Had you asked me seven years ago about my hair I would have confidently said my hair was my crowning glory – I’m known for my long dark hair and it’s one of the Persian traits that I was happy to inherit. Fast forward to the depths of motherhood and my hair is a very different story, I’m lucky that I had ridiculously thick hair pre Boo so the losses that I’ve experienced are undetectable to other people – yet I still know.

Due to me suffering with Hyperemesis Gravidarum when pregnant I never bloomed, in fact my hair, skin and nails had never looked so bad – so you can imagine in the months after Boo was born how upset I was when my hair started to fall out. Boo lost her newborn hair and it was joked that we would be bald together.

After about a year my hair loss did slow down and eventually stop. During this time, I received endless well meaning advice from friends, family and sometimes even complete strangers! If there is one thing I learned during my hair loss is that there are an awful lot of myths: from too much washing of your hair can cause follicle weakness and eventually loss to wearing a hat is responsible for hair loss (although I’m sure that particular myth is meant for men!). Another common myth is that by taking medication it can help reduce post baby hair loss – in fact there is a daily mediation that can be taken, but only for propecia which is most definitely not a hair loss concern for new mothers!

Hair loss just like people comes in all shapes and sizes and ins’t always necessarily a bad thing – what’s important is to be aware of the facts and not get caught up in common hair loss myths. Take it from me, when you wake up to a pillow full of hair, Google is not your friend!

Disclosure: This is a post in collaboration with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

Dear Boots,

It’s me, your long time lover of your pink shower gel (please don’t ask me to name it!) and you constant 3 for 2 offers on Sanctuary – however this is where our relationship comes to an end; and you know that age old cliche of it’s not you it’s me, well that’s not the case… it’s most definitely you.

We should all know by now that the morning after pill (or Emergency Hormonal Contraception to give it its proper name) costs a ridiculous amount compared to our continental neighbours, so the British Pregnancy Advisory Service wrote to the main high street pharmacy retailers, including you, to ask them to consider reducing the cost. Some have responded to say they will, some haven’t but when it comes to Boots, you aren’t reducing the cost. Now there are lots of reasons (many commercial) why a retailer may choose not to reduce the cost but one I hadn’t bargained on hearing from you is because you somehow think we’re living in an era that resembles The Handmaid’s Tale.

Just in case you’ve forgotten how ridiculously archaic and misogynistic you sound, here’s a paragraph from your response letter to the BPAS:

“In our experience the subject of EHC [emergency hormonal contraception] polarises public opinion and we receive frequent contact from individuals who voice their disapproval of the fact that the company chooses to provide this service. We would not want to be accused of incentivising inappropriate use, and provoking complaints, by significantly reducing the price of this product.”

Incentivising? How can you been seen to be incentivising? Do you mean the responsible actions of women who want to be in charge of their bodies? Yeah definitely sounds like a bad thing to me. You really shouldn’t be encouraging that – what planet are you living on Boots?

Should I be grateful that if I find myself ever needing the morning after pill that you sell it, and how dare I expect to pay a fair price? Are you worried Boots that if you lower the price that I’m going to start popping morning after pills recklessly? Will it make me more promiscuous? Perhaps I should be thanking you for keeping an eye out on my moral compass.

Are you really worried about those idiots (yes I’m going there with that word) who complain about emergency contraception? Maybe I’m daring to step out of the sexist stereotype that should be seen and not heard especially when making decisions about MY body. I’ve taken the morning after pill on three occasions – does that make me irresponsible? I suppose I should count myself lucky that you’ve not had me banned from you stores so as not to provoke complaints.

Emergency contraception is one of the most responsible things a woman can do for numerous and varying reasons – it helps to empower women in being in charge of their own reproductive choices; anyone that can’t get on board with that – I’m looking at you Boots – is one step away from passing me a bonnet and locking me in the attic.

How about you stick to making lipsticks and leave the choices about my life and my body to me, judgement free.

Goodbye

Rosie

Living life at 100mph is great way to fit lots in but there comes a time when you crave to escape to the country for a few days, that’s where Riverside Lifestyle comes in, a beautiful holiday rental set deep in the Hampshire country side. And the best bit? I was heading there with nine other bloggers for a bloggers’ retreat.

Riverside Lifestyle is a holiday rental with serious kerb appeal – it’s set within 5 acres of both manicured gardens and wilder meadow type areas and even has it’s very own mini lavender fields with bees. The main house where we stayed sleeps ten and was originally three thatched roof cottages which have come together to form an impressive residence perfect for family get togethers or adult getaways. The house has a very personable feel with lots of personal photos and artwork that belongs to the enigmatic Clare; the lady behind Riverside Lifestyle. There is also a separate lodge up the garden that can accommodate a further six guests and is nine times out of ten let with the main cottage. The lodge is also where you’ll find the outdoor pool. We wasted no time in heading for a swim, it’s heated so no freezing cold moments when you jump in.

Inside the cottage you can expect all the traditional trappings of rural Hampshire life – check out Donna from What The Redhead Said’s post for some amazing photos of the inside. It’s impressive kitchen was a great hub of the house during our stay but I can’t lie and say I sampled the Aga as unless you count heating croissants in the morning we didn’t cook a single meal.

With a thatched roof and willow trees you could be mistaken for thinking you were back in time, however the cottage still packs a great punch when it comes to modern ammenietes – the shower in the upstairs ensuite was really nice and powerful. The cottage also benefits from a triple aspect outlook which really helps you to maximise the great views that can be enjoyed from pretty much every room.

The first night saw us try out The Little Kitchen Company who offer a three course meal (without wine) for £40 – it was a lovely treat to have a delicious meal cooked for us in the kitchen and allowed us to waste no time in getting down to the serious business of trying our Mel’s family champagne! I absolutely loved the salmon roulade, I’ma big fan of fish and the balance of flavours was perfect. Our main course was chicken with a fresh mushroom and cream sauce with Eton Mess for dessert all delicious – and the best bit: they even did the washing up!

The long summer evenings were a perfect excuse for cocktails and 31 Dover very kindly made sure we had everything we needed for a mean margarita, how amazing does this look? I think Donna is a closet mixologist…

Our second day began with breakfast and talks of the day ahead, some had an early morning Yoga session in the Yurt which is open in high season for teas, treats, a little shopping and great classes such as yoga and pilates. Just before lunch I had the most AMAZING shoulder, neck and back massage thanks to the Jacqui from Holistic Hens, they provide aromatherapy based massages in the comfort of your home and specialise providing pamper days with packages to suit all budgets and occasions.

At the yurt you’ll find yummy treats including their fresh baked scones served with clotted cream and their very own lavender infused jam – so good that I just had to bring a pot back with me, with it getting a big thumbs up from Boo.

We also took part in a floristry worksop with the charming and enigmatic Judith Searles, I must admit I wasn’t sure if this would be up my street as I enjoy flower arranging (I got it from my Mama!) and didn’t know if it would be interesting / beneficial – however we had lots of fun and despite the rain (hello British summer) managed to each create a floral centre piece and learn some tricks of the trade – did you know that each flower arrangement should consist of a bride, bridesmaid and a gatecrasher!

Now I’m sure you’re wondering what a blogger’s retreat actually entails, well rest assured it’s way less fancy than it sounds. The two days we spent together consisted of eating, drinking, laughing, relaxing oh and getting so much work done. As a blogger our day to day working life can be a little lonely – blogging is a funny old way to make a living and is often misunderstood (I so wish my day was full of costa and jetting off on press trips – it’s so much more than that!). We made great use of the massive dining table at Riverside Lifestyle and it wasn’t long before we were a mass of laptop wires, hashtags and collaboration.

I make no secret of the fact that I’m not the biggest fan of the great outdoors but Riverside Lifestyle combines just enough of the wild with the home comforts to ensure you have an unforgettable getaway be it with family or friends. I’ve never laughed so much as when I attempted the swinging tyre (thankfully no photographic evidence!) But look how happy Donna is – not to mention graceful too – a bonafied poster girl for what fun is to be had at Riverside Lifestyle.

The future of blogging for me is simple: cocktails and collaboration and regular blogging retreats with the following lovely bloggers who made our stay at Riverside Lifestyle the best of times… What The Redhead Said, Dear Bear and Beany, Five Little Doves, Le Coin De Mel, Keep Up With the Jones Family, Bridie by the Sea, Scrapbook Blog, The Littlest Darlings and Mudpie Fridays

Disclosure: We were invited to stay at Riverside for the purpose of this review however all extras were paid for.

The warm weather leaves us with lots of skin to accessorise with and there’s lots of potential for this summer’s trending jewellery styles. Some of the must-have styles are new and fresh and others are quite familiar.

Fashion always comes back around and the jewellery department is no different. So, it is no surprise that we are seeing lots of returns from the good old 90’s within 2017’s summer jewellery trends. Here are the top 5 jewellery trends for this summer to help you decorate that skin with some distinct style.

1.Stacking rings
This year is bringing in the arrival of stackable rings, and it is the more the merrier. You can stack them high or spread them across both hands to really embrace this look. This gives you the chance to mix things up and take a ring that you have not worn for years and mix it with one you wear every day.
This look is best when you blend different textures and colours. Mix silver, gold, quality, chic, colour, stones and different widths to create an attractive and interesting stack. This vintage look is being welcomed by celebrities like Kate moss and Olivia Palermo. It’s the perfect trend to allow you to fall in love with your rings again.

2.Mismatched earrings
If you love to feel a little quirky and edgy then this trend was made for you. What do you do when you can’t choose between two sets of earrings? Well now you can choose both. You can put on your favourite pair of studs as well as your favourite pair of drop earrings. If you want a more coordinated look, just match up the colour of the metals.

3.Chokers
The choker necklace has absolutely taken the fashion world by storm and the popular trend has lasted much longer than expected, and it’s not going anywhere just yet! Wearing a necklace high around the neck as a choker emphasises the neckline and is very flattering because the front sits right at the pit of the of the neck.
You can either opt for a thick choker with a touch of bling to compliment a decked out outfit or touch up a simple outfit with a delicate choker for some sparkle.

4.Layered necklace
Remember when you were younger and you would get a handful of necklaces and put them all together? Well now this look from the 90s is back in full swing, but this year you can change it up to have a bit more class and elegance. Take two delicate silver necklaces, one shorter and one longer and pair them up to decorate a sophisticated outfit with some sparkle. For a more laid-back, boho look, layer up long necklaces with touches on like feathers and stones to give off an individual and free spirit look.

5.Hoops
Some things in the fashion world never really go out of style, and hoops are one of them. But, this season has come to show how versatile the hoop earring really is. Coming in all different shapes and sizes, you really are spoilt for choice. And if you can’t decide? Wearing 2 pairs at the same time is completely acceptable. Show off your individual style by wearing a pair that features a coloured stone or cute feather and embrace this timeless trend.

So, as the days heat up and you bare more skin, decorate it with jewellery from chokers to hoops. Invest in pieces that will you can get a lot of mileage out of and wear every day. Embrace the fresh styles and re-live the old ones, there is no way you will look dull this summer. Visit this website for more stylish and tasteful accessories.

Disclosure: A fee was received for this post