The ultimate Summer cocktail

Saturday evening, and after a long sunny day in the park we are at one of our local "watering holes" having dinner and sipping on Aperol Spritzers. It's an Italian aperitif, made from Aperol, Prosecco and soda, and it is definitely the ultimate Summer cocktail. 

This Summer, you may barely have been able to go to a bar without seeing a glass of this bright orange, bubbly liquid. Go on give it a try, you know you want to!

Throwback Thursday

January 2014 - And so we were four! 

Lindo Wing, 18 months ago - Picture taken during the first few seconds of holding my newborn daughter. The births of my children has undoubtedly been the best moments of my entire life. I still get emotional looking at this photo ♥

Being mindful

Marbella April 2015

Last week I finished my 6 week Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course which was truly incredible. I’m constantly trying to improve myself and get further along on my 'spiritual road', and the CBT course helped me with that, as well as helping me gain more control over my overactive mind.
The concept of “mindfulness” that they teach you about, is simply amazing. I now meditate (guided meditation, otherwise I often lose focus) on average 5 times a week, usually just before going to bed.
By fully focussing on one of my senses, the worry reduces (I’m prone to worry!), as the brain can’t possibly be at two places at once. Really and truly you’re actually just tricking your body and your mind! :-)
But it helps me go to sleep and not let worrying thoughts take over. I have developed a whole new relationship with my thoughts, and I’m now looking to take a further self help course as I think there is always room for improvement! To be continued..

Whirlwind week

Top of his class!
On Thursday it was Sean's last day at school, and he was allowed to wear his own clothes as he won the academic price for achievement and attainment.  After three terms of doing both Maths and English with the year above him, school is now out for Summer and it means no more hard work until September.

Pimm's at Portman Village Summer fayre

Tattoo time at the local street festival 

Picnic at Portman Square

We sipped on rose wine late into Thursday evening

On Saturday we spent all day in Regents Park alternating between eating, drinking, sunbathing and napping in the shade

Fun in the sun! 

 Bubbles at Benugo 

The young, and young at heart, in matching stripy shirts 

Red alert!

Boisterous boy

I just love warm Summer evenings when the temperatures don't drop until way after 9pm

The terrace at the Benugo Restaurant's is a fab foodie spot during the Summer months and it's always packed.

I'm so proud of my boy, and I couldn't hold the tears back when he was given his award in school last week.

Sibling bond

Scarlett Grace - this second little person has a very real place in our family unit, and it is so wonderful to see this sibling bond develop and grow. I can’t wait to see what happens over the next few years. Love is simply not a strong enough word to describe my feelings for them ♥

City of London skyline

Strolling in Tower Hill and soaking in the amazing views of the "Gherkin", the "Walkie Talkie", the "Cheesegrater" and London's red iconic double decker bus.

Roof top vibe

A young admirer (half our age lol!) insisted on having his photo taken with us :-)

Another scorcher, another girls night out on a London roof top bar! 
L to R: Donna, Kat, Gerry

Go Daddy!

Just got back from cheering on Bear and his team, as they did the annual Citywire 10k charity run (raising money for a  a wonderful organisation that is a children's hospice). We were proud to say the least, and we celebrated their sporting achievements over snacks and drinks in Regents Park.

Summer in the square

Today I went to a fun and free event in Portman Square (normally closed to the public). With food stalls, ping pong tables, deck chairs, crazy golf, Wimbledon Live, and an open air cinema later this evening - how can you not love central London?!

Bright sunshiney day

I

Little Madam in good form as we're waiting for her brother's school bus to arrive.

Pre pregnancy shorts, quiet time in park & affirmations

Today's affirmations: 

I am rich when I never need more than I have

I am beautiful when I don't need a mirror

I am humble when I do not know how humble I am 

No filter

Pictures from my morning run today at 6.30am 

Regents Park - such an exquisite urban space! #Grateful

Saint Laurent card holder

New and noteworthy;
Card holder with five card slots and a zipped compartment. The slim design in black leather, the signature stamp in gold as well as the golden zip makes it a timeless accessory.

House sitting

When you're working a fine line between sanity and very young children.. A few hours to yourself and a glass of chilled Sancerre? Don't mind if I do! 

England calling Romania! 
Skyping is such a great way of keeping in touch with friends and family

The house where Ama is staying right now, two hours train journey from Bukarest. Jealous? Me? Nah! ;-)

I'm currently in Erik and John’s flat in Tower Hill, as they are away in Ibiza. I’ve recently discovered this part of the capital that I never really ventured out to before, and their French windows and outdoor space, is something I’ve only ever dreamed of since living in central London. . 

The beauty of opening a bottle of crisp white chilled French wine on a warm Friday evening, pushing the doors to the balcony wide open, and Skyping with your good friend who's abroad -  I would say it's the epitome of perfect house-sitting! Thank you brother, I’ll do this anytime, all you need to do is ask :-)

Food for thought

Dalai Lama

Fusions of Flavours

Tonight's din din courtesy of Nando's - Medium hot, flame grilled chicken with peri peri sauce. No side orders of course, that way it's still pretty low carb!

Summer has arrived!

School run in white & pastel-pink, iced coffee and 23 degrees. Need I say more?