Gorgeous gift for new parents

Things I definetly do not need but really want for the new baby

We didn't really think this whole baby thing through, had we done so we might not have been so quick to give away ALL of our baby things. Seriously, everything. Gone.

I have some clothes, but nothing suitable for a newborn, except one vest. I held onto one vest.

Anyway, this means shopping, and baby shopping is probably my favourite type of shopping. I'm a little bit wiser this time and unfortunately well aware that I don't need to spend a fortune, nor do I need 95% of the stuff I want to buy...but these are all fab products so I kind of really still want to get them.

So here's what I would be purchasing if I didn't know any better

Lyla's Bedroom

Anyone who follows me on Snapchat (LylaJaneBlog) will have seen I changed her room around a little over the weekend. 

It still needs a little bit of tweaking, a new rug, a new lamp, and just some finishing last little touches that will probably never get done. 

I didn't plan on going down the pink route, but after a three month search for yellow or pastel green curtains for her irregular sized windows I gave in and bought pink. I'm glad I did now because the early starts are getting earlier from all the sunlight in the morning. 

So, here's how it looked when we first moved in:

5 Super Cool Mama's on Instagram

I love Instagram. Like really love it. I might even be addicted. 

What sets it apart from every other social media platform is the real sense of community on it. There's something for everyone, especially mothers. 

I have connected (in real life as well!) with so many wonderful, inspirational women (who happen to take gorgeous pictures of their kids) who prove that there's more to being a mum than changing nappies and night feeds. 

Picking just five to include here is near impossible, as I have so many favourites from different kind of genres...if you get me... the stylish mums, the ones with amazing houses, the fit ones, the business women, the funny mums, and the ones that take the cutest photos. I could definitely do about 30 of these posts. I probably will; but for now here are five "insta-famous" mums that I look forward to seeing on my feed everyday:

1. @LauraLacquer

Kitchen - Dining Room Tour

This is my favourite room in the house. It was the first room we tackled when we moved in and is the one we have put the most effort into, and rightly so as it is where we spend most of our time. 

The kitchen itself, the floors and the window (I HATE the window) will eventually be changed but as they are all in perfectly working order we'll stick with them for the moment. 

This is the room beforehand...

And this is what we have done with it...

What We Wore

The past few weeks have been so busy, what with moving house, decorating, work and just general life! The busy-ness makes me cherish the slow days I have with my little girl even more, traipsing around town, coffee dates which now include Peppa to keep Lyla entertained, and afternoons spent feeding the ducks in the park. Days that leave me feeling tired and happy and like I'm somewhat on the right track in life. 

Prints For Your Home

  

I am so grateful for creative people. Not just creative people, but those with creativity who use it to create amazing things. I would consider myself to be somewhat creative, but somewhat lacking in initiative. A creative person lacking in enthusiasm and courage. Tragic really.  

What We Wore

I love this dress (top?) so much I want to marry it. Extreme, but true.

I'm not a dress up in heels kinda gal. But I was in London, it was my birthday, we were going for a nice lunch, and sometimes a pair of heels and a dress (seriously, dress or top!?) can make you feel bigger, better and more confident. So what better way to turn 30?

Stylish Changing Bags

My bag is a vortex. Hours have been lost rummaging through receipts, nappies, make up, banana's, toy phones and keys, and real ones; and of course Lyla's Peppa Pig teddy. I hold up queues up and down the city with my constant searching. 

The perfect way to disguise this unorganised chaos, as well as distracting from the other bags - under mama's eyes, is with a stylish, modern changing bag. 

Patent shoes & Mama Stripes

Surrounded by bags, boxes and Lyla's toys I am taking a moment to appreciate where I am and the person I am here with, at this time in my life. My life is pretty sweet at the moment and I am beyond grateful for the people who have made it this way. 

Anyway, now to the actual post. Lyla got this dress as a gift for her birthday. At the time it was way to big for her, now it fits her perfectly, if not a little snug around her belly. (Baby bellies = beyond cute). It never ceases to amaze how much a baby can change in such a short space of time. She has about 10 words now, sings the Peppa pig theme tune and despite holding my hand in these pictures can take at least 8 steps unaided.

Her dress is from Gap and her adorable little patent shoes are from Penny's. I think my goal in life is to find a way of wearing patent shoes with socks myself, without looking like a twat. 
Until then I'm pretty happy with these little Zara ankle boots. They aren't leather like my 6387 other pairs of boots, so I feel like I'm progressing with being a bit more experimental sartorially. 

Although the stripes and black Mac style jacket might beg to differ.

The shorts are actually a play suit that I have decided is too young for me (THIRTY THIS WEEK!) but with a jumper covering the low plunge line you'd never know.

Emma: Playsuit - Urban Outfitters, Jumper - Zara, Jacket - H&M, Shoes - Zara

Lyla: Dress - Gap, Cardigan - Pennys, Shoes - Pennys

Did I mention I'm THIRTY this week!?!?

turning 30 giftguide

My birthday is approaching and its a big one. So I thought I would treat myself to something, I could give this list to Jamie to make his life easier but I kind of like to make him suffer... Joking, he's already got me the best present ever, a house! (Ok he didn't buy me a house for my birthday, but we bought a house, so I'm pretty happy with that)

Anyway here's a little look at the pretty (fashion-y) things that have been catching my eye.

1. Selected Madrid Kimono Top/. 2. Cos Red Dress/. 3. Self Portrait Lace Dress/.

4. Velvet RayBans/. 5. Jord Wooden Watch/. 6. BDG Suede Bag/.

7. Cos Mesh Bag/. 8. Fred Perry Bomber Jacket/. 9. Cos Rope Belt

If you like my style, there's plenty more on my Pinterest and if you have Bloglovin I would really appreciate a follow! I'm very lonely over there!

Baby Friendly Eateries Dublin

Third Space 

In case you hadn't noticed, going for coffee and scones is my idea of a dream afternoon out. I know, I know, I am absolutely wild. 

When treating ones self to such luxuries when in the company of a toddler there are a number of considerations to be made. Space for a buggy, a high chair, changing room, staff that wont get upset about a child throwing food on the floor etc etc. 

At least once a week Lyla and I go for lunch or coffee, so I have been sussing out the best places to sip and eat in Dublin. We wouldn't be into the usual types of eateries listed as child friendly, Nando's, Milano's etc. We like something with a bit more life and a bit more style so I thought I may as well start reviewing* the places we go in terms of child-friendliness. Obviously just an excuse to keep going on lunch dates, but whatevs. 

So here is my first!

Third Space, Smithfield. 

"Third Space is a place for local people to gather & eat easily, inexpensively & regularly, with space for creative, cultural and community activities."

We first went to ThirdSpace when Lyla was just 8 weeks old. I had joined a mother-baby group in Stoneybatter and afterwards all 8 mama's and babies headed here for a coffee. When the staff cleared a big table for us and  helped bring our buggies up the two steps, I knew I had found where I would be hanging out with my baby for years to come. 

Third Space isn't overly spacious, but it is bright, warm and friendly. It has high chairs, a changing room, and even toys for kids. The staff are so friendly and have never once given out about the mess Lyla makes. In fact they are all smiles with her and go out of their way to say Hiya back to her 14546 times. 

The decor is modern and trendy but not over the top, and the clientele is a nice mix of locals, business-y types and stylish young people working away on their Macs.

They cover all basis with the food, with sandwich's, hearty meals and cakes - something for everyone and the coffee is great, with decaf on the menu for any pregnant ladies, or breastfeeding mums. 

It gets quite busy between 12.30-2 but before and after tend to be quiet enough.

*I have no idea how to actually review, so its more just a list of places, with what they have and pictures...everyone loves a good picture. 

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Life Lessons from a Toddler

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*Silly Mummy Moment*

Getting a little bit emotional about Lyla learning to walk. Not because it means she's growing up (which, by the way, is happening way to fast), and not because parenting is involve a lot more chasing; but because of what I'm learning from her. 

Toddlers have so many traits we all aspire to as adults. Motivation, courage, perseverance; no matter how many times that child has fallen down she will get right back up again. 

Failure is not part of her vocabulary (admittedly that stretches to about 5 words at the moment!). She wants to walk, and she is going to keep on trying until she does.
Same with using a spoon. I spend an inordinate amount of time scrubbing weetabix (which is a motherf-er to clean) off her face; my face; the floor; the wall; the window... but the lack of food going into her mouth doesn't even deter her from trying. 

I was at an up styling class yesterday and I couldn't get the hang of one of the styles. (A vintage wave) 

After about half an hour of trying I was ready to give the mannequin a crewcut. I took out my phone and started scrolling through Instagram, I looked at my latest picture, the one above with Lyla walking holding my hand, and got a bit of a reality check. 

I am the worst for letting failure get to me. I have an awful habit of giving up when I find something too difficult and have thought to myself, on many occasions, that I hope Lyla isn't a quitter. Failure, or fear of failure has held me back from doing so many things I could have been great at. It is something I am acutely aware of, and have been proactively trying to fix. This quote is repeated in my head on a daily basis.

                                                                                                                                           Image via Lucy & Lola Creations

Anyway, I put my phone away and tried the style again. And again. And again and again and again, until I created something that vaguely resembles the wave. (Here it is) It was far from perfect, but I was happy enough to have overcome my difficulties and gotten the technique down. Now its about practicing that technique to perfect it. I'm not there yet, but I will get it.

And I have to thank my 15 month old for teaching me this important lesson.

This is the theme tune to this post...if you ignore Aaliyah's dating advice (and diamante choker) and just listen to the chorus. Anyway, tune. 

Summer Dressing

We have been absolutely spoilt with the weather here in Dublin the past few weeks. I think 'I'm sweating' has been my most used phrase. I wouldn't be a sun worshipper (I just get freckles) but I'm not complaining. The sun allows for bare legs and sandals, win win. 

So, here is a long overdue #whatiwore to a BBQ/going away party. I've been dying to wear this khaki Zara skirt which I picked up a couple of weeks ago in the sales for 17euro (I think). Its perfect for me, pockets because I feel a bit lost without them, and the perfect length, longer being better because I'm a mother now, I don't do short. 

Obviously because I was a guest at the BBQ it started lashing and got quite cold, despite being so sunny all week. Luckily I had my trusty black H&M mac I picked up in their sales last winter (seeing a pattern here?)

Lyla likes to get involved in picture taking. She's been working on her poses. It was Pride at the weekend so she wore her tie-dye dungaree's with her fave red patent shoes (only 4 Euro in Penny's) to show her love to the gay people of Dublin. 

Emma - Top/Skirt - Zara, Jacket - H&M, Shoes/Sunglasses - Pennys, Necklace - Cultofyouth

Lyla - Cardigan/Top - Next, Dungarees - Gift from Thailand? (or somewhere in Asia), Shoes - Pennys

All black

"We used to go on holidays to Dun Laoghaire", these are the words I'm going to hound Lyla with when she's older and off on a J1. Because that's exactly what Jamie and I have done, twice. We have went to Dun Laoghaire on holidays. TWICE.

This is something I heard none stop as a child, but my mam got to go somewhere a little more exotic, they went to Bray.

We had planned on going further. Like on an actual holiday, but decided to be responsible grown ups and save the money. Plus we prefer to holiday in September. ;)

Anyway, we went out on our little mini break. As in, got dressed up and went out. This is a bit novel for us. The plan was dinner and drinks. A typical grown up affair.

Dinner happened, but as per usual we ate too much. (Totally recommend The Hen House - food is delish) 

So a walk along the harbour after dinner was called for. Obviously followed by a Teddy's ice-cream. And by that stage we were too tired and cold to go out so we were tucked up in bed by 10.30. 

One day we might get our lives back, until then I'm pretty happy with my glass of wine on the sofa and falling asleep before the film ends. 

(....And this is what I wore on our night out)  

Culottes, top, shoes - Pennys, Jacket - H&M

Function Over Fashion

Function over Fashion.

Trainers for all the walks you go on to get the baby to sleep.

Comfy sweats to make it easy for constant getting up and down off the floor.

Over sized sweater - because who doesn't love an over sized sweater.

Jacket with a million giant pockets -  perfect for storing snacks, socks and other baby paraphernalia. 

  

Jumper - H&M, Trousers - Urban Outfitters, Trainers - Adidas, Coat - Urban Outfitters



#Momlife  #Mamastyle

Summer Dressing

Goodbye huge winter coat. I love you, but we need a break!

Hello bare legs and sunglasses! 

What a gorgeous weekend. One spent in the park watching the joy and curiosity on my 10 month old's face as she experienced more firsts. This time, grass under her feet and feeding the ducks for the first time.

More and more I find the simplest things are the most fun.

Lyla is at a great age, noticing everything around her. This is making her Mom open her eyes too and enjoy all the simple moments of life, and what it is right there and then.

The sun helps too. I am on a serious happy buzz this week and excited for all the fun this summer is going to bring! 

Anyway, in real life I'm transparent with a tinge of blue, so fake tan is a must for these brighter days. Especially if I want to go tight free and wear dresses such as this one. Which I do, because its from Zara, and striped. Basically everything I go for in an item of clothing. 

If you follow any other 'fashion moms' (not that I consider myself a fashion mom...but y'know) you will notice stripes are a staple. The dominant element of our uniform. I don't know why exactly but its just what we do. 

The jumper is an old Topshop one I found in the back of Jamie's wardrobe in his parents house. It was probably a bit unnecessary considering how warm it was, but I just don't trust Irish weather.

The boots are the ones worn here and will probably be the ones worn in most outfit posts because I live in them. 

Summer makes dressing so much easier. I tend to slack off a bit in winter because everything is covered by layers upon layers of clothing (49 layers if you're me because I'm eternally cold)...and a coat...and a scarf.

I'm on a bit of a savings buzz at the moment so most of clothes will be re worn oldies, including a little white maternity dress I wore when 9 months pregnant. I think it will look better this time round with a golden tan and cropped leather jacket.

Roll on summer, for stylish adventures with my little pal. 

                                                                          xx

Gorilla Coat's & Shiny Skirt's

It has taken a while, but I finally think I'm getting to a place where I can feel somewhat stylish again.

Dressing while pregnant was tough. I never got into maternity clothes, mainly because they all seemed to be aimed at 37 year old office workers, but also (really) because Zara don't have a maternity section.

Luckily, for the first 6 months of pregnancy I snugly fit into my pre-pregnancy clobber.
Then I ballooned and it got tough. I struggled and most of my outfits resembled Homer Simpson's Muumuu. (BTW I googled it, and apparently that is how you spell Muumuu! Who knew?!)

Post-pregnancy, I could fit into my old clothes again, but something just didn't feel right about wearing them. I can't quite put my finger on what it was but I guess it was my changed body shape coupled with lack of confidence to pull them off.

Recently though, I've really starting to enjoy putting outfits together again. I'm learning what suits my new body shape and generally not feeling as self-conscious about my appearance, although the bags under my eyes remain an issue for me (no sign of them going away!)

So here is hopefully the first of many more #whatimwearing / #mamastyle posts, with Lyla included because it just feels weird getting in a photo without her now.

Now the weather is improving I can get back to wearing skirts, dresses and my beloved crop tops. This a favourite of mine. From Urban Outfitters about 3 years ago, I wear it non-stop. Over dress's, under dresses, with high waisted jeans, and my favourite, high waisted midi skirts. 
The coat is Zara, as is the skirt. Both bargains I picked up in the sales. The boots are another bargain from Penny's, and perfect for strolling around town with a buggy, or in our case going on unintentional massive walks all around Dublin because we can't decide where we want to stop for coffee.

 I'm so awkward at posing that Jamie likes to throw things at me (in this case his shoe) to get me moving

 Lyla had shoes on but decided last minute she hated wearing shoes

xx