What I Wore Wednesday: Vivienne Westwood Glasses

I got my first pair of glasses when I was 12 or 13 and then migrated to contacts, purple ones, I was super cool obviously, about two years after that. It those 2o years of glasses wearing (!!) I've had a grand total of 4 frames up until now. I've been wearing the same DKNY frames for at least the last 7 years and they are at least 2 prescriptions old---oops. I pretty much only wear my contacts but being back in an office I wanted to try and give my peepers a break and lets be honest after that long I can justify buying new glasses. Especially when my old glasses have been bent and scratched by a certain small person on numerous occasions.

I've actually been looking for new frames for as far back as March! I tried on and contemplated several frames in Ohio while I was home but I left it pretty last minute and couldn't get it together. Then every time I wanted to try on glasses I had on my glasses and well I can't see shit without a prescription so trying them on would have been pointless. Then one day I was in Costco (don't knock it) and tried on frames I really liked; I took a selfie to show NotBlondeHusband but then later made him come back to see them on me. He liked them and shockingly I still liked them (I'm fickle to put it nicely) so I bought them.

When I got them things seemed strange but the woman said it would take time to adjust to the new prescription and to not wear them until the next morning. So I did but wall edges looked curved and it looked like someone had punched my closet door from the inside. Turns out they turned up my astigmatism correction too much--whoops! Any who take two and my prescription is right and I can now show off my new specs!

 

Cynthia Rowley Skater Dress-TK Maxx
Black Cropped Blazer-HM
Leggings-Marks and Spencer
Black Studded Flats- New Look
Black Glasses- Vivienne Westwood

Star Wars Tee-Zulily 

What do you think? I try not to be a label snob but they are Vivienne Westwood! I absolutely freaking adore Vivienne Westwood so I was super excited. I was really shocked by how many designer name frames Costco opticians had at pretty reasonable prices. I'm so glad I looked on my way to buy 50-gazillion rolls of toilet paper!

I'd really wanted larger black frames but most that I tried on didn't look right. I'm not sure if it is because I'm so translucent pale but most just didn't work. The inside of my Vivienne Westwood frames are blonde coloured so I think that makes the black less harsh? Maybe I made it up but I think they work some how!

I do like my contacts but I think it's good to give my eyes a break now and then. Also my astigmatism isn't corrected in my contacts so I *think* I should get less eye strain with my glasses? Any way I like them and I'm looking forward to seeing what make-up and hair styles (see the poof/bump it above) I can get away with wearing them. Is that just a me thing or do you think you can get away with different hair and make-up when you wear glasses? Do you wear glasses?

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What I Wore Wednesday: Accessories

I could tell you my view on accessories was shaped by Coco Chanel's comment "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory" but if I'm being honest it's shaped from "too many accessories clutter an outfit" from Troop Beverly Hills. Maybe it's not as chic but those girls ditching their badges is what I always think of when adding accessories to any outfit. Then I start doing the Freddie and sing Cookie Time but I digress.

I've been trying to make the most of the clothes I already have rather then buy a new wardrobe for work. I'm not 100% happy with the size I am so buying new clothes isn't at the top of my agenda. So instead I'm trying accessorize what I have to create different looks and to add to the dresses and skirts I already have.

I'm a sucker for bright colours and funky prints so while these aren't exactly work wear I am absolutely in love with my new rainbow socks from Primark. I'm one of those people who can't wear white socks at least I assume I'm one of those people maybe I'm the only one!

I was cleaning out my wallet the other night and I found a credit voucher for New Look--score!--and then popped in store to find they had a massive sale on--double score! I'd seen a similar ribbon necklace in a magazine a while back so I had to get this gorgeous rainbow ribbon necklace since it was technically free thanks to my found credit note! I don't normally wear gold but I like how it works with all the different colours.

I'm not sure nails are normally classed as an accessory but I think that nail polish certainly can accessorize with an outfit. I've been pretty religious about painting my nails since I've gone back to work in an office and I've had a lot of fun experimenting with different designs and colours. This Maybelline Color Show Nails Polka Dot topcoat over reminds me of jawbreakers candy and it won me some NailGirls polish on twitter in their nail art competition!

What is your favourite way to accessorize? Do you consider nails an accessory? Do you still quote lines for eighties movies? 




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Guest Post: How To Change Your Look And Create A Whole New You

Guest Post by Supersavvyme

If you’ve stuck with the same look for a few years, however great it looked in the beginning, it may be starting to get a little outdated and tired.

Though changing your look can be daunting, it can also be really fun; giving you a forum to express your personality, be creative and look fantastic. If you don’t know where to start with your style renaissance, here are some ideas to get you started.

Jazz up your hair do

Hanging onto the same hair do for years or even decades is something that many of us are guilty of, however it’s also one of the easiest and quickest things to change about your look.

You can either have a lot of the length taken off or you can alter the look altogether with a bold choice of permanent or non permanent hair dye to give you a new look.

Invest in some good quality make up

You may not think there’s much of a difference between a £5 or £20 foundation but use a good quality product once and you’ll see and feel the difference straight away.

If you’ve been using the same old war paint for a while, try investing in a good foundation, blusher and mascara and you’ll feel fantastic in no time.

Invigorate your wardrobe

If you’re in charge of a busy household, finding the time and money to go shopping for yourself isn’t always easy. If you get the opportunity to go clothes shopping, it’s important to buy wisely. Though your friends or teenage daughters will probably have some fashion tips for you, try to buy classic pieces that will go with everything and be good for most occasions.

A few well-chosen items will help accentuate your new look and make you feel more confident. Fashion tips concerning classic combinations like this will always be relevant so make sure you learn the basics.

Commit one day a week for outdoor fun

There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air to make you feel invigorated, so try to commit one day a week to getting out and about. This could be anything from taking the kids for a walk in the woods to going for a jog in your local park. Both the exercise and change in routine will do you the world of good.

Changing your look can make you feel fantastic, so what are you waiting for? Grab some hair dye, hit the shops and get creative!

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What I Wore Wednesday: Watermelon Mojitos

The weather this week has been amazing! We've had a week long heatwave with loads of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70's. It's put me in a such a happy and sunny mood and I totally I jumped at the chance when Collective Bias™ invited us to create some Bacardi cocktails! Maybe it's just me but summer and cocktails go hand in hand!

I wasn't quite sure what cocktails I wanted to make at first but after grabbing some Bacardi I spied some limes. I know that Bacardi rum and lime go really well so the first thing I snapped up was a big bag of limes. NotBlondeHusband also loves lime so I knew I was headed in the right direction.

Next I went for some fresh fruit, coconut milk and some whipped cream. In my head I was mentally checking off my favourite rum cocktails Piña Coladas and Daquiris! Growing up we always got virgin daiquiris with whipped cream on top as a special treat when we went out to dinner growing up and I still love them now. My absolute favourite is a half/half Piña Colada and Strawberry Daquiri I had on our honeymoon called a Miami Vice. I have no idea what Tubbs and Crockett has to do with it but it's AMAZING!

I went back for some ice and mint so NotBlondeHusband could have the option on a mojito and we were good to go! After getting home and going through all my options I decided to through all caution to the wind and try something I didn't even think of and had never tried before: Watermelon Mojito Popsicles!

I'd seen boozy popsicles popping up on Pinterest but I've never actually made or had one before. I love frozen cocktails so it seemed like something I'd really like and perfect for a hot day. I found a few different recipes online and then created my own version!

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles

400g (2 1/2 cups) cubed watermelon
4 limes (juiced)
5 TBSP simple mint syrup (recipe to follow)
140ml (5 oz) Bacardi rum

Blend the watermelon in a food processor or blender and then push through a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any seeds and chunky bits.

Shake the watermelon juice with the fresh lime juice, rum and simple mint syrup in a cocktail shaker. 

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight!

Simple Mint Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 water
25g fresh mint

Pour the water and sugar into a pan and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Usually this will be just before the water starts to simmer.

Take the mixture off the heat and stick into a large pan of cold water until it reaches room temperature.

Add the mint leaves and muddle (bash it a bit) and leave for 20 minutes.

Strain off the mint leaves and pour into an air-tight container to store in your fridge.

Yum! Perfect after a long hot day. So I know you're thinking umm well that's all great and tasty but isn't this What I Wore Wednesday? Well I only went and gave myself a Watermelon Mojito Manicure, too! I feel like Lisa Turtle at the Murder Mystery Mansion; remember she matched her dress to her drink?(sorry for those who aren't into Saved by the Bell)

Do you have a signature cocktail/mocktail? Do food or drink ever inspire your outfits?







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The Co-operative Legal Services

When it comes to planning for the future, to put it bluntly, we suck. I don't have a pension (why contribute when I wasn't sure if I'd even be living in the UK), I don't have any investments and we don't have a will. As morbid as it might seem we realise we really need to get things in order in case the worst happens. While we might have gotten away with not planning for the future before Blondie Boy we can't afford not to now.

Luckily The Co-operative Legal Services have recently launched a YouTube Channel, which features simple yet impartial advice on Family Law, Wills and Probate. The Co-operative Legal Services wanted to launch the channel to offer simple, impartial legal advice covering a range of issues (family law, wills and probate). They cover topics such as divorce and separation, child welfare, how best to write a will and understanding probate. The videos are interactive and easy to understand, as they want to offer advice to those people who are looking for it but aren't sure where to start.

I had no idea even where to begin with writing a will so I found this video on what to consider really helpful:

Selecting guardians is obviously one of the more important parts of writing a will when you have children and Co-operative Legal Services advise how best to do this:

The presenter of the videos is Christina Blacklaws who is the Director of Policy at the Co-operative Legal Services and specialises in Family and Childcare Law. She has been featured on Radio 4's Woman's Hour and The Guardian as some examples of how well she is respected in her field. 

Although the videos are produced by the Co-operative Legal Services they do not push their services exclusively. You received impartial advice which is simple and easy to understand. 

You can view more videos on Family Law at the Co-operative Legal Services YouTube Channel.

This is a sponsored post but all views expressed are our own.

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What I Wore Wednesday: Swallow Baby Doll Dress

I'm starting to get into the groove at work and I'm trying my best not to wear the same things over and over again but  I've had to return the past two different shipments of clothes I bought online because they didn't quite fit right. To be fair one dress did fit but it had short sleeves with horizontal stripes going all the way from arm to arm across my chest and I looked like a linebacker!  So I'm doing my best to shop my closet and mix and match what I do have already while shopping the sales for new finds.

This dress is borderline too short for work but since it was still chilly last week I paired it with leggings and a cropped blazer to try and business it up a little bit. I didn't have any external meetings so really I was just at a desk all day so I didn't need to impress anyone. NotBlondeHusband and I have been working opposite shifts so the bathroom selfie makes another appearance! 

Cropped Blazer-HM

Swallow Baby Doll Dress-HM

Leggings-Marks and Spencer

Black Studded Flats-New Look

I've been experimenting with hot rollers and honestly it's been hit or miss. All I want to do is make it so the ends of my hair flick up and are sort of curled. I'd normally do this with a blow-dryer and round brush but I don't want to wake the boys up in the morning. So I try curling my hair with hot rollers at night and hoping for the best the next morning. It's not foolproof or even slightly predictable! 

In my head I think a really big barrelled, rotation, hot brush tong thingie would work but I have no idea if such a thing exists? I've also heard that sleep-in rollers might give volume and shape. Has anyone tried those? They sound good but I'm having flashbacks to the bright pink foam rollers my Mom put in my hair when I was little that gave me a huge, long Diana Ross-esque fro which is lovely on her but not necessarily so nice on a pale, blonde girl. Anyone who has any over-night styling or quick styling secrets I'd love to hear them!

Also if you're feeling lucky my 5th Blogoversary £100 Giftcard Giveaway is open worldwide!

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