Pages

Saturday 19 March 2016

We are two months old!




Glittery Lining has been up and running now for a couple of months already, where has the time gone?! Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to visit my little corner of the internet,

I decided to set up the blog as a way of documenting our family adventures, home improvements, milestones, hopes and wishes. I thought it would be something to look back on from time to time to remember those amazing moments, and I know that when I'm an old lady I will live for these memories.

Glittery Lining is a family, home and lifestyle blog because it combines all my favourite things! I know as a reader of many blogs I like to read new things regularly whilst sipping on my cup of tea. I like posts that I relate to; I love reading about the joys and joys of parenting, posts on how to decorate my home stylishly on a budget, wonderful yet quick recipes and fun things to do with the family. That's what I hope to create here, something that I would like to stumble upon.

I am going to set myself a post a day challenge as I know I love to read new things and I hope that any of you wonderful lot that visit this blog will also like to!

I am thinking of having the following schedule;

Monday - Our weekend in pictures
Tuesday - Meal planner
Wednesday - Wonderful Wednesday 
Thursday - Top Tips Thursday
Friday - Freebie Friday
Saturday - Weekend Tots Style
Sunday - The Ordinary Moments

If there is anything you would like to read on blog or any suggestions please do comment below, I love getting comments!

Please also don't forget that we are one Twitter, Facebook and Instagram... please pop over and like us! We don't have many followers at the minute so it'd be great if you could like and share!

Thanks so much for reading!

Kirsty xx

Weekend Tot Style #8

This Mama Life
Hello again!

We are back again joining in the Weekend Tot Style link up! It is one of my favourite link ups as I just adore children's clothes and seeing how the other mummies style their gorgeous little ones! My major weaknesses are clothes for the girls and homewares, I would happily do without a new dress, take away or even a bottle of Prosecco, for a new tutu for the girls! Please do head over to see all the other mummies and their trendy tots!

Saturday is a jam packed day of children's parties, so tutus and sparkles at the ready for the girls.. and paracetamol at the ready for me!!

Miss GL is wearing her Next tutu which we got in the sales for £5! It;s actually a size 12-18 months but is massive so still too big for her. I just love all the glittery stars on it. We've teamed it with sparkly Next Leggings, a gorgeous H&M  top, a Zara ballerina zip up jacket. She adores her pink Next Chelsea boots ATM but I will try to get her in her party shoes!

Mini GL is wearing a lovely two piece outfit from TU at a bargain £4! It's actually got snowflakes on it but from a distance it looks more like stars.







Check out my Instagram for Sundays outfit!

Thanks for reading! xx

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Siblings (March 16)


The Me and Mine Project

There's 23 months between my beautiful two which has always felt like a big age gap, although lately that gap seems to be getting smaller and smaller as Mini GL is able to partake in more activities. Their favourite thing to play at the moment is Doctors and nurses and in their little pretend cafe. It is wonderful to see Mini GL toddle off to get the medical kit to make her sister all better, or make a 'tuppa eee' for her at their cafe or sell her something in their shop. It must be lovely to have a little playmate who enthusiastically gets involved in your imaginary wonderland!

Their bond is definitely getting fiercer with every day that passes. They're becoming very protective over one another and in tune with each others emotions. Nowadays if one gets told off the other one also gets upset, equally if one is feeling a little down the other sister is there with open arms for a cuddle.



Just after this photograph was taken my big girl turned to her sister to say "you're all I ever wanted". I couldn't put it better myself, you're both all I ever wanted and infinitely more for myself but as siblings too. You both make us so very proud.

Miss GL has been desperate to hold her sisters hand as she walks however she is very independent and doesn't like to hold hands as she walks, coincidentally nor did her sister at that age. So imagine Miss GL's delight when her sister let her hold hands all the way around the garden centre this weekend! She showed her off to all the old ladies cooing over them saying she was her prize darling!



May this bond forever continue to soar! May you always smell the roses tulips together! Life is so good with your best friend by your side!






Siblings is a wonderful link up project, find out more here 


Monday 14 March 2016

The Ordinary Moments #3



“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” 
― A.A. Milne


When I was younger I loved going to school, to me it was a place to see my friends, learn interesting things about the world, talk through the not so interesting things, try to discover what was me, eat chicken burgers (pre-veggie days!) or chocolate crunch (yum!) for lunch, let my mind open and imagine and importantly an opportunity to laugh the day away. What's not to like about that?! 

Miss GL has just started her education path, which is immensely exciting and inevitably also a little emotional for daddy and I. It's hard to hand over your precious soul to another person, trusting that they will care for them, pick them up if they fall, whilst encouraging them to learn and see the world a new. Sometimes you just have to take that leap for the very person that is most important. Miss GL was definitely ready to start preschool, she is really blossoming which is wonderful to see.

This week saw the biggest adventure in her school life yet, a school trip! A wonderful ride on the school mini bus to a local craft centre for a day of play and activities, what a fantastic treat!

Miss GL has been excited about the trip since the moment she was told about it... who would she sit next to, would she be next to the window or isle, who else will be going, could she manage a whole day, what special pack lunch would she get, would they see bread at the bread factory as they drove past, would the teacher be OK to drive fast, what songs will they sing on the way, will she have to sit next to a boy, I hope he's not a smelly boy (all the boys smell lovely btw!) ?? Oh so many questions buzzing around in her wonderful little head. 

The day arrived! Although we had been up with excitement for a while we somehow managed to be running late, in the hurry into the classroom Miss GL fell over, hurting her knee. All the children rallied around her whilst she cried, "no boys near me! I need a plaster!" in her most dramatic voice! Her best friend soon saw her straight and the excitement was back again, phew!! 

All the children were like cans of pop that had been shuck up, fizzing over with excitement! It was wonderful to see how delighted they were to be heading of on an adventure together. With her being the youngest in the class she looked really little climbing on the bus with her packed lunch in her carrier bag, yet at the same time really tall, like she could achieve anything she set her mind to.  

I then spent the morning being a helicopter mum hovering local to the craft centre, just in case! Thankful, 'it' never came and a wonderful day was had by all! When I collected her she was floating with joy! She then spent the evening telling us how awesome the school bus is... after all the journey is always the best bit!


 


Sunday 13 March 2016

Easter baskets for babies


My little girls were only a few months old for their first Easter and no where near the weaning stage, therefore a small Easter egg was definitely off limits for that first year. I wanted the girls to be involved in the Easter celebrations so I got together a few little bits that they could benefit from at the time or in the near future. With Easter baskets it is quite easy to fill with Easter specific items you won't get all that much use out of after the day, so I try to have a mix of Easter themed items and also some things that we could use for a long time to come, so I feel like my money is well spent!

Here are a few bits that I included in our their baby Easter baskets, as well as a few extra things that I've spotted which unfortunately weren't available at the time. All items are from JoJo Maman Bebe as I know as a busy mum it's hard to get time to shop around and get together little gifts that would all look good together. We are very lucky to have a couple of JoJo stores not far from us, their items are fantastic quality so definitely worth paying a little bit more. They also run some great offers, discounts and promotions which I tend to keep an eye out for. JoJo have even got a really handy page now for suggested Easter gifts (here) packed with even more gorgeous items!



+



I absolutely adore the Guess How Much I Love You books, so much so that both girls received this book for their first Easters. Currently at 1 and 3 years old they love to listen to us rad this story to them but it's also an easy story to learn to read with too so hopefully will be enjoyed for a few years yet. 

This baby socks are so lovely and snuggly and at £3.50 for two pairs it's pretty reasonable. This pull along duck would be a great toy for babies that are learning to sit up or move around and is still played with now by my two. 

The egg colour game is something I'm going to add to my order list for Mini Miss GL as we don't have anything like this and I'm sure it would be well played with. We adore these Peter Rabbit Rattles and the bunny teether, they're great for a teething baby to chomp on. 

These JoJo bunnies we also buy for a newborn as they're super cheap (£3.50), super cute, easy to clean and also safe for babies, an all round winner! I wish they'd had these milestone cards around when my two were little enough as they're just beautiful for capturing special milestones with. For babies who are just about to start or are currently on the weaning stage this Guess How Much I Love You breakfast set is a gorgeous addition! 


When my two were babies I tried my best to keep them in babygrows for as long as possible, as I just think they look really cute in them. I think all babies would look absolutely adorable in this beautiful baby sleep suit! They even do a matching hat for the littlies too! 



I hope this helps you to get a couple of little bits for your lovely little ones this Easter! I will be back soon with what I'm including in my girls Easter baskets. I am sure they will receive their weight in chocolate from generous friends and family so I've decided to continue giving them a few gifts instead. You can also see our Easter book collection here if you're looking for some nice stories to read to your little ones.

Thanks for reading!

Kirsty xx

*Image credits, JoJo Maman Bebe website

Weekend Tot Style #7

This Mama Life
Hello again!

Sorry we are only just joining in Weekend Tot Style link up (ran by ThisMamaLife and  ClearlyBex) we have been a bit under the weather the last couple of days, so have been in our comfies!

Today saw Daddy home from the rugby and we were all feeling a little brighter, yey!!

It's a lovely sunny day so we nipped to the garden centre to get some Spring flowers to spruce up the front garden. The girls loved pottering around looking at pets, flowers, books and general tat!! It always takes us ages to get around as the old ladies love cooing over them!






Today Miss GL wore her H&M jumper, Next leggings, pink tutu, poncho and Chelsea boots.

Mini Miss GL wore her hand-me down TU pinny, vest & tights set. It's so lovely seeing the clothes being reused again. She of course wore her matching Next poncho, which everybody always loves when we wear them!

Thanks for reading!

Kirsty

Wednesday 9 March 2016

Wicked Wednesdays #1

brummymummyof2


I'm just reading the ingredients in my water bottle.... I didn't water the sofa, honest!!



Thanks for reading!

Kirsty xx

Monday 7 March 2016

The Ordinary Moments #2


You're all I ever wanted.

Welcome back to our Ordinary Moments post! I haven't had chance to do one for the last couple of weeks since this post, as life has been crazy busy but I am really going to make an effort to ensure I don't miss a week again. I think this is the perfect opportunity to document all the big, small, funny and wonderful adventures our little family encounters. I hope that when I'm an old lady I will look back on these posts with tears in my eyes, realising how privileged I've been to raise my beautiful girls and to have loved the life I live.

This week has been a wonderful one with our first educational day at preschool, a pony party, snow, too many cake and babichino dates and not forgetting Mothers Day!

Miss GL had her first World Book Day at Preschool. We were only told about it when I picked her up on the Wednesday afternoon, so it was panic stations!! It was my first oh my gosh get your bum in gear and get her the best costume you possibly can... but you can't go out as baby is napping and hubby is working late.. arrgghh you can't let her down moment!! I waded through her dressing up box, debating in my head if Doc McStuffins, Elsa, Cinderella,  mini mouse had been in books, could it be world comic day instead? They I stumbled across our unicorn hat and our mermaid costume. Miss GL (and mummy and daddy) is a big fan of the Julia Donaldson books, Sugarlump the Unicorm and The Singing Mermaid. At the minute she is a big fan of unicorns and the magical wonder that surrounds them. She always wishes for one when she throws a penny in the fountain, blows out a candle or when I ask her what dream she would like the BFG to bring for her. I thought I might just be a lil bit out there and create uni-maid and combine the two, after all if you can't rock it when you're three, when can you!



However my SIL bought her the mermaid costume from her time working in America, she was so thrilled to recieve a gift all the way from Mickey and Mini America! Miss GL is missing her Aunty since she returned to her job abroad and I know the feeling is mutual. We decided that it would be a nice opportunity for Aunty D to be with her on a big day, the singing mermaid it was!

On the day she wasn't too fond of her tail, mainly because her little sister seemed to think you could ride a mermaid and the tail was the reins! All the children in her class looked amazing! The mix of fantastic homemade costumes, quick dash to the supermarket sparkly costumes, the extravagant most have taken a lot of effort costumes, the Christmas costumes and not really sure what they are costumes all looked wonderful together.



At first I did go into crazy mum mode but really I should have started from her favourite book and gone from there. I don't think that it matters to be honest what they children wear, if it is technically a book either, for me World Book Day is about enjoying the escapism stories offer. Through books you can learn so much about those near and far, the beauty that is everywhere, the meaning of kindness. feel like you've travelled the world, space or imaginary wonderland, and that anything is possible if you believe it.

On the book front, this week also saw us change our book shelves to home our Easter themed stories (you see our blog post here). It's so lovely to rediscover these books each year, I hope one day my grandchildren will enjoy reading them as much as their mothers have.



This week also saw Miss GL get her first 'big girls' toy, Shopkins! I feel like she has really grown up the last few weeks and is now happily handing over her Peppa pig toys to her sister to treasure for the next couple of years.

Mini Miss GL is such a cute, cheeky little character! This week her favourite activity has been to chuck the dollies out of the pram so she can sit in it to watch television! She isn't a fan of her sister going to Preschool and is delighted to be reunited with her best buddy! All the children at preschool adore her and often want her to come play too. This week she has started to say please, dog, woof woof, bird, keys, tubs (Teletubbies) and singing Let It Go! She is so affectionate so it is very easy to forgive her for spilling a whole box of cereal all over the kitchen!

We woke up on Friday to the snow falling, the girls were so excited! We then took a snowy car ride up the hills to where the girls were invited to a pony party for their friends birthday party. Miss GL has been friends with the birthday girl since they were a few weeks old so although it's wonderful to see them growing up, it is also a little sad to think those tiny babies are heading out of toddler territory and into being little girls. We have been before but then Mini Miss GL was only a few months old so couldn't really get involved... she made up for it this time! They all had a wonderful time putting ribbons on the horses, painting their hooves with glitter, riding them around and patting them! It was a great morning and saw the girls munching birthday cake in the snow fall, moments that childhood are made of.



Saturday saw another proud mum moment, my big girl turned to her sister and said, "you're all I ever wanted". Moments like this make you thankful that they were given the gift of a sibling. Their love for one another grows beyond belief every single day. Of course they bicker over who can play with the Magi-Clip dollies, which cup the other one is allowed to have, who will have the first go on the swing and who got to Daddy first welcome him home, but evidently the important things they agree on.



This weekend of course saw Mother's Day, which always makes me feel so lucky to have this important role / title.




I'd always chose you, my girls. I adore your wonderful ways, your twinkly eyes, your stunning smiles, your so very kind hearts, the sound of your laughter, your thoughtful words, your endless joy, your zest for life, your compassion for others, your love for one another ... Just everything about wonderful amazing both of you! You both shine because you're truly amazing little people. I am endlessly thankful to be blessed with you both & for you giving me the most important and reward role ever, your mummy, thank you my darlings. 

I am also very lucky to have a wonderful mum who would do anything for the girls and I. Mother's Day is like everything becoming increasingly commercialised and although you should display your love and appreciation from the important ladies in your life all year round, it is a good excuse to give them an extra pamper. Saturday the girls and I spent time wrapping gifts, making cards and writing them. Miss GL can confidently write her full initials and some letters of her first name as well as MASSIVE kisses so she loves to show off her talents! Mini Miss GL also loves drawing with the occasional lick of the crayon of course!




The most important thing I received was my first Mother's Day card made at preschool. I absolutely love it! She was so excited to give it to me in an envelope she had made herself too, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to be given it. To her teachers this is probably a nice activity for them to do and part of the activity calender but I am so thankful that they found time to help my little girl to make me something I will always treasure. I am trying to pick out a pretty frame to protect it in, I can't find one that doesn't take too much attention away from it but also does it justice. 




Mr GL must have read my post about my Mother's Day wish list and given it his/their own twist! I received the loveliest (and colour coordinating!!) bundle of goodies! 








I was also made the scrummiest breakfast by my head chef and his sous chefs! The best gift was of course cuddles with my girlies.

Wow this week really has been a good en! Hope you all had a lovely week too!

Thanks for reading! 

Kirsty xx




Friday 4 March 2016

Weekend Tot Style #6

This Mama Life
Hello again!

I can't believe how quickly this week has gone! It's that time of the week again where we share the girls outfits for the weekend as part of the Weekend Tot Style link up ran by ThisMamaLife and  ClearlyBex.

It has been a snowy day here in Cheshire so if the weather is like this over the weekend the girls will most likely be wearing their snow suits when outside and their comfies when they're at home! I will add to my Instagram any pics I get of them wearing their outfits.

With the weather turning a lil I had dug back out this lovely Next top and skirt combo for tomorrow.



For Mother's Day I have picked out this Mothercare Baby K tutu which has a black polka dot layer to team with this H&M top. I love the monochrome and colour pop style... I'm just not sure if it's Miss GL, we will see!



Mini Miss GL is going to wear her JoJo Maman Bebe Robin dress with a simple red Next top and tights underneath..it's probably a bit Christmassy but the girls think it's Christmas again with all this snow!!



I'm not a big fan of character clothes.. the girls are restricted to Peppa Pig PJ's and that's it, meany I know!! But when I saw this Hello Kitty set in the Tesco sale for £4 I loved the plum colours so much I went against my no characters rule and bought it! I am also going to get Miss GL a Rainbow Dash top as I think I need to let me be kids...just a little!



I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other mummies are putting their little ones in this weekend! Don't forget to pop over to the other blogs to see their #weekendtotstyle outfits!

Have a wonderful Mothers Day mummies!

Thanks for reading!

Kirsty xx

Wednesday 2 March 2016

Easter Book Shelf


With Easter just around the corner I have replaced Miss GL Valentines books with Easter themed ones. I love teaching the girls about the seasons, important celebrations and festivals through books. We try to centre our reading, activities and crafts around what's current for a bit of variety.

My girls have their birthdays very close to Christmas... I know bad planning! Which is wonderful as we can have Frozen themed birthday parties (another post coming soon on that!), the down side is that they have a long time to wait for a new toy or something to celebrate. I love to make them little gift baskets for Easter as the girls tend receive their adult weight in chocolate from very generous family and friends. Their Easter baskets tend to contain a new book, some craft things and a cuddly bunny. Over the last three years we have collected a lovely collection of themed books.




Top shelf 


Bottom shelf

All of the books are very well loved in our house. The Odd Egg isn't necessarily about Easter but its a beautifully written and illustrated book about how not to take an egg by it's shell. The Easter bunny surprise is a lovely pop up book which the girls love.

I will be back soon to show you what is in the girls Easter baskets.

Thanks for reading

Kirsty xx