Category:

Uncategorized

Oscars 2019 Best Dressed

by thelifestylelady February 24, 2019

Howdy Y’all,

Today I bring you TLL roundup of the best dressed of this years Academy Awards. I must start by saying I thought this years dresses were very disappointing, I liked so little. It did confirm to me that award seasons dresses so often look better or the womanly woman, which should be celebrated since it so rarely is in fashion these days. What did we learn? Metallic is going to be huge this season as is color in particular yellow. Pink was on a popular choice in all tones and lavender. There were many looks which were almost there but either the color choice didn’t suit the skin tone or the slit was too high of the neckline too short. The exciting thing about the nine ladies who made the cut is that each dress was by a different designer, which keeps fashion exciting and invigorating. So if you are in the dress market for a gala, ball or event may this inspire you, if not just enjoy. Who did you like?

February 24, 2019 0 comment

HydraFacial

by thelifestylelady June 29, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Friday, wow this week has flown by, yesterday I took a timeout and went for a little pampering. I love a facial and it would be my desert island beauty treatment. A facial can transform your skin and how you feel. When your a mum or have a busy life making time to have a little pampering is often difficult so you want it to be good. My thoughts on those who don’t like facials is you either haven’t found the right treatment or the right person. It is that simple. I have come out before feeling a little let down by the money taken and the result and that is not a good feeling. So when you get the right combination keep it up. I have wanted to try a HydraFacial for an absolute age but hadn’t had the time or inclination to do the research, well now I have.

What is a facial?

A facial is a multi step beauty treatment for your face conducted by an esthetician. A facial generally includes cleansing, exfoliating ,extracting, masking and nurturing the skin. The objective is to assist with skin concerns which can be a wide range from skin complaints like acne or rosacea etc. to anti-ageing with a primary focus on creating clear, clean and hydrated skin.

Why Facial?

A good facial is an essential part of an effective skin regime. It clears pores in a way cleansing at home can not , diagnoses skin issues which can change with age, climate and lifestyle. A skilled esthetician can help you with a skin regime suited for your skin type. The lights and equipment make them able to see your skin at a microscopic level and assist in diagnosing issues and guide you on effective products more than a person at a beauty counter. Finally they can perform extractions properly, whether it is blackheads (we all have them,) milia or regular spots they can assist in their removal without scaring and no God awful pore strip in sight.

How Often?

A good facialist will say to see great results you should visit them monthly and honestly that is not always practical financially or schedule wise, so my answer is get them when you can. An annual facial is better that no facial, plus they make awesome gifts.

Why HydraFacial?

A HydraFacial is a new gentle treatment, it is the latest offering in non laser skin resurfacing. It combines cleansing, exfoliating, extracting and hydrating products into your skin. It does this with the use of a small machine with high suction which works like a vacuum. The suction absorbs dead skin, clears and extracts blocked pores. The HydraFacial is effective for all skin types including sensitive skin and can assist and treat all skin needs and issues. It leaves you with clearer, cleaner and more beautiful skin with a limited recovery time.

My thoughts and results.

After doing lots of research and reading reviews I decided to visit a med spa within walking distance of my home. I was not disappointed, my esthetician Heidi was a lady older than me who had terrific skin, looked and dressed well. I always feel more comfortable when the person performing procedures looks like I would like to. She was not heavily made up with too many procedures and her professionalism in her work was similar to her appearance, excellent. She was incredibly knowledgeable and careful. I really appreciated the time she took to explain each step of the procedure and she did extra extraction without the machine (removed a few of those beastly milia.) The extraction pain was minimal discomfort. The whole procedure was painless, it is not as relaxing as other facials mainly because of the noise of the machine but that did not concern me as I could feel the benefits. I got particular satisfaction from the machine extraction because it feels a little like a scrubber on a saucepan and I knew it was cleaning and clearing those pores. At times I could feel my cheeks flushing in particular and you will see that in the pictures below, that is expected for me as I have sensitive skin and slight rosacea. Heidi talked me through and explained how I could change and add to my regime to help with the issues. I was pleased to hear she felt my regime was working very well and that my skin was hydrated with minimal lines. All the hard work is paying off, I enjoyed chatting through some of my skin care concerns and how I felt my skin had changed since we had moved to the more humid climate of the Houston. One thing I found remarkably satisfying is to see the dirty liquid sucked from you face, I enclose a photo for those of you mad enough. The sediment is things stuck in my pores – gross. As I left my skin felt warm and I did have redness, but my skin felt glowing and it never felt dry or tight. The redness went down very quickly and I attach photos immediately after, after about an hour where you can see some dried skin cells on my face and then about two hours later when I had washed my face and reapplied sun screen. I am writing his approx six hours later and my skin feels clean and wonderful. I can’t wait for the next one!

Before the procedure, my skin was looking a little dull, tired and I had some minor congestion.

A closeup on a problem area, milia, sun spots and pigment.

The gunk taken from my face, Heidi is highlighting the sediment.

The color of the extracted liquid

The amount of liquid

My face straight after the procedure. Lots of redness in the cheekbone area.

About one hour after, you can see a few dead skin cells and white stuff left on my face.

A closeup after treatment, still a little red but it is glowing and looks cleaner and more hydrated

Picture about three hours later, after I washed my face in cool water and added sunscreen, Thrilled with the results. Skin looks cleaner, fresher and more hydrated. I could almost pass as 50- lol.

Have any questions please get in touch. Have you tried a HydraFacial? Have I inspired you. It is so important to take care of our skin.

Happy Weekend Friends.

June 29, 2018 1 comment

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

Decor Uncategorized

Home Décor & Design

by thelifestylelady June 25, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

One of the questions I get asked most here on TLL is about my home its décor and design. People have asked for a home tour and for me to share how my house is progressing. It is my plan to share with y’all areas of my home as I feel ready to do so. I have already shared my daughter’s bedroom and if you had not seen that please click here. I recommend you refresh your memories because much of the room has changed once again and I plan to share how I transitioned her toddler room to The Little Princess Room it is now soon.

It is not my intention to talk about my home today, but more about design and décor and how you create a style or look for your home. I have always been interested in décor and design – it is in my blood! I have so many memories of my parents remodeling and decorating homes. I vividly remember the smell of paint being burnt off the skirting boards by my mother on her hands and knees and my parents looking exhausted from peeling paint or wallpaper from ceilings and walls. But they did it all, remodeling and decorating our home room by room. I think they loved it although it wasn’t always conducive to marital bliss. They would change the feel/mood and look of a house and make it our home. Even now, they have scaffolding up as I write this, knocking doorways between rooms, remodeling bathrooms and developing into the roof. Granted they are doing less of the work themselves these days, but when it comes to the design and décor of their home they are not standing still and I have inherited that bug.

I don’t wish to date myself but I remember when most décor inspiration came from books, magazines and some google images. With the invention of social media we are now bombarded with images at every turn. I think if you are someone who is looking to curate your style in a new home or discover what you like, all this information could be overwhelming. Today I want to share some of my key thoughts on helping people navigate this world or décor and design.

Love. This is so important to me, whether you own or rent, your home is your largest investment so you should LOVE it. I am also a proponent of filling your home with items you love. It will become more cohesive and a reflection of your family. There is something magical about being able to touch and see items around your home and for them to evoke memories or thoughts that you are able to reminisce about or share in. It is more sentimental than purchasing something because it subscribes to a certain look. Very few of us are fortunate enough to buy new décor and furniture specifically for each home; most of us collect items as we progress up the property ladder, whether inherited or purchased. If we buy pieces we love we will want to take them with us and reuse or repurpose.
Practicality. Sure, you can look at thousands of gorgeous images and think I want to recreate that, but you have to be practical about the stage of your life. There is no point spending thousands on wallpaper or upholstery if you have small sticky fingers around. Similarly there is no point having a polished floor if you are approaching your mature years. Practicality also covers versatility, for many a room has to be multipurpose and that is not always conveyed in the stylized photos of Instagram. Storage is so important and you can never have enough. A home will always look collated and dressed if you have places to put away your things (ie hide the crap!)
Budget. Sorry to bring you down to earth with a bang, but one has to consider this. We can all get swept away looking at and desiring bespoke items but if the budget is Ikea then we have to work within those parameters. A beautiful stylish home can be created on any budget, you just sometimes have to be a little more creative which is more fun. Even if your budget is not limited you have to consider if what you are adding is good value, either in terms of adding value to the price of your home or to your quality of life. Perhaps consider asking yourself if this is your “forever home”, or the place you wish to raise your family. If you can enjoy your investment for a longer term I believe your can let your heart rule your budget a little more.
Fit. If you are in a new home or remodeling your current home and are unsure what direction to take, I always try to be sympathetic to the home’s bones. This is especially true in countries and areas where homes are older. If you have bought a new home (unless it has been modeled on a period style) perhaps cornicing or picture rails might not be a fit. In the same vein, if you buy an older home with period features it is important to modernize with recess lighting and modern amenities. Ripping out older floors and fireplaces is criminal! You can decorate with a more modern taste while respecting heritage.
Flow/Tone. I have lived in quite a lot of homes and the flow and tone is probably one of the most important things I consider when decorating. I like there to be cohesion as you move between rooms. Whether your home is several thousand square feet or a small apartment, if you have a smooth flow between rooms your home will look stylish. How can this be created? Color is an obvious one, if you’re wondering what color to paint your home, go look in your closet and see what color you tend to be drawn to. I may sound crazy but sit in your home and see if colors come to you. Look at possessions you may love, that can inspire a palette. If you are a Pinterest person, look at a board and see if there is a color which unites all your pins rather than getting detail-obsessed by an image. I always used to scrapbook magazine pics and I could see as I flitted through that a palette appeared. Tone is another way; tone through shades of color is obvious but tone can also be created through texture and textiles. I love love love textiles and I plan to do another post all about them at a later date. Similarly, the décor accessories you choose can set the tone and mood throughout the home.

I am by no means an expert but these thoughts and considerations have work well for me to date. As I begin to share my home and some of the upcoming projects we will revisit these points in more depth. If you are in a position where you feel overwhelmed by projects and decisions with design perhaps consider hiring an interior designer. I think their expertise and knowledge can be invaluable as well as providing savings and discounts.

How do you style and decorate your home? Have any tips which you wish to share?

Have a great week friends.

June 25, 2018 4 comments

Beauty Makeup Skin Care Uncategorized

My Summer Makeup Refresh

by thelifestylelady June 21, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

So we are experiencing record temperatures early this summer in Texas. Last week my car was reading 108oc and we are only in June. This heat combined with my daughter home for the summer means that I have a slightly different lifestyle and therefore requirements of my cosmetics. If you have followed me for a while you will know that I am a fan of reviewing your cosmetics routine at the start of every season, after all you don’t wear the same clothes in winter as you do in summer so why would you do the same with skincare and makeup? As I mature I am noticing that my skin has very different needs in each season and how I respond to this can really change how my skin looks and feels. Whether you are like me and live in unbearable heat or are about to enjoy a summer holiday I wanted to share with you some of the holly grail products I have found which are quick (who has the time?) sustainable in the heat and do what is required.

Even if you follow my strict policy of wearing sunscreen at all times, your skin tone changes during the summer months. The vast majority of people will drop at least one shade in foundation and concealer. So it is always worth checking, the wrong color can be ageing and nobody got time for that!!! The need for a full coverage foundation is not necessary in the summer, unless you have blemishes you have to cover. The summer is time to celebrate our skin tone and its beautiful to see freckles, a light BB or CC is perfect for the vast majority in the summer.

Like the winter, the skins exposure to extreme elements like heat, humidity, sand, salt and air conditioning to name a few really alters your skins texture. Often you will think your skin is greasier as you sweat and perspire (we all glow) but actually more often than not your skin is actually dry and dehydrated (combination skin.) For me my skin can not get enough of hydrating products and I lean much more to cream products in summer. It is only my finishing powder which is a powder product. I think that dewy cream finish is lighter for the summer and gives a more youthful glow (who doesn’t want that?!)

Here is what I am using and loving this summer.

Supergoop Serum

If you take nothing more from this post than this, sunscreen is the most important thing you can do for your skin, it should be applied everyday rain or shine. I am a strong advocate of a separate/stand alone sunscreen application even if your face product contains SPF.
I love Supergoop, it is not heavy or sticky and absorbs into your skin. I find it works well for most sensitive skins.
Supergoop only make products for skin protection from the sun which I thinks speaks volumes to the quality.

Clarins SOS Primer

This is not essential but it diminishes redness for an even looking skin tone. I find in the sun the red pigment of my skin can come through and this helps.

It Cosmetics CC Cream

This is a fantastic CC cream, it gives good coverage and has strong lasting power even when in and out of the pool.
It also contains an SPF 50 which combined with a separate sunscreen will provide you a high SPF coverage.

Bobbi Brown Serum Concealer

Regardless of season this is a LL love. When exposing your skin to the summer elements the serum inside the concealer gives added moisture to the eye area which is nourishing. It prevents that dried and cakey look that some concealers can.

Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick

In the heat I can not be bothered to do elaborate eye makeup. I want to apply something easy which will hold all day and I find these are brilliant.
They come in various colors and both matte or shimmer.
They don’t require brushes which make them fantastic for travel.

Beauty Counter Volumizing Mascara

I spend much of the summer either swimming or sweating. I also live in an area where allergies/pollen are rampant, as a result I find by the end of the day I am wearing most my mascara on my under eyes.
I did feel that in the summer months I wanted to find a more natural mascara. I have been trying several items in the Beauty Counter range and I can honestly tell you I have been very impressed with this mascara. It is a little dryer in texture and therefore requires a little more work in application but it lasts well and I have no fall out. It also feels good to think that it does not have any nasties or chemicals near my eyes.

Beauty Counter Color Pinch Cream Blusher

I mentioned earlier that during the summer I prefer cream products. I was looking for a cream blush and decided to try Beauty Counter. I have been impressed, highly pigmented, beautiful packaging and has strong longevity.

NYX Wonder Pencil

To all mums and tired people everywhere, regardless of season this is a must. Place this along your waterline and you will look like you have had 8+ hours sleep.

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel

Eyebrow grooming is essential. This tints, fills, grooms and lasts all days.

Beauty Counter Sheer Lipstick

Great variety of colors and buildable.

Beauty Counter Lip Gloss

Great glosses and all natural.

Supergoop 100% mineral setting powder

Love this product, it is a finishing powder with SPF. It sets your makeup and prevents shine. The wonderful design with retractable brush means it is easy to carry with you and you whip out reapply and remove any shine or add SPF.
It comes in a variety of shades or translucent like I have.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Been bashing on about these for an age, great shade range, so comfortable and nourishing. Plus they contain SPF.

NYX Illuminating Stick

These come in a variety of shades and add a slight highlight to your face, plus so affordable.

Here is the picture of me with the makeup on!

So any products your loving for summer? Would you like me to do a post of facial sunscreens? The other thing to remember which is almost as important as sunscreen is to double cleanse. Even if your not much of a makeup wearer, you are of course wearing sunscreen and it is important to remove that correctly and get your skin/pores very clean. Another issue for summer skin is bacteria, I find I am more susceptible to breakouts, with all the elements and sweating so a very strict skincare regime with DOUBLE CLEANSING is essential.

Ta Ta for now,

June 21, 2018 9 comments

Travel Uncategorized

Visiting France – The Gers

by thelifestylelady May 3, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

How are you? I am not going to lie I am exhausted but am running on adrenalin, last night family lifestyle returned from a visit to see Mr L’s parents in France. Have you ever been to France? I am fortunate to have been quite a lot in my life and seen more than most, whilst some of the greats like Paris, Cannes, St Tropez, Normandy and The Loire are picturesque there is much beauty to be found in the quieter, less well known areas. This visit we went to The Gers, a hidden gem in the French Countryside. The Gers region is about 20 miles outside Toulouse and not far from the Pyrenees. It is not heavily populated and displays French countryside almost untouched by modernization. It provides breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine and very drinkable wine (what more could you need.) I hope to do a much more detailed post with pictures (if you are interested?) at a later date, but today wanted to share with you a brief vlog of our trip. Please note I am new to all this so do not expect Spielberg quality, it is also not easy to capture footage with a four year old.

Enjoy!

May 3, 2018 4 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

Editorial Uncategorized

Life Update

by thelifestylelady April 15, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

I am happy to welcome some new followers to the posse, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see new followers joining the gang so thank you. It is strange sometimes where you can get inspiration or focus from, today my motivation came from the Sunday School message we were teaching. The story was Luke 10 38-42 where Jesus visits Martha and Mary, Martha is too busy in preparing the home, making food and her guest comfortable where as Mary had prioritized sitting and listening to Jesus. As I was discussing this with 5th and 6th graders (age 10-12 for my non American friends) I became aware that I was Martha. I get swept along in life and don’t prioritize right it was a sort of epiphany. I need to take better care of doing things I enjoy and that’s this blog and you. I can not promise how often but I want you to know your appreciated more than you know.

Life here is busy we have been skiing which if you follow me on Instagram (if not why not?) you would already know. We are getting geared up for my brothers wedding in London soon and are taking a vacation either side. That is beyond exciting. My parents have been for a visit which was super fun, they were beyond helpful with the garden (hope to share on the blog or in a vlog soon.) They had fantastic weather and even got to use the pool, not sure the UK will be so generous to us when we return next month. Gertie turned one, my baby is growing up, she is not eating quite so many knickers which is a blessing, but she is a joy to our family. Although I wish she would stop barking at the pool flamingo floatie.

Little L is growing up too fast, she got into a great school near us and she starts Pre-K in August, I am beyond proud but she can be challenging. I blame her father – lol. She is an independent bundle of fun, she has moved into a big girl bed and I have changed her room a little (blog post soon!)

I am finally getting the house together although there is always things to add, it is a bottomless pit and it keeps me pretty busy. I recently changed my car and I am getting used to that, it is amazing how quickly things change and you forget. I couldn’t end today without mentioning the state of the world, it has been preoccupying my thoughts a great deal. We learn nothing from history and I am praying for peace.

I am challenging myself today to pick up the camera and start a weekly vlog, so watch this space, as ever I love to hear from you all so contact me.

Ta ta for now

Kxx

April 15, 2018 1 comment

Editorial Uncategorized

Feminism, My response to the Bafta dress

by thelifestylelady February 19, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Monday, trust your weekend was good. Today I am sharing a video I have filmed and uploaded today, this is in response to the heavily critical and in my opinion wrong comments on HRH Duchess of Cambridge’s gown color choice at last nights BAFTA’S. I am trying something new here on TLL where I share a little more of my personal view on matters when they stimulate a reaction. This is in hope you will gain a deeper more genuine and authentic look into the person I am. This issue is personal for me and I wanted to share with you how I felt. I hope you enjoy. Please comment and share your thoughts even if you think I am totally wrong, (lets just keep in polite.)

Have a good week.

February 19, 2018 3 comments

Beauty Editorial Uncategorized

Friday Feelings

by thelifestylelady February 16, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

I thought I would share with you my Friday Feelings, this will be on a variety of things from products I’m loving or lusting after to news events or popular culture. It is a roundup of my thoughts, loves and loathes for the week.

I am loving the Winter Olympics. I am not the most avid sports watcher which is as good as treason when living in Texas, but there is something about the Olympics which has me hooked, I have even enjoyed the curling. I often feel that these people who work their socks off and train their lives away to represent their country should get a little more recognition. Lets face it how many Olympians go on to become ambassadors of sport and culture vs some TV presenter who is famous for being on a reality show or a singer who is famous for covering records. I do feel sometimes culture has lost its way. I love that despite the state of world affairs countries can come together and compete. I’m drawn to the anti millennial vision the Olympics uphold that there are winners and losers because my friends that is a true reflection of life, we are not always winners. My only disappointment is that it over so quickly.

I am going skiing for a few days next week and other than a day visit to man-made snow in Virginia I am a ski virgin. Friends so kindly invited us and I really want Little L to learn so we put caution to the wind and accepted. I am nervous and skiing is an expensive sport, you need lots of basic equipment that is essential. If you have followed me for a while you will know I like the slightly nicer (sorry teacher) things in life, but to be forking out big money for ski boots when if I hate skiing the likely hood of them getting any further wear seemed a pretty large pill to swallow, until my friends I came across these and they were a little over $30. I am not usually a proponent of copies and was a little dubious of the quality but I received them last night and was delighted. They are just what I needed. I ordered Little L a pair of ski boots with a draw string top for $15 and again they are perfect.
The Royal Wedding is approaching fast, and at first, I was very excited, and to some extent I still am. I was an advocate for Meghan. I have been a fan of hers and her work within the UN for some time. I am glad that she and Harry have found on another. However, I have been decidedly underwhelmed by her public appearances since her engagement. Tuesday saw the Princess to be and HRH Prince Harry in Scotland, I was very disappointed by her appearance, her trousers looked way too long and dragged onto the tarmac, her tartan coat which was a classy nod to Scottish heritage swamped her, her hair appeared messy and unpolished. Now before I get accused of being anti-feminist, and people write who cares what she wears, I answer simply this, she is becoming Royal, a figurehead, and ambassador or our country, the Commonwealth and the HRH The Queen where ever she goes. Her role is so very different to that of an actress or social advocate. Hear me, Meghan is a beautiful and elegant woman, but there are protocols to being royal, if they lose that sense of decorum, regality, and courtliness they become common place and I would hate to see where that would lead. It has given me a deeper respect for the HRH Duchess of Cambridge who always looks polished and elegant at events, another young woman not raised for this role but who has embraced it. One must remember that on Tuesday Scottish people will have waited outside (in the freezing weather) for many hours for Meghan to arrive and how she appears and the way she looks matters. If this appears negative to Meghan it is not; she would make a trash bag look good which might be why I was so shocked and surprised that courtiers are not assisting her better. I am thrilled that a woman of her education and experience is joining The Royal Family, just please tailor your clothes (you can afford to!)

Meghan

A friend introduced me to this Revitalizing Lip Balm by Neutrogena it comes in a variety of shades and is very affordable around $8. It is so nourishing and comfortable on the lips plus it is drug store!!

I have also started a Lent Bible Study this week, I honestly rarely mention my faith here on the blog but I find the discipline of taking time for myself learning and being alone with God very therapeutic. If you would like to join me there is still time here is the link.
I could not finish this week without mentioning the shooting in Florida, there are no words. In my opinion we must tighten gun control and improve education. My point here is not to comment over the atrocity but to simply express my disgust in the way the media handle such events. The 24hour news culture of course brings an aggressive approach to stories and gaining new information over competitors. I get that. My problem is when networks exploit peoples grief to gain viewings, it is abhorrent. I have seen close family members and school friends of the victims interviewed and my friends it was wholly inappropriate. If audiences need to see that to react to the heinous crime because they are desensitized to the visual images, then we have much bigger concerns. Please can we go back to a little more sensitivity.

I told you it would be a mixed bag, I hope you enjoyed the post where I am a little freer! Enjoy your weekend!

February 16, 2018 4 comments