Diptyque Eau Rose

I am a huge fan of rose perfumes. On my wedding day I wore Jo Malone's Red Roses. It still brings a smile to my face when I smell it. I often wear it to remind me of that happy day. I also adore YSL's Parisienne, a blackberry-spiked rosey scent. It's a warmer perfume - I tend to wear it more in winter.

While I was in Libertys, I stumbled across the Diptyque counter (as you do) and whilst I toyed with the idea of getting more candles to add to my ever growing collection, I also glanced at the perfumes. And this caught my eye.

It's a very subtle scent. Eau Rose smells gloriously of home grown blooms and spring days. It fades quite quickly leaving just a kiss of rose. A gentle waft of powdery, musky floral, but in a good way, not a nana way. It's the perfect scent for anyone who doesn't like strong perfumes. It's understated but still heady. It changes on your skin as the day progresses. I never get tired of smelling it.

If you are going to Paris, you should really purchase it there. So when I came across the display in Le Bon Marche, I had no option but to buy it. And I am so glad I did. I wear it almost daily and it brings a smile to my face, reminding me of our special family holiday. The smell of sun warmed roses - there is no other perfume like it for me.

For those of you not lucky enough to be able to buy from the source, Mecca Cosmetica stocks this gem too, for $169.

Kitty

Salted Caramel Biscuits

I have posted here about my - almost indecent - love for Artisan du Chocolat salted caramels before. While I was in London, I read on their facebook page that they were releasing a new product - salted caramel biscuits! How fabulous!

So I skipped off to Selfridges to buy myself a box. Just the one.

What a mistake. Boy was I sorry. That I only bought one box. They are little nuggets of toffee sticky crumbly buttery goodness covered in gorgeous silky milk chocolate. Divine. Heaven. So glad they aren't stocked here, because if they were I'd go though three boxes a week. Easily.

They do ship and it's worth it for a small indulgence. And while you are at it, add a box of salted caramels to your order just for good measure.

Kitty

London purchases: Duo shoes

I'm a long time devotee of Duo Boots. I have three pairs and absolutely adore them all. I also purchased a pair of fabulous patent mary janes last time I was in the UK which I have worn to death.

Given we are leading into Summer, I wasn't really in the market for a pair of boots, but shoes - shoes I will always love. I haven't really worn heels much since I got Pregnant with Georgie and unfortunately many of my old favourites no longer fit (courtesy of spreading pregnancy feet) so I really needed to find a nice comfy pair of heels.

Enter Duo. Not only do they make sturdy, beautifully crafted boots, they also make shoes. In different widths. And they had exactly what I was after - the Astaire in Black Sparkle Suede. Not only is it comfy, it's pretty sharp looking too, but  also classic enough for everyday wear. A great all-round shoe. Plus - free shipping. Yes, you heard correctly, FREE SHIPPING. If you ever needed a reason to buy a pair of shoes, that would be it! And I honestly can't recommend the shoes and boots highly enough.

You can thank me later.

Kitty

Christmas presents for Baby G

Two full weeks down and no purchases yet. I'm trying to distract myself with Christmas shopping. Not for me, of course... But someone needs some Christmas presents (after we have just managed to get through the Birthday celebrations) and given I'd like to buy her something handmade, I need to get organised!

These Maileg Mice are just fabulous. I know they say for children over three years old... It might be a little too early for Georgie to appreciate how lovely and special they really are. They also have mice in a box. What a neat idea!

How cute is this Westie Vestie? From UK designer Darcy Brown, I really want one for the Little Miss. Such a pity it isn't cold here at Christmas but I might get one for her next Winter... 

G is starting to get creative so a set of crayons might be in order for her to expand her artistic wings. These Kitty Crayons from Etsy are not only cute, they are 100% natural.

Or maybe she needs some woodland creatures to add to her little family of furry friends? These organic felt toys are hand made and can be personalised to make for an extra special gift. I'm personally leaning towards the squirrel or the fox.

Georgie was given some fabulous fake food for her birthday which she absolutely adores - what better than a little kitchen to store it in? Granted, it might be a tad old for her but you can't encourage a kid with cooking too early, in my opinion.

Any other ideas about great things to buy a one year old for Christmas?

Kitty x

If I wasn't on a shopping ban...

I would SO be buying this dress.

It's just gorgeous. Beautiful. Breathtaking. It has KITTY written all over it.

I wonder if it's worth breaking my ban just two weeks in...

Kitty

Project Nada.

I'm still not through with my purchase posts, but the unpacking of said purchases this past week has lead me to a sad realisation. I have stuff. A lot of stuff. Nice stuff, but plenty of it. And my current lifestyle choice doesn't leave much in the way of opportunities for glam dressing.

So I have decided to embark on a period of thrift. Nothing new until Christmas. No handbags, clothes, jewellery or shoes.

I can replace something that breaks or can't be repaired (my loafers took a hit in London and may not be salvageable so I have done a deal with... well, myself that I can replace them if the shoemaker can't mend them properly). But other than that, I have to shop my already extensive wardrobe. Make do. I can buy gifts for others but nothing for myself.

A big call for a self confessed shopaholic.

And the reward for such a feat? Well, other than saving lots and lots of money, I have promised myself a couple of Monica Vinader rings for my efforts. I am thinking an amethyst nugget, a white topaz siren and a pave ring. I'd like a green onyx ring but they don't seem to make them in silver.

So far I am one week in. Ten weeks to go. This is taking Frugal October to a whole new level. Project Nada is officially underway.

Wish me luck.

Kitty x

One.

Dearest Baby Girl - it seems like yesterday you were born, but in our hearts you have been with us for a lifetime. You are such a delight. Such a joy. I have never met a happier baby. You love having your photo taken and greet everyone you meet with a shy smile. Once you get to know them you share your gorgeous little personality with no hesitation or limitation, chattering away like you are old friends.

You have such a cheeky, gorgeous grin - you are the smiliest baby I have ever known. I think you are the most beautiful thing ever, but then again I am biased, being your mother and so in love with you.

And today you turn one.

You are almost walking, our Little One. You took your first unassisted step a few days ago and are standing quite solidly by yourself. It won't be long before those cats really have something to worry about. You are so pleased with your latest accomplishment, but you do better if you aren't concentrating on standing.

You are saying four words so far: Mama, Dada, Baba and No. That fourth one was a bit of a shock but it's being used quite frequently. And you even seem to know what it actually means, worse luck. You have 8 teeth now and happily display them to anyone who makes a passing comment. Or anyone passing.


You have developed into a very good sleeper and you love to eat, Georgie-girl. The majority of your intake comes from self feeding with the very occasional puree meal. You love roast lamb, salmon, anything with cheese on it, sandwiches, avocado, peaches and egg. You have a particular soft spot for kiwi fruit and blueberries and I could shovel plain yoghurt into you all day. And it's almost mango season again!

Baby G, you are our love, our life, our world. The moon and the stars. Our laughter, our tears, our smiles, our hugs. You are such a loving, happy, giving baby. You love to give and receive hugs. I couldn't have wished for a lovelier little soul to be a part of our family. We feel truly blessed that you picked us and hope we have done a good job so far. We don't always get it right but we love you more than anything. We are so proud of everything we have all achieved over the past 365 days. In good times and bad, we are all better people than before you arrived.You make us so happy.

And in our family there is strength in numbers. Hand in hand we stand together. We have your back, little one. Your love makes me a better person, not only a better Mumma.

We can't imagine our lives without you, our precious Little Bird. Happy first birthday.

We love you so much,

Mummy x