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║today my way║


























Hello new frames, I've been expecting you. Life with bags under my eyes is not as terrible as life with only one pair of prescription eyeglasses which tend to get misplaced on more than one occasion daily. I am short sighted and wear my contact lenses while facing the outside world but when entering four walls of my kingdom, I joyously ditch the hydrogels and reach for the old fashioned frames that work magic on my tired eyes. So when GlassesShop reached out to me with almost-impossible-to-choose-one-pair-from-website, I had a hard time choosing but pretty much found my favourite. The genius behind an online glasses/sunglasses store lies in more playful approach as there are so many oddly shaped and multicoloured ones I was impressed by the most. I went for the two-toned pair sticking to my closet's colour scheme but my eyes stayed on for a good while browsing through selection of cheap glasses shining in their colour combinations I never imagined were possible and shapes that shift one's attitude literally in seconds.

This expressive arrangement of eyewear is meant to spark joy while being highly individual to the person wearing it. I also love the light, unbreakable case creating an interesting dialogue with the pair inside because of its transparency. All there is to be yet done is a little tightening of temples and their tips to fit my small head as this is the part that is harder to get right while shopping online. I'm totally happy about that. But the best thing of all? There is a special coupon code for all of you to get 50% off on eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded). 

Use GSHOT50 to get your 50% off discount. What a game changer with the abundance of styles!



►► This post is sponsored by GlassesShop. 
All opinions are my own. Thank you for the opportunity and to my readers for supporting our sponsors. x
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I am a mom. I have been a while, over the past few years, precisely. On occasion I feel like I'm not, like I'm back to my younger years of escaping boring classes and experimenting with concealer but where I am now is a gift, a mountain high privilege. I conceive children easily, so far it took a fortnight in both cases to experience the first unpleasant symptoms. Preparing the nursery is just a formality. I tend to get through the pregnancy without struggle, mostly thriving in mild nausea, heartburn and occasional leg cramp. Breathlessness and backache, that is a bonus. I keep myself extremely active too, walking my legs off and being super pleased about being able to.
 
This time around it's been harder, with my ligaments softening quicker and challenging most of my moves yet it still feels bearable. The Mount Everest climb I compare my pregnancy to is about to be completed. The tough, unpredictable way up (first trimester) surprised me with the same sweet tooth I had while carrying Nadia and made me falling asleep on the bus while doing school runs so most of it seems to me like a blur. It drew on anxiety and mood swings, present fears and future inconveniences, discoveries of sorts. Humour and passing time helped me climb it fast. Once I reached the surface of a safe zone (second trimester), it felt I could do it in a heartbeat while working hard, planning ahead and following new guidelines. Anxiety has settled, some conversations took place leaving us inspired and in control of the days and emotions still to come and love, gratitude from experiencing it all again was constantly growing with renewed energy and invigoration. Now I'm on my way down (third trimester), inspired, assured, in awe of the scale of love I feel and faith in us knowing we can get through everything, our personal fears and misconceptions, highs and lows included. The road down is tough and unpredictable, I can do less and less I commit myself to. I rely on more people, say no more often, walk away almost immediately. This time is almost sacred, with more thoughts but also equal number of fears with labour taking the lead. My backpack is heavy and oxygen bottle gets lighter daily. My body performs almost an impossible task and struggles to meet my needs. Yet it evolves perfectly to make me a mother again. I believe the climb down will be memorable, he may take his time or decide to greet us anyday now (32 weeks seem to be still way too early but who knows, I am ready for him as I have always been).

I will be a mom again. I have decided to be a mom again.
 
It felt right raising Nadia on her own for so long I don't remember the exact time it felt awkward. Somehow missing on something. A sibling. Around end of last summer when we didn't go to Poland for our annual summer holiday (immigration crisis, blockages at the Channel Tunnel, etc.) I found myself articulating the desire to bring another child to our home. Shake things up, says Damian. Love someone, I say. I know that this topic would come around sooner or later, I have been sitting on a fence for a while knowing what I really wanted. Although you can never predict your future, you have to make things happen or at least have them be spoken out loud. For a brief time I hesitated. Life was good, work was fine, it felt cosy and permanent. Yet it's only coming together now, with our family about to expand with everyone congratulating and supporting. It felt good but now it feels right.

Thank you to everyone that is supporting us in our new role. You don't know how much it means to me. xxx



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I'm always trying to figure out which item of the many clothes I have oversplurged on some time ago will come with me to not only enjoy the sunshine but will have the privilege to embrace the curves I can't get enough of. My maternity wear has simply consisted of my usual clothing lurking curiously from the closet, pieces that have been used without necessary alterations but still retained their shape figuring out my size as I grew. I knew I wouldn't want to spend a single penny on something I already own and could make it work in weeks to come. At opening the closet's door each time in the morning I immediately saw what potential it had! It also helps that I haven't changed much, my body still feels like mine -- only slightly bigger so all the slouchy, baggy, almost boyfriend-style garments had their say. As this is the happiest time, I'm a big fan of not only this colour palette (earthy and classic) but also the playfulness it creates with pugnaciously worn hat and a pair of boots that you can hear from yards away. The feminine side is surely seen and cherished. I walk a lot so whatever I wear must be ideal when the adventure begins, can't wait for ditching coats completely relying more on things of lighter texture and less adjustable form. And I can discuss it openly here.

But the Domino part of my maternity ensemble! I've said I have relied on fewer, better things yet even those rotated often became less fun that I imagined. Even though I've found my soulmates in a fabric form, I started monitor it very closely and knew instantly I had to re-consider the idea. Look at things in a totally different way each time. Now I look forward to this task - what suited me the day before and is still wearable today, stays put. Only one item linked to yesterday's adventures and I'm never given the chance to get bored again. And still camera ready eight weeks before bringing little man into this world? What a bonus! x 

Woolen hat: H&M, Cardigan: George, Blouse: Atmosphere, Skirt: M&S, Boots: Next
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Today was a good day. Sunny to the blinding point, cold yet mild enough to feel relaxed and abundant in activities of sorts. We like to visit places for the first time however we absolutely don't mind checking in again and again. Bournemouth Oceanarium is such a nice place aimed at kids from different age groups with animal feeding times happening every half an hour to their hearts delight (both kids and animals). It was a great occasion to go and having Nadia as my sweet companion was a highlight of the trip. Walking past the big Amazonian fish was definitely one of the scariest experiences so I tried not to get her out of her comfort zone and we swooshed ahead to admire more pleasant species like puff fish or seahorses. There were sharks and turtles of course, there was not just one happy child too. Overall we had a great time and wouldn't mind taking advantage of the place pretty soon.

►► See what I'm talking about? Not so friendly looking fellas ;)

Have a lovely long Easter holiday, friends!
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 I came here today to tell you about our natural light situation and how it dictates moods and participates in activities of our choosing. Exactly from end of October till just about now. We are discussing documenting lives without using too many filters and enhancers and those photos are all the proof you need. Natural light works its magic best before we start preparing lunch and have just gotten changed from school uniform into something casually stain-friendly. In no time and with the sun in full swing we made this little Easter tutorial possible using pieces everybody will surely find scattered here and there, googly eyes as a priority. To make a pom pom you don't have to have a master degree in knitting, it's enough if your cutlery situation allows just for the right amount of extravagance. As for the yarn, we'd recommend more fluffier, thicker option for those sheep not to look that alarmingly frightened or as if recovering from a sudden rainpour.


 Here's everything you need to know and more about making these fluffy sheep, surprised monkeys or aliens with blueberry faces, I guess the strangest features the better. Wrap yarn around a fork until it's thick to your desired volume (1) then thread a separate piece of yarn through and tie a couple of knots around the center (2). Now remove the yarn, cut through the loops (3), trim, fluff, roll in hands for better shape. I promise, you'll keep coming back to this tutorial as there are never too many pom poms in one's life. Not in ours definitely. x



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 I am on a smoothie or a fruit kick right now if you're wondering when have I inherited an orchard. Smoothie is one of the few easy recipes I'm always ready for. The more sour the yummier, as of now. With morning school run and every task taking more time than usual, throwing a handful of frozen pieces into a blender, adding a glass of orange juice and two nicely shaped kiwis to the mix makes me a hero first thing in the morning. With still unbrushed teeth, most probably. So this is it - magic in a glass without really doing much. And with germs attacking us in this transitional period of experiencing spring while still partially bundled up in winter gear, this is a great immunity booster, just as it is a delicious treat. You may want to experiment with different juices - like cranberry for extra tongue tingle and add fresh berries instead, you totally have my blessing. And with summer on our tails, fresh produce might be just the best decision you'll make on an empty stomach. Happy Easter, friends!

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So embarrassingly often Nadia skips up to me to complain about her toy situation -- just how many combinations hundred Lego bricks can provide? Well girl, in my days ten bricks were enough for an exciting afternoon... Yet it's true, she hasn't been gifted anything other than pens and exercise books for endless hours of drawing, cutting pieces and gluing things together, those are on our all time wish list. But sometimes a lot of good (same) things can be unbearable even for an avid artist. Here came Brio to the rescue. An online shop (with many physical locations across the UK) I had to set alarm to stop browsing and go back to stirring, grating and seasoning because when a company contacts us and offers hours of enjoyment, there's only one answer - we might get used to it ;)

It was important to me that before the initial opening of the box full of toys we were happy with the company's ethics and where those colourful things came from. Learning that Brio uses its wood only from renewable forests was just as reassuring as knowing their plastic parts are also responsibly manufactured and free from 'high concern' substances and chemicals. Little fingers and most importantly delicate baby gums we're about to witness first hand have mama's confident green light. And how lucky they are! Pretty colours, sturdy textures, excellent quality, easy to assemble and dismantle to beat the clock at the end of the day. Expecting a baby brother, Nadia made sure she chose something they could play with together (before she'll really and truly test it beforehand which I'm sure he won't mind). A countryside horse set had to be picked while there is still a space on the floor and baby proofing is just a term we don't recognize. At least until the next springtime. Endless fun, just have enough batteries for the train and you know how serious it can get. Plus a pull along horse for the time when it's the most fun to get around on both feet and chase everybody in sight. Great choice for sure just as this beautiful motion wobbler serving as a paper weight at the moment ;)


 And you may still be looking to help out Easter bunny this coming holiday with little something to go along with all those chocolate eggs. I believe I am qualified enough to say after not having much of life outside this site for a couple of mornings that Brio has it all for citizens of different age groups, newborns happily included (this sweet box of magnetic blocks will definitely not push us out the door but in the latitude of certain rainy days I'm convinced we'll make a lot of magic happen indoors). So the magic kept happening since receiving the bulky box of toys Nadia's in charge of, sweetly committed to look after them in whatever form it will be before her brother arrives (I saw the horse flying high before landing safely on the sofa. Healthy sense of control). 

Thank you so much, Brio for gifting us with your toys, it feels even more special to know the fun soon will be doubled.

►► This post is sponsored by Brio. Thank you so much for the opportunity and to my readers for supporting our sponsors. x
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I'm Eli, an optimist in training collecting an awful lot of ballet pumps and spending too much time admiring the sea. You'll find me writing about the joys of parenting, fashion, simple pleasures that all together create a beautiful life. xx

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