Drinks list

Yes way, rosé!
 (bottle of Miraval on our balcony in Nice last week)

Coffee 

At home, its Nespresso lungo cup with a dash of cream or on the go, a 'wet soya' cappuccino from Starbucks. If I visit the worlds biggest coffee chain twice in one day (which is not unusual) on the second visit I have their filter coffee with pouring cream as I'm trying to avoid too much soya milk

Wine:
 White Burgundy mainly Sancerre or rosé wines including Domaines Ott, Mirabel or Whispering Angel. I stay well clear of red wine. 

Beer:
 Once in a blue moon I might have one or two sips of Bear's lager. He is a fan of the new craze for craft beers brewed in local micro breweries.

Bubbles:

 I adore bubbles and Laurent Perrier or Billecart Salmon rosé would be my first choice. I've lately discovered English sparkling wines (some nicer than the French). Best by far is Nyetimber 

Tea:
 A simple Tetley's builders tea with dash of Soya Light. Afternoon or early evening. Also when I'm not rushed in the morning.

Water: 

I love water, usually first thing in the morning. I always have a small bottle on my bedside table that I drink from throughout the night, and what's left of it I neck back when I wake up. 

Juice :     

I avoid all juices and stick to green smoothies instead. Either Bear makes me one at home in our NutriBullet, or I get my fave from Joe And The Juice- “Joe’s Green Mile” with broccoli, spinach, avocado, apple, lemon and I ask for extra ginger too

 Cider:
I do not drink cider

Cocktails:
 To 'get the party started'or when I need to catch up with someone who's been boozing before me, I drink a Long Island Iced Tea with Diet Coke. Other times I’ll have Espresso Martinis, vodka with slimline tonic and a slice of lime . Alternatively I will have an Aperol Spritz (my friends and I make it a "turbo", meaning shot of Vodka in it to give it some oomph!) 

During autumn evenings in London I love an Irish coffee after dinner

Soft drinks:

Fanta Zero, Pepsi Max

Non alcoholic beverages at the pub:
 Neva! 😂

Drinking a Nespresso coffee from my new pink flamingo cup

Inside Info

This is my spot at the moment, waiting for an Apple advisor at the Genius Bar in Covent Garden

Where am I right now?

Apple Store

Do you have a name that only your family calls you?

Bear always calls me Rina (short for Catharina, pronounced “Reena”)

Do you have a strange habit? 

Sleeping with a sheet and a duvet and swapping throughout the night when I get hot/cold

Which song do you love, and sing when nobody is listening?

The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel 

What do you get annoyed by in others? 

Sloppy handshakes, no eye contact, people speaking really loud on the trains and when they dump litter on the street 

What do you do when you get nervous?

Go to the toilet every 10 minutes

Which side of the bed do you sleep on? 

On the side nearest to the toilet.

Some things about you that would surprise others? 

I have a phobia of birds and germs in public places

What was the last thing you ate?

A packet of abt 15 steamed brussel sprouts with garlic salt and melted butter

Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? 

My very good friend Andrea. Some days we speak several times a day abt  everything and nothing 

Song of the moment: Not in love 

What was the last thing you watched online?  

Walt Disney’s Three little pigs from 1933 -  Scarlett Grace happens to be obsessed with it at the mo and must’ve watched it at least a hundred times!

What’s the first thing you notice in a man? 

His eyes, his posture, his watch and his shoes (and shoe size lol, I do not like men with small feet).

Siblings? Two brothers, Henrik in Sweden and Erik in London

Good news?

My clean eating/living and exercising the last three weeks have resulted in an inch off my waist and less ab-flab 

Tattoos? Nope 

Upcoming trips this year?

Child free trip to New York with the man in exactly 5 weeks today, YAY! (not that I’m counting!). We’ve also booked a skiing trip to Courchevel around Easter, our usual two weeks in Turkey mid Summer, and South of France in late August

Drink of the moment? Green matcha tea and hot water with fresh ginger, lemon juice and a touch of Stevia

Last but not least? I'm on day 25 of no booze and no carbs - needless to say I'm feeling very virtuous! 

Inside Info - my Autumn list

Whats the meaning of life: L.O.V.E - and to contribute/give back.

Any trips booked? Yes, whoop whoop! Child free trip for Bear and I to New York and ski holiday in Courchevel, France - both during Spring 2017

Which nail polish colour? For Autumn (and Winter) it's mainly very dark red, nearly black.

What's my happy place? I feel most at peace when the whole family is gathered and when we're on holiday surrounded by beautiful landscape and/or water, away from the usual routines and all the must-dos.

Best beauty product? Chanel Hydramax moisture mask that I've blogged about before.

If I could be remembered for one thing, what would it be: A great mother and wife, and in an ideal world I would like to be known as having little or no ego (which I'm working on in my weekly CBT *cognitive behavioural therapy* sessions).

TV series I'm currently watching: Just started "The Night Of" on Sky Atlantic - my latest crime drama obsession!

Fave Autumn accessory? My huge Nova Check Burberry cashmere scarf and this black fur gilet as well as this silver/grey one:

What is my greatest fear? To die when my kids are still young.

Fave Autumn drink? Can't live without my morning soya Cappuccino with a little cinnamon and Stevia sprinkled on top.

What am I listening to right now? Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft Sean Paul and Anne-Marie

Do I like to be complimented? I think I need a lot of reassurance from my family, but I always make sure to reciprocate.

Latest news: Whole flat has just been redecorated bright white and we bought new wooden two-tiered shutters for all our windows. Also new large super-soft rug with matching lamps in living room in grey/silver, and kitchen cupboards painted that same colour.

What food sums up happiness? No particular food actually, only the great feedback I quite often get after cooking for Bear.

Do I have a high pain threshold? I had an epidural throughout the birth of both of my kids, need I say more? I don't do pain lol!

Fave Autumn shoes: my new smart-casual LV trainers Bear got me for our Wedding anniversary, and my nearly 5(!) year old Prada biker boots.

Last song I Shazamed:  "Change my love" from Craig David's new album 🎶

What talent do I yearn for? Playing the guitar like my Mum and brother

What book do I recommend most to others? The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma - Get it or regret it! 

Inside Info

Ladies in red, on the Chiltern line from Marylebone directly to Amersham

1. Big news … My mother arrived on Saturday (with a one way ticket!) and is now officially living in the UK.

2. Been thinking… It’s so blooming warm in London for November :-)

3. I’m feeling … happy, content and so grateful for everything in my life at the moment

4. Currently enjoying... watching my daughter learning new words daily, prepping for Xmas, wearing cosy cashmere bed socks, Starbucks’ new festive red cups and their gingerbread lattes.

5. Things I plan to do this week... go to see the Marylebone Christmas Lights being switched on (by Sophie Dahl) on Wednesday, and have mulled wine at the Swedish Christmas fair in the Swedish church Marylebone.

6. Last week... I had brunch with Andrea in Cecconi’s.

Bubbles for brunch at Cecconi's Mayfair

7. Currently listening to... this brand new tune by Coldplay – simply can’t get enough of it.

8. Can’t believe… my son is turning SEVEN next Friday!

9. Yesterday.. Mum and I went to her flat in Amersham and spent hours cleaning in preparation for the removal van (with all of her furniture) that’s coming in a couple of weeks.

After our hard work getting the flat ship shape, we took a well earned break at a local watering hole 

10. Spent too much time online lately... watching final season (3) of the U.S. TV series “In Treatment" - an intriguing and very interesting drama which gives a real insight into psychotherapy and every episode is an individual patients' session. 

Inside info

The happiest moments I will cherish forever are the births of my children - I never knew love like this! (Picture taken yesterday after Sean's weekly rugby session)

What's the coolest place you've visited: undoubtedly Manhattan - I never tire of NYC!

What are you reading right now? The Girl On The Train - Paula Hawkins

Best thing in your make-up bag? YSL Touche Eclat

Who's the last person you called? My gf Andrea

The temptation you wish you could resist? The odd cheeky ciggie, when I'm drinking

Favourite item/s in your wardrobe? My Autumn accessories like my selection of scarves, fedora & floppy hats, and my fur gilets

Do you have a favourite app? "Daily Mail" and "InstaWeather Pro"

The person who influenced you most? My Mum

My signature scent? Chanel "Coco Mademoiselle"

What annoys you? Sloppy hand shake and no eye contact when you first greet/meet someone

The prized possession you value above all others? My wedding ring

The unlikely interests that engages your curiosity? Politics

The misapprehension about yourself you wish you could erase? That I'm superficial

The song that means most to you? Impossible to mention just one! Elvis' "It's now or never", "Fallen" by Lauren Wood (played on my wedding day as I walked up the aisle) and mine and Bear's song "Sharing the night together" by Dr. Hook

The happiest moment you will cherish forever? Nothing will top the birth of my children

The unfulfilled ambition that continues to haunt you? To make Sean a good healthy eater

Best budget buy? Soap & Glory's Daily Smooth Body Butter - I only discovered it around Christmas last year and it leaves my skin so soft and silky, I have never experienced anything like it. And 250ml for just under  £10.00 - it's an absolute winner!

Inside Info

1. New for this year.. I'm on day 12 of detoxing meaning no booze for nearly two weeks! Feels like a blooming life time, ha! 

2. This morning... I got both kids ready, left home at 8am on the dot, dropped Sean off, walked to Oxford Street and stopped by at Crussh for a "bulletproof" coffee then popped in to Primark Marble Arch before the crowds got there

Bargain buy - today I bought thick black cable knit leggings on sale for Scarlett Grace for £1(!) with a black white stripey matching top for £3.00 - courtesy of Primark

3. Hooked on currently: Sons of Anarchy season 6

4. Fave tune right now..  I can't get enough of this song! Have tweeted about this uber cool London girl group before, and now here's a new release - a real hit if you ask me!

5. Last night... Erik and John came around and celebrated Scarlett Grace's 1st birthday with the cutest  pair of trainers 

Infant Nike trainers in hot pink 

6. Spending a lot of time online recently... on researching hip trendy restaurants and bars in Manhattan

7. Thought of the day... The importance of the consistency in writing 5 things in my gratitude book every morning - I't a simple and quick task that has so many mental benefits 

8. Fashion trend I've observed lately and now follow;  the colour grey, in various shades .  This is new to me, I have never really bought anything that colour before!

New and noteworthy: Grey suede trainers and grey/silver fur gilet

9. Upcoming holiday: New York babay! (in less than four weeks)

Peninsula, all booked and confirm - New York here we come!

Inside Info

1. Yesterday... I met up with my friend Anna over coffee at Pret A Manger and bought another set (of four) of these Nespresso glasses that I love to drink from 

2. This morning... I was spoilt by a lie-in as Bear did the school run at 8am for a 8.15am drop off.

3. So far today I have... served up a tuna egg salad for mine and Bear’s lunch, as he is working from home half day #MidweekQualityTime 

4. Last tune I Shazamed... "The Knife"

5. TV series that I watch: None at the moment actually –Have watched all seasons of Homeland, Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy LOL!  Feel free to recommend any good ones! I started watching Lillyhammer on Netflix the other day but thought it was all a bit far-fetched. Will watch the first episode of Ladies of London (similar to Housewives of Beverly Hills, only this is about the IT-girls of London) that airs tonight.

6. Currently enjoying... our new bedstead with the high head board – feels like a new bedroom now 

7. Thought of the day... Scarlett Grace will be 9 months on Friday which I can’t quite grasp!

8. Last item of clothing I bought... an orange long soft cardigan from Primark for £16 – A bargain buy and great for school runs and chilly morning visits to Starbucks

9. When did I last cry: On Monday at the hospital when I was in theatre, had local anaesthetic and a little breast tissue cut off from the top of my left boob, to be sent off for tests. Will return on Monday for results and to remove the stitching.

10. Most commonly used swear word at the mo: "Flippin' heck" (Trying not to swear a great deal as I have a 5 year old who is aware of everything that I say!)

Q & A

When was the last time you cried? At my friend Kat's wedding a couple of weeks ago

What is your biggest fear? A few actually..birds, hight and dark waters

Ideal Sunday morning? Going for a stroll around Regents Park with my family, and stopping for brunch in at The Providores on Marylebone High Street

Favourite tipple? Champagne, preferably Billecart-Salmon rose

Best holiday? Maldives, and skiing in Courchevel

Favourite film? The Intouchables (French)

On my Spotify? Huge variety of Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Drake, Deadmau5, Ellie Goulding etc

Last bathroom products purchased: Christian Dior highlighter, glass jar with a lid (for cotton buds) and Clarins Hydra Quench cream with SPF 15

DIOR Diorskin Nude Tan Transat Edition Shimmer Powder with brush

Happy Friday and a good weekend!

Hello Darlings,  how are you doing? Currently I'm feeling super perky and rather good! In the last couple of weeks I've been enjoying the beautiful weather in the capital with lot’s of park visits, I've bought an irresponsible amount of clothes (including a dress and shoes for an upcoming wedding next month), although to be fair - not only for myself but for hubby and the kids too! I’ve caught up on some sleep lately (by going to bed and turning the lights out at 10pm!), I have become hooked on this delicious PHD protein bar in Strawberry Cheesecake flavour, and I've started watching Swedish crime drama series, Arne Dahl on Netflix. 

Other random news: My back ache is finally getting better and I've started doing kettle bell swings again. Only 9kg at the moment but aiming for the 12kg soon! 

1          1. Thought for the day: Gratitude, gratitude and more gratitude! 

2. Song of the week: "Hey Now" by London Grammar  (this remix starts out nice and slow but takes a different turning somewhere btwn 2 and 3 minutes, and then gets a disco mixed with house-vibe - L.O.V.E!)

3. Word of the week: World Cup!

4. Drink of the moment: Pimms and Domaines OTT rose

5. Looking forward to: watching Dolly Parton live at the 02 stadium with my brother Erik in two weeks time

6. Currently annoyed by: the difficulty and struggle to shift the last of the pregnancy weight

7. Weekend plans: Viewing a property for sale off Wigmore Street tomorrow, and in the evening we're driving up to North London to Andrea and David's house for a barbecue and drinks in their garden, then watching England's first game in the World Cup (which doesn't start until 11pm, so we will be staying the night there!)


8. Last beauty product I bought: Dr. Organic's Snail Gel! 

Last but not least, some snaps from last Friday's dinner at Summerhouse: 

We always try to request the sofa table, so that Sean can lay down and sleep when he gets tired!

Frrrrrrrrozen Margarita on a hot Summer's day :-)

Lemon sole 

Chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream

Inside Info..

1. I feel... so bloody happy and grateful - I know I've said it before but I'll say it again, my daughter C.O.M.P.L.E.T.E.S me!

2. This morning... Sean came to our bed and me and him spooned for like five minutes which is a long time for a 5 year old LOL! - supa dupa cosy :-)

3. So far today I have.. been to Boots and stocked up on baby stuff incl nappies and formula milk, helped Sean practise his piano homework, "hush little baby" (he's really improved and I'm so proud of him!), viewed a property for sale in Montague Square, and visited my friend Anna where I had a coffee and a catch up 

4. Fave tune right now.. "Waves" - Love this tune!!

5. Last night... I made a Thai inspired dish with minced pork served in lettuce cups for dinner 

6. Currently enjoying... the beautiful warm weather in London, and with that, my blush Spring coat that I've dusted off and brought out to wear

7. Thought of the day... I can't believe I have to start a new blog label (3-6 months) today, as Scarlett Grace is now three months old!

8. Last item of clothing I bought online.. a pair of ripped white denims - am yet to receive them, so watch this space! 

9. Plans for the rest of the day and this weekend: Later I'm popping down to Louis Vuitton's flagship store (beauty and perks of living in central London!) to hand in my wallet for repair (re-stitching), we're going out locally for dinner tonight, Apple store and Hamleys followed by lunch in town on Saturday and a leisurely Sunday at our country club 

Video of Sean playing "Yankee Doodle" on the piano in a concert arranged by his school a couple of weeks ago (and yes, that's me you hear cheering and whistling afterwards!)

Inside Info

Dinner, drinks and dancing! Saturday night with dear friends at Gilgamesh

On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate my mood right now as: 9/10 as I ran three kilometres this morning without stopping, and it's such a great feeling of achievement :-)

...And it could only be improved by: food, a smile from my daughter

My favourite parts of my body are: boobies and legs

Bad habit I have: overanalysing things

How do I start the day: usually with a Nespresso coffee and a dash of cream together with a cheese omelette

Over the weekend I: went out with to Gilgamesh with good friends for dinner, drinks followed by a boogie until the small hours

My underwear drawer is full of: Spanx, all the way haha! (That however will change once I get back to my pre-preggo weight!)

I feel sexiest when: I have had an all over spray tan, in high heels and with salon-blowdried hair

I could never marry a guy who: have more beauty products than I!

Capturing Scarlett Grace's first smile 

Inside Info

 I am so in love with my daughter, and can't stop sniffing her! There simply isn't anything sweeter and more satisfying than the smell of her tiny little head  ♥

My nickname is.. "Rina" (pronounced 'Reena') by Bear, and "Cat" by my friends

Yesterday... Scarlett Grace and I met up with my brother Erik and JJ for lunch in the West End (see pics below)

My favourite TV show is: a lot of American sitcoms; currently 'Sons Of Anarchy', but in the past I've loved US dramas such as 'Six Feet Under' and 'Brothers & Sisters'.

Recent shocking discovery: I gained 17 kilos during the pregnancy! 

A big regret is... not listening to my Mum trying to teach me, and encouraging me to learn how to play the guitar properly

Biggest extravagance... private education for Sean 

The one thing I'd change about myself is... to let go of things more easily, i.e be less of a control freak

If I can, I always try to avoid... sugar. Not only does it make one fat, but it gives me uncontrollable cravings and is very bad for the teeth too.

Fave tune at the moment... "Drunk in love" - Jay Z and Beyonce duet

What keeps me up at night... usually trivial things that seems bigger of a problem than they really are.  But last night, for the first time since being born, Scarlett Grace kept us all up as she was very unsettled and cried for hours on end (hope it's not colic that's kicking in!!!)

Favourite scent.. right now it's my daughter.. she smells utterly gorgeous, even more so than my Jo Malone perfume ;-)

My perfect Sunday is... a lie-in with Bear and my children, all snuggled up together in our bed, breakfast at Mount Street Deli in Mayfair, a stroll around Regents Park followed by all of us gathered for a home cooked dinner at the kitchen table, and a cup of tea and treat (the no added sugar ones!), as we're watching a favourite TV program

Our next holiday will be... skiing in Courchevel in March, and this time with two(!) children, and Mum of course!  

What's my karaoke song: "Brown Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison  

Last thing at night I always... put in ear plugs 

Plans for the weekend: celebrating Bear's 49th birthday by staying the night and having dinner at The Groucho Club

That's all for now, 

Laters, gators!

 xx

Pics from South Molton Street yesterday with Erik and JJ, who take their roll as uncles very seriously ;-) 

Just another list..

Me and bump today during the morning school run.
I am still walking 4 kilometres daily ( it's 2k there and back, and then another 2k when I pick Sean up), but it's getting more of a struggles now with my big bump and pelvic pains

Home is: Marylebone, W1 - central London

Cant leave home without:  My handbag, phone, lipgloss and sunglasses (yes, you might have noticed I am wearing shades all year around! Simply because I have several scars on my right cornea after a serious eye infection abt 10 years ago, and that has left me very sensitive towards light)

Style icon: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Pregnancy issues: I've noticed I'm very clumsy now, have regular nosebleeds, and the pelvic girdle pain is getting worse by the day

Currently reading: 'Life After Death' with Damian Echols, and Tiffany's Christmas catalogue ;-)

Saving up for (and trying to justify buying): Macbook Air for my travels (and trips to coffee shops lol)

Guilty pleasure: MailOnline phone app

Wardrobe staples:  scarves throughout the year

At the moment I am... hormonal, so over being pregnant!

Nxt booked holiday abroad: Spring 2014: Skiing in Courchevel, France YAY!

Last time I cried: Yesterday.. I somehow lost my balance (my gravity is obviously changing a lot!), tripped and had a hard fall onto the pavement. Landed on my side though, and not the bump, but I worried sick for my baby and couldn't stop crying.
Called my obstetrician, who gratefully is on 24 hour call for me, and who reassured me that if I have no bleeding and she is kicking as normal, it should be fine *phew*

Latest song I tagged on Shazam : "Burn"

Thought for the day: It's only been 5 weeks since I saw my Mum, but it feels so much longer - THANK GOODNESS she's coming back this weekend!

Bugging me: new cellulite has appeared in places I don't even want to talk about!

Dead excited about: my new iPhone 5S in gold and white - it was love at first sight

Upcoming mini-break: On Saturday hubby and I are going away to stay the night at the stunning (Downton Abbey style) country house hotel, Cliveden, where our room has it's own log fire - sooo romantic ♥

Days remaining until due date: 86 - but she will be full term in 65 days (not that I'm counting or anything lol)

Ok well that's all for now... 

Cheerio!

I will need to buy a new case to fit my iPhone 5S, but am yet to find one I like