Feeling confident in Summer

It finally feels like Summer has arrived here in the UK, and over the last couple of weeks I have been able to wear my hot pants on an almost daily basis. Instead of reaching for my jeans and a warm jacket, I am finally pairing those short shorts with a tee, taking little man to school and coming back to crack on with some work in the garden. 

Being able to bring the laptop outside and relaxing in the sun writing up posts is by far the best feeling you can have at work. A cup of coffee to the side of me, legs catching some rays all rolled into a day in the office. 

Not bad going eh?

2 years ago this month I was dreading the summer, I was carrying a bit of extra weight back then and the thought of having to put my legs into a pair of shorts, or worse...A bikini filled me with dread to the very pit of my stomach. I longed to wear crop tops and short shorts, but at that moment in my life it quite simply wasn't going to happen. I really was at my lowest and my confidence was at rock bottom. 

I decided to make a change so that I could feel confident in the clothes I longed to wear, so I felt good in them. It's amazing what 2 years can do to your confidence, self esteem and your BODY! Just by cleaning up my diet and finding a exercise routine that worked for me, I lost 2 stone, 2 dress sizes and toned up my body. Today I long for summer, I feel happy, confident and love an excuse to get my short shorts out to play! 

Summer makes me want to shop, I love the dresses, I love the shoes and the crop tops, the cute tee's and that's before I have even got started on the play suits! I do the majority of my shopping online as I find that there is so much more choice, I can walk down the high street and find absolutely nothing that catches my eye, I log online and suddenly I don't have enough money to fund my clothing lust! 

I recently discovered Lyst, they are a fashion tech company based in London and New York (two of my favourite places!) and they offer a shopping experience that is tailored to each unique visitor that enters the site. Let's face it, my taste will not be the same as yours and vice versa, so what I want to see popping up on my screen, won't reflect what you would want to see. The website learns about your shopping habits as you shop, and the more you use it, the more you start to see things that really relate to you, completely tailoring your shopping experience to YOU!

In addition to this rather incredible form of online shopping, you can also lyst the items you like to plan wardrobes, entire outfits and wish lists. If there is something that you really love but it's out of stock at that precise moment in time that you want to pop it in your basket you can lyst it so that they alert you the moment it comes back into stock. 

I have lost the last few hours today oggling over all of the beautiful dresses that are currently featuring on Lyst, there is absolutely something for every occasion, but I decided it would be fun to share my top 10 dresses for Sumer 2016 with you.

So here we go...

My Favourite Lyst Dresses for Summer

1. Sachin & babi Cuba Short Sleeve Fitted Dress

2. Timo-Weiland Danielle Dress Blue

3. Bridge & Burn Green Fleer Dress

4. Krisa Surplice Flounce Dress

5. Jonathan Simkhai Cutout Trim Shirt Dress

6. Mara Hoffman Cross Front Mini Dress

7. Marysia Swim 'mott' Scalloped Halterneck Dress - Yellow

8. Solace London Alana Mini Dress

9. Pinko Pink Women's Dress

10. Alice & Olivia Yellow 'Pacey' Floral Lace Lantern Dress

A Sunny Evening In The Garden

With Summer finally here we have been making the most of the sunny days and the long evenings.

Tonight has been spent like most other nights.

Spending time in the great outdoors with the sun still beaming down on us at 7pm.

Late for bathtime.

Late for bedtime.

Only tonight I had the camera with me to snap some of the excitement.

Leo and Tigger chasing each other around.

The laughter as Leo dangles long grass for Tig to paw.

Leo following Tig in and out of the playhouse, 

Tig pouncing on Leo as he enters the play tunnel.

More laughter.

The moment Leo decided to run down the slide instead of slide...

Then of course climbing back up again despite being told not to...again.

The cat playing in the dirt.

Leo following the cat into the flower bed.

Leo standing on top of the slide to have a little chat with the little boy next door.

Telling him all about his cat.

All about Tigger's meow.

Stolen moments outside, when really the toddler should have been tucked up fast asleep in bed.

Stolen moments that were so worth the price of delaying the mundane bedtime routine.

That can wait for another night.

Cocktails – why are they so popular and can they be made at home?

Creating a drink like the ones you see served to customers in a busy bar or nightclub seems like a task that should only be left to the professionals. With what seems like a vast range of ingredients and a range of colours and garnishes, cocktails seem so complicated, but is that actually true? Can they be made by anyone?

When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail, there’s no need to make it so difficult by using a dozen ingredients. Many of the classics only need four or five ingredients in order to taste great, while mixing cocktails will allow you to be as experimental as you like.

Fruits of your labour

Essentially, most cocktails contain three key ingredients – fruit/fruit juice, ice and spirits/wines. When combined in a cocktail shaker or blender, they usually merge to form something incredibly tasty and refreshing. Now that you know this, you might want to have a go yourself. Here are a couple of cool recipes to help get started for the perfect girly night in.

Paloma Margarita

Image Source

Image Source

The Margarita is something many of us might order when on holiday somewhere sunny like Spain or Portugal, but you can get all you need much closer to home. 

You need:

- ½ tsp. Grenadine

- 1.5 fl. oz. tequila

- ½ a lime, cut into wedges

- Some grapefruit soda – if unavailable, grapefruit juice mixed with fizzy water will do

- A few ice cubes

After adding the ice cubes to a tall glass, pour the grenadine into the bottom of the glass. Next, add the tequila and top with the soda/juice-water mixture. Then, squeeze the juice from one or two lime wedges and serve.

Vodka Seabreeze

Image Source

Something you might come across in nightclubs, it’s every bit as refreshing when drinking it at home. To make it, you need:

- 1 fl. oz. vodka

- 2 fl. oz. cranberry juice

- A couple of dashes of grapefruit juice

- One lime wedge

- Ice

Pour the ice into a glass. Then, you should mix all the other ingredients together barring the lime wedge. Once fully blended, add to the glass then garnish with the lime.

Disclaimer: This is a Featured Post

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Area

It may still feel a little on the chilly side at the moment,but spring is on its way. In some parts of the country, it’s slowly getting warmer andsunnier, while summer is only a few months away. As soon as the last few bitsof snow and ice lying on the ground have melted away, you might want to stepoutside again.

You’ll be relieved to not have to wear those winter coats,scarves and gloves whenever you go out; but there’s a chance that you might notbe ready for the warmer weather just yet. To find out whether or not you’reready for the warmer, sunnier weather, all you need to do is take a look atyour garden.

Stepping out withoutleaving home

Many of us dream of having the perfect garden, but wonderwhether it’s worth spending hour after hour, day after day on making it better.Gardening in particular might seem backbreaking and time-consuming, but itdoesn’t have to be that way.

A few additions here and there, a freshly-mowed lawn andsome brightly-coloured plants can help to transform your garden’s appearance.To make it happen you need to know what to do, a little bit of time and a goodidea of what your perfect outdoor living space would look like.

Summer space

The first thing you should do is consider what plants tohave. If the ones currently in your garden are wilting or have died completely,you should get rid of them. Plant some new seeds and wait for them to floweror, alternatively, buy ones that have already grown, but buy in season toensure they don’t die too early.

Next on the list should be paving and furniture. The formeris good for a patio and providing clear walkways, while the latter makes agarden look more inviting. Garden sofas like these,for example, are great if you spend a lot of time enjoying your garden.

A veneer of class

Aside from the garden, you might want to make a fewadditions to your home as well to complement your new-look garden. Have you everbeen entertaining friends or enjoying a barbecue and it rains? Well there is asolution. I find canopies a little temperamental, but if you are looking for something morepermanent that attaches to the wall awnings are one such thing you couldadd to the patio to keep you covered so you can enjoy yourself come rain orshine.

Barbecues are great for social events like parties, and abarbecue grill will make it possible. You could build a permanent one or buysomething portable you can bring inside during winter.

As a finishing touch, the addition of a water feature will get everyonetalking. It doesn’t have to be a massive fountain: just a small one will helpto make your garden look a little more complete.

Kissing Frogs - A me&i Review

You never fail to see Leo coming at you in his bright attire. His bright shirts and his funky tights, he is full of pattern and character.

I love to see him looking smart and colourful, which means I am always on the look out for fitting clothes to add a splash of colour to this abysmal winter scene that we seem to be stuck in.

me&i are a company I have told you all about before, and they have just recently released their Spring/Summer 2013 collection. 

I am pleased to report that it is as bright and desirable as ever.

Leo has been sent a really funky t-shirt for when the sunshine decides to come out and play, and of course when this cold weather decides to give into the throws of Spring...It can't be much longer... Can it?

Leo's new t-shirt is Green and dotted with very dashing frog princes, fittingly named 'Kissing Frogs'. Over all it is a very cheeky top for a very cheeky chappy. 

What I adore about me&i is the feel of their clothes, they are soft and stretchy giving lots of growing room for kids. 

This current t-shirt that Leo is modeling is in a size 2-3 and he is not even 2 until June. So this means that it will see him throughout the entirety of the summer months, and the 95% cotton and 5% elastane materials will aid the shirt to grow with him.

When the sunshine does come out to play Leo is going to be looking super smart in his t-shirt and shorts, but for now we are pairing it with trendy jeans and his winter shoes! It will go with anything and really liven up an outfit choice with the playful patterns that are carried throughout the design.

I think the frogs are charming, but I have to admit I am already eyeing up the rest of the range. There is a fabulous Dinosaurs t-shirt in the new collection in the most fantastic vibrant blue. I will certainly be adding this to Leo's summer wardrobe this year, as he will look absolutely super duper in it. 

I am so confident in putting my money in me&i as I know exactly what to expect from them. The clothes are to the highest quality providing comfort for Leo and the bright unique designs are so fantastic. 

The Kissing Frog's t-shirt retails from £15.00 to £17.00 and while being a little pricier than your average t-shirt you really can feel the difference in the material, and of course the flamboyant prints!

Have a look over at me&i for yourselves and please let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I was sent the Kissing Frogs t-shirt for the purpose of this review. However all views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

Spring/summer 2013 Trends

Spring/summer 2013 Trends

There may still be a chill in the air, but the highstreet is full of lighter spring and summer clothes. Now is the perfect time to re-stock your wardrobe with key pieces for the biggest fashion trends of the year. The odd sunny day we’re experiencing right now will soon give way to warmer temperatures and brighter skies as spring approaches, so head to the shops and snap up some top trendy buys!

Usually considered a masculine item, Bermuda shorts are set to be a big hit in womenswear collections this spring/summer. A great option when the weather is fine, Bermuda shorts sit low on the hips and are cut just above, or on the knee. Laid-back slouchy shorts look fab when teamed with a fitted top and are flattering on most body shapes. To elongate legs make sure you pair your shorts with a pair of peep-toe heels.

Step aside from casual cool and invest in a collared dress: peter pan and ruffle styles appeared on last year’s fashion show catwalks and have already filtered down onto the highstreet. Collars add a touch of sophistication to plain pieces, taking a dress from an everyday item to a work wardrobe staple. If a ruffle collar is too girly for your style, choose a dress in a darker colour rather than a feminine pale palette. New Look has a great selection of collared dresses, including a ruffle neck purple dress with a cute waist belt.

Those who tuned into the recent Grammy and BAFTA awards could not have failed to notice the monochrome dresses sported on the red carpets. Many celebs opted for black and white gowns and separates as these classic tones are universally flattering. Celebs are always fashion-forward, so it will come as no surprise that monochrome is a huge trend this spring/summer. Black and white pieces are ever-wearable, and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. An investment monochrome piece transcends the seasons and can be brightened up with accessories for spring, and toned down as winter approaches.

Ethnic and boho are classic fashion favourites for the summer months. A major factor in this look is now set to become a trend in its own right: beading. Brocade and baroque ruled winter fashion in 2012 and embellishments are continuing this year in the form of richly beaded scarfs, dresses, accessories and tops. India and the Middle East influence the beading fashion, with many traditional garments from these locations using intricate sequin and dazzling bead detail. Choose a floor-length dress in an eye-popping colour, either with beading detail or accessorised with a beaded scarf.

Cropped tops were the item for choice for girl bands and their fans in the 1990s, and baring your midriff is having a comeback in 2013! A rather daring look, many of the upcoming season’s cropped tops have full length sleeves and high necklines, keeping things classy and ensuring modesty for the wearer. The trend is more sophisticated than decades gone by, as cropped tops were seen on the catwalks teamed with high-waisted skirts and cute bolero jackets.

Brighten your day by heading online or to the highstreet and picking up some key pieces for this spring/summer.

Disclaimer: This is a Sponsored Post

Huggies Little Swimmers Giveaway!

Back in June I introduced you to the Swim Savvy Campaign and how we as parent's can make the swimming experience less stressful, and more enjoyable by simply following the 9 Swim Savvy Guidelines! 

Let me refresh your memory as to what those guidelines are...

1.    Always put a swim nappy on your little one before going into the pool Huggies® Little Swimmers® have unique leak guards to avoid little accidents escaping as well as easy open sides to make change time as hassle free as possible

2.    Avoid swimming if you or your little one has had a tummy upset in the past 24 hours

3.    If you are going on holiday, it’s a good idea to get your little one water-ready first – even if it’s just splashing a little water over them in the bath

4.    Stay by your little one at all times – not only is it safe, but it also helps form a close bond

5.    Maintain eye contact with your little one, smile, relax and drop down to the same level – your baby will love seeing you splashing too!

6.    You may want to have your partner or a friend with you when you first start swimming, just whilst you get used to handling a wet baby

7.    One of the best ways to get into the pool is to lay your baby safely on the poolside, enter the water and then lift him in

8.    To help baby relax, keep your baby's face close to your own and maintain eye contact

9.    If you are new to baby swimming go during off-peak times or earlier in the morning if you are on holiday - it makes the entire experience less stressful and enjoyable

To continue the Swim Savvy theme for the Summer that is apparently just around the corner...I am pleased to be able to offer you the chance to win a very special Huggies Swimming Kit.

What is in the Huggies Swimming Kit?

- One pack of Huggies Little Swimmers

- One set of Disney Nemo armbands
- One pack of Huggies Everyday wipes

- One set of Water Babies swimming hints and tips cards

- A selection of swimming toys

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. If you have not yet signed in to the new Rafflecopter forms, use either your Facebook account or your name/email address to sign in (you don’t need a Rafflecopter account, and you don’t HAVE to log in using Facebook–you can simply use your name/email address). Then click “Do It” and complete the mandatory entry. Then, if you want to, submit any or all of the extra entries. The more entries you submit, the better odds you have of winning!

To enter the competition you can do all of the below entry methods or just pick One or Two!

- Follow my blog Via Google Friend Connect (Right hand Tab)

- Leave a blog post comment below, telling me all about your little one's very first swimming experience!

- Follow Lovelyleosmummy on Twitter

- Like The Life and Times of The Working Mum on Facebook

- Tweet about the giveaway "I want to win a Huggies Swimming Kit with @lovelyleosmummy at www.thelifeandtimesoftheworkingmum.com'

Make a splash, not a plop with Huggies® Little Swimmers® this summer!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://www.theprizefinder.com" title="ThePrizeFinder.com - home of competitions and prize winning" target="_blank">ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions</a>