He is walking!

My baby boy is 10 and a half months and he is walking. 

A month or so ago it was a few wobbly, uncertain steps, then it was four or five sturdier steps and now, today in particular, he seems to be walking from one side of the room to the other, toothy smile gracing his lovely, chubby baby face. 

After fumbling with my phone 
I managed to take this. Lol

My girls didn't start walking like this until just before their first birthday's.  I was expecting the same or maybe a bit later for my son, especially as he's a boy, and you always hear that boys take longer to do things. But not my little bundle.

I suppose with two big sisters to keep up with, there was no way he was going to be missing out on the action for long.

On a separate note, we got him dedicated yesterday. Unfortunately I was so pre-occupied I didn't get to take photos but I know family and friends did, so I'll have to get the pics and post another time. It was a beautiful church service and the party afterwards, to jointly celebrate my daughter's 3rd birthday on Wednesday was great too. 

It was so nice to see all of our family together. Made me realise we really must do it more often.

Hmmm....same time next year??

A pick me up..

For whatever reason I've been feeling a little bit bleurgh this evening, so after reading Philippians chapter's 3 and 4, I came across these little nuggets my sister found on the internet and sent me a few months ago.

Along with the bible verses which settled my soul, these pics made me chuckle...

I'm not perfect.

Hope that little lot lifted your spirits and made you chuckle too...

Nothing for you to worry about Mummy..

My daughters were playing when I heard one of them say to the other (I had my head buried in the laptop, so I couldn't work out who. Tut, tut) 


'....so and so doesn't like me.'


My ears pricked up and I asked 'Who doesn't like you?'


They responded in unison 'We're only playing pretend. Nothing for you to worry about Mummy.'


Oh. Well that's OK then.... 


Kids.

Here comes Nu People Magazine...

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I'm officially a writer. 


Yes, that's right. Little old me is writing for NU People Magazine a fantastic new publication dedicated to black lifestyle and culture. 

The first issue will be launching in September 2012, but a sample issue; which I have written two articles for, will be available next month (a few short days away) so keep your eyes peeled. 

The magazine will be brimming with aspirational stories from inspirational people, as well as business news, topical issues, style guides and much, much more.

It really is a publication to get excited about and I'm not just saying that because I'm involved, but because it's true and it's about time a fresh, new and positive black magazine made its way into the UK mainstream.

The Senior Editor has done a remarkable job in beginning this journey to 'redefining us'.

The website is coming soon too, so I'll be updating with the exciting developments as they happen. So as always, watch this space....

Too Proud

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I hate to admit this but I'm quite a proud person. 

So proud in fact, that I'd rather struggle with something on my own than ask for help. It's not a good trait to have and since having children I have often found myself having to swallow my pride and simply ask for a helping hand. 

It's my son's dedication/ christening (I'm not quite sure what the difference is. I will find out and report back) this Sunday and my middle daughter turns three a few days later so we've decided to throw a joint christening/birthday party. 

We'll have quite a few people coming so I've requested family and friends to bring a hot or cold dish. It may sound pretty basic but this was a really difficult decision for me to make as I often feel, rightly or wrongly, that if you choose to do something you should have the means to do it properly. I'm a grown woman and a mother, whose life decisions, no one elses has got me where I am now, and having to rely on others for help makes me feel vulnerable, needy and weak. It's a sad state of affairs isn't it?

I need to come to terms with the fact and realise that my life with three small children is chaotic right now and I can't do it all. l simply don't have the time or the means to sort everything out in good time, So I have to ask for help and it seems everyone is more than happen to oblige. I know this is my issue and people are more than happy to assist where they can. 

There are moments when I think if I can't provide then I shouldn't be doing it,  but that's the wrong attitude to have and why make my children suffer for my own insecurities? No. It is much better to go ahead with the plans, ask for help and take heed of the biblical adage that pride comes before a fall. 

As ever writing all my thoughts and feelings down seems to have helped me to understand myself a lot more, and reading back through my ramblings, it seems insane that I feel this way. Bizarre almost. After all if any friend or family member told me they felt this way about asking for help, I would feel sad that they felt this way. If I allow myself a moment to think hard enough it becomes crystal clear that it is the very act of helping one another that makes the World go round.

Are you too proud? Or do you have moments when you are too proud? What do you do to overcome it?

My 100th post - dresses, dresses, dresses

This is my 100th post. Can you believe it? I started my little old blog nearly  five months ago and already it has become such an important part of my life. So what better way to celebrate than to look at wedding dresses. Yay!!


The wedding is nearly 12 months away so I really must start thinking about my dress of choice. I need to focus on the style, colour, price. I know I do not want to spend a lot. It doesn't make sense when our budget isn't huge and it's only for one day, but I still want it to be breathtaking. 


On my searches it seems that most of what I love is by Vera Wang. Oh dear. Her dresses cost a fortune, especially since most of celeb royalty a.k.a the Kardashians and Chelsea Clinton et al, have all donned her designs for their nuptials....  I will have to do some research on sample sales and see if I can find some hidden gems ...hmm we'll see

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One word. Beautiful.

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This isn't my usual style, but I love this dress.

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I'm in love with this stunning Vera Wang dress
I'm noticing a trend in styles here.

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This would make a lovely bridesmaid dress

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Hmm definitely noticing a pattern in my dresses of choice.

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Not too sure about the necklace or headpiece
but the dress is stunning.

OK so now we know there is definitely a 'type' of dress that I like. Hopefully this should make the actually search easier. But I guess everything could change once I actually try this style of dress on....I can't wait to find out.

Silent Sunday

Found a church - exciting times (nearly)

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This isn't THE church. But isn't it gorgeous? The setting
is amazing.

We're sending a letter today. Not any old letter mind, oh no, it' a letter written to the vicar of the most beautiful church. *swoons*

Ever since the other half proposed I have casually looked at this church from afar and secretly dreamt of being wed there. It always seemed like a bit of a pipe dream though. We don't live in the parish and we don't even attend this particular church so the idea was swiftly forgotten. Way too far fetched......

But now with our plans simmering away nicely I thought to myself; why not bite the bullet and investigate the possibility of getting married in this stunning building in the most beautiful of locations, so I looked on their website (lots of churches have websites these days), and lo and behold they accept enquiries for weddings in person or in writing. *air punch*

Apparently there was a law passed in 2008 which means you don't have to live in a church's parish or be habitual worshippers there to be able to get married at the church of your choice.  

There are other criteria you have to fulfil, so we're sending our letter of enquiry, with a small glimmer of hope that we reach their criteria in some way, shape or form. I'm praying something comes of it. But if not, whatever will be, will be. 

Watch this space......

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A church in Barbados. If only...

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So pretty

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Think I've changed my mind. I want to get married on the
beach in Barbados instead lol.
GORGEOUS!!

Love Holiday's

So as not to overdose on all things wedding, I've decided to touch upon some other kind of loveliness that is close to my heart and that is the beloved holiday.


Ahhh holiday's where do I start? They are what most of us live for, what we slog our guts out to pay for, yet seemingly end in the blink of an eye.


I remember when I used to go abroad at least once a year. That is now a distant memory, so I thought I'd reminisce on my holiday destinations over the next few posts and see if I can transport myself - in spirit - to beautiful far off spaces...Got to love a bit of nostalgia.


Italy
At 16 I visited Italy my art class. Such a beautiful country and my very first time abroad. We did travel by coach which took 27 hours, but at 16 it was one big joyous adventure. A bit like an old school coach trip *laughs* . We drove through France, Switzerland and I think Austria. A beautiful experience. I so want to go again with my fiancé. Maybe a honeymoon? oops there I go again with the wedding talk.....

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Beautiful Venice. I fell in love with Italy, so much passion in this country.
It's true what they say about Italians and even at 16 I felt this.

France
I have been to France a few times, shockingly it has only ever been to stop off at the hypermarkets in Calais to stock up on cheap booze for a party or to pass through on the way to Italy. I really must address this because France (from what I have seen and heard) is a beautiful country. The other half and I had planned to go to Paris for a romantic mini break a few years ago but for some reason it didn't happen. We will need to rectify this soon so that we can experience the fine French cuisine and beautiful scenery.

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The South of France looking very lush.

Kos
I visited this Greek Island when I was 19. I went with my boyfriend at the time and it was a pleasant week long holiday. The food was good, the weather was absolutely scorching and we had a relaxing time. Got bitten by mosquitoes quite badly though. That was a low point but hey ho you live and learn.

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Kos Town at dusk.

Turkey
As part of the holiday to Kos we took a day trip to the port town of Bodrum in Turkey. There is a lot to buy in Bodrum, I'm sure most things are not genuine because the prices are so cheap, but I could be wrong. The weather was glorious and the food was nice. All in all had a good time.

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OOh should have gone here. Lovely.

So that's the first part of my holiday nostalgia run down . Keep an eye out for my next instalments.

What holiday's have you been on that have you longing to return? Or maybe, like me you wistfully remenisce on your beautiful holidays of old. Whichever it may be why not come and join in with the holiday nostalgia love?

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas

Did you know I'm getting married?


Yes it's true after a long engagement my beautiful guy and I are finally tying the knot. I'm going crazy at the moment, searching high and low for ideas. I promise not to turn my blog into a wedding crazy zone,  I'm just too darn excited at the moment and a girl's got to plan right?


If weddings and schmultz aren't your thing don't worry lol, I'll be dedicating a page devoted to all things love related just click on the Spring 2013 tab above. 


In the meantime please feast your eyes on all this loveliness.

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Love, love, loving this big hair. Wonder if I could pull it off??

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I want to try this updo. It's gorgeous and with a few accessories who knows?

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These are lovely. But first I must master the art of walking in heels.  Lol.

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Really like this style. Would take a while for me to get this length.
Got a year to do it, could give it a go.

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Maybe a bit over the top but WOW!

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Clever - order of ceremony with confetti included.

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Simply sumptuous.

We've got a date!!!

So I had 'the talk' with the fiancé and can you believe it? He is totally on board with getting married next year and already has lots of ideas for the wedding (just another, in a long list of reasons why I love him so). It's amazing. It seems he was just waiting on me to give the nod. 


See what I mean about being too exhausted and sidetracked to communicate properly? 

In short he is raring to go too....*gasps excitedly for breath*. 

I must confess he's always said he could get a venue and sort out catering. Unfortunately I would usually switch off at this point, naughty me. What he would suggest never quite sounded like what I had in mind, or maybe I just wasn't ready to receive it, what with being perpetually pregnant, working, pre-occupied....

Well I am more than ready to receive now and everything this man of mine plans or puts his mind to always turns out brilliantly.  I'm getting excited.... Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I am getting married to the man of my dreams (sorry for the outpouring of shmultz) in Spring 2013 and I couldn't be happier. Now time to start planning. First things first let's get the date saved and the church and reception venue booked...... *beams*

I've been having a snoop online and found some gorgeous ideas, so here's a sneaky peak at Our  My (haven't shown the OH yet) wedding look book. Just throwing some ideas out there, no matter how big or small, and seeing if anything sticks...got to start somewhere.

This church is stunning.

Liking the different shades of grey.

Loving the close cut and fit of this suit.

Great cut and colour. Would compliment my OH's complexion nicely.

Our girls would look gorgeous in these dresses.

I could just see our li'l man in this pageboy outfit. 
Completely handsome.

Loving these stunning white roses - stleonardsflowers.co.uk

I have a thing for these rings with your fingerprints inside.
So unique and personal.

Loving these fun yet romantic wedding invites.

Simply says it all.

Silent Sunday

  

I want to be married (I think)

More and more of late I've had a yearning to be married, like right now. I don't know if it's the romantic deep within fighting to get out or the sheer embarrassment and shame (we are christians) of having three children out of wedlock or maybe it's the fact that I'm rapidly approaching 33, but either way I feel the need to be a Mrs. The thing is I'm not sure how we get there anymore.

I read this great post on the London Bride blog recently. It was about long engagements and it got me thinking about the situation the other half and I have found ourselves in.

My fiancé proposed in glorious style along the river near Tower Bridge in early 2008. It is now 2012 and nothing is planned, booked, mentioned or talked about. It can't help that he runs his own business and I'm looking after our three children, so between the two of us we are usually too exhausted or too sidetracked to talk about us and this marriage/wedding malarkey.

I must admit I do get cold feet every now and then, when I'm having to constantly remind him to give me money for the bills or repeatedly having to pick his crap things off the bathroom, bedroom, living room floor. Then there's our different approaches to money. I'm pretty good because I'm organised. Him not so much. I often wonder if the issue of credit ratings and such like will impact me negatively when we get married, but that's not the way I should be going into it surely?

Compared to hideous exes, my fiancé's short comings are insignificant. And after all nobody is perfect and it's all about compromise. I know there are a lot of things about me he probably grins and bears (heck he probably doesn't even want to get married anymore but hasn't got around to telling me yet - *shudders*) so it all evens out I suppose.


The fact of the matter is, he is most definitely THE ONE and I want to be his wife but money is tight, (we've moved back to our one bedroom flat to save money for goodness sake so how can we possibly afford a wedding??). We both come from big families so nothing is ever going to be small and discreet. Maybe I'm just creating barriers and we should just go ahead and do what we can afford (zilch) and please ourselves rather than everybody else.



I think this could well be my dress of choice.
*rubs hands together excitedly*
Looks pricey though.



I swore to myself 2013 would be the year we became husband and wife. This extended , drawn out engagement stuff has gone on long enough. This wedding has to happen doesn't it? Even my little sis who isn't even in a relationship right now has more of an idea of what her wedding will look like than I do.



I've got to get this thing moving....

....right that's it, we will have 'the talk' tonight and a date will be set.



Keep me in your thoughts.