We are one

We are one.

we are one

I’m so thankful for the life that I have got. I can sit here on my computer enjoying writing on my blog knowing that my boys are tucked up in bed, my OH is downstairs relaxing and watching a movie. I have a lovely life and I’m so pleased. There was a time when it was a little more bumpy, I was on my own and things were tough. This poem shows the journey I took from then until now……

 

It’s hard to bear these nights alone

I chat and play, tapping my phone

For far too long this inner fight

to stay awake, to shorten the night.

I hope one day the path will clear

I’ll rid myself of the doubt, the fear

The rising sun will warm this heart

Give my ‘self’ the will to start.

It’s all within reach but it won’t be pushed

It surges down that stream, it won’t be shushed

It’s bashed me about, it’s taken its toll

Fate, life, the predefined goal.

And then came the light…..

my two young seeds

My partner in crime

They are all I need.

I  nurture them now

Show them ‘what’ and ‘how’

Take them forth in their youth

Let them seek the truth.

With my man by my side

I think it can be done

We are a family

We are one

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Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to you all. What a great start to the day I had today, a cup of tea and breakfast in bed. Here is the card that the boys gave me! Little darlings! 🙂

I regaled them with tales of when they were babies and today was the turn of one of my favourite stories of how during my first pregnancy. I tried to convince everyone who would listen that I was going to use just terry towel natural nappies and not touch the likes of disposables.

I had this image of a large washing line full of glistening white nappies blowing dry on a summers day. I remember the look on my mums face as she said ‘yes dear if that’s what you want’. I now know that she was giggling inside knowing me and knowing what hard work that would be. However she is always so supportive and never put me off, instead guiding me through all eventualities.

Suffice to say that I’m not the earth mother that I thought, or hoped to be and the shock of having a baby and learning to cope with my new little bundle of life was enough to put the thought of going natural on the back burner.

Whatever we do and however we cope, here’s to all mothers on Mother’s Day. Well done for each and every nappy change, sticking plaster application and tummy flip that makes us mums.

Happy Mothers Day

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What To Know About Vintage Engagement Rings

What To Know About Vintage Engagement Rings

What To Know About Vintage Engagement Rings

Image Source: Unsplash

If you’re looking for a unique and truly gorgeous engagement ring, an antique or vintage engagement ring may be the perfect choice for her. With so many options that range from cathedral settings to intricate floral designs, vintage engagement rings may be designed to fit the style and personality of the one you love.

While we’ve put together the below tips on shopping for a vintage engagement ring, the most important advice we can give you for vintage engagement rings is to always buy one from a reputable vendor to ensure you receive the value and quality your other half deserves.

An Overview Of Vintage Engagement Ring Settings

While out shopping for vintage engagement rings for Valentine’s at Kalmar Antiques, among the first things the shop will want you to consider is the settings. Vintage settings lend themselves to the styles of the art deco, Victorian and Edwardian times. These beautiful styles often feature amazing intricacies. Filigree and milgrain, especially, are two popular techniques that were used to create even more detail within the settings.

Filigree is a type of delicate metal work that usually features twisted metal threads or metal beads found throughout the setting. The most common engagement rings feature yellow gold filigree embellishments both on the shank and around the diamond.

Milgrain engraving is a type of embellishment that gives the ring its vintage look, complete with minute metal balls that decorate the sides of the band as well as the crown of the ring.

Why She Will Love A Vintage Engagement Ring

What To Know About Vintage Engagement Rings

Image Source: Unsplash

Antique or vintage engagement rings are eye-catching. They boast unique designs with a classic look and beautiful intricate details. A vintage engagement ring truly is a timeless piece of jewellery, something that is sure to be cherished and perhaps even passed down through future generations.

You can also personalise the vintage ring you choose for her to make sure it fits her style. In other words, vintage rings truly do stand out from the crowd.

From a fancy milgrain design to a stunning floral starburst, the options are endless. Vintage engagement rings can be found in an array of metals, too, including, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.

What To Know When Buying The Ring

Image Source: Unsplash

Have you been thinking about buying a really old vintage ring? It will certainly make for a unique engagement ring with a very special history, but keep in mind that it can be a risky move if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Antique rings don’t usually come with a genuine certificate from the AGS or GIA, which means you don’t have real validation of the diamond’s quality. While a seller could promise an exceptional cut, colour and clarity, they might not have any way of proving it.

What’s more, it can be difficult understanding the setting’s condition. You need to be sure the diamond is securely held in place, but you won’t know if the setting will deteriorate over time.

Finally, when it comes to the price of the ring, you may not get the best value. Consider if you’re paying just for the fact that it’s decades old, or for the actual setting and stone.

However, you can avoid all this uncertainty by purchasing vintage rings from a reputable seller like Kalmar Antiques. You’re sure to delight the love of your life.

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If you like this post then check out my post on Women’s Dress Codes to Suit all Occasions or my January Quiz

I’m Getting Married!

I’m Getting Married! The time has come to make an honest women of me! But what will I wear, eat, say and do? The pressure is clearly on now.

Is that the right thing to say or should it be ‘we’ are getting married to be more inclusive? Whichever it is, the big day has been set and we are on the path to saying I Do. Beyond excited and having tummy backflips when I think that in 8 months the day will be mine all mine, oh and his too;)

I'm getting married

My OH finally took the plunge and asked me in May after years together and knowing that I was so excited about getting married and he had no idea or need to ever even consider that he would. Our German/English pairing never ceases to amaze me in the way we approach things, coupled with the men are from mars and women are from venus scenario, our lives are interesting.

Those of you who regularly drop by know that I talk about the boys and my OH but don’t delve too deep about our relationship. I do let out the odd gushy poem like this one on the plane from Munich which says it all in a moment of hormones and fear of flying panic.

How did it all begin…

Finding love in my forties after a fun-filled, crazy, sometimes sad and always challenging life came out of the blue. I was scheduled to pick up a visiting professional who had travelled down from London to where I am on the south coast  from the train station. I had known him for over a year through my work in social care by having the odd meeting and email.  I was stood by my car looking through the glass door of the train station, trying to peer over the heads of the crowd bustling through, when his face came into view and I was suddenly smitten…shocked at how this came out of nowhere…but smitten all the same. Once I had greeted him and got us seated and belted up I almost shook my head at myself as I had that silly smile that you get when you like someone but I tried to tuck it deep inside me and keep my super professional facade up as this was a work thing and I’m normally good at painting the picture of being in control onto a nervous face.

The drive should have been  10 minutes from the station to our meeting room, I took the scenic route to make the hop feel like a road trip.

On the way back he asked me for coffee in the station cafe, I paid. Romance my dear readers is not dead!

Skip forward 7 years and our combined families are now one happy bunch and planning a wedding.

Tomorrow is a day with my girlfriends trying on wedding dresses!!  I am pinching myself that I am actually going to be trying dresses on. In my mind I have low-key sophistication, but then I realised that I don’t even really know what that means!

This isn’t too much is it???

via GIPHY

The coming months are going to be crammed with planning. Planning for the wedding and planning for the loft conversion we are having done. Never do things by half should be our motto.

I’ve set up a Pinterest board today so please pin away with any wedding thoughts. If you’ve been somewhere and loved an idea please share it with me on the board. Drop your email or Pinterest link to me so I can add you.

The theme….Beach – Rustic – Chic, ridiculous but true! I can’t wait.

I’ll be writing about the lead up more and more over the next few months. Rings…will he wear one? Speeches…should be bother…. Being given away….is that even relevant these days? There’s alot to clog the brain with. I’ll need tea and help along the way.

I’m in the wedding bubble and it’s all about the ‘me’ at the moment!

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Summer Notelets Giveaway

It’s summer and I’m in the mood for more and more giveaways!

Social Soiree Pack of 12 Blank Notelets & Envelopes for Invitations & Thank You Cards

Summer Notelets Giveaway

As they say, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Throughout the summer I will be putting on as many giveaways as I can. Laced in between my family, recipe and guest posts I hope that you have everything you need here to spend a little time and see what’s on offer.

I love my blog and being able to talk about so many different subjects in my own space is massively rewarding. I hope you have fun here and are enjoying the summer too. Drop me a line in the comments section and let me know what you are up to.

Have fun!

Mainy

Giveaway Special – Enter in the rafflecopter box below

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Good luck

Open to U.K. based entrants only. Full t&c’s on my contacts page.

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Mothers Day Gift Guide

Colorland

There are so many important events to remember each year that the Colorland people have got it covered by helping us to remember everything with their calendar range. My calendar is used constantly so I was drawn to this pretty quickly. What I also love is photo books.

I created a beautiful photo book covering what we all got up to as a family last year. I love the fact that I can have a whole area of photo books on my book shelf to look through of special events and holidays. My boys and I will often snuggle up and look through them and reminisce. Time flies and the boys are growing at such a speed that it’s wonderful to see how much they have changed from year to year.  We get up to so much that it is a wonderful way to reflect back on what each of us has done.

I’m so pleased to be able to offer all of my readers a promotional deal. You can get a 32 page Photobook Exclusive A4 (Portrait/Landscape) at a price of £11.99 GBP +free shipping (70% off)

All you have to do is enter the code: MDMYREALFAIRY at the checkout.  Expiry date is: 30.04.2018

Mothers Day Gift Guide

For other fun tips and ideas have a look at their facebook page.

Colorland ship to UK, Ireland, Spain, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Germany, France, Italy and Belgium and you can contact them if you have any questions regarding other destinations.

Bowe Organics

Bowe Organics was founded by Diane after her love of using organic products when she was hairdressing in London developed in a passion to create her own range. Diane launched her first line in 2017 with her organic lash oil.

Mothers Day Gift Guide

I like this because it is a one stop product for my eyes. You can use the oil on both lashes and brows to improve the health and hydration, this helps optimise the appearance of length and fullness. There are lots of pluses with both the luxury ingredients used to create the lash oil and the fact that it has been registered with the vegan society.

Diane is a lady on a mission to bring us a fabulous new line of beauty products and she has a lip balm soon to be released.

You can find out more about her and her products on both instagram and facebook at boweorganics

Mothers Day Gift Guide

GiftsOnline4U

GiftsOnline4U has just about every product you could think of covered that you could ask for and you can have it personalised too.

This Mothers Day I’m having a dinner party for myself and my mummy friends; a group of gorgeous friends who met while our children were in nursery and have grown up together. I love having my get together with these ladies as we have so much in common. It’s also a time to really treat each other and for them not to have to cook, wash up or run around after anyone else.

So it was ideal to have the chance to review and buy some personalised alcohol to sip away while having our meal. It’s not an everyday thing to have a bottle of fizz to share and this one was extra special!

You can see the one I designed below, I’m so pleased with it and can’t wait until our meal.

The bottle looks so special with its personalised pewter label which is exclusive to GiftsOnline4U and you don’t need to worry about ordering a bottle to come by post as it was packaged really well.

Mothers Day Gift Guide

You can see the range of personalised wine and the great choice on offer. The ordering is easy to do and the step by step guide couldn’t be simpler.

Share to let others know the fab gifts on offer!Click To Tweet

Your Special Giveaway

As a Happy Mothers Day treat I also have a giveaway just for you. Enter for a chance to win.

Worldwide entries

Social Soiree Pack of 12 Blank Notelets & Envelopes for Invitations & Thank You Cards

Mothers Day Gift Guide

 

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Let me know what you think of the items in the guide in the comments below, I love to get your feedback.

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Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and Giveaway

It’s nearly here, I can’t believe that it’s nearly Valentines Day. It seems like a blink ago I was getting excited for Christmas and now here I am talking about the most romantic day of the year. This is one of those days that you can get so right or more worryingly so wrong!

Here is the start of my gift guide series to keep you on track, point you in the right direction and also help you along the way of feeling tip-top for the special day.

Twisted

Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and Giveaway

Founded in 2016 by Sophie Thorne, Twisted Lingerie was created to fill a gap in the market – seductive lingerie with all the style and attitude of luxury designer brands but none of the price tag.

Designed to thrill and add that extra bit of spice to your life I loved the range on Twisted. It’s a little bit different and I like that! If you get bored with looking through your underwear drawer and seeing the same old comfortable everyday pants then this site is for you.

Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and Giveaway

Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and GiveawayI picked the Xenia Suspender priced at £29.00 for my treat. I loved suspenders but had not seen my suspender belt in years and when I saw the style of the Xenia I loved it. I really liked that it came in plain black packaging and beautifully packed inside.

 

Our mission is to empower women to embrace their desires, and make every day that little bit naughtier.

Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and Giveaway

The suspender is comfy and sexy, the best of both worlds. The fetish-inspired range has that bit of difference and an edge to it that I haven’t seen in the standard lingerie market.

Twisted’s range starts at just £17 – the only limit is your imagination.

Do you fancy a Twisted Valentines Day? Gift Guide and Giveaway

We have a delightful giveaway to offer you today to make Valentines go with a sizzle. A £20 voucher to spend or put towards an item of your choice at Twisted.

Enter using the rafflecopter giveaway below. Good Luck and enjoy your Valentine’s day!

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Open to entrants with a UK postal address. All entries will be verified. Please see my contacts page for competition t&c’s

What Distinguishes Engagement Rings From Wedding Rings

What Distinguishes Engagement Rings From Wedding Rings

What Distinguishes Engagement Rings From Wedding Rings

 

 

Rings have long been an important symbol in the wedding culture. However, it’s not uncommon for the engagement and wedding rings to get mixed up or misunderstood. In fact, you can say that both terms are almost interchangeable in the modern culture.

 

This leaves us to ask, is there really a big difference between the two? If so, what are they? Do I even need to have an engagement and a wedding ring?

This article seeks to answer all of those important questions to gain some clarity on the matter. Nonetheless, there are so many choices for bespoke diamond rings online and in store now. It’s never been easier to buy any ring that fits the desires of your partner, especially if it’s custom made.

 

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Firstly, let’s look at engagement rings. These are given at the time when someone asks the other person to marry them. Back in the day, women were given these rings and were meant to wear them from that moment to tell others she was now unavailable.

Of course, an engagement ring can take any shape, form or style. However, they have typically come to be known as having diamond or precious gemstones in. They also usually come with a beautiful band that may have engravings on it.

 

WEDDING RINGS

Now, wedding rings on the other hand are swapped between both parties during the actual wedding ceremony. You will often find that style-wise, they tend to be much simpler than the engagement ring and are placed on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is the main similarity, that both rings for the bride are placed on the same finger.

As you can see then, the engagement ring and the wedding ring are given at two different times and usually look different aesthetically. Do they also carry different meanings?

How the meanings behind wedding and engagement rings differ.

Engagement rings have been in the business for centuries and signified an exchange in ‘ownership’ from the father to the new husband. The ring would have been valuable however they developed in detail and grandeur as the years went by. This was mainly to signify the wealth of a man and make him more desirable to the woman and her family.

Therefore, it was as though to say the man was financially marrying the woman’s entire family with the engagement ring. It was a huge commitment not only to them as a couple but to the bigger picture. So, there was a lot of status attached to an engagement ring. Whilst these notions are clearly outdated, the sentiment of ‘giving the hand away in marriage’ still lives on.

So, even though there is a lot of importance with the wedding ring, it should never overshadow the engagement ring. With its simplistic design, the engagement ring still shines.

What are your thoughts on rings and do you wear a ring?

This is a collaborative post

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If you like this post then you may enjoy my Prom Dress post

Luxury Candles and Romantic Poetry all wrapped up in one!

I love beautiful smelling candles, they have that relaxing feel about them. Whether it’s walking into an upmarket shop while out and about or lighting one at home when you are about to get into that long awaited bubble bath (without the kids running around), it shouts comfort and tranquility to me.

George Lamptey has gone one step further and has created a luxury range of candles which are set alongside a book of poems called Letters to the Lady.

 

Luxury Candles and Romantic Poetry all wrapped up in one!

He has developed The Experience Collection which is a range of 3 luxury candles. There are;

  • Beyond Love: Cassis and Rose – Rosey and soft
  • Sweet Honey: Salted Caramel – Rich and warm 
  • Passion: Fig –  Calm and clear

What I loved was the strength of the scent, particularly the salted caramel one, wow it was amazing! If I am going to burn a scented candle then I do want to smell it, that’s why I buy it in the first place. I was not disappointed. As for the burning time, I’ll have to tell you that in a few weeks as it’s a long lasting candle. What I can say is that it is burning evenly so that’s a very good start.

You expect luxury and that is what you get with these candles.

  • Hand made boxes poured with 100% soy wax
  • Non-toxic white cotton wick
  • Best quality fragrance oils
  • Burn Time: 30hrs
  • Free from paraffin and other mineral oils

Luxury Candles and Romantic Poetry all wrapped up in one!

To complete this holistic approach to delivering his message, Letters to the Lady is a collection of over 40 poems which George has written about love, life and landscapes. 2015 saw the launch in Covent Garden and in 2016 he  recorded an album of the entire collection. George is a man of many talents; as an actor, director, writer, poet and businessman he certainly keeps busy with so many creative outlets.

Luxury Candles and Romantic Poetry all wrapped up in one!

The poems follow George through his life filled with his own unique and uplifting take on the path he has taken. There is a poem to touch everyone.

 

Why buy a candle when you can buy an experience.

George Lamptey

Your chance to win….

I am so delighted to be able to offer a candle of your choice from the range and a signed copy of Letters to the Lady by George Lamptey. An amazing prize! Please enter in the rafflecopter entry below. You can also return each day for more chances of winning.

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You can also see more about George through his social media accounts:

Bumper Giveaways Christmas Gift Guide – Part 3  @lampteylondon

 @lampteylondon

I love poetry and you can also have a look at how I used poetry on my flight back from Germany to calm my nerves down.



Pre Empty Nest Syndrome? Is this what I have?

Not quite a teenager and not a little boy content with running up to his mummy and back. My little boy is growing up and I’m finding it hard.

 

When I saw my eldest son ‘M’ for the first time, it took my breath away. The moment is always with me and I look back and talk about it whenever I can….here with you, with the kids and with my friends. The feeling was no different with my second boy ‘G’. I’ve always had a strong drive to keep both of my boys safe and a bit wrapped up in cotton wool. Those that know me would nod along now and hopefully smile in recognition as I’m probably the most over protective of the lot. I’ve heard of empty nest syndrome but never pre empty nest syndrome….my babies are still at home, just growing up.

empty nest syndrome
‘M’ aged 4….he’s 11 now. Oh how time has flown.

As my eldest reaches towards 12 I am having a few moments when I struggle with him taking that next step towards teenagehood and being more independent. I think maybe it’s because it’s the start of another school year and so many different questions….and behaviours have begun to show.

The reluctance by him to spend as much time with me has been something to get used to. Having him want to spend time alone, chatting with his friends without wanting me around is something new.  I love it so much, that he’s growing up and he has lovely friends who all get on and laugh at their own in-jokes. However, I’m now looking on at this and not instigating it. It’s not created by me – for him…..I’m not included as much, wow, when did this happen? I’m starting not to be the only big thing in his world. It’s a bit of a shock!

empty nest syndrome
He looks alot different now but I couldn’t resist these of when he was smaller.

The full on unashamed spontaneous hugs have also started to fizzle out, when they do come it’s magical and I crush him in my embrace. He does that ‘ok mum’ and giggles, knowing that I will undoubtedly now ruffle his hair which he has just preened and styled to an inch of its life.

My rational side knows that I am proud of what we have achieved. This is what I have been preparing him for so why does it give me a lump in my throat even writing about it?

I know that being a parent is to nurture and care for our young and I realise that they are not to be owned by us. We have to prepare them and set them on their own unique path. I hadn’t realised until now that the notion of this would be so hard, I had been in the caring role for so long.

It’s all such a learning curve being a parent. I’m always amazed at the different emotions it brings.

Am I alone or is this normal or even normal-ish? Do you ever get these feelings?

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