A weekend on Allotment 2B

This weekend, thanks to the amazing Spring weather, we had two family trips down to the allotment. One good, one not so good.

Yesterday (Saturday) we loaded the car up - kids, dog, scooters, flasks, cookies, wetwipes, wellies all got thrown in, not the kids (or dog). We had some jobs we wanted to get done ready for some sowing we've got planned in the next few weeks.

We all got down to our own jobs, mine was digging over the beds (the most satisfying outdoor work out there is), Anwen's was scooter practice (there's no stopping her now) and Sam and Wilf set about filling their barrows with bark chippings to spread over the fruit cage. It was on a return trip to the mound of chippings that the unfortunate barrow incident occured. Sitting in it was good fun until Wilf tipped out sideways and landed his head on the corner of a concrete breeze block. Queue wetwipes (lots of them), cuddles and the cookies.

I'm pleased to report that we (narrowly) avoided a trip to A&E and that the prospect of his best friend's birthday party later that afternoon kept his spirits up. The accident obviously hadn't scared him off allotment life all together as a return trip was the first thing he talked about this morning. "No more sitting in the wheelbarrow, but it's OK if I have my helmet on" were the first words I heard today.

So this afternoon, we headed back and quickly resumed our roles, enjoying the last of the weekend's sun and an all round happier hour.

When we look back on last year some of our favourite times were spent down on plot 2b. Last Spring Anwen took some of her first steps there and I found solitude during a difficult time (I wrote about both of these times here). We enjoyed a fish chip date night there and in the Summer ate peas straight from the pod and welcomed Wilf's nursery class down to pick berries.

This week we've had a few trips down and enjoyed an impromptu picnic before nursery on Thursday.

It's somewhere I know we'll build life long memories with the kids, hopefully teaching them a thing or two about gardening and 'growing your own' along the way.

I'm planning to write a monthly post on here as I want to keep a written journal over the gardening year. Right now it's looking pretty bare but the ground is nearly dug over and ready to rake. We have potatoes chitting and the broad bean seedlings are doing well. Sam is the boss of the plot really so I'll rely on him to fill in bits along the way.

If you fancy following along our journey more regularly you can follow @allotment2b on Instagram. It's mainly Sam who posts (interesting and informative updates) but he's now given me access to post too (they'll be the pretty flower ones come Summer!)

He has the day off tomorrow so we're hoping for sunshine and will be back down there. Sorting the shed out with some bunting and checking on first aid supplies will be the top of my to-do list. Helping Daddy dig and finding holes to put worms in will be Wilf's.

Anwen will be scooting.

March Easter Edit

This month's Edit is all about Easter and Springtime decorating. I love the fresh bright and pastel colours that make an appearance at this time of year and March's Edit makes no exception.

As usual, each item can be found in the little maldod shop and direct links are provided below. Oh and if you read on, you might just find an exclusive Easter early bird offer for you!

1. Easter Bunny Ears.
This pack of 8 Bunny Ears are the perfect accessory for any Easter party. I can't wait to dish them out to my two and their friends for our annual egg hunt.

2. Pastel Pinwheel Set.
Great for decorating your home or a special occasion this Spring. It's birthday season in our house at the moment and I'm not sure I can resist hanging these beauties for much longer. This set contains 6 pinwheels in 3 different sizes.

3. Carrot Rattle
This crochet carrot is a lovely tactile rattle and was a favourite of my son Wilf's when he was a baby. It's also part of our brand new Sensory Giftset which you can find here.

4. My First Easter Milestone Card
I'm a big fan of the full Milestone Card range which we stock in the shop. So I'm thrilled to be able to offer you this Easter card for FREE! [The price shown in the shop simply covers our minimum P&P cost.]

5. Easter Garland
Who doesn't love a garland?! This bunny garland featuring gold foil 'hop hop hop' wording makes the perfect finishing touch for Easter decorating. Another one I might be adding to my own personal Easter shopping basket!

We've got an Easter Egg hunt planned in my parent's beautiful garden in Pembrokeshire this year, I can't wait to include some of these lovely items in my decorating and egg hunting plans.

If you fancy stocking up on this lot (and any other Easter goodies in the shop) too, then why not take advantage of our Easter Early bird offer.

You can enjoy FREE DELIVERY on all 'Easter' orders over £20 with the code EASTEREARLYBIRD until midnight this Friday 11th March.

Shop the entire Easter range here: EASTER AT LITTLE MALDOD.


Lowri x

Home from home in Bath

You know when you discover a hidden treasure, somewhere that has a touch of luxury and style to it but yet instantly feels like home? Well, this weekend I had the pleasure of staying in such a place.

On Friday night I hopped on the train from Cardiff and headed for one of my favourite cities, Bath, along side one of my favourite friends. On the journey I had to ask her to remind me of the finer details that had been planned for the weekend. "Where are we staying again?" and "whats the plan for food tonight?" were two things I was a little hazy on. Such is the pace of life at the moment that whatever information I take in on my first read of a text/email with plans, such as those my oldest friend ('official holiday organiser extraordinaire') had laid out, is what I'll know of the days ahead.

So you can imagine my excitement when we met the rest of the girls (who'd already dropped off their bags) and they exclaimed "Oh Lowri, you're going to LOVE the apartment."

And love it I did!

The apartment was on two floors and part of an old Georgian townhouse on The Paragon, a brilliant location in the middle of town. It was booked through Airbnb and the home of a warm, welcoming lady called Rebecca (and her daughter Kitty), who clearly had an eye for beautiful interiors and the finer, luxurious details.

The huge table, made from old cheese boards, in the open plan kitchen and living space was the perfect spot for an evening of long overdue catching up and plenty of laughs. 

Chatting late into the night (after a few cocktails) meant we were so ready to head to bed when we did. I wasn't too tired to notice the french linen sheets that awaited us though.

"REAL linen" I think I exclaimed as I crawled under the feather duvet, a full night's sleep and lovely long lie in ahead of me.

The morning light on Saturday brought the main living space into it's own and the views over Bath's rooftops and beyond (which we'd missed when arriving in the dark) were simply beautiful.

We all gawped at the open shelving and I sat at breakfast, imagining having a space big enough to fit three 15 foot pieces of wood, piled high with mismatch vintage crockery.

The cookware and ingredients, cleverly hidden behind curtains, gave little clues about the fact that the owner was most certainly an accomplished cook.

The bedrooms were all painted in bold Farrow and Ball shades, which we spent the weekend trying to guess. This is London Clay in case you were wondering! 
Every colour suited the room it was in and, although I wouldn't be brave enough to attempt it in my own house, made the whole space feel like home.

The bathroom was a dream, with a beautiful freestanding bath, tiled floor, Persian rug and old armchair in the corner. The artwork on the wall and Molton Brown simply adding an extra touch of class.

This was the perfect spot for the most delightful pre-dinner bath I've had in a very long time. *Reminds herself these don't usually exist in real life but to try harder, with or without the Cava.*

On every wall there was interesting and mismatched, yet perfectly curated, collections of art. We were told on Sunday that these had been pieced together over many years. Just another reminder that it wasn't just an opulent and stylish space but a home which had character and meaning behind every feature.

Days spent with your closest friends, who you've known since school, really are days well spent but when they're spent in a place as lovely as this, they're even better.

If you'd like to find out more details of how to book this property, then pop over to Rebecca's Airbnb page here.

Have a lovely week ahead, I for one will be dreaming of that bathroom, lazy starts and butter croissants oh, and did I mention those shelves?!

Finding Breaktimes in February

If I'm honest #mythursdaybreaktimes this month have been few and far between. Every week this month, when I've woken, rubbed my eyes and tried to work out what day it is, I've been shocked that it's Thursday already. And now, suddenly it's March. Wasn't it Christmas Day, like 3 days ago?!

Such is life though and the busy pace of lives and speed at which time passes, makes taking a moment and pausing in our days all the more important.

It's almost a year since I started #mythursdaybreaktime, a project on Instagram sharing snapshot moments to represent your breaktimes. Over the time it's been running I've had such lovely comments from people saying how much they enjoy it and that it reminds them to to take time out from their day to day.

Each week I love being tagged into posts, snatching a glance at people's breaktimes (often whilst I'm rushing around, mid chaos and reminding me that a quiet sit down is just around the corner). As always this month the moments shared have been so varied.

The bold blues in this grid from last week caught my eye straight away.

@wealdblog  @daphnerosaflowers
@sarahehemsley  @theseveredgarden

It was this shot by Rachel (@dreamingofthecountry) that stole my heart though.

Everything about it is just beautiful. Captioned with the words "Walking into the sky", it just sums up the calm and peace that can be found in taking time out from the day to day. Congratulations Rachel!

Rachel wins a surprise Liberty parcel, with some goodies from the little maldod shop's brand new 'party range' (here). Please drop me a line with your details Rachel.

I'd love it if you joined in by sharing your March moments and for any Mother's reading, I hope you enjoy a whole day (as much as you can!) of breaks, treats and general Mama love this Sunday!

Have a wonderful month ahead. x

Styling The Seasons - February

A little burst of colour for you on this BONUS February day.

I thought it was better late than never to share my Styling The Seasons post for the month a and bit of what February means to me.

For me, this month marks a lovely shift from the depths of winter to the wonderful (and probably my favourite) season of Spring. Nothing marks this shift like the arrival of Spring blooms. Not necessarily in the garden, although daffodils and crocuses are sprouting everywhere by now, but in florist windows and by supermarket doors.

This picture of these beautiful Anemones is completely untouched. Just look at the piercing bold pink! I love it's contrast against the wood 'basket', still an essential on our hearth during this chilly month.

Of course this month celebrates love. We agreed to just give cards this year (Sam's idea not mine). It makes me smile everytime I open a card from him as it's always familiar (taken straight from the card draw that I put together!) I couldn't help but appreciate that they match and that mine got the last word!

As usual, we both ended up giving a little token to each other (have I mentioned my love language is gifts?!) I had chocolate which didn't stick around long and Sam's gift was the matches you can see top right. Perfect for a fire obsessed husband.

Suffice to say this little scene has been altered since styling it for this post. Flowers don't appreciate two things 1. being held by exquisite (but heavy handed) small hands and 2. being roasted by the fire! Can't say I mind either of those things mind.

Thanks for reading today, here's to happy Spring days as March awaits.

Lowri x

The Small Things

One of my words for this year is 'care'. I picked it out in January, resolving that in the months ahead I would make more time to take care of ME.

Our life is busy. There's always something happening - work commitments, two young children and fun filled weekends around every corner, it's all good stuff. But when I looked back on 2015, I realised I hadn't left much time, day to day, for myself.

Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed plenty of 'getaways' with friends or just Sam, giving ample space to refresh and relax. This weekend in fact, I'm away with my Mum and sister on a MAD (Mothers And Daughters) hen weekend (you can read about our last one here.)
What I'm talking about though is the general day to day stuff  like, not having a proper lunch but instead making do with whatever's left on the chopping board after the kids'; not getting enough sleep because I've stayed up waaaaay too late staring at my phone (Insta-surfing) or never getting around to painting my toes and feeling sad about it everytime I look down in the shower. Small things that don't take much time or are easy to change, but that make a big difference to my everyday.

I'm so glad to see that the topic of mental health, particularly maternal mental health, is becoming more and more talked about across the media. I've become so much more aware of personal stories of this important yet often taboo subject. I know that I've struggled myself in recent months, but finally came to a place in January when I knew there were simple lifestyle changes I could make. Changes that would help me be a happier and well rested ME and, in turn, more equipped in my role as a Mum.

Obviously, I know that it's not always as easy as just making small changes, I'm most certainly not belittling the challenges and difficult journeys that many women face. However, I wanted to share just a few things that I've personally found have given me back a bit more 'me' time, and a little added joy to my day.

I'd have to say that my biggest chance for time to myself is when I'm in bed. In fact, when I'm in bed AND ASLEEP. The trouble is I'm not very good at it. I've always been a night owl, I'm more productive in the evenings and late at night. Some evenings I end up working until the small hours (making and packing orders with two small people just doesn't work) but other days, I potter and waste time on my phone, regretting it as soon as I realise how few hours it is until Wilf heads up our stairs.

So, when I recently started using this Sleep Plus Pillow Spray from This Works, bedtimes became a dream, quite literally! The smell on the linen is so relaxing and I can't help but take deep breaths to take it all in. What I loved reading was that 'natural night time movement' gently releases the amazing smells, so as I toss and turn I can rest assured that the fragrance is helping me stay sound asleep. Now I just have to work on leaving my phone somewhere that's NOT in arms reach and I might even get an early night. Anyone else with me on this?

Back in January, after a little spot of sales shopping I treated myself to some new skin care. Having heard great things about Liz Earle from friends and family I decided to go for it. And I'm so glad I did! Without sounding melodramatic about a face wash, I actually feel like I've found THE one!
 
I have to admit, that in previous months I'd resorted to either a quick wipe of my tired face with a flannel or, if I was lucky an ACTUAL face wipe. Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser adds just one small step into that process, which is that you get to rub a delicious smelling cream in first and then, as I was doing anyway, wipe it off with a wet cloth. I've also been using her Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser and the difference it's made to my skin has amazed me. It all smells so good that I've actually started looking forward to taking my make up off at the end of the day. Small things, small things.

Talking of fragrances I've also been LOVING this No.20 Botanical Essence perfume you can see on the shelf. As the name suggest it's a floral number but has a lovely pink pepper scent too. It's still new to me and I'm enjoying the feeling you get when you notice a new perfume on your clothes, scarf or coat. If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift for your own Mum (or perhaps fancy dropping a few hints yourself) then you can't go wrong with this pretty pink bottle.

Another lovely fragrance I'm enjoying is this Eucalyptus and Rosemary Botanical Candle. It's sat next to our bathroom sink and the fresh, natural scent wafts up when I walk past. I don't know about you but I love keeping candles for a little while before lighting them, there's something about that unspoiled wax (almost as good as freshly fallen snow!) Like I said, small things. This would also make a great Mother's day gift if you're stuck for ideas, just give her a nudge to actually use it if you find it still unlit weeks later.

The bathroom is somewhere else where I can find a bit of time to myself. Obviously not during the hectic, floor flooding chaos that occurs during the kid's bathtime, but during quiet, candlelit, peaceful baths. I'm more likely to really switch off and relax when I'm in the bath, as the high chance of dropping my phone in means I leave it well and truly behind! This Deep Sleep Bath Soak from This Works is next on my 'finding me time' hit list. It smells amazing and I know that a good soak would relax me so much I'd probably risk falling asleep before I even make it to my pillow. The trouble is, I just haven't had the time to use it. Proving my point entirely, life is busy and finding time for ourselves is much easier said than done.

I'd love to know what things you do to take a little extra care of yourself, I'm always on the look out for tips. 

Whatever you have planned for the week ahead, I hope you manage to find a time for you, I promise you'll enjoy it AND it'll do you good too. Win win!

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Lowri x 

This post is written in collaboration with Liz Earle and This Works, 
however all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Being A Mum

When was I contacted by Bloom & Wild recently to see if I'd like to be involved in their Mother's Day campaign, I was both delighted and extremely touched. Obviously I jumped at the chance. However, when they asked me what 'my favourite thing about being a Mum' was, I got stuck.

After taking these photos with their beautiful Mother's day blooms, I knew my response would have to be "having fun and making each other laugh." Every stage of these two growing up has been brilliant, but they're now both at a point when they have a giggle together, make mischief and make us both laugh on a daily basis. Nothing beats getting to laugh along with them. 

But the truth is I got stuck because there are countless things that are my favourite. Just too many moments, emotions and feelings that I love, that picking just one felt a bit odd.

Now before I go on, don't get me wrong, Motherhood is hard. It's the hardest thing that I've done, and ever will do. I'm challenged by it on a daily basis, exhausted by it most days and some days feel COMPLETELY unsure about what I'm doing. 

But in amongst the very real challenges, it is also the most fun filled, rewarding, humbling and life giving job that I will ever do. I feel so lucky that I get to be a Mum and I know a blog post like this can't really do it justice. With Mother's Day just two week's away though, I thought I'd share just a few of the day to day moments that I love (and a few that I don't) about being a Mum.  

-  Dance routines in the kitchen. I'll say no more other than that, to them, no-one else can sing and dance to Lionel like I can.

- Getting to hold their hands. On walks outdoors, walking up the stairs or as we cwtch up, their small hands in mine is the loveliest.

- Hearing them refer to me as Mummy. Obviously there are times when hearing "mummeeeeeee"/ "mummaaaaaay"/ "mum mum mum mum mum mum mum" drives me up the wall. But knowing that only I can answer to that name when they say it is priceless.

-  Making up bedtime stories. Somehow Wilf has recently managed to wangle a second bedtime story after his book, but only if it's a made up one. My current subjects usually involve animals who meet, make friends, have fun and then go home to bed (always end with characters going to bed!) If he turns around at the end and says "that was a GREAT story Mummy" then my day is made.

- Making family traditions. It's so important to Sam and I that our children have a strong sense of belonging. A sense that they're part of 'team Harris' and a safe, loving environment. We both believe that this will give them security to grow, find their feet in life and one day become independent people in this world. I hope that by creating our own traditions, not just the ones we dust off each year at Christmas, but special things we do, say and celebrate day in day out, will build that feeling of belonging and hopefully stay with them a lifetime.

- Adventures. Any adventure is fun when you're 3 and nearly 2. I love getting to join in on the real life one's, where they learn things for the first time. I equally love the made up ones, where their imaginations get stretched and, for us at least, pirates usually make an appearance.

- Cooking together. Whilst I often have to muster EVERY ounce of patience I have when the two of them are up at the worktop at 5pm 'helping', I really do love cooking together. I have to admit that I do sometimes imagine them as future famous chefs, talking about how it 'all started with Mum.'

- Hearing them say I love you. Quite simply the most wonderful words this Mama can hear.

I could go on with this list of mine. The truth is though, I'm writing this late on a Saturday night at my parent's house, Sam is away and Wilf and I are sharing a room. The Gro-clock is set for 7am tomorrow and a certain person has taken to requesting 5 minute updates on "how long til the sun comes up?" This is the time he can get out of bed and jump into mine so we can chat, tell jokes and plan our next cookery adventure together (watch Minion clips on You Tube while I go back to sleep). If this morning is anything to go by, then 'sun progress reports' will start at 6am. Early starts (and Minions.) Not so in love with those.
Thank you so much to Bloom & Wild for this stunning bunch of flowers and for inviting me to be a part of this lovely campaign, it really has been an honour.

Thanks for stopping by too. If you haven't already discovered Bloom & Wild and their very clever 'letterbox flowers' then do pop over here to find out more.

With love,
Lowri x