Penpals: Making new friends

November 13, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Hi V.

It’s been 4 months already. Me living in LA. I am adjusting, starting to find my way around the supermarket. Our house is almost finished and feels more and more like home.

So far so good. But then there is the building a new social life part. I’m 37 and I have to make new friends. And that is not so easy.

I don’t need loads of friends, because honestly I can’t handle many. I’m a good friend, a loyal friend, and an ‘I move mountains for you’ friend. But I don’t call to chat and I will remember that important thing you have, but probably a day too late. I’m messy. In my house, in my head and in my friendships. But I’m there when I need to, i’m true and I’m always honest.

Almost two

November 11, 2014

Posted by Madelon

At the end of this week my girl turns two. Two! These past two years have flown by and I really like to see her personality evolve. She’s cute and cuddly and funny. And she has a very, very strong mind.

My little chubby, easy baby is now a busy bee all over the place, talking, singing and knowing exactly what she wants. And doesn’t want.

Madelon vs. Vie: Mermaid the sequel

November 7, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Well, that was sort of unexpected. Here I was, thinking we take it slow. I ask you how you like your coffee, you ask me how I like my eggs in the morning. Or what my favorite sweater is. Of course not. You ask me to be a mermaid!

I hate this ‘challenge’. I hate games. And I hate you. But if I play…. I take that shit serious (pardon my french)!

I dream kitchens

November 5, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Last week I was away for two days. When I returned to our house and walked in, it hit me: it felt like coming home!

I love our place. It’s spacious, it’s light and it has a perfect garden (with lemons!). So I’m happy living here. But next to the beige carpet there is one more thing I’m dying to part with… The kitchen! That brown, old and dirty kitchen. I swear my fridge is older than me.

Our first Halloween

November 3, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Honestly? I was planning to skip Halloween this year. B. was away for work the whole week and the thought of doing this all by myself, with my busy two, didn’t sound that appealing. And he never experienced it before, so he wasn’t aware of what he would miss out on.

But walking down the street, going to the supermarket, watching tv… You can’t escape Halloween, nowhere to hide! And if you follow me on Instagram you know how much my kids love to dress up.

So my sweet friend Ellen came to the rescue. She invited us to celebrate with her and some friends in Santa Monica. And I’m so glad she did!!

October on instagram @madebylon

October 31, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Penpals: Letting go

October 30, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Vy-tje!

Big things happening in your life! Life changing things. But I don’t think it’s about growing up. It’s more about letting go. And letting go is the hardest.

Letting go of what you know, what is familiar, what you know works fine. I don’t like fine. I prefer great. So the reason you do this, is to make it better, right? For you, for B. and therefore for J. So letting go is hard. Starting new however is exciting! So focus on that! Together with J. Start making plans about her new room, her new life. Talk and dream together before you are caught up in work and just living your life again.

Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand where you’re coming from. I’m the same. Always that guilt, that all consuming kind.

Plastic fantastic

October 29, 2014

Posted by Madelon

I remember vividly when I was pregnant of S. The first months I was in denial that there would ever actually be a real baby. I was so busy with my body changing and especially my figure disappearing, buying too many clothes for him and decorating his little corner of our room. I didn’t think that much about really taking care of him, or raising him yet. But at the end, after reading all the mom magazines (you’re a true addict, or you’re not) I had it all planned out.

I would use the ‘three R’s’ like a bible, my boy would not eat sugar before he turned two, only fresh food and preferably home made. No tv, of course, and no ugly plastic bright toys. Not in my house. Only toys that would fit my decor and esthetics.

You can find these toys here: little blue tractor / bus / elephant / helicopter

So, five years further….

What I miss most

October 23, 2014

Posted by Madelon

Of course I miss my mom. Everything I learned about strength is from her. And she’s super woman at this moment. But next to that I’m still pretty much ok. Yes, I Would love to meet up with some friends, but internet, mail and what’s app make it so much easier. And let’s be honest, me and most friends are in the same boat, having small kids. So it’s lovely to meet up, but there is not that much room to have a real, meaningful, in-depth conversation when ‘they’ are around. And if you’re not in the same boat, if you want to or not, it’s even harder.

Ace Ace baby

October 21, 2014

Posted by Madelon

So we went away. To lovely and beautiful Joshua Tree. And on our way home we stopped at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and stayed a night (bucket list – one down).

Once a month, I also write a little blog for the girls from mini style, and sometimes they even ask me to shoot some (product) photos for them. I love making photos, but my kids? Not so much, which I understand and try to respect (yes, I’m failing, but I do try!).

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