Category: Lifestyle

Henry’s summer wardrobe from Next (and packing tips)

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While I dusted down some of my old beach dresses, a couple of one piece and tankini saviours (having chucked all my bikinis away – because no one wants to see this midrift) and a few colourful pairs of flip flops and pom pom sandals that make an annual appearance, Henry was loving life on our family holiday to Spain wearing a fabulous summer 2018 wardrobe from Next.*

In this post I’m sharing Henry’s holiday fashion on our recent trip to Spain and also some tips about what clothing to pack for your toddler/kids when travelling abroad during the warmer months.

Having to select just a small number of fun, natural and memorable photos from around 500 I took,  (whilst sifting out about 200 blurry shots – because toddlers don’t sit still for photos) has been a difficult task to say the least…

I’ve linked all of the outfits, including mine, at the end of the post…

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Occasionwear from Mamas and Papas

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Spring is finally here (I think? I feel like I say this a LOT lately) and the drop of all things “new season” i.e. fashion, wedding themes, travel and other celebrations is upon us. Also, not forgetting, there is an exciting Royal wedding just around the corner (as well as a Royal baby too). One of my favourite baby brands, Mamas and Papas, have launched a new Occasionwear collection for the summer season ahead, bringing us some truly beautiful pieces for your little ones to wear for any celebration.

I was delighted to have been sent a selection of gorgeous clothing from Mamas and Papas, for Henry and his little friend Emilia to model to celebrate the launch.

Shoot day was a lot of fun, and also “cute-overload”, so do scroll down to see our Occasionwear shoot for Mamas and Papas…

You may now kiss the bride!! Wedding season is looming, what will your little ones wear?

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My Self Care 2018 To-Do List

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Q1 is done, three months of the year have passed, the new tax year has started, so why am I only now setting myself some 2018 goals?

I’ve just decided to set some “self care” goals. To some of you this may sound like total BS – why do I need self care when I have a fortunate and happy work/life/mum balance? What’s triggered this on?! That’s a story for another time, but the reality is we ALL need to put ourselves first, to enjoy what life offers and to grab every opportunity.

When I say “self care” I don’t mean manicures, yoga and massages (though I may sneak in the odd one here and there!) and I don’t mean to ‘find myself’ or to ‘learn to love myself again’. I simply mean; ‘things I want to achieve – for me – for my own enjoyment, to create memories so that when I look back on this year come December time, I want to feel happy with my 2018.’

This year so far has been a bit of a blur and it’s flown by in a flash. Being self employed, being a Mum, project managing house renovations and general life hurdles and distractions this year so far has proven yet again that unless I utilise my diary and make concrete plans, then the time simply goes by too fast and I miss opportunities, I miss out on planned enjoyment and I miss out on much needed “me time”. I’m sure there are so many of you reading this that can relate also?

These goals are not about “fulfilling dreams” or “achieving success”. They are concrete plans of things that I want to do, for me, for my memory bank and for my happy mindset.

My to-do list is all about London. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before, but when I worked in London I didn’t absorb it, or enjoy it anywhere near enough. I was too busy charging around from meeting to meeting that I didn’t take full advantage of the wonderful sights around me and all of what London had to offer.

So here is my my top 10 list of things I want to do during the remaining months of 2018…(if any of my friends and family reading this want in on any of the action – let me know!)

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Mother’s Day gift ideas from Neal’s Yard Remedies

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How lovely is it to celebrate Mothers and all the influential Mother-like figures in our lives – whether that’s your own Mum, your children’s Key Worker at nursery, a grandparent, a Godmother, a carer, even a friend who’s expecting, or recently become a Mummy herself.

Whoever are the Mother-figures in your world, I’ve selected some wonderful Mother’s Day gift ideas from Neal’s Yard Remedies – starting at just £5!

The brand thrives on its ethical credentials, with its fabulous offering of kind and organic ingredients, eco-friendly production, charitable projects, recyclable packaging and being all round environmentally friendly. The products also look luxurious on display too. With a holistic approach to skincare and lifestyle, Neal’s Yard Remedies products are like spas in a bottle! The products not only work but they use essential oils that benefit the skin, smell amazing and have many properties beyond just beautiful skin.

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It’s time for you to bloom and to flourish

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Mental Health. A taboo that is finally being spoken of more. Words such as depression and anxiety either get used either far too cautiously due to the feeling of being unnecessarily embarrassed or as to not offend, or far too flippantly which can take away from the meaning and genuine insecurities surrounding the circumstances involved. As someone who understands and appreciates such descriptive words (through my own experiences as well learning from other people’s journeys) it’s important to ensure you’re following the right bloggers/influencers and using appropriate tools when it comes to all things mental health. Here on Flamingo Monroe I don’t try to be any kind of know it all or hardcore “influencer”, I justly try to be myself.

Via Instagram, I recently became friendly with Anna of Mama’s Scrapbook. Her frequent and highly amusing Instastories keep me rather entertained when I’m forcing myself to have 5 minutes of downtime to drink my morning coffee. I hope I don’t sound stalker-ish – I follow lots of bloggers and personalities and enjoy watching all their instastories! Anna is an accredited and experienced BACP Psychotherapist, a mother to two young boys, has a great eye for interior design, uploads Instagram posts providing confidence, guidance and reassurance to all and she also writes her blog – which has a strong focus on mental health and lifestyle.

She’s recently started a business venture with a close friend – bringing together her psychotherapy knowledge and her friend’s graphic design credentials, they’ve created Blöm Cards. Blöm [Bl – Om] is derived from the Scandinavian Word ‘Blomstre’, meaning to bloom, to flourish….

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Festive baby fashion from Next

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With a son born so close to Christmas (23rd December to be precise – and trust me I did everything I could to get him out 15 days prior on his due date!) it would be rude of me not to embrace the Christmas spirit by bringing some festive fun to his wardrobe!

We’ve recently enjoyed a Christmas themed shoot celebrating his first ‘proper’ Christmas and also marking his upcoming first birthday. Here’s a selection I’m sharing with you, and I’ve linked to all of his outfits (all from Next)…

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