I alluded earlier this week that this one has been particularly whirlwind like.​

This week has resulted in a number of new exciting opportunities, ​a couple of back burners coming into full flame and one 2am photo editing session finish.

But I wouldn't have it any other way. This is a time when I need to take a moment to reflect on how lucky I am. ​Earlier this month our life had a wobble, worrying about someone and their health, but thank goodness the worry has passed.

Two new babies were born into our circle of friends this week. Two little pink ones, Penelope and Rosie. Welcome to the world little ones, it's wonderful right now.​

First up in my discoveries is this sweet lucky penny key chain, which I am going to order one of the new parents.​ Yes, yes I know it's a little cheesy but I love it.

I also love this birth announcement onesie from Fancy Frugal Life​. I wonder if they ship internationally?!

We have a summer holiday booked in 6 weeks with our best friends and Sammy's sweetheart, to my in-laws holiday home in Altea in Spain. I decided I either needed to start a crash diet or bite the bullet and buy swimming costumes. Although I instantly feel 20 years older, (I don't know why, they are much more flattering than bikinis to my "given birth to two sons body") I have fallen in love with the comfort, support and shape they give my tree trunk waist. ​

I love the selection by Marks and Spencer, very 50's in styling, including this skirted version, and tummy control who wouldn't want that?! ​

Speaking of holidays we have gone a little mad and are sneaking in 2 nights away without the boys! A friend introduced me to this incredible ​product photographer who offers a 4 day workshop to Honfleur in France. Unfortunately, the next trip is over the week Sammy starts school so there is no way I could go! Queue the man I married "Well why don't we go anyway?" Now that's why I married him. 

I have permission to totally indulge and take as many photographs of the people, the architecture, the harbour, the scenery, the food, the apple trees and not forgetting the barrels at the Calvados distillery. All with a glass of wine in hand. In the sunshine. Heaven.

We have booked a dreamy hotel within walking distance of the town centre and set sail on the fast ferry from Portsmouth at 7am on Friday 26th July. Fancy coming along for the ride via Twitter?! ​

The camera has been lucky too this week and now has a pancake 40mm lens for day trips. It makes the camera feel like it's just got it's life time membership at Slimming World. My favourite American blog ​released a new photo app this week and I immediately spent a small fortune. They get you with those in app purchases don't they?! You will want it, I guarantee!

​We have been doing lots of research on big boys bicycles this week. For someone's big 4th Birthday in 2 weeks. But it has got me lusting after girly bicycles with baskets overflowing with flowers. Then I spotted these. How cool would you look with your toosh on one of these?!

And lastly, the house is slowly getting covered in Circus Party paraphernalia. If you disagree with over the top children's parties then I suggest you don't read this blog for a couple of weeks! ​I spied this post and just had to share it. Incredible! 

Have lovely weekends whatever you are doing. We have a quieter weekend at home. A birthday party to go to, finally sorting my office and a photo session for Richard's cousin. ​And a Saturday morning in pyjamas. Until noon. Lush.

​I love Carolyn Gavin's illustrations, check out her work here.

This week feels like hurricane Lucy has hit Weston super Mare.

I'm rushing around, have work meetings in Bristol, writing list after list, frantically sending work and pleasure emails, trying to catch up on opportunities and have a birthday party looming.

A big birthday party and it's getting bigger by the day. Not in a bad way, but there is just another thing I want to make, another site to bookmark, a couple of extra bits to print. Plus I have a blog this year that is helping with lots of details. More soon on that note.

Yes I know I could make life simpler and have 3 friends over for tea, but that's just not me. ​Whilst I am sure he would enjoy it just the same, I'm a more is more kind of gal.

​I'd like to state for the record I am not in the least bit complaining. This is how I love life. Busy, bright and full of mayhem. I am an all or nothing girl. But all is feeling like the world this week. 

I do my best work under pressure. Always left exam revision to the night before and am most productive the hour before a deadline. If only there was just 3 hours more in the day. 

Here is a glimpse into my manic week.​

I feel like I am stood on the top of a waterfall and I just need to jump. After the chaos and panic of the fall will come calm waters.​ Who wants to jump with me?

Here's to living every second to the full.​

I am genetically programmed to adore magazines. My Mum has bought every (yes every) single edition of Woman and Woman's Own (I can't tell the difference to be honest) for the last 45 years. If she is away, she will ask a friend to buy them for when she gets home. 

My sister and I are nosey by nature and love reading about the details of the latest celebrity wedding ​but over the past year, I have stopped buying the glossy gossip magazines and found the most eclectic collection of independent publications and online editions. Plus I can always borrow them from Natalie if I need a celebrity fix!

I live a busy life and often have my nose in the laptop rather than thumbing real life pages. ​I read constantly but sometimes sitting down for 10 minutes and absorbing the experience of reading a real magazine, can be so relaxing.

My favourites are more than magazines to me. They are individual little works of art. ​

Lionheart. Hells bells this is a magazine for everyone who wants to roar. Roar about the unusual, untapped and imaginative. Each issue is almost a beautiful book in itself. Something you can pick up and put down, as you see something different and engaging each time. And its founder and editor, who is based in Bristol, is actually called Hels Bells. Awesome. 

Flamingo. You don't have to stand on one leg to read it but you may stand open mouthed. Thought provoking articles and a craft magazine without a pastel shade in sight.​ Printed in London on paper that feels rough and smooth at the same time, it's a magazine that leaves you wanting more. More stories from the illustrators featured, more research into the cultural projects featured. I read an article and want to go straight online to find out more.

Flow. A wonderful explosion of colour awaits you in this Dutch magazine. ​One for true paper lovers, each edition is something to treasure. I could re read it over and over again. Inspiring ideas and there is also an app which features Japanese paper crafts. I'm sold.

I could have made this post a hundred times longer but I want you to discover these literary discoveries for yourself and not spoil the magic. Check them out, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

I'll post my favourite online publications later this week. There are some jaw dropping beautiful magazines on line. Do you have any to add to my list?!​