Lazy Days Up North...

... are filled with family, fun, winter, snow and love. Just the way we like it!

As The Rain Keep Pouring Down...

... I find myself dreaming of this amazing balcony! I mean; imagine doing your research while lounging in THAT hammock?! Or sipping a hot chocolate while curled up under one of those throws? I am sold.  Countdown to summer: Too many days!

That Friday Feeling...

... when you have 7 articles under your belt from the week that just wrapped up. When you have navigated crazy traffic and torrential rain and then finally get to curl up at home. When plans are made for a cosy family weekend. When BF are out for Friday drinks with workmates and me and mini can have a total girl's night in. When you have candles burning and green tea brewing. When you know your bed is made up with fresh bedlinens upstairs. When all is right with the world.

Happy Friday, guys!

Baby Steps...

... are for babies! Here comes my awesome and very winter-loving 3-year old - on her very first ski-trip!

Winter Is Here...

... and the mornings are COLD. Seriously; this morning - which started extra early courtesy of Nahla being up with a stomach bug since 6.25 - there was frost on the ground. Brrr. Time to hit the shops for a new winter coat, I think. One that will be forgiving to my expanding-by-the-day tummy!

Fall Dreaming

Maybe it is the rather catastrophic summer weather we are having, or maybe it is being a journalist and always being a season ahead, but I cannot help but swooning over all the amazing fall/winter preview press releases that are flooding my inbox these days. The latest one? These amazing shots for H&M Home's upcoming interior season, where they are super-influenced by cowboys and indians, it seems, and rustic colours, navajo-patterns, leather and and horses feature heavily. How fab. How chic. How v. Isabel Marant-y of them! 

Little Snippets Of Our Day...

We went to catch a show about teddybears at the local theatre - which was a huge success! And will make BF jump with joy, as him being able to bring Nahla on movie-dates, just the two of them, looks like it is nearing reality.

We enjoy spectacular weather up north. Sunny, crisp and, unfortunately, still cold. But just made for little walks and playground ventures.

We baked some more buns. YUM.

Mummy is enjoying being reunited with her favorite pair of ankle boots, which were accidently left here on our last visit in February.

While Nahla is being doted on by eager grandparents, this working mama manages to get some work done and articles written.

Nahla enjoyed a morning play-date with super-cute Isak - how cute are the two shopping for jewels?! Sweet Dreams!

Digging and Building...

... at the local beach was equally fun and freezing. Nahla, off course, thought it was the most fun ever - you got to love a 2-year old's endless enthusiasm - and Mummy thought it was a tad too cold (seriously, I was made for warmer climates!), but we compromised and had some serious spring-time fun! Before we wrapped it up and headed home for some very hot and yummy hot chocolates!

Dry Run

When there is not enough snow to take to the slopes, clever Nahla practices her skiing skills inside. Clever cookie!

Brrrr....

Only tea helps. Lots and lots of lovely hot tea. With lots of yummy lemon. And bed! With thick comfy PJ bottoms and lovely fluffy socks. Sexy? Fat chance. Toasty? Yep!

Today's Outing...

... consisted of taking the lift down to the heated garage. Being driven by Bestefar (granddad) to the local shopping mall. And then when we were all shopped out; being collected by said driver again (who had taken a work-from-home day to be at her service when needed) and then home. Did I mention we are not made for these weather conditions, despited me being born here?! I am like those people who claim to be born in the wrong body, except in my case, it's the wrong country!

You Know It's Cold...

... when you are absolutely CRAVING some chocolate, but it is so cold that you settle for an old box of raisins lurking in the bottom of your bag - just so that you don't have to venture out!

Vogue...

... plus red wine + Green & Black's chocolate + family = a pretty perfect Sunday night in.

Blue Cupcakes...

... are just about the yummiest thing ever when you are 2! And when you are 31 too, to be honest.

Nahla and Mummy went to adorable I & E's birthday party earlier today and utterly enjoyed both the company and the baked goods.

And as it is currently - 19, 8 c outside (yes, seriously. That is holidaying in Norway for you!), we are enjoying a very snug Sunday evening in. Stay warm!

- 16 c And Outside Play...

... is no problem when you have the right clothes and when Bestefar (Granddad) has painted the kicksled (which is basically a chair with skies on it) pink! Perfect Sunday bliss for a 2-year old!

A Blustery Dry January Day...

... is just made for a walk around the lake, combined with some serious duck watching!

Few Things Beat...

... warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven banana bread. I use Sophie Dahl's quick and easy recipe, and needless to say, it always goes down a treat in our house!

Yummy Banana Bread, Sophie Style:

75g unsalted organic butter, softened
4 ripe organic bananas (I use ones that have nearly gone off, great way to use up bananas that no-one is going to eat!)
200g soft brown sugar
1 organic egg, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
170g organic spelt flour

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 160 fan / Gas 4. Grease a 30 x 23 cm bread tin.
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Add the bicarbonate of soda and salt and finally mix in the flour. Pour into the prepared tin. Bake for 1 hour, remove and cool on a wire rack.

Spread a generous amount of butter on, and just enjoy. Winter-time food does not get much better than this!

Babychinos...

... are a super-yum treat on freezing Dublin days! This little family headed into the city today for some brunch and browsing - and to collect Mummy's Conran Shop lamp which had been in for a little minor service. And when Daddy treated the apple of his eye to a very frothy babychino on a visit to Milano's on lovely Dawson Street, sure our day trip was just complete!

Freezing Mornings...

... require lots of hot hot green tea and some seriously toasty socks! Have a sweet day, cupcakes!

December 10th...

... and just 15 more sleeps till Christmas morning! Needless to say; this mama has a very busy Saturday ahead!