Category:

Family

Covid 19 & School

by thelifestylelady July 16, 2020

Howdy Y’all,

How’s your summer going? Next question! I am right there with you. 2020 has been the most turbulent, challenging and transformative year and we are only over half way through. The first and most important thing to say is that I hope you are all doing OK. Nobody with any sense of purpose can be thriving in the current climate. Whilst I appreciate that daily life wherever you are geographically located varies, I think we have seen life as we know it altered. I for one am forever changed by the pandemic and the events of 2020 as I imagine many of you are too. I want to thank all the people who have provided front line and essential services – you are the heroes in my eyes, you are the example I want to hold up to Little L. Whether you are the cashier at HEB, an Amazon driver, a nurse, a doctor etc. I want to say thank you and, since where I am located there does not appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel, I continue to thank and pray for you.

Another set of heroes about to step into the front line is our teachers. When I think of my formative years and people who helped guide/shape me, there are several teachers who certainly assisted. I often wonder why, as a global society, we don’t respect teachers more? If salaries were based on shaping future potential we would see a few extra zeros on those salary bands! Regardless, here in Texas I and many other parents/ caregivers are facing the same dilemma: should we send our babies (and I use that term because that is what they will always be to us,) back to school? This conundrum may not apply to you and I pray it never does; perhaps in your location the new “normal” has resumed and school looks a little different but an exciting place to get back to. Here in Texas, we are facing an average of 10k new cases a day and the infection curve is moving in the wrong direction. We listen to scientists, doctors and experts who suggest that reopening schools is madness, and our school district Superintendent who claims that his teachers and staff are “scared” of returning. Yet our politicians wish for schools to open. That leaves the problem of what the hell is the right thing to do?

Let me preface that I am a generally a pretty level-headed person, not much diverts me off course, but this dilemma has me up at night – what is the right thing to do? Little L attends a fabulous school which genuinely loves and cares for the kids; a school which has spent many months and dollars preparing the campus to be in line with CDC guidelines for reopening. A school which has held webinars, sent questionnaires and wants to keep the kids safe. There is nothing more that the school could do to keep our little ones safe. For a school environment during Covid 19, this will be a safe as it can be. And that’s the issue, right, CAN BE. The school is offering two options, in class tuition or at online home, for which I am eternally grateful but this causes the dilemma. If Covid 19 homeschool has taught me anything, it has confirmed my views on the immeasurable value of school and education. Teachers are amazing and their skills and patience blow my mind. My daughter needs to be in school. She has not been in school since the beginning of March and as an only child the social side is as important as the academic. I feel as if I am being asked to decide between her physical and mental health. What kind of decision is that for a mother to make? I see in Little L the need to get back to all that is familiar (as far as possible). I see her need for routine, structure and face to face instruction with anyone that is not Mama. I see what her friends can give her, albeit six feet apart, that I can not. She needs this, she needs to get out and grow independent of me, she needs to work on her confidence and to shape that away from her family. She is a good girl, she wears a mask and has done since day one of lockdown. She is a rule follower so I know she will do her very best. As I lie awake at night I contemplate so many different scenarios, I think of the people not fortunate enough to have an option to consider, those that must work, I think of people who are high risk, be that a child or loved one within the home. I think of the front line workers who have put themselves in danger’s way to keep things functioning, I am thinking of the medical staff who are living this and who are begging us not to take stupid risks. I think of the teachers who do not have the luxury of a choice. I hear the other side: the risks, the statistical rates, and I get it. If Covid 19 has demonstrated anything, it’s that it is entirely unpredictable. We are seeing families who are all facing different symptoms, unpredictable outcomes, and so much is still unknown about long term impacts. I also worry that if I keep her home at first and she joins the class one semester in, will all her friends be paired off? Will they be back at school having fun while she is stuck at home, looking at the two horns growing out of my head wishing she was with her fellow six year olds? I want to teach my daughter to be confident and thoughtful, I want to demonstrate to her that when faced with a difficult choice you have to consider all options and not to be scared. I want her to volunteer to be the first to take the vaccine and to be strong for her friends. We have to get on with the new “normal” and we have been doing that (while following the guidelines.) If wearing a mask and social distancing is safe enough to go the grocery store or park why not school?

So there is my dilemma and why I am feeling a little concerned. I am hoping the decision may be taken out of my hands and if numbers do not start to decline that may well be the case. Either way there is no right or wrong, I am quite sure people have a view and whatever Mr L and I decide for our daughter, some of you will agree or disagree. I would add that everyone’s circumstances are different and we should be mindful of that; I am writing this because if you are finding yourself with a similar decision to make I would be interested in your input or if your child is back at school how that is going? I also hoped that writing this down might provide me with clarity of thought as I am still not sure what to do. This is a decision I never believed I would have to make.

Friends, you are not alone.

Kate x

July 16, 2020 2 comments

Family Uncategorized

Marriage- Eight Years. What I have learnt.

by thelifestylelady June 26, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Tuesday, today is special in chez Lifestyle because Mr L and I celebrate EIGHT years of marriage. I can not believe we are at eight years which I think is a good thing since it doesn’t seem that long ago that I walked down the aisle to become a Mrs. We have packed a lot in to our eight years, an international move, six homes, a child and a dog. So never a dull moment. It is not my intention to speak of mine and Mr L’s marriage specifically or to speak in depth about him, we like to keep some privacy. I will say this. When I walked down the aisle eight years ago I knew I was marrying a good and kind man, a man of principle (sometimes bloody mindedness with an insistent need to be right.)A man confident and self-assured enough to support those around him, a man who raises women up and sees them as more than equal. A person who loves unconditionally and understands remarkably. Mr L has not disappointed. The type of personality I am, I had to be married to a man who I respected and who could be my partner in all things. A man who can accept my feisty side and encourage and support me. I am the lucky one I have found that. I have a partner in all its entirety, it is not perfect but its ours.

Today I want to share some of the observations and lessons I have found in eight years of marriage, these do not simply relate to marriage but to all partnerships,

Marriage in unpredictable. Yes like life you can have an idea of what marital bliss will be like and then you are thrown a grenade and it becomes something else. I never saw us spending our lives living on another continent to our loved ones. Raising my child away from family, but it forces you to pull together and lean on each other. It tests the foundations of marriage.
Your not the same person, your life experiences prior to your relationship are different . Your childhood and traditions are unalike. Navigating and respecting each others ways is part of the journey. Examples of this are should your stocking or Santa sack be at the end of your bed or by the fireplace? Does Santa wrap your gifts or not? Is Easter a time for lamb or ham?
You get the marriage you think you deserve. A wise women once made that statement to me at school, at the time I thought very little of it, but whether speaking of marriage, life or friendships there is a real pearl of truth to it. If you have self respect enough to love yourself and show love to others then you deserve the same in return. Many partners will invest and reciprocate the same levels of love you show them. It is also important to remember you are the example of a healthy loving relationship to those around you, especially children and they learn how to love and give love from your example.
Pick your battles, as you bed down in marital bliss you learn that you don’t have to win every battle to win the war. Either that or I am becoming so long in the tooth I care less. Now Mr L may disagree on this but I have tried in recent years to let things slide. I have made a conscious effort not to become a nag and ride his butt about everything he doesn’t do, (because I am sure there are things I don’t do, very few things but sometimes even perfect people slip up!) I am also trying to calm myself and consider is this issue really worth a disagreement and nine times out of ten it is not unless it is PMT driven.
Marriage requires work, that doesn’t mean big extravagant gifts or hearts and roses (although all great ideas so Mr L if by chance your reading this don’t be put off.) You have to be that person the other requires sometimes and find common ground. It is so easy especially when you have small children to get immersed in routine and little person needs, you forget that you have needs of each other. My grandpa used to say that children flee the nest and you are left with each other so don’t forget that.
Marriage has seasons, there are times when you require more from your partner or the balance changes. Life is fast pace and we all have times where things are not quite as we would want, marriage requires you to support and love your partner unconditionally. The roles could revers one day. Seasons in life and marriage are meant and you have to learn from each one.
Don’t compare you marriage to other. Firstly nobody’s marriage is perfect and they are all different because we are. In the eight years I have been married I have sadly seen lots of marriages dissolve for many reasons but often I see that people compare their marriage to unrealistic expectations or society ideals. What matters is the two of you and how happy you are with each other. What others are doing or speaking about is up to them. I maintain if you were lucky enough like Mr L and I to have grown up with strong examples of marriage, it helps because you have seen the journey of marriage and the ups and downs required for true partnership.
Love Languages. Something I discovered this year and I am using. You answer a series of questions and they inform you about your preferred love language. Mr L and I completed this thinking not a lot of it, we were polar opposites (no surprise.) My main love language is “acts of service” for Mr L it is “physical touch.” So in a nutshell I feel loved and appreciated by “acts of service” so for example if Mr L put the trash out, or I came home and the kitchen had been cleaned (your getting the idea) I would be in heaven. For Mr L he feels most loved if I give him a hug or hold his hand on the sofa ( not natural for me.) These are such simple things and I have noticed subconsciously we have been trying to appeal to each others language and although far from perfect I am quite amazed by the result. I was a skeptic but honestly humble pie I may need to eat. Would you like a post on the love languages? I encourage everyone in a relationship to take the quiz. Not only have I been grateful by the effort Mr L has made but it gives me areas at which I need to focus.

Do you have any pearly words of wisdom or do you prescribe to that mantra the art of a good marriage is two people who don’t want to get divorced at the same time!!!

Happy Anniversary Mr L here is to another year! Love you.

June 26, 2018 6 comments

Family

Happy Mother’s Day

by thelifestylelady May 13, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Mother’s Day. I know that this date varies dependent on country because hell knows it would be too sensible to make it all on the same day. Before I get comments reminding me of my British roots and it would be treason to abandon them, I beg upon your mercy to remember that my daughter is American born and to date raised, so to ensure she feels well adjusted we celebrate the US date of mother’s day, although I am always happy to celebrate more than one.

Today is my fifth mother’s day and as I reflect on that fact I thought I would share some of my thoughts and feelings on motherhood. These are purely off the cuff and a stream of consciousness.

The days are long but the years are short, never a truer statement said. Some days I feel like I am pulling a jumbo jet up K2 in a pair of high heels, but then I sit down and think how is this my fifth mothers day!
You will develop an addictive personality usually to coffee or wine and if you are truly successful both.
If you have a plan, trash it. You can be the most organized person on the planet but children are unpredictable beasts, they have a mind and feelings of their own. There are times and days where all the planning on the planet will not stop a melt down. Trust me I have been their. I still think about those poor peoples ear drums on that flight ….
Love, unconditional love it is mesmerizing, life altering and breathtaking all at once and it grows deeper and stronger as time progresses.
You learn more about yourself, I lie not when I say mothering is a challenge it will take you to the brink and beyond, whether it is sleep deprivation, growing pains or they are being a stinker with prerogative, you will learn more about your patience level, selfishness and tolerance than any school room will teach you.
You will see yourself. There is nothing more frightening than when you see yourself staring back at you. The wonder of genetics.
They are always watching, children are like a shadows, whatever you say, do, they are ready to recreate at the most inappropriate moments.
Judgement, I was one of those stuck-up young women who actually thought things like “when I am a mother, I won’t.” I mean what a stupid person I was. Any mother knows that this mantra never applies because being a mum is beyond challenging and the last thing anyone needs is judgement.
Consistency, I remember my mum telling me this one and she was right. Consistency is the biggest challenge as a mama, there are days when you are on your A game and having a consistent approach and parenting is easy and then their are the days when that fourth espresso is not hitting the mark and the appeal of letting your child have candy for breakfast or an extra hour of TV is what you need.
Parental club, this club is non discriminatory it is that solidarity we all feel. It is the unspoken nod of the head or sympathetic head turn which says. WE KNOW, WE HAVE BEEN YOU AND THANK GOD IT IS NOT ME TODAY.

I am beyond lucky to be a mother and I thank God for giving me the blessing of my happy daughter. She is my greatest legacy and I appreciate every moment we get to experience and learn life together. To all mother’s in whatever form that is, wherever in the world you are. Happy Mother’s Day. To those of you who may find this day difficult you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Have a wonderful week friends.

Ta ta for now,

May 13, 2018 0 comment

Family Travel You tube

A Day Out in Cornwall – Tintagel & Boscastle

by thelifestylelady May 9, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Happy hump day. I am enjoying a wonderful family holiday in Cornwall, England. Today I wanted to share with you a Vlog of our trips to Tintagel and Boscastle. I will let you into a secret Tintagel and the north coast of Cornwall is one of my favorite places on earth, I hope after watching this you might see why. I am not sure yet how much of the trip I will share as I want to relax and enjoy quality family time but expect to hear from me again soon.

Ta ta for now.

May 9, 2018 2 comments

Family Uncategorized

Gertie The Goldendoodle

by thelifestylelady April 30, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

I am sitting in the peace and quiet of the French countryside and all I can hear are the birds. This morning due to the kindness of family entertaining Little L, I actually got time to look at my phone with no disruptions. On my timeline (Facebook) I noticed it is a year today that our beloved Gertie arrived and joined the Lifestyle family. My first reaction was guilt she is enjoying a break at her holiday camp while we are in Europe. Fear not we will celebrate on our return.

I have been lucky enough to grow up with dogs in my life but had not owned one. Mr L and my transient lifestyle had made the commitment of a dog more difficult although it was always in the plan to get one. If you have been following for a while you will know that the arrival of a second child has been a challenge for Mr L and I, our infertility journey is too difficult to talk about and I even hate typing the words. As the reality of another child seemed to become less and less likely and we have made Texas our home we realized now was the time to bite the bullet, our second baby would come in the form of an apricot six pound bundle of fur. I must confess I was not expecting to get a puppy quite so quickly but much like our life we were not ones to be sedate and within weeks we had our beloved Gertie.

Why a Goldendoodle?

Gertie is a F1B mini/moyen Goldendoodle. Now let me speak English. This means to the best of my knowledge she is as close to an hypoallergenic dog you can get. Her mother is a goldendoodle and her father is a poodle. They are bred not to shed, excuse the rhyme. I must confess that this enticed me, as someone who verges on the house proud side and with close friends with allergies this breed appealed. I can honestly say she never sheds. I do not see dog hair anywhere, I promise. I also grew up with Labradors and Golden Retrievers and loved their temperament with children. I didn’t really want a dog as big as a retriever or Labrador and so the mini/moyen size seemed ideal. Gertie is closer to the moyen side as she is 45lbs but much slighter and lighter than a full grown lab or retriever.

Where did we buy from?

Goldendoodle’s like many doodles seem to be very “in vogue”. They are a relatively new breed only started in the nineties so I wanted to find an established breeder with an excellent track record. I did lots and I mean lots of research into the breed and breeders. This is an emotional and expensive investment that I needed to get right. I also asked people where they got their dogs from and would contact people on social media to ask where they bought their dog from. I came up with a list of three or four established breeders and then contacted to see how long the wait would be. Some of the friendliest and child friendly GD came from The Four Paw Dood ranch in Kansas, now expanded to Dallas. I contacted them and the wait was not too long, they sent me a few options and let me tell you choosing out of a selection of pups is beyond hard, they are all unbelievably cute and you want to take them all! We decided on this cutie simply because she has the most retriever style head and this became Gertie!!! So I flew up to Kansas collected her and flew her back down in the cabin. Trust me a puppy on a flight is a total hit.

Why Gertie?

Gertrude was my granny’s name, she hated it, so went by Mary, a name which we gave my daughter. My family used to tease me that my daughter should be called Gertrude. I couldn’t do it to her but I did think it would make a super sweet name for a dog and so Gertie the Goldendoodle was born. I have not regretted it yet, actually I think it would be a cute girls name now. Sarah is her middle name, which Little L gave her.

Who is Gertie?

When I collected Gertie from the airport in Kansas the breeder explained to me if you have children let them feed, care, and gently manhandle the dog (tongue in cheek.) The most important thing was that Little L and Gertie became firm friends and they have become just that. The love between them is wonderful. Gertie is the sweetest and sassiest dog I know. She is stubborn and anxious, kind and loving. She is overly friendly and fun. She has a passion for eating and throwing up my underwear, I have no idea where she finds them but I have had to purchase many new undies this year. She loves soft toys, Cinderella, Anna, Elsa and Princess Celestia are her favs. She adores barking at our pool floaties and sleeping on my cream sofa. Playing with Little L is her fav activity.

The airport surprise

This is how we carpool

A sneeky side punch

Cartoon time!

TV time started young

I am coming to school to

Daily walk with a princess and a pram

Learning about Disney

Head Lock Revenge

Park Time Snackies

Ipad sharing

Sister Love

Gertie and Me

Having Gertie has been a little like having a newborn although I am not as sleep deprived. She loves attention and loves love. I have to say that the bond we have has surprised me. I love her and she loves me, so much so it is only my underpants and shoes she likes to eat and I think that is because of my smell. She sleeps every night under my side of the bed and always wants to join me in the car or shower! Gertie has saved me, she has filled my heart and I dote on her. She has helped mend me in ways I am not ready to share on here. She is always happy to see us and has genuinely enhanced our family and is beyond a welcomed addition.

Family Hugs

Was Not Me Mama

My Fav Place Under The Bed

Mum This Raincoat

Family Selfiw

If you have any questions about getting a goldendoodle please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Have a great week.

Ta Ta for now,

April 30, 2018 1 comment

Decor Family Style

House Tour- Part 1 Little L Bedroom

by thelifestylelady November 3, 2017

Howdy Y’all

Today is a great day because I get to share with y’all the first room in our new home. If you have followed me for a while you will know I mentioned it was my intention to share areas of my home as the reached completion. The house is a labor of love, we purchased it back in March and after some hefty renovations we moved in June. If you have moved recently you will know what a time consuming project creating a home is. I bound into the house with lots of plans and ideas, after renting for an extended period. I couldn’t wait to choose colors and fabrics but at the same time was conscious not to make expensive mistakes. Choosing furniture that works and will stand the test of time is an investment. One thing I have learnt during my constant moving is the importance of getting the family settled. In my life this has meant always getting Little L’s room unpacked and surrounding her with the possessions she loves and that are familiar. With our new home this was no different. I wanted her room to be one of the first finished and I stuck true to my word and I share that with you today.

A brief synopsis to those of you who may not know, Little L is three and very nearly four. I was wanting her room to reflect a little girl and no longer a baby. A room which could adapt and grow with her as she develops. You will see in the below pictures she is not in a crib and we purchased her Jenny Lind toddler bed when she became two. It is our intention to change her to a bigger girl bed in the next year or two and I was conscious that the design of the room would have to be adaptable. The current need is for a pretty, creative, fun and imaginative space where she can play, relax, read and rest. I had such fun picking colors with her. I did give her carte blanche to choose the color of her room and I confess I was not disappointed with her choice. Little L loves pink and if you can not embrace that with full gusto when you are small when can you. We took the Benjamin Moore samples and decided on Elephant Pink. It is a very close match to Middleton Pink by Farrow and Ball and I was thrilled with the finish. I love the balance between strength of color and the light in the room. It is always important when choosing colors for your home (and I consider myself a semi-expert after the last few months) to consider the natural light in your home, its position in terms of how it faces and how much artificial light you have. These all matter to how successful a color will sit and suit your room, all this without touching on other textures and colors of the room.

The finished room. A place where she loves to be.

You will see in the above photo, the finished room from her doorway. The beautiful window allows a plethora of natural light and I didn’t want to cover that with blinds, we found these linen Pottery Barn Kids drapes that we both liked. I was a little concerned at first about them being too pink but I knew that I would be changing her bed out in the long term which will be bringing much more white and textile to the pink. The linen fabric of the drapes softens the color and the bows add some texture and interest. My only bug bare is that they crease and I am forever steaming them!

I am also intending when she progresses to a bigger bed to get another rug but for this short time, this works. It works well to define space for her and she knows this is her rest/sleep place. You will note the furry bean bag propped up against the window, one thing about a toddler bed is that they are not designed for comfortable story telling for the teller. In my and Mr L’s advanced years this provides some comfort for us. It is handy for her to lift and move around the room if she is playing in other areas. The book manger at the end of her bed is marvelous. We did originally have a book case and I often found she was more reluctant to go and explore her books or alternatively she would make a total mess pulling everything out. This has really helped. It holds some of her total faves and I often transfer books around so she always reads different things. It is a total LL love.

A close up and you can see all the books she loves. Plus the shelf underneath is great for additional storage.

In the first picture you could not see perhaps my favorite part of the room which is to the right of the door and that is her teepee and dress up area. Little L much like her parents loves to read and this teepee provides a wonderful place to snuggle up with her favorite soft toys read and play. I am not sure how clear it is from my photograph but the inside is lined with fairy lights which are on a timer and add to the cozy feel. I placed a patchwork quilt on the base which breaks the color up and is dead easy to lift and wash which is necessary when having a tea party with the fairies (they love goldfish apparently!) I placed a variety of throw pillows in different shapes and sizes at the back and sides. This allows the tent to keep its shape and it is more comfortable. You can see from the picture that the Princesses and Peppa family are very comfortable.

Under the flower garland you will see another of my crafty efforts where I made a dream catcher. This was simple to make and I think it adds a statement. You can of course buy these but I couldn’t find one I liked enough and I have been happy with the result. It works well in the room, what is not clear is that is also has beads and bells on the end which add some playful interest. The flower garland which again was made by ~~Martha Stewart~~ me. It is a recent addition and I think it adds a little sophistication, color and texture to the space. I also adore flowers and this was a wonderful way to add country flowers that wont die or get spilt. I love that I could incorporate Roses in the project. Little L often refers to it as part of her fairy garden.

Next to her teepee is her dress up space. She loves to dress up and is a different princess every morning. I wanted a place where they were easily accessible, pretty, functional and organized and this has all bases covered. I really encourage independence and want her to do as much for herself as possible. There is plenty of hanging space a shelf at the top for crowns, tiaras, hats etc and she can reach it. Plus underneath a place to store all the shoes and other paraphernalia. I love the pretty design, I hate to compromise beauty for function. The mirror next to her allows her to get see herself easily and safely. Plus it all matches.

I will let you into a little secret, I hide some of the ugly things behind her door. The two strings hold her hair accessories and this horrendous cheap shoe holder is on the back of her door and works very well for holding her Barbie dolls and her plastic toys. She also can reach and put them away herself.

If you remember from the first picture you will have noticed the most stunning dolls house which was a beautiful gift from a dear friend. I was very keen to get this up and off the floor and have enough space so that she could open and play with it. It also helps stop items from creeping on the floor. It looks beautiful in the corner and creates a lovely focal point.

Below I share some other areas of the room.

Such cute babies which she loves having close to her own bed

This area is used for everything coloring to tea parties

How cute are these seat cushions? I love the texture. I had made some but they have been replaced with these.

A tea party fit for a British Princess

The best sleep clock ever! The lamp can be toddler opperated.

This is such a special picture for me and I hope she will always have on her wall

Another picture taken from her bathroom door. You can see her draws, I changed the knobs to make it look a little different

The most important thing to me is that I have a happy client, who loves to play in this room and I love to play with her. I will share the next phase of the room when she moves to a big girl bed next year. Hope you enjoyed it, any questions please get in touch.

Ta Ta for now

November 3, 2017 2 comments

Editorial Family You tube

Life Update

by thelifestylelady September 10, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Today I am sharing with you a life update, so please enjoy. If you would like to donate to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort, please click on one of the links below.

https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/

http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/disaster-response

Ta ta for now

K x

September 10, 2017 0 comment

Editorial Family

Hurricane Harvey 3

by thelifestylelady August 28, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Just a quick update on today, last night we received notice that we are on a voluntary evacuation, of course that would be fine if the roads around us where not flooded and we could evacuate. Based on maps of the flood plain, projected rainfall and our position in the sub-division we are a little hopeful that water might not make the house but it is very close. I am not going to lie this is scary and I did get upset last night, not only for my family but for all those touched by bloody Harvey. I can not emphasise enough the vulnerability you feel. It made me think about all the things that have been happening in the world recently, in particular terrorism and racial disputes. The interesting thing about nature is that it is all-powerful and it does not discriminate for race or religion. We would be wise to consider that sometimes. One positive is that is forces people and neighbors to come together regardless of race, gender, religion and sexual orientation and help support one another.

We have rain forecast for the foreseeable future and they are suggesting another 3-5ft which is crazy town. I see another storm on the East Coast is brewing and am thinking of them. I attach some photos of my walk with Gertie today, honestly I know it is selfish but I was going stir crazy inside so the opportunity for some air was welcomed. Again thanks friends who have reached out and those who have contacted my family for info. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

This might help give perspective

Our usual walk to the park

The pathway

Road Closed

The bayou split its bank. Not sure what is lurking in the water.

This is usually a road.

August 28, 2017 0 comment

Editorial Family

Hurricane Harvey 2

by thelifestylelady August 27, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Today I am going to keep this very brief we are safe and still have power we are incredibly lucky. The conditions here and in Houston have deteriorated considerably due to the continual barrage of rain. When I say rain I mean rain. It is very hard at the moment not to glue yourself to the news and see the terrible conditions that others are suffering. Roads around us are flooding and our back garden on the lower ground is beginning to flood but we are not experiencing the several feet of water that Houston residents are suffering. What makes this worse is that we are said to have this continual down pouring and flooding till Wednesday. Whenever I have seen natural disasters I have been fortunate enough to empathize with it but am removed, this is different. I feel involved and wish I could do more to help. If you feel as I do and would like to donate to the cause and help those whose lives have been altered immeasurably by the events of the last 48 hours you can follow this link to the Red Cross there you can select Hurricane Harvey, every donation large or small is greatly received.

I attach some photos and videos if you are interested. We are touched beyond measure to everyone who has reached out, that also goes for people who have contacted my family to check in. It has been scary and we are blessed to know so many good and kind people. I am not sure how much I will post this week, I am sort of in two minds, it seems so trivial will all that is going on and I am not sure what position we will be in tomorrow. I will see how things are. Currently I am thinking and praying for those who are suffering.

Thanks friends,

August 27, 2017 2 comments

Decor Editorial Family

Summer Update- Where have you been?

by thelifestylelady August 15, 2017

Hot Summers = First Time Bowler

She got the hang of it fast

Time for a big girl bike

Enjoying our old neighborhood

Vet visit

At the beginning of the summer she was so small

After first visit to the groomer, she did not stay like this long!

Erm excuse me!

Kentucky Derby Fun

Family Selfie!

Yes sneak peak into kitchen progress

Carpet Runner

Progress and I love light

So happy

Color choices

Granny is visiting! Donuts!

Patient Granny helping Anna cycle.

Isn't this how you visit the icecream shop?

Granny reads the best stories!

Happy 4th

Family nighttime selfie

Fourth of July

My pretty American

Erm TLL 2. She knows how to rock the walk.

Im going to be out of a job, she is sampling makeups!

David Beckham 2

Royal Car Ride

Here come the girls selfie not easy.

Her babies!

Church cuteness.

Sunday Brunch Family Fun.

How many monkeys jumping on the bed?

New Year of School

My heart!

I eanred this!

Howdy Y’all,

It feels a lifetime ago that I wrote to y’all and in many ways it is, not simply in time but also in what has been going on in Casa Lifestyle. So where to start. I am now typing this in my new home, moving is not a phenomenon to me, but this is different because we have bought a home, our first American home. I don’t remember how much I told you about our purchase and I think the level of information is different depending on what social media channels you follow me on! (If the answer is not on all forms, I ask you why the hell not?!) So we bought a house back in March/April and spent two or so months remodeling. A project which I managed, back in my working days this would have been a piece of cake but now I found daunted me a little (will share more in a future post.) I am happy to say that we finished the projects on time, I wont say on budget (because if you know me speculation = accumulation is my moto -lol) In all seriousness the budget increased because the scope increased and honestly we were so fortunate not to be living in the home at the time so it made sense to get works done! Now I love interiors and design but I will say this was a large project and by the end making decisions got frustrating. I am thrilled with the end result and hope to share the transformation with y’all in the coming months. We are settled, there are no boxes and I certainly think it looks as if we have been living here longer than we have. I still have finishing touches to add, which honestly I don’t want to rush, I want to take a breather from all things house for a while. I want to live and love it before I decide what sort of art or chotskies to add for dust collection. If you have time to flick through the slideshow above I share a few sneakpeaks into the transformation.

The rest of the summer has been busy and hot, Little L is growing up at a rate of knots. I’m officially stopping her, she has remained in school for three days a week which has been a lifesaver because we are still making friends and it’s hot here, school has been a blessing. She has taken to the new house super well. She has had a lot of change for a three year old and it blows my mind how resilient kids are. I do think it helped that she had been able to visit the house during works and had a say in her bedroom etc. I think the arrival of Gertie has helped, who has been a total trooper, she is now five months and although we have had one or two more difficult days (she loves to eat underpants.) I can honestly say good outweighs bad and she has adjusted to the new home and garden like the golden gal she is. Gertie will have her own post coming very soon.

My mother came for a visit soon after we moved in, we loved having her. I will try not to hammer on in my champagne life about how challenging it can be with family so far away but it really makes the visits special. Little L and Gertie especially enjoyed Granny time. Just wish she could have stayed longer.

Last week I was down with a ear infection it was a nasty one, I had not had one this bad since my honeymoon. (Yes what a love dampener.) I had a face like a Bo Selecta character and if you have no idea of what I speak, google it. I still cant hear out of my left ear and am hoping it will come back. I mentioned earlier that it is hot here in Texas and I am using that to my advantage, planning and organizing content for TLL over the coming months. I really appreciate you taking the time to read, watch and participate in my things. I am a one woman band and like many of you time is a precious commododity. I love and need The Lifestyle Lady and thoughts for content and replying to comments is never far from my mind. Now life is calming a little I hope I will be able to dedicate some more efforts to her. So please don’t be a stranger are there things you would like to see, get in touch! Above I have a slideshow of some summer pics, please enjoy and I will be back soon!

Ta Ta for now.

August 15, 2017 0 comment