Little Lila Designs

The idea for Little Lila Designs was, of course, inspired by our very own little Lila! As well as the fact that I could never find any children’s clothes I really liked in stores (and, if I did, they were always ridiculously overpriced).

So, I simply decided to start painting t-shirts for her myself.

After I painted the first one, not only did Lila absolutely love it, but almost everyone who saw it seemed to want one too. And with that, the Little Lila brand was born. Each t-shirt is handpainted, completely unique – and perfect for girls and boys. Even more exciting is the range of designs, which seems to be growing every day as the orders keep streaming in!

But, even as this fledgling business starts taking off, there are some things that I feel quite strongly about when it comes to the Little Lila brand. Namely that the handmade quality is something that should never be compromised. And, above all, I’d like Little Lila to be an affordable label, one that everyone can enjoy.

Something else I’ve been considering is how I can use Little Lila to help others in less fortunate circumstances. It would have to start out small (at first), but my idea is to find a way to combine art, creativity and painting and to involve underprivileged children. Giving them the opportunity to be involved in something really creative, by using their own imaginations and talents. (But this idea is still under construction, so I’ll be sure to keep you updated as and when things start happening.)      

All in all it’s fair to say that I’m feeling super inspired – and for the first time I also feel that I can actually say that ‘the sky is the limit’! So make sure you check out – and please like! – the Little Lila Facebook page for more info and share it with your friends and family.

https://www.facebook.com/littleliladesigns

PARTY TIME

Our little girl’s first birthday…

This has been the topic of discussion between my husband and I for the past few weeks... 

“to party" or “not to party"... 

but of course, I want “to party"!

However, my husband feels that we shouldn’t make such a big fuss about the first birthday. So, we had to compromise – Cake & Tea at our house, with lots of balloons, party packs and LOTS of snacks!

I was super stoked about the "Cake & Tea" event, which turned into a mini party after all, and Lila had a ball of a time! She literally played non-stop for 7 hours! My husband kept reminding me that it wasn't my party, but I had to laugh at this, because who wouldn’t find blowing-up balloons one massive exciting event – not to mention getting all dressed up? 

We celebrated Lila’s 1^st birthday with flair and had an awesome time! 

I can’t wait for the next one!

My new hobby...

Nappy cakes for baby showers!!!

Mother's Day

Before I had the privilege of being a mother, I always wondered what my first Mother’s Day would be like.

Would I be spoilt with flowers, a card or a little gift? And, as I am writing about all these materialistic things, I feel a bit ashamed to think that it even crossed my mind... 

At the end of the day, the flowers will die, the card will be tossed in a drawer somewhere and forgotten. As for the gift… let’s face it, the gift will be something you do not really need or want and these materialistic gestures will soon be forgotten long after a day which was supposed to be an extremely special day. 

Thanks to a very special friend, we had the privilege of spending our Mother’s Day morning with lovely elderly women at a local old age home... We baked them cakes, made tea and just sat there, chatting to as many old people we possibly could. Although I found it extremely emotional, I have to admit that I haven't had such a satisfying day in years! Words cannot explain how grateful these lovely ladies were. To think, it might have been some of their last Mother’s Days that they could have spent with a loved one. All they wanted was a hug, and some conversation, even though it was from a complete stranger.

So thank you Lynn - you had this brilliant idea, and I am so grateful that you invited me! 

You gave me the most special first Mother’s Day gift ever. 

Absolutely priceless and unforgettable!

And now, I wonder how my last Mother’s Day would be. Will I be stuck in an old age home? 

Or, will my family make time for me and spoil me with love?

Girlfriend shoot…

Isabel came up with this wonderful idea… spending a day with girlfriends in Kalk Bay and having a photographer running after us taking amazing photographs!!! Isabel, you rock! Saturday was so much fun and every single moment was captured by a professional. One should definitely do this more often! 

PS. More photographs to follow soon ;)

Bucket-list-achievements...

I don't like jogging. Is “hate” a too strong word? Cross trainers and me were not made for each other. Spending time inside a gym really doesn’t sound like fun at all and I really don't fancy those outfits… way too tight… way too "wannabe” and way too expensive! O, and gym hygiene… just thinking about it makes me feel sick! 

Obviously, one can’t avoid exercising for too long (it’s not good for the butt). So, about two years ago, I started doing modern and hip-hop dancing. Never did I think that exercising could be so much fun! And the extra bonus… I met wonderful girls. It’s great spending time with them – my weekly tonic. 

A strange thing I noticed: When you’re at school, it’s easier to be good at something. I never ever had to worry about being good enough. Now that I’m older, I find this type of dancing a bit of a challenge! I was used to ballet… and the sad part… I never wanted to do ballet, I always wanted to be a modern dancer! So nothing came naturally when I first started. I felt spastic, silly and a bit irritated with myself for not finding the moves easy. All the dancing in my room (behind closed doors) as a school girl obviously didn't pay off. And all this time, I actually thought that I was pretty damn good!

Earlier this year, we started practicing for a concert and I decided to give it my all – make it one of my bucket-list-achievements. And yes, I do believe that bucket-list-achievements can be small too. To some of the girls it might have been nothing, but for me it was hectic! So, I didn't miss one practise, memorised the song, and my steps, basically, memorised everything about it. Today I feel proud to say that I’ve had the privilege to achieve my goal. It was hard work, not to mention a lot of stress! Fitting in something so important to me, between work and traffic (two of my "obstacles"). And stess like: Will I remember my steps? Am I good enough? Will I be able to do this? 

Now the big question… What should I do with my costume? Fancy dress anyone?

Now and then…

Friends need a break from each other, a wife needs a break from her husband, mothers need a break from their children… This “break” shouldn't be spent like the movie “Hall Pass” portrays. No, it's needed to recharge; to realise just how much you miss that person you spend so much time with. But also to have fun, be silly, to laugh a lot… Not to make your own bed every morning! You need this time to forget about all the irritating stuff one just can't seem to cut out of your every day life… traffic, mobile phones, alarm clocks, routines, house chores… 

I feel lucky to be able to have times like these, even if it's just a quick coffee with girlfriends. Recently me and 4 of my girlfriends went to Bonnyvale for one whole weekend! We had lots of silly fun, to much food, excellent wine, crazy laughter and very interesting conversations. It is so amazing how only a weekend away 
can refresh your mind. 

Spending some time in the countryside made me realise again that I really want to live closer to nature. Imagine your house in a gravel street, with a huge portch, a fynbos garden, a view over vineyards, or the sea (really, I will not be too fussy!!!), massive fruit trees in the backyard, 5 dogs, 5 cats, a pond with ducks… 
I can get used to this idea.

This weekend away made me realise again that friends are very special, and spending time with unpretentious, down to earth, light hearted girlfriends are even more special. Sometimes I think that meeting another girlfriend is impossible, because I already have really GREAT girlfriends. But then, on this weekend, I met jet another special woman and all I can say is: 
I feel so incredibly blessed. 

Girlfriends, thank you for an incredible time! Can't wait for our next weekend away. :)

Toddler-sitting...

Every now and then, Sarel and I are fortunate enough to baby-sit. I say fortunate because: 1. I see it as a practice run for when we have our own children. 2. I feel honored that our friends trust us with their children. 3. We love helping friends. 4. It reminds us to appreciate the free time we still have.

I have to admit that babysitting is a bit easier than toddler-sitting. All a baby basically needs is a full tummy, a clean nappy and a cuddle or two. And the bonus with a baby is that they can’t really move much. A toddler on the other hand, is a whole different story. One is a handful, but two toddlers – obviously added a whole lot of fun and adventure! I am very proud to announce that it went extremely well. I guess it helps a lot if children have excellent parents, because excellent parents = excellent children. I just have to add... there’s nothing uglier than a naughty child.

We had lots of fun, giggles and games. Glitter and nail polish everywhere!!! The foam in the bath almost ended up against the ceiling! And we had a lot of questions... The “but why” questions are their favorites. Sarel and I had to laugh at each other because of all the creative answers... They really picked our brains... Ha ha!

Such fun!!!

On my mind today...

• I feel inspired to start, yet another, new painting.
• I also want another tattoo – but sharing a “friendship tattoo” with a very special friend... Anyone keen?
• I wonder if I’ll ever regret any of my tattoo’s?
• Who cares! Just imagine Bianca in an old age home! Rocking!
• I love kitsch and cool drinking glasses. 80’s prints are the best!
• I miss my friend René and hope she’s having a wonderful time.
• Will my first child be a boy?
• I love the name Elliot.
• I crave expensive pizza – Mama Roma makes awesome pizza… everything fresh and delish!

Visitor

Justin, one of our dear friends, came to visit us over the Easter weekend. Sarel is not into shopping at all, but Justin and I really needed some retail therapy and sight seeing. On a “school evening” and all... Sarel missed out on a joyride on the big wheel in die V & A Waterfront. What fun!!! And Justin, thank you for being a super-cool-fun-friend. We miss you!

Party party party!!!

I had a toddler – icing – jelly – fun – love overdose this weekend! We celebrated Mischa’s 1st birthday! It was extremely exhausting, but lots of fun. Even though my only job was to play photographer (and eat cake), I had to take a mid day nap after the party!

After the Saturday’s fun and excitement, I have a lot more respect for parents... Being running fit and being toddler fit are definitely two different things! How do they do it?

It was so entertaining, watching Mischa empty every single bowl of jelly over her head and destroying her birthday cake (making sure no one would want to take a bite from it).

Her birthday outfit from that day will never be the same again, but who cares?! She had a blast and that’s the most important thing!

I love you my Muis!!!