Summer Sandals

Well, I don't know about you but I'm loving the warmer Spring weather we're finally being blessed with... I had a lovely afternoon in the park today with the little ones, and I can't tell you how good it felt to be out of the house in the fresh air without freezing to death! And at the risk of getting too over excited about the change in season, I've already set my heart on a pair of summer sandals - I plan to get my geek on with these lovely red leather sandals from Topshop. Aren't they pretty?!

One

I can't believe it but my little baby boy is One today! Excuse the poor photos from my iPhone but we've got the decorations up and his pressies are laid out ready for him to discover... I don't know who's more excited, me or him... Me I think! Unfortunately our house has been plagued with various illnesses this week and so it'll be a quiet day but there will still be tea & cake, of course! 

Happy Birthday Sam, you're an amazing little boy and I couldn't imagine our little family without you! 

x

Me Time

Today, this is what morning looks like in my household! It's rare treat and one that I am savouring... The babies are 2 and a half hours away with their Dad, visiting their Grandma by the sea and, by no mistake, I've been left behind for some much needed me time.  After this lazy lie in I'm off to meet my friend in town for a wander, some tea & cake and some lovely, uninterrupted conversation.  

I hope everyone gets some me time this Easter - when you get it, it's sometimes only a small thing but can make the world of difference! :)

Love, love me do

Well who can believe it's February already! I don't know if you're feeling the love for Valentine's Day or not, as I know it's mostly a lot of commercial hoo-hah, but I saw this print today from Bold & Noble whilst having a mooch around some of my favourite sites and I think it's so, well, lovely.  A very cool alternative to a Valentine's card, I'd love to have this hanging on my wall.

I hope 2013 has been good to you so far... I don't feel like I know what this year has in store for me as yet but I'm looking forward to finding out!

My Space

It would be fair to say that things are a little crowded at our house - we live in a two bed victorian terrace which I love and there are some great period features, like original fireplaces in every room, but with two small kids and no clever storage space, we're bursting at the seams.  Sam is still in his cot in our room (at the foot of our bed, bless him) and so we don't even have our grown-up bedroom to retreat to when all the toys and mess get too much.  So I was really pleased when last week I spotted this great little retro table in a vintage shop down the road, which fits perfectly into a little nook in the corner of our kitchen and has become a little haven for me and my things.  I only set the desk up last week so not making the best of it yet, but already I love having my own little space.  

My little desk is just the right size for my laptop, a couple of files, and for keeping my stationary out of reach of little hands! Also, on the chair, is my gorgeous Donna Wilson Badger cushion which was a recent birthday present and I love it. 

The print on the wall is Counting Birds, from Isak.  The files are from Ferm Living and Paperchase. There's also my two Donna Wilson plates sitting in their boxes, waiting to be rehomed onto the wall.(Excuse the photo - had to stick the lights on as the sun just kept hiding away!)

The yellow stem Orla Kiely bowl was also a birthday present, and is great for holding all my bits & bobs - present labels/stickers, cards, washi tape, etc.

Do you have your own desk or personal space in your house? It's only a small thing but it's making me so happy right now :)

Hello

(Images via Refinery29)

Hello... well it's been a while but it's not for trying, time just doesn't feel like it's not on my side at the moment! I like to think that being a full time, stay-at-home mum means I should have time to get my act together - tend to the kids, have the house under control, keep my shop (aneatlittleshop) ticking over, whilst still finding time for the things I enjoy doing but it definitely isn't working out like that at the moment.  Instead I find myself increasingly unable to keep up with my 3 yr old and 7 month old, constantly tripping over baskets of washing, bikes & scooters, and just generally thinking I need a big old lie down!

Rant over though as to be honest I wouldn't want it any other way, except maybe owning a lovely kid-free retreat like this that I could escape to once in a while when I needed some breathing space.  This Brooklyn apartment feels so calm and collected.  I just love the bedroom - the Jonathan Adler bedspread and pillow add a perfect dash of colour and pattern, and all that natural light flooding in is enough to make anyone feel uplifted!

Until next time...  :)

Form Meets Function

Don't you just love it when you don't have to choose between form or function?  These beautifully simple Kaleido steel trays from HAY can be put together in any number of combinations and colourways, (I love the mint, coral, and grey) and would be a great way to store jewellery, loose change, and all those other little bits and bobs that roam free on your sideboard or bedside table.  They're so pretty it hurts!

(Images via HAYSHOP.DK)