Playground Bullying

We know it happens and as parents we dread having to deal with it but I think it's a necessary, if horrendous, childhood experience and as parents we need to be armed with how to deal with it in the best way. I was personally shocked at how early it started and how much it affected my little girl who is a naturally sensitive being.

Restaurant l'Indyana, Nice

I recently went to l'Indyana with a girlfriend for lunch and it made me wonder why a) I don't go more often as it never disappoints and b) how this place is still a secret, mostly frequented by French professionals.

Nails 2013

2013 is all about bling nails and 3D nail art.

Essie Nails bring out their own range of nail wraps this year and although nail wraps are all over the place, I think that their offerings are far and away more fabulous than others on the market. Essie have named their wraps "Sleek Sticks".

That said, Loreal brought out a fabulous festive range before Christmas and they are still available. They give the illusion of 3D designs without the fuss and they are perfect for a glam night out.

Celebrity favourite Nazila continue to make the most fabulously outlandish 3D nails. The pictured set are called "Your Royal Highness"! How very patriotic. Unsurprisingly celeb fans such as Rihanna and Tulisa don't have to do the school run!

Maternity Style

Since my first pregnancy, maternity clothes have advanced immeasurably in quality, style and availability but I still have a problem with the price of some of the "cooler" labels. It's wearable for 6 - 12 months for goodness sake! Having said this, I do invest in a couple of new pieces for each pregnancy. Just so I don't feel like an old bag lady swathing myself in any elasticated garments that fit me. I get enough pitying looks at the school gates as it is!

Is It Just Me?

January is nearly done thankfully and February beckons, the month for love, romantic gestures and lighter evenings. In my house the roses aren't red but the bills most definitely are. This is the wrong time of year for frivolous expenditure!

On that note, Nice, can you please cancel this years Carnival? Endlessly bizarre, badly organized and a catalyst for furious road rage, I can think of more useful ways of spending the millions of euros. Like maybe setting up self sufficient farms in South America designed to sustain the populous when the euro crashes. Apparently "people in the know" are doing this! People I know who know people who know "people in the know" assure me that this is the only way to guarantee safety in the inevitable turmoil and rioting. Can't I just stock pile sterling?! The thought of being a cast member of 'The Good Life' with added drug lords and nuclear bunkers makes me feel overwhelmed and frankly exhausted.

Good on Gerard Depardieu I say. You have to admire a man who stands up and says that tax brackets should not be decided on the size of one's hooter (sorry, I'm a large child!). Even Belgium tried to point out that the new french tax legislation doesn't make this country an attractive prospect for the wealthy. Well done that man for finishing top of your class at stating the obvious.

Didn't anyone realize that we'd all be affected by ridiculous voting choices? Maybe the voters were trying to suggest that the country Holland should have a go at ruling?

One thing we should be spending our harder and harder by the minute earned cash on this month is the ski season. Ski, board, snow shoe, bobsled, hike... Whatever you fancy just make the most of the amazing local facilities.

Due to having a baby on board this year I am out for skiing this season but will instead be throwing snowballs and making snow angels the outline of which will be akin to Humpty Dumpty.

Followed by raclette and hot chocolate. Bliss!