Have I mentioned...

It's official. I have baby-itis-baby-mad-omnia. Ok I've clearly made up that word (if you can call that a word), but the sentiment is true. I wonder if all newly pregnant women feel this way. Somehow, I am quite convinced that they do.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I have become a baby bore, but I'm not far off. I need to calm the freak down, but in my defence (there is no defence, I am just a highly excitable woman), there is too much out there for me to pore over, make lists of, scrapbook, blah blah blah! To say that the world of baby is oh so new to me would not entirely be true, I have always had the perfect images in my (slightly neurotic) head of perfect prams, a perfect nursery and the cutest baby clothes known to man. The more I search though, the more I come across, and the longer the list gets. I'm sure Mr TIS is having nightmares about the items I am absolutely certain we will need for the baby. His face paled a tad when I revealed that I had booked tickets for the Excel baby show at the end of this month. I'm sure he has visions of hauling a load of baby gear back to the car, only to return to purchase more. Must try to reassure him, or he may suddenly come down with his own anti version of baby-itis-mad-omnia and be unable to attend! (Not that this would stop me...)

To finish today, I am polishing my halo as I have not left is so long since blogging, and I have also managed to snap a few pictures into the bargain. Mostly to document my growing stomach as I am still fairly disbelieving that I am actually increasing in size and feel that I need some kind of proof (It's not like I could just look down or anything, oh no).

Work today:
Red leopard print dress: Michael Kors
Grey cardi: H & M
Tights: Marks and Spencer
Black flats: H & M
Bracelet: Pandora

Casual dinner out tonight:
Longline line cream vest: Primark
White jersey top: Forever 21
Beige jersey scarf: Cos
Light jeans: River Island (my loosest pair round the waist, one of the only pairs that still fits. Bizarre as they are actually a size 6).
High tops: Converse
Bracelet: Pandora

Work in the week:
Grey leopard print dress (noticing a pattern here!): Primark
Black tights (unseen): Marks and Spencer
Black boots (unseen): Faith
Bracelet: Pandora

 Expect normal service to resume in about six months... on second thoughts... : D

Thank Goodness for Primark

Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say...

But oh sweet Jesus and all the angels, Primark has come to my rescue this week. I spent the majority of the week visiting every shopping centre within a 50 mile radius to try and track down some cheapie  flip flops for around the pool, some summer shortie PJs and a couple of throw-over-a-bikini dresses for wearing down to the pool and to lunch. So far so simple. But oh the demoralisation of coming home each and every day with sweet sod all to speak of. Every day that passed was another day for the shops to clear out their summer stock to make way for their annoying and frankly not needed right now thank-you-very-much winter stock. Humph.

So you can imagine my delight when I came across a whole load of beachy/summer items in a Primark near my work place that I visited on Saturday. Thank feck for that. And they were in my size. (Have I imagined this? Primark have items I need, and in my size? I must be delirious).

So anyway. Items purchased, sweet joy, one step closer to holiday ready!

Slip-over-a-bikini dresses, half price, something like £3 and £5! 

And now for another little beauty I spied on Saturday while at Bluewater on a smash-a-grab holiday shop with the husband (aka men shopping- visit the 3 stores he likes, pick stuff up, and buy it). Anyway, I was returning something to Topshop when I spied a most fabulous little beauty glinting in the deep dark dregs on the final sale items rack (normally avoided like the plague). The print caught my eye so I had a quick look and almost did a double take when I saw it was a size 8. Faint. Tried it on in double quick time and hey presto, another little number for the holiday, all for the princely sum of £15 (reduced from £55).

Little Topshop number. 

And to end with a quick round up of what I wore yesterday. The husband and I had tickets to the BBC Proms which was most fabulous all round.

Gold sleeveless shirt - Zara
Tapered leg trousers - Zara
Bag - Mulberry
Sunglasses - Missoni
Bracelets - Pandora and Thomas Sabo

Haha stupid pic, but the shoes are visible here! Toe-post sandal from M & S.

And tomorrow, back to London to see the men's hockey! Loving the Olympics so far, more than a few tears shed during the opening ceremony... I'm blaming the weather... (yep, my broken record and most convenient excuse for just about everything!)

Let's talk about the weather

Discussion of the weather in my household, on the phone to friends and families, in my school (and not just with colleagues but with the kids too, year 8s discussing our distinct lack of sunshine, I kid you not), even with till staff in Waitrose, has became as much a part of my day as cleaning my teeth. I feel like a broken record, playing the same sorry song, but somehow, if I talk about it enough, perhaps I'll be knocked sideways by a sudden and unexpected heatwave. Hmmm maybe not.

So I have pretty much accepted now that this Summer is not going to happen. Sob sob. I will walk around shopping centres with blinkers on, desperately ignoring the pretty summer dresses and sandals that are now half price, favouring instead jeans, boots and cardigans more appropriate for our cold climate. Nope, I will not succumb, ignoring the quite rational thoughts that tell me to buy now at half price and put away for next summer. Nope, I will be strong, and invest in the Autumn/Winter wardrobe instead (hubby will be so pleased, not!).

So, that's what I'm doing. Rejoice. I do like winter clothes so it doesn't feel too bad. And ever the organised bod that I am, I score major brownie points with my subconscious for looking ahead. A couple of new transitional pieces from Cos at Westfield a couple of weeks back begun me on my autumn-ready journey (more on that later), and today a little purchase from The White Company added to the forward planning.

Curved hem batwing top in pale blue marl £45. Lovely little layering piece, perfect with my new Mint Velvet scarf  (worn below)

Always in style: New Pandora charms from my lovely hubby.  This Monday  I passed my Advanced Skills Teacher assessment (something I have been working on for a year, and another reason I have been insanely busy recently!).  Hubby treated me to lunch, a little Zara splurge and my charms today to celebrate : )

New charms: Simon picked the study book charm to symbolise all the hard studying and work I have done over the past year, and a murano glass bead with lavender stars as he calls me his star!

And now for today's outfit, something weather appropriate of course, with a splash of summer in the form of my new Clarks sandals which I love and therefore have to wear!!  (Plus I was at Bluewater, hardly going to get rained on, even made hubby park indoors).

White vest top - Primark                                             

Beige/goldy jumper- Zara 

Tassel scarf - Mint Velvet

Black Jeans - Zara

Organza Shawl tan wedges - Clarks (now sold out)

Bag - Mulberry

Sunglasses -  Missoni

I may just be getting old but I have really liked the summer sandals from Clarks this summer. The organza shawl and organza wrap sold out so quickly so I was lucky to nab a size 5 in time. Love them, and so comfy with their padded insole (yep that's it, I am officially old, comfort over style all the way baby).

Until next time (when the weather will most likely have changed and I will be digging all the summer gear back out, harrumph). X

December haul

Hello Christmas elves how are you all? I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and received everything they asked Santa for! I was (as usual) thoroughly spoilt by hubby, I had sooo many pressies, too many to list, but they included Pandora charms, Philosophy products (one of my favourite brands), perfume, CDs and DVDs, Stila products and plenty of Lush of course! I was treated before Christmas as well to my Pandora bracelet and charms, which hubby purchased at Berlin Schoenefeld airport.

 In addition, hubby and I decided to treat ourselves to a couple of new bits after Christmas, and today made purchase one... an iPad 2! We were never  sucked into the marketing hype surrounding this product for a long time, but decided recently that it would be a good idea to have an extra computer in our lounge so we can chill together and still use a computer if needed. I have to say it is very cool, we went for the white coloured one as this is Apple's signature colour. Couple purchase number two will be a new LED TV which is long overdue! I was all for buying one today but hubby wants to research so we get the best possible quality. I am not fussed, as long as it looks good and is uber thin, I am happy!

Today's post is about a couple of purchases I made before Christmas that I wanted to share. I went to Bluewater on the 22nd December to buy hubby his last few pressies but couldn't resist buying some new bits for myself too. At this point, Mango had already put the entire shop in the sale so I treated myself to a few new pieces that will work very hard, suitable for both work and play.

New Mango dress, this was originally £44.90 and was reduced to £29.90. I love the classic style and colour and the way the dots get smaller and closer together down the dress. It also has a really cute rope belt tie waist with tassel detail. I wore this dress with my brown brogue style heels from Office and my Mulberry.

Mango skirt, £24.90 reduced to £14.90. I like the floral print and think this will work will in Spring and Winter alike. I plan to wear this with tights, flat boots and a jumper tucked in.

I have been searching for a soft casual grey jumper for a while and found the perfect one in  Topshop. This jumper was £36 and not in the sale, but so gorgeous : ) I actually lost this jumper, I think because I was carrying a million bags and didn't feel the bag drop. I checked with customer services today though and someone had handed it in! So pleased! : )

Black shift style dress £44.90 reduced to £29.90. I really like the on-trend leather details on the arms, pockets and neckline, and as the dress is so classic, it will last a good few years.

I am glad that I managed to make a few sales purchases because I am not anticipating finding many more. As I have previously blogged, I am not a fan of sales, and never seem to find anything worthy of a second glance. Today for instance, when hubby was in the Apple shop looking at the iPad, I had a quick look in Urban Outfitters and was massively unimpressed with what I found. So much of the clothing looked old and tired, and I know I would never pay full price for it so its not worth buying it just because its cheap. I think I have concluded that I am just not a sales person, bar perhaps towels, boxers for hubby, plates, boring essentials etc, sales are just not worth it for me. I know some people have to wait for sales, especially in the current economic climate, but luckily, I don't need to, so I think I will avoid them altogether! (Having said this, I still need to shop so will not be able to avoid the stupidly busy shopping centres while all these sales are going on! : (

Has anyone else had any luck with the sales? Or found any amazing bargains? XOXO

Brilliant Berlin

Hello twinkly Christmas-tree lights!! Wow it seems I have been gone so long from the world of blogging!  The last couple of weeks have been manic, a whirlwind of social events, meals out, trips to London (we saw the Nutcracker - completely wow!) and the last few days which we spent sightseeing and generally having an amazing time in Berlin! Tied in with all this was my last week at work which was busy busy with me staying late to get all my marking done so I am free to enjoy my Christmas holiday! I still can't quite believe I made it to the end of term, I am so grateful and in need of a lovely long rest now before the madness starts again!

Anyway, back to Berlin, well, what can I say, such an amazing city! I have previously visited Paris and Milan, and enjoyed them immensely, but I have to say, I think Berlin may edge past them in my affections just a bit (I adore Paris, so it feels slight blasphemous to say this!) There was so much to see and do, the city felt so cosmopolitan and buzzing, but not in the same manic and stressful way that London can sometimes feel. Even though it was Christmas, and people had travelled from all over for the Christmas markets, I never felt pushed along, or hemmed in, and we always got a seat on the tube, whatever time of day we were travelling! Our hotel was amazing, we enjoyed our free mini-bar, flat screen TV and amazingly massive bathroom.

We spent 3 full days in Berlin and used our time wisely. Being as acutely organised as I am, I had already planned where we were going, our routes and directions were all printed and ordered according to district. I tried to prioritise the main attractions, fully anticipating that we will one day return and continue to see other sights and attractions. We did a little shopping, however for once I was too enthralled and caught up in everything Berlin had to offer, shopping fell a little by the wayside! We did make a few purchases at the Christmas markets though, some lovely wooden tree decorations, and a wooden nutcracker to stand on my bookshelf at Christmas time. I also took full advantage of the duty free at the airport, and indulged myself in some Benefit products, some perfume and some gorgeous grey suede gloves. At Berlin Schoenefeld airport coming home, I spotted a Pandora shop, and am happy to say that hubby took the opportunity to re-purchase me a bracelet and 3 charms (I sadly lost my first bracelet a few months back). So I am well on my way to re-building my beloved Pandora bracelet again!

Just a few pics from our trip...

At the top of the Fernsehturm, a panoramic view over Berlin

One of the many Christmas markets. I tried to pack and dress for the weather but I was so not prepared for how cold it was going to be (hubby explained that Germany does not benefit from the Gulf stream in the same way we do, I thought he was talking about an airline...) On day one I wore my Forever 21 navy blue skirt with a vest top and cream Zara jumper tucked in. I tried to be 'winter ready' by wearing my warmest Armani Exchange coat, my new suede gloves, my Red or Dead boots and a Marks and Spencer scarf... needless to say I failed and I was bloody freezing!

Ferris wheel that we went in, I love the cute little carriages : )

Outside the Berliner Dom. We went on an audio tour around the Cathedral (by the end of the trip we were rather addicted to audio tours!)

We walked up 276 steps to reach the top of the Berliner Dom, so worth it for the amazing view.

On our first night we went to a lovely Italian restaurant in our neighbourhood. I wore my Urban Outfitters polka dot dress with a brown River Island belt and my warm boots.

Hubby outside the Schloss Charlottenburg. It snowed lightly on this day which was so Christmassy!

Outside the Reichstag buildings. I was blown away by the architecture and design of this building.

The Brandenburger Tor

By day two I had succumbed to the cold weather and purchased a hat in Jack and Jones. I am so not a hat person and resisted for as long as possible, but hubby kept insisting so in the end I caved. Glad I did, it did make me feel a lot warmer. (And will now be relegated to the back of a drawer!) This picture shows the Ritter chocolate factory where we made our own chocolate bars, I kept it simple and picked Smarties to go into mine. : )

Day three, I wore my Zara jeans with tights underneath, thick socks and my warm boots. I had a warm H & M jumper underneath my coat, and a lovely dark green scarf that I purchased in Vero Moda on Friedrich Strasse. This picture was taken inside the Sony Centre at Potsdamer Platz.

Just a little selection dolls, I took loads of pictures in total! I fully recommend Berlin for a city break, and even though it was soooo cold, it was so Christmassy too, which really put me in the festive spirit (as if I needed any help!) It was a great chance for hubby and I to just relax too, we chatted and laughed, made plans and just chilled in a way that its sometimes hard to when you lead such busy lives. Couple trips are so important for re-connecting, it was the perfect end to a perfect year : ) XOXO

Stack 'em high

Hello ice cream sundaes, happy happy Thursday to one and all : ) I am pretty hyper tonight which is a bit odd as it is Thursday after all! I am so super busy at work at the moment, lots of my pupils have the first part of their GCSE exam in January so it's a busy old time, thankfully I am coping well although it may be a different story come the end of term! Still, I have that glorious 2 week holiday to look forward to, and hubby has a similar amount of time off so we're all set! : )

Today I thought I would blog about something that I love love love and cannot get enough of... I am talking about gorgeous, glittery bracelets! It's funny because I didn't really like wearing bracelets until a few years ago, preferring earrings and necklaces. These days however, I am always drawn to bracelets, and love wearing a range of higher end brands stacked up together, I think that makes such an impact. Here are some of my favourites ...

Jinkksy gold and crystal Bonita bracelet £65. The Jinkksy brand only came to my attention recently, but I really love the gorgeous, glittery styles, favoured by lots of UK celebrities. I like the gold tone of this one.

Pandora bracelet, £60 for bracelet and £25 upwards for charms. I absolutely adore Pandora bracelets, and love the idea of building up the charms and linking them with special memories and events. I had a gorgeous Pandora bracelet with lots of beautiful charms mostly bought by hubby but (oh my it pains me to say this!) I lost it when I was shopping... : ( I hope to replace it in the new year and start building up my charm collection again.

Pink Thomas Sabo bracelet £25. I have this bracelet and wear it everyday, it was a present for Christmas last year from hubby. I also have an engagement and wedding ring charm on the silver part.

Nomination bracelet. This Italian brand only emerged in Britain just over a year ago but I like the sleek style and the idea of adding charms over a period of time (very similar to Pandora). I plan to add one of these bracelets to my collection in the near future.

Jinkksy Love bracelet £42. I like the style of this Jinkksy, a little less bling, but still shiny and gorgeous. 

Does anyone have any of these bracelets?? I just can't get enough of them! Well that's everything for today, I'm off to bed for a little bit of marking and reading : ) Sooo excited for tomorrow, Twilight eeee XOXO

Christmas wishes

Upon arrival home today I had a rather nice surprise waiting for me on the doormat... the Lush Christmas catalogue! Lush is a shop that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with. I love lots of their products and think they work really well, however I can't spend too long in the shop as the strong smell starts to give me a headache... all hail online shopping! I remember a couple of years ago hubby bought me 3 different gift sets for Christmas from Lush... I was a bit puzzled and asked him why, and he replied that he had seen a product in our bathroom and assumed that I loved the shop! Lucky for him I do love a bit of pampering, and the products were put to good use throughout the year.

So I have already circled a few products I want, the good thing about Lush is they sell some amazing bath bombs and soaps, perfect for cute stocking presents. As well as the Sabo necklace and Pandora charm that I blogged about yesterday, I thought I would share a couple of other items from my ever-bulging wishlist...

Tricolour ring earrings, Armani Exchange. Love the glamorous style of these earrings, they would be perfect for both day and evening looks.

Lulu Guiness top zip purse £55. I love the cute design on this, it would be a perfect home for carrying my day to day bits of make up.

Vivienne Westwood studs £60. I also like a few nice pieces of jewellery for Christmas, I love these iconic Westwood studs, a good match for my Westwood purse!

I sniffed this fragrance the over day and thought it was gorgeous. I always like to receive a perfume for Christmas so this one is definitely on the list!

Snow fairy gift set £10.95. Love the cute pink box and the gorgeous, girly products!

Just a few little bits and pieces, now I just have to resist temptation and not buy any of this stuff before Christmas for myself! Have any of you started to plan your wishlist or do you think its way too early?? I think I may be excessively early but I just love Christmas so much!! xoxo

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Happy Thursday cupcakes, hope you are all well, I am finally recovering from my sickness bug thank goodness. I went back to work today which I enjoyed, I do get bored sitting around at home when I'm ill! Today is my lightest day of the week so I taught a triple and then was free for the rest of the day. I say free, I obviously spend the day planning and marking books! Still, a lot slower paced which makes a nice change.


Today when I was writing my usual list of tasks to be completed today and tomorrow, I flicked to the 'Christmas' section of my notebook, checking what I have done so far and what still needs to be completed. As with all areas of my life, Christmas is tightly controlled and organised which I gain a great sense of achievement and sense of peace out of, as I know exactly what needs to be done and when. For example, my earliest preparations for Christmas begin in January, when I stocked up on cards, tags, beautiful tree decorations and wrapping in the sale. This is carefully stored away until Christmas time. I buy a few gifts throughout the year, as I see things that I think people will enjoy, and these are also carefully stored away. I do not do all my Christmas shopping throughout the year though, as being an absolute shopaholic, I adore Christmas shopping, on my local hight street, at Bluewater, or in London, with all the twinkly lights and festive music. I cannot wait for the lights to go up this year, it is something I really look forward to.

Twinkle twinkle little star... Christmas lights on London's Oxford Street

This year, hubby and I have already planned our Christmas shopping trip where we will get the bulk of our presents, for each other and other people. We will go in November, and spend the whole day browsing beautiful department stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, perhaps a little trip to Westfield and an outdoor Christmas market. We will have a Christmassy afternoon tea in Harrods or somewhere similar, and finish off the day ice skating at Somerset House. I did this 2 years ago with my best friends and loved it (despite the fact that I was pretty useless and had to grip my friends arm the entire time!)

One of my favourite things about ice skating at Somerset house... the Tiffany tuck shop!  Cupcakes and jewelley, what more could a girl want?!

Me and Clare at Somerset house. Thinking back, one of the reasons I think I may have struggled to skate was because my hat was so huge I could barely see! It did keep my ears nice and snug though ; )

I have already written my Christmas list and know exactly what I want from hubby. Obviously, hubby has paid for Berlin and the Nutcracker tickets as my joint birthday and Christmas presents so I won't ask for too much more... I do have my heart set on a Thomas Sabo necklace though and some new pieces for my Pandora. Then of course there is the usual perfume, pyjamas, make up and beauty products for my stocking... I know what I am getting for hubby and have written a list and have already starting ticking it off. It would be nice and a bit special to get some presents for each other in Berlin so hopefully we will find some nice stuff. I have also written lists of exactly what I am buying for family members and have started to tick this off too... satisfaction indeed!

I want the long silver chain and a selection of charms (not necessarily the ones above but you get the idea!

Maybe a cute little handbag charm for my Pandora?

What are you guys looking forward to most about Christmas? Have you started to plan yet? I have already bought some magazines with ideas for Christmas recipes, card and all other things festive, sooo excited!! xoxo

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Precious Jewels

Pieces of jewellery, like bags, are best served oversized, shiny and in large quantities, all shapes, colours and styles! I love jewellery, and find it a simple yet effective way to update an outfit, providing the vital finishing touches, sense of flair and individuality. I have to admit, when shopping, jewellery is often an afterthought for me, as I tend towards the clothes and shoes in the first instance. I do love buying jewellery though, and the way it can transform a simple outfit into something so eyecatching and unique.

I really like high street shops for jewelley, Freedom at Topshop, H & M and Miss Selfridge do jewellery really well, with an ever changing stock at pocket money prices. I also like higher end jewellery ranges such as Swarovski, Thomas Sabo, Pandora and Links of London. I enjoy treating myself to luxurious pieces of jewellery from time to time, and I love receiving such pieces for birthday and Christmas. I have had my Pandora charm bracelet for 2 years now and it still remains one of my favourites that I wear every day. I also own a Thomas Sabo charm bracelet, bought for me by hubby just before our wedding; the '2 rings' charm was also from hubby as an extra wedding gift (my other being white gold diamond earrings). I like these bracelets so much, and the way you can change the charms depending on your mood, that I treated my 3 bridesmaids to one each on my wedding day. Lastly, vintage and antique shops are brilliant for seeking out unusual pieces of jewellery you will not see on anyone else. One of my favourite necklaces came from the vintage shop Rokit in Covent garden, and it gains me many compliments whenever I wear it.

Today, I thought I would show case a few of the bracelets I have bought recently:



From top:

Snake bracelet - Primark

Studded bangles - Aldo

Turquoise perspex bangles - Freedom at Topshop

Large mirrored bangle - Primark

Stack of thin glittery and metallic bangles - Local asian craft shop, Gravesend

Pink stone bangles- Market in Thailand

Tribal bangle - Dorothy Perkins

Mirrored bangles - Dorothy Perkins

Glittery bangles from a vintage shop in Rochester
Silver heart bracelet from Urban outfitters

How cute is the little trinket box they are in??! One of my dad's charity shop finds, this is really old and I love it : )



My prized Thomas Sabo bracelet...

So ladies what are your thoughts on jewellery? Simple and discreet or stacked high and proud?? xoxoxo