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FamilyUncategorized

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,

  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Kx

 

 

June 26, 2018 6 comments
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Editorial

The Duchess Dress Off

by thelifestylelady June 11, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Today I wanted to share something fun and that is meant in good taste. On Saturday in London was Trooping the Colour, this is a ceremony performed by all regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies to mark the official birthday of the sovereign HRH The Queen. It is a tradition which began in the 17th Century. It was particularly exciting because it was the first time we got to see HRH Duchess of Sussex with the rest of the Royal Family, since her wedding. I was secretly thrilled because it was one of the first times we would see both Duchess’ in their finery as members of the family. I want to preface that I am not going to make a habit of comparing Kate and Meghan, they are both incredibly beautiful (albeit in different ways) smart and stylish and to me that is where all comparisons should end. They are both Duchess’ with very different destinies and I think that will become more evident as time progresses. I did however think it would be fun today to compare their fashion choices. To summarize I think even their fashion choices on Saturday spoke to their destinies. Nobody could take from Meghan how incredibly beautiful she was as a bride, everything about her choice of dress, accessories the way she walked down the aisle spoke to the modern, confident, informed, ethical Duchess she was becoming and her fashion choice on Saturday said much the same. I also want to cut her a little slack, royal life must be so intimidating and she is handling it like a pro. Kate on the other hand is destined to be a Queen, I thought her choice of outfit for the Royal wedding spoke much to her character. Wearing something she had worn before as not to draw attention displays the thoughtful, poised, elegant, educated, and regal woman she is. I thought her outfit on Saturday shone as she stepped out onto the balcony she projected regality.

HRH Duchess of Sussex

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It is difficult to get a full length image of Meghan and this was about the best I can do but it does show us the highlights of the dress/outfit. The dress is by Carolina Herrera and it is effortlessly elegant. The pale pink/nude color compliments Meghan’s skin tone incredibly although the color is very similar to the Goat dress she wore to the Garden Party. I was a little disappointed because I would like to see her in another color. The over jacketor neckline of the dress (not quite sure of the design, )is beautiful. I feel the way her hair is styled sort of spoils the effect and silhouette of the neckline but she looks spectacular. The buttons have a very vintage/80’s vibe as to me does the length of the jacket part. Although I love the design I am not sure is suits Meghan. Like Kate this beautiful woman could make a paper bag look good so I am in no way saying she looks bad. I feel the length of the jacket does her little favors, it sort of flattens her hips and dwarfs her beautiful curves which I think is a shame. She is too petite for that length of jacket. It doesn’t enhance her waist. I also question with the length/lack of sleeve, how appropriate this choice was for the event. I echo again I love the dress but this is a royal event and I fear there might have been a little too much flesh on show so perhaps best that her hair was down. It might have been good to have had a bracelet of something on her wrist with such a short sleeve.

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In contrast to Kate I feel Meghan hits the makeup jackpot each time. I love the natural softness that allow her beauty to shine through. Her soft pink lipstick compliments her outfit color and skin tone perfectly. She has this effortlessness with her makeup and the placement of her contour is amazing. She equally kept her jewelry minimal her decision not to wear a necklace and to allow the outfits neckline to sing was perfect. A slightly bolder earring choice might have been a little more appropriate they are royal after all. I did not feel her hair was appropriate, when wearing a hat ones hair should be back and away from the face, I think Meghan may have regretted it because she was fiddling with it a lot throughout the event. Her Phillip Treacy hat complimented the look but if her hair had been similar to her wedding style, I think the hat would have looked better.

HRH Duchess of Cambridge

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It is difficult to get a full length picture of the Duchess of Cambridge so this will have to work. This is HRH at her finest. The designer for all big events or when HRH wishes to make a statement she turns to her wedding dress designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Sarah never disappoints. I adore the ice blue colour of this outfit, it compliments the summer day perfectly. It is fresh and eye catching without being loud or bright. The fit and fabric is outstanding. I love the tailored look on Kate it compliments her figure, the modern square neck is softened and made feminine by the puff sleeves and who doesn’t like a bracelet length sleeve? The waist band adds a modern touch and I love how they keep the tailoring simple by having it in the same color and fabric. How is it possible she had a baby only sixish weeks ago????? The nipped waist going into a fuller pleated skirt which adds dimension and balances out her petite shoulders.

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This close up really allows us to see the details of Kate’s hat and jewelry. Her hair is so chic and tidy and allows the beauty of her spectacular hat and the simplicity of the jewelry to shine. This statement hat was spectacular by Milner Juliette Botterill, I always think this style is the most flattering on Kate and what sets is off is the flowers, netting and bow which follow through to the front of the hat. It is millinery masterpiece. Ladies and gentleman this is how one wears their hair when wearing a hat, chic and neat allowing the hat to shine. It is also positioned correctly but still allows us to see the beautiful Duchess. With her hair so neatly off her face you can see her spectacular earrings by Kiki McDonough, they match the outfit color exquisitely and their size is a perfect balance to the hat. They also look regal and are a bolder choice than say wearing a simple stud. Her choice of necklace is also stupendous because the delicacy of it does not fight the neckline and tailoring of the dress. It is also smaller and simpler than the earrings and allows those to be the statement. I love the detail on the chain, it provides balance. This closeup also gives us a chance to look at the Duchess makeup. I will confess I am not the biggest fan on the Duchess’ makeup choices I often find there is little variety to how she does it day/night and I find her eyes a little heavy and dark (sorry Kate!)At this event I thought the makeup complimented her exquisitely, her blush and lip colour were elegant and understated and complimented the ice blue of her outfit. I think the eyemakeup worked also in providing contrast to the hat.

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I added this picture because this bunch generally scrub up very well and I just love the Queen, she certainly stands out on the balcony in her blue. So elegant and poised for a lady of 92.

Whose outfit did you prefer? What are your thoughts on Kate and Meghan? I would love to know.

Have a fab week friends.

Ta Ta for now

Kx

June 11, 2018 1 comment
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Style

My Fashion Favorites of The Royal Wedding

by thelifestylelady May 22, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

Well what a wonderful weekend that was, it makes me so proud to see my country displayed in so much pomp and pageantry. It is something we do so well. The God’s were with us and sent the most beautiful day and when the sun shines with a backdrop like Windsor, fairytales really do come true. Today I am sharing a few of my favorite looks from the wedding. I can honestly say I don’t think I have seen such exciting fashion choices since Diana days. I genuinely was beaming at the beautiful dresses worn, everyone came with their A game. There is nothing like a Royal Wedding to set trends and since we are at the beginning of the wedding season I wanted to share some of the themes I noticed.

  1. Pale Pink. This was by far the most popular color choice or perhaps it was the color chosen by the most fashionable women which is a winner. It is such a soft and romantic color and would be perfect if you have a summer wedding coming up.
  2. Strong Color, in contrast to the pale and softness of the pink, we did see strong gem colors, there was plenty of purple, emerald green and viridian. I did wonder if guests were expecting a colder, greyer day. May can be a difficult month in the UK as the weather is so changeable. It can be gorgeous one and like winter the next. If you have a fall or winter wedding these styles would be fantastic.
  3. Embroidered and Hand Painted Dresses. These were so eye-catching and beautiful, it also could probably be worn all year round.

I now will share some of the best looks of the wonderful day:-

 

Pippa Middleton

Outfit: The Fold.

Loved this look, it was Spring in  a dress. The color, the pattern was breathtaking, the mint green was so fresh and the blossom design screamed May in England. The style, the way it fit just spoke to a modern elegance. In true Pippa style it was the whole look which was mesmerizing, her hat was chic and neat and shoes modern and fun all finished with a simple clutch. Class act.

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Pretty Pink Dress

A trend amongst the female guests was pale pink, this female guest who I apologize I do not know showed us how to dress for a beautiful spring wedding. I loved the bracelet length sleeve, the dress’s midi length and of course it’s color. The simple design fit in with the wedding theme and supported the less is more theory. Her cream hat and chignon hair style just oozed class.
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Jacinda Barrett and Gabriel Macht

Outfit: Emilia Wickstead

These two were one of my best dressed couples, I adored the strong color. The way Gabriel matches her dress with his tie choice is romantic and a lovely touch. It is elegant and demur but has a modern look without being frumpy. My only slight complaint is her hair which I would have preferred to see tied up,  it would have shown off the beautiful shoulder details of the dress. What a handsome couple.
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HRH Countess of Wessex

Outfit: Suzanne.

HRH showed women in their fifties how to dress, I loved this not simply because it was so different to anything else, but it was one of the most fashion forward and interesting outfits of the day. Surprisingly the pale blue and grey color was worn by few others. What I thought was bold was the length of the skirt, we didn’t see much midi/long length outfits, the fabric of the skirt with a slight shimmer which shone and twinkled in the sunshine and the texture/pattern of the top. She accessorized with a simple hat and her hair beautifully styled in a pleat. Again she kept the bag and shoes simple so the outfit shined. HRH rocked this look.
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Sarah Rafferty & Santtu Seppala

Outfit by Lanvin

Arguably one of the most attractive couples to attend, I liked her outfit although the navy did look a little dark/hard for the beautiful May sunshine, it did compliment her hair. I enjoyed her more fashion forward approach the sleeve and stud detail. I loved the netting over her face and the proportion of the hat was perfect in contrast to the sleeves. I had to mention her husband who looked sublime and displayed morning dress as its finest.
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Another Beautiful Pink Dress

Another lady who I thought looked stunning in pale pink, the dress was simple, elegant and appropriate for the chapel setting. I like the hat although I felt it fought the bag I think carrying a simple clutch might have made the look more styled. Although I am a proponent of hair up when wearing a hat or fascinator I think this women carries it off. Very elegant.
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Serena Linley

I wish to call this the Out of Africa outfit as it has a Safari feel. I chose this because again I felt it was very different and I loved the fuller skirt look of it. The proportions of the belt with the collar works beautifully and compliments her figure. I would have liked to see it in another color. I also like her more traditional hat choice although it did fight the collar of the coat a little.
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A Classic Look

Again an unknown guest but a lady who knows how to dress. I adore a coat dress and this is so elegant. The color was so on trend in the pale pink and the fit upon her exquisite. I love the length and the slightly puffed sleeve, what I thinks also works is her hat, it compliments without fighting the look which just adds to the understated elegance. The button detail of the coat into the fuller skirt is beyond beautiful. She should be smiling because this was one of my fav looks of the day. This look will never date. Classy lady.
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Kitty Spencer

Outfit: Dolce and Gabanna

Well this beauty could not look more like her aunt, (Diana.) Everything about this look is breathtaking and this is not a color I would normally love. Her makeup is beyond stunning and the dress just fits her body like a glove, the color choice and fabric could make it look frumpy but the modern shape and hand painted design make it modern and fresh. Her hair and hat are elegant and the netting over her face just looks stunning. She makes the look fun and youthful with the orange and velvet bag and can we take a moment to look at the necklace, simple beautiful.
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Countess Spencer

Not to be outdone by her step-daughter Countess Spencer was one of the first to arrive for the wedding and she for me set the tone for the fashion stakes. The color might have been a little dark for the occasion but the bracelet length sleeve counter balanced it. She screamed sophistication and elegance. I loved the cape style but might not have wanted to sit behind her in that hat, not sure how much you would be able to see.
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Amal Clooney

Outfit: Stella McCartney

This seems to have been for most, the best dressed, I liked it but didn’t feel it was the best dressed. The color suited her complexion but I felt the design combined with the beautiful back detail/sash swamped her tiny frame, I think it might have looked better on a fuller figure. The hat was beautiful with the veil/netting but she did continually fidget with her hair throughout which suggested to me she was uncomfortable. It was a beautiful look and she does have George on her arm, although I think George might have looked better in a darker color.
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Marcus Mumford & Carrie Mulligan

Beautiful couple and she resonated with another fashion trend of the wedding the embroidered dress, they both looked happy and comfortable. I did think the black sash added a more modern edge and provided a contrast to the feminine sleeves and dress design.
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Pink Dress

Another unknown but very stylish guest the pale pink dress and the hat look sublime . A total contrast to the lady in the navy whose dress is too short. The neckline on the pink dress is to die for and the flower detail on the hat is exquisite.
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Sofia Wellesley and James Blunt

Outfit: Valentino

This might be my best dressed lady. What more needs to be said, it sings to spring and the embroidered dress trend. The little details like the collar and sleeve frill add interest. It it is so feminine and she accessorized it simply so the dress was central. It was so different, bold and pretty. I am sure this is a love/hate look but I loved loved loved it.
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Abigail Spencer and Priyanka Chopra

Outfit: Alessandra Rich and Vivienne Westwood

Firstly I loved the vintage feel of the spotty dress with the little collar, the hat, bag, belt and shoes all fitted the look. It was so different to anything else, it was so fun and flirty but still looked demur and appropriate. It was a fantastic example of showing your personality and style in a fun way.

Priyanka’s suit blew me away, it was a modern take on a traditional suit. The fit and color was stunning, the hat even complimented that beautiful neckline. The shoes I was less keen on, but overall she was one of the front runners for best dressed.
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Serena Williams

Outfit: Versace

Serena looked simply beautiful, again in pale pink but she showed ladies how to dress curves. I was not mad about the necklace but loved her hair back and the way she let the dress be central. Beautiful work.
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The Middleton Family

Very little to say about this stylish and elegant family. They show us all how to do it. Carol Middleton exudes the mantra of “if it aint broke” by wearing a dress/coat combo from Catherine Walker as she did for both her daughters. The mint green spoke to spring and looked effortless and age appropriate. The men look super.
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Julia Carey and James Corden

Outfit: Tom Ford

Love this couple. Best dressed by a mile and looked happy and honored to be there. She looked divine and he scrubbed up well in  morning suit. The best of British ambassadors.
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Stunning Pink Dress

Another favorite pink dress look with beautiful hat. I love the bow sleeve detail which makes this dress more interesting. The flower detail of the hat is so romantic and shouts wedding. Stunning guest.
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Gina Torres

This was another different look, the red lace dress complimented her skin tone exquisitely. I loved the midi length and the high neck. The beading detail and red and white color stopped it from looking frumpy. I also adored the panama style hat she accessorized with, it let the dress be central and spoke to the many women who don’t feel comfortable in a hat. She looked so chic and appropriate. I loved it.
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What looks did you love? Do you agree with me? Let me know.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Ta Ta for now

Kx

May 22, 2018 2 comments
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Editorial

Welcome I’m Kate

by thelifestylelady May 18, 2018

 

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Howdy Y’all,

This is a very quick post to say hi and howdy to all the new people who are following The Lifestyle Lady. Welcome. I started this blog a few years ago my intention in this small corner of the web was to share things which motivate and inspire me. I am bowled over every time I receive a new notification to say someone else has joined the tribe. I want this space to be positive and interactive, I am genuinely delighted by comments, emails and dialogue with y’all. It has been thrilling to call people friends who I have been introduced to by their kindness and effort in following the blog and when I look at geographically where all my followers are from it is amazing.

For those who have been here a while you might find this dull but I wanted to take a small amount of time to re/introduce myself. I am Kate a mid-thirties Brit who finds herself (due to no fault of her own except honoring those little things called marriage vows) deep in the heart of Texas. Different areas of Texas have been my home for the last five years and I have lived in other States. I can honestly say that my life is not as I imagined it would be say ten years ago and I have spent much of my married life realizing that certainty and planning are great in theory but life can throw you a boomerang at the slightest turn. So Texas is my home and where my daughter Little L (Little Lifestyle) was born and is being bred. Mr L (Mr Lifestyle) is the reason why we are living in this swampy idyll a million miles from the green and pleasant land of my youth.

Mr L and I have struggled to expand our brood in the conventional sense so our second offspring comes in the form of a 44 pound Goldendoodle called Gertie, who to date is famous for not only being cute but for having a penchant for eating my underwear. (No joke.) Gertie named after my grandmother because I couldn’t do that to my daughter she would never speak to me again, appears often on the pages of this blog or on Instagram!

I don’t find it easy to write about me and for those who have followed for a while may know more about me through the way I write than what I have told you directly. I am a straight shooter, never been one to mince the words. I am a Christian please do not ask me to explain, not because I am embarrassed simply my faith is innate within me and is something I feel rather than articulate. I am a little sarcastic so I beg of you please do not be offended by what is often intended as humor, I am not the type of person to offend or shock for reaction. I try hard to be a good person and treat others as I would wish to be, I feel this ever the more acutely as a mother. I am motivated by fairness and injustice and I an advocate of standing up and being counted, as demonstrated by being elected to political office at the age of 24. I do feel if we all moaned a little less and contributed a little more, the world would be a better place. Similarly if we were a little kinder, a little fairer and a little more tolerant, we could change the world, why does human nature feel the need to attack often what they do not understand? I love to laugh and believe a good belly laugh can cure so much. I set myself way too high expectations but if I didn’t I would be bored and I am constantly criticizing myself for failing.

So welcome, I am always open to ideas and suggestions of things you would like to see here, if you are a new follower please get in touch or leave a comment I would love to know more about you. In case you are not sure the howdy y’all is a tribute to my new Texan roots and the ta ta for now a touch to Britain. Anyway friends, happy weekend, someone told me there was some small wedding happening tomorrow so I might have to give it a watch. Watch this space because I am sure there will be some commentary about the what/when/how/why or the whole shebang plus a best/worst dressed of the day.

Happy Friday Friends.

Ta ta for now

Kx

 

 

May 18, 2018 0 comment
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Family

Happy Mother’s Day

by thelifestylelady May 13, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful week friends.

Ta ta for now,

Kx

May 13, 2018 0 comment
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TravelYou tube

Exploring Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount & St Ives

by thelifestylelady May 12, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

We are still enjoying our trip and have been generally lucky with the weather. Today I am sharing a vlog on St Michael’s Mount and St Ives, this day was special because my brother joined us with his new wife. I am one to appreciate these special days with my family. It has been wonderful to relive their wedding with them.  I am so enjoying the Cornish countryside  and have not slept so well  for so long. I hope you are enjoying the vlogs and I have been thrilled with the positive feedback.

Happy weekends friend,

Kx

May 12, 2018 0 comment
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FamilyTravelYou tube

A Day Out in Cornwall – Tintagel & Boscastle

by thelifestylelady May 9, 2018

Howdy Y’all,

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

Ta ta for now.

Kx

May 9, 2018 2 comments
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TravelUncategorized

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!

Kx

May 3, 2018 4 comments
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BeautyEditorialUncategorized

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.

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  • 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.71Gp8KEmxuL._UY575_
  • 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!!

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  • 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!

Kx

February 16, 2018 4 comments
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DecorFamilyStyle

House Tour- Part 1 Little L Bedroom

by thelifestylelady November 3, 2017

Howdy Y’all

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Below I share some other areas of the room.

Such cute babies which she loves having close to her own bed
This area is used for everything coloring to tea parties
How cute are these seat cushions? I love the texture. I had made some but they have been replaced with these.
A tea party fit for a British Princess
The best sleep clock ever! The lamp can be toddler opperated.

 

 

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

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

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

Ta Ta for now

 

Kx

 

November 3, 2017 2 comments
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ABOUT ME

ABOUT ME

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

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