All You Need for a Cosy Night In

This week has welcomed some truly chilly Autumn weather, in fact with Monday seeing in our first frost of the season, it is more than fair to summon our inner John Snow (Game of Thrones of course) and say that Winter is coming.

Halloween is just one sleep away (If you have children it is only so long before you start counting in sleeps. Fact.) and it almost feels like we have bypassed your typical Autumnal weather and hopped straight down the rabbit hole into sub zero temperatures. 

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I for one love nothing more than a good excuse to curl up on the sofa, with a good film and lose all track of time. Throw in Leo, a hot water bottle and cuddle blanket for good measure and you are truly on to a winner.

Tonight we decided to shut the cold outside and draw the curtains, we fired Hocus Pocus up on the big screen and snuggled down under a big fluffy number (and copious amounts of snacks!). 

Home Bargains very kindly sent us some luxurious treats to encourage our less than energetic behaviour, and Leo was more than willing to snuggle down with me and enjoy a evening of down time. It's currently half term here in Worcestershire, but just because school is out it doesn't mean that I have time off from work, so we have to make the most of the time that we do have off together, and this evening was the perfect example of that.

Our cosy night in kit has everything you could possibly need to put your feet up and relax, and two of my personal favourite touches were the Gin and Tonic Reed Diffuser and the Prosecco Bath Salts. 

What do you need for a cosy night in?

- Gin and Tonic reed Diffuser

- Bath Salts (These Prosecco ones smell AMAZING!)

- Chocolate

- Big Cuddle Blanket

- Face Mask

- Foot Soak

- Pedicure Set

- Hot Water Bottle

- Candles

We have a doctors appointment booked for Leo this Friday, and it's something I have had to talk to him about so that he doesn't feel worried or anxious when I suddenly start talking about the topic of conversation in 3 days time. 

I  will go into this a little more in the coming weeks, but for now it was just nice to spend some quality time together curled up with a classic Halloween film, and it was nice to see Leo happy and settled as we shut the cold out behind the curtains and cosied up for the evening. 

Disclaimer: We were sent the above items for the purpose of this post.

A Very Quick A/W 2018 Women’s Fashion Roundup

Things are still frenetic for us. But, I could not resist doing a quick fashion roundup. There are so many lovely clothes in the shops, right now. So, I felt that it would be a shame not to take the time to share with you some of the biggest fashion trends for A/W 2018.

The 80s are back

Just like last year, a lot of designers have chosen to rework some 80s fashion favorites. Most of them have done a brilliant job. As you can see from the range of styles here, there are some fantastic clothes available online and in the shops. It is interesting to see retailers offering an eclectic mix of cuts. Everything from semi-tailored tweed jackets to huge, baggy, bat-winged cardigans and capes. It’s a real mix, which opens up the opportunity to create a very individual look for A/W 2018.

A touch of glamour

Perhaps the most interesting trend is the fact that dressing in a glamorous way is back in style. Rich fabrics, bold patterns and interesting textures are very much in evidence.

The return of the cardigan

After being on the margins of fashion for several years, the cardigan is back. There are dozens of different cuts available. But, the style that really stands out is the longline cut. These cardigans either finish mid-thigh or mid-calf, which means they are very flattering. You could even wear some of them as an alternative to a coat, when the weather is warm enough.

Interesting boot trends

As normal, the footwear of choice is set to be boots. At this time of the year, they are the practical as well as the stylish option.

It will be interesting to see if the ruched boot takes off or not. If you do not fancy that look, opt for a pair of ankle boots instead. I have also noticed quite a few retailers stocking booties. This is another example of an iconic 80s fashion item that has been re-worked for modern consumers. If you do decide to buy a pair, just make sure that they are big enough for you to wear thick socks or tights. The fact that there will be a gap between the bottom of your trousers and the top of the bootie means your feet could feel a bit cold.

Wear pink to support cancer awareness month

If you want to support breast cancer awareness month, why not buy something pink? This year, “wear it pink” day is on the 19th of October. But, lots of organizations are planning events throughout the month. So, you will have plenty of opportunities to wear your lovely new pink clothes and raise awareness about breast cancer. Your getting involved really can make a difference.

My what momma wore series

If you would like more fashion inspiration, why not visit the “what momma wore” section of my site. In those articles, there are plenty of autumn/winter outfits for you to browse and get ideas from.

The start of year 3

Leo is now in year 3, where did that time go? 

It almost feels like we get comfortable with the class and teacher and then BAM, another year has rolled around and the change is on the horizon again. 

I know that we are supposed to roll with the punches and welcome change, and I know that the children are meant to be the ones who dread the return of school... But I can't help the feeling in the pit of my stomach that materialises at the 'back to school' thought.

Let me explain why. 

Leo has always found school hard. He has overcome more than his fair share of hurdles, and do you know what? He does me proud each and every single day. But those hurdles continue to throw themselves into Leo's path, with each year at school and the demands and expectations of him becoming more, I worry about what the coming year will bring. 

At 7 Leo can see a difference between himself and some of the other children, he knows that he finds the day to day tasks that much more difficult, and that in itself is hard to bare witness too. 

The summer has highlighted a couple of avenues that I feel I need to explore for Leo, but right now I feel that to voice what those concerns are, may just lead to me prematurely putting a label on that dear boy of mine, so until those mountains can be climbed... I am just going to leave it there, and hope that I can share more in the coming months. 

Now don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to having an official diagnosis, but until it is that, official. I don't want to use any terminology that could be incorrect, because I don't think throwing these words around should be taken lightly.

For me Year 3 just seems slightly more daunting, because that means when this year is up he will be going into year 4, and then after that the very final year at this particular school, and this thought scares me so much. It scares me more than it would scare the average parent, it's not just a concern of a new school, new teachers and children, it's a deep set worry that he is going to find this even more difficult.

I guess now he is getting older too I am also concerned about overstepping my place, so some things may always have to be kept back somewhat.

Despite my concerns, September 4th rolled around, the summer holidays had once again vanished in the very blink of an eye, and I found myself walking up to the school gates just as I did on that very first day 3 years ago, only this time Leo is not holding my hand and probably never will on the school run again. On this day he confidently walked in through the gates and ran off to find his friends.

The first few days seem to have gone well and we are getting back into a routine, but I am already counting down the weeks until the half term break rolls around so that we can enjoy the Autumn weather and hopefully get out and about. 

Until next time....

Autumn Appreciation

This last week you can most certainly feel that Autumn chill in the air, and I have found myself wrapping up warmer on the school run, and even for those dog walks that up until recently have been too warm for a jacket of any sort. 

It really is pretty incredible what only a few weeks can do to the weather, It was only a couple of weekends ago that the entire family dispelled to Kenilworth Castle to make the most of the beautiful sunshine in nothing but shorts and t-shirts, yet now summer has all of a sudden just vanished into the distance, almost as though it had never been at all. 

I do love the cooler weather, but equally I hate being cold so I have to make sure that I am dressed for the occasion, and that for me involves a thick snuggly coat that is comparable to a duvet or a warm hug. It can't be argued with that Autumn is a truly beautiful time of the year, yesterday I decided to take the puppy out for a long walk to take in all of the gorgeous colours that were now starting to show on the trees.

There is one tree in our village that I always admire, the leaves have already started to turn and very soon the entire tree will be dressed in a sea of orange, almost as though it is alight in flames, before finally they will all drop to the floor and Winter will be truly here.

With it getting so much chillier I am having to start thinking about a new coat, and as it will have to be something that accompanies on walks with Lux (aka the asbo puppy), I always tend to opt for darker colours as he has a tendency of  getting me pretty mucky while we are out and about in muddy fields. 

I found this gorgeous puffer coat which would be ideal for those colder dog walks, being a dark colour means that I don't need to be as precious with it as I would if I was going to wear White, Cream or Beige. 

Image Credit: Lyst

There are some really nice new Winter Coats in at Topshop right now.

It might only be September but it really does feel like we could be in for a rather cold few winter period, and I for one would absolutely love that. Leo has only ever seen snow when he was very young, and he has been wishing for the last couple of years that it would come back for him to build his first proper snowman, as for the dog he has never seen it before at all. 

How nice would it be to have a white christmas? Yes I did just say the C word, because realistically now is the time to be preparing for the big day. I have already started making lists of gifts that I am planning for those nearest and dearest to me, because I am determined not to be running around last minute come December. 

I am definitely going to be adding a new dog walking coat to my own Christmas list this year!

Uggs - Boots that last

Years ago my other half treated me to a pair of Uggs, I think this was partly because he was fed up of seeing the worn out soles on my unofficial Ugg boots, and I have to admit that all these years later they are still serving me well. The soles are still in fantastic condition and they are looking over all super.

This one pair of Uggs has ultimately converted me, because as with anything else in life you really do get what you pay for. I have a feeling that my Uggs were a Christmas present dating back from before Leo was born, which makes them over 6 years old. 

How amazing is that?

I used to think that the initial cost was quite pricey but when broken down over a 6 year time frame it really isn't much at all. It is for that very reason that I have been considering a new Uggs purchase now that it is officially winter boots season. 

As I have a perfectly good pair of what I refer to as traditional Uggs (black knit ankle length), I have been considering something a little different. There is a fantastic Ugg Sale on LovetheSales.com and they currently have these gorgeous Ellecia Wedged Boots in Chestnut, they are very similar to a pair of boots I already own, but they don't get worn very often as they are so uncomfortable (which again reiterates that you get what you pay for!), and if a new pair of Uggs lasted as long as the pair that I already have, it can only be a win.

When it comes to wedge boots they are my absolute favourite, but unless I can combine the comfort with the look, then I can't help but put them to the back of my closet. I don't mind paying more for something if I know it will get used, they will be comfortable and they look good (even 6+ years later!).

Every girl needs a pair of brown ankle boots, and I think that I may just have to pick a pair up from LovetheSales!

After all £138.00 over 6 years works out as a complete and utter bargain!

A Top Tip for Freeing Up Space in your Home

If your home is cramped and there is little room to move around, it can be incredibly frustrating and stressful. This can make it difficult to relax and also challenging when you have people over. When you have a family, any spare space seems to immediately get taken up by clutter and this only contributes to your stress. This is why it is important to look for ways to maximise your space and create a cleaner and tidier looking home.

A Smart Switch

One top tip is to replace your traditional doors with sliding doors. These doors slide in on themselves instead of outwards, consequently freeing up a huge amount of space. The doors are an often overlooked part of a room, but their arc takes up a large area when opening/shutting and this contributes to the cramped feeling.

The Benefits

When you have sliding doors throughout the home, it can look fantastic and create an open plan and minimalistic feeling. Not just this, but this also allows for easy access as they can be gently pushed open. Using them to access the garden can bring the outdoors in and create a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. If you use glass sliding doors, this will also allow plenty of natural light to cascade through.

In addition this, these doors can also be efficient insulators when fitted with composite gaskets. When they also have aluminium seals and fixed leaves, they can also offer great security when used as a door between your garden and home.

Primarily, it is the space saving that makes these doors worthwhile and particularly if you have limited space or a large family. You could use the extra space for storage or for a piece of furniture, but it is also worthwhile leaving it empty as this will really have a positive impact on how the room and entire home looks and feels.

Elsewhere in the Home

In addition to internal sliding doors and glass sliding doors to your garden, you could also consider sliding cupboards and wardrobes; these are a great way to free up space in the bedroom. To find the widest range of sliding doors, as well as all the accessories and hardware you need, you will need to visit hardware stores like Barrier Components.

If you have limited space in the home and find that it makes it difficult to relax, switching to sliding doors could have an enormous impact on both your mood and property.

A Rhodian Summer

It has become a tradition to go on a large family holiday each year, and it is something that both Leo and I always look forward to. This years destination was Rhodes and although we didn't get out to do all of the typical tourism sites, we did have a relaxing week by the pool and I fell in love with a new part of the world.

Leo has become a little fish in the water, and the one to one swimming lessons have really paid off. It was incredible to see him looking so confident and competent in the pool (Even if he has inherited his Mum's fear of the sea).

We stayed in the beautiful Electra Palace, a 5* hotel set near enough of the waters edge and with some scenic walking routes into the nearby town. Leo accompanied his Granddad and I on what we believed to be a short stroll, but an hour and a half later we finally arrived at our destination, and by this point Leo had well and truly lost his sense of humour and a serious word of warning about how he wasn't leaving the pool again for the rest of the holiday. (It resulted in a taxi ride back to the hotel). 

Getting away with Leo, my parents and siblings is something that I truly believe is really special. Sometimes things in life happen that really help you appreciate what and who you have in your life, and sadly an event like that took place this month. 

Standing on the beach with my nearest and dearest as the sun began to set in the distance, I couldn't help but feel truly thankful. I might not have millions of pounds or drive the flashest of cars, what I do have is modest, but when it comes down to it family is priceless.

I am really lucky to have such a close knit family, and one of the things that I am truly proud of is that I get to share all of this, and all of these people with Leo. They have all helped shape him and watched him grow, and I know that they not only have my back, but they also have his too.

Old Rhodes town was somewhere I was really excited to visit (of course Leo by this point was not), but I am so glad that we had the opportunity to go along. It's absolutely beautiful and if boat tours are your thing then I highly recommend checking out the Yellow Submarine in the harbour.

We took a walk around the harbour and then found ourselves inside the old town walls, there were street vendors selling all sorts of weird and wonderful things and I was in my element when I found a whole herd of wild cats and their young kittens. 

With amazing food and Greek culture there is something for everyone in Rhodes. I know I need to go back in the not too distant future, as I didn't even begin to scratch the surface of this beautiful, beautiful place.