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BeautyGift Guide

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

One thing I learnt when I moved to the US was that it celebrates Mothering Sunday on another day from the UK which made purchasing gifts and cards difficult. I have overcome this small obstacle and now I have my own American daughter I think I should be entitled to two Mother’s Day who is with me? In all seriousness Mother’s Day is a fabulous tradition where we can celebrate all women who mean something to us. I have mentioned previously that my family are on the move and we will be spending this Mothering Sunday in our new location trying to find a home. Which no doubt will remind me of the importance of being a mother and trying to make this transition as seamless as possible. This post gives some gift suggestions, especially if the man in your life has some influence over gift purchasing. I of course love the homemade card and gift but will leave all of those ideas to people far more craftly gifted than I. So may I be as bold to suggest, sending a link to this article or leaving this page open and placing it subtly on top of the TV remote so you get something special this May. Lets crack on…

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  1. Lush Gift Box I am not sure whether I have mentioned about the wonderful Bath Bombs and Bubble Bars that they sell at Lush, they are outstanding. They make bath time all the more decedant and what mama does not need that? If you are new to the brand a gift box like this is a great introduction. You can also go instore or online and pick out your own selections which might be fun for little kids to do.
  2. Satin Robe If you are like me then a robe is a treat, especially one that does not have your toddlers previous breakfast on the sleeve. This is elegant can be personalized and make you feel special. Yes please.
  3. Rose Gold Knot Earrings If jewelry is your gift of choice for Mother’s Day then I expect you want something classic and timeless that will stand the test of time. These I believe fit that order, they are turn on the classic as they are in the fashionable rose gold. Enjoy.
  4. Frends Headphones So I think I may have mentioned these before, they are beautiful. I love the gold and white ones, they are so feminine and every mummy needs a set.
  5. Tote Bag So if like me you love bags then maybe Mother’s Day is an occasion to extend your collection. I often share bags I love but I wanted to share this link. A friend bought me the grey/blue one for Christmas and I was hooked. I also own the brown/coral one, they are reversible, affordable, great size, comfortable and you wont be devastated if a sippy cup spills. I encourage everyone to grab one.
  6. Silhouette Necklace This a new discovery and it all looks beautiful. What mother wouldn’t want the silhouette necklace I want to do an art order after my move.

If none of these ideas do much for you what mother wouldn’t like flowers? Or perhaps a spa voucher? You can never go wrong with a Sephora gift card or a blowout voucher. Have you thought of a gift subscription like Birchbox or FabFitFun. Or you could go down the charitable route of sponsoring a child. Whatever you like I wish you a Happy Mothering Sunday and hope you get to share the day with those you love and whom love you after all that’s what it’s really about.

Ta ta for now,

TLL x

 

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, TLL Gift Guide, Here To Help You

by thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

It is that time again, love time. That special day plastered in our calendars when the gift shops and card companies encourage us to celebrate the love we have for those closest to us. Sorry was that a little cynical of me?! Now I have a very British attitude towards  Valentines Day, when I grew up you did not receive cards from your father or friends as an expression of paternal or platonic love. Valentine’s Day was simply for the romantics amongst us who were either in the throws of romantic love or as a way of expressing undisclosed feelings for another. Throwing the cynic in me to one side I do like the idea of Valentine’s Day being a celebration of love in all forms. If it makes us all stop, take a moment to appreciate those people in our lives we love and could not be without, in my book that is a great thing. I think another reason I am a little of a Debbbie downer on the Valentines Day debarcle is that I was the lucky lady who chose to marry a chap born on the day of St Valentine! Yes folks that’s right I share the day with Mr L’s birthday, now quite frankly I am not the one of the couple who gets the rough end of the stick, try getting a dinner reservation on Feb 14. Getting a group of friends together to celebrate your birthday when they all feel that they should be out alone in a couple, paying for some overpriced, sub-standard set menu. We do celebrate Valentine’s, exchange something small but make it a celebration of Mr L. So along the lines of my gift guides for Christmas I have given you some suggestions for the special people in your life, they vary in price but they are all things I would be more than happy to receive or give. So any of my many admirers looking to declare their undying love I provide some inspiration.

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Top Golf Gift Card – Most men love golf and to combine it with a date night is a win win. Golf, food, alcohol and friends = good times.

Heart Socks – Now Mr L likes to rock the funky socks look so I am always on the lookout for fabulous socks, nothing says love like heart covered socks.

The Art of Shaving – This to me is a great pampering gift for men. If your chap is not one for the spa this is a great way to give him a pampering gift that he won’t be embarrassed to use.

Bose Cordless Headphones – Whether he loves to travel, listen to music, or watches football in bed when you want to sleep, these are a must and great quality.

Ugg Slippers – Valentines Day is all about staying cozy and these are just that but still look functional and appropriate.

Beer Making Kit – This needs little explanation. What man does not like Beer? If that is yours why not try a wine making kit.

If you a male reader who is a little uncertain of what to get that special someone, here are a few ideas.

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Dry Bar Gift Card – Every woman loves a blow out/dry and this is a treat which doesn’t take the whole day but is an instant pickup to the mood. Great idea and vouchers can be bought from the comfort of your office.

Lush Bath Bombs – If your lady likes or craves a soak in the tub then a gift kit like this is a winner. Lush produces wonderful bath bombs which make bathing a treat. All natural products and good/kind to your skin.

PJ’s – I am quite sure that their is a varied taste to PJ’s and underwear to celebrate this holiday but honestly I don’t think you could go far wrong with cozy PJs, you could of course push the boat out and buy silk ones which would be a winner with any lady.

Emma Bridgewater Pottery – I am a massive fan of Emma Bridgewater pottery, I love her stuff and the vast majority of her patterns, I do have a slight preference for the hearts and what would be lovelier than a mug with the name or message for your beloved. These are collectible.

Life Factory Glass Bottle – With all research pointing towards the benefits of glass over plastic why not treat your lady to a glass bottle. Whether she uses it to workout, on her desk or to carry around, she can look stylish while taking care of herself.

Pink Throw– Valentine’s to me is about being cozy and romantic by the fire and ladies love to be warm and stylish.  Any person worth there salt knows that a woman can NEVER have enough throws, pillows and shoes, so why not add to that collection with something as cute as this.

Diptyque Candles – Amongst some of the most gorgeous candles you can buy. So many fragrances and again like pillows, throws and shoes women can never have too many. So excited a Diptyque store is moving to my local mall very soon.

Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil – Not much to add here other than a lady loves to smell good so perfume is a great option and Jo Malone in particular would send a lovely romantic message.

Hope this provides some inspiration for you. If you can not source the exact product I hope it provides some inspiration or ideas for something similar. If none of these scream at you, how about a couples cookery class or pottery, just think Ghost, On that note I shall say

 

Ta Ta for now

TLLx

 

 

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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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Gift GuideLifestyle

Mr L – Gift Giver

by thelifestylelady

Since today seems to be the day to discuss gift giving, I thought I would continue the theme with some interesting findings that have been occurring in the L household.  My dear husband Mr L is a good gift giver. It has taken a few years to get him to gold status, but I can safety tell you that he is comfortably keeping his new-found stature.  People reading this who are not fortunate enough to have met me (lol) will not realize that I am not one to give false praise. In fact I seldom give praise on any level. So if Mr L is reading this he may discover his new-found success and it will never be spoken of again! He is almost getting so good at gift giving that I am getting frustrated. Firstly I must preface this with Mr L is usually only responsible for my gifts. He will help when I am totally stumped on someone but he only has to focus effort and energy in one direction whereas I have many more to consider.

I always think that men are at an advantage when buying for a lady; there is always that great fallback option of jewelry or fragrance. They can also never really go wrong at any department store when buying bath and body collection or makeup, and I see now that some of the big malls or shopping centers are selling gift cards which can be used at any store in its location, I know my local one does. Women buying for men is more difficult I find. When I found myself faced with our latest wedding anniversary (which was almost exactly one week after Father’s Day) I was “up a creek without a paddle.” I literally had no idea. So for the first time ever I thought I would ask or delay a gift purchase until I could come up with something profound and wanted (which became cowboy boots.) Well Mr L surpassed himself with lovely gifts which were even in-keeping with the anniversary theme of wood – I ask you… I am married to a man who works a great deal and shopping is a pastime which he hates, so he is not the type of chap who would frequent the local mall. He is however the type of gent who loves the internet and surfing the web. To be honest it used to annoy me that he would get gifts ordered online and delivered. I used to think it displayed a lack of effort and how could you buy items without touching and feeling them? Now i have joined the 21st Century I realize how bloody sensible it is. It also saves time, by making great suggestions, which I am all in favour of. So I apologize for those thoughts. When I arrived home this afternoon and saw this small catalogue ear marked I thought I would have a quick gander. Mr L was a little perturbed as he explained that this is where my next years of gifts where coming from, so after a quick flit through I promised I would not look again. The catalogue is entitled Uncommongoods. I may again be slow to the table, but I was impressed with the offering with lots of different ideas for kids, men, weddings etc and it would definitely be worth a perusal. Another site I have always loved which is originally British and now arrived on US shores is Notonthehighstreet. You can always find something fun, pretty or different at any price point. So happy gift hunting. Thanks for the inspiration Mr L.

Happy shopping, any other great sites so I can surprise Mr L with some wonderful things?

Full of great gift giving ideas

Full of great gift giving ideas

Ta ta for now

TLL x

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Gift GuideLifestyle

Toddler Pressies- Help

by thelifestylelady

So I have always prided myself on trying to source the thoughtful gift for friends and family when celebratory events occur. Granted, as people mature and means increase, trying to find items that are original, different and that will delight becomes more difficult. I did not think I would face the same challenge when purchasing gifts for tiddlywinks (little people). As a mummy who loves to read and loves everything book and literature-related, this tends to be my go-to. Being a Brit, I often find at least a few of my kiddy literary canon are not commonplace here, and, providing I can source it, then voila! This can be difficult when shipping is expensive and I don’t have a guest arriving with a big baggage and weight allowance. Another thing I am not keen on is becoming predictable, and although I pride myself on being a mummy who loves The Classics and all related material I respect that others do not share my vision and it’s simply not their thing. I do not want Little L getting picked on for giving “uncool” gifts.

I love the idea of a present drawer. A close UK friend of mine introduced me to the concept, picking items up as you see them, especially if they are on sale (we all do that, even if I’m brave enough to write it out loud.) So that if that unexpected party invite arrives, or you chat to another mum who has had an equal brainy idea and buys the same gift, you can produce something new and different. Plus it saves you from yet another trip to Target or Toys ‘r’ Us where you end of spending a fortune on plastic c*** and forget to come away with a gift! (Or is that just me?) Speaking of plastic, I’m not a fan, and by that I mean not that I dislike plastic, it is one of the greatest inventions of mankind – clearly, simply I am not a fan of plastic toys made in China. Mr L and I love wooden toys and of course Little L (despite my aversion) still has enough plastic China-made toys to sink a small ship, but we still try to limit them.

Now being raised British I was taught all matters money are private, but please accept my apology regarding my vulgarity in this moment; but what is the right amount to spend? Obviously that’s a personal circumstance question, but even if you were a billionaire do you set a budget? Do you spend more on tiddlywinks you know better? It even poses the question do you spend more on a gift if you know the party is at a more expensive venue? These are all pretty ugly questions, but sometimes these things have to be asked. I’m fully aware that Little L has not even made school yet, when I imagine everything party and gift-related gets competitive. Am I right? What happens when you’re in a class of 20 and invited to all the parties? Budgeting and fairness (Mr L would be proud of me) is essential.

Can you see the quandary? Any tips or advice? Please don’t let me become the stingy or “uncool” mother. Help me make PTA! Save Little L from a life of misery and give this mama some tips!

Ta ta for now

TLL x

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