How I really feel about wearing shorts!

I used to love wearing shorts, when I was a teenager and even in my 20's I had a cracking pair of legs. I put it down to all the horse riding that I used to do. Now, in my mid forties with a body that’s lived a life, birthed children and developed a fondness for late night snacks the idea of slipping into a pair of shorts, especially the kind that go above the knee makes me want to run for cover. This is not a pity party, I don't want compliments, it's just a bit of truth from me about how I feel!

It’s not even about the weather. It could be 30 degrees and I’ll still be thinking that I know I should wear shorts but I just don't. The sun might be blazing but the moment I put on shorts my brain kicks into a self conscious overdrive. I look in the mirror and suddenly it’s not just my legs I see, it’s the cellulite, the stretch marks, the veins, the scars from shaving mishaps and then the voice that lives in the back of my head pipes up with you really should have started moisturising daily when you were twenty!

I know it’s silly. It is everywhere online about body positivity. I know we’re all supposed to embrace our bodies and love our flaws but sometimes that feels like a massive ask when I’m stood looking in the mirror. The truth is I hate showing off my legs. I’m overweight and I carry most of it in my thighs so shorts especially the shorter ones make me feel exposed in all the wrong ways. They ride up when I walk, they cling in weird places when I sit down and they always make me second guess myself.

When I catch sight of women my age and older confidently strolling in shorts without a second thought I feel this strange mix of admiration and envy. I want to be like that. I want to get to the point where I can say, this is my body, these are my legs. They’ve walked me through life, they’ve climbed hills, danced in kitchens, stood for hours making dinner for my kids. They deserve the breeze!

Maybe one day I’ll get there. Maybe this summer I’ll start small with the safe, just above the knee pair I bought last year but haven’t had the courage to wear out. Maybe I’ll pair them with a long, floaty top and pretend I’m someone who totally wears shorts all the time or maybe I’ll stick to my trusty 3/4 length leggings. Either way I’m learning not to beat myself up about it. Shorts or no shorts, my worth is not measured by the skin I show.

Do you wear shorts?

My favourite summer clothes.

I do love the warmer months, we had a bit of what felt like summer here and then a week of it being quite chilly, another warm week and the past week has been a bit hit and miss so when it is warm I am taking the chance to wear my summer clothes. Last year it hit just over 40°C which is 104°F and was a record for the UK. I don't want temperatures like that again but a little hotter than we've been having would be nice.

In the summer I like to be comfortable so tend to stick to long t-shirts and cropped leggings. I saw a fab t-shirt in Primark a few months ago and have since gone on to buy it in different colours and with different quotes on it.

I always buy the t-shirts in a bigger size than I need as I don't like tight fitting tops when it's warm out, I like a bit of air to get to me.

I got some of these style of cropped jeggings off Amazon a couple of years ago and they have lasted really well. It wasn't these exact one's as I know I wouldn't have paid £27. They are very similar though.

If I am not wearing leggings, or cropped jeggings I am wearing shorts. I only have one pair of shorts that I will happily go out in public in, these type of denim ones, again I didn't pay the £27, I only paid about £10.

Around the house I am quite happy to wear any type of shorts but mainly stick to pj bottom type ones which are cheap and cheerful.

I am not big on wearing dresses but I do have a few favourites, some which are years old and some which I have bough this year.

The first one that has to have a mention is one that I got when I think my youngest was a baby. I think I got it from the online store Simply Be and I still wear it now. It is so comfy, pretty with the floral design and ruffles and looks a bit more formal than just a plain dress. It is very similar to this one off Shein.

I bought the green dress a few months ago from Primark and I was so much in love with the fit of it that I bought it in a different pattern and colour. They're so pretty and I don't want to brag but they look so good on me, hugging and fitting in all of the right places.

Usually I wouldn't dream of buying footwear offline, I like to try it on and make sure it fits as sometimes I go into one shop and I am one size and another and I am a size larger or smaller. I suppose it's the same when it comes to clothes but I am fussy when it comes to footwear. 

When I last did an order from Shein I bought myself a pair of shoes and some sandals. 

The shoes are great for going with smarter outfits but the sandals are amazing! They are the comfiest sandals which I have ever owned and worn. I can see me wearing them out by the end of the summer so a couple of weeks ago when I made another Shein order I bought some more but this time they're all black which I think looks a little smarter and more formal. I did buy them in a size 7.5 which is a little bigger than I normally go for. I am a 6.5 or 7 but I do have chunky feet so I didn't wanted them to be tight. They're perfect!

What are your favourite summer outfits?

I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for their Friday Favourites.

Dresses, skirts and shorts. A teenagers shopping wish list.

 Ellie my 15 year old has always been a bit of a tom-boy in how she dresses but recently she has decided that she wants to wear dresses, skirts and shorts. It came as a bit of a shock to me but I am more than happy to let her choose how to dress even if it is costing us buying some new clothes. We bought a few outfits a couple of weeks ago and since then she has been making lists of clothes that she has found online, mostly off the website Shein.

I have never been a fan of the Shein website. I used to think it was all cheap, tacky and full of awful clothes but Ellie got her prom dress from there and it is actually pretty amazing considering it didn't cost that much. She has been showing me dresses, outfits and things and they look pretty good and they don't cost the earth.

These are some of my favourite things that she has on her wish list. Dresses, skirts & tops and short outfits.  I thought some of the outfits were a bit dressy to wear every day but she has said the outfits would be dressed down by wearing trainers or boots and with her denim or leather jacket.

ROMWE Fairycore Contrast Lace Cami Dress - £10.99

ROMWE Butterfly & Floral Print Drawstring Dress - £11.49

SHEIN EZwear Ribbed Rainbow Striped Butterfly Embroidery Dress - £11.49

SHEIN Sweetheart Neck Puff Sleeve Drawstring Ruched Dalmatian Dress - £13.99

SHEIN EZwear Split Hem Camo Dress - £7.99

SHEIN EZwear Lettuce Trim Rib-knit Tee & Split Hem Plaid Skirt Set - £9.99

Solid Tank Top & Ditsy Floral Print Ruffle Hem Skirt - £11.49

SHEIN ICON Pop Art Print Tube Top & Bodycon Skirt - £12.49

SHEIN EZwear Stripe Crop Halter Top & Bodycon Skirt Set £9.49

SHEIN EZwear Notch Neck Split Hem Lettuce Trim Tank Top & Push Buckle Belted Shorts Set - £15.99

Zip Up Drawstring Thermal Lined Hoodie & Shorts - £14.49

SHEIN EZwear Ditsy Floral Print Lettuce Trim Tee & Shorts - £8.99

Ohh! To be a teenager again, have the body and have the confidence to wear clothes like this. A lot of the clothes which Ellie puts on her wish lists are still black, I sometimes wish she'd wear a bit of colour but I guess she takes after me, most of my clothes are black. I think what put Ellie off wearing skirts and dresses in the past was that she thought she had to wear fancy shoes or high heels but she's come to realise a lot of dresses will go with other footwear that she is more comfortable in.

Are your teenagers followers of the latest fashion trends?

Some alternative Halloween costumes for adults. #Blogtober22

I am taking part in Blogtober 2022 and will be writing posts with various themes/prompts throughout October. Today's prompt is: Halloween costumes!

Halloween costumes are fun but I think at nearly 43 years old I am a little too old for the spooky, scary Halloween costumes. I want to think I am anyway. I feel too grown up to wear the typical Halloween costumes which can sometimes can seem a little tacky for us adults. I was out to find something a little different and I came across a whole host of things on Amazon!

The Halloween dresses that I found on Amazon were just fantastic. Way better than the typical witchy one's or Morticia Addams one's that you think of when it comes to Halloween. There were a couple that I would be tempted to wear all year around.

Wellwits Women's Spider Web Collar Bat Embroidery Halloween Vintage Dress.

Fashion Star Womens Halloween Dress.

Toamen Women Pumpkin Skull SkaterProm Swing Dress.

Women's Pumpkin Witch Pattern Printed Dress. 

Women's Gold Foil Floral Skull Print T-shirt Dress.

Women's Halloween Dress Long Sleeve Pumpkin Printed Cocktail Swing Dress.

If you don't fancy going full on Halloween you could always just wear a Halloween themed t-shirt with some jeans or pants. As Becky has got older she has just gone for a Halloween themed t-shirt as she thought that she was too old for a kids costume. Here are some, that I also found on Amazon! 

Pumpkin Short Sleeve Bat Print Graphic Tee.

It's Hocus Pocus Time Witches Girls Ladies Women T-Shirt.

Halloween Themed Maternity Tops.

Womens Hand Painted Funny Halloween Skeleton Print Shirt. 

Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Reverse Seam Women's T-Shirt.

Disney Mickey Mouse Halloween Silhouette T-Shirt.

What are you wearing for Halloween this year?

It's jumper weather - A wish list.

I am taking part in Blogtober 2022 and will be writing posts with various themes/prompts throughout October. Today's prompt is: Autumn fashion loves!

Hasn't it got cold. I know it's Autumn but it does seem to have got cold quickly. Usually when the kids went back to school in September we would have a 2nd summer for a month or so but that didn't really happen and by the end of last month my family was begging for the heating to be put on. I am a meanie and I said no, not until they put socks on, jumpers, blankets and maybe filled a hot water bottle first and then see if they're still cold. hehehe

I keep saying it's jumper weather and it really is. I have got all of mine out from the bottom of the wardrobe and gave them a wash to freshen them up but some are looking really tatty and old, there's some I've had since Becky was a baby and she's just turned 20. lol I have been browsing online and found quite a few jumpers which I would like to buy myself. I have been dropping hints to my fella, it's my birthday next month and I really want the Harry Potter one's. 

Disney's Mickey Mouse Longline Hoodie - £14.00 - Primark.

Green Funnel Neck Ribbed Jumper - £16.00 - George at Asda.

Curve Pink Colour Block Jumper - £19.99 - Yours

Coral Daisy Jumper - £17.00 - Matalan

Black Sequin Star Jumper - £22.00 - Tu Clothing

Beige Bambi Sweatshirt - £14.99 - TK Maxx

Harry Potter All Over Print Sweatshirt - £10.50 - Studio

Harry Potter Sweat Top - £15.00 - Studio

Harry Potter Burgundy Sweatshirt - £20.00 - Studio

Have you bought any new jumpers or sweaters recently? 

The best Christmas jumpers I have found.

Christmas Jumper Day will take place on Friday 11th December this year to raise money for Save the Children.  Even though we’re in lockdown, this is a day you can safely enjoy wherever you are. At school, working from home or with your family. Just grab a jumper and give £2 to Save the Children!

I don't usually bother with a Christmas jumper but this year I am determined to get one. Just to make this year a little bit better than it has been. 

These are some of the best I have seen online lately.

Christmas Disney Mickey Mouse Navy Sweatshirt - £16.00 - Tu at Sainsburys.

Home Alone Shoulder Slogan Tape Sweatshirt - £14.00 - George at Asda.

Here For The Christmas Spirit Sweater - £6.00 - Studio

Harry Potter Hogwarts Tree Women's Christmas Sweatshirt. £24.99 - IWOOT

Covid Christmas Jumper - Baby it's COVID Outside - £26.00 - Etsy

Festive And Fierce Women's Christmas Jumper - £38.00 - Not On The High Street.

Stranger Things: Christmas Jumper: Eleven Days Of Christmas - £22.99 - Forbidden Planet.

Shantay You Sleigh Drag Queen Ladies Red Christmas Jumper - £21.99 - Grindstore

Graphic Christmas sweatshirt - £28.00 - Next

Christmas only Red Sequin Reindeer Jumper - £25.00 - Tu at Sainsburys

Funny Social Distancing Christmas Jumper - £32.00 - Not on the high street.

Naughty List Christmas Sweatshirt - £10.00 - Matalan

Do you fancy any of these jumpers?

(Ad - Gifted) Grubs Frostline 5.0 Mid Calf Insulated Black Wellington Boots - Review!

When we moved house in the summer we moved from a big town, full of concrete and I was lucky to walk on grass once in a blue moon. Now we live in a large village/small town surrounded by countryside and lots of mud!! For the last few months I have been living in flip flops, sandals and trainers, enjoying the sunshine. Now the weather has most certainly changed and I needed something a little more for my feet! That's where The Internet Gardener comes in.

I was lucky to be sent a pair of Grubs Frostline 5.0 Mid Calf Insulated Black Wellington Boots to try out.

The Frostline black 5.0 short wellies are new to the Grubs Frostline range this season. The mid height makes for a more practical boot which can be slipped on and off with ease. 

This boot contains a polyester fleece and has a SUPER-DRI lining to keep your feet warm and small lugs on the front and rear of the boot to provide grip for difficult winter conditions. 

To provide extra insulation the foot bed has a removable 6mm NITROCELL bubble structure which also adds extra cushioning for a more comfortable experience.

I couldn't wait to get them on and try them out. The timing was perfect as I was helping my dad out with some gardening, chopping down bramble bushes and weeding. It really put them to the test. There was plenty of mud, uneven ground and puddles.

These boots are fantastic. They might look big and clunky but don't feel much heavier than a normal pair of boots. I imagined my legs aching after spending about 5 hours in them but they didn't! They are so comfortable, I would say even more comfortable than my trainers.

It was quite a chilly day and the only time my feet felt cold was when I took them off. They are super warm and I can't wait to try them out on much colder days! They kept my feet and lower legs protected from the bramble bushes and I splashed through puddles and they are fully water proof right to the top!

I did worry about the sizing as I have chunky calves and struggle to get boots on but they were true to size with a little room to spare. Phew! These boots come in sizes 3 to 13 and they are unisex boots so anyone can wear them! My dad has already asked for a pair for Christmas!

I can't fault the Grubs Frostline boots at all. I have nothing negative to say about them at all. When they've been used they wipe clean and I can honestly say they are the best wellington boots I've ever had and I've had a few pairs over the years! 

I would say they are of course fantastic for gardening but also going on Autumn/winter walks. I think these would make a fantastic gift for an outdoorsy person for Christmas or a birthday. It's my 40th birthday coming up and I would have been overjoyed to receive these!

At the moment they cost £64.99 and I would say they are worth every penny. I can see them keeping my feet warm and dry over the winter and lasting for a few years at least!

I was sent these wellington boots free of charge in exchange for this blog post.

It's jumper wearing weather - A wish list!

The weather is getting chillier and I am reaching more and more for a jumper. It was a whole ordeal trying to find my jumpers. We moved house at the end of June so I haven't needed them. I thought they were in the cupboard, in a bag but nope my fella found them stored away under the bed in one of the suitcases.

I was hoping that they had been lost in the move and I even started looking for new one's. hehehe

Green Harry Potter Slytherin Jumper - £10.00 - Primark

Disney Minnie Mouse Grey Slogan Longline Mini Me Hoodie - £16.00 - Asda

Golddigga Slogan Sweater - £11.99 - Sports Direct

Pink Colourful Stripe Jumper - £14.00 - Asda

Dark Grey Fearless Slogan Sweatshirt - £12.00 - New Look

Burgundy Chevron Colour Block Sweatshirt - £17.99 - New Look

Star Embroidery Jumper - £22.00 - Bonmarche

Blush Crew Jumper - £10.00 - Primark
Red Animal Crew Jumper - £28.00 - Next
Womens Camel Colour Block Jumper - £12.80 - Peacocks
Disney Store Avengers Sweatshirt For Adults - £25.00 - Shop Disney
Charcoal Grey Floral Embroidered Jumper - £24.00 - Argos
Disney The Aristocats Marie Mini Me Sweatshirt  - £14.00 - Asda
Red Friends Jumper - £8.00 - Primark

Is there any of these that you fancy?

Critically Endangered Socks - Review!

I was recently contacted by a lovely man called Dom from Critically Endangered Socks. They are a sock company that helps to protect some of the world's most critically endangered animals.

We all know that the rainforests are being destroyed and the earth’s most beautiful creatures are on the brink of extinction but what does that have to do with socks?

Dom, the founder of Critically Endangered Socks thought up a company that would go where no company had gone before, using funds from sock sales to help the Friends of the National Parks Foundation protect the Borneo rainforest. The idea quickly grew into a company that would support five of the world’s most endangered species. And that’s how Critically Endangered Socks was born. 

For each pair of socks that is sold 20% of the total sale price goes to charity. By choosing which sock you buy, you're also choosing which charity you help. The WildCats Conservation Alliance, Friends of the National Parks Foundation, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, The International Elephant Foundation and the Oceanic Society!

The socks themselves are made from a soft blend of 40% bamboo, 40% cotton, 15% polyester, 5% spandex. The materials used are Oeko-Tex Standard certified which means they are certified free of harmful chemicals. The socks come in sizes Small - UK 4-7 or Large - UK 8-13.

The pair I was sent to have a look at is helping out the International Elephant Foundation. Critically Endangered Socks is helping fund the IEF's conservation Response unit (CRU) based in Way Kambas national park in Sumatra. These units protect the Critically Endangered Sumatran Elephant from poachers, bordering villages and deforestation. For every Elephant pair that’s bought, they work with the organization to provide 2 days of care for all Sumatran Elephants in a CRU camp.

On each sock there is a picture of the animal it's helping to protect which I think is a lovely touch.

They have only created 1,000 of each style of sock so each design is critically endangered, much like the animals they are helping!

The socks are £12.00 each and they come in 5 different colours. You can buy 5 for £48.00 which means you get all the colours and a pair free! There is also an option to buy a gift card where the person receiving can chose the pair that they want!

I think these would make a lovely gift for someone. They are not just a pair of socks they are so much more. Mother's day is coming up and I would be very happy to be gifted a pair of these. (obviously if I hadn't have been sent them to review).

I was sent this pair of socks free of charge in exchange for this blog post.

Our Christmas day outfits.

We are going out for our Christmas lunch this year so there will be no staying in our PJ's all day. Hmmf. We all needed something nice and new to wear so I went online to Select Fashion and started looking. 

Ellie is the hardest to buy for. She has her own sense of style and know what she likes she saw the Orchid frill strap top and the leggings to match. They both cost £3.99 each which I thought was a bargain. 

Becky never wears dresses. I can probably count on one hand the times she has since she started choosing her own clothes. She really surprised me saying she wanted to at Christmas so we started looking. We found the Floral printed fluted sleeve dress for £5.99.

She said she loved it but there was no way she was going to wear it as a dress with nothing on underneath. It was far too short. She is going to wear it with black leggings.

After the girls had chosen their outfits I decided that I needed something floral too. I found the Floral twist front shirt for £11.99 and the Frill hem jersey pants for £4.99.

We are going to look so fancy! It's not often that we all get dressed up. I think the last time was when we went to Stu's sisters 50th birthday party in May.

I showed the outfits to Stu and his first words were "twinning is winning". lol I had noticed we were all going to be wearing similar but didn't say anything to the kids because they are dead against wearing anything similar to what I wear. hehehe

Are you getting dressed up on Christmas day or will you be staying in your pj's?

Fun pyjamas for kids and adults from The Pyjama Factory!

As a family we love wearing pyjamas. I probably own more sets of pj's than normal clothes. lol When the kids get in from school they always change into their pyjamas, especially in the winter. Pj's are cosier than normal clothes aren't they?!

Recently I was asked if I would like to choose some pyjamas from The Pyjama Factory to review! 

ThePyjamaFactory sell top quality pyjamas with rock bottom prices in line with all the latest fashion trends and popular characters! The company has grown to be one of the leading online nightwear retailers in the UK selling on various channels worldwide to over 150,000 customers yearly and growing fast!

Looking at the website there was so much choice! Everything from Harry Potter, Fortnite, Emoji, Peppa Pig, Disney Princesses and Dan TDM to name a few.

I chose a pair each for my girls. The Sparkle Like a Unicorn Emoji Long Pyjamas for Ellie. She loves anything with unicorns on so it was an easy choice.

This girls pyjama set has an emoji unicorn cake slogan printed across the front and has matching elasticated long bottoms. Ellie of course loves them. They are well made and they fitted perfectly! They are a bargain price of £7.99.

For Becky I chose the Girls 3D Pug Long Pyjamas Paw Print set which cost £11.99.

These are fantastic pyjamas. Becky is crazy about pugs so these were perfect for her. They are not made from normal pyjama material, the top feels more silky. I was so pleased to see that they went up to age 15 to 16 in girls clothing. Most places don't. Again these fitted perfectly!

The girls couldn't wait to try them on and they said they felt comfortable and they are now their favourite pj's!

As well as sets of pyjamas which would make fantastic gifts The Pyjama Factory has a fantastic Christmas range with matching pj's for the whole family!

If you order by the 20th of December (tomorrow) you can have them delivered in time for Christmas!

The Pyjama Factory is a site which I have added to my favourites and I will be going back and shopping with them again!

We were sent these pyjamas free of charge in exchange for this blog post.

Autumn and Winter clothing Wish List. #Blogtober18

Throughout October I will be joining in with Big Family Organised Chaos and her linky for Blogtober18. Today's prompt is: Style for Autumn and Winter.

I am not that into fashion, I never have been really but I do love this time of year when it comes to clothes. Jumpers, boots and cosy knitwear!

Burgundy Leaf Print Wrap-Style Jumpsuit - £20.00 - Asda

Lands' End - Beige womens cotton cable crew neck jumper - £33.75 - Debenhams
Burgundy Single Breasted Formal Coat - £34.99 - New Look
Block Stripe Jumper - £26.00 - Dorothy Perkins
Little Misty Cat Jumper - £34.95 - Joe Browns
Black Straight Leg Jeans - £15.00 - Sainsbury's
Mustard Floral Long Sleeve Belted Tea Dress - £16.00 - Asda
Lilley Womens Brown Cone Heel Calf Boot - £24.99 - Shoezone

V Bardot Jumper With Cashmere - £39.00 - Topshop
High Waist Cord Trousers - £22.00 - M&Co
Birdseye Stripe Jumper - £20.00 - Matalan
Black Corduroy Shirt Dress - £24.99 - New Look
Printed wellies - £49.95 - Joules
Cable-knit hat - £8.99 - H&M
Ozark Trail Red Longline Thermal Padded Coat - £50.00 - Asda
Early Autumn Tunic - £34.95 - Joe Browns

Is there anything here that you fancy?

Shopping for summer clothes from Sports Direct.

I really love Sports Direct. At least three of four times a year I will do a bit of shopping with them. I mainly buy for the girls but last year I bought myself some things.....I am still wearing everything I bought and my trainers still look as good as new!

Now the weather is turning warmer I realised that Ellie has hardly any summer clothes. She has dresses but no shorts and a lot of her t-shirts were getting too small for her so I thought I would buy a few things and now I am sharing what I bought....

Miso Cycling Shorts Child Girls - I got 2 pairs for £5. 

Disney Princess Short Sleeve T Shirt in a size 6 for Ellie and it cost £3.

Lee Cooper - Believe in Magic Unicorn t-shirt - £4

Lee Cooper - Believe in Sparkle me with fairydust t-shirt - £4

Miso Mini Denim Jeggings Girls - Black Wash - £3.99 

LA Gear Three Quarter Jogging Pants Junior Girls - £3.00. I got her a pink and a black pair.

Miso Three Quarter Leggings - £3.50

Lee Cooper - Fairies, Unicorns, Mermaids and Rainbows t-shirt - £4.00

Ellie was delighted with everything I got her. I got the jeggings in size 11 to 12 but they are so long on. Becky who is 15 tried them on and they were perfect on her. That is the thing with Sports Direct. Some of the sizes are on the big size but it's nothing to worry about. She'll grow into them.

Becky didn't need much this time. She isn't into wearing shorts and has plenty of t-shirts but I couldn't get Ellie without getting her something so I got her a few things.

Golddigga Jeggings - £3.00. Becky has about 4 pairs of these and I have a couple too. They are so comfy but look good too. For a few pounds a pair I really don't mind buying her them.

I also got Becky a Disney Princess Short Sleeve T Shirt the same as Ellie's and a Lee Cooper red Casual T Shirt - £2.99

Stu wasn't left out. I got him an Official Assassins Creed T Shirt which cost £4.99. He loves it.

I also treated myself to a couple of tops.....

DC Comics Superman T Shirt - £5.99 I have been looking at this top for about a year umming and ahhing about whether to buy it or not. This time I did. I am sure it has gone down in price since I last looked at it too.

I also bought one of the Disney Princess t-shirts for myself to match the girls. They were not amused and I am not allowed to wear it at the same time as them. hehehe

The last thing I bought was a couple of sets of trainer socks. Up until a few months ago I never wore trainer socks. I hated them but since I seem to be living in my trainers it makes sense to use them. It means I can wear leggings or 3/4 length pants with them.

 I got the black and grey one's which cost £4.00 for 10 pairs and the kids the white and grey one's which cost £3.50. Becky will probably use mine and the one's I bought for her and Ellie to share. 

Have you bought any new clothes for the summer?

What did you get?