A diary of a yummy mummy and the jet setting baby.

MMR vaccine and Autism

2012-02-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

I have read many articles about the link between the MMR vaccine and Autism and in my opinion I think there is something to be said for this. DJ has always been a very lively happy healthy little boy who was developing well and reaching all his mile stones on time. As I have said in previous posts he said a few words like "Shoes" and "Dad" but then he seemed to regress and get sick a lot after his MMR vaccine. I am not by all means saying not to have this vaccine but what I would say is do your home work, watch this video Here and make up your own minds. What the DR's don't tell you is you dont need to have the MMR vaccine all at once. You can ask to have them separately. So its not so hard on your babies developing immune systems.

I don't know if this is what caused DJ's autism or not but there are a lot of things that I personally think point to this. Like all new mums I trusted the system and went along with what the DR's recommended. I just wish I had known about this before.

Thanks

xoxox

Fun and Games

2012-02-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

We started speech therapy for DJ a few weeks ago, and its been amazing for me to watch DJ interact with our speech therapist ( a lovely lady called Amanda) and also to learn how I can help DJ on a daily basis.
I wasn't sure how speech therapy was going to work, especially with a 2 year old, so I was surprised to learn that its actually just a lot of fun and games.
So I thought I would share some of the things we have been doing and why they are good and will help your child to communicate and eventually speak.

Blowing Bubbles

Amanda starts by showing DJ the bubble bottle and saying "Bubbles" 3 times, she then starts blowing until the bubbles start flowing out. DJ of course goes crazy and tries to pop them. Once all the bubbles have evaporated she waits for DJ to "ask " for more. So in our case DJ would jump up and down and flap his arms, Amanda would then say again " Bubbles" 3 times. Its important to say things 3 times and only 1 or 2 words at a time. By the 5th time DJ was actually pursing his lips together and blowing to get Amanda to do it again. Each time she repeated the words "Bubbles" (after week 2 of 2 sessions a week DJ was starting to make the Bu Bu Bu sounds which is so encouraging) Also what is important is to know when something is going to end,as with all autistic children DJ don't know when to stop. He would literally want you to keep going all night. So to stop repetitive behavior its important to but a time limit on things. After about 10 min we would count back saying "Ok 3 more times, 2 more times" and then finally" 1 more time" and say bye bye to that game / toy. Of course this is never easy with any child. Expect a few tears but have the next game ready to play.

Building Blocks

Building a tower is meant to help children with coordination and its oh so fun to knock down after counting to 3.
DJ loves building blocks up and then knocking them down again. We count as we stack them up and its a great way to interact with them, and to play along side them. I put the first one down DJ puts the next one down and so forth.

Singing Songs

Singing nursery rhymes that end in something fun are always a winner. Such as
" Zoom Zoom Zoom, were going to the Moom, Zoom Zoom Zoom, were going to go soon, 5,4,3,2,1, BLAST OFF " to which point you throw them in the air. ( I do this on my back with DJ on my legs like super man as he is a very heavy toddler now)
You pause after you have down the count down to give your child a chance to say blast off , or motion for you to throw them in the air. DJ just squeals but this is good enough for me, were getting there

Messy Play

Any messy play is great. DJ has a problem with getting his hands dirty, he doesn't like the feel of things. So getting him to play with sand or water or even dry rice in a pan is great. If you put an object that they really like, for DJ its his toy cars, in the sand or water or in the pan full of rice. It will encourage them to put there hands in to get out there favorite toy.

These are just some of games that work for DJ and I learning more every day so will post some more games when I learn them ;-)

xoxo

Let them Eat Cake (If its gluten free of course)

2012-02-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a month since DJ was diagnosed with mild autism. In a bid to do what ever I could do to help him, I decided to change his diet and take him off Gluten, wheat and dairy. While there is no scientific proof to date that there is link between diet and autism I thought there was no harm in trying and I would document his behavior.

Week One.
Maybe its in my mind but I am sure I can see a difference in DJ this week. He seems calmer and a lot less agitated. He is sleeping better and seems to be listening a little more. Finding it difficult to find things with out Gluten in it though. This makes meal planning a little harder.

Week Two.
I found out that Asda has a whole section on gluten and wheat free products including things like stock cubes , soya sauce, flour baking powder you name it they have it. Making my life a lot easier. The whole family is now on a wheat and gluten free diet, and we are really enjoying it. Pasta Tastes just the same, the bread just tastes a little lighter, and I am less bloated. Bonus!
I am defiantly seeing a change in DJ. Lots of eye contact, and babbling. Started speech therapy this week as well and he started to mimic the therapists actions. When I was blowing bubbles he would come up and mimic me blowing so I would do it again. Close family are also commenting on how DJ seems calmer and seems to be concentrating more.

Week Three.
Went to Paris this week and although I tried to keep him on his diet we slipped slightly. How could we go to Paris and not indulge in some French Baguette and croissants? I didn't think it would effect him that much. However 24 hrs later he was back to his old ways, not listening, seemed to be back in to his own little world again. Not babbling as much, not trying to talk just making a whine like sound and dragging us to where he wanted to go, instead of pointing and trying to tell is what he wanted. If I was skeptical before about the diet, I am now convinced it is having some form of positive effect. While I know the diet alone is not going to just "cure" my child, I do believe it is helping him concentrate and to be less distracted, there for helping him to learn to speak.

Its DJ birthday next week so I have no stocked up on all the Gluten and Wheat free goodies for his party next Saturday. I even have a my gluten and wheat free chocolate cake mix ready to make.

xoxox

J'Adore Paris

2012-02-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

We have just returned from a much needed trip to Paris. My favorite city of all time. Full of charm, romance and mystic. Even though the temperature never made it above -1 and we wore practically all the clothes we bought all in one go, we still couldn't wipe the smiles (semi frozen) off our faces..

First Breakfast in Paris

DJ feeding the birds

The Gang

Lock Bridge, lock in your love and throw away the keys.

Finding a babysitter

Grown ups night out

Sleepy after a long weekend away

xoxo

Who's Your Mama?

2012-01-29T12:58:00.000-08:00

Took DJ to a play group today to try get in him used to socializing with other kids his own age. Most of the time I'm with DJ you wouldn't know any thing was different about him. Its usually just me and him on a daily basis, living in our little bubble.

But then there are the days that I take him out to be around other mums and toddlers or take him to a play group and all I want to do is to scream run and hide. I am jealous that other kids shout out "Mama". I am jealous they play with other children, while DJ sits alone and plays with his cars. He doesn't even look at other kids, and the poor kid that try to come up to him and play get scratched in the face. I have tried taking DJ up to the screaming kid who has just been malled and say "look what you have done, you have made them cry" but he just turns and walks away with no flinch of resentment. The other mums just look at me shaking their heads in disapproval. I want to shout at them and say " he doesn't understand"

The more I am around other kids the more I feel I am missing out. Missing out on having funny conversations with my toddler, or watching him mimic me, or pointing at something and saying "Bus" and hear a little tiny voice repeating "Bus". I know I am being petty and its probably because I am just having a bit of a wobbly day.

I am just longing for the day that he looks at me and says Mama.
xoxo

Phase 1- Diet

2012-01-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

Today I have been researching autism and diets. There is so much to read my brain feels like its fried.The more I read about the link between diet and Autism the more I think there could actually be something behind it. They say that a "Leaky gut" due to an intolerance to wheat/gluten/dairy can cause toxins in to the brain.(Don't quote me just saying what I read on the internet) and cause some problems in brain development.
I was reading an interview that Jenny Mcarthy gave about her son Evan who has autism, and she put him on a gluten free and dairy free diet. She is convinced it has practically "cured" her son. I have read that gluten can hamper ones concentration. Children with autism find it hard to concentrate so if we take gluten out of their diet will it make a difference?
In bid to do what ever I can, and I guess in some way feel like I am taking control of the situation, I am going to put DJ on this diet. I went to wholefoods today and spent a small fortune on gluten free products. Breakfast cereal is the hardest, we shall see what he makes of his cardboard looking porridge in the morning, and also gluten free bread, I also bought a gluten free , dairy free, anything yummy free chocolate cake for his birthday. (poor Boy) I also bought organic no nasties shower gel , shampoo, you name it this boy is au natural! I don't know will this diet work for him but I will let you know in a few weeks.
I do know though that diet can be a big factor in a lot of different things. A couple of months ago, literally at my wits end with a 20 month old that still wasn't sleeping through the night I decided to take him off dairy and to put him on to goats milk. Low and behold that night he slept through and has done ever since. (In fact now it comes to 8.30 am I have to wake him up). He was actually slightly intolerant to cows milk and was waking up with tummy cramps and mother goose here was giving him more milk to settle him back down again, but in fact making matters worse.
My sister found an amazing website on food ideas (what to eat and what not to eat) for people who want to go on a gluten free diet. click here to see some great ideas for lunch boxes snacks and meal ideas.

So Let the games begin.. Phase one lets change the diet....
xoxo

Autism and Me

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is probably going to be the hardest post I have ever written but here goes..

Last Monday I was told that DJ had a mild form of Autism. For awhile now both myself and his daddy have noticed that something wasn't quite right. While other kids his age were saying different words every day, DJ had none, he seems to not hear us but his hearing was fine, he doesn't socialize well with other children and had no interest in them. In fact he seemed to digress in many areas such as speech and socializing.
At 16 months he said his first word "Shoes"(as a lover of fashion I was thrilled that this was his first real word) But after a few weeks he stopped saying it. He also used to shout "Dad" when he wanted his daddy, that too disappeared after a few weeks.
I used to ask all my mummy friends when their babies started talking and they always reassured me that he was just slow to speak and he would be talking soon.
I thought it was something I was doing wrong, perhaps I wasn't spending enough time reading to him or teaching him words, was it that he wasn't in creche? When I mentioned in passing to my Dr she refereed me to a speech therapist at a Pediatric section of a hospital.
After a 3 hrs assessment in St Johns Therapy center the pediatrician sat me down and started waffling on about Social Spectrum Disorder. I nodded my head and said "Right, Ok, Yes" She looked at my confused face and said "Do you know what Social Spectrum Disorder is" my reply "No idea" Then came the words "Your child has a form of Autism" The first image that crossed my mind was that of the Character in the Movie 'The Rain Man'. Thats all I knew of this disability. Was my son going to be Rain Man? The answer to that of course is No! That was a movie and no two children with Autism are the same.
I came home shocked and deeply upset and also in denial. DJ was loving and caring and he tries to talk to me,( sounds like chinese cross with swedish) but he is trying non the less. They must have made a mistake he cant have Autism.
After a few days of research and talking to professionals I realized that DJ did have many of the traits of Autism and it did explain a lot of things that DJ was doing. DJ only has very mild autism in the fact that he has no speech and no understanding of what is being said. He does live in his own little world most of the time and does have difficulty socializing, he has a lot of repetitive behaviors and is obsessed with his hands. He has also started jumping in his cot laughing hysterically at about 3 am, which is a little unnerving. (I thought he was having a very funny dream ).
However all that being said, he is smart and is very loving. He loves groups hugs with the family and has great bonds with his grandpa and with his Aunty Sophie, Uncle James and Uncle Shane. The thing to remember is, he is not ill. He is healthy, funny, fit and is super sporty, he just cant talk and may not be able to until he is 5 or 6. He might have some difficulties in some areas of socializing and learning.
I don't want people to tell me they are sorry, because there is nothing to be sorry for.
I've thought long and hard about writing this post, quite simply because I am scared. I am scared of what people will say, I am scared about how others will perceive my beautiful son and I am scared that he will be labelled. I only told my close friends and family about this because I was so scared about what people would think of him.

But I decided that if I write about this and I can at least help 1 other person or family by sharing, then it was worth while. We are starting speech therapy this week and I will keep a diary of the out come of this. I am going to devote my time to helping him learn and to talk and to communicate with others. I don't know what lies ahead and I am sure some days are going to be tough and difficult. I will continue to write about our journey together and DJ's progress, what is working for us and what is not.

All I can pray for right now is to have the patience to get me through the next few weeks and to help me understand this.

I have an amazing support group of friends and family who have been unbelievable, so for that I am very grateful.

Now I am off to wake up my little sleeping beauty and to go to the park.

Until next time

xoxo

2011-09-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

Trying to get used to this new blogger setting, so bare with me while I get the hang of it.
While scouring the internet for inspiration on homes I came across these lovely images. I actually think I need a change of career and to become an interior designer. I am actually obsessed.

xoxo

Changing Hair

2011-09-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the change in colours on the trees the cooler air makes it nice to go for walks, and I start to feather my nest for the winter. Its also the time of year where I get the urge to change something about my self! Last year I went for the chop and lobbed off 6 inch of my hair. This year I am thinking about changing the colour of my hair. I am usually a blonde blonde but I've always liked the idea of going back to my childhood colour of light brown with gold strands. I would say natural hair colour but its a little complicated. When I was born I was born with chocolate brown hair then as I got older it got lighter, more of a mousey brown colour. Then when I was 16 and I got sick and some of my hair fell out and when it grew back it grew back lighter and more mousey blonde. So I decided to go blonde. My eye brows are blonde as are my eyelashes. I have dabbled in going a little darker before but I felt it washed me out. However after seeing the new trends on the catwalks and seeing as going to the dark side seems to be in fashion I thought why not.
I don't think I am brave enough to go all the way and go back to chocolate brown, think I may give poor DJ a fright! But I was thinking more golden...

Now if only I looked like Douzen I would be happy.
What do you think, should I go darker or should I stay a blonde??
x

Holiday Time

2011-08-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

I am so excited in exactly 18 days Ill be on a plane for my first real sun holiday since having DJ. Part of me is filled with dread about getting in to a bikini (diet starts today) and the other half of me cant wait. To see DJ's face as he goes in to the ocean for the first time and being able to relax and soak up some much needed vitamin D. I am already thinking about the endless things I am going to have to pack for us all. I will need one suitcase for just my dresses alone!

I am getting the Tracy Anderson DVD out today to try get my abs in some reasonable shape, I really don't think I can get away with the "I just had a baby" He is practically in college already!

I tried the Dukan diet last week in a bid to get bikini ready, and although I lost 4 pounds on the all protein diet, I could not sustain such a stupid diet and after 4 days went back to normal eating and gained 6 pounds! Go figure I am worse of now than when I started the bloody thing! So I think I am just going to stick with busting my ass in the gym and eating small portions. Ill let you know how I get one..

18 days and counting ..

xoxo

All White Now

2011-08-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

I am just loving these looks today. So clean and fresh.

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our Photo boothing marathon.

xoxo

Bye Bye Baby, Hello Little Boy

2011-08-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I put my little baby boy to bed, and this morning when I went in to him, there standing in place of my little baby was a little boy. His chubby little arms and legs seem to have stretched out. His little curls a little longer, his face seems to have changed too. A little bit more grown up! Maybe its because he has hit the 18 month mark, now a year and half almost a full grown toddler. I stood there and looked at him for a while before I picked him up (all two stone of him). He babbled and dadadded and mamamaed and had a full on conversation with me. I have no idea what he was saying but he was very animated and excited what ever he was talking about.

I think I am going to have to take more photos, been a bit slack as of late. And as he is changing so quickly I need to make sure I am capturing every single moment....
xoxo

Not very happy about getting splashed by the big boys

Pretty Tops

2011-08-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

I always seem have plenty of things to wear on the lower half of me, but somewhere along the line I forgot to by tops. I have little singlets that I have had since I was 15 and was going through the baggy jeans and little tight tank top phase. Or I have some very dressy tops for evening but I don't have anything in between. I always find myself stressing about what to wear to meetings and end up with all my clothes on a heap on the floor with me laying on top of them. So my shopping mission for this month is to find some pretty tops I can wear with both shorts, skirts and jeans.. Here are just some of the ideas I have in mind..

xoxo

Working girl

2011-08-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

. I always find it hard to know what to wear to meetings and still look feminine and chic. I am loving these new looks coming in to the fall

xoxo

Monday Mantra

2011-08-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Some days I wake up and I have so much to say, but other days I get writers block. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay creative and get over my writers block

xoxo

Happy Weekend

2011-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

xoxo

Life is one Big Holiday

2011-08-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

With all this wonderful weather that we have been having in London, I feel as if I am on holiday. It hasn't really sunk in that I actually live here now. Its been wonderful discovering all the new parks zoos local coffee shops. Its like the holiday that never ends. I know Ill have to come back to reality sooner or later but for now I ll just pretend that I am on holiday..
Hope your having a great week
xoxo

I am Back

2011-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been off the air (so to speak ) for years, its only been a month but I am finally back on line and in our new home. It took a while for us to get settled and to get internet up and running. The move went quite smoothly really, apart from the fact poor Dylan got a really bad tummy bug which kept coming back. Anyway I am looking forward to telling you all about my new adventures here in London, right after I have cooked the little man some dinner, so until then here are some new photos.

Lots of love

Eating out!

2011-05-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

This week we are promised good weather. In Ireland sun is something of a rarity, but the lovely weather girl has promised me lots of sun over the next coming weeks. So I am whipping out the sundresses tanning my white body and getting those legs out. I love eating out doors in the long summer nights and eating breakfast al fresco so to get you in the mood I wanted to share with you these beautiful images I came across..
Cheers everyone..

xoxo

All American Interiors

2011-05-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

While looking through endless house and garden magazines I came across Lexington. Its an american brand that specialize in bed linen, cushions, cozy throws and duvet covers. I love the light colours and the pillows on the bed..

Travelling

2011-05-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I have not been on a lot recently I have been back and forth over to London getting ready for our big move. I saw our new house for the first time yesterday and I am very excited about it and about moving in. There is so much to do though , so please forgive me if I am a little lazy in posting for the next month...

xox

Gwyneth Paltrow Cook Book

2011-05-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have never been a great cook, but I am certainly enthusiastic about cooking, so I was delighted when I was given Gwyneth Paltrows new cook book. It full of great ideas and healthy tasty one's at that. I love the photo's and the little stories she write along the way. Makes me want to put on my pinny and get cooking, in a beautiful kitchen of course.

The Ocean is the life for me..

2011-05-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

My dream home would be somewhere over looking the sea. I am the happiest when I am walking on a beach or sailing the seven seas. I love the bunk beds in the first picture and I can imagine reading while lying down on those one seater sofas over looking the sea..

xoxo

Home Interiors

2011-05-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

We are moving house and country in less than 6 weeks and since the moment we signed our lease I have become obsessed with decor and looking up photos for inspiration on how I am going to do up my new house. Here are some of my inspiration pictures..

xoxo

Cannes Film Festival

2011-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yay Cannes FIlm Festival has started. Every year stars flock to the South of France to the most glamourous FIlm Festival on the circuit, the Cannes Film Festival. Every actor secretly hopes they will get to premier their film here. The Big stars generally stay at the Hotel Eden,just out side of Cannes and the rest at the Carlton or Hotel Martinez along the sea front. I usually head down for the festival as its a great place to meet people, network and to see some great films. Unfortunately my own work commitments and moving house means there is just no time.

I love looking at all the glamour in Cannes stars really pull out all the stops to look as Glamourous as possible.

A lot of red lips sleek hair and beautiful floor length designer gowns for the evening, and chic sophistication for the day. You wont see any boho chic here!

xoxo

Mothers Day

2011-05-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mama's out there

Happy Mothers Day to my Mama, I wouldn't be the mother I am today without you. You inspire me every day, you still push me to be the best I can be. Love You

xoxo

Manic Monday Mantra

2011-05-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday all xox

Ralph Lauren

2011-05-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

I think I, along with 3/4 of the world have been slightly obsessed with Kate Middleton ever since she announced her engagement to the future King of England. She is so quintessentially british, and her style reflects this. She always manages to look pulled together stylish, yet sexy. There was some mix up and my invite to the wedding got lost in the post, but if I were to have gone I would have probably chosen Ralph Lauren. (A favorite of Kates) Kate has a few keys pieces from Ralph Lauren including his signature blazers. As it was my birthday yesterday I decided to treat myself to some clothes. Ralph Lauren is a little on the expensive side, however if you still want to get a few pieces from Ralph Lauren without spending a fortune, then head to your nearest outlet store. In Ireland we have Kildare Outlet village which has a huge Ralph Lauren store. I picked up some great bargains. A pair of navy blue wide leg, high waisted trousers for 19 euro's. I also picked up a few polo shirts and a cream cable knit jumper for 40 euros. Bargain! So you too can look like Kate with out spending a fortune.

xoxox

Another Year Younger

2011-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

I remember birthdays taking ages to come around again and I literally couldn't wait to be another year older. The more grown up I was the more I could do. Now it seems to be the other way round. Birthday's seem to creep up on me and time is speeding up. They say the first 20 years are the slowest then it speeds up, this saying is very true.
I think I am going to start doing what Joan Collins does and not reveal my age from 30 on wards. Age is just a number anyway right?
My mum is amazing she wont say what age she is now to anyone, she looks better than she did in her 20's and is throughly enjoying life now her "babies" have grown up.
I hope I can adopt this attitude as it seems to be keeping her looking young.

Lots of Love and thank you for all the lovely Birthday wishes.
xoxo

Easter Pictures

2011-04-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend. We had a great time hanging out with the Mad Hatter at the Mad Hatters Tea party. DJ and His girl friend had such fun on their easter egg hunt and eating a little chocolate and watching all the crazy characters from Alice in Wonderland
xox

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

Yay one of my favorite times of the year is here. Easter! As a chocaholic its the one time of year I eat chocolate and do not feel guilty. For one day only I can eat chocolate before breakfast and its ok.
Easter means that summer is officially here too, so I usually put away all my winter clothes and winter throws that I keep on the sofas and replace them with lighter egg shell blues and pastel colored throws. It really changes up your house and gives it a summer feel. Gone are the cinnamon and apple candles and out with the rose petal ones. A fresh bunch of flowers on the table and a glass of prosecco and were ready to toast the summer.

xoxo

Stop Cancer

2011-04-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

This article was sent to me by my sister. Its a very interesting article and has a lot of important facts in it.
PLease take 5 mins of your day to read this. Cancer effects all of us in some way, and if we can try to diminish the chances of us or any of our loved ones getting it then its worth sending this out.

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY
IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE
CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN
ALTERNATIVE WAY.

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer
    cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have
    multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients
    that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after
    treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the
   cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable
   size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a
    person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer
    cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and
   forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has
    nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
   but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing
     diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day
    and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing
    cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells
    in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can
    cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars
    and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often
   reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of
    chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor
    destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from
    chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either
    compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb
    to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to
     mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.
     Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other
      sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer
      cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made
   with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute
    would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small
    amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in
   color.  Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
    gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting
    off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer
    cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based
    diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat,
   like chicken. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics,
   growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful,
   especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole
    grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into
   an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked
    food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live
    enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to
    cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance
    growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building
   healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most
   vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw
   vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
    temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high
    caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer
    fighting properties. Water - best to drink purified water, or
    filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap
    water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
      digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the
      intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic
      buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By
      refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes
     to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the
      body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system
      (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,
      EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy
      cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known
     to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's
     normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or
      unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.
      A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior
     be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put
     the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to
     have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy
     life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated
      environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to
     get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen
      therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer
      cells.

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave..

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This
information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as
well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins
are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your
plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the
plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at
Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard.
He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we
should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic
containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said
that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin
into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he
recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic
containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without
the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups,
etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something
else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's
just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us
that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the
foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Please share this with your whole email list.........................

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as
dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the
food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt
out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a
paper towel instead.

Be healthy and well,

xoxo

Happy Weekend

2011-04-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a lovely weekend
xoxo

Dreaming of Summer and that Summer body

2011-04-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

The weather is slowly starting to change, the mornings are getting lighter, evenings getting longer and I am dreaming of summer. All I need to do is get bikini body ready. A few changes I am making, is I am cutting out white bread, pasta and rice. I am switching to brown. I didn't realize that white bread is actually bleached wheat same goes for pasta and rice. This almost brings a tear to my eye, as I love nothing better than yummy fresh white bread with cheese or ham or anything really. But I've done my research and white bread really isn't good for you. Its full of toxins and pesticides that can cause diabetes and make your digestion sluggish. So bye bye white bread. The other thing I am cutting out just to get bikini ready is caffeine and alcohol. ( I say as I am drinking a glass of red wine. My last though I promise) I would say I am giving up sugar but who am I kidding, I may die if I try that. I will cut down and just stick the 70% chocolate washed down with green tea to counteract it.
I am also upping my exercise, Elle Macpherson swears by 8 mins a day of squats, lunges and sit ups, so if its good enough for her its good enough for me. Teamed with dry body brushing, endless amounts of water and a good bit of organic Rock Star Tan I am hoping I will actually look like her at the end too. Well Heres hoping anyway ...
So I am finishing off my last glass of wine for a while and then Ill start afresh tomorrow...

xoxox

Happy Mothers Day

2011-04-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day my Yummy Mummies..
I hope you got lots of kisses and cuddles and lots of chocolates..

xoxo

Stepping Out Sunday

2011-03-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

I know I have been slack with posting Stepping out Saturday or Sunday, but really every weekend I have been so exhausted from DJ still not sleeping I roll out of bed and pull on my favorite cashmier jumper, with my favorite 7evenforallmankind jeans! It seems to be my weekend uniform. Whats the fun in taking pictures of your self dressed like that. I dare not look at photos of my self taken looking like this.
So Here is one of my more stylish Stepping out Sunday outfits, taken in the South of France.

Mama wears cardigan from Zara, little cami top from Jaegar jeans from Tommy Hilfigre.
DJ wears stripy top from H&M Dungarees from Zara socks from JJ at Debanhams
xoxo

Keeping up with the Jones...

2011-03-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

We had DJs 12 month developmental check up done last week, and the health nurse said he was behind in his words, and was behind in walking. Why is it that our babies are compared to other babies, and that when they haven't met their mile stone when the book says they should, do we as mothers feel like failures or that we are doing something wrong. When I was at school I was always behind, I am dyslexic, and my teachers said it was because I wasn't working hard enough. They used to make me stand up in class and read aloud to everyone. I would go bright red and get all hot and sweaty, I would get so nervous I couldn't see the words, and I would mumble something and all the words would just mixed around. I sat back down in embarrassment, and would get teased by the boys in my class for being dumb. Luckily my parents would build me up and say that I was great at other things. Why is it that we all get compared to other people? Why cant we just be happy that we are individuals? You know DJ may be dyslexic like his daddy and I, but he has other amazing attributes.
DJ has become incredible cute over the past few weeks. Not that he wasn't cute before its just that his personality has become even funnier than before. I suppose its in his genes, so I don't think I expected anything less than a real performer. He has a fake laugh (which sounds a little like an old English gentle mans laugh) which he does to get peoples attention, once everyone is looking at him and smiling at this cheeky face, he starts to flirt and coo and babble. He sings and has surprisingly good rhythm for a baby/toddler. He gives me kisses and flirts with me when he wants something, which of course I fall for hook line and sinker. He has a way with people, where he seems to wrap anyone around his little finger. As long as he has people skills he will go far in life, and I will guide him to be the best person he can be. Not to feel like a failure if he isn't good at something, just to always try his best and thats good enough for me.
Each and every one of us are unique and have amazing qualities. Some people are not great in large groups of people, or don't really say what's on their mind, in fear of being judged, yet are able to express them selves so beautifully in the written word. I suppose thats why blogs took off. I know I for one, may be an actress and come across very bubbly, but I am actually really shy, and this performance I put on is really just an act. I feel I really express my self through writing without being judged.

So lets celebrate the fact that we are all different, and that DJ can not yet recite a piece of Shakespeare,
He can charm the pants of anyone and I am very happy with that.

Love to you all

xoxo

Sun Glasses

2011-03-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

I love my sunglasses, I adore my sun glasses. I literally can not live with out them. They hide a multitude of sins, they make me feel safe, I feel naked without them. I always carry 2 pairs with me. One on me and one in my bag.
My love affair with sunglasses started when I was 4 when I had a white pair with black spots on them. I really fancied my self in these sunglasses and felt really grown up. My mother always had a pair of sunglasses on her even when it was raining.

My favorite pair of Sunglasses are my Chanel ones, I have them in Brown and in Black.
This summer I am looking for a new pair. The bigger the better.

What are your favorite pair of sunglasses?

xoxo

How I wish I was in Paris

2011-03-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

This week and weekend Andrew has been away so DJ and I have been trying to keep our selves amused. So after our Cannes trip last week, we are feeling very French. I have been trying out new french dishes, been watching French TV, I hoping that if DJ watches French cartoons he will pick it up.
I adore anything French and I love Paris, especially in the Spring Time.
I am just imaging DJ and I sitting in a quaint little cafe along the river over looking the Eiffel Tower, drinking coffee and eating macaroons....

xoxo

Interview on My health

2011-03-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

I did an interview for the Herald on my Health and Fitness you can read it Here

xoxo

Happy St Patricks day

2011-03-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Happy St Patricks day
xoxo

Photos from Cannes

2011-03-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Back from Cannes, feet haven't touched the ground since I got back. Have been busy with my other blog with my lovely friend Angi. We do reviews on places to go with your baby, where to eat, what to do. We are going global and doing reviews from places all over the world. We also do reviews on everything and anything baby. If you want to check it out you can go to the link on the side of my blog.
I will write more soon but until I do Ill leave you with some photos from our trip.

xoxo

Cannes here we come!

2011-03-04T01:40:00.000-08:00

I can not tell you enough how excited I am to be jetting off to Cannes this weekend. Poor DJ has had some virus, they weren't sure what it was, but he had a very high temperature and has now come out in a horrible rash all over his body. So that coupled with sleepless nights, we are pretty much running on zero. So with DJ on the mend, I am now turning my attention to what I am going to pack. Cannes is impossibly glamourous and of course is the home of the Cannes film festival. So far this is what I have in mind to pack.

Little sun dresses, some black flats, pair of jeans and a my favourite stripy t shirt and stripy jumper, and a sun hat.

DJ will also me in stripes, this is France after all! ;-)

I will of course be trying to channel one of my style icons Bridgett Bardot, seen below hanging out in Cannes.

Ok I am off to pack..

xoxo

Hats Off

2011-03-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

This summer I am on the look out for a big floppy hat! Think 70's Jerry Hall.
They have made a big come back this year and I think that we will be seeing a lot of them this summer.
Zara have just started stocking there summer collection and I hear that they will be getting some great big floppy hats in very soon..

xoxo

Is Sun Cream bad for you?

2011-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

Last week super model Gisele Bundchen made another controversial statement, saying that "Sun Cream was poison" Of course this sent cancer activist in to a frenzy, and called her an irresponsible role model. Her camp then responded saying that " The translation was misunderstood" and that Gisele was simply stating that a lot of sun creams have harmful parabens and chemicals in them, and to choose a natural alternative. Does she have a point? I have done my own research on this matter and I believe this statement to be true. Now I am not saying at all to go out with no sun cream on. I am as white as can be and I have very sensitive skin as does Dylan. The reason most conventional sun creams can cause cancer is because it contains toxic chemicals in the form of artificial fragrance, chemical colors and petroleum products used as fillers and stabilizers. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin where they enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the immune system. Artificial fragrances, just by themselves, may contain dozens of carconigenic chemicals that damage the liver, the heart, and even promote systemic cancer. How ever there are other alternatives out there. Organic Childrens Sun Lotion SPF25 in lavender is a wonderful product that has been made without parabens, lanoiln, phthalates, artifical perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants.

Its a myth that you need to use Sun Block or factor 50 to protect your self and your child. I spent many years living in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and one Doctor I spoke to, said its actually better and safer to use maximum SPF 25 and to just reapply it every 2 hours. Rather than to slather our selves in SPF 50 and leave that on all day, and that block the sunlight out altogether. We seem to forget that the Sun has many benefits to us as well. Providing us with essential vitamin D.

So instead of slathering our selves and our babies in SPF chemical ridden sun block, choose a more natural alternative and cover your little ones up with hats and a t-shirt.

Bring on the Summer...

xoxo

My Oscar Dress

2011-02-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am not exactly going to the Oscars this year, but if I were I would be wearing this beautiful dress by Ellie Saab...
xoxo

Shoes Shoes Shoes..

2011-02-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

I am a bit of a shoe addict, so you can imagine my excitement at the prospect of going to buy shoes for my little man. Yesterday was the day that my little crawling not yet walking but cruising baby was about to get his first pair of shoes. All dressed up we dragged DJs daddy and his credit card with us. Shoes here we come...
The first stop was to Clarks shoe shop. I remember being bought in there to get my first pair of school shoes. I wanted the patient pretty pair, but my mother made me get the boring lace up leather pair! We got his foot measured and just as I expected he has a wide foot like this mummy. As my eyes gazed across all the beautiful little shoes, I saw the perfect pair. They were so french, and we all know how obsessed I am with anything remotely French. They were navy blue little boat shoes, with a little white rope going across the top. I grabbed them and said the assistant " Do you have these in his size?" The assistants shock his head and said " No I am afraid they are too narrow for him, and they are not a pre walker shoe" Pre walker.. No no no my little man is almost walking, well holding both of my hand, and we are going to Cannes next week, these shoes are the perfect shoe for him to wear as we touch down in the South of France. How can this man not understand this. So without listening to him I pick up the biggest pair that I could find and tried to put it on DJs foot. Hmmmm if I just squeeze his foot in just a little it might give a little?!? Nope no luck.. I turn to the assistant again and said to him " Ok thats not going to work, what do you have that will fit him?" He produces the most hideous pair of shoes I have even seen, They look like something that old age pensioners would wear! THIS IS IT?.. this is all you have for my beautiful wide fat footed little boy!?! Andrew laughs at me, and says we can look somewhere else. So off we go again to trudge around the shops. Three shops later we go in to Mother Care. They had a lovely selection of shoes and all at 20% off. Thankfully the woman assistant understood my frustration at wanting a pair of walking shoes that were supportive and lightweight yet cute at the same time. So we finally settled on a cute pair of pre walking shoes that were made for wide feet. There was only 1 or 2 choices but I was happy enough. She did give me great advice and told me that all Italian and Spanish made shoes are all made for wide feet. So I guess next time we go get him some shoes we will have to fly to Italy or Spain ;-) !

xoxo

Today I am dreaming off..

2011-02-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

I've had a bit of a worrying few days. Laura Jane my sister and my mother have been caught up in the terrible earth quake in Christchurch New Zealand. I used to live there for 3 years and my mother and sister still live there. Luckily they are both ok but obviously shaken and stirred.

So to take my mind off all of that I have been dreaming about my dream house where we all can live.

By the sea.. Deep breath in and ........ Exhale

Be safe

xoxo

Spring Looks for Little Boys

2011-02-21T01:09:00.000-08:00

It seems that every store has the cutest little baby girl clothes yet I struggle to find cute trendy clothes for little boys. However, I have found some ultra cute affordable clothes for spring for my little man.
Baby gap this Spring have actually got some cute little clothes for boys, they usually just have the usual hoodies and tracksuits, but this season they have some adorable denim dungarees, soft cardigans in baby blue. Also my new favorite is Jasper Conran at Debenhams collection JJ for babies and Children. Here are some of my favorites for DJ.

Baby Gap

Light weight Spring Jacket from JJ collection Jaspar Conran

Collection JJ romper sailor suit. I bought this for DJ last summer and I will defiantly be buying one again for this Summer

Ok not so affordable but oh so cute. Baby Ralph Lauren
xoxo

Happy Birthday Dylan

2011-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

This time last year I was going in to Hospital anxious to meet my little one and also in the worst pain of my life. At 10.10pm on the 18th February Dylan James was born in to the world. And as cliche as it sounds, changed my life forever.
Happy Birthday my beautiful boy...
Love you always
Your Mama

xoxo

The Terrible Ones?

2011-02-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

I know all about the terrible twos, but what about the terrible ones?
DJ has recently starting throwing these tantrums. I mean full on head thrown back, shaking, crying, screaming until he gets what he wants! Um Hello you are a year to early for these, what is going on? I was not expecting these.
I am not too sure how I handle these tantrums either. He is still a baby, has no idea what I am saying half the time, so how do I begin to explain to him that, "no you cant have mummies bottle of wine" Or no darling you cant put that screw driver in your mouth"
Do I let him thrash it out on the floor?
I try to distract him with other shiny objects, which usually works. But where my real problem is in the middle of the night. My beautiful son is still waking throughout the night and the only thing to get him back to sleep is his bottle. I am trying to wean him off having a bottle in the middle of the night but all he does is have one of his tantrums. Which to be honest is very hard to deal with when its 2am and I am shattered.
If anyone has any advice on this matter I would really appreciate it.
I do have to add that he is usually a loving happy little chappy..

xoxo

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

This Valentines day I have not only one love but two!
For years the only Valentines day card I got was from my lovely father, even though he always used to sign it "Love your secret Admirer " I know it was you Daddy.. ;-)

I want to wish everyone out there a very Happy Valentines Day...

Love to you all

xoxo

Should we spend less time online?

2011-02-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

My lovely little lap top has been my best friend in my darkest hour in those early month of being a new mother. Google taught me what reflux was, how I should soothe a screaming child who has cried all night. It was my life saver. I would come online and talk to my online friends who were also new mums, I would check my Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Small world and read the news papers all online. I also use the internet to research what foods I should give my baby and at what stages I should be given to him. I research everything online. Which is great to be able to get some much information from not just one source but 10.

Today I came across an article (again online) about how mums spend too much time online and its having a negative effect on their children. Do you think that modern mums spend too much time online?

I know for me this rang alarm bells in my head. Do I spend too much time online? the answer is YES I do.

My day starts going online drinking my tea. Throughout the day I find my self drawn to my laptop, fearing I am missing out on something, also desperate for some interaction other than just chatting to my baby boy all day. Don't get me wrong I love my baby but there is only so much mama dada baba conversation I can take.

But this is all an excuse really, I do need to get out more and meet some more mums and friends face to face, rather than just virtually.

The other thing I really want to do is go the Library. Remember those? I used to love going in there, the smell of the books. all the knowledge that was hidden beneath the covers. Most libraries even have a children section with toys and books. They have so many books on childcare and recipe books.

My new goal for this year is to get out more and to take DJ to a Library, I am sure he will love them as much as I once did.

Its so easy to make excuses not to go out, mainly because of the dreary weather outside.

I am not saying I am going to give up online.. oh no.. but I am going to limit my time to updating my blog and replying to emails to when he is napping.

I also need to stop going on so much at night time. Electronical devises have take over our world. At night time, Andrew comes home and plonks in front of the TV and I sit in front of my lap top. I don't want to be one of those families who don't talk. Who all eat dinner in front of the TV/ computers. I didn't grow up like that, So I don't want my children that this is what family life is about. I want chats around the dinner table talking about our day.

So with all this writing I better go and get some cleaning done before the little man wakes up and we go out for a walk. .. in the rain.. well I gotta start somewhere ;-)

xoxo

Bring on the Summer

2011-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Its wet and windy outside but I am getting in the mood for summer.
This will be my first summer that I will be donning a swimsuit/ bikini since becoming a Mummy. Ok so I know I had last summer with Dylan but really that was a right off. I spent the whole summer hiding behind flowing maxi dresses. This year as our family holiday approaches I can not hide behind bellowing dresses saying to people that I have just had a baby. Um my baby is now 1 I don't think I can get away with that anymore. So out with my Tracy Anderson DVDs its time to say good by to Tina the talking tummy and hello washboard abs.. ( we can all dream can't we)
Here are some yummy mummy bikinis, sexy swim suits ( just in case I don't reach super model body in time) and of course some sarongs to cover up those lumps and bumps.. All from Victoria Secrets . VS bikinis are great because they have push up in the tops, which after a baby lets face it there not what they used to be, but we can fake it, the swim suits offer a sexy alternative to bikinis if your still not that confidant.
Get ready Yummy Mummies.. Bring on the summer

By the way, all these VS models are mummies too...
If they can do it.. ah who am I kidding bring on the vino

xoxo

Pampers Baby

2011-02-08T03:09:00.000-08:00

Last week DJ did a shoot for Pampers Baby Dry. As Dj is a year old and still not sleeping through the night he was a perfect candidate for the Pampers Golden Sleep campaign. There are so many reasons why your baby might wake during the night and one of those reasons can be because of a wet bulky nappy. I used to dread those middle of the night nappy changes, because it would DJ up even more and he would think it was time to get up. Thankfully pampers manages to keep him dry and even though he is still not sleeping though the night, waking up because of a wet nappy or a nappy that has leaked is not one of them.
I am still on my quest to get DJ sleeping through the night before his 1st birthday.. (Ok I know time is running out, I have a week left!) But I am on a mission..
For more on Pampers land of the golden sleep and for more tips on getting your baby to sleep through the night you can visit www.pampers.ie
Thats where I am headed right now.....
Tonight DJ You will be sleeping

xoxo

FRIDAY FEELING

2011-02-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Its Friday people..
Have an amazing weekend

xoxo

Moving..

2011-02-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

Moving House let alone country can be a scary thought. Having moved to 10 different countries and countless houses I have become some what a pro at moving. In-fact so much so I get itchy feet every 2 years and want to move again.
I have put some of my top tips down for anyone who is moving country or to a new area.

MAKE LISTS: First thing to do when you are moving country/ or moving some where new is to write a list of things to do. So you can keep on track of what has to be done and tick them off once you have done them. It helps you to stay on top of things when everything goes in to what I call limbo land.

When looking for a new place to live, phone the local police station and ask about the safety of the neighbour hood. Find out what your street is like. As a mother safety is number one priority. You want to make sure you are bringing your family up in the nicest possible area that you can afford.

Find out where the Doctor surgery is also if you can look up your local supermarket, shopping mall, leisure center, cinema complex it will also help you feel like your getting to know your area.

Find out what play groups or coffee mornings are on in your local health center. One of the most important things to do when you move is to get our and meet other new mums. It can become very lonely when you first move so the sooner you get out to meet people the better. Other mums in the area can also be a wealth of information for things to do with your little ones. There is always an expat who has set up some sort of coffee morning or tennis morning in foreign countries and they are only to happy to have another person to come around.
Expat communities are great in foreign countries they all know what its like to move and you become fast friends as you are all in the same boat.

Go on to google maps and get to know your area. You can actually walk down your new street and see your new house.

If your moving to a new country where they speak a different language . Get an english/french or spanish/ or Korean dictionary so you can learn the basic words you need to get around. Hello, Good bye, thank you, Please, How much. ect

Get to know the new culture your about to embrace. I remember moving to Korea when I was 14, we looked up what some of their customs, one of them is when saying hello is to put your hands together and bow as you say hello. They really appreciate that we respected their culture and were very impressed.

and finally..

Relax, let the movers move all your stuff, think of the new adventures and all of the new friends you and your family are going to make in your new home.

Hope this helps a little

lots of love

First Day of Spring..

2011-02-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Today is officially the first day of Spring.. Well Some say 1st of Feb is others say 1st March .. either way it feels like spring is in the air
xoxo

The Mad Hour

2011-01-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

Every night when I am feeding DJ his dinner around 5.30 pm, he goes crazy. He laughs hysterically at everything. I could blow on his food and he would crack up, I pick up a tissue he laughs, I blink he laughs. Of course I play up to this and start pulling funny faces or even just make an airplane noise and he falls about laughing. All food falls out of his mouth and his face goes bright red as he throws his head back in laughter. It probably one of my favorite times of the day.. As soon as the clock hits 6/6.30pm it stops. I am not sure why he goes in to fits of laughter at this time of day, maybe its just over tiredness but what ever it is, it makes my day
xoxo

Bugs

2011-01-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

Seems our family can not catch a break lately. Poor DJ has been sick yet again. He has had the tummy bug 3 times in 3 weeks. Its exhausting! I have washed so many sheets and changed all the beds about 5 times in the last 3 days. I have yet another cold and now it seems that my man also has the tummy bug!
I hate seeing my little baby sick I wish I could take it all away for him. He has been waking up with his tummy cramps in the middle of the night, it seems the only thing that will soothe him is to fall asleep in my arms. There is something magical about holding your baby in the still of the night and knowing that your the only one that he wants. I remember my mums cuddles making everything seem better, and now I am that for him. Its a very special job.
I am hoping that after a relaxing weekend that we will for once and for all kick these nasty bugs..
Time to get the disinfectant out

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

Child Models

2011-01-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was doing a photo shoot, the photographer bought in a copy of French Vogue. As I flicked through the glossy pages with Ellie (my fab friend and amazing make up artist) we came across some startling images. Little girls dressed up like women, full face of make up and dressed up to the nines. These images disturbed me, why cant children be children any more? Why do we want our children to grow up so quickly? I think its attracting the wrong type of attention to all the wrong types of people.
What are your thoughts on these pictures?

xox

Model Baby

2011-01-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

Only supermodel Miranda Kerr could post a snap of her one week after a long difficult labour (without pain medication) and look absolutely amazing. No puffy face, no bags under her eyes, just looking beautifully earthy breast feeding her new baby boy Flynn. Having given birth to a 9lbs 2 oz baby boy myself (with lots of pain medication) I can only imagine having to give birth to a 9lbs 12oz baby boy was like.
I have to say though it is nice to see a supermodel posting a picture of her breast feeding her baby. A lot of celebrities opt not to breast feed. (Probably because they have fake books to begin with.)
Other celebrity mums who are on the pro breast feeding wagon are Gisele Bundchen, who made a few controversial comments about breast feeding (see earlier post) Jerry Hall and Pierce Brosnons wife Kelley both did cover shots breast feeding their babies. New mum Kelly Preston who gave birth to her 3rd baby Benjamin last month, also allowed People magazine to take a photo her breast feeding.

Seeing all these new mums with their little ones really makes me want to have another one..
Ok well not just yet.. but it does make me a little broody.
xoxo

In Transit

2011-01-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

When asked where do I call home, I used to reply " On a plane"

I have done so much traveling in my time, and I usually where the same old comfy stuff. However when flicking through my bible I came across these ultra glamourous photos...

Ok so maybe I might not be able to have Louis Vutton luggage but I have made a new New Years goal to add to my list.

Must be more stylish when traveling. You never know who you are going to bump in to in transit ...

xoxo

Hot Daddy, One adorable son + Chanel

2011-01-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

On the catwalks of Paris a male model Brad Koenig graced the Chanel catwalk show with the best accessory yet, his adorable two year old son Hudson.

Nothing melts my heart than a hot daddy and his baby... add in some Chanel in to the mix, and what can I say.. life just doesn't get much better than this.....
xoxo

Starting the year off with a ...lepsip and a lot of pain killers

2011-01-17T02:44:00.001-08:00

The year started off full of promise, hope, red eyes and a runny nose. Ok so not exactly how I had planned on starting off the new year. It seems that 2011 has bought a big bout of flu in to our house hold. SO please forgive me for the lack of posts as of late. Poor DJ has had the vomiting bug and a bad bout of teething I seem to have got the same, with out the teething of course. We seem to be catching everything that is going around, TWICE. I am hoping that as we have caught everything now, that is us for the year.

So now let us re start 2011 healthy, happy and incredibly stylish...

xoxo

Teething

2011-01-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

Why did no one tell me how bad teething would be????
I knew they would have red cheeks, dribbling, bad nappies, nappy rash maybe a temperature but no eating for 5 days, vomiting, endless crying all night? I was not prepared for this. I have been worried out of my mind about him. The poor little dude is cutting his top tooth. The first top tooth gave him a bit of hassle but nothing like the pain he is in now. He doesn't even want his bottles or his dodi (soother) which he usually loves. Really wish I could take away his pain for him. For the past 3 nights he has been up crying, exhausted falling asleep and then after 5 min he is awake again crying in pain.
I have pretty much tried everything on the market to help him but nothing seems to work. I guess were just going to have to ride this through till their down. The good news is that once its through 48hrs later it wont hurt anymore. The top 2 teeth are meant to be the worst too so come on tooth hurry up and stop causing my baby pain!
xoxo

Jet setting babies Guide to....

2011-01-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Everything is slowly calming down now after christmas, it was a magical christmas with all the family but with everyone here and washing and food and every thing else that comes with having 8 people under one roof its been exhausting so I am slowly getting back to normality.
This year I involved in lots of interesting projects one being a film , which as I said before I will be telling you about in all good time, I have also teamed up with a friend of mine Angi and we are writing a book. Well hopefully be a series of books. There going to be called The Jetsetting Babies Guide To.... Dublin Where we will put all the baby friendly cafe and bars restaurants where to go where not to go what sites to see and where is good to go with a baby, we will then hopefully do the rest of Europe, so it will be the The Jetsetting Babies guide to Rome, Paris, London. Think the lonely planet but for yummy mummies and babies ;-)
We have set up a site called, yes you guessed it JETSETTING BABIES GUIDE TO.
You can visit the site via the link on the right hand side of the page.
We will be posting about the cafes and restaurants around Dublin first until the book is put together, so if you fancy it take a gander over there have a look around, its just new so please check back in with us again very soon when we have posted some reviews.
xox

Coco Chanel

2011-01-08T00:56:00.000-08:00

Every girl has a dream bag mine is the classic Chanel quilted bag. I have always had an obsession with Chanel. I love all their ads and especially their TV adverts that are like a mini film. My favorite is their new one for Chanel number 5 with Audrey Tautou.I could watch it all day...Dreamy
Audrey Tautou played the young Coco Chanel in Coco before Chanel. If you have not seen the film and you love fashion I would highly recommend it.
xoxo

You Sexy Mother

2011-01-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have just finished reading a fantastic book called " You Sexy Mother" By Jodie Hedley-Ward. Its inspiring and uplifting.
A must read for any mother who has ever felt a little overwhelmed, unsexy, and a little lost.

lots of love

xoxo

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my lovely friends
Have an amazing 2011

xoxo

2011 to do list

2010-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

Every year I make a to do list, resolutions seem to fall by the way side after the 3rd week in January and the gym membership stops getting used about mid February.
So here is my to do list for 2011

* Get fit. My 10 month old is already crawling rings around me I dread to think what he will be like when he starts walking.

*Clean out my wardrobe. Anything that hasn't been worn in the last 12 months will be given to charity.

* Do a detox for a week. I've ever actually managed to do a detox before, I usually last about 2 hours.

*To go and explore New York for a week. I've only ever flown in and flown out again

*To take my sistesr to Paris for a long weekend

*Teach DJ to walk

* To make a kick ass come back to the wonderful world of movies. More details to follow... ;-)

* To do a photography course

*To take more time to actually enjoy my baby boy instead of trying to be super mum and do it all. It doesn't matter if the house falls apart. He is growing up way to fast.

What are your 2011 to do lists?

xoxo

Christmas

2010-12-28T23:56:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to you all.
I hope you all had an amazing christmas? I certainly did.
Andrew for my christmas present flew my mum over all the way from New Zealand. I haven't seen her in 2 years.
It was a very emotional for a number of reasons the main one being it was the first time for her to meet DJ, her first grandchild. It has been a long hard 2 years being pregnant and having my first baby with out her here so you can imagine the tears.
Having my whole family here for DJs first christmas just meant the world to me. DJ was a little overwhelmed by all the people here and all the presents, he thought all the presents were for him and wanted to open them all. Of course he didn't care what was inside, he wanted the wrapping paper.
Here are some photos from our crazy family get together
Lots of love
xoxo

Meeting Santa and the Aunties

2010-12-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

Stepping out Saturday

2010-12-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

Ok I Know I am late with this one again, But my sisters have arrived. Laura Jane arrived from New Zealand after her flights were cancelled about 4 times due to technical problems, and Sophie just made it before they closed Heathrow airport due to all the snow. So at least they are both here. We are now awaiting our father and our brother. I just hope the snow clears before christmas eve. Other wise they will have to hitch a lift with Father Christmas.
In other news we took DJ to see Santa he was less than thrilled. He just clung to his daddy.
But at least we got some photos.
SO now we are all cozy in our house watching the snow falling all around us.
xox

Me - Jeans Tommy Hilfiger
Top diesel
Boots Brown Thomas

Andrew - jeans 7 for all man kind
jumper and shirt from Massimo Dutti

DJ- Dungarees Zara
Shirt Zara

My Holly Golightly moment

2010-12-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

I was aimlessly wondering around London yesterday, whittling away the time till my flight back to Dublin. After an early flight made even earlier due to the fact that DJ decided he wanted to get up at 4.30am. I had an amazing meeting followed by a yummy lunch with a friend and now I was cold alone and wanting to go home to my baby. I still had 2 hours to kill before I even had to be at the airport. So as I felt a case of the mean reds creeping upon me, I thought of my idol Holly Golightly and thought I better get over to Old Bond Street and go to the one place that can make any girl smile. Tiffany's.
Just the very sight of the building made my heart jump for joy. Entering its big grand doors greeted by a rather burly but lovely door man and seeing all the smily lovely assistances just lifted my spirits instantly. Now every thing was a little out of my price range, but it didn't stop me looking.
I had my little Holly Golightly moment and made my merry little way off to the airport.
Maybe Ill have a little blue box under the tree for christmas? A girl can dream right?

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly

Tiffany's London =Heaven

Tiffiany's 2010 add campaigns. So beautiful and magical ahh love love

xoxo

Some snaps of the weekend

2010-12-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to Powers court to see Santa, well we tried to see Santa but there was a Que. that was going to take 2 hrs. So we decided to see the elves instead and the reindeer in the shed. We will see Santa next week hopefully when my two wonderful sister come over. Yippee

xoxo

Stepping out Sunday

2010-12-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

One of my fellow bloggers and yummy mummy Meghann ( you can find her here http://mattandmegh.blogspot.com/) gave me this great idea, Every Saturday yummy mummies around the world post a picture of them selves and their little ones so we can see what they wore on that day. As I am obsessed with clothes and love seeing what others are wearing and where its from, I decided I would have to steal this idea and start doing it myself. Its usually called Stepping out Saturday but as I am a day late I am calling it Stepping out Sunday just for today...

Mummy
Wearing Jacket from Top shop
Jeans Tommy Hilfigre
Boots Brown Thomas

Dylan
Jacket Zara
Jeans Zara

xoxo

Christmas Ideas for Him

2010-12-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few ideas for the men in our lives...

My Man's favorite sent from Victor Rolf. Trust me it smells amazing.

Pinky Prints. Get your little ones finger prints on their daddies cufflinks. I got these for my man after our son was born. Great gift idea for anytime of the year. http://www.pinkyprints.ie/

Some Stylish black leather gloves keep those manly hands warm

A sexy Massimo Dutti cashmere knit jumper is cozy for those long winter walks

xoxo

Christmas Ideas for her

2010-12-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

Chanel Body oil. One word Divine.

White company practically anything from this store will have your gal grinning from ear to ear

cozy cashmere bed sock.. warm tooties

Hush do the most amazing cozy home wear and night wear. Perfect for Yummy mummies. Never be worried about answering the door again. You could practically go to the mall in these clothes.

Classic 80's film.

xoxo

Cozy Christmas

2010-12-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would post some of my favorite pictures of houses done up for christmas.
They look so lovely and cozy I want to curl up by the fire drinking hot chocolate
xoxo

Manic Monday

2010-12-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days when I need coffee. DJ just refuses to sleep at night in his own room, He would rather be with us in the big bed. As soon as I bring him in he falls straight asleep and takes up the whole bed! He then proceeds to wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7am. Unlike his parents who are supporting the raccoon look.
It always seems to be that much worse waking up on a Monday after a sleepless night, then it does any other day of the week. I am always that bit more frazzled. There is only one thing to do on a manic Monday like these, COFFEE...
Lots and lots of COFFEE

Photos by Tim Mcdonnel

xoxo

Christmas Tree

2010-12-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Its stressful finding the perfect tree. It has to be tall but bushy, not to skinny, not to wide, not to sparse in places not to tall and bare on the top. Now I know I could just go for the fake trees, but to me thats not the same. It doesn't have the fresh out door pine smell, and no amount of glade spiced apple and pine fragrance is going to fool my mind.
I am that annoying customer who will make the poor man open every tree so I can see what it looks like. I will pace up and down the 100's of rows of christmas trees but still insist that they open the ones in the very back. After an hour of searching Andrew always gives me a 5 min warning.. choose or we get the skinny one that looks slightly sad in the corner. This year I was Monica Gellar on speed. As its DJ's first tree it had to picture perfect. We drove around to 3 different places for 2 days. I made poor Andrew open them all in one place, once I found out the trees had been cut down more than 2 weeks ago, I said we had to leave, they would be dead by the time christmas day rolled around. So yesterday we woke up with a mission to find our tree. We went to a little place in Dalkey Dublin where there is a dainty little christmas shop and lots of lovely smelling trees. I paced and I looked, I poked and I prodded. Andrew opened some trees up and so did the lovely tree man, Andrew in a bid to hurry me up says "That one there thats it" I look over to a tree coved in his wrapper, "How on earth do you know thats our tree" Then as the netting fell to the floor, there it was, not to skinny not to fat not to tall just right. Andrew beaming that he was right, even though it was a complete guess, will not let me live it down, at least until next year anyway.
So we got it home and decorated our first christmas tree with our little boy. I of course will go back down late at night and re arrange all the decorations the boys put on ;-)
Happy Tree hunting people, cant wait to see your photos of christmas trees.
xoxo

WIsh List

2010-12-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl all year, please in my stocking may I have...

To make it easier for you, you can find all items above from my favorite store Hush..
All my love
Tara
xoxo

December Pictures

2010-12-02T02:33:00.001-08:00

We have been snowed in for a few days now, so there really isn't a lot to do other than play in the snow, take pictures, and have lots of cuddles. Heaven

xoxo

Winter Skin

2010-11-30T03:09:00.000-08:00

This time of year always plays havoc on my skin. With going from freezing cold conditions outside to the dry warm air inside, it gets dry and itchy and patchy. There are so many lotions and potions on the market and a lot of them are so expensive so I have taken it upon my self to find some products that wont break the bank.
With out a doubt my favorite face cleaner is Cetaphil, you can get this from any drug store and its cheap as chips. It doesn't foam so it wont strip the skin off its natural oils. Its so gentle its even safe for our little ones.
I don't use a toner in the winter because I find that even too harsh for my skin. Instead I use a face cloth with warm water and just hold it over my face for a min then splash my face with cold water to tone the skin. The worst thing you can do in the winter is use hot water. Even with your showers try keep it warm and not hot, even though the temptation is there to have a hot shower, it will really dry up your skin.
Olay do a great night time and day time moisturizer that you can also get in drug stores, Olay Regenerist Mirco Sculpting cream is my favorite night cream. This moisturizer is an ultra-rich formula that's beloved because of its secret ingredient: hyaluronic acid. This works to moisturize dehydrated skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. An Allure Magazine 2010 Readers' Choice Award winner.
Another day time favorite of mine, which is a little more expensive is Estee Lauder DayWear Plus. It has SPF15 in it so it will still protect you from the glare of the winter sun. Even if you cant see it.

For the body I love Shea Butter, its thick and smells yummy.

Last tip drink lots of water keep Hydrated
xoxo

Snow Time

2010-11-30T02:52:00.000-08:00

Well Winter is finally upon us. We had the first lot of snow over the weekend. We got snowed in and I loved it. DJ was quite confused by all the snow and was dying to touch it, the first time, after that he wasn't so sure. Pushing a buggy in the snow is quite the work out, thank goodness we have a 3 wheeler off road buggy (MY3 from Mothercare) Since being snowed in we have been walking everywhere, my bum and legs are thanking me for it, although the amount of hot chocolates I am drinking are counteracting it.
xox

Working Mums

2010-11-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

Every one has an opinion on this subject. Some Phycologist say that a baby needs it mother all day everyday for the first 2 years, to be a secure successful adult. Some say that babies learn more and develop quicker being around other babies and children in a day care centre. I know that many mums don't have the choice, once maternity leave is over they have to go back to work. Through my line of work I am lucky that I can pick and choose what I do and when I do it. Yes my priorities have changed greatly since having DJ, and he will always be my number one, but I also want to work, i want to work for me, I still have the urge to make great movies. I have gone back to work and I am working on some really great projects, and it feels great to be back in the saddle. I am so lucky I get to do a lot from home and when I do have to go away to work, I have to admit I LOVE IT, (Gasp) I know I am meant to feel guilty and be thinking about DJ all the time when I am gone, but I don't. I love my time away from him, Grown up time. Me time, I know he is in safe hands, I get to go and be me. To full fill the other side of my life. I want my son to be proud of me, to see me work and to contribute to our household. Its important to me. I am lucky I don't have to work, every day. So I do spend most of my time with him but then when I do go away for a few hours I am a much happier mummy. We all have babies at different stages in life. Perhaps you are a mum who has worked hard and now is ready to be a full time mum, or perhaps you got your little surprise when you were just heading up that ladder like me, and still have to full fill that part of you. What ever it is don't feel guilty, you ultimately have to do what is right for you because a happy mummy is a happy baby
xoxo

Ski Time

2010-11-18T01:41:00.001-08:00

Its Ski Time! Unfortunately this year I wont be hitting the slopes but it doesn't stop me dressing like I am heading for the snow. My favorite designer Michael Kors has got it right once again with his winter collection and I am just drooling over the images.
I am loving the long gillet and the cozy knits. . I also love the healthy bronzed glow that the models have. I am very pale and can look really washed out in the winter so I always put on a bit of bronzer, even though I am sure all the make up artists are cringing at me saying that, as they always prefer the pale skin with rosy cheeks. But its so cold out I'd rather fool my simple mind in thinking that I ve just been somewhere warm, nothing like a bit of bronzer and a bit of fake tan to make you feel a little warmer.
Keep warm people
xoxox

To crawl or not to crawl ...

2010-11-15T07:22:00.001-08:00

DJ will be 9 months on the 18th November, and there is still no sign of crawling. He tries very hard but he cant seem to get the hang of it. We start off sitting, then we do a bounce and we bounce on to our hands then we kinda bounce some more then splat he falls on to his tummy and cries. I sometimes just leave him there to see what he does, but he just pushes him self up in to a push up (or the plank) and looks at my with his puppy dog eyes, then he cries out of frustration. We have tried putting our hands behind his feet so he can push off us, doesn't work, we have pulled him up on to all fours, doesn't work. My Dr thinks he is too "Big" to crawl and some have suggested he may just get up and start walking. Some how I cant see that happening. Can you imagine he just walks in to the room " hey mama" and sits down beside me!? haha. I also don't want him to go straight from sitting to walking. I don't think I could cope with my little baby becoming a little boy so fast. I am enjoying every single stage he is going through, I am holding on to every tooth, word babble and bounce. He is growing up too fast for my liking. So no I don't want to miss the crawling stage I cant wait to see him motoring about on all fours. If he does start to walk I may actually just keep knocking him down again ;-) I joke of course..
xoxo

Left Suitcase

2010-11-14T10:06:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Well the London trip started off well, we arrive at the airport with not much time to spare and as I am jumping out the car I say to my man "Ill take the baby and the buggy you take the suitcase I go to the boot to get out the buggy and say " "Where my suitcase?" My man replies " Well I didn't put it in the car!" " What?!" We had left mine and DJs suitcase sitting at the top of the stairs. With 45 min till our flight we had no time to go home to get it. Lets just say I wasn't a happy camper. I had two of the biggest meetings I ve had all year and all of my perfect "I am a serious producer" clothes were in my suitcase. We were only there for 2 days and time was tight so there wasn't any time for shopping.
Luckily I was staying with my sister Sophie so at least I knew she would have make up and face wash ect and I thought I may be able to at least fit in to some of her tops.
Once we arrived the other end we bought some stuff for DJ in the airport and I sent my man on a shopping trip for DJ.
The day comes for my meeting and I am panicked I have nothing to wear, Sophie is size 5 foot I am size 7 she takes a 25 inch jeans I take size 28. So jumping around her room trying to squeeze my self unsuccessfully in her clothes I just decide to go in my own jeans and converse trainers. There was nothing I could do . I just had to bite the bullet.. The good news is that it all went well.
Its amazing how little you really need when you go away.
xoxo

BabyBox

2010-11-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

I had to tell you all about this fantastic site that I just LOVE..

It has the cutest gift boxes for babies, new mums and mums to be..
I don't know about you but I am always stuck on what to get a new mum and baby, you think I would know since I am a new mum myself, but the thing is that the mum will have got all the essentials her self, and if like me spend 9 months buying clothes for the baby, so I am always stuck on trying to find something thats a little different and doesn't break the bank. Babybox has a number of great ideas you can choose from and it all comes wrapped up in a beautiful box. Brilliant. This is a god send for any guys out there not knowing what to get friends who have just had babies too. Click on the express box and voila its done for you. You will get major brownie points for not bringing the usual male gift of a cuddly toy!

To check out baby box go to http://www.babyboxlondon.com/
xoxo

London Bound

2010-11-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

Were off again, this time to London. I have to go for a few work meetings which is very exciting and of course the jet setting baby is coming with me. My family live in London so its going to be fun as well as work. They don't get to see DJ very often so they will spoil him rotten, which like any boy he loves. I am also going to try and fit in some old friends while I am there too, so its going to be jam packed 2 days
I find my self facing the same old dilemma of what to pack, I need outfits for coffee morning with friends, 3 business lunch's, one audition and 2 family dinners!?.. I also have the slight problem of having to try and fit all of my things and DJ's in to one suitcase. For such a little person DJ sure takes up a lot of my case. This time I am also going to bring two sets of outfits for every occasion. I have been running out the door in the past, I go to give my honey a kiss goodbye and BLAH lunch all over me! I am not going to be caught out while over seas. I am two steps ahead of you kiddo!
xoxo

Style Icon

2010-11-08T02:59:00.001-08:00

My love affair with the 1950's movie stars, started when I was about 5. I was staying with my grandmother and to keep me entertained in the evenings she would pop on one of her videos for me to watch. Unlike other 5 year olds watching disney films I had to watch Shirley Temple, Roman Holiday and An Affair to Remember. I remember watching how gracefully the women moved, how they spoke differently and how everything seemed so magical. After a few summers of staying with my grandmother I knew every old classic film ever made.
I became enchanted with them, I wanted wear their clothes, I wanted to be them. I firstly wanted to be Audrey Hepburn, but her elfin frame and pixie looks did not match my tall frame and blonde hair. So I moved on to Grace Kelly and Bridgett Bardot. Grace Kelly is just like her name suggests graceful, and so lady like. She was the queen of big handbags. I have however always favored Bridgett Bardot make up and style as apposed to Grace Kellys .I once got told that I looked a bit like Bridgett, not sure I do but I love that person forever anyway ;-) My sister Sophie infact does look a little bit like her but anyway.... For years I have always done the smokey eye and nude lips.. I love the messy hair and the free attitude and of course the 70's style. During the summer I tend to channel more Grace kelly than Bridgett but this winter I'll definitely be supporting the smokey eye look and for free of charge DJ has said he will help me achieve the messy hair look. How kind of you DJ!
Here are a few photos of Bridgett that have inspired me this season.
xoxox

Me doing my best Bridgett Bardot impression

Sophie Doing her best BB impression

Going to the Chapel and we're....

2010-11-05T11:55:00.001-07:00

Going to get MARRIED!!!! Yay.. To be honest I never thought this day would come. I wasn't one of those girls who dreamt about getting married, the only thing I ever thought about my wedding day was "I don't want to kiss in front of my father" (This still bothers me)
Although I love the tradition of a wedding, coming from divorced parents it kind of put me off the whole idea. Why ruin a good thing? Do you stop trying when your married? Do you take each other for granted? My man proposed when we were on holiday in Madeira, and although it knocked me for six and I was so happy, I couldn't even think about a wedding until after our baby had been born. Now 9 months later I am finally back to pre pregnancy weight, I've started to think a little differently about the whole marriage thing. I want to get married, I want the white dress the church I want it all.
So now I am going to turn in Bridezilla! I am joking .
However for the next 8 months I may be blogging a little more on dresses, hair, make up basically anything to do on weddings..
Please feel free to give me ideas. I am a blank canvas.
We are on the 8 month countdown now.
Next post dresses.. Who will I choose, which designer, There are so many wonderful Irish designers I just need to choose one now!
Let the fun begin
xoxox

Wicker Baskets

2010-11-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

I am slightly obsessed with wicker baskets, I have a wicker basket for everything. They are a great way to "hide baby mess" and they make any room look cozy and homely.
Everyone always asks me how I manage to keep my home looking so tidy, Its really very easy you dump it all in to a wicker basket, and you have what I like to call chic mess!
xoxo

The Cape Coat

2010-11-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

This season I am all about the cape coat. I ve been looking for the right one for me. Not to long, not to short. I have finally found one, and I am pleased to say its not going to break the bank, good old Zara have some lovely ones in at the moment. Now all I need to do is to choose what colour? Oh the drama..

Magic Nickers Vrs Magic Tights

2010-10-31T02:21:00.000-07:00

Its coming up to party season and I have been on the hunt for the perfect underwear to go under my perfect party dress. I need underwear thats up to the all mighty task of holding in the mummy tummy smoothing out the lumps and bumps.
Of course the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of shaping underwear is Spanx, retailing at 60-80 euro. They do have a lot of other cheaper versions on the market, which I am sure are just as good, but I needed to see what all this fuss was about. So I bought my self a pair of Spanx. One of my loveliest girlfriends got married in the summer so I thought this was the perfect time to try them out. It took me about 20 mins of jumping around my bedroom, wiggling and squirming to get in to them. They are as you can imagine not very attractive and you wouldn't want to be getting them off in a hurry. Note to self, don't wait until bladder is completely full before heading to the ladies. Once I put the dress on it did what is said on the packet, my tummy was remarkably flat and it did smooth out the lady lumps, however I had fat knees and fat ribs. The spanx does indeed hold you in, in all the places it says but what it fails to say is that it pushes the unsightly bits up and down. Do they make an all over body spanx?
Once I put the dress on over the top it looked fine and was actually quite comfortable. So feeling quite confidant I enjoyed the day immensely, until the dancing started. Spanx are not breathable, so once I started jumping around the dance floor I got very hot and sweaty, by the end of the night when I fell back to our bedroom at 3 am I wanted to cut them off. SO the verdict on spanx. 6/10 fine for summer weddings over a flowing dress if you are back to your pre pregnancy weight and just want to hide a few lumps.
On to the next item on my list. Trinny and Susanna magic tights. These magic tights promise to lift your bum, hold in the tummy and smooth out the thighs, sounds good to me. Usually these magic tights retail anywhere from 20 euro to 40 euro depending on where you get them, however good old Tk max have them for 8.99 Euro. BARGIN!
A dinner party at a friends house was a perfect time to try these babies out. They are a lot easier to put on than the spanx, you do have to wiggle a little bit to get in to them, but once they are up past the knees they go up fairly easier. They also go up to your ribs, so unlike the spanx you don't get fat knees or fat rolls by your ribs. I am pleased to say they do exactly what they say on the packet and more. My bum was high and firm, my legs looked long and lean, lady lumps gone and my mummy tummy GONE! In my opinion these are the best things since sliced bread. I even tried on my tight pre pregnancy dress just to see what it looked like. Kim Kardashian eat your heart out! For the first time in a year I actually liked what was looking back at me in the mirror. All signs that I had a baby 8 months ago were gone, well apart from dark circles and the mashed banana in my hair.
So now I have the perfect underwear all I need now is the perfect party dress.
Verdict 9/10. The reason I give 9/10 is that I had to take them off.

xoxo

Things I wish I was told when I had a new born

2010-10-27T00:03:00.001-07:00

I am still learning about being a mum, but here are a few things I wish I had known when I had a new born. It would have saved me a lot of stress..

* For the first week there is still some mucus fluid in there lungs, and they make a funny noise when breathing. This is normal so don't worry

* They are noisy sleepers

* After the first few weeks when they sleep all the time, the usual rule of thumb is that they sleep every 2 hrs and eat every 4 hrs. (even though my hungry monkey ate every 2hrs)

* You can over feed. I thought every time DJ cried he was hungry, when maybe he had some wind or just wanting comforting. I only found this out when he had a bad week of colic. So even though I was feeding him every 2 hrs. I thought he wanted to feed every 30 mins or so.

* Sore boobs do go away after the first week, so if breast feeding keep persevering it will be something you will enjoy.

*Its normal for a breast fed baby to go maybe 3 5 even up to 10 days with out a bowel movement.

* Try giving them a little cooled boiled water with half tea spoon of sugar to help them go

* If breast feeding what you eat can affect them, so keep greens and anything acid to a minim. Poor DJ had terrible wind and tummy trouble after I though I was eating healthy. No one told me that what I ate affected him!

* Take lots of video as well as photos, you will forget how little they really were.

* Change nappies quickly, You will get caught out at some point! BEWARE

*Sleep when they sleep. NO really do. I never listened to that piece of advice and I suffered with it.

* Post natal depression can hit you at any stage, its not just in the first few days of baby blues. Yes you will get a few days of baby blues but just look out for the signs of Post natal depression.

Post natal depression isn't just when you don't bond with your baby. I had post natal depression and didn't realize. I would look up the signs and I didn't really have any of them. I loved my baby, I just didn't love my self. I blamed myself if he cried. I felt like a bad mother. I was in a bad place and it was all a haze. I was surviving not living.
Thank fully I got help and went to talk to someone.

Hope this helps any new mums out there.
xoxox