I try to be everything to all and often to the detriment of myself. Things have happened to me this year which have made it difficult for me to pick myself up and carry on. I have learnt its ok to take time to get back on track. If you need help or if people offer TAKE IT! You win no prizes for being a martyr.
  3. Laughter is the best medicine, having a good laugh, a belly laugh, you know the kind where your crying and your belly hurts is a fantastic feeling. Very little beats it. I am on the search for more of it.
  4. You are what you are, of course it is great to strive to be “the best you”(vomit) whatever that means?! Whether you have to loose a few pounds, learn to be more patient or whatever, don’t waste so much time striving for perfection that you miss being you. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Learning to be comfortable in your own skin is an ongoing saga.
  5. Not everyone will like you and that is ok. This is something I have been trying to explain to Little L as she starts school. It is like finding a life partner you don’t always have chemistry or things in common, that is ok, but always treat people with respect.
  6. You can’t change what others think of you, so don’t waste precious time worrying about it. This is a very tough one, people form a view of you rightly or wrongly. A little like point one, it might not be fair or accurate but your unlikely to be able to change it, so why worry. Some people find this easier than others. Although I find as I age I care less, I can’t see a day where I don’t care but I’m working on it.
  7. Don’t let your fear of others opinions stop you from living and following your dreams. Honestly I worry what people think of my blog and then I think if I get pleasure from sharing it with others, and others enjoy it, why am I wasting time worrying about negative ninnies?
  8. Exercise does make you feel better, yes I did type this, let me tell you I am not a work out junkie, I have no aspirations to look like a Victoria Secrets model (secretly wish I could.) I do find I feel better if I work out this body a little bit. It is good for mind, body and soul.
  9. Friendships, are so important and so different. I am thinking about writing a separate post on this. You have your friends you see and speak to regularly, then you have other great friends who you might not speak to or see for years and you pick up where you left off. Life is busy and time moves fast, we never have the time we need to tell those we love or care about we love and miss them.
  10. Stop and enjoy, I remember a wise person told me on my wedding to stop throughout the day, turn around and take it all in. It was fantastic advice and something that should apply to life. I am trying now to stop and soak up where I am at this stage in my life. I’m embracing the chaos.
  11. Nobody has it right or all worked out. There are those amongst us who might think they have, but I got news for you! There is no “one size” method, especially in parenting and raising kids. They are all different. So to those people amongst us who like to speak loudly in stores and restaurants and pass judgments on the parenting skills of others, I say this, JOG ON. Also I really hate these passive aggressive nimbies who are frankly cowards because they don’t express their view directly to you, they rather stand amongst friends being vocal (because that’s brave!!)
  12. To be loved and have love returned is lucky. This is the ultimate goal, love comes in all forms, whether it is romantic or platonic. Nobody ever dies thinking I wish I had worked more, surely the greatest success is to have touched people and be remembered.

That’s it folks, it has been a really interesting year in terms of personal development. I don’t have all the answers. (Shock horror!) This year is going to be about taking the pressure off myself, enjoy being me and trying to love the world a little better. I want to give back a little more and I need to find a way of doing that, which fits in with my new schedule. I want to enjoy my little family and I want to thank you for reading this. If you want to do something for me on my birthday, take the implement you are reading this on, whether it is a phone, tablet, computer and send a text or email to a friend or loved one you haven’t reached out to in a while and say hi! I am never good enough at it!

Right I am off to enjoy the day.

Ta ta for now

TLL xx

September 2, 2016 8 comments
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Editorial

Howdy Y’all!

by thelifestylelady September 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

Howdy Y’all,

Long time no speak, sorry I have been out of action, but life has been action packed offline this summer. I did think this would be the case,  I don’t want you to think that the blog and you the reader are not important to me, YOU ARE. Actually some of the sadder events this summer have made me realize how important the blog is to me. It is a  creative outlet for me to share myself in another capacity other than wife and mother. It is safe to say that July was my mense horrendam. Just one sad or tough thing after another.  I am not one to let things get me down but sometimes you just get beat.

August was brighter and I was particularly enjoying spending the last quiet weeks with Little L before she started pre-school. So I find myself for the first time in three years with a little more time on my hands and plenty of dreams. One thing I know is that a mum can be very efficient with  limited time without their child, you would be amazed what we can achieve, but I have to be realistic that the dreams probably outweigh the few hours of freedom I find myself with. I do hope to channel some of this freedom in the blogs direction.

If you are familiar with The Lifestyle Lady you will notice some minor changes. The first is a new email subscription request, this will enable you to be notified when new blog posts arrive or I update the blog and also you will receive my newsletter which will contain exclusive content not seen on the blog, (WOW.) I have also been playing with the layout, I’m not totally happy yet so this maybe subject to change once again (but that is a women’s perogative right?!) Finally I list all the ways you can contact and follow me on social media.

Blogging: http://thelifestylelady.com/
Tweeting: @TheLifestyleLdy
Instagram: thelifestylelady
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLifestyleLady
Snapchat: LifestyleLady

 

So buckle up and enjoy the read, got some ideas or something you would like to see, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

September 1, 2016 192 comments
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Editorial

My First Feature – Momspiration Monday

by thelifestylelady April 4, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Monday, I trust your Easter was good. Little L loved it, she really got into hunting for eggs and constantly asks for a repeat. Sorry it has been a little quiet on TLL front I have visitors in town and am out and about playing tour guide. Some super things have been bubbling behind the scene of the blog and one of these is my first feature on another blog. You can read the feature/interview here. (Follow Link.)

http://dogslobberandbabygiggles.com/2016/04/04/momspirational-mom-series-kate-from-the-lifestyle-lady/

Elena’s blog dogslobberandbabygiggles is on one of my favorites, she like her blog is fabulous. I am lucky to have a great blogging pal to navigate these often challenging steps and it helps that our kids are besties. I please encourage you to take the time to follow her and visit her blog. I love her recipes they are yummy and family friendly. It is such a privilege to be included in Elena’s Momspiration Monday series, thank you Elena and dogslobberandbabygiggles.

I hope to have some great new posts in the near future.

Ta ta for now,

TLL x

April 4, 2016 0 comment
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BeautyEditorialFood

Monday Links and Loves

by thelifestylelady March 7, 2016

imageHowdy Y’all,

Hope you are all doing well and that your weekend was super. TBH last week was not great in the L household, nothing went as it was meant and on Wednesday I declared to a friend that I was hibernating till today. Unfortunately that is not possible with a toddler, but I dug deep and continued. Little L has been teething with her molars which is horrid for her, painful and very tiring. I do feel that I can face anything if I can get a good nights kip. Today is a new week.

Last week I did finally push my posterior into implementing one of my NYR. This was using outstanding gift cards and being more efficient with coupons. Please don’t tell me that I’m alone when I stand in line to buy something which I have a coupon for, only to learn that I changed purses and did not transfer the coupon. With a screaming toddler and standing in line for an eternity you make the decision you need the item regardless of the coupon and you could not be bothered to do this again. This is why I need a better system.

If you have followed the blog for a while you will know I adore candles. I love the higher end candles like Diptyque, Tom Dixon or Jo Malone, but I do often find myself not burning them regularly and “keeping the for best.” I have to date been impressed with the candles at Bed,Bath and Bodyworks. Everyday we have one burning as a way to mask the smells of daily life. I will preface I do not like every fragrance but I do love Fresh Cut Lilacs, White Gardenia and Endless Weekend at the moment. I had a 10$ off $30 and I had wanted to use it. I had been waiting for the 3 wick candles which are usually $22.50 to drop in price and then I would pounce. When the email arrived on Friday that said candles were $12.50 I did a sneaky order. Ssh do not tell Mr L, I did get $10 off and wait for a sale, so it is a bargain – right?

Keeping with the gift card theme I had one for Sephora . I treated myself to a Sunday Riley Power Couple Transformation Kit which included her Good Genes and Luna Oil. I have heard so much buzz surrounding this brand and these products in particular. I have just started using so I will report back in a separate post. I also purchased the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara, again I have heard great things so will report back.

Tis the season for the spring/summer catalogues to arrive in the mail! The weather has been so beautiful here I feel spring like already. When Mini Boden dropped on the doorstep I jumped on one or two of the items for Little L. Although it is a slightly higher price point, the quality is fantastic, plus I think they are current, age appropriate and use color beautifully. I hate to see little people in drab colors. If you are not familiar with this British brand, take a look online, they are also sold at Nordstrom.

Food wise it was a harder week. I was not in my cooking mojo.  I always like to return to a classic family pleaser when I am like this. A recipe I know and know works. For those of you not familiar with the UK cook Mary Berry you should. She is a national treasure and her family recipes and cook books work. This week I made this lasagna which Mr L and Little L love and devour. Plus Little L eats spinach and mushroom in this, no problems. I urge you to give it a try. Thanks to Mary for producing some of my fav recipes.

Mr L hit a home run this week when he purchased a Google cardboard D-scope Pro, what is that I hear you say? It is a virtual reality headset which allows you to turn your Iphone into a 3D viewer. Which for our dinosaur loving toddler has been such a hit especially for those potty training tantrums. It is a great price point and great fun. I just do not know where he gets these ideas?!

This weekend I found a new place to get a mani and pedi, which was so overdue, my last one was pre christmas (how embarrassing.) I could have gone earlier but I have been trying out a foot peel (more on that in another post.) I will say the place was fantastic and it was showing Fixer Upper on the TV screens, win win. This is now my fav place to escape.

This week the weather is to turn bad and rain the whole time, it is also Spring Break which means all kiddies are off school so everywhere will be packed. I will be trying to entertain Little L with crafts and baking otherwise the two of us caged inside will be fatal.

Have a happy week.

Ta ta for now.

TLL x

 

March 7, 2016 0 comment
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Editorial

Monday Links & Loves

by thelifestylelady February 29, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Monday, how was your weekend? Good I hope! Full of love, fun and memory making. I had a particularly adult weekend as I went out both Friday and Saturday night. I am quite sure it will take me all week to recover. I do love going out and spending quality time with Mr L and friends. It is only that Little L is unaware of our escapades the next morning when she comes bounding in at 6am.  The words mama and papa had a late night don’t apply to her. I recommend the toddler alarm clock it is very persistent and will get even the most stubborn highnies out of bed. Plus could someone please explain to me the psychic abilities children have? How do they know the particular night they choose to wake several times is when mama has chosen to have that extra cocktail and nightcap!

So this week I caved to peer pressure for the first time in my life. A few of my friends have been using and discussing stitch fix, I have always been reluctant to try this service, mainly because I am tall and I love clothes. I have my style but I have noticed more and more with an energetic toddler and more demands on my time, I have less and less time to follow trends and to find particular cute items to add to my closet. So in the name of “blogging research” (that is what I will tell Mr L) I have requested my first fix. I will report back. I notice that they are branching into maternity and petite so why not check them out.

On the clothing front Little L is becoming more and more the diva about what she wants to wear. Although she has an extensive closet for a two year old, if it is not a tutu or a Princess costume from Frozen you have no chance. Luckily tis the season for the tutu and good old Target has not disappointed. If you want a great gift idea for a two year old gal, tutu all the way.

While on the subject of Target I picked up these really cute colorful pens to write in my planner and calendar, because they have to be pretty am I right? These Bic Velocity are really comfortable to write with, don’t bleed and look so cute,I am sure they will be available in all stationers so check them out.

I am not sure whether I have shared with you before but I am not a tea drinker, which is near on treason for a Brit. Tea is in our DNA. I only started to drink coffee a few years ago. I had been reading for a while about this brand in the UK called Tea Pigs and when home at Christmas I thought I would pick up a box and give it a try, and I’m in love with the Camomile. I need to extend the repetoire, you can buy in the US through Amazon and other suppliers, so if you love herbal teas, give them a try you won’t be disappointed. It is an evening ritual for me now, it’s only missing a chocolate hobnob and my life would be complete.

It is the Academy Awards this evening, honestly I don’t get to follow film like I used to, I am not sure I have seen any of the main movie contenders (how life has changed!) I do love to watch them, mainly the arrivals, and the fabulous dresses, hair and makeup. I love the glamor of it all, I hope Leo does it this year, he has always “been the bridesmaid never the bride.” This could be his year 😉.

I made this meal last week, it was a complete hit, even with Little L. It’s a great week night meal, it requires one pot which means less mess and it is easy enough to prep and cook in sufficient time to all sit round the table together. We try and do this as much as possible, I think it’s so important. I love budget bytes as a site to use for dinner inspiration, go take a look.

Speaking of supper I must finish before Mr L and Little L start moaning about where supper is. Have a great week.

Ta ta for now,

TLL X

 

February 29, 2016 0 comment
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BeautyEditorialFamilyGift GuideStyleTravel

Spring Break Essentials

by thelifestylelady February 26, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Friday!  You made it through another week.Yay.  So Spring Break is approaching and that for many (usually me) means sun, sand, swimming and Sangria. Unfortunately my family are on the move soon so any exciting tropical experience has been postponed. So to rub extra salt in my wounds I wanted to share with you all some ideas and essentials for that wonderful sunny beach experience. I may have to grab a few of these items so I can enjoy the Texan summer when it arrives.  Anyone going anywhere gorgeous? Do you have some great recommendations of places to go?

Happy Weekend

Ta ta for now

TLL x

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  1. J Crew Panama Hat – Fashionable, elegant and practical. The hat is not too large that you find you are constantly removing it. Looks cute and you are protecting your face from the sun. Keep you looking youthful.

2. Brown Leather Sandals These are beautiful and practical. The color goes with everything.

3. Pretty Beaded Clutch  Love this! If you can not have something pretty and colorful when its very sunny and the sand is between you toes, when can you? In the evenings what do you need more than your room key and lippie? It screams holiday to me!

4.Turkish Towel Less bulky than a regular towel and so pretty. Such a variety of colors and take up less space in your case and beach tote. Win win.

5. Honest Sunscreen The most important item and I like to choose sunscreen which contains as few chemicals as possible. I trusted this brand with Little L’s skin last year and I will do the same with the family once again.

6. Beautiful Evening Sun Dress So many colors and styles to choose from, but every lady needs a killer evening dress for those evenings in tavernas watching the sun go down and for romantic strolls along the beach. This one is so pretty.

7. Cover- Up Kimono  All ladies need a great cover- up for walking to the beach/pool, eating lunch and covering up when the rays get too much. This is pretty and such a good price point. White and blue is so pretty and fresh looking, great for spring break.

8. A great book A holiday essential and this is one of my favs. While researching this for this post, I was elated to see that it was becoming a movie with none other than Micheal Fassbender playing the lead. Wow. Read the book it is a beautiful story.

9. Swim Suit A great one-piece is essential and I love blue, not a black gal (although I should be for slimming necessity!) This is classic but still has a sexy/youthful edge. Would look perfect in paradise.

10. A great tote  A fantastic bag is essential, whether it is to carry lots of items to the beach or for the flight, these totes are amongst the best. They are made from sailcloth which makes them strong and sturdy. They are functional and in such lovely designs.

11. Statement Earrings Earrings of the season and so pretty with summer hair styles. So many colors and styles to choose. A summer must.

12. Lifefactory Water Bottle So important to stay hydrated and stylish and this achieves both.

13. Sunglasses  Sun protection is so important and eyes are no exception. These glasses will have you looking cool and protecting your eyes.

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  1. Shirt I am a sucker for a man in a check shirt and all men in shorts with a tan look good in them, regardless of age or stature. So many colors and designs but a good check linen shirt is a holiday must for the traveling gent.
  2. Backpack If your man is anything like Mr L he has to carry a briefcase style bag everyday and is looking for a less formal option when on vacation. This fits the bill, great color and size. It is also functional as it leaves your arms free, to help wrestle children and luggage.
  3. Towel Functional, large and manly.
  4. Shorts Can not go wrong with mens navy shorts.
  5. Sunglasses Like the ladies these are functional and beautiful.
  6. Polo Shirt A classic, variety of colors and styles.
  7. Beach Games When you are fed up with reading and want to play a little to work up a thirst. These beach games are great fun.
  8. Book I am not an expert in choosing literature for men but I find anything by John Le Carre is a hit with Mr L.
  9. Swim Shorts These are fun.
  10. Docksider Shoes Classic and comfortable and look great with shorts, a male staple.

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  1. Playsuit I love this, so pretty, great for summer and the beach.
  2. Swim Suit I love the vintage look of this, would look great with a tan.
  3. Beach Towel The hood on this is great, such bright colors and you can personalize.
  4. Kaftan This tunic is super cute and works brilliantly to cover up your little one when they have had too much sun.
  5. Backpack I am a strong believer in “what you bring you carry.” So I like to encourage Little L to carry her things and these backpacks are fantastic. Lots of sizes and designs available.
  6. Beach Toys I bought these for Little L last year for spring break and she has loved them, reasonable price, lightweight and can be carried in your suitcase.
  7. Hat Protecting your little one from the sun is essential and a great hat is so important. I have found these work well and they come in a variety of sizes and patterns.
  8. Dress These are so beautiful and look wonderful on little ladies.
  9. Sandals  Little L had these last summer and I will buy her more this year. The quality is fantastic and so useful for the beach.

 

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  1. Swim Shorts Love the color and style of these.
  2. Backpack Such an appropriate pattern for the beach. Let them carry all their junk in style.
  3. Polo Another classic which will never date and looks great on the beach.
  4. Shirt Smart and fun, told you I like check.
  5. Towel Such a fun pattern
  6. Beach Toys Just showing my Brit side with a cricket set. I had one growing up and it was so well traveled.
  7. Shorts Love these are the color. So fun.
  8. Sandals  Love these sandals in navy or brown for boys. Super functional and classic.
  9. Hat It is so important to keep their faces protected from the sun and this is so cute.
February 26, 2016 12 comments
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BeautyEditorialFamilyLifestyleSkin Care

Monday Links & Loves

by thelifestylelady February 22, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

I hope you had a good weekend? I was feeling a little under the weather but am now working towards fighting fit. The weather here was a little bleaker than the week, which makes me feel a little sympathetic for Mr L as the weekday weather has been superb.Lots of fresh air and park time.  I think most people who live in Texas will tell you they soak up as much of this time of year as possible before the heat of the summer arrives. I had to do a double take this morning when I saw the rapid speed at which we are approaching March and the early Easter. In the UK it is customery to give and receive chocolate eggs for Easter, a tradition which is less popular here, baskets are more of the done thing. I have to say I got Little L’s here and the selections are beautiful.

One of my NYR for 2016 was trying to read more, I am a Lit major so reading is in my DNA, although it is something I seem to do less and less of. I want to make a conscious effort to read in those five minutes before my head hits the pillow and sleep engulfs me. If you are a mother of an overactive two year old you will get my meaning. So this week I managed to read What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty  it was a page turner and easy read which is precisely what I was needing. I hear it is being made a motion picture soon. It was not as good as My Husband’s Secret, but worth a flit. On the reading front at the hairdressers this week I picked up Oprah’s magazine and actually was highly impressed. I was not expecting to be the intended audience (not sure why? Maybe because I had never seen her show!)  I found myself interested in many of the articles and recipes. So if your standing in the grocery line sometime pick it up and shoot a glance.

I can not believe that last week was Love Day (our name for Valentine’s which we stole from Daniel Tiger- toddler.) Mr L was very sweet and purchased me some lovely items. One gift in particular is beautiful and useful which is a win win in the Lifestyle Lady handbook. Tory Burch collaborated with Fitbit and produced some jewelry covers for Fitbit. I do not dislike the Fitbit standard bracelets when you are wearing workout gear but honestly I was not keen on it when I was in more smart/casual attire and this allows me to do both. I have had several compliments on it this week and wanted to share! Mine is the brown leather and gold, it is super pretty and there is no excuse not to monitor my steps now so thank you Mr L.

I mentioned earlier that the weather has been warmer here and therefore the big decision has been warm/iced coffee (champagne problems I know!) My dilemma is that I like my coffee black, espresso or americano and what appears to be happening is that coffee houses are placing warm black coffee over ice and calling it iced. If you have ever tried this don’t it is disgusting. So anyone have a good iced coffee recipe or shall I forever drink my coffee hot?

If you have read this blog for a little while (if that is you THANK YOU.) You will of course know it was Mr L’s birthday last week, one of the most interesting gifts he received was 23andME, what is that I hear you say? It is a genetic testing kit which will tell you all about your ancestry and health traits. Mr L is a science boff and this was right up his alley. He completed all the required documentation and sent back and we are currently avidly waiting the results to learn all about his ancestry. So interesting and fun. I want to try.

Mr L and I are restless at the moment trying to discover new TV shows to get our teeth into, any recommendations? We are watching Billions and although the cast is stupendous I am struggling a little. We also rented the movie Truth last night. Cate Blanchett is amazing isn’t she. Certainly worth a watch.

I have gone on to long. Happy Monday everyone.

Ta ta for now,

TLL x

February 22, 2016 4 comments
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Editorial

The Friday Feeling- Links I love

by thelifestylelady January 29, 2016

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Howdy Y’all,

It is Friday! Congratulations you have made it through another week. Looking forward to a weekend of great weather in Texas, so I have that Friday feeling and I thought I would share some of the things I have liked and loved this week.

So I mentioned the weather is to be good this weekend as a result we have been invited to our first BBQ of the year, a BBQ in January who would have thought? We will actually be able to sit outside rather than the summer where the heat is a nightmare. I am making an appetizer, wanting to stretch my repertoire I am going to make this, hope it is yummy I will report back.

It’s baby fever amongst my friends at the moment, and I love the American tradition of Baby Showers and Sprinkles. I really enjoy celebrating the mum and the impending arrival. I have a sprinkle to attend this weekend, although I had already purchased a gift I was in Gap this week and saw these. For those of you who are not familiar with the Mr Men books or The Little Miss books you have missed out. I loved these during my childhood and they are a great gift for children. They are smaller books with a great moral message to them all. The collections can be bought through Amazon here and here. A great addition to any child’s library.

If you have a littlie in your life who is fond of Disney like Little L, The Disney Store is having a fab sale on plush soft toys, buy one full price ($19.95) get the second for $1. Elsa and Cilla (Cinderella) were added to our family.

I think I have mentioned earlier my love of candles and Bed Bath & Bodyworks are having another sale. I went in to see what I could find and discovered the Lilacs candle, I love the smell so much, it is delicate and reminds me of Spring which is not far away. I also managed to get a Gardenia room fragrance, I love The smell of Gardenia’s I just wish they did this in a body cream.

I was disappointed when I was in London that one of my Christmas gifts (a Liz Earle facial) was cancelled due to the therapist being sick, so Mummy L gained the benefit, which is good. Liz Earle so kindly sent me a pack of goodies to say sorry. It was a lovely surprise and I will blog when I have tried all I was given. It was so kind of them. So thank you. I have been a fan of the brand for years. Give them a try.

Have a super weekend.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

 

January 29, 2016 0 comment
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ABOUT ME

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Hi I'm Kate, Thanks for stopping by my small corner of the web, here at TLL I indulge my love of all things lifestyle, from cooking to travel and fashion to interiors, all served with a healthy dose of British sarcasm. So pour yourself a glass of something delicious, put your feet up and take a nose about. Enjoy Kx

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