For today

Ok, so I haven't done any lists for quite some time now. This one I got from The Simple Woman's Day Book .

FOR TODAY: .... Tuesday 30 June 09

Outside my window: bright sunshine, it's expected to be 31(!) degrees in London today

I am thinking: how fast Summer is already moving along

I am thankful for: for being in a position where I don’t have to go back to work, which then enables me to be a full time mum to Sean

From the kitchen: Its getting too hot to stand in front of the cooker, so I’m thinking of a cold pasta salad

I’m wearing: Safari style khaki shorts, white floaty military style shirt, barefoot and with sunglasses on my head

I’m creating: more wardrobe space by clearing out clothes and giving them to charity

I’m reading: The celeb diaries, bestseller by Mark Frith (ex editor of Heat Magazine)

I am going: turn MSN and camera on now and get connected with Mum in Sweden

I’m hoping: for a glorious summer with lots of quality time ( with all three of us are together with no agenda other than to simply be together) both at home and on holiday

Im hearing: Sean making "da-da" sounds

I’m praying for: health for me and my family

Around the house: toys on the living room floor and a happy 7 month old baby.

One of my favourite things: A peaceful Summer's evening, just as the sun is going down, sitting in the garden with Bear sipping on a glass of wine, Sean on a rug in front of us, Satie playing in the background and reading a favourite mag

A few plans for the rest of the week: picnic in Kensington Gdns with a few other mums and their babies today, lunch at our country club tomorrow as it's Bear's "working from home"-day, restaurant with Bear & Sean on Friday night, birthday party in Portman Square for Sean's playmate Nicholas who turns 1year.

And here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

My first month after my arrival in London, April 1996 (Unfortunately the hard copy/original I have is black and white -I personally would have loved to see it in colours)

Join the SW Daybook fun HERE

Sunday afternoon in Covent Garden

Yesterday Bear had to go to work for a couple of hours and catch up with some work that he missed by not going in on Thursday (and going in late on Friday LOL) as we went to Wimbledon. His office is located in Covent Garden, but only for another month, when he then moves to the city.

Once he was done, I took Sean with me and met up for some lunch on the piazza, and then strolled around on the cobbles, watching the street entertainers playing music, juggling etc. Covent Garden is the only area of London licensed for street entertainment and as such attracts performers from around the world.

Tea & new laptop

This morning I'm drinking tea and transferring music, pics and other files to my newly bought pink(!) laptop

Just how much tea do I drink? Too much no doubt!

yesterday =3 cups

this year= 285 cups

One hundred years ago the world of tea drinking was changed forever with the invention of the tea bag. Now another change is on the way which is all the rage is Europe and Southeast Asia. The tea coin is the new eco-friendly way to enjoy a brew.

Invented in India, tea coins are compressed disks of organic tea leaves. To make a brew, all you do is dip the coin in boiling water; the disk stays in tact so there's no need for an infuser. Depending on the size of the disk, it can be reused up to twenty times.

I'm looking forward to trying these but I'm sceptical that they last as long as promised. Since they are meant to be reusable, I would assume they are more expensive than the traditional tea bag.

Sean 7 months

My darling baby is 7 months today

A few updates about Sean:

Fussing when we take something away from him

Best age so far I think, he is so very playful and happy

He loves Mr. Tumble on CBEEBIES. Every time he comes on, Sean stops what he is doing and turns to the TV with a big grin on his face

We've moved on to the stage 2 of the weaning so he is now eating foods with lumps as oppose to smooth purees

Loves music and sing songs

Getting in to a pretty good sleeping pattern (7.30am - approx 6/6.30am)

He is a boy on the move, ready to give his mum a head full of gray hairs. With that he is obviously prone to accidents, so we have to keep a watchful eye on him the whole time


(Pics in this post are from last Saturday's Midsummer party amongst several hundred other Swedes)

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Cheers!

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Venus Williams champs and lobster

Finished the event at restaurant with lobster and champagne, now watching some tennis with Venus v Kateryna Bondarenko.

More pics to come throughout the day. Now some more champs pls waiter! I'm lovin this babay!

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Wimbledon, here I come!

All ready to go to a hospitality event at Wimbledon, where there will be free food, champagne and hopefully good games of tennis, lol!

My brother Erik will be looking after Sean, and we should be back around 6pm. Or at least that's what we told him *wink wink*

Pics from the event will be sent via my Blackberry, so stay tuned!

With Luv,

C

hair and hat

Have been to have my hair done (wash, treatment & blowdry) but it's had me thinking it wasn't such a bright idea as I'll be wearing a hat at Wimbledon tomorrow! Might have to take it off whilst eating lunch though. lol

Will post pics (with me wearing hat) once I'm dressed and ready to leave in the morning.

Night Night

Dilemma

(Un)lucky again!!!! Am now faced with the usual dilemma - Claim the pound or buy another one???

Life is good right now :-)

Just been to the Mayfair library with Sean (see pic of the beautiful building in the heart of Mayfair) for storytelling, songs and wiggle jiggle which Sean loves.

Had to stop for my fix on my way home. London is glorious at the moment and sitting in the sun, slurping down a cappuccino is just really good! Bye for now x



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Motivational

Good Morning! The quote on the side of my Starbucks cup is almost as motivating as my coffee!


" DO NOT KISS YOUR CHILDREN SO THEY WILL KISS YOU BACK BUT SO THEY WILL KISS THEIR CHILDREN, AND THEIR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN"

Lovely LV

Me earlier today before heading out. Today's outfit: white leather loafers from Sweden (Din Sko), Miss Sixty skinny jeans, pink quilted Ralph Lauren jacket, white Hermes belt, a white blouse from H & M.

When I went to town earlier to look for an outfit to wear to Wimbledon this week, I passed by Selfridges where they have dressed their window with the very classic Speedy bag by Louis Vuitton.
Audrey Hepburn really made the Speedy happen after it was made for her, and ever since, it has been one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular handbags. I personally am not too keen of the large LV monogram spread all over the bag.

I however, am the proud owner of a Louis Vuitton Damier Berkeley which name supposedly derived from the chic London 'neighbourhood', Berkeley Square. It's got smooth leather trim, a red micro suede lining and a golden “Louis Vuitton Inventeur” badge on the front.

The Speedy is undoubtedly the quintessential Louis Vuitton bag. Here are loads of them in the current window decoration at Selfridges. (see if you can see me taking the photo in the reflection)

My Damier Berkeley has in comparison to the Speedy got handles that are adjustable in length, two side outside pockets offer additional storage room for mobile phone or keys.

Protecting your baby's eyes

Today I’m heading in to town and will see if I can find a protective sunglasses for Baby Bear.

Summer has sort of arrived here now, and with that it means holidays are coming up. While you are sure to remember the swimwear, sunscreen and sunhats, don't forget to protect your little one's eyes from harmful rays of UV light!

Did you know that until your child is around 8-9 years old, their eyes do not have the ability to block out UV light? It is of really important to choose protective sunglasses for your child. Baby Banz sunglasses block out the entire spectrum of UVA, UVB and UVC rays with UV400 lenses made from polycarbonate material (making them virtually shatterproof). Baby and Kid Banz can also be fitted with prescription lenses.

Saturday surprise

A beautiful bunch of large roses and Lillies, all pink, was delivered to me on Saturday from my darling Bear. For no special reason, just to put a smile on my face. Mwah to you baby! Oh, and yes you guessed it, pink is my favourite colour!

Glamorous Grandma

I love how glam Sean's grandma (my mum) looks here! The baby on the pic is moi!

good morning fr Sean & I

As we don't have any arrangements, people to meet or playgroups to go to, we are still in bed having a cuddle this morning! :-)

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TLC for hair & bag today

Sean proudly sitting on his own before going out last night

Sean is being introduced to the sushi culture at an early age. Grilled eel & yellowtail nigiri with soft shell crab to start off followed by beef teriyaki which was divine, for main course.

I have just put Sean down for his nap and will now make the most of my free time by cleaning my Mulberry "Roxanne". Was thinking to perhaps use it for when we're going to a corporate hospitality event at Wimbledon next week, for the tennis semi finals.

I really love this bag, and this will be my third summer in a row that I will use it. It's got this soft tumbled leather and countless stud and buckle details. Only thing with this one is that not only does it weigh quite abit even before it is filled, but also it gets dirty, and dirty fast, living in London!

As for later this afternoon, I'm going to my hair salon to give my hair some very much needed TLC.

Luv n all that,

C

My not so white Mulberry Roxanne is one of my favourite summer bags

A Teletubbies fan

These days I really enjoy watching children's TV programmes, sitting up (unassisted!) on the floor, and preferably sucking on something

Good Morning folks!

Me n the boys have just finished our usual round in the park.

Now heading to the nearest Starbucks for a caffeine fix :-)

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Doctor Erik

This blog post is dedicated to my youngest brother Erik (21), who lives in London since 2005. He just graduated after three years at university with a first class honours degree(!) stydying Biochemistry and forensic science.

This is the first step to his future career as a medical doctor, and he has just been accepted to what's known to be one of the best medical schools in Europe, Imperial college, where he will continue his studies a further four years.

Of course we all think it's going to be great to have a doctor in the family, but most of all, we are of course so happy for him, as it's been his dream ever since he was a little boy.

Well done, Erik, I love you and I am so proud of you!

Sis

xxx

Fab new dance tune

This new tune (UK release yesterday) from one of my favourite DJs, French David Guetta, is doing a collaboration with none other than Kelly Rowland (good on her for doing something completely different, i.e electronica/house). Her voice is really incredible on this track, and it sure makes you wanna dance across the room. No doubt will it be a huge hit this summer!

IMG00070-20090614-1746.jpg

Greetings from Marylebone Summer Fayre

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Time for joy

Words can inspire, motivate and change us if we let them. Words can lift us to action. Words can move us to anger and rage or to love and tears. Most important, words can heal.

Good morning! What a glorious day. In fact, perfect for a birthday party in the park. This afternoon the three of us are going to a playground in Regents Park to celebrate Sean’s mate Alfie (Swedish mother and English father) who’s turning one.

Now, over to something completely different. Every morning I (and Bear) read little book of daily affirmations called “Time for Joy”, and today’s message is one that I'd like to share:

Everytime we thought we found what made us happy, it eventually changed, became less meaningful or fulfilling. Everytime we thought we had arrived, there was always another road to take, another hill to climb.

There will always be something else that we want and somewhere else to go. That is life. It moves and changes and never stays the same.

Today we are learning that we already have all that we need within us and we are discovering our connection with the spiritual energy of the universe.

"Recognise that no matter how many times we get what we want, it always passes"

- Jack Kornfield

Baby Bear watching Gummy Bear

This song is currently on repeat in our household. This vid shoes you why.

Glorious Gladiolus

These glorious colourful Gladiolus (aka "Sword Lily") are currently decorating our livingroom.

Pram Patrol

L to R: Nicholas 11.5 months, Alfie 1 year on Sunday, Sean 6.5months & Angelika 8.5months

On Monday I meet up with my local mummy crew, Susanna, Anna & Katrina in Portman Square, i.e. "the Pram Patrol" lol. Portman square is a private garden square just behind Oxford Street near Marble Arch.

Luckily for us, a Katrina has got the key which allows access to the garden, and as you can see from the pics, there are tents and chairs etc which was all set up whilst we were there for a private function. That however, didnt stop us and our babies from having a really nice time.

Now some news about Baby Bear (at 6 1/2 months):

He can now sit up unassisted for quite long periods as his back is getting stronger

Since a couple a days ago he finally masters rolling over from back to front (he has rolled over from tummy to back since 4 months old)

He weighes 9.5 kg (went to health clinic yesterday and had him weighed)

Playdate with Oscar

Love these pics from Friday's play date with Oscar. Me and his mum Vivien (who incidentally also gave birth to her son in the Lindo Wing, only a couple of days after that I had left with newly born baby Sean), have recently started to meet up quite often, and we are quickly developing a close friendship that I really value. Oscar and Sean play very well together as you can see, even though on a few pics it looks like they are wrestling :-)

discoveries

The love for my son is indescribable

Whilst sitting here having breakfast and sipping on a cup of tea, I'm in a really good mood after having had a great weekend with my boys and Baby Bear slept through the night for the first time last night - YAY!

Well, I've been reminiscing about last week and have come to the conclusion that in the past week I discovered:

… that I’ve grown up a lot and matured since having Baby Bear. This also means I’ve grown apart/away from some of my (old) friends.

… that I don’t have a very high tolerance for ignorance.

… that apart from Bear, my Mum is my rock.

… that Smooth 102.2 FM really is a great new radio station

… that I don't think I'd survive if something really terrible happened to Baby Bear

… that I’m grateful to live in a big cosmopolitan city like London, after hearing my out-of-town friend marvel at all there is to do here.

… that a glass of pink champagne really can cure everything. At least temporarily.

... that I would like to do my affirmations on a daily level rather than weekly and for Bear and I to go even further on our spiritual journey

… that Marks and Spencer is really fabulous when you have no time or too tired to cook.

.....that I’ve made Baby Bear’s safety my biggest priority (not crossing the street anymore if it’s not green, buying alarm for the pool in our rented villa in Portugal, not creating opportunities for a thief by taking my designer handbag with me wherever I go, or at least hide it in the nappy bag etc )

… that that there is something special about waking and also getting up at 5am

… that I have more really good friends than I previously thought I did

… that I would like to lose a few kilos

… that I am a lot stronger (mentally, emotionally, even physically) than I thought I possible when I need to be.

Hope you're having a great start to the week

With luv,

C

Tasty new shoes

These days Sean either slobbers on his hands or puts anything he can get a hold of in his mouth. Here with my newly bought wedges (that I bought here).