The Maternal Apprehension of... Letting Go.

Today, I surrendered my second born, Lydia, to the British schooling system. I am sure like most parents out there; we experience a mixed concoction of emotions. I look at her and I think, all of a sudden, surely she can’t be ready for school so soon. I had the same cocktail tug-of-war feelings when Eden started school last year (September).

When you see them in their uniform looking all proud and excited, you can’t help but be happy for them; I know she’s ready! Being the most docile, polite and friendly little girl I know; she is bound to get on and make friends quickly, thus acclimatising to her new version of a daily routine, her new ‘norm,’ so to speak. And that, right there, is my problem... how can you entrust that precious life that you have nurtured and raised, up until this point, to another... to a stranger?

This is an act I wouldn't consciously commit on my worst day. But the world says you cannot shelter them forever, you can’t protect your progeny from a world of hurt, nor can you expect to be the only exalted figure in their lives.

The truth is I knew all along that she would be fine. She did absolutely perfect, even made (or rather maintained) new friends, which she had met during her settling period. The problem was never hers but rather my own. It is hard to let go and I still cannot help but think, please let me keep her for just a little while longer.

 

Nursery & Preschool: Lydia's graduation ceremony.

So, off you go now, my sweet Lydia... into the great wide world, all a-smile, confident and full of hopes and dreams.

Cancer Awareness Month 2014

It's Cancer Awareness Month

I know far too many people, loved ones included, who are fighting cancer or are in remission from the disease. In lieu of the sudden and recent craze over the #nomakeupselfie taking Twitter and Facebook by storm these past couple of days, I felt that it should be mentioned that, while it is not the campaign of Cancer Research UK, I do believe that any form of awareness of living with cancer and just knowing about the different types of the disease that are out there is a positive idea, also the sentiment behind this craze will, in some small way, work to promote Cancer Awareness (despite the obvious overtones of promoting one’s own self importance). Did you know that the no make-up selfie meme started out as a simple gesture with no apparent substance behind it other than a hashtag of 'beat cancer.'

Full Support: The #nomakeupselfie #cancerawareness trend has taken social media by storm but it is not campaigned by Cancer Research UK.

A Missed Point?

Are we missing the point? I think the big message behind this social media movement is that many people end up posting their selfies and are failing to donate, which let’s face it is the important factor in aiding and furthering the development of scientific research behind finding the best kinds of treatment and hopefully one day a cure for cancer.

Selfie Support: Cancer Research UK supports the gestures but urge you to donate just £3.

Some might argue that any form of awareness counts and it’s the taking part that matters. True, I say with an achingly reluctant nod. And while these things help, we still have to keep moving forward and make these little overtures actually matter - every donation helps, big or small and yes, it really is all about raising awareness. So, while posting your selfies are great and all, let us not miss the point and please donate what you can. Remember, there are so many ways we can help, such as fundraising with your local charity, sponsored charity runs or even by simply donating unwanted clothes or household items to participating organisations. It doesn't always have to be about the money.

Check out your local TK Maxx outlets who are now the biggest corporate funder of research into children’s cancer since they established a partnership with Cancer Research UK in 2004. Pick up your donation bags and fill them with all your items and just drop it off at the store. Give up your clothes for good and proceeds will help beat children’s cancer and help those living with the disease.

It's Not Always About Money: But you do have to part with some things for a good cause. We've already donated three massive bags.

If there was ever anything truly worthwhile to come from social media outlets, then let this be one of those causes that garner attention for all the right reasons. So, post your selfies proudly but make them count for something other than a self serving agenda and put substance behind what has the potential to be an incredibly noble gesture.

What types of cancer do you know of that people have died from, or are battling and have survived (in remission)?

Here’s my Cancer Circle:

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma +1
• Eye Cancer +2
• Prostate Cancer +1
• Lung Cancer +1

• Bowel Cancer +1
• Breast Cancer +2
• Leukaemia +1

What’s yours?

Do your part, whatever it may be and help support, promote and share in Cancer Awareness Month. Donate a mere £3 to Cancer Research UK by texting BEAT to 70099

Cancer Research UK: https://twitter.com/CR_UK

Trending: To help beat cancer sooner, donate to worthwhile research. #nomakeupselfie

What's in a Change Bag?

As a mum of three, I find myself rather well equipped in the realm of what to take where and when I might need this-or-that; it is an occasional thing for me to come unstuck. After all, I've had a lot of practice.

Sophie la Girafe: Dray's go-to comforter.

I'm one of those mums who pack everything. Right down to what some might consider 'the useless rag toy,' which is religiously stuffed into the baby’s change-bag right at that last opportune moment. I am sure my husband has looked at me many a time with that 'do we really need to take that with us' look etched upon his face. But I just smile and tuck it in a little deeper; knowing he is probably right on the money. But who knows when you’ll need that useless toy, right?

However, this hasn't always been the case. I used to be a first time mum too, once upon a time, and that was not so long ago. Although, I will admit, it does seem like a lifetime since I last left the house for a casual shopping trip and forgot my house keys, or those all important pack of wipes and sometimes even diapers.

Now that Dray is just a couple of months shy of turning two years old, I don’t need to carry nearly as much ‘useless’ stuff around in my bag. The infamous diaper bag has gone through an evolution of sorts throughout the last (almost) two years. Now, I only carry enough for a quick change or two, a snack, water and if we are going to be out longer then a small meal. The transition into toddlerhood has meant no more formula or associated accessories (although I still carry around his giraffe print muslin), less changes of clothing and fewer diapers as he now has good bladder control. Now, I carry more by way of food, definitely. And there is always some sort of activity on hand to distract the little tyke. Drayven truly is a little storm by nature. Destroys all in his path; a right Berserker.

So, here's what you might find in my mamma bag. and this is not including my personal essentials like purse, keys, cell phone, scarf, lip gloss and shades if it's a sunny day. I like to accessorize!

Mum's Essentials: What I tend to carry day-to-day.

 Some of The Basics

Koto Brimful: Incredibly spacious bag.

• Diapers
• Wipes and bags
• Sudocreme and vaseline
• Antibacterial gel
• Water bottle
• A home-cooked meal and some snacks
• Bib and Dray’s Tommee Tippee cutlery

Faye&Lou: Breastfeeding Butterfly.

Whilst breastfeeding I didn't have to carry around bottles of sterile water and containers of measured out formula, instead I just had a breastfeeding scarf or shawl. My husband bought me the Faye & Lou Breastfeeding Butterfly, which came in so handy when feeding in public. It was easy to use and fit over and around a baby perfectly but as Dray got bigger and more agile and independent with his feeding at the breast, he didn’t enjoy being cradled so much by the material. However, I definitely recommend this as it hugs around the hips and really does create this secure feeling of comfort for baby and give a good amount of protection from booby-exposure, if you worry about that kind of thing. The Breastfeeding Butterfly comes in its own little bag and can be folded so that it fits into your change bag, nice and compact.

Little Necessities: I carry these by default.

I've always used the Koto Leatherette Baby Changing Bag because it’s large and roomy with lots of little compartments to store your purse, keys, creams, lip gloss and all manner of things. The two outer pockets clip together via a simple magnetized fastening and gives you quick and easy access to your possessions. There is also a zip fastening compartment just above the pockets, which you can store your purse or phone in for added security.

Having reacquainted myself with the whole bottle and formula routine when Dray was about fourteen months old (he was only on formula for about seven months as we were unable to transition him onto milk at the time, I found there was more than enough space in my Koto to hold all of my gear as wells as two bottles and formula along with his baby blanket. A great investment and a wonderfully stylish little design, which comes in a dark chocolate brown faux leather material. It is also supplied with its own insulated bottle bag and foldable change mat; both are covered in a nice cream and mustard-yellow floral print and are fully detachable. Accompanying the two sturdy carry handles it also has a fully detachable large strap for attaching to you pushchair or pram. Given the price tag of £50 it was worth the money for me, although, I am sure that any large, sturdy tote style bag could do the trick.

Koto: Lots of pockets and storage space for diapers, muslins, wipes and other bits and bobs.

So in general, regarding the contents of your trusted, couldn't-do-without diaper/changing bag, what do you carry in your bag and how has its contents changed during the transition from baby into toddlerhood?

As this Year Closes, Another Begins.

As another year comes to a close and with the New Year upon us, I can’t help but wonder where all the time has gone. The kids are growing fast and in many ways out-pacing the best of us. Our eldest daughter, Eden, who very recently turned five years old, began a new chapter of her life. School! She has been there for three months now and has settled so nicely that during these Christmas holidays, the one thing she is looking forward to most of all is to get back to school. You gotta love this kid – how many children do you know who spend their holidays waiting for school to start. I told her she has two weeks of fun to spend at home with Mummy, Daddy and her little sister and brother. And still, every morning she wakes up and asks me if there is school today. In fact this morning she rather frustratingly declared, “Mummy, this is taking too long. My school doors have been closed forever!”

She is an amazing kid. I cannot believe she is five already and so beautiful. She has become so mature in her mannerisms and talks to me in such a serious tone that it is hard to think of her as a Reception student. Sometimes, I can imagine myself having a real grown-up conversation with this young girl.

We bought her a little Kodak Digital Camera for her birthday, and for Christmas, a number of frames to fill once she masters her budding photography skills, which are coming along so very nicely. Another treat for her on her birthday is to put up the family tree and decorate it with her sister, Lydia. Although, this year it went up a little early as the girls were just so excited about the idea of getting the Yuletide celebrations moving.

Winter Tree: Whites, golds and silvers.

Our family tree has had a bit of a journey over the years. We first bought it back in 2009 as our very first family tree, which stood in a corner adorned with a few simple baubles (most of which have actually survived). I've always been an advocate of the artificial tree; I much prefer them over real ones, no needles and to be very honest it has more to do with my own personal choice and principles. As lovely as they look, I really don't see the point in destroying trees only to watch them slowly degrade and die.

Admiration: Little man loves his face.

Now, four years on it has grown with us as a little family of five with each year something new being placed on the once sparsely decorated tree. I think it looks rather beautiful and fitting in our small home. But I can’t take all the credit; my girls did a fantastic job and were very helpful in adding the finishing touches to our rather Pagan-centric tree.

Happy Yuletide: The Storm family's tree.

2013 has been a productive year – I couldn't have achieved half of the things I have this year if it weren't for my amazing husband, Kade. A remarkable man and an astounding father, who does the hard jobs and takes on the difficult tasks ahead so I don’t have to shoulder the burden all of the time. I've gotten some well earned rest and relaxation this winter... Thank you my love and life.

May 2014 be even better as our family evolves into an even greater version of itself. I love my family and I am grateful for them every single day!

Hope you've all had a perfect Christmas and have an even greater New Year!

And for those of you still hoping for snow before the year is out...

Currently, My Favourite Things!

I don't normally do posts like this, primarily because I do not consider this a fashion blog and yet I couldn't resist sharing these few things that have recently been my absolute go to wardrobe staple, plus they make me feel really good. So, without further introduction, I am throwing an OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) your way... Now.

Outfit of the Day: Adding a pop of colour to my otherwise classic all-black look.

Above we have my usual day-to-day look at the moment. I mix and match these gorgeous trousers with various styles by way of tops. The weather is still warm, but its cool enough to get away with wearing my beautiful Miss Sixty leatherette trousers - a wonderful gift from my amazing husband, who truly thrills and surprises me with these thoughtful little 'naughty-hottie' gifts. What can I say, they feel absolutely great to wear. I love the treble buckle detailed belt loops toward the back as well as the deep, hollowed out buttons and zips in the front, which give an altogether wild edge to any outfit. I have paired these with a simple black tank-style top, which I have had nearly a year now and, again, is one of those garments I can pair with almost anything, be it jeans or leggings; either way it looks good and feels comfortable. The secret to this top is that the back has a full mesh-lace backing made up of skulls. So edgy, so dark and lends a nod to my inner rebel.

Leopard Print: A favourite of mine.

Comfort is always the number one factor for me and with three kids under the age of five, I'm pretty sure you can understand why this would be the case. Nothing gets the day started better than securing your own comfort first thing in the morning. Throw on a scarf to avoid any chill in the air as accessories can be key to setting off a look. I also love a beautiful pair of earrings - mine are by Matthew Williamson's Butterfly range.

Nine West: A very useful little bag that fits more than expected.

When I am out running errands and I don't have my brood in tow, just a small cross body bag suits me fine as I like to keep my hands free, just in case I remember that I need to stock up on diapers. Recently, I picked up such a bag from Nine West to accommodate such trips.

My Current Can't-Do-Without List:

Miss Sixty Leatherette Trousers

River Island Black Skull Mesh Back Tank Top

Atmosphere Leopard Print Scarf

Nine West Small Yellow Cross Body Bag

Golunski Red Leather Wallet

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Silver Drop Disc Earrings

I do enjoy beautiful things, as I find true aesthetic quality to be a rare thing sometimes, especially in today's fashion industry, what with its ever changing and experimental nature. Now that I think about it, perhaps there might be some future fashion posts in the pipeline after all.