Insecurities

Yup thats right, i'm starting this week off with a bit of a ramble for you all. 

Hubby took these photos last night for me and i yo yo'd back and fourth as to whether or not to post them. Don't get me wrong the outfit in itself is nice enough, but some demons keep creeping in and whispering in  my ear "Flying somewhere today Rachel??!!" Yup thats right, i have major Bingo Wings issues. 

I've mentioned before that, after i had Neo my WHOLE body changed. I carry weight in different places and find it hard to loose yet very easy to gain  (and honestly, most of the time can't be arsed!) Through the winter i can hide my hang up's behind cosy knits and lots of layers. But, come summer, my insecurities have no place to go but out in the open. I'm not gunna lie, this post very nearly didnt make it. I just kept focusing in on the those flabby arms. 

But Heck, i cant hide all summer right? I'm a lady, we all are here, and as much as i cant perhaps embrace those arms, i should at least stop stressing about it. 

Anyone with me??  (not so much on the bingo wings, but more the lets just be who we are!) 

Yes i wear spanx occasionally, yes i have a mum tum, and no i wont ever be wafer skinny again. But, i'm happy, i'm healthy and therefore should focus on that.

I've never thought of myself as a "fashion" blogger, I've never classed myself as fashionable. It's more of a  personal style blog with tidbits from day to day life. I need to stop comparing myself to others and complaining to myself. I hope to find time to work out in future, but real life at the moment is hectic. 

Acceptance of myself is the best way forward.

Dress: Primark

Belt & Shoes: Peacocks

Kate Spade bag: EBay £14!

And if you weren't looking at these arms before, i'm sure you will be after that rant!! :)

So tell me, do you have insecurities or are you happy with who you are? 

linkies:Monday Mingle

Sun is shining, life is sweet

Well helloo!

Sorry i didn't stop by yesterday with my normal Friday blog post but we were on project garden clear up. And it went WELL!! We filled a skip with crap and cleared that garden from top to bottom. There's still a long way to go until it's where we want it to be, but we're getting there. So yesterday consisted of comfy but very unflattering shorts and a vest top. We were boiling hot running back an fourth and clearing. Both of us burnt a little (first burn of the year!!) But yep it's been that hot. It's been amazing, since the weathers been so gorgeous we've just been living outside with the kids. We eat out there and play out there as much as we can. Only downfall is, since we're all outside so much my house hasn't be tidied all week and kinda looks like a bombs hit it (nothing particularly new there), and i have No inclination to start tidying when the weathers just so good! It's like a wanna lap up every minute of this beautiful weather, partly in fear that next week it will depart the UK and move on its way.

So today, we went and hung out with my Bro-in-law and nieces at his house(my sister was doing an amazing job at a craft fair! poor thing missed all the sun and fun), and crashed his pool and ate his food. It was so good!!

Dress,Hat, Necklace & Bag: Matalan

Shoes: Blowfish

Waistcoat: Next

All other Jewellery: Various & i forget

When the weather gets hot, i seem to use jewellery and accessories more, where as in winter i use layers i guess and not a lot of jewellery. Simple cool dresses are how i plan on spending my summer. Ones that (hopefully) keep my Dignity intact (ie my panties covered)  It's amazing how much running around after a toddler can challenge your wardrobe. Today i've been in and out of the paddling pool and running round lots keeping Neo safe and spraying him every 15mins with factor 50 suntan lotion. I may be a little over cautious but hey, he's not burning on my watch!!

Does anyone else struggle with make-up in summer? Firstly i kinda don't wanna wear any, secondly when i do, it seems to just melt off of my face within minutes. Bloggers in hot countries, how do you do it?

Having not worn mascara for about a week, meant my eyelashes looked amazing today for once. One perk i guess!! 

And finally, this bag. I heart it lots. I saw it online and really liked it but waited for it to arrive in store so i could check it out first. Well needless to say, this bag makes my arm happy to carry it around!

Ok ok, enough blabbering on about nonsense, go enjoy the rest of your weekends. 

Have a cold one for me!

**CHEERS!!!**

Next Olympic 2012 Scarf

Hi lovelies..
I'm back with a slightly different post today. As the whole world is probably aware, the UK is hosting the Olympics. The whole of Blighty is going Olympics crazy.
I remember watching the Olympics every 4 years as a child with my family. We were all quite sporty and whilst other girls were picking The Spice Girls as their roles models i was picking Sally Gunnell ( The great women's British hurdler)
I loved seeing all the colours of each countries kits and flags. I loved the atmosphere that you could almost feel through the TV. I was a young sprinter and aspired to one day run at the Olympics. As i got older my competitive streak lessened and i found myself running less. But my love for the Olympics never died.
So when Next contacted me and asked if i would like to participate in the 2012 Next Olympic Scarf campaign i jumped at the chance.
All profits from the sale  will be donated to the British Olympic Association! 
So i had a think on how to style this scarf
I was sent the Paralympic scarf:

And this is how i styled it:

THE TOP KNOT

 THE NECKERCHIEF

 La lala la la, casually posing with my Olympics scarf.... as you do!

 THE BAG SCARF

 THE BUN TIE

THE WRIST BOW

And then... we started messing about... i blame Hubs!!

THE BANDIT

THE MOUSTACHE!

 And finally, 

THE SKIRT

I'm a huge scarf collector. I love how a scarf can change an outfit.
What's your favourite way to wear a scarf? Got any more ideas for me to remix mine up with for the Olympics?

PS Yes red, white and blue is back, but i blame Next the Olympics and Great Britain!!! They made me!

Inspired!

'Ello all!

Monday blues anyone? I've had a lovely weekend at the in-laws and we're all back home now ready to start the week all over again. And you want the good news? The weather man said its gunna be sunny and warm, maybe even HOT!! Yup thats right, after being cold since probably last September there is the possibility of some warm weather and with warm weather comes some summery clothes! I'm not counting my chickens just yet though, but fingers crossed. (enough about the weather already? yes? ok.)

So I mentioned that i've started pinning inspiration outfits after my Red, white & blue rut (which FYI there's a R,W & B post coming right up tomorrow, but in my defence Next made me, all will become clear soon) When i see someone, anyone, from magazines, celebs to fellow bloggers who inspire me, i pin it here. Then from time to time if in need of some inspiration i look here and BOOM.. inspired! Or more like copy cat, but hey there are some terrific ladies out there who are just begging for me to copy them ;)

Todays outfit is from the lovely Michelle of Locked Out Fashion.

 Ain't she lovely!!

I saw this and thought, my my my! I love red and mint. How lovely! I didnt have a red skirt (which if anyone has a link for one please inform me as i've been looking for a red skirt for ages!!) and my version is kinda reversed!

Whole outfit: Matalan

Apart from the shoes which are old :)

I don't own many blazers (actually just one other that's kept for really formal events which i avoid at all costs) So this red blazer is new for me. I like it!! i like it a lot. I envisage lots of wear for it in it's future!

I also like how this outfit turned out thanks to the lovely inspiration. I was comfy and felt well put together in a smart casual type of way.

And finally, as pinky promised

(yay again, thanks Stel!)

I now need to answer 10 questions and pass on the award to 5 blogs who brighten my day...

1) Favourite Colour Green, but to wear its Red (and white an blue ha !)

2) Favourite Number : 3 My lucky number. I was born on the 3rd and my childhood home was no.3

3) Favourite Animal  Ummm i think im a cat kinda person (which Hubs has just said we may be able to get a kitty soon... yay!!)

4) Favourite Non-Alcoholic Drink ~ All time fav is full fat coke! But im on a diet, so have switched to diet (which is poo) apart from that a caramel Latte

5) Facebook or Twitter  i have both but prefer Twitter these days

6) What is my Passion ~Family and blogging of course! and clothes (yeh that sounded shallow!)

7) Receiving or Giving ~ Um is it bad if i say both? Marks for honesty?

8) Favourite Pattern - i love anything retro 60's/70's funky retro, floral. I like lots of patterns, heck the more the better!

9) Favourite Day of the Week ~ Um Sunday and possibly (dare i say it) Monday, Fresh start and all that

10) Favourite Flowers ~ Sunflowers. Had them for me wedding and they always remind me of that

I now pass the award on to 5 blogs that brighten my day 

(ok i want to share it with all of you... seriously i do!!)

But in the honor of the award i'm gunna pass it to 5 blogs who i love and would love you to check out!

1. http://bittyandbunny.blogspot.com This girl CRACKS ME UP! and she dresses puurrddyy!

2. Locked Out Fashion for being a fabulous inspiration

3.Notdressedaslamb Catherine is a HUGE source of constant inspiration in the pattern mixing department

4. Shades Of Monet Because Marisa is a vintage dream and lovely gal!

5.Deliciously Yours Laura is just darling! 

Ok folks hope you enjoy your weeks and i'll be back super super soon!!

Monday Mingle

Orange Legs

Hello lovelies,

Friday's here woohoo. We're off to Hubby's parents down London way and just about to set off. I always hate the 4hour journey, but enjoy it when we get there, and after the week i've had i'm looking forward to some down time, including afternoon sleeps and long park walks.

Dress: sale Dorothy Perkins
Cardi: Clothing at Tesco
Tight: Newlook
Bag & shoes  & necklace: Matalan
I first thought the pattern on this dress was little umbrellas, but looking at it now i see they are flowers! Silly me! I also see that its a tad short! At 5'6" and with a lot of junk in the trunk this dress is a little toooo teeny tiny. Perhaps leggings would be best and retire my "you've been tangoed" legs.
I dont have many specs days these days, i'm an avid contact lens wearer, but with a mixture of hayfever and unbelievable tiredness i had to give my eyes a rest from contacts. I love that glasses are now "fashionable" and you can get some awesome frames, but i just dont feel right in specs, which is strange as i've had them since a teenager.
Anyway i will love you and leave you (i haven't forgotten the award to pass on folks, i'll do it Monday, Pinky Promise!!)
I'm in such a rush, lots to do!!
Have a wonderfully happy weekend lovelies!

Ps i haven't proof read this, so if there's a gazillion errors, forgive me, im rushing around like a mad woman!)

Bugs Life

Hey Lovelies,
Monday has arrived way to quickly again. I've had the most wonderful weekend (Happy Mothers Day to all the american Mama's out there)
The thrifty gods must have been looking down on me as i have had a number of lovely finds, i think its thrifting karma. Friday i gave 3 huge bags away to my local charity shop, and in return i found some lovely cups, saucers, plates, gravy boat and casserole dish (vintage kitchen ware is my favourite!) and a couple of vintage broaches to add to the collection.
On top of visiting the charity shops and a huge car boot sale, we went to our favourite park, Margam Park, with the kids on Saturday and the weather was beautiful! We had an impromptu picnic with just some bits and bobs bought that morning and had a really lovely time. Not all my weekends are this lucky nice, normally it's housework and rain, so this was so refreshing to be out in the sun and thoroughly enjoying it. Its raining cats and dogs here today however!?!
So this is from yesterday

Cardi: Clothing at Tesco
Skirt: (old) Primark
Top: worn back to front: (old) Dorothy Perkins
Bag: Vintage
Necklace: on sale £2: New Look
Shoes: (old): Next
Cats Eye Sunglasses: Very

So this is all quite old as outfits go. I have issues with buying "summer" clothes as British weather is sooo temperamental. The amount of summers when we barely have any nice warm weather is the norm here. So when we do get this nice weather i become a bit clueless!
This top is supposed to be worn with the buttons down the back, but i cut the little tag off and turned it round to create a collared open buttoned type look. Think i actually prefer it this way as i was never keen on how it sat before.
And these glasses, oh how i love thee! I'm working on getting a pair of genuine vintage fabulous sunglasses, but these do me nicely for now!

Anyway back to the rat race today, food, dishes, laundry, all that wonderful stuff, and then work tomorrow... Oh the joys!!! Not to wish time away but roll on Friday ;)

Have yourselves a lovely week!!


Ps, The voting is still on-going, i'm in second place, currently 27 votes off the winner (which could all change), if you haven't yet, it would be marvellous if you could click and like!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
http://www.styleinsider.riverisland.com/?p=your_style&competition=10049&sort=leaderboard&page=1&img=14756&sp=1

Links:
Monday Mingle over at the lovely Momtrends

Lemon & Coral

Happy Friday folks! Weekend is here and i am glad of some down time, let me tell you! 

My friday has been super lovely so far. My lovely sis came down with fabric from her store and i have dabbled in cushion cover making. It's been fab... although i'm definitely not a natural at sewing ( i stabbed my thumb on a pin and bled everywhere:(!!) But as a first attempt they came out pretty sweet!Posted pics on instagram(of which i'm totally addicted!) are you on there? Would love to follow, let me know your user name in the comments!

Today we also went for an appointment at a local crèche for Neo. It was amazing, i'm so excited for him to start and be around other kids and have hands on activities, more so than i can provide for him at home (ie, sand and water play, huge outdoor facilities etc) he was in his element and didn't want to leave. So fingers crossed he's gunna love it there.

Anyways, outfit wise i fancied Friday as a casual day. The thing is i wear frocks and skirts probably 85% of the week, so i do like a bit of down time in some jeans and a simple outfit. Then my brain goes into overload and thinks "is this boring, to simple?" But then i think perhaps i'm over thinking it. I read that Kendie has the same issues sometimes... less can be ok, right? Am i over thinking things here?

Sweater & Floral Brogues: Clothing at Tesco
Jeans: Next (Old)
Necklace: Asos (Old)
Bag: Matalan

Let me tell you, i LOVE these shoes. No wearing in needed. Popped them on today for the first time and they are lovely and soft and comfy. What a pleasure to wear.

I'm really liking lemon and coral together, it feels fresh and summery (even though summer/spring still doesn't wanna come visit this town!!)

I'm looking to wear them with tights and a dress possibly soon.

This evening i'm off to see my lovely friend Charlie and she's cooking me tea! Yum!!

Have yourselves a lovely weekend chickies and i will see you soon!!

Ps.. if you haven't yet, would love if you could click this link and "like" my photo... So far i'm in second place!! Fingers crossed!!!

http://www.styleinsider.riverisland.com/?p=your_style&competition=10049&sort=leaderboard&page=1&img=14756&sp=1

LYD

Hey Hey lovely chic-a-dees
Hows life?
Bank Holiday Monday here, and what a wash out. Here in Wales it's wet wet and more wet! Oh the delights!! :(
Well, i had a super dooper wonderful weekend. Me and hubs went to one of my oldest friends wedding parties in a real posh hotel in Cardiff Bay. It was AMAZING! We had the best time. She looked stunning and both bride and groom were beaming from ear to ear. It was beautiful.
Me and hubs had a drink (hubs NEVER drinks) and after the week we'd had, completely un-wound from our stresses and laughed our socks off.
I got to play fancy dress up too, which hardly ever happens so i was a happy gal. Will post the night doo outfit soon, but i'm gunna start with this new fav first.
It's by Yumi but i bought it on sale through Oasis for £25. The sixties feel to this happy little number makes me feel like a a super happy girl.
So without further ado, here's LYD (little Yellow dress)

looking rather mooooody!

Dress: Yumi via Oasis... Polly Dress

Cardi: Asda

Earrings & hairband: Old New Look

Belt: from another dress

Shoes: Old

Hair tie round my wrist: classy!;) 

(does anyone else call these hair bobbles? i have no idea why i call them that..)

 I wouldn't have put red with this if i was at home with my full wardrobe to my disposal, but these are the only things i packed as the belt and cardi were from the night before's outfit and the shoes were so i could slip in to something comfy after wearing killer heels for a few hours.
But, having said that, i really do like how it all came together.
Please excuse the bags the size of luggage under my eyes.. this old bird obviously can't take late nights out like she used to! (plus i slept in my make up! naughty naughty me!)
Another sign i'm getting old, i'm still shattered today!! No amount of coffee seems to be perking me up and i have soooo much to do. Wish me luck!!
So back to the grindstone i must go. Neo has a new wendy house and wants me to be in it constantly! Wonder if he'll mind if i just fall asleep in there.

I will be back soon lovelies, it's EBEW tomorrow so weather permitting i should be back with some nicely nautical themed outfit soon.

Take care

ALSO: Ladies if you would do me a huge favor (again) and click this link and "LIKE" it i will owe you big time!!!
http://www.styleinsider.riverisland.com/?p=your_style&competition=10049&sort=leaderboard&page=1&img=14756&sp=1
Plus if i win, i will most certainly be sharing the love over her on the blog!!!!

Linking:
Monday Mingle over at Glamamom