Cuisine & Culture the Chinese Family Way
The key trend this SS15 in menswear is going to be bold patterns and dressed-down. House of Fraser is currently working on a number campaigns with focus on Armani and Barbour brands. Both brands are leading the market with their bold choices of menswear.
My husband loves casual clothing and at the same time simple yet bold in colour. So he chose this Barbour Paisley print hawk shirt to go along with his black trouser and black lace up boots.
This half term, we have been doing all sorts of activities at home including painting, reading and cooking. We even designed our own t-shirt! Both of my children have previously enjoyed designing their own cards, posters and all sorts but had not yet designed their own t-shirt. This is their first time and mine too!
We have received this t-shirt design kit from buytshirtsonline.co.uk. Inside this kit, it comes with Fruit of the Loom t-shirts, fabric pens, and iron-on heat transfers of Spider-Man and Disney Princess.
90:10 is a brand new fashion label for man, launched by Daniel Glatman who used to be the manager for British boyband Blue. The concept behind this is for men who consider themselves to be 90% Grown up and 10% not. Encapsulated within the brand’s message is some recognition for a guy for getting his act together but at the same time reminding him that that this doesn’t mean that he is now over the hill…far from it! People will interpret 90:10 in different ways and how it applies to them and that is all part of the fun. The intention is to start a positive and light hearted conversation with men by demonstrating that the brand cares about the same things that they care about.
Recently, I was put in touch with the lovely lady from Malcolm & Gerald (M&G). They have recently launched their online kid’s personalised clothing boutique. It was named after Malcolm the monkey and Gerald the giraffe, the beloved companions of Alex (aged 6) and Charlie (aged 2). They (the boys not the toys!) were the inspiration for the M&G clothing line. Their boys liked nothing more than clothes and accessories with their names on. Everyone who saw their boys wearing the M&G designs seemed to love them too. That is why they started the line to design more outfits for children that incorporate their names.
I ordered the clothing and they arrived very quickly. When I opened it up, they were packaged in a nicely wrapped cardboard tube with their logo printed on the tub. I love the idea of clothing coming in a tube as it gift-ready and saves you from wrapping it!
Tractor Ted, the popular young children’s film character, has launched lots of new products for Christmas this year which make fantastic Christmas presents and stocking fillers for young children from two to six years old, especially little boys.
We have received this Tractor Ted long-sleeved pyjama top with a happy Tractor Ted face and the long-legged trousers come with a Tractor Ted print for Mr K. This is a 4 – 5 year old size. Mr K is going to be seven and he is not very tall. This is definitely true to European sizes than Asian sizes. It comes with three different sizes: 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 years. The material is made from quality 100% cotton in pale blue with high quality Tractor Ted transfer design. It is machine washable at 40 degrees. It has been washed and there is no sign of shrinkage or of the print peeling off. Mr K is very pleased with his new pyjamas and has been wearing it since.
This summer, I waited until the very last minute to pick up the kids school uniforms which is not ideal at all! When I looked at the Matalan Schoolwear website, there were already a few popular designs out of stock. Luckily, Ms C is not too fussy about the design.
This is my first time trying out Matalan school uniforms so I had no idea of the quality and sizes. But I had read a few reviews and they all recommended them. Ordering online was a breeze helped with plenty of photos of each item. Also all the items are very reasonably priced and great value.
Impressively, within a few days, my delivery arrived with the full order.
This is Mr K (6 years old) wearing the 3 pack of red polo shirts for aged 6 – 7, boys classic shorts for aged 7, 5 pack ribbed ankle socks and real leather Velcro shoes size 12.
Planning a party can be so easy when you have everything you need under one roof. Tiger Feet Party have it all offering a one-stop shop without leaving home. If you want a Frozen or Pirate party, simply look under the Disney theme for ideas. The site is sorted by type of party for children or adults, or party by age and it makes shopping so easy. They have decorations, tableware, accessories, balloons, fancy dress costumes, weddings, cake decorating, gifts and personalisation gift.
It is disappointing that England are out of the World Cup. Nevertheless, we still can have fun watching the other countries play. Recently, I was invited along with 7 bloggers to join in the #duckworldcup sweepstake and I have been randomly allocation Group F which are Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria. Inspired by my football team, I have chosen these two dresses from JD Williams to represent my winning team – Argentina for JD Williams World Fashion theme. I think they’ve got a good chance of winning this year!
As many will know, the Argentine Tango is a dance where the dancers embrace and have a really close connection. Their chosen colour is often red hot as to show the passion between the dancers. Hence I had chosen these two beautiful dresses.
The first one is the Joe Browns Summer picnic tunic dress. This vibrant colourful red dress comes with a beautiful floral pattern. There is elastic around the waist which emphasizes your curves. If you prefer, you can also use a thick belt. The sleeveless dress sits just above my knee.
This week has been so exciting as not only is the World Cup starting, it is also Father’s Day this Sunday. I believe most men would love to catch some footie and chill out at home. But don’t forget that they also deserve a gift from their partner or children to celebrating their day. If you have not got them any gifts yet, don’t panic! House of Fraser have a good selection of menswear gifts for the well deserved father!
I had chosen to get Mr C a 2 piece Skopes Hayle single breasted tailored suit. Skopes is a family owned and operated business established in 1948 by Sydney Cope. Their cloths are sourced from Yorkshire’s finest textile mills to produce high quality bespoke tailoring.
It’s officially Spring time with us going forwards an hour this weekend! I can’t wait for the sun to stay a bit longer with us so that both children can get active and play outside as much as possible.
I like to de-clutter and put things away as soon as possible. If you know me well, you will know how quickly I get the house clean and get ready for the next season! I have to be honest, last year I managed to win at least 10 mugs via Twitter and now my cupboard looks like a collection of random brands. Also during Easter time, you tend to get Easter eggs with a mug! I can’t wait to get rid of some of them to a charity shop soon.
Now it is time for me to put away those old jumpers, thick coats and cardigans and think about my Spring wardrobe! I am not very confident in fashion but I’ve been picking up tips from reading Fashion blogs to give me inspiration. Now I am drawing a board for my Spring collection wishlist.
A reunion dinner is held on the eve of the Chinese New Year, during which family members get together to celebrate. It used to be dinner time where all family members gather around but due to work or other family commitments, it can be any time of the day as long as it is on the eve.
My mum is very particular that everyone is home on time and start at the auspicious time/hour. Since I moved to the UK and started my own family, I’ve adopted this practise this and hope I can pass on this culture to my children.
Lucas Frank is a young British brand offering quality Tee Shirts, Hoodies, Rugby Shirts and Polo Shirts. Sorry, girls! This is strictly a boys range only, from 18 months to 10 years old. Their clothing is practical and comfortable.
