Ok so we all know 'normal' doesn't really exist but surely everyone can relate to that very real pressure to fit in, you know, feeling like you're doing the right thing, ticking the boxes of thriving at life, parenting, your job....this oh so common weighing yourself up against the 'norms' and trying not to feel the odd one out...
If you follow me on Instagram (and if you don't, where've you been?!) then you'll know last night saw my family come together for another legendary party at my stunning Auntie Angelou's beautiful home under a marquee in her garden.
After the overwhelming response to my post My Career as a Professional Blogger, I want to share more tips and advice and will do regularly on my blog right here.
I love a bit of monochrome and this summer Aztec style print dress in black and white from Dorothy Perkins simply makes me smile. It's comfortable enough to run around little people in but doesn't compromise on style!
BritMums Live was a total and utter whirlwind of a weekend of which I'm not sure I'm even remotely recovered from, but I'll try to articulate my highlights for you here... It was a weekend sponsored by wine (literally) thanks to Lindeman's Wine so forgive me if I've forgotten anything or anyone.
So tonight as I cut my eldest, Oliver's hair (he's currently hairdresser-phobic) I realised that as parents we seem to take on many, MANY roles or jobs from wannabee Nicky Clarke's (more like Edward Scissorhands in my case although Oliver's locks are still long enough to pass for an American kid in a Gap advert-phew) to full time therapists for our kids and more...
With the World Cup, we are all currently and right so- Brazil-crazy but let me tell you I've always been a fan of Brazilian fashion (food and film) and scored a goal of my own (sorry) when stunning Luxe-Layers, a beautiful boutique and online shop from my old neighbourhood Barnes in London contacted me to gift me this captivating dress by Rio based designer Lucidez. I'm in love....
So last night I mentioned on social media that I often feel I'm just playing Mummies and Daddies, that I look at my cute kids then question whose they are-you see deep down I still feel 16. OK make that 18. Thankfully from the response I got online, it seems I'm not alone...
I'm often asked what my career is and although I'm a trained, award winning filmmaker and adore directing, the last few years have seen me become a full time blogger, a career that happened organically and is one I LOVE.
Here you'll find my current edit of beautiful, beautification products I honestly can't live without right now. From eyelash lengthening liquid to bronzing cream to keep my pins golden post-Cannes, these stunning products will soon become your must-haves too.
Nothing of course replaces healthy, seasonal food-tonnes of fruit and veg, lean meat, pulses (you get the picture) but vitamins help ensure I get everything extra I need, especially at times of sleep deprivation (always), times of PMS (oh those dreaded days come weeks) and much needed sun rays in a bottle when Blighty can't provide the real thing!
Last night saw us rushing to A&E as Alexander, aged 14 months experienced episodes where he was struggling for breath. As you can imagine, it was an alarming, stressful time for my husband and I. Alexander had already been seen twice by the GP yesterday, once in the morning with a 39.9 degree temperature and then at 5pm with worsening flu like symptoms.
Last Saturday we got up early at 6am (what's new) and set off to the former European Capital of Culture (2008), the utterly beautiful Liverpool for bustling chestnut smelling- Christmas markets and Ice Festival fun in the centre.
