A New Year & A New Beginning

Yesterday I headed to china town with my dad, not only to celebrate Chinese new year (year of the pig) but also to celebrate my new start. I was ready to leave my broken controlling relationship, but then discovered that my partner of sixteen years and father of my children had been having an affair with my supposed best friend. This was the finally kick in the teeth, and a reminder to make sure I never took him back for the sake of our children. Your kids will get pass it, never stay for them never I wish I hadn't.

It's been painful mainly for my two boys, as we have to see this person if you can call her that as her children and mine are in the same class. But I've let go, you can't look ahead if you're filled with hate. I've grown in ways I couldn't imagine. My self-worth has sky rocketed, as now I see why I was being made to feel worthless because it was never about me or my actions. I've been crawling back to myself for a while, now I'm flying I can see everything crystal clear. Their actions are a reflection of their insecurities. This is all I will say, as I've already wasted enough time and energy on them. I've moved on,  and it's strange how something so vile and painful has actual been a blessing. I've spread my wings and feel happy, like I've woken from a horrid dream I've been living for five years.

I'm seeing friends and family, enjoying time with my beautiful boys and opening my heart to new love. I'm grabbing life with both hands, and it feels incredible. I have so much planned for this year, it's making my head spin. People have said I'm like my old self, but she's dead and gone too. I think it's so important to look forward, and not step back. I'm ready to soak in all that life has to offer. Where else to celebrate a new start than in China town, with a street filled with red lucky lanterns it's hard not to smile even in the rain. The atmosphere was electric, and there was so much to take in. The floats were so detailed bursting with neon bright and patterns, small children danced around with paper dragons as popper were thrown to the ground. 

There's a stand through China town, that's been there since I first started going back in the early 00s.  I think at one stage I recalled what it was for and possible signed it. But today I didn't want to just assume I had signed once upon a time. Dad and I stopped to read - 'the killing of (practitioners of Falun Gong peaceful meditation) for the purpose of selling their organs for transplant is a violation of the fundamental right to life. The words were filled me with complete sadness, sometimes we think the worst has happened to us. Then you open your eyes, and see actual there are way worst things happening.  As me and dad choked back tears, reading more details we asked to sign the petition and were horrified to know this stand was still here and that nothing was being done. The lady we spoke to was so sweet, and has been fighting this for well over a decade. She thanked us, I said that I hoped that everyone celebrating would take the time to sign. As it takes a minute for someone to put pen to paper, in hope of stopping this. She kindly gave me and dad a flower charm each - Which hangs by my desk to remind me of the good in others. It amazes me how kind and caring some people are in this world, sometimes it's easy to focus on those that fill it with hate. If you visit please go sign if you can.

After we went and took photos and enjoyed the dragon dance, the performs where amazing and it must have been overwhelming having so many people surround them. Dad and I were going to get some dumplings but as we hadn't booked a table everywhere was packed out. So I dragged him to Wahacca as he had never been. We talked about everything, and it felt like when I was young and he would pick me up and take me out on his Sunday. He wasn't the perfect dad growing up, and mine and his relationship went through a lot. But his changed and really making an effort now for me and the boys. I feel like some how, everything is falling into place and who knew that all I had to do was let go of everything I had been clinging onto for years. 

We picked up two paper dragons for my boys, who were at their dads. I wish they could have been with me, but I'm looking forward to them celebrating next year. They loved their dragons and had a lovely weekend with their dad. I think the most important thing now is making sure that they get the best out of me and their dad. I'm so excited for this year, and it's already kicking off to a great start. 

What do you have planned for this year? 

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Three Ways To Wear | One Gold Party Dress

I know, I know it's been a while. But I've had a lot going on, and honestly didn't want to fill this blog of mine with a load of old rubbish. I need to channel my energy back into something positive, to take my mind off everything. So today I decided to have a dress declutter, I watched a bunch of you Tubers going through and trying on all their pieces. Which I highly recommend, because I hate to break it to you but your special dress you have been saving may not even make you feel good when you put it on. Today I was happy to make three piles, one to sell, one for the charity shop and those special dresses I actual feel great in that I'm going to keep. 

But rather than bore you with photos of this process, you can watch the story on my instagram if you fancy. I thought how about a style one dress post. I picked up this gold dress from the charity shop for a whole £3! It fits like a glove, and makes me feel like a million bucks. I'm sure you have a dress like this, but if you don't get thrifting, everyone is clearing out party wear to make way for new so it's thee perfect time. So here's how I style one dress three ways.   

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CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish | Wild Earth Collection Review

CND Vinylux long wear polish | Wild Earth collection* 

I'm so excited it's autumn now, all my jumpers have come out I've put away my sandals and I'm counting the days till it's Halloween. Autumn is just a bit magical time, I think the colours are always what gets me, the leaves turn golden you can cozy up and drink all chai latte to your hearts content. So I'm always in a mood to change it up a bit,I think giving my nails some TLC is a must. CND Vinylux asked if I wanted to try out their new  Wild Earth collection, it  looked beautiful and I couldn't resist.  I tend to play it safe and go for red a lot, but seeing the collection I was actual looking forward to trying out something different as well as a red shade. 

Firstly I had never used this brand of nail polish, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The Wild collection is based on the power of nature. The collection has six polishes all together. The ones I picked are-

Brimstone- A beige neutral 

Arrowhead - a creamy earth

Element- a warm, soft red

Blue Moon- a deep, cobalt blue

The packaging it comes in is very simple, which I like  I really can't stand over packed products. The bottles are a good size as they are 15ml, so these will last you a while. I noticed that the brush is a fair bit bigger then my other polishes, so application of product was so much easier. These feel to me like polishes you would see in a salon, and the coverage is fabulous. 

Honestly I was waiting for one of them to disappoint, but all of them applied smoothly and with only two coats. They have a really high shine,  and they dried pretty quick. I don't really every get much time to sort my nails, so these get a thumbs up from me. the finish looks professional and they are long wearing. The brush is also infused with certain, jojoba oil and vitamin E so if your nails damage easy this will keep them hydrated and more flexible so you will have less nail breaks. They also have a dreamy top coat, to seal in the colours nicely and stop chipping. 

I adore these polishes, and I think Arrowhead is my favourite (shocking I know for someone so obsessed with rainbows). I think the best thing about these polishes is there is no need for a base coat, yes you read that correctly. I always get told off for not using one, but now I don't have to. Have you tried these polishes, what do you think of this collection? 

This collection is available at nail polishes direct. 

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What I've Been Wearing | August/ September

Vans California Poppy SK8- hi tops

As you have seen I took a bit of time out, as I just needed some time with my family and I would never post for the sake. So it's been a while sine I've posted what I've been wearing. Sadly I usually don't have time to take more in-depth outfit photos, because trust me I would love to find a great location and shot away as I love seeing other peoples lookbooks etc. Anyway moaning aside I still like to share with you what I've been wearing, maybe it will give you some inspiration. As rainbow (something I've worn for years) has gone all trendy, and I know some of you feel you can't wear it but honestly you can and should just go for it. 

I was a very lucky gal last month, and I think fed up of seeing me in my beloved falling apart converse Barry treated me to these gorgeous vans which are literally like wearing slippers! As he knows I'm extra he got me the ones with a pastel pink floral pattern, and I honestly love them. I worn them in some of these outfits, but because I'm clearing the house out of old crap my full length mirror currently has a bunch of clothing in front of it. So while you can't see them, trust me I have been wearing them non stop well worth getting if your after some new kicks this autumn. 

Thrifted Floral Trousers 

I love these trousers, they are really light weigh fabric so great for this not in-between weather. I styled them up with this fab tee from We Are Food Scouts, which my friend Jayne and her partner run together. Jayne designed this Catsuklub tee, and I love it I wear it a lot around the house as it's so comfortable. But I think it's great for dressing these trousers down, as I think the pattern is bold enough on it's own. Another fave of mine is this shaggy Boohoo cardigan, it just makes me feel like I'm in a all girl band andof course I wore my beret.

Rainbow Primark Jumper

I was so happy I got this rainbow jumper from Primark, as sadly when we were on our holiday to Portsmouth it rained and was cold. I think it was about £13, and it's really soft and has washed well so I've pretty much worn it to death already. I went for a small as it's a boxy cut, and I preferred it a little more fitted. It was worth getting and Primark have a heap of rainbow clothing, if you too are also are a rainbow hunter. 

Pastel UNIF Top

I've had this ages now, but I tend to wear my rainbow UNIF top way more. I've been leaning towards pastels a little more, as I have some really cute pieces that need to be loved more. also for the price, I want to get my money per wear. As I'm trying to mix it up more and the weather has been nice of course I throw it on with my beloved beyond Retro dungarees. These are one of thee best things I ever bought, they were £35 and I have literally worn them every summer and I've had them for about five years. I defiantly got my moneys worth out of them. I still need to get my denim jumpsuit fixed, as  I probably would have teamed it with that instead. So I guess it was good as it reminded me to that i need to get that fixed. 

SkinnyDip Rainbow Bag

So if you know me, you know I can't get enough of Skinny Dip London. Baz go me this bag, and it's just so cute. It was actual a clutch bag but I attached the chain to it myself. It's pretty roomy and I think looks so cute against my rainbow clothing. This shirt was off a seller on Etsy, and i think cost me £20 ... I'm pretty sure it was part of a costume but I honestly don't care as it's so bright and cheerful. Yes my battered converse again (this was before getting my vans) and some jeans that my friend gave me was the perfect outfit for coffee and a gallery trip with Baz. 

Monki Checked Dungarees 

My most worn to death piece in my wardrobe, I love them so much I also bought the red pair. They were £35 which usually I may have left as I tend to thrift most of my clothing. But honestly I've worn them so much that they were worth every penny. They are super comfortable and they have pockets. I got the large so mine are more over sized, they look so cute with all my rainbow tops and I love clashing the prints. They are perfect for the school run, as I can be lazy but still feel dressed up. Of course another day and another go to my beret. This flower bag I thrifted from the kids section in the charity shop for £2 or £3 quid. 

The Rainbow crop Jumper With Magical Sleeves 

While I love the design of this jumper, I wish it wasn't cropped. I always feel like I need to layer it up. Saying that I absolutely love the design, it feels soft. I think it will look cute layered over a dress so I'm looking forward to trying out different looks with it. I've been layering over this thrifted blouse that I got in the charity shop a while back ... I also picked up this Connie Francis record score! But rokoko have such cute pieces, they can be a little pricier then some other brands, but the quality is there so it's worth the money. 

The Last of Summer

So as I said when we went away it rained. Which was such a shame, as I had purchased a bunch of cute things (all very summery) to wear. But You know me I am a layer queen, so while it's still warm enough to wear some on their own as the sun is still warm in London. I'm going to layer my vest tops over my roll necks and polo necks, as the 70s are back and this is such an easy way to channel the decade. This rainbow one is from Topshop, and i picked up another. I also have a really cute more sporty yellow one,  I shared from monki over on my instagram - I'm @Law1sfab if you fancy seeing my outfits daily. 

So these are just a snippet of what I've been wearing, what's been your go to lately are you holding on to Summer still or are you ready for Autumn? 

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Next A/W 2018

Yes Autumn is here and I'm sorry but I'm not sorry. I need layers, I need fluffy cosy and hug inducing layers. Yes I probably will miss the odd warm day, but this season means cosying up, hot drinks, walks in the park through a million leaves. It's a bit more magic, dark nights aside. I've been clearing out a lot of my old tired things, as it's time to give everything a little refresh. A little wardrobe update, or adding some cute things to your home. Next have a great collection this season, and while everything isn't to my taste as always I've picked out my favourite bits to share and inspire you this Autumn winter. 

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The Boys Harry Potter/Lego Movie Mini Bedroom Makeover

Corben's Gryffindor wall,  and a decal that made me question my sanity. 

So a couple of months back I managed to makeover the boys bedroom, it's only a mini makeover but I thought I would share it as sometimes the idea of updating a room can seem overwhelming. Our problem was more our kids are usually always with us, me and Baz never get much time where we can pack them off to have a bit of time. Not that we want to (well when they are being naughty), but more for when we want to do stuff like decorating. Decorating can be draining enough, without 'I want something' every 5 minutes or worrying that your child is inhaling a bunch of crap they shouldn't be especially when one has asthma.

But as I looked at their bedroom I knew it needed some love and also something that was a bit more grown up. Corben is coming up for nine, and Logan is six. While the superhero bedroom was cute, it looked tidied the walls were dirty as the kids had put their feet and hands all over it. This deco serviced us well and they had it for a few years, but it was time to move on. The rest of the room is plain white and wasn't so bad, so I knew that I could get away with just doing this corner as it's the main feature in the room. When Baz said he was taking the boys camping I knew it would be the perfect time to update their bedroom. Baz is great dad and takes the boys out here there and everywhere, but I knew that this would give me enough time and I'd have the rest to chill out and get a little me time or so I thought. 

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Five Habits I'm Trying To Adapt To

So you may have noticed I've not been around lately, I really wanted to but I was so stuck in a rut even the thought of getting out of bed was exhausting. So I decided not to force myself, not to fill my blog with posts about nothing that filled the void. I wouldn't want to read something that had no effort involved, a post just for the sake. It's like wearing a cocktail dress with sweatpants underneath, no one wants to see it and no matter how much you try to work it it's never going to look good. I wanted the time to think, and ask myself do I still want to blog, does this make me happy. 

After a holiday to Portsmouth, time with family and friends I realised I actual do missed this space. I also was inspired by seeing some absolutely awful humans, producing awful content because it lines their pockets and apparently being a mindless idiot is cool to some. I felt I owned the community one less idiot, someone who remembers how awesome it is to put out something useful .. dare I say it.. practical. If your struggling in a world where everyone seems to be dancing in sunflowers, looking like they sleep on a cloud of security all the while eating ice cream that doesn't drip down their hand the second they are given it. Then hang in there, you got this. You may do these already, if so and you have some other productive tips please let me know. 

Drinking More Water

Simple right. Wrong, if your not use to drinking lots of water it can feel like a massive effort. I put my hands up and say, that yes I would grab a fizzy drink then water or have a nice cup of tea. But after watching a heap of videos, on the benefits of drinking enough water every day I'm really trying to do better. Water helps aid sleep, reduces brain fog and anxiety. As you know I suffer with depression, and while water won't cure that it will help reduce a lot of the side effects of it. I've been drinking heaps over the last couple of months, and my skin looks better, I'm sleeping more and I just feel like I have a bit more energy. 

Good tricks are to either fill a reusable cup with water, and leave it in the fridge - I sometimes add berries or cucumber in for a little boost. Or have bottles of water in the fridge, I feel like if it's there I'm more likely to grab it then make a tea. Don't get me wrong, I'm still drinking my other drinks, but not as much. Your thirst will increase, but this is your body adapting to being hydrated. I never really thought about the fact, that before my body was struggling because of dehydration because what I was drinking wasn't helping me. Anyway give it a go, I promise you will notice a difference. 

You Don't Need Everything

This will always be an on going process for me, I'm a hoarder so letting go isn't easy. But too much stuff weighs me down, I don't need to have everything. I've managed to clear more, but I still have a way to go. It's starting to get a bit more manageable but I'm not there just yet. Sometimes it's worth going through everything you have, there are plenty of videos on You Tube on how people break down items to declutter. It feels great to have less, less to tidy, less to worry about. 

You can still have things, but when your living space is taken over by them or your adding a extra rail to your over flowing wardrobe it doesn't feel good. It's not a nice feeling when you have all this stuff and nothing to wear. So I'm selling, donating and recycling like my life depends on it. Why keep three pairs of jeans that don't fit, rather then getting rid and just having one pair you love. I'm starting to think more, and keep reminding myself that I want space I need space not stuff. It has got  little easier to let go, and I will keep at it. 

I love to sell on eBay, it's really easy and you would be surprised how much you can make from just a few seasonal items. I've sold coats I've only worn a handful of times, bags that were just gathering dust.  If you're worried about posting a large item then get yourself an  Ebay courier,  Shiply.com are wonderful they make the whole process a lot easier and take the stress out of those larger items you need gone.*

Trying to reduce my wardrobe - PS I still have over flow atm don't be fooled by this photo.

Waking Up Early When I Don't Have To

I think one of my issues was time, and never feeling like I have enough. Also not being able to sleep at night, usually knocks onto the day and on a day where I haven't got plans I end up feeling overwhelmed by my to do list. So I'm starting to get up more, yes sometimes I want to lay in and just sleep. But I know if I do that my sleeping pattern will slowly adjust into that routine. 

I want to try and do want I can so I can enjoy the day, not feel that I have to rush around. I've found getting up more, has helped me sleep more at night, some times I have the odd rough night. But usually I'm up and ready for the day, I feel like I have more time, more energy. If your struggling, set a gentle alarm to get you up it doesn't have to be crazy early but early enough that you feel you could have breakfast and do a bunch of other stuff. Your body clock takes three days to adjust, I found out and here I use to think that it would take me weeks. If your feeling rough, then try an afternoon nap instead. That why you have been up and had some day light, then laying in till the afternoon and seeing none. 

Sunflower in my grandads garden that I like to water.

Do It Now, Not Later

We all do it, the put off. Later, in a bit, oh that I'll do it tomorrow. Well it's two weeks later and it's still not done, and now you have a bunch of other stuff to do and you just want to curl up and cry but you can't because you will die under a pile of clothing. This is one I still struggle with, I have to really push myself to just  do it the moment I see it needs doing. 

Putting washing away, sorting through my things, finishing up a project. In some cases, it's not possible to get it all done in a day. But in most, if you break it down into more manageable pieces you can get it done. And after you can do what you like, because you were an adult and actual got your sh*t together. It's a great feeling, but one that you only get from not over thinking the task. Write it down if that helps, break it up into sections and make sure that you get at least one section done. You may find once you have done one bit, the next doesn't seem as bad and you might even get everything ticked off. But just remember now not later. Because later is your treat time to do what you like with. 

Go Out Even For Just A Short While 

When I'm low, I don't want to go out. I don't want to see people, and I don't want them to see me. The thing about that is, it does me no good staying in my rainbow cave. So lately even if it is for thee shortest time, I try to get out. To the shop, or even just to water my plants. I know for some of you this can be a mission, and feel like thee biggest task and sometimes it is. 

Getting up and getting dressed is not easy for everyone, I think people assume it is because they are doing it. But my lovelies even if it takes you a while, throw something on anything clown pants, that rudolph onesie you got for Christmas and just be outside even if it's for a short while. It will make a difference, remind you that there is a world out there that you are part of. Trust me I pushed through this one, greasy hair and no makeup give zero fu*ks because it wasn't for anyone but me. If it helps you get to better days, where you feel more yourself and want to stay out more, go further afield do it. 

Are there any habits your trying to adapt into your life? Let me know, I hope you all have a lovely weekend and I promise that I won't leave it so long next time. 

This is a sponsored post* 

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A Day With Yellow Zebra Safaris

It's not every day you get to hang out with a barn owl and meerkats, so we were all really excited to join Yellow Zebra Safaris for a day of fun after receiving their email. While you can't go on safari in London, Yellow Zebra Safaris brought it to us on a smaller scale. Not only was it fun, but a very educational event. The boys were only expecting to meet a couple of animals, so were pretty gobsmacked by the array of animals our host brought to the event. Yellow Zebra offer Safaris, and while we weren't heading to Africa, it was lovely to experience a little of what they offer here in London. We would meet the animals, then have photos and then the kids could enjoy a ceramics workshop. 

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What I've Been Wearing | April

I'm over on Instagram - @law1sfab

I don't know if you follow me on Instagram, but lately I've been trying to post all my daily outfits. I've done pretty well at keeping on top of it, as I think it helps me feel better about getting ready, as I can get very anxious about it and get stuck in my head. I feel it's pushing me a bit more, and I look forward to putting an outfit together. 

I'm trying not to wear the same things, and trying harder to fully enjoy my wardrobe. I have so many thrifted pieces, that I've not worn yet, so I feel like if they don't get worn then I'll be taking them back to the charity shop.  There's been so much going on lately, that I haven't been able to post my full outfits for a while now. It's not that I don't want too, it's either a case of having no time, or not having anyone to take them for me. So I thought just for now I would share what I've posted on there over here too, with a few extras as not everyone is on Instagram - shock horror I know and I've really been enjoying my wardrobe. So here's what I've been wearing, and maybe it may give you some inspiration for your spring wardrobe. 

 The thrifted outfit

I absolutely love green, but I've not found loads in the shops at the moment. And everything I have seen has not really been me. I was on eBay one evening and spotted these River Island leaf print jeans, I instantly full in love. I was all ready to buy them, but then I got distracted and forgot about them. The fashion gods were shining down on me, because I managed to bag these for a whole £1 at my local charity shop. I was so happy, as I was all ready to part with £20. 

Then on another trip I spotted this Mickey top, I love Mickey mouse and have a couple of tops that I've had forever. This one cost me £3 and I love it, I love the print and the big orange D. I've found some absolute gems lately, but I'm making sure that I drop some bits off as well as I'm still clearing out a heap of stuff. I paired this outfit with my Primark boots, I love these boots and they were well worth the £3 - Thank you january sell. You can't really go wrong with a tee and jeans, and I'm all about prints.   

The all pink outfit

That pink ruffled Monki top, when I saw it in the store I knew I had to have it. I hadn't treated myself to a new in a while, as I tend to thrift most of my wardrobe. I left it a while, but after going in for the third time and seeing it I decided it was worth it. I've worn it three times so far, and it makes me feel like a princess.

It's a stretch fabric and has all these ruffles, it's sheer but I prefer to wear a little tee underneath. It reminds me of Marie Antoinette you know the movie, remember back in 2006 when Kirsten Dunst looked like a bloody babe. Then I decided to team them with my £1 candy stripe jeans, also another charity shop bargain. I also managed to stick a chain on my Skinny-dip bag, so now instead of being a clutch that I'll only use once I have a across body bag I can use everyday. 

The will it be hot or cold outfit

Towards the end of this week I literally had no clue what to except, in London it has raining one second and and sunny the next. So jeans and a light top, were a good go too it wasn't too warm or cold so I threw on my rainbow cardigan and I had the perfect outfit. I love the lace on this top, and it had been a while since i had worn it. 

Of course I needed to add some rainbow into it, and my Tatty Devine rainbow necklace hadn't been out in a while. I love this necklace, it's so pretty the way each colour is cut and after doing a jewellery workshop with them I know how much skill and work goes into each one. My friend Emma give me these jeans, and I love them my last pair of ripped jeans fall apart as I wore them so much. I also made myself a earring stand, as I didn't realise just how many I had. It seems I have a pretty big collection, so this is so handy and I've started to wear them a lot more. I've had these star ones forever, but they are just so cute.   

The comfortable outfit

I have been living in these checked dungarees from Monki, I saw them on the sales assistant and literally fall over myself to go find them. I got them in a size up, so mine are a little loose but they are perfect and feel super comfortable. I know I look a little clown chef like, but hey clown realness is my vibe. I've seen a ton of people style these, and I think rainbow with them seems to be a winner. I think they are great for any weather, and are my go to when I want to look a little more put together without trying. 

I've had this pastel rainbow top a while now, and it's super soft. I go it from Aliexpress so it was cheap as chips, I try not to buy too many cheapy clothing as I know that it's not ethical. This is another big reason I love to thrift, and that way I know I'm giving a home to something that may have just been throw out. I know with tops like these, they will be in my wardrobe for years. So while cheap stuff isn't great, I know I will wear it to death and won't buy x amount because I have something i really love. 

Like I said I've started to wear my earrings a lot more now, since making the board. I think they are another way to dress this outfit up a bit more. Keeping it from looking super casual. Saying that I'm all about comfort, it's felt like thee longest week so it's a step up from pjs. 

The out shopping outfit 

It was so hot on  the weekend, and while I wasn't buying clothing I knew that if I was near a Monki I would go and try stuff on. Yes I know I'm obsessed with Monki, but honestly I feel like they are the only high street store that has stuff that appeals to me. I took a quick snap of my outfit that day, I was sweating like a pig - I know glamours right. But I finally wore my heart skirt, I got this back in January from Pretty little things sale and just haven't had the confidence to wear it.

I'm so glad it was roasting, as I knew I couldn't wear jeans. The top is by an old skull brand called Ringspun, which I managed to thrifted via eBay. I absolutely love it and wore it a lot last summer. I've been wearing all my old converse to death, and these pink ones are my go to at the mo. I really liked this outfit, and it feels good to tackle my BDD and not worry so much about what I look like.

Sadly I didn't have time to snap todays outfit, but I'm going to try and keep snapping until I can do a proper outfit post. I have some new bits and pieces, and I'm going to get back into sharing what I've thrifted for Spring. What has been your go to lately? I'd love to know.

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Ice Watch | Can This Watch Change My Mind About Watches

I'm not really a watch person, don't get me wrong I've had watches and I have watches. There was a time - excuse the pun, when I wouldn't leave the house without one. I guess also I was in a job I loathed, and would check it nonstop as I couldn't wait for my shift to finish. After a while my watches went from being practical, to reminding me how much time I had to spend there. So after I left that job, I stopped wearing them. But really it wasn't the watches fault, watches are very practical still. Because lets face it,  who whats to dig through their bag however many times to find out what time it is. 

My other half is a watch addict, he has a full box and whenever a birthday or Christmas rolls around he will ask if I want a watch. If you have seen confessions of a shopaholic, his basically the guy in the therapy group who says 'you should buy a watch to go with that'. But I've always been on the fence about it, I've had a fair few but they have lost time - Which makes them just a chunky bracelet. Or the design was okay, but not something I really loved. 

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Five Things | I'm Doing This April

The countdown is finally over, and the boys are filling the house with laughter, moaning, dirty socks and wrappers. We have some things planned, but I think we are all looking forward to being still and in one place. They are happy not to have to do work every day, I'm happy not to have to wrench them and myself out of bed for the school run. We have put up some bunny decorations, and the boys are looking forward to their egg hunt on Monday. So I thought about things I really need to happen this Easter, and thought I would share them. 

Making Time To pamper Myself 

One thing, that tends to go out the window when I’m stressed is my pampering. My hair just hangs from my head, and I tend to stick a hat on living that glamours life right. So this Easter I’m making sure that instead of a quick shower, or wash I’m making time for a creamy bubble bath at least. I’m going to do the same for the boys, I think they need time to relax too plus play time in the bath is a great way to wear them out before bed if you have been stuck in. 

So I’m making sure the bathroom is full of fun bath products, we have some Lush goodies which I'm so excited to try. As usually I stick to my favourites. I'm most excited for Bunch of carrots, they are such pretty colours and smell absolutely epic! They are a bubble bar, so you run them under the tap and they fill your bath with creamy bubbles. They have Sicilian lemon oil, which is uplifting and as I'm going to be running around after the kids I'm gonna that. We also have the Golden egg, as the boys said they wanted something sparkly and it's possible thee most glittery thing I've ever seen in my life. And how adorable are the free rangers, I love that this spilts in two. Of course this smells divine, it has blackcurrant absolute and it got the boys approval. I think making bath time more the main event, then just doing it to get clean will hopeful leave me more refreshed and clam. I also have some skincare, so that I go to bed or wake up feeling fresh and ready. 

Bunch of carrots bubble bars, golden egg bath ballistic , Here comes the sun shower cream, cream egg bath ballistic and free rangers ballistic *

Have A Spring Clean (but like actual do it)

I think everyone is probably getting their clean on, the clocks changed and we gained more light and all of a sudden you notice all the crap everywhere. I've been slowly trying to declutter, but I think over the next few days even for an hour I'm going to be tougher on getting rid of things. Sell, donate or bin all the stuff just needs to go. I feel like I want different things be some new clothing, homeware but how can I do that when there are all these things piling up everywhere. 

So I'm going to go room by room, and sort through it all. Even the kids have clothing that doesn't fit, toys that they have long grow out of and I feel like if I can tackle it now before the six weeks holidays we will all be able to breathe again. I've watched a bunch of You Tube videos, which has helped me with ways to sort and motive yourself. At the same time I need to remember to actual do it. 

Making Easter cakes

Logan asked if we could make some cupcakes. I do like a bit of baking, I prefer the decorating part. If your not big on baking, why not buy plain fairy cakes so you can decorate them how you want. I think it's a great way to past some time, and fingers crossed get something tasty to eat at the end of it. I picked up some box cake, to make it easy for them to follow. We have some white fondant, so I'm going to show them how to make a little bunny topper. The last bunch of cakes we made were at Christmas time, we also made biscuits so we are long overdue on doing some baking. 

Crochetterie by Molla Mills is a great crochet book for if your looking for something more alternative.

Getting back into crafting 

I've had such low energy lately, that all my craft projects aren't really going anywhere. Progress has been slow, and I've been losing focus to the point i question why I've started at all. It's felt like a chore, because I'm not giving myself enough time. It's easy to get into having a deadline for wanting to finish, while some projects need that enough time. I think regards my projects, I just need to organise them. From what will take the least amount of time, and what ones I can chip away at.

I feel like the boys are crafting less and less too. I think it's been an odd couple of weeks, the weather has been all over the shop. And while we have been out here and there, I will say I have been guilty of handing them their gadgets and grasping at any free moment. But I do miss making things, and seeing them create as they both have a big imagination. 

Thankfully you don't even have to brainstorm much any more,  there are a million craft ideas on Pinterest. But one of my favourite things to craft with are paper plates, you can cut out bunnies or make them into eggs. They don't cost much, you can also recycle them once you have made new things if you like. Kids can colour them, stamp them or stick stripes of coloured card or even colourful chocolate wrapping. But any crafts are just a good way of doing something together, especially on a rainy day. They are perfect to stop them becoming glued to their gadgets, and also mean I'm giving the kids my time while we do something fun . Also if you loath mess, colouring paper plates with colour pens are a great alternative to paints. 

Gadget free time 

This also include Baz and I, as well as our little darlings. Some times it’s easy to think your spending time together, when in reality your all casual checking a phone or iPad and not really focusing on what’s being said. I know this drives me nuts, when I think the kids aren’t listening. So I’m sure they feel the same when I have a phone in my face. While certain things need to be checked and done, I really want to make sure I'm getting a break from internet surfing. Before you know it half the day is gone. I've decided I'll crochet, maybe paint, go for a walk or just enjoy the moment. 

I hope you all have a great Easter if you celebrate, and i'd love to hear what your up too and if you have any plans. 

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