Friendship bracelets

I'm a little out-of-touch with trends at the moment while on maternity leave, but my cool creative friend sent me a little gift for my birthday recently.....a handmade friendship bracelet using locally sourced thread (Hayes Lane market) and packaged in a tiny manilla envelope bound with washi tape. Although I haven't worn one since the 90s, I am informed that they are the accessory to have and therefore I am now the coolest Mum in Crystal Palace!

Retro lullabies

How gorgeous is this record player! We've just been to stay with the grandparents for a few days and my Mum brought out this beautiful toy by Fisher Price from my childhood. There are 5 coloured records that play tunes such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and London Bridge and are stored in a slot at the back by the handle. I could only take a few snaps on my phone but next time they visit us they will bring it down and Lily will be the most envied baby around!

Milo's room

I went to visit my friend The Vintage Bride and her beautiful baby boy Milo and couldn't resist taking some shots of his gorgeous nursery. Whitewashed walls and floorboards show off all the patterns, colours and shapes of the objects that fill the room. Lots of inspiration for new mums!

*Clothes hanging on monogrammed hooks *Personalised name cards (the top one made by me!) *Letterpress print of Pop Goes The Weasel *Fabric bunting *Rabbit tin cup *Vintage Disney characters *Embroidered drawstring bag and repainted chair made by Mrs Biddle from Albert and the Lion *Vintage dungarees picked up in Cuba *Knitted and patchwork blankets *Printed owl cushion from Robin & Mould

Heritage quilt

An intricate mix of blues and greens with white accents. Combining found fabrics and personal ones such as an old school uniform. A beautiful patchwork quilt handmade by a family member and loved by Lily!

Lake District colour palette

Shades of grey, duck egg blue, putty white, slate, stone and treated wood.

We love Sophie!

Sophie the Giraffe is always the winner in our house. The little lady uses her for gnawing on when she has sore gums, she can cleverly squeak her using one hand (by bending her neck back!) and for taking on trips out to friends or the park. Unfortunately, so many of her friends have them I had to write down the serial number in my phone as we've had a few mix-ups and it's very difficult to try and work out which one is yours (slightly pinker cheeks?? darker spots?? higher-pitched squeak??).

Last month Sophie turned 50 (this post is a bit late!) and to mark the occasion, Vulli asked designers, celebrities and actors to create their own interpretations, which were then sold at auction for charity. My favourites are the more textile/print ones above, but to see them all click here.

Cumbrian kitsch

Some of the quirky and unusual details found in our rented cottage in the Lakes.

First holiday

A little staycation for the babes first holiday - a couple of days in the Lake District with her grandparents. Sitting on Daddys shoulders, hiking in the BabyBjorn and paddling in the lakes in the sunshine.