10 Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Valentine’s Day on Netflix *

It’s that awkward time of the year again. I’m talking about Valentines Day… *gasp* Dun dun duuuun.

For most of us it’s a day of flowers, chocolates and Instagram worthy dates but for me it’s a little different. I’m single and I’m a mum. Not exactly the ideal candidate for this time of the year. Or am I?

It’s that awkward time of the year again. I’m talking about Valentines Day… *gasp* Dun dun duuuun.

For most, it’s a day of flowers, chocolates and Instagram worthy dates but for me it’s a little different. If you’ve read my pregnancy journey post then you will know why. So when I received an e-mail to work with Panasonic (HD television company)* about a post on TV shows that are perfect for Valentine’s Day I thought, okay, this could be interesting.

What movies and television shows would be perfect for a single mama like me on this fine day of romance and romantic love?

Thanks to Panasonic, I was inspired to find some and I wanted to share them with you. If you’re like me then hopefully these should keep us off social media for 24 hours where our singleness isn’t always appreciated. I’m all about turning lemons into lemonade. Can I get a Amen!

Okay let’s start with the movies.

BirdBox – (2018) – A mysterious force decimates the population by taking the form of their worst fear. If they see it, they die. In an effort to stay alive, a woman and her children embark on a dangerous journey to safety whilst blind folded. Will they make it? Starring Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich and Mr fine ass himself Trevante Rhodes. (Thriller)

And Breath Normally (2018) – Due to unforeseen circumstances, the lives of two women (a struggling Icelandic single mother and a Guinea-Bissauan asylum seeker) intertwine. A bond between them form as they strategise to get their lives back on track. Will they succeed? Starring Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir and Babetida Sadjo. (Drama)

Been So Long (2018) – Set on the streets of London’s musical hot-spot, Camden, a dedicated single mother is charmed by a handsome stranger with a troubled passed whilst on a night out. Is she ready to open up her heart again or will this new relationship end in disaster? Starring Michaela Coel and Arinzé Kene. (Musical)

Bad Moms (2016) – When three overworked and under-appreciated mums are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun and comedic self-indulgence. Can these mums handle it? Starring Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell. (Comedy)

Mummy Dearest (2014) – A dedicated yet intrusive mother struggles to keep in touch with her five adult children. After the loss of his friend’s mother, the youngest and most unresponsive child travels back home on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Will this make or break their relationship? Starring Liz Benson and Daniel K. Daniel. (Nollywood)

Now that’s what I call variety!

Let’s move onto the TV shows.

The Letdown – New mother Audrey needs help with the new addition to her family, so she joins a support group for new parents. While attending meetings, she makes quirky friends who are facing their own challenges and life changes. Will she be able to cope? Starring Alison Bell, Duncan Fellows and Leon Ford . (7 Episodes)

Greenleaf – On the surface, the Greenleaf family, who run a sprawling Memphis megachurch called Calvary Fellowship World Ministries, appear to have it all. However, the scandals, the secrets and the lies they share will taint their perfect world. Can they redeem themselves? Starring Lynn Whitfield and Keith David. (4 Seasons)

One Day At A Time – Follows the life of Penelope, a newly single Army veteran, and her Cuban-American family, as they navigate the ups and downs of life. With a teenage daughter, tween son and an old-school mother on hand, Penelope has a lot going on. How will she handle it all? Starring Justina Machado and Isabella Gomez (3 Seasons)

Sex Education – A socially awkward high school boy who’s mother is a sex therapist teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school. What could possibly go wrong? May not be one to watch with the kids around, ey. Starring Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson and Emma Mackey. (2 Seasons)

Friends – Does this really need a summary? Friends is a great TV show that never gets old and I won’t hear a bad word said about it. I’ve had Phoebe moments, Monica moments and now I’m having a Rachel moment (Season 8). Every storyline is relatable. Which Friend are you? Starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow. (10 Seasons)

And that’s it, that’s my list of movies and TV shows perfect for Valentine’s Day if you’re single and just so happen to be a mum too.

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Aside from sharing some movie and TV show ideas, I also wanted to use this opportunity to highlight movies which represent mothers in different ways. Single mother or not, representation matters and I was delighted to find some of that in both TV and film. Hopefully in future there will be more positive representation of single mothers.

So, is watching Netflix the only thing I plan to do on Valentines Day? Guess we’ll have to wait and see in the next post. But for now remember that if you’re a single mum like me or single in general, Valentines Day is just as much for you as it is for everyone else so enjoy it! I know I will.

Your Turn…

What are some TV shows or movies you’re watching on Netflix right now? Have you seen any of the ones I’ve mentioned? Should I do a single dad’s edition? Would you like a review on these movies?

Let me know in the comments below or on my social @lydiaonlife.

Also, don’t forget to follow the blog too! And why not add yourself to the mailing list for updates whilst you’re at it?

I post once a week so stay tuned for the next one.

Till next time!

Love always,
Lydia x

P.S: My Christmas PJ’s were the best Christmas gift to myself! So comfortable and convenient for this UK weather. 🙂

Blog Nomination | Liebster Award

“What you do after you create your content is what truly counts..” ~ Gary Vaynerchuk.
I was nominated for a Liebster Award by…

“What you do after you create your content is what truly counts..”

Gary Vaynerchuk

__________________________________

Welcome to Lydia on Life

Thank you so much to Sarah for this nomination. This is my second award nomination since starting Lydia on Life and I believe it’s such an amazing concept. It not only helps fairly new bloggers slowly find their feet, it also introduces you to so many other bloggers. I’m falling in love with the blogging community more and more.

Ever since I joined, I’ve experienced nothing but support and I was so excited to receive a twitter notification informing me that I’d been nominated by the lovely Sarah Walker (Yellow Feather) for a Liebster Award. The award is given to bloggers by other bloggers and is a great way to discover growing blogs.

Here are the rules:

  1. Answer the 11 questions that your nominator has asked you.
  2. Nominate 11 other bloggers (with under 200 Twitter followers)
  3. Ask your nominees 11 questions
  4. Let them know that you have nominated them

So let’s get started! Here are my answers to Sarah’s questions:

What’s your favourite place you’ve ever visited?

Last year I went to Mombasa, Kenya for my friend’s wedding. I’m originally from Kenya but have lived in London since I was 5. I’ve travelled to Kenya a few times since moving to London but most of the time I’m visiting family or trotting around with my mum to view her ever growing plots. This was the first time I had travelled to Kenya without my family and the second time I visited Mombasa. 2 weeks of sun, sea and safari (and an Asian wedding). This was also the first holiday K and I had been to outside Europe. It was an amazing 2 weeks and I can’t wait to go back next year (hopefully).

Snow or sand?

Sand, definitely sand. Where there is sand there is sun and hopefully a mango tree and a beach nearby.

What’s your party trick?

I don’t think I have one. If I do, I’ve probably been too drunk to remember.

What’s your favourite thing about blogging?

The freedom and ability to use your own thoughts and experiences to help a random stranger. Even if it’s just one. Also, the support you get from the blogging community. I was afraid that blogging would be overly competitive but I was so wrong and I’m glad.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Michael B Jordan. Mmm guurl, have you seen Creed? Damn… (Sorry K)

What’s your favourite social media site?

YouTube, I love YouTube and wish I had invented it. It’s considered a social media site right? If not then I’d say Instagram. I find myself scrolling through it every day after watching a few YouTube videos. I haven’t quite gotten the hang  of Twitter yet as I’m still new to it but it could become a favourite one day. I’ll finally see why Donald Trump loves it so much…

What’s your go to source for inspiration?

I read through the blog posts in my WordPress reader a lot and use Twitter and Pinterest to get some ideas. However, most of my inspiration comes from something I did, spoke about or thought about during the week. Trying to find inspiration in my own life as well as others.

What’s your favourite song?

This is a hard one. I don’t think I have a favourite song. From hip hop, R’&’b, and Reggae to Jazz, Soul and Gospel, my iTunes library is too big for me to pick just one.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I have such a huge bucket list (in my head) so one thing on it would be to travel around the world. I want to experience different foods, cultures, languages and all the things this beautiful world has to offer. We’re not in it for very long.

What’s your favourite TV show?

How to Get Away with Murder and Homes Under the Hammer. One is for pleasure and the other is for business. Can you guess which one is which? I’m joking they are both for pleasure but Homes Under the Hammer is more for business reasons. I’d one day like to own my own property and this show helps me pick up a few tips for when I’m finally ready to take that step.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Stop hiding yourself, love yourself like no one else can”. These are the lyrics to a song called Mirror by Lalah Hathaway. The entire song is the best advice I’ve ever received and I’m on the journey to taking it.

And that’s it.

So now I have to nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 question.

Here are my nominees:

  1. @BornfreeWithT1Born Free with T
  2. @BethanyHutson09 allthepassionstrings.com
  3. @geebeautyx http://themusingsofamakeupenthusiast.blogspot.co.uk/
  4. @ZeeZoetichttps://zeezoetic.com/
  5. @racheltbloghttp://racheltuggle.com/
  6. @20snevermorehttps://twentiesnevermore.wordpress.com/
  7. @bloggingandmehttps://bloggingandmeblog.wordpress.com/
  8. @Fashionchicviewhttps://fashionchicview.me/
  9. @libertys_closetlibertyscloset.co.uk

And here are my 11 Questions!

  1. Why did you start blogging?
  2. What is the 1 thing you wish you knew before starting a blog?
  3. How do you manage your day to day and still maintain your commitment to blogging?
  4. How many places have you travelled to and which one has been your favourite?
  5. If you were to invite 3 celebrities to your home for dinner, who would they be?
  6. What’s your signature dish?
  7. Book or Movie?
  8. How would you describe yourself in just three words?
  9. What would you change about your life right now?
  10. What are 3 things you hope to achieve by the end of 2017?
  11. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I could only come up with 9 that I felt had interesting blogs with under 200 Twitter followers.

Make sure to check them out and show their blog some love!

Your turn…

If you are reading this and I haven’t nominated you, please feel free to leave a link to your blog in the comment section below.

Love,
Lydia x | https://lydonlife.wordpress.com/

Blog Nomination | Bloggers Recognition Award

I was nominated for a Bloggers Recognition Award by…

Firstly, welcome to Lyd on Life

My first blogger nomination. Yay!

I was nominated for a Bloggers Recognition Award by Pearl from The Pearly Life blog. So exciting! I’ve been away from Lydia On Life for a while now so to come back and find out my blog has been nominated for the first time on WordPress is a lovely welcome.

I  am very appreciative that the lovely Pearl not only nominated my blog but follows and interacts with my blog. Thank you! It’s encouraging to know that someone enjoys what you do, even if you only do it for fun and not quite sure of what you are doing.

I’ve never read a bloggers award post before so had to read a few to understand the idea behind it. Pearl’s post was first on my reading list. Check her’s out!

Ok, lets get into it.

BLOGGER RECOGNITION AWARD

Rules:

  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  2. Write a post to show your award.
    Give a brief story about how your blog started.
  3. Give two pieces of advise to new bloggers.
  4. Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to.
  5. Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide a link to the post you created.

How My Blog Started:

I started my blog in September 2016. Since then, it’s gone through a few changes as i tried to figure out what the hell I’m doing on the blogosphere. I’ve always been curious about how other people live their lives. From watching YouTube videos, SnapChat stories to reading personal blogs. I felt that navigating through this life is easier when we share what we’ve learned in our pursuit of happiness. Whether it be career, relationships, self-love, self discovery or motherhood, I was inspired by other peoples journeys and thought why not share my own. Help someone, even if it’s just one person. So Lydia On Life was born. A place where I share my experience and the many things that I’m learning in my day-to-day life as I pursue my own happiness. I enjoy writing and sharing the little wisdoms I acquire through my experiences. This blog is a work in progress, as am I and I’m excited about where I can take it.

Advice for New Bloggers:

  1. Your about page is worth writing: Before you go writing your first blog post, I think it’s important to make sure you have written what your blog is about, why you started and what people can gain from it. For me, it acts as a constant reminder of why I started this blog whenever I’m tempted to do what other people are doing or feel frustrated when nobody reads or likes my posts.
  2. Get involved with other blogs: You can learn a lot from other bloggers. Search for bloggers who are writing about topics you are interested in and get some inspiration from them. It helps, especially when you read about how they started and the struggles they faced as well as their success. It takes time and it will happen, if you work hard for it. I believe that.

My Nominations:

I’m still new to this and still discovering bloggers so here are a few I enjoy reading

  1. Jacqueline
  2. Gina
  3. Lana

Love,
Lydia x