Sarah's Birthday Party

At the beginning of February my friend Sarah had a birthday and housewarming party at her house near Workshop. She and Tom and Robyn moved there last October , Lee and I went over in November to see the house. They had a bit of a rubbish Christmas due to flu so Sarah wanted to have a party to make up for that a bit. So Lee and I said we would go. First of all we went into Barnsley because I needed an eye test (thankfully my prescription hasn't changed much and the optician did not recommend new glasses, which is great). We got some bits in M&S and then looked at the market, where we bought cake and also some new pillows for me. They were 2 for £20! This was also one of the items on my 40 Before 40 list, which is forty things I want to do before I turn forty next January. It was a basic item but a needed one I think!

We got to Sarah's just after 12 and found the house in chaos with many small children there. We sat in the dining room and chatted to a ton of people and I got to cuddle a small baby so that was fun. Because of everything going on with my grandma and stuff I had just bought Sarah some wine and chocolates, usually I would get her something more personalised but I don't think she minded because she likes wine and chocolate anyway! We left at about 3.30. There was a buffet which included a bunch of vegetarian sandwiches, then Sarah's mother in law had made some gorgeous individual pavlovas, and then Sarah's mum made a gorgeous gin and tonic cake, so we were well catered for! 

I was wearing this jumper that I got from Marks and Spencer in the sale in December. It's funny because my mum had the same one but all in green and I thought I had ordered that one, but this pink and navy one arrived and I didn't really think about it until I put it on. No matter though because I really love the colours of this one. I put it on with my black Lollidot skirt that used to be a dress, and new tights from Snag. My aunt and uncle bought them for me for Christmas, they are some of the duo ones. These are "Whack", white and black, and I love them, especially with the skirt! They're unusual and cute. 

Delicious homemade pavlova and fruit

The gin and tonic cake Sarah's mum made for her

M&S jumper, tucked into Lollidot skirt. I was wearing my patent boots that I got from Skopos mill last November - I haven't worn them in ages cos since Christmas I've been wearing my second hand Dr Martens! 

A close up of the duo tights, aren't they cute! 

Afternoon in a Hot Tub

At the beginning of September Laura, aka Lolly Likes, invited us over to her house to use her hot tub. She and her partner bought one second hand a few weeks ago and have got it all set up in their garden. She invited me and Lee and Bettie and Jen over on Saturday afternoon and as it turned out it was a really sunny day, but it actually wouldn't have mattered if it wasn't because the hot tub is really warm and it's in a gazebo so wouldn't be freezing.

We all took some snacks and ate them first before going outside. Jen isn't a fan of hot tubs so she just sat and chatted to us. Laura's little boy was wandering around, playing with his ball and on his slide; he's such a little sweetie and always wants to chat. Bettie and Lee and I got straight into the hot tub and Laura joined us later. We had some drinks and food and generally just lazed around. The tub has bubbles and is really hot! I liked it a lot.

I'd packed my swimming costume but at the last moment decided to pack a bikini instead. Well, kind of. I have this bra bikini top that I got ages ago but don't often wear. It's from Elomi in a 40HH and it's SO comfortable. Much more comfortable than any of the bras I own, for sure. Plus it's underwired. My bottoms are from Marks and Spencer and are from the men's department. They're quite comfortable. I wouldn't wear this outfit to swim in general, but when in the privacy of a friend's home then for sure I will!

It was such a lovely afternoon with lovely people!

The tub!

Bettie and Lee, Bettie's costume is really nice!

My hair when damp goes curly

Laura took this, thanks for letting me steal it

And thanks for letting us use your hot tub!

Fifty Shades of... Pink?

On 11th August I had to go into town to run a few errands, and I met Lee for lunch. I got him to take this photo of me.

Top is Marks & Spencer, cardigan is Peacocks, watch is from eBay

What My Mum Wore

Welcome to the 2nd of this occasional series "What My Mum Wore". As before, my mum is mid 50s, and a size 18/20. I hope that some older women can see that plus size fashion isn't just for young people! I think you'll agree that my mum looks fab!

Skirt - Marks & Spencer

Top - New Look

I love this skirt - it's such a bright vibrant colour, and the top sets it off beautifully. 

November outfit

I can't remember when I wore this outfit, but I was looking through my phone earlier and realised I hadn't blogged it. I've been wearing this jumper a lot because it's so warm in the cold weather!

Jumper was from crazyclearance.co.uk, it was very cheap

Cami top is from Marks and Spencer, it can be seen elsewhere on the blog

Skirt is from Yours Clothing

Picture taken in a uni bathroom, sorry but it's a useful full length mirror!

Wales Outfit #3

I was very much on a capsule wardrobe in Wales, but that was good because I was forced to mix and match it up! I wasn't sure what the weather would be like, either. On the first full day we went to look at this lighthouse and Puffin Island, and then we saw dolphins in the sea and stood for ages watching them! Okay they may have been porpoises but they were still incredibly beautiful!

All photos were taken by my mum or my stepdad, and stolen off their Facebook! Haha.

You can see the lighthouse in the background, it's very pretty. Puffin Island is on the right of it, and the straits between the two is really small. 

Skirt, Simply Be

Vest top, Marks & Spencer

Pointelle top, New Look

See? Dolphin! Or porpoise!

Bonus shot of me and my mum rockpooling :) Her cargo pants are from Yours Clothing.