Asking too much?

I am very relaxed about Emilia's performance these days. I am not that kind of mother who checks what she should be doing and what she shouldn't be doing every week. I do admit, I receive monthly emails from babycentre and I do have a week by week booklet on my bedside table but I must say, I am rather bored with them. I was more into checking what was happening inside my belly during pregnancy as I was eager to know what was going on with my body, what to expect and how the baby was developing but with baby I have learned that you can't really generalise and shouldn't be focused on these *guidelines*. Every baby is different. I am sure Emilia is worse at certain things and perhaps better at others but really, who cares? I certainly didn't feel prouder when people were amazed at the fact that she could hold her head strong when she was as little as three months, and I certainly don't love her less if she fails to grab things or sit down unaided. In this, I am just a different kind of mum, I suppose.

One thing, however, that does make me proud is that Emilia seems to be more attracted to books than toys. I grew up with the concept that two things are worth spending money on in life: books and travels which I consider the real-time education! Only traveling you get to experience and understand the world. And that's how you learn history, geography, art, just to mention a few....

In her short life Emilia has already been traveling a little bit. She had her first short flight to Italy when she was three months old and she is going to experience the joy (!?) of a long flight to the US in just a few days. I am also thinking to bring her with me on a work trip to Barcelona in May...let's see if this materialises (am I asking too much to a little baby?). And she will travel and explore the world as much as possible, I will certainly encourage her to do so, with us first, and then on her own. 

As for books, she has one in particular she loves. It's one of those fluffy books with lots of creatures, bright colours and different textures. Simple stuff for babies, basically. However, when my mum was here, we moved to a complete different dimension. My mum bought four educational books that I find very useful. Perhaps it is asking too much (again!) to a five month old baby but she certainly seems interested and follows our instructions and hands while we explain and show how to button, zip, tie and snap! 

These books will come handy in a year or so!

Given the popularity of books with Emilia I am always on the hunt for something cool and new for her. I recently spotted the new Orla Kiely books for children and, you know me, I love everything Orla Kiely related and had to have one. There are four books in the series: Numbers, Creatures, Shapes and Colours. I bought the Numbers one but I predict all the others will be in the house soon! Of course, the book is great. I love the colours, the patterns and Emilia really enjoys it too. Who doesn't love Orla?!

 

 

 

 

Dear Santa

With these, you can't go wrong :)

1. Orla Kiely Multi Stem Rotating Folio for iPad 2

2. Apple iphone 4S

Out of the *gray*

I was walking to work this morning, as every single day, when it started raining.  And for once I was prepared. 

It was quite sunny when I woke up, actually, but when I checked the weather forecast at breakfast I saw that rain was on the way, so I took an umbrella, which I almost never do. Around 9.15am, while I was half way to the office it started to pour down and out of the blue all Londoners, me included, took their umbrellas out of their bags and opened them. It was fascinating to see how normal that gesture was. When I was in Pescara, I got used to cleaning all the sand off my feet after a long stroll at the beach; here, in London, I got used to opening an umbrella nonchalantly :)

And then I focussed on the variety of brollies and believe me, I saw it all: bright colours, dots, stripes, flowers, skulls, leopard prints...the range of umbrellas mirrors the range of individuals in London completely. My umbrella, which is in fact Rob's, is so dull: black with a dark wood handle. That's not me for sure!

This lovely umbrella has been on my wish list for quite a while now, perhaps it's time I take a trip to Orla Kiely!

P.S. Speaking of rain, have you see the Renault *Kiss my Glass* campaing? I think it's hilarious!

Happy Birthday To Me

It was my birthday on Sunday and for the first time in 32 years I had not organised a party of any sort. 

I have celebrated every single year with members of family and friends since I turned one. This year, however, after the big wedding, I didn't feel to plan anything else. So Rob took over and organised a wonderful weekend celebration for the two of us.

Friday after work we viewed a couple of flats in Chelsea and as you'd expect we got frustrated. So instead of going home straight away we headed to Nandos, to cheer ourselves up! We had our chicken and sides and went home happy. The celebration then began. Rob had bought these lovely little treats that we enjoyed as our dessert

I chose the pink one and Rob had the blue with the glittery winged heart. We watched a movie and then at midnight Rob gave me his first gift: tickets to Mamma Mia! We had been talking about going for quite a while but we never had the chance to do it. We are not too big on musicals, to be honest, but we really liked the movie and love Abba songs. So I really thought it was a lovely gift and a nice way to celebrate. 

On Saturday morning we viewed another flat, this time in Shad Thames, an area we absolutely adore and for a change the flat was actually beautiful. It ticks all the boxes, it's just a little bit too far from the tube station and that's why we are still not completely sure. The thing that really makes the flat amazing is its private pontoon overlooking the property's Japanese water gardens. Dreamy. 

We then headed to Covent Garden, had a lovely meal and right after lunch when I was enjoying my daily dose of espresso, Rob gave me his second gift: a black 3G ipad! I was so thrilled!  How cool of a gift is that?? 

It was then time to hit the theatre. Mamma Mia is shown in the very heart of Leicester Square, an area I am not too fond of. There are way too many tourists and it's just so cheesy there. To make things  worse, it started raining while we were walking to the theatre. Oh well, in perfect British summer style, I guess. 

The musical was ok but Rob and I agreed that the movie is actually better. I know, it's strange, usually it's the opposite, isn't it? It's inevitable to compare the famous and super charismatic actors (e.g. Meril Streep) and their performance with the theatre crew. They were good, don't get me wrong, but not amazing, in my opinion. Plus, the movie was filmed in Greece, how do you top that in a small theatre in the heart of London? 

The celebration continued. Saturday evening Rob cooked for me. He made smoky bbq fajitas and they were absolutely delicious. I had four!

And finally Sunday, my real birthday. Rob booked a table for lunch at the ever so cool Nobu. We tried different things and they were all very good, especially the lobster and prawn salad. Oh my! I am still thinking about it.

Back home I received some other gifts: a huge bunch of flowers and this cute Orla Kiely dress from my in-laws and another sweet card and lovely Paul Smith socks from my husband. 

No birthday is a real birthday without a cake and Rob took care of it. He chose a super indulgent and rich Belgian chocolate cake which we devoured. And yes, I did blow the candle!

Thanks so much my love for taking the time to organise all these sweet things for me! It truly was a wonderful birthday.

Package Of The Day

It's no surprise that I enjoy shopping online and if there is a good deal out there, you can be sure I am on it. I receive packages on a regular basis at work, certainly more than any other colleague. In fact, if the others receive a package, it's usually work related stuff or at the very least a book. My latest purchase comes from my very beloved Orla Kiely. I may not live in a wonderful flat but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to make it nicer!

Next package on the way!

Sale: The Magic Word

{image from notonthehighstreet}

Today, without leaving the flat for not even one minute, in the comfort of my kitchen, wearing my pijamas and sipping a cup of green tea I managed to spend money. All I needed was my MacBook and the amazing Internet. Let me just say: I think I have become addicted to online shopping. You may argue that my addiction actually started a long time ago, which is true, but I think now I am not even particularly enjoying it, I just do it. It's so easy and tempting. I almost feel like I have to do it. How can one avoid to buy something online whit all the good deals available? I am registered with so many online shops and companies that every day very religiously send me recommendations and suggestions on what I should buy. Every day I have a look at the items selected for me and almost every day I find something to buy. Sometimes I resist the temptation, may times I buy very nice and useful things, other times I just end up buying things I don't particularly like or need buy hey, they were on sale, it was a very good deal, I could not avoid it, right? In case you are curious: Today I bought some Orla Kiely bath towels and pillow cases (very lovely!), a TBA silk cream dress and a See by Chloé top. All on sale. It doesn't really matter that I probably didn't need any of these items and I don't really have space where to store more towels and pillow cases, let alone clothes. They were on sale, I liked them enough and I bought them.

So, what's in this magic word, SALE? Why am I so attracted to it? Why am I so weak? I am sure I am not the only one so please tell me you do it too!

Dear Santa ... (#2)

Item # 2 on my wish list must be this dreamy cardigan by Orla Kiely.
Much cheaper than the first item, Santa!