Vilnius walks - Uzupis

If you ever find yourself in a beautiful place called Vilnius, then there are a couple of things I can recommend to you to make your stay more pleasant, after all I was born here. I used to walk with my mum to her work-place via that bridge in the above photo when I was a toddler (mum works in fashion so occasionally I was allowed to come in with her and disrupt everyone else's creativity).  This time Little Miss S was walking with us.

Vilnius has the most stunning Old-Town. It's full of little boutiques, cafes and restaurants dotted around narrow and quaint cobbled streets.

Start your day in Uzupis by grabbing yourself a coffee and some fresh bread or a cake.

Maybe in here?

Then begin exploring. Uzupis is known as an 'artist republic'. It even has it's own constitution (not real obviously, but I am very happy to live by it!).

A lot of architecture still hasn't been renovated in this part, so it's a real gem.

Many artists live and work here. In the daytime it's quiet and laid-back, people getting on with their work, mothers lunching and cats lounging around in the sun, but in the evenings all the 'bohemians' like to come out with their red wine and cigarettes. The atmosphere can be truly amazing, especially on the warm summer evenings that we've been having recently.

Take a seat

Wine bar

Lunch at Uzupio Klasika

River Vilnele - great place to be when it's hot

More walks to come!

On holiday

Very sorry for the lack of posts, but as you might know we are away on holiday *huge smirk on my face*. This post comes from sunny Lithuania where we have been eating, eating, more eating (even as I type this post I am eating), swimming, exploring and seeing friends and family. I haven't lived in Lithuania for nearly 15 years now (wish I could say I was a baby then...I wasn't, I'm just a tiny bit older than that...), but this is one of my favourite places to holiday (no, I am not biased, I just really like). Vilnius is a stunning city with lots of cozy little cafes, restaurants and bustling bars. Rain or shine, Lithuanians like to sit outside during summer months. If you get a little chilly by midnight (yes, having my dear mum as a babysitter gave Hubby and I a chance to have quite a few so called 'date' nights), then the waiter will happily give you a warm blanket. I love this whole 'blanket culture', it is very popular in continental Europe. We should bring it to London! Vilnius is also very cultural. From jazz bars to museums, theaters and classical music concerts. However, if the weather gets too hot and you fancy to relax by the water, then there are hundreds of lakes nearby. Trakai (photo above) is a pretty little town 20 minutes drive from Vilnius that has plenty of fresh water lakes and lots of great places to eat. You can hire a cottage for a few nights, or choose one of many fabulous hotels. You can also get a boat for the whole day or a few hours, which I highly recommend. And don't forget the sauna in the evening (followed by the swim in the lake) - something that most Lithuanians do in he summer (some crazy ones do it in the winter too).

Nap time for Little Miss S, coffee time for mum and dad

As it is Wednesday today, I am conneting to Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore.

Heading out for drinks and dinner with Hubby and friends at the beginning of our holiday when it was a little rainy. I am wearing:

Jacket: Aquascutum
Jeans: 7 for All Mankind
Bag: Mulberry
Brolly: Burberry
Shoes: L.K. Bennett

Mama on duty. Weather is back to normal (hot!) and I am wearing:

Top: bought in Greece. Perfect for this weather as it is pretty much see-through and open at the back
Short: Ralph Lauren (extremely ancient but still great)
Sandals: from Greece (saw lots of lovely sandals here in Vilnius so might sneak off to the shops...)

Our holiday is not over yet. We are off to the seaside now. Little Miss S learnt a new word 'sea' whilst we were away in Greece and she hasn't stopped repeating it. Now it's time to see the sea again;) Till next time (I've got thousands of gorgeous photos and lots of yummy recipes to share).

Holiday routine

Thank you to all my readers who emailed me with various questions regarding traveling with the baby. I remember our first trip abroad with Little Miss S (post here) and how nervous and apprehensive I felt. Very soon (hooray!) we are off again and by this stage I am starting to loose count of Little Miss S's trips abroad, but that doesn't mean that I stopped panicking before we leave (Little Miss S has now decided that airports are boring - and who can blame her?!).

Anyway, I already wrote about packing and flying, but there is another aspect to a holiday with the little one - the holiday itself. I've come to a conclusion that in order to have a relaxing holiday with a baby or toddler (yes, I did say relaxing!), you have to establish a routine. I am a great believer that good routine equals content baby and (not a rocket science) content baby equals very happy parent! Therefore, if you have a routine at home, then it's a good idea to carry that through to your holiday. Yes, I know that words 'routine' and 'holiday' should not really be put together, because after all holiday is there to 'rescue' us from the routine, but when you become a parent routine becomes your good friend. And anyway, lets be honest, it's not like you get a chance to sunbathe on the beach everyday.

This was our holiday routine:

- Wake up at 9am (thank Goodness for time difference +2hrs), milk for Little Miss S and coffee for parents. Quick shower, lots of Factor 50 (for Little Miss S), pack beach bag (this task always takes forever as we had LOTS of stuff) and off we go to the beach.
- On the way, stop at our favourite café (same one every day) for breakfast. If we do fancy a long(ish) relaxing breakfast, then our friend iPad comes out to play. We sip our coffee to the sound of sea and Baby TV. Bliss.
- Set up camp on the beach. Prime spot - right on the water , so we can play and relax (yes, it's possible) at the same time. Little Miss S 'formed' a little group of friends who were also there every day. It kept her occupied for hours.
- Snack time at 12.30 and then nap time in the tent. SunSense is one of my best buys for holidays. She had her naps in there last year as well. It protects her from the sun and heat. What a better place to nap than beach. I even had a snooze with her in there once. It's very cozy.
- Nap time for Little Miss S means uninterrupted tan time for mummy and daddy. Or a book, or an ice cold beer! Or a nap too.
- 3pm is food time. We head off to the same tried and tested restaurant. Before Little Miss S came into this world, Hubby and I would try out different places everyday, but now I like to know exactly what we are going to get. I want to be sure that the food is fresh and good quality. Last thing you need on holiday is for your little one to get food poisoning.
- After late lunch we take a stroll down the road to grab some ice-cream and then back to the beach to play and swim. My favourite time on the beach is either early mornings or after 4pm when the sun is not so hot.
- Around 6pm we start making a move back to the apartment. Quick coffee (or rose) on the terrace and the preparations for the evening begin. Once showered and dressed we finally venture out at around 7.30.
- Stop over at our favourite tavern next door (we have been going there for three years now). It only opens at 7pm. It is family owned and Mama spends the whole day preparing food for the evening. All ingredients are from their garden! Time for Little Miss S' dinner. Lamb or beef stew with fresh long beans, stuffed courgette flowers, tzatziki...delicious. Hubby and I have some too as it's impossible not to eat, but our dinner will be at around 10pm once little angel is asleep.
- After dinner, it's time for the long walk through the town, along the beach and maybe some shopping!
- Now then, here is a 'crafty' little idea for you how to go out for late dinner and some wine with a toddler. By around 9pm we get back to the apartment and get Little Miss S ready for bed. Put her in the cot and chill out on the terrace for a bit. Once she is deep in her sleep (after so much playing on the beach), we put her in her pram and venture out next door for some food and wine. We always have our table in the corner, a little away from everyone, so that she can sleep peacefully. Spend there a few hours and then back to the apartment to sleep. Little Miss S is completely unaware that she has been out 'partying'. Two good things to pack if you are taking your little one out in the pram in the evening: mosquito net for pram (there are lots of these little buggers in hot countries) and a dark cotton sheet, so it stays nice and dark in the pram (I've heard that SnoozeShade is good so might try that next time). We were lucky to have our favourite family run tavern right next door to our apartment, as they are extremely accommodating and family orientated.

We had utterly relaxing holiday. Little Miss S was very content and happy. She ate well and slept well. I mean what more can a parent possibly want? Remember, it might take a couple of days to get into a holiday routine, but once it's done, it's great!

So enjoy your holidays wherever you are off to and make some lovely memories. These are the most special moments.

What we wore on holiday

The beauty about going on holiday is that you loose the sense of time. Today is Wed (how did that happen?) and it's time to connect to Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday.

Well, not much really. I managed to survive with just one bikini (it can be done), one pair of flip flops, one pair of sandals (although I later bought another one...), a few beach dresses, one pair of shorts and a couple of vests. I did read somewhere that a lot of women end up spending nearly just as much money on getting ready for the holiday as they would spend on the actual holiday (?!). So maybe last minute getaway is a way forward? Saying that, I am planning a few shopping trips for our next holiday in July...

I am wearing my bikini bought 4 years ago very very long time ago in St Tropez.
Little Miss S is wearing a very sensible all in one UV swimsuit from Boots and a hat from Vertbaudet.

And this is one of my evening outfits.

Trousers: Ted Baker
Sandals: Kurt Geiger
Vest: Mango
Cardigan: Zara
Bag: Mulberry

Little Miss S wore this cute dress from Jojo Maman Bebe and shoes from Babux.

Just pack and fly away

And it's pretty much what we did. Spontaneity does not go hand in hand with small children, but sometimes it's possible (especially if you are not attached to school holidays). So off we went to our favourite place in a very sunny Greece. Last minute meant no necessary unnecessary bikini shopping, lots of running around trying to get various items (a lot of cute summer dresses) for Little Miss S, squeezing in a pedicure, drop off Cayman the dog at our very accommodating friends' house and even managing a glass (or two) of wine whilst there. Mr Hubby did a very 'man thing' and got all of his stuff at the airport!

Flight went reasonably well. 8pm departure meant it was past Little Miss S's bed time and she did get agitated. She likes pushing her own pram around so we did that for about 30 minutes. We walked past Champagne and Caviar bar, both Hubby and I gazing longingly at ice cold bubbly and lobster, but Little Miss S had other ideas, so we settled in at kid's play area with a cup of coffee. As we were eventually getting on the plane, Little Miss S had a little cry big scream, but eventually fell asleep  and slept right through the whole flight, meaning mummy and daddy did have an opportunity to toast the beginning of their holidays with a glass of champagne.

From this point onwards it has been great. We have established a routine for Little Miss S. I think in order to have a relaxing holiday with a toddler, it is important to set a routine because children like that. I get to have my 'me' time once she is napping in her Sun Sense tent on the beach (best invention ever). In the evenings she likes falling asleep in her cot, so once she in a land of nod, Hubby and I will put her in a pram and will pop over next door for a lot some food and local wine. Yes, we do the same thing every day but it works and everyone is very happy and relaxed. What more could you possibly want!

More to come...

Sea breeze

Hello sunshine, hello sea

Can you actually believe it that we had a warm and sunny weather here in the UK during the Bank holiday? No, neither can I and when it was pouring down with rain and hailstones (!!) last Friday in London , I was kind of expecting the worst for our trip to the Isle of Wight (actually, I am contemplating an idea of adopting a new motto in life - expect the worst and you will never be disappointed...). Anyway, after nearly being blown off the Portsmouth Harbour by gail force winds early on Saturday morning, Isle of Wight greeted us with sunshine and as the day went on, it got warmer and warmer (I am not a great fan of cold weather whatsoever).

We stayed at The Grange, which is a lovely and very 'informal' family run hotel with the most stunning gardens.

I will be truthfully honest and admit that I was a little apprehensive about the trip (you can just see the positivity seeping through me). We were staying in Shanklin town because the main reason for the trip was a Christening and some hotels that my good friend Google recommended were not that inspiring to say the least. I am not overly fussy and I certainly do not need 5 star luxury all the time, but something just a little special certainly helps...especially when you have a toddler with you and you need things to go as smooth as possible. The Grange was pretty, laid back and thoughtful (sounds like me). The beaches were sandy and clean, and the Old Shanklin Village was postcard perfect. Oh, and we had our own little terrace overlooking a garden, which was great for a glass of red once Little Miss S fell asleep after a very exciting day on the beach (trust me, this is important when you have kids).

Sunset and Greek Gods - view from our terrace

Little Miss S wore:
Jacket: JoJo Maman Bebe
Scarf: Jacqmar London
Jeans & hat: Vertbaudet
Top: Klass Collection
Shoes: Converse All Stars (I want exactly the same ones for myself!)

I wore:
Trousers: Zara
Top: Ralph Lauren
A little bit of bling (earrings): Swarovski

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Holiday where I can breathe easy ...




Coffee and thoughts on the lake ...

We are trying to book a holiday. And it's like mind vs heart or sense vs sensibility...All inclusive convenience vs simple place where we can just be left 'to be'.

With Little Miss S now being an established toddler this particular holiday is going to be slightly different from the last one. She now needs lots and lots of space (safe space!) to run around and explore. Preferably with a few toys on site that we do not need to transport all the way from London. Something extremely close to the beach. Well, actually on the beach so when the nap time comes we can swiftly and quickly retreat to our room (ideally overlooking the beach and the sea) without walking or driving in the heat. We need something where meals are constantly being served - so if for whatever reason, be it tantrum or boredom, we need to leave - we can always come back later... You see where I am heading now...to my worst nightmare - all inclusive holiday. OK, so I am slightly over exaggerating. It is not actually the worst thing that can happen. I appreciate every single holiday I go to, no matter how many holidays I have already been on. I never stop being excited because, I think, once you lose excitement and appreciation of your travels, you pretty much lose interest in life. I never ever hated any of my holidays. It's just that I, or actually we as Hubby has the same opinion, very much prefer to do things in our own time, on our own terms rather than being tied up to the whole 'schedule' of all inclusive. Holidays that I really cherish and immensely enjoy are actually holidays to 'simple' places. We all need a bit of luxury and papering from time to time but, actually (honestly), too much luxury can get rather tiring. The problem with luxury is that you have to keep up with it. So for instance, if you are going for a meal at the end of your 'hard day' on the beach of your 5 star plus hotel, you still need to look luxurious and sometime looking luxurious is too much of an effort. Sometimes you just want to disappear, to blend in with the locals, to not care, to not think, to not pretend, to not try. You just want to be. To breathe easy without anyone watching you.

I have a few places like that. One of them is our summer house on the lake in Lithuania where you wake up early in the morning and drink your coffee on the lake in just your pyjamas...well, actually just your bikini bottoms...naked if you are comfortable with that. Sun is shining, fish are jumping. You can hear your neighbours across the lake but you cannot see them... Sauna, beers and night time swimming in the lake under the moon. Fresh smoked fish (neighbour has a smoking house). Local women can bring you fresh bread, milk and honey from the village. You can spend the whole week in just your bikini. No make-up, no worrying about what to wear... a week there and your mind is so clear you sometimes forget who you are. We are going there later in the summer.

We also go to this place in Greece. Went there while I was still pregnant with Little Miss S and keep going back. It's our secret escape. So simple but so nice. The gem is basically in the people. We got to know the owner of the apartments and we got to know the people who run a lovely authentic Greek taverna near by. Nothing fancy, very simple but very welcoming. You feel part of their community there and that's another thing that I love about travelling. I want to learn about the culture and food. To form friendships.

As I'm typing this I'm feeling more and more aprehensive about the all inclusive (no matter how luxury) option... The routine of 'all inclusive' makes me want to cry. Holidays should not be timed. But, of course, there are lots of advantages in having everything done for you... that, or we just find a villa right on the beach with a lovely family run restaurant next door and super-reliable occasional babysitter near by... Decisions decisions, hey.

We have been getting ready for our holidays by spending Bank Holiday Weekend at Whitstable Beach.

I wore jeans from my favourite brand 7forallmankind, top from Zara (last season), belt from Whistles and navy ballet pumps from prettyballerinas.
Little Miss S wore jeans and hat from vertbaudet and top from Zara Kids.


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How to travel with a baby whilst keeping your lip gloss on

Anyone who has a baby/ toddler knows too well that travelling might become a somewhat, how shall I put it...a challenging experience. Around this time last year we booked our first holiday with Little Miss S and I remember feeling quite panicky. We were flying to Portugal and all I did after booking a holiday ... No, not shop for bikinis!:) I 'googled' pretty much every available article about what it's like to get on a plane with a baby. Is it safe? Will she scream or sleep? What do I pack? How do I pack everything. Am I being completely selfish by 'dragging' my 6 month bundle of joy to another country (after all it's only us adults who need a holiday whilst she is happy at home). What's wrong with holidaying in UK (erm, weather to start with!!!!!). The list could go on forever. I must have sent about ten emails to the airline just double checking all the allowances for the little one and contacted the owners of the villa where we were staying asking about baby products in their local super-markets. I even 'googled' the content of sodium in Portuguese bottled water(!!) because I have been told that the local tap water is not safe to drink and that some bottled water might contain high levels of sodium which is not good for babies (it's like dreaded Chemistry lesson all over again). Apparently, Evian is your 'safest' choice so I had to triple check that whatever was to become our 'local' super-market for ten days, did have a sufficient supply of Evian!

Anyway, here is my list of advice:

1. Yep, it is absolutely safe for small children to fly. Same as adults, some babies might get an earache, so it's basically 'pot luck'. My Little Miss S luckily avoided earache (touch wood) but I always make sure that she is drinking water/milk during take-off and landing or chewing on some fruit/biscuits (just in case). When she was smaller I found Nuby Nibbler to be a great 'travel companion'. Just fill it in with fruit and let your little one nibble away!
2. Pack wisely. Majority of 'decent' airlines give small children their separate baggage allowance (mostly 10kg) but it's amazing how quickly you fill your suitcases up. Obviously, all depends on your child's age. If they are small and you are breastfeeding then all you really need are nappies, wipes and clothes. When we first travelled, Little Miss S was 6 months and we just started weaning, but I wasn't too keen on taking a blender on holiday!! I did some research and found a villa where they had all the necessary baby equipment, and if they didn't, then the owners were more than happy to get you whatever you need! Check Toca do Mocho. I did pack quite a few Ella's Kitchen pouches just in case:). So my advice is try and go somewhere where it is really baby friendly if it's your first time (Safari in Kenya might not be such a good idea... although I'm sure some people do!). Once you 'made through' your first holiday with your little one, second time is much easier (live and learn).
3. In my pre-baby days I never used to notice small children at the airports/planes unless they were sitting within a close proximity to me and crying uncontrollably (luckily not that often at all). To be honest, I find that it is older children that tend to make a lot of noise rather than small babies. Most of the time, babies tend to fall asleep (great, just be prepared for a 'dead arm' at some stage) whereas toddlers just, well, toddle around. Last time we went on a plane (few months ago) Little Miss S has just entered 'toddlerhood' so she played a little, had some food and fell asleep. Well, we see what happens next time!
4. Anyway, if your little one does decide to have cry - Don't Worry! Just ignore everyone and concentrate on your child. Majority of people are understanding and if they are not ...well, that's their problem and not yours. I, luckily (or luckily for them) never encountered any 'child haters' when flying.
5. I know it sounds pretty obvious but leave your house for the airport in plenty of time. In our pre-baby days Hubby and I would most certainly leave at a very last minute, but trust me you don't want to be running around with a pram and three suitcases. Once at the airport, take your time. You do not want to be hyperventilating. Most of the airports do have Family or Priority lanes for security checks so use them and take your time (you do not want to loose your passport whilst rushing or worst - your child). Also, note that you will be asked to taste all the liquids that you are taking for your baby into a cabin, which can take time at a busy periods.
6. If financially possible, try to book extra leg-room seats or special seats (or a private jet if you are extremely fortunate!). Check that they are not emergency exit seats as under 16's are not allowed to sit there. I normally go for the ones at the front of the plane (get served first!) and obviously all the extra space is 'heaven' when you have a baby sitting on you.
6. Don't be afraid to ask! Babies do not understand "wait just a few minutes, darling". If you need your bottle or food heated up (or anything else) just ask a member of a crew. I know that certain (won't mention names this time) airlines are inclined to sell you food, drink and duty free, and this comes above everything else, but even then don't be afraid to 'pester' because at the end of the day it's your child that needs something (and your sanity together with a sanity of all the passengers). Also, don't be scarred to ask other people for help. For example, my Hubby was carrying 'ten thousand cases' and a pram, and I was carrying Little Miss S and attempting to carry our hand luggage. Quite difficult, but a nice man helped us. If there are no 'nice men about' (most of the time, trust me, there are) then just ask anyone. You would be surprised how helpful other people could be and actually want to be (not all is lost in humanity).
7. Our second holiday with Little Miss S was to Greece when she was abound 9 months. It was in July. Peak season and extremely hot! I was worrying yet again. Heat and babies apparently don't go (although babies do live in Greece, and Africa, and Australia...basically everywhere). She was absolutely fine, but obviously, as a parent, you do need to be very careful in a hot weather. We brought with us a UV tent and it was great. Little Miss S had her naps in there whilst on the beach (although do avoid going there between 11-3 when it is extremely hot). Pack factor 50+, dehydration tablets, UV swimsuit and make sure your little one drinks plenty of fluids. Ah, and mosquito net for the evenings if your child is still at the stage where he/she can sleep in the pram whilst you are having your dinner.

Enjoy yourself! As long as you are being sensible, these first family holidays make some fantastic memories! It will be different from when it was just the two of you, but seeing your little one going into the sea for the first time is absolutely worth it. First few days might not feel like a holiday at all if you are in a unfamiliar place, but once you got your routine established, it should be absolutely amazing!

Little Miss S has now acquired plenty of air-miles and we got some precious memories and hopefully many more to come.




And trust me there is always time for a glass of wine;)