‘Mary Portas meets Mary Poppins’ it boldly claims in my Bio. Well what have I got in common with Queen Of Shops – Mary Portas?
As foremost authority on the UK Retail landscape & hero of the High Street, I’ve not got much in common when it comes to comparing her wealth of expertise. What I have got though is the desire for change. Have you?
Have some fun as you shop this Christmas in Cambridge (Image)
With Festive events already popping up over the City & beyond, this Weekend heralds the official start of the Christmas Shopping Season in Cambridge with The Big Switch On. With so many events on offer locally, we’re spoiled for choice but, as a busy Mum, I’ve had to prioritise a few favourites. I’ve compiled my Indie & Pop picks for you with some ideas on where to shop & key dates for your Diary. One of my friends commented that my evenings lately looked ‘glamorous’ – well, they’ve all been completely FREE to attend & there’s more to come…
The cheek of it – there’s some dirty stains in the Lingerie business. Cheekfrills is championing ethical production.
Underwear, bras, knickers, pants, vests, briefs, drawers, the lovely & chic sounding ‘lingerie’ (I draw the line at ‘panties’). Whatever you call them, I don’t seem to opt for much middle ground when it comes to my undergarments. It’s either high-end fancy frippery lace, silk & frills (read: expensive) Vs. flesh hued or black multipack basics, comfortable cottons & seam-free styles (read: boring). I realised long ago no matter your size or shape, a bit of snug shapewear is also superb for smoothing out your stuff when the occasion calls for it. A good fit is usually my number one priority regardless of garment style. We all wear them but probably don’t may pay that much attention to where they’re from let alone who made them. Have a peep now – I just checked the label on my knickers ‘Made in Cambodia’.
In association with My Little Piccolo
Feeding isn’t always fun & games but it can be (Hungry Hippos)
Feeding. Food. I’ve always been a ‘Foodie’ (I loathe that term but you know what I’m talking about, right?) I’ve always had a big appetite & relished in the simple joys of eating. My favourite thing to do is dine out. I had what was often referred to as ‘hollow legs’ growing up; to the envy & shock of family, friends & strangers with my Bruce Bogtrotter-worthy consumption yet blessed with a skinny frame thanks to a freakish metabolism. Feel free to hate me right now but rest assured that I lost this power some time ago & now how have to apply a lot more discipline when it comes to what I put into my Cake Hole. Becoming a Mother made me completely re-evaluate the importance of nourishment. Continue reading
Seek out your Sisterhood, it just might be in your ‘hood (Image via Milkyway)
Reading the September issue of Smallish – if you don’t read it , please give it a try – one particular feature really a struck a chord with me ‘Baby, I’m bored’ (p.35-39) by Emma Howarth highlighting the Mum group revolution that’s gaining momentum aka ‘Mum-entum©’?; I’m proud to say that this is something that I am a (small) part of, as a bonafide member of Cambridgeshire’s own #CamMama Collective.
Smallish, September 2016
If I were an emoji
‘Indie’ (Independent)
‘Pop’ (Popular or Commercial)*
The way we shop has changed. The Internet has become our High Street & Marketplace. I believe it is still possible to consume with conscious & convenience. I also believe in loving where you live & embracing local life, wherever that may be. Continue reading
My desk side inspiration (Portrait by Helen Traherne)
As I said my first ‘Goodbye’ to my daughter this morning as she embarks on her adventures at Nursery in earnest, I am also saying ‘Hello’ to a new venture. As of the 2nd September (next Friday) this space will become home to my own adventures through Motherhood & provide a useful guide with a fresh twist*; honest & useful with a relevant yet alternative focus.
INDIE & POP 