Goooooodbye, my friend

“IT’S NOT A REINVENTION, BUT RATHER AN INTERVENTION”

HIYA.

It’s been a long time coming. I’ve gone to change my username on here a dozen times or more, and “chickened out”. You see, @instagram was the only remaining social channel that I used JUDY PINK as my username. So many people knew me IRL as such, it always felt tricky to change it! While I’m sad to say goodbye to Judy Pink, this isn’t a reinvention but rather an intervention. Today I am, just me.

I thought I better introduce myself – my *actual* name is Claire👋🏻

(Cue: “her name’s Claire” 🎶)

I’m thirty something and 5 foot nothing. I’m from the North East and (somewhat proudly) reside in the North West🐝  Mama to two and a half-wife of 16 years to another. I’ve recently taken to sewing – I have no idea either – but it’s keeping me sane during this weird time 🤷‍♀️

So there we have it. Judy Pink is officially no more. And I’m, just me.

C
✖️✖️✖️

ASOS x KLARNA // SHOP TODAY & GIVE BACK WITH KLARNA

Klarna x Red Cross event | ASOS Style Feed
CLICK TO SHOP AT ASOS.COM >>>

 

SHOP AND GIVE BACK WITH KLARNA

As you’re aware, people on the front line of the COVID-19 response around the world are showing total bravery by risking their lives and helping others.

So, Klarna (one of the major payment partners at ASOS)  has teamed up with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to bring a great way to give back. On Wednesday 29 April, £1 from every Klarna purchase on ASOS will be donated to the ICRC!

WHAT THE ICRC DOES

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation that is directly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people, such as those living in countries affected by conflict. This includes sanitation work to prevent the spread of the disease and supporting vital health infrastructure such as hospitals. It also involves working to ensure access to clean water for countless communities and resilience-building activities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

HOW TO SHOP WITH KLARNA

 

Klarna gives you different ways to pay for your ASOS orders – so you can shop easier, and budget better.

To pay for your order with Klarna, tap ‘Change’ under payment type when you’re in checkout. Then tap ‘Add New Payment Method’ and add your chosen Klarna payment method. Place your order, and you’re done – £1 of your purchase will automatically go to the ICRC!*

Plus, don’t forget to share this one-day initiative with your friends and family, because every little bit counts.

*Only applies to eligible customers 18+ years of age in the UK, Germany, USA, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Klarna will donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross £1 from every successful ‘Pay 30 days later’ or ‘Instalments’ purchase made through ASOS on 29 April 2020. 

Peace & love
C
✖️✖️✖️

LOCKDOWN 2020 // COOL COLOURING SHEETS

 

TIME TO ADD SOME COLOUR: Cool (printable and free!) colouring sheets.

We’re currently in lockdown, here in the UK, and while the weather has been pretty good (now thats unprecedented!) the kids always need something to keep them occupied during that rare and scarce downtime. As so many of us are working from home or have other children that require more 1:1 care, colouring sheets are vast becoming something of a life-saver and a bit of routine too!

We’ve found colouring sheets really fun – they’re also a great way to encourage a little bit of mindfulness. A bit of time to zone out. I’ve personally done my fair share of colouring sheets too – when accidentally on purpose printing out one too many for Eli. A lot of our favourite small brands and businesses have created their own colouring sheets, printable, and for free, using their signature styles and branding. Some of these sheets are perfect for colouring and popping up in your windows to brighten the day of your neighbours and those passing by. Some of these sheets might also be nice to colour and send to those that you’re missing or as a little “hello” note for neighbours or perhaps (like us) you have a local nursing home that are accepting artwork to spark a little bit of joy for residents.

Also, just to add, these colouring sheets are predominantly aimed at the kids, but let’s not lie to ourselves when we say that “we’re printing them for the kids”. Because they’re really good when you’re a fully fledged adult too. Whatever that is…

Without further ado, I have compiled a list of all my favourite colouring sheets so far. I’ll continue adding more as they crop up.

Enjoy colouring – and let me know which you’ve done!

Peace & love
C
✖️✖️✖️


TILLY HOBBS & CO // STAY SAFE OUR KID

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // TILLY HOBBS & CO – STAY SAFE OUR KID >>>

 

 GOOUTSIDETHELINES.CO.UK x CLEMMIE TELFORD // SUPERSTAR REWARD CHART

Superstar Sunday - with bank holiday and half Term we thought you might like a little help. 😜😜😜•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•= #Repost @judypink - how's it going? 👍🏻👎🏻 ・・・ 🔙🔛 I'm relying on you @gooutsidethelines @clemmie_telford! 🤜🏻🤛🏻 #gooutsidethelines
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // SUPERSTAR REWARD CHART >>>

 

MUTHA HOOD // STRONG GIRLS CLUB ACTIVITY SHEETS

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // STRONG GIRLS CLUB ACTIVITY SHEETS >>>

 

WONDER&RAH // LOTS OF LOVELY COLOURING SHEETS

Mothers Day Colouring Sheet - Rainbows
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // LOTS OF LOVELY SHEETS >>>

HUXBABY // VERY COOL COLOURING PACK

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // SUPER COOL COLOURING PACK >>>

 

EMILY BOOKS // COLOURFUL COLOURING SHEETS

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // COLOURFUL COLOURING SHEETS >>>

 

JAGO SILVER // NEVER STOP EXPLORING

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // NEVER STOP EXPLORING >>>

 

ELEANOR BOWMER // SUPER CUTE COLOURING PACK

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // SUPER CUTE COLOURING PACK >>>

 

DISKO KIDS & FRIENDS // COLOURING SHEETS BY NEON MARL, DISKO KIDS, MAMA DESIGNS & GAYLE MANSFIELD

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // DISKO KIDS & FRIENDS’ SHEETS >>>

 

TANDEM GREEN // BEAR HUG PRINTABLE

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // BEAR HUGS >>>

 

LE TOY VAN // LOTS AND LOTS OF COLOURING SHEETS

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // LE TOY VAN COLOURING >>>

 

MADDIE // THE SCRIBBLE SHED – COLOURING TIME

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // COLOURING TIME >>>

 

PLAYGROUND // FRANKIE – FLYING ICECREAM

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // FLYING ICE-CREAM >>>

 

RACHEL MAHON // THANK YOU & STAY HOME

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // THANK YOU & STAY HOME >>>

 

BOB THE BRAND // AMAZING ACTIVITY PACK

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // AMAZING ACTIVITY PACK >>>

 

NICOLA ROWLANDS // POSTAL WORKER SUPERHERO SHEET

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD // POSTAL SUPERHERO SHEET >>>

FEATURES // PLEASE

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Now that my work/life balance is sorted I can shift my attention back to my website. It’s almost there and will soon have the addition of further “spotlight” spaces for simple advertising and The Shop.

For a bit of background, I have always been a champion of the Mama-brands, the Dad-preneurs and the family run. Focus is on Fashion (in the broadest of terms) along with Design & Lifestyle. I’m again, welcoming collaborations for features. So, if you’re a new or established brand, business, service, or heck – just a Mama gang of one (!!) with something that’s important to you to shout about, then I’d love you to get in touch!

Use my Contact form or shoot me an email.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

✖️✖️✖️


#TheMemoirsofJudyPink

THURSDAY KIDS | Kids’ Style: 16/06

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• T H U R S D A Y. K I D S •
Feat some of my current faves:
✖️Bag // @tibaandmarl
✖️Tee // @nor_folk
✖️Hareems // @stitched_up_apparel
✖️Feet // @vans_europe

MM.

 

THE EDIT: Something For The Weekend | 03/06.

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I’m going to be curating a weekly ‘Top 8’, ahead of the weekend, looking mostly at online shops. This week I’ve looked at the New Arrivals of some of my favourite online shops. All products are available currently on the UK sites and are priced in GBP. It’s been a real mixed bag weather-wise, so this week’s Edit reflects that!

This week’s online shopping Edit:

1: HELMUT LANG: Oversized Cashmere Coat – £955.

2: MARKUS LUPFER: Embellished Sweatshirt – £250.

3: ASOS: Pintuck Blouse with tie detail – £36.

4: SAINT LAURENT: Leopard Lunchbox Bag – £1095.

5: ANNINA VOGEL: Horsehoe Necklace, 9ct Gold – £250.

6: TOPSHOP: Ruffled Peplum Top – £40.

7: TOPSHOP: Topshop Boutique Boyfriend Jean – £55.

8: TOPSHOP: FANG Flatform Sandal – £49.

#MoMSFTW 

MM.

BACK | TO | BLIGHTY.

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The first weekend back in England and we had a forage in our new back garden, where we found the most marvellous rhubarb! 

—-

…and just like that, we’re back in Blighty.

For me, our secondment to Berlin feels like such a whirlwind. A total blur. We were there 9 months, and for the most part, I loved it. Loved being at work, loved the people, the culture, the places to see and the things to do. Berlin was incredible for kids. Which I had never anticipated! Even restaurants will go out of their way for children. It’s a highly child-friendly City.

But the truth is, England is home. And in Essex, we’ve found a county that I’m not sure I could ever move away from again.

Also, just wanted to shout out to some new friends. I felt majorly disconnected and really quite lonely when we were living out in Berlin. Whilst this may, or may not, come as a surprise, I found the Insta-Community to be ERRRRRRRRYTHING. I can’t tell you how much the chatter and support helped me. Even if I wasn’t mustering the energies to join in – just keeping abreast of how everyone else was getting on, also helped. Never underestimate the power of a Digital-shoulder, and how it can impact on others! I look forward to meeting you all IRL soon.

It feels good to be back.

I have started writing a Things I Missed list, in true Mother Of All Lists (aka and/or Clemmie @Peckham_Mamma) style! Might be helpful for prospective/current Ex-Pat’s living in all different corners of this lovely globe of ours.

So here is to being back in Blighty. I’ve missed you, you gorgeous thing.

MM.

 

Brand In Focus | Tiba + Marl.

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FINALLY. Changing Bags Got Cool. No truer a word to say about Tiba + Marl. They’ve done it. And done it so, so well. T+M founders, (and mega-Mum Bosses) Lydia and Anna, have masterminded not only the coolest changing bags, but the most practical too.

It was last year that I came across Tiba+Marl, on Instagram, of course. I was shocked to find that the brand had only been around since 2015 itself. The collection was so considered. So strong. Perfect design for the modern parent. It was as though they’d been going for a heckuva lot longer!

When we found out I was pregnant with Eli, back in 2011, the first thing I wanted to buy was a changing bag! OF COURSE. I’m alllllll about the bags. We wanted something unisex – something functional – something cool. There wasn’t anything we liked. We literally searched for about 7 1/2 months. In the end, we went for a Mulberry Clipper holdall bag – that wasn’t even a changing bag at all! (See my blog post all the way back to 2012 about my changing bag woes, here!). We soon found out that it wasn’t big enough and was really awkward to get the things you did need in and out, quickly, and without everything falling out! It looked nice and was pretty waterproof (British weather, you do have a lot to answer for the majority of the year). But as soon as I could manage, I went back to using my old bags… and opted for my Longchamp Le Pliage bag until recently. Which obviously, ain’t so unisex. Or practical.

Enter Tiba+Marl.

A total gamechanger.

A little bit about the collection. The current T+M collection (including the newly launched collection) features four key designs – The Elwood (Backpack), The Raf (Holdall), The Mabel (Tote) and The Etta (Changing Clutch). Design’s come in a number of print’s and textures. On top of these main bag styles, there are also *new* snack packs (so, so good! On my to buy list), changing mat’s, The Delphine Bum-Bag (MASSIVE SWOON), stroller clips and the fruity Al ‘Monster’ Keyring. The cutest thing ever though? Has to be the Mini Elwood backpacks – currently available in Floral print, Leopard print and *new* Sticker print.

We purchased the Black Elwood (Adult) and the Mini Elwood in Leopard print for Eli. Never have I been more excited for a child with a bag. Neither has he. Eli takes after me when it comes to bag’s. He loves a bag. But he was quite literally spinning with excitement at his new Leopard backpack! Although I haven’t technically “changed” Eli for a good long while now, the Elwood bag for me is more than a changing bag. I’ll outline this below!

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SO. What are the finer details for each of my purchases?

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Black ELWOOD – £120 – Click to purchase.

Stylish and practical, the ELWOOD is the ideal unisex choice and leaves you hands free for a busy day out-and-about. Crafted from tumbled black faux leather for a luxurious finish, this backpack is large enough to fit most laptops and doubles up perfectly as a work bag, gym bag or carry-on bag.

  • Luxury padded changing mat
  • Insulated bottle holder
  • Internal laptop pocket
  • Smart phone pocket
  • Removable wet clutch / cross body bag
  • Grab top handle
  • Padded lower back panel
  • Chunky metal zips with double pullers for easy access
  • Metal feet
  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
  • Wipe clean lining

Composition
Outer – 100% PU / Faux leather
Inner – 100% Nylon with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 42cm W: 32cm D: 18cm

MINI_ELWOOD_LEOPARD_01

Leopard Print MINI ELWOOD – £35. Click to purchase. 

The MINI ELWOOD is the ideal everyday choice for your little fashionista. Spacious and practical it features a zipped front pocket, adjustable straps, easy grab zip pulls and a top carry handle.

  • Water resistant & wipe clean inside & out
  • Zip front pocket
  • Adjustable padded straps
  • Padded back
  • Top grab handle

Composition
100% Nylon with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 29cm W: 22cm D: 12cm

Top of the #MoMWishlist are:

DELPHINE_BUMBAG_01

DELPHINE Bum Bag – £45. Click to purchase.

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*NEW* Sticker Print ARLO Snack Pack – £22. Click here to purchase.

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RAF Holdall – £120. Click here to purchase.

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So there you have it. Just wanted to finally add that both our purchases are of supreme, luxury quality. The adult ELWOOD is perfect for both me and my OH. It’s large and sturdy. I love the fact there are so many pockets, perfect for my laptop, phone, cosmetics, gym-kit (!!!), shopping and of course all the toddler wares we need to carry around. This backpack also includes a changing mat and wet bag (that you could totally use as a handbag on a night out!) and an ever so useful insulated bottle holder – that’s gotta be handy for the ever-present coffee that comes hand in hand with a toddler too, right? A must for parents-to-be, and parents to mega-kids too. Eli’s Leopard print MINI ELWOOD is a great size, soft and durable for toddler scuffage. Love the unisex leopard print, comfortable padded straps and chunky easy-to-pull zips.

I can’t wait to see what else these wonderful Mama’s come up with next! They’ve basically encouraged me to want more baba’s, just so I can utilise EVERYTHING they’re designing! Keep at it ladies, you’re bloody ace of base!

 

MM.

About TIBA + MARL. 

Tiba+Marl’s award winning contemporary collection redefines the staid tradition of baby bags by combining modern graphic prints, premium and high tech materials and stylish yet practical design.

The trend driven shapes including sports-luxe backpacks, stylish tote bags, modern satchels and chic holdalls mean the bags offer a life beyond the nappy changing bag.

#TibaandMarl & #changingbagsfinallygotcool 

*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a pair of  Mum Bosses who I think are frikkin amazing*. 

THE EDIT | The Black Shoulder Bag.

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APC Half Moon Bag | Image: Pinterest.

—-

I recently came to the conclusion that I have a new wardrobe void. I’m “missing” a small-medium sized,  smart/casual black shoulder bag (with gold hardware). Having lost my phone, not once, but twice (and miraculously TWICE it was handed in by kind folk!) from my Chanel 2.55, I have decided I need a bag that will effectively contain my wares.

I’ve trawled through my favourites and here is my Edit of The Black Shoulder Bag – perfect for shopping to dinner to dancing, and back round the shops again.

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A.P.C – Half Moon Bag –  £280. Available at selected stockists.

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SAINT LAURENT Monogram université – £1,500.

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Chloé – Drew Bag – £1, 140.

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Céline- Trio Bag – Around £650. Available at selected stockists.

 

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Valentino – Rock Stud Bag – £1, 240.

 

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Maje – Sharon Bag – £420.

 

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GUCCI – Soho Bag – £650.

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Mansur Gavriel – £395. Available at selected stockists.

 

I definitely have my eyes firmly fixed on the classic Céline Trio and the A.P.C Half Moon bag; with the A.P.C delight hitting the top of my #MoMWishlist! Which are your favourite(s)?

MM.

Brand In Focus | Southwood Stores.

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Southwood Stores is an online concept store by Hayley Southwood, where you will find handpicked, quirky, Scandinavian influenced gifts and homewares. Hayley believes passionately about empowering women and has recently launched her own in-house label GRAY, celebrating strong women.

I first came across Hayley and her online shop back in 2013. (I can’t believe it was 3 years ago?! Time sure does fly with a toddler in tow!) At that time, Hayley was the only UK stockist of Hello Apparel; and I went straight ahead and ordered a HELLO Jumper from her, along with one of our most loved prints that sat in Eli’s bedroom, The Mountain Print by Clare Nicholson. I always loved parcels from Hayley, with the attention to detail of packaging and customer care; with some treats even winging their way over to Berlin!

Watching Hayley, via Instagram, over the past few years has been wonderful. Seeing how her little shop has grown and expanded with wicked new products and new brands, through to the launch of her very own clothing label: GRAY By Southwood Stores.  The ethos of Hayley and her shop is to be brave and follow your dreams. And she’s definitely succeeding there – having now opened her very own Southwood Stores showroom – where you can not only have a cuppa with the lady herself, but from here she also offers Social Media / Branding services with sessions operating on-site.

Details of showroom opening times are as follows:

Monday 10am-2.30pm
Wednesday 10am-2.30pm
Friday 10am-2.30pm
First Saturday of the month 11am-2pm

I could buy everything that Southwood Stores have in stock, but here are some of my current favourites hitting the top of my #MoMWishlist:

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WIRE MESH MEMO-BOARD (BLUE) – £55.00

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VINTAGE SCHOOL CHAIRS – £60.00

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PALM LEAVES – £55.00

Back to GRAY By Southwood Stores. Hayley worked really hard to find the right garments for her label – high quality and responsibly made. The slogan graphic prints are also locally screen-printed by a “woman owned business”. I think it’s fantastic that Hayley has stuck to her local roots here too – there’s nothing better than championing your local business community and spreading the love even further afield.

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The sweatshirts are super soft, wash well and have a really flattering fit. I went for the WARRIOR sweatshirt. Because, well, we’re all WARRIORS. “The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about”. This is something that resonated deeply with me – and I do feel like a proper WARRIOR when I’m wearing my sweatshirt. It’s more than just words, isn’t it? It’s about how these things make you FEEL.

On top of alllllll this, Hayley is also hosting a series of Conversational Meet-Up’s, of like-minded Women. The recent one looked brilliant so look forward to the next Event’s being scheduled. You can find the latest details and tickets, here. 

Hayley is a true inspiration and I look forward to seeing how Southwood Stores continues to grow and evolve! (Oh, and I can’t wait to have a cuppa with her in person at the new showroom soon!). Keep doing what you’re doing Hayley, everything about your being is amazing. Just remember to BREATHE (and get the kettle on!).

 

MM.

*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a Mama who I think is frikkin amazing*.