Rachel the Hat

Thursday, 18 July 2013

A Travel Agents Advice...

As your friendly Travel Agent i thought i would talk to you briefly about the holiday/vacation season and here are a few points to consider!

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Be Shopping Savvy Abroad

As many of us are looking forward to a getaway overseas in the coming months there are some things to consider. Having already spent out on flights, a hotel and plenty of new outfits to wear on your trip you can take some steps to ensure you don’t part with more of your cash than you need to when away. That is of course unless you find that perfect pair of heels in a boutique on the Champs-Elysees, in which case any expense is surely justifiable.

Plastic

If cash goes missing then it is gone for good, but if you choose to take cards instead, they can be quickly cancelled should they be lost or stolen. Whether you want to carry cash or not while you’re away, it’s always a good idea to have at least one card on you for any emergencies.

Many credit cards have special rates for use abroad, and it is worth finding out which is the best deal available to you, as the cheapest interest rates and fees are usually reserved for those with the cleanest credit ratings. To find out what sort of cards you might be approved for click here to check your credit score. Debit cards are usually the more expensive option for use abroad but check with your bank to see if they have special rates on offer.

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Cash

You will want to have at least some cash to take away to pay for taxis, tipping at restaurants, or buying things on markets where they are unlikely to take cards. It is also much easier to haggle with cash than card and if this is the custom where you are visiting then it’s wise to be prepared. Make sure you get the most out of the exchange rate by comparing charges and exchange rates before parting with your pounds.

Paris

Part of the fun of being abroad is eating and drinking out and exploring local shops and attractions, but with a bit of forward planning you can do all of these things without giving your bank balance the post holiday blues.

So go fourth and enjoy that summer holiday. Tell me do you have anything booked for your holiday this year?

I'm dreaming of the beautiful Lake Garda in Italy, the gelato is like a little piece of heaven!

I Blame The Sun

Hey dearies, jeez i am such a slacker when it comes to blogging lately. I just can't seem to get my arse in gear at all! All i want tis to get through each hot day by having water fights with Neo in the paddling pool and then chill out with this drink (its amazing and you have to try it!) whilst listening to some old favourites like this and this on constant repeat, then going out for an evening stroll when the weather cools ever so slightly, and that my friends pretty much sums up this little existence right now. Honestly this sunshine is making me blog lazy. I think i actually blog better in bad weather, how bizarre!

I guess jean shorts and baggy vests don't really count much for a great outfit post do they? That has pretty much been my uniform of late.. i just can't stand too much clothing in this extreme hot weather we've been having. Us Brits aren't used to such extreme hotness for such extended periods of time. I had to go and buy a few more light summer dresses as i was actually lacking in the very light airy dress department, being that i've never really had much use for them! and, well shopping is always ok in my books!

I bought this dress in New Look. It kinda reminds me of the nineties, so i kinda played on that a bit when i out it on with the tee and chucks. Spending a big part of my youth as a 90's child i have never really looked back and thought i would re create an outfit that assimilated that era even slightly but i do admit i kinda like this one... comfy floaty dress, white basic tee, comfy shoes... all ok in my book!!

I remember having a really puffy rara skirt and really big tongued trainer boots and lots of really embarrassing hair bands in the 90's...i was not a trendy child at all! Infact i looked bloody awful..bless me, haha!
Do you ever dress like your former self in the 90's? or like me, do you normally avoid it?

Dress: New Look

Concerse: Via Next

White tee: Matalan

Bandana : Ebay

Welcome to the Passion for Fashion Link Up!!!

So i have a few things to mention today. Firstly, i like white dresses, but honestly? I spend the whole day stressing that i'm gunna spill or stain or just generally mess up the pretty crisp whiteness. I confess, i am not made for crisp white dresses. Colours and patterns hide stains so much better.

therefore colours and patterns and me have become good friends over the years.

I've had this dress over 4 years and only now is it getting it's second ever outing. but i do like it, tis pretty an all, just too ... precious and white, know what i mean? DO you have White issues like me? Or are you stain free and happy to wear?

The second bit of news is this wonderful link up party! Thats right, Lena of Lena B Actually hosts a wonderful weekly blog hop and i have the pleasure of co-hosting with her! Amaazing, right? Right.

Now i know some of you may have never joined in a blog hop/ linky party before (I'm looking at lots of you British gals..come on now, come join in the fun!!) But honestly, It's the best way to meet new like minded bloggers and to grab some wonderful inspiration. It's simple and easy to do...

Fashion is for everyone.

Whether you're single in the city or a stay at home mom from the country...
we all have a passion for fashion!

Each Friday, Lena of Lena B Actually & I will be hosting a fashion free-for-all linkup!
Anything fashion goes!

Link up your outfit posts, a fashion recap, a fashion wishlist, get your kids or hubby in on the fun... if you've got a passion for fashion, this is the place to be!

Celebrate your style with us every Friday!

We'll be pinning our favorite looks to our Passion for Fashion boards on Pinterest!
You can find the board HERE

Best part, there are no rules!

We only ask that you link back to us via text link or button!

(this linkup is very NEW we would love for you to help us spread the word!)

Of course, it would be awesome if you would visit the other fashionistas that are linking up too!

Lets share the love! Comment, follow, be inspired by each other!

Be you... Be an inspiration! Style is everywhere!

Knotted maxi

well hello lovely ladies of the blogosphere. Friday is upon us, isnt that great, expcept i am working tomorrow, but i have had 3 lovely days off so who am i to complain ;-)

And for once the UK is being blessed with some of the glorius sunshine that so often escapes us..

Here's to a wonderful weekend!!!

I have to say as soon as the warmer weather hits us, i am not much in the mood for fancy outfits. All i can think of is shorts and vest tops (like if you saw me right now, im in denim cut offs, a vest and unfashionable but very comfy flip flops!) How you ladies in hot countries still look amazing in the hot weather is astounding.. well done you! I know some of you have real hot temperatures right now, and more to come according to the weather man that is my husband.

But this simple jersey maxi is so comfy and stretchy its great for the evenings and super comfy. I've had it about 3 years but have not worn it in a long time (due to my weight gain). I felt really self concious in it previously as it kind of shows every lump and bump and is not very forgiving, but having now officially lost 1 stone (WOOHOOOO) i am feeling so much better! I am so so pleased. I have never stuck to a diet...ever. Slimming world has been wonderful and i am so looking forward to getting to my goal weight (7lb to go!) Its so rewarding when you see the results. I have not been this light in years, and i have to say, it feels amazing. I'm starting to like myself again, but i guess thats for a whole other post (post baby body, stress eating you know that kinda stuff)

Who ever first dreamt up knotting a maxi and makign it 'trendy' deserves a medal... genius!!no more treading on it, especially when going up the stairs! yay!

I've just welcomed this new lighter hat to the hat family. It was on sale from Topshop and i thought it would be ideal for summer. I can see this getting its fair share of wear this summer!