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FamilyGift Guide

Daddy’s Day Delights – Gift Guide

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Hump Day. This week I was chatting with a group of friends who were discussing their husbands impending birthdays. I heard a lot of “what should I get?” I was relieved that this problem is shared amongst women I know and perhaps many more?? I consider myself a thoughtful gift giver. I do try and give consideration to what I purchase but I always find men difficult. I particularly find gifts for men of Mr L’s demographic difficult, by which I mean men who work so hard, that they have little time to exercise let alone have a hobby. The little free time they do have they dedicate to spending time with their family and loved ones. I do get stumped when in comes to Mr L, I don’t want to buy him another tie or shirt, and although he loves such gifts they don’t surprise of excite him the way he deserves.  I hit a home run for his birthday with the 23andMe the genetic testing which he loved but now we have Father’s Day approaching and whilst Mr L will love the homemade card, we do like to spoil him sometimes and I want to help Little L pick out something great. Here are a few of the ideas I have thought of and wanted to share in hope to inspire some of you:-

Beeropoly A fun board game which men would love to play. Great for parties or game nights. Could play together or just men, either would work. It has super reviews. A fantasticT addition to the games collection.

Fitbit There is a Fitbit to suit all levels and budgets, if your Father/husband/partner is anything like mine then working out is a challenge, this at least allows them to monitor how many steps they are taking and motivate them to take a stroll from their desk.

Aspinals of London Travel Wallet The quality of the leather products are gorgeous and a travel wallet would be a gift that would last a lifetime. It would suit any age or traveler. They come in a variety of colors and leathers. Beautiful gift.

BBQ Grill Kit Tis the season to start grilling/bbq. What a great gift for the dad’s in your life. Don’t all men think they are the Jamie Oliver of the grill? I have bought these for the men in my life and they have all loved it.

Motivational Bottle One thing I do know is that Mr L doesn’t drink enough water, especially in the climate we live in. He also loves measures and statistics so I think this gift is one I could get him into. Infact I don’t drink enough water so this is one I need. This is such a fab idea would suit any daddy.

The Smoking Gun Handheld Food Smoker For the man who likes cooking this is a great gift. It is such a male gadget for the kitchen, plus you get some yummy food out of it (hopefully.)

Some other ideas I have thought of are Trunk Club a personal styling website which seems to cater for all levels of sophistication, this might be a great graduation gift also. Does the Daddy in your life like a tipple? The Tasters Club might work for you, it sends a different bottle each month. For a Whiskey loving husband this might be a fit. They cover a variety of spirits so perhaps take a look. A massage is another option, all men deserve some r &r. I attach some links of my previous gift guides for men here and here, check them out if nothing inspires you here.

I have not forgotten what Father’s Day is all about, celebrating the men in your life who guide and shape you. I just like to offer you some inspiration for Father’s Day, birthday’s or just to spoil them.

Hope it helps, let me know.

Ta Ta for now,

TLL x

 

 

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FamilyFood

What’s For Dinner LL? April 11-15 2016

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

I wanted to introduce a new post idea, perhaps you could give me some feedback if you like it. I love to cook. I have to cook. I have a family to feed, to stop this becoming a monotonous chore I like to have variety and I like to be organized. I am not the sort of person who can  stand in a grocery store and be inspired, I often find that I would forget an item. I am a planner and a list maker and I do meal plan. This works for my family and I wanted to share with you some of the recipes we love or not. So I introduce What’s For Dinner Lifestyle Lady? This will be pictures and links to recipes we ate the previous weeks, some will be family favorite recipes and others new recipes where I will be giving feedback.

Last week was a relatively quiet one, we were getting over one set of visitors and waiting for the next guests. Just to prove that my household and I are totally normal last Monday I was not feeling totally on par and when Mr L came home I had prepared nothing, so we had an Eatzis Chicken Pie and frozen veg. We did not take any pictures as this did not require cooking just heating up.

Tuesday

Salmon1

Sweet and sour salmon caponata salad This is a Lifestyle household regular. We love fish and this is a great way of incorporating it in a more interesting way, than a simple fillet. Little L is a great eater and what is fantastic is I can get some different vegetables like eggplant, celery, olives and capers down her as well as good fish. If you find fish a little expensive it doesn’t need to be fresh, you could use frozen. I also like it because there is always left overs and it is great for lunch the next day reheated.

Salmon

Wednesday

Greek Chicken 1

Skillet Chicken with Orzo and Olives I am a massive fan of one pot dinners, mainly because I don’t have lots of time to produce a banquet and it saves on washing up (enough said.) This is another family hit especially with Little L she loves Greek flavors. I also like this recipe because it hides vegies and flavors which Little L might screw her nose up at if I served alone. Give this a try.

Greek Chicken

Thursday

Black Bean 1

Black Bean Burgers and Southwestern Potato Salad I do try where possible to eat at least one vegetarian meal a week. I also challenge myself to produce something that will fill Mr L up. This is a yummy recipe. Little L is less keen she doesn’t seem to like black beans, she is such a good eater so perhaps I should try and cut my losses and accept the fact rather than serving it in different ways. (But a Texan who doesn’t eat black beans?) The potato salad has a great bite to it, if heat/spice is not your thing cut back on it. Try its yummy.

Friday

Meatballs

Skillet Meatballs and Marinara Sauce Another family hit, you can vary the pasta to what you have in your pantry, which is great for me who is working her pantry down. You might tell from my pictures I combined the ends of two boxes of different pasta. I also find it produces too much pasta so I keep the rest in the fridge to reheat with a sauce for lunch of another meal. You also have meatballs spare which will produce another meal or are yummy in sandwiches. Fabulous taste and value recipe. A family fav.

IMG_6374

Do you have recipe’s you recommend I try? Are there any here you would like me to do a demo of? What things do your family eat?

Thanks for dropping by.

Ta ta for now.

TLL x

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BakingFamilyFood

Happy Easter – Making Memories

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Happy hump day! Hope you are all doing well. It is Easter week which I can not really get my head around as it is so early. I feel it has crept upon me, that might be because I have my brain full of other things. If you have been following the blog for a while you will know that I can be a  bit sanctimonious about making memories. I am not sure if it is  because I live far away from family or I am simply a traditionalist but I want to create traditions and memories that Little L can carry into adulthood. I am not sure if it is a British thing but every Easter particularly when I was small I remember making egg nests, this is a very easy tradition I wanted to pass onto Little L. We love to bake, Little L and I. Tbh many of the recipes we have tried to date have relied on me being a hawk eye, mainly because they contain eggs and Little L has a wonderful habit of trying the recipe at every stage. (Although I grew up licking the bowl of raw cake batter which contained eggs and have lived to tell the tale- just!) This recipe contains none of those challenges and is so easy I followed no recipe just created by eye.

Ingredients

Chocolate, I used two bars, one milk and one white, mainly because that is what I had and like.

Butter, about two tablespoons.

Syrup, if in UK you could use golden syrup if in US I used Blue Agave.

Cereal, I used frosted flakes, you could use rice crispies, whatever you and your littlie like.

Cupcake cases, roughly a dozen.

Mini Eggs, tis the season and they are yummy.

Method

Brake the chocolate into small pieces, I let Little L do this in a zip lock bag with a rolling pin. (She was in heaven.)

Place the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl over a saucepan and let it simmer and melt. (Make sure that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the top of the water.)

While the chocolate is melting, place the cereal in a separate bowl, I measured by eye. You want enough cereal so that chocolate covers it when mixed. I don’t like the mix too rich so I added a little more cereal.

I then told Little L that the most important part of the recipe was to mix the cereal with a spoon continually, this is a great way to keep them busy and if a sneaky hand peeks in for a taste, what trouble can they get in to?

Once the chocolate mixture is melted, I added about one tablespoon of syrup, this helps the mixture stick. I then mixed.

While the syrup is warming in the mixture I asked Little L to place twelve cupcake cases into a muffin tin. (Great way to test number skills!)

Once the syrup/choc mix is well combined, remove bowl from heat and pour into cereal mix. Obviously this requires an adult but once the mix is added Little L loved mixing.

Once well mixed, you then spoon the mixture into the cases, pressing down hard, if possible press harder in the center so the sides are slightly raised (like a nest.) Then place three mini eggs in the center. Your littlie may insist on spoon licking.

Then place the tray into the fridge for about 20 mins. The trick is to get the tray into the fridge before your littlie gobbles all the mini eggs.

After twenty minutes, serve and enjoy. They look so cute and kids love them.

 

chopped choc

Preparing the chocolate, the self-discipline required not to nibble I don’t have – sorry!

Head Chef

The head chef – she is a hard task master

Melting

Choc and butter melting

Melting pot

Side profile

Preping the nests

Head Chef skillful mixing

Yummy mix

Personally I don’t like the mixture too chocolaty because it can be a little rich. This for us was perfect.

Tasting

Essential taste testing

Nests

Product pre eggs and fridge

Yummy

The final result – so cute

Final

Happy Easter

Got to love Target and their Easter décor

Love Her

Call me a proud sous chef, but how cute is my head chef? Plus who wouldn’t want to make memories with a happy smiling face like that?

This is such a simple but fun afternoon activity why not give it a try?

From the Lifestyle household to yours, Happy Easter!

Ta ta for now.

TLL x

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BakingFamilyFood

Baking Wednesday – Caramel Slice

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Hump Day! So yesterday was rainy and I was trapped inside with Little L (argh!!) One thing she loves and often asks to do is bake. I read recently in a blog about an app I have been meaning to try called Hippy Lane. The app is recipe-based but only contains health-conscious recipes. They promote that the sweet treat recipes are gluten free, vegan, dairy free, and contain no refined sugar. Trying to find recipes that have these bases covered but still taste delicious is a challenge. This app is very sophisticated and styish and the photographs are beautiful.  I had a very quick gander through my pantry to see what ingredients I had and Little L and I selected the recipe for  Caramel Slices. Where I am from it is referred to as millionaire’s shortbread and  it is delicious and I thought this would be a great introduction to its yumminess for Little L. So here is how it went:-

Recipe

Summary

Creamy, delicious bars of gold. These caramel slice bars are just like the real thing with a crumbly biscuit base, smooth caramel center and silky chocolate top, you will be taken to choc caramel heaven with each bite. Free of dairy, gluten and sugar, you can enjoy them guilt-free.

Ingredients

Base

1 1/2 cups (225g) cashews

1/2 cup (40g) desiccated coconut

8-10 medjool dates, pitted

3tbsp rice malt

Caramel

1 cup (150g) medjool dates, pitted

1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil

1/2 cup (125ml) tahini or almond butter

1/2 cup (120ml) rice malt syrup

1 tsp vanilla powder

Pinch salt

Chocolate

1/3 cup (36g) cacao powder

1/2 cup (120ml) coconut oil, liquid

1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup

1/2 tsp carob powder (optional)

Steps

  1. To make base, reduce cashews to small pieces in the food processor.
  2. Add coconut and pulse.
  3. Add dates and rice malt, and process until combined and sticky.
  4. Press base into tin lined with baking powder and freeze.
  5. Making caramel by processing all ingredients until smooth.
  6. Spread caramel over base and freeze.
  7. For the chocolate, whisk the ingredients until well incorporated.
  8. Spread chocolate evenly over slice and freeze.
  9. Remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving.

 

Lifestyle Lady Findings

  • Firstly I could not find rice malt so I substituted agave syrup.
  • I used almond oil instead of tahini.
  • I did not have vanilla powder so I substituted for vanilla essence.
  • As you know I am yet to buy a brownie tin, but that would be the ideal size to make these in.
  • Call me lazy but I loved the ease of the prep and that it needed no baking. It was an ideal recipe to do with a toddler. They can lick the spoon and not get poisoned!
Little L and I really enjoyed making these, it was a great rainy day activity. It is seldom that I get excited about an app and this one has me very eager to try more. It is well worth the $2.99 price tag. When it is raining and half way through the week who wouldn’t want a slice of chocolate gold?
Enjoy,
Ta ta for now,
TLL x
PS. message from Mr L: TLL had to lock these away to stop me eating the whole lot! :@)  Will be taking them to work to dilute the waistline expansion.
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BeautyEditorialFamilyGift GuideStyleTravel

Spring Break Essentials

by thelifestylelady

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

image

  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.

image

  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.

image

  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.

 

image

  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.
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BakingFamilyFood

A Family Cake – Moroccan Orange Cake

by thelifestylelady

 

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Hump Day, you are close to the weekend! Yay!  So I have not done a baking post for a long while (sorry) and this one is special. This is the cake that Mr L asks for each year for his birthday. (Yes I make a vague attempt to make a cake for family – who doesn’t want to blow out a candle and feel old?!) This is not only special because Mr L loves it but it is one of his family recipes. It is a cake that his mother makes (no pressure!!!!  I do not make it as good as her- end of.) It comes from his family cookbook (so you see they are good cooks!)  Many of you may not know but my husband is half Algerian and although this recipe is from Morocco and no my Geography is not that bad! I still think of it as a nod to my husbands heritage and therefore to me it is important. It is also yummy, and does not require lots of icing and decoration which is a win win for me. So I must thank my mother in law for taking the time to document all these family recipe’s it will be lovely for Little L to have a collection of recipes that generations of her family members have made before her, what a lucky little lady she is. Now onto the baking …

 

caster sugar making

Love my Kitchen Aid processor!

Lifestyle Lady Top Tip

Before I start, you will see below the recipe asks for  caster sugar. This is something I have struggled to find in the US, and it does definitely make a difference to the texture of the cake. To combat I use regular granulated sugar and measure the amount required, I then place it in my food processor for about 2 mins and Voila a consistency similar to caster sugar! This might sound like a time consuming faff but it is worth it. Makes for a lighter cake.

Other Information – US readers

  •  I cheated and used dried breadcrumbs and it worked fine. I am sure that it would taste better with fresh.
  • I could not find Star Anise, the seeds worked well.
  • Could not find Orange Flower Water so I used Orange essence.
  • Ground Almonds or Almond Flour is a little more expensive but can often be found on special, grab it then. It is usually found on the health aisles of most major grocery stores.
  • I use this microplane zester, one of the best purchases ever. Makes it so easy and I keep the skin on my knuckles. Win win.
  • This can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day.
  • As my mother in law suggests it would make a super dessert.

 

Recipe

Moroccan Orange Cake – Courtesy of my mother-in-law

This cake is fragrant with spices and citrus aromas. The syrup makes it moist and soft. It can be served for dessert with a little whipped cream or Greek yoghurt.

Ingredients

For the cake:

5 large eggs, separated

300g caster sugar

350g ground almonds

4 tablespoons fresh white breadcrumbs

3 teaspoons baking powder

400ml sunflower oil

½ teaspoon almond essence

Finely grated zest of 2 oranges

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

For the syrup:

2 star anise

2 small cinnamon sticks

4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

4 tablespoons runny honey

2 tablespoons Orange Flower Water

Juice of 2 oranges

Juice of 1 lemon

Method

Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4 (180˚C). Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin. In a large mixing bowl, combine the caster sugar, ground almonds, breadcrumbs and baking powder. Add the citrus zests. In a jug, beat the eggs with the oil and add the almond essence. Now pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 50 – 60 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Meanwhile, make the syrup: gently heat the citrus juices, honey and spices in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3 minutes, then reserve, covered, for the flavours to infuse. Stir in the orange flower water just before using.

When the cake is cooked, remove it from the oven and pierce the top with a skewer all over. Remove the spices from the syrup and pour it over the hot cake, a little at a time, waiting for the cake to absorb the liquid as you do so. Leave the cake to cool in the tin, then remove, using the baking paper to help you, and place on a serving plate. You can use the whole spices to decorate the top.

It will keep well for up to 3 days, stored in cling film or foil in the fridge.

Pictures 

Ground Almonds

Love love love these scales, I received them as a wedding gift and I think of that person every time. I love that about gifts – don’t you? All the dry ingredients.

dryingredients

I make sure I buy the biggest lemons and oranges I can find to get plenty of zest.

wetanddryingredients

Adding the wet ingredients to dry, the mix will look a little curdled/split that is totally fine.

mixedingredients

The split look but trust me it will come out yummy

cakeinoven

I forgot to take a picture before it went into the oven. Another note I usually have a baking tray underneath the tin, so its easy to get in and out of oven, this was the second one I had made in the week and I was in a hurry, I had to get to Peppa Pig theatre show – mummy problems.

syrup

While the cake is baking in the oven I make the lovely syrup. The smell is divine, another tip is place the fruit in the microwave for 20 seconds, the heat will help you squeeze more juice out.

finalcake

The finished article. Before you think its burnt it is not. It is saturated in syrup and the light makes the edges look black. It is so delicious please give it a try.

We all love this and I served it to Mr L’s office as cake of the month, it was different to anything they had before and not one slice was left, which is tribute to the taste of the cake. If you fancy something different give this a try.

Ta ta for now

TLL x

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BeautyEditorialFamilyLifestyleSkin Care

Monday Links & Loves

by thelifestylelady

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

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EditorialFamily

Happy Thanksgiving

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Thanksgiving. I can honestly say I am honored to write these words today, it is slowly becoming a favorite holiday of mine. As a non-American I feel privledged to experience and share in this special day. I am equally blessed that with the birth of my dear American Little L it is a tradition which will continue in the Lifestyle household for our lifetime. There is something so special about friends, family and loved ones coming together in a celebration of thanks. Gathering together and breaking bread (and far more than that as evidenced by my clothing change from jeans to leggings for the elasticated waist 😳 -whose with me?) There is no elaborate gifts giving involved or early morning wake ups from children excited by Santa, it’s simply enjoying who you’re with, watching parades and football.
Mr L and I have been immensely lucky in the five years we have lived in the US, we have never spent a thanksgiving holiday alone.  I think this says a great deal about US people and their hospitality. We have been fortunate to have had a variety of experience with friends and their families but what is most apparent is how thanksgiving gives you the opportunity to be “in the moment” with each other. I have enjoyed the table conversations which have stemmed from what we are thankful for. Today for example I was touched to hear my dear friends young son express that he is thankful for his lovely family as well as so much more.
I am thankful for a great deal. Those of you who are familiar with my blog will know I am not the “gushy” type, in fact I find public displays and declarations of affection uncomfortable. Today however is about giving thanks so I will give it a stab. I am thankful for Mr L he is everything to me. I am thankful I took the job 😉.  Little L is my life I can’t remember life before her, mainly because I am not the same person as I was before and she has enriched my life immeasurably. She is and will be my greatest achievement. I didn’t know the heart was capable of such love till I had her. I am thankful for my family who are so far away, distance can be difficult but I am thankful for Skype and for their continued love and support. For my friends who make our lives richer, when you live a distance from family you create a family through friends. I can honestly tell you I am blessed in this department. Today in particular to my dear friend K and her family who have opened their home and offered their table at Thanksgiving- thank you.

Finally to you the reader of this, I am grateful to you that you take the time out of your busy life to read my offering, to follow and to comment. This new blogging adventure has been a great addition to my life and I am thankful to the people who know me and support my blogging ambitions (Mr L.)

So on the evening of thanksgiving I wish you and your family great blessings. I am going to lie down and rest off this food coma I find myself in and wait for Mrs Claus (that is another blog post entirely.)

Ta Ta for now,

TLL x

 

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FamilyGift GuideLifestyle

All I want for Christmas Gift Guide – Stocking Stuffers Under $25 Ladies 

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Tuesday! Hope you are keeping well? To continue with the theme of gift giving I wanted to offer some stocking stuffer suggestions. (Amazing alliteration.) I set myself the challenge of finding items under $25. I think I have done well, the vast majority are well under $25. I would be happy to receive these in a stocking but sadly I don’t get a stocking anymore.😢 It was literally a life altering moment when I learnt that Santa could no longer deliver to me, especially after I had been such a good lass. It was my favorite part, all the little bits and bobs. I would watch my brother rip all his gifts open and I would salvor each moment (to annoy him. Until he got wise to the plan and we would compete to elongate the process, sounds dull now, but you had to be there, I guess.) The stocking was where you would get sufficient underwear to last you to next Christmas. Do not get me started on comic annuals and selection boxes (I fear I am showing my age.) Alas I will throw myself with vigor into assisting Santa with ideas for my daughter. So that she may one day think of the stocking with such happy nostalgia. Although something tells me she will be demanding a stocking from Santa for a long time yet 😉. Mr L reminded me that not everyone has a stocking, perhaps a pillowcase or sack?

Do you love a stocking or pillowcase? Any must haves or traditions you had every year? Please share I love hearing from you.

Enjoy the stuffers.

Until next time.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

 

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All I want for Christmas Gift Guide – Stocking Stuffers Under $25 Ladies

1 Ribbon Hair Ties. Long or short hair these are a game changer. They don’t rip or damage the hair and they don’t hurt either. I am something of an expert in this area and these or similar are always a welcomed gift. They come in a huge selection of colors and textures. Suit ladies of any age.

2 Essie Ravishing Red Festive Mini Set Nail Polish is always a lovely gift and Essie such a dependable brand. Who doesn’t want a little festive red brightening their nails and stocking.

3 Sit, Stay, Brew Tea Infuser I have a confession I don’t drink tea. Yes a Brit who doesn’t like the stuff. It is a little like an American who doesn’t like peanut butter. I have never developed a liking for the stuff. I will drink herbal tea but I saw this cute dog and I thought what a super idea. I did wonder if it would work to flavor water? Either way super stocking stuffer.

4 Mettalic Minimergency Kit I have been a Girl Guide and I am the sort of lady who likes to be prepared for all eventualities. These kits are super cute and full of great items which you need and fear you never have. There is a variety of colors and kits. Check out the link for the vast offering. Would make a super gift for a girl friend or secret Santa.

5 5 Pack Pocketbac Sanitizers Perhaps because I am a mummy that I am obsessed with this stuff. I have only recently become aquatinted with this brand, but already have them hanging from my purse and diaper bag.Great idea for anyone. Practical and useful.

6 Nourishing Hand Cream Fresh Tangerines I love hand cream and this stuff is great for the price point. A lady can never have enough hand creams, whether on her desk or in her purse these are a winner. So many varieties of smells, give it a try.

7 Eau so Luxe Perfume Sampler This is another great gift. Sample size beauty products are such a winner for me. Great to fit in your purse or gym bag. These are so versatile, they also allow you to try a fragrance for a longer period. Any lady would love one of these as a gift. I love to store one in my car FYI.

8 Portable Battery Gold I love my one of these. I do use it. Mainly because I have a toddler who drains my phone battery. More importantly I see the safety aspect of these as they ensure your never left alone without battery (we have all been there.) They are so affordable, small and light weight they would fit in any purse. A total must.

9 Kate Spade Notebook. Love a notebook and this is a pretty one. Great for a stocking.

10 Enchanted Forest Coloring Book. Have you entered this fantastic world of adult coloring? If not why not? This new hobby is so therapeutic. A dear friend bought me a coloring book for my birthday and I have not looked back. There is such a variety of books on offer for men and women. So go for it.

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Family

Spooky Safety

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

How are you? It is nearly the weekend and one of  the remaining ones before Halloween. I never want to appear preachy or press my ideas on people who have taken the time to read my posts. I do want to share with you when I find or discover something I think is profound, interesting or more importantly concerns safety. Whatever your personal circumstance most of us have kids / grandchildren / nieces / nephews / close friends children who will be looking forward to dressing up and going trick-or-treating this Halloween.

In addition to pumpkin-carving and decorating, Halloween preparations often include a trip to the store to pick up suitably scary costumes for the kids. The choice of costume will no doubt depend on a few criteria, but how many of us would take the time to think about safety before making the purchase?

Last year, a famous TV presenter’s daughter from the UK was seriously burned when the cape of her witch’s costume ignited as it came into contact with a candle. The mother describes what happened in this video, including how difficult it was to put out the flames despite their best efforts. I know that none of us would ever want to be in that position, so please make sure that your little one’s fancy dress is made from a flame retardant material.

This of course is not only restricted to children, we can all get immersed in the merriment of the occasion and not pay attention to what we are doing. So I want you my reader to be as safe as possible and therefore have a fantastic time. This video has certainly made me review what my family will be wearing this season.

Enjoy your weekend.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

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