So there is a distinct possibility that there may be actual snow in London this week, so you may be clicking here expecting to see weather appropriate choices for Want It Wednesday – if you after advice on what to wear when it’s snowing, then check out my ‘What to pack for a winter city break to New York post‘ otherwise fear not my fellow fashionistas, there’s not a snow worthy outfit insight, instead I’m taking this opportunity to dream of warmer climates.
What better way to kick off my quest for stella summer pieces than with these Hollywood sign denim sliders by Joshua Sanders – these are perfect for stylish globe trotting but would equally be just as school for a morning of school runs and errands, they ooze grown up yet fun style.
Whilst I try to ignore the darkness that is 4pm sunsets, there’s no denying that winter takes a toll on our skin – this gorgeous limited edition illuminator from Iconic London is what we all need to lift our spirits… and cheekbones!
Now we all know I like black but this Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen in Deeper from Selfridges may just trump me when it comes to black, it’s insane blacker than black pigment is a godsend for someone like me with really dark eyes who’s always in danger of sporting a washed out eye with watery eyeliner, now just to justify £43 for an eyeliner.
I”VE BEEN TO THE GYM! Yes me plus a billion other people are using January as an opportunity to kickstart a healthier life, and that is the perfect excuse to update my workout wardrobe. I’m a big fan of high street gym wear but I was still surprised at just how great these sculpt track print leggings from M&S were. I tried them on during my recent Middelmas shopping trip and I’m still kicking myself for not buy them, they’re stylish but also well made enough for you to give it your all at spin without fear of them digging in or ripping; winner, winner… paleo chicken dinner, ha!
It’s been a while since I’ve turned my attention to the high street mecca that is Zara and this contrasting pineapple crossbody bag – it sums Zara up perfectly: fun fast fashion all the while oozing undulating classic style. My next Zara pick is one of those dresses that looks dreadful on the hanger but you just know it would become your midweek style best friend, I’m talking about this Zara polka dot print dress.
As always let me know which of my Want It Wednesdays you’re loving…
Happy Wanting!
What To Pack For A Winter City Break to New York
It’s 12 years since I first experienced a New York winter and I can still remember looking out of the plane window as the first sight of mainland US and being completely in awe at the snow – it was like a winter blanket, everything was covered. It was probably at this point that I realised just how cold it was going to be (that’ll teach me at 16 not to listen to my Mum!).
With average winter temperatures in New York ranging from a 7C right down to a positively arctic -14C, it can be tricky knowing what to pack for a winter city break in the big apple; here are my tops tips for getting it right:
Layers Layers Layers
Ok so I admit that I’m going to sound like most of our mothers throughout this post but when it comes to keeping warm without looking like a sweaty marshmallow then you best start making friends with layers. In true city style New York is all about getting out and walking the city to see as much as you can plus soaking up the atmosphere so add that to going in and out of Bloomingdales, diners, plus the whole of 5th avenue (just me?!) so the key to warm city chic is to keep your layers light yet warm. Say hello to the fashion classic that is cashmere; yes I know cashmere is super expensive but there are some great high street pieces – Uniqlo and Marks and Spencer have great collections. If you can’t stretch to a 100% cashmere sweater then invest in a cashmere scarf and hat, this will help your body maintain it’s temperature and keep you cozy enough to explore the big apple all day and long into the night. Oh and don’t you dare look down your nose at base layers and thermals, these hidden heroes will allow you to wear your favourite jeans and not discover blue legs when you strip off back at the hotel room.
It’s All About The Down
Now we’ve got the basics covered with layers, it’s time to think about the coat you’ll pack. This is where I may differ from my more stylish counterparts; yes there are lots of stylish winter wool coats, but for me, a down filled puffa style coat with the essential hood is what you need. Yes, you’re unlikely to win any style award with a puffa making you look like the Michelin man but who cares when you can whip it off as soon as you step foot in on of the trendy downtown bars and your outfit will match the smile on your face because you haven’t suffered from frostbite! Ok, so maybe not frostbite but you get my drift. Also the ferry ride over to the Statue of Liberty is arctic at best and torture at worst, if for no other reason, take the puffa to save your bones and soul from the Hudson.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
I know we talked about hats and scarfs above but all too often, it’s the important accessories that get forgotten. A quality set of scarf, hat and gloves will see you right plus not forgetting warm socks – yes I know socks are hardly the most exciting item of clothing but get this wrong and your toes will be like little icicles and your there’ll be no turning that frown upside down. Also maybe embrace the joys of big pants or at least ones that cover more than half of your derriere!
Avoid An F for Footwear
Last but by no means last is footwear, what’s a girl to wear downtown New York during winter. When I first went, I though it would all be about the UGG boots, and yes they do keep your feet lovely and snug, however I was forgetting one important point: it tends to snow a lot and that translates to the streets of Manhattan being a cross between a slush highways and a real life ice rink – aka wet and that spell disaster for UGGs. My advice you be to by all means pack your UGGs but also invest in a pair of water resistant good leather books – think shiny shiny shiny ankle chelsea style – to keep you stylish and dry.
So there you have my top tips on what to pack for a city break to New York in the winter – I’d love to hear your must haves for winter travel…
Want It Wednesday | 4th January
Happy New Year and welcome to the first Want It Wednesday of 2017; now I don’t know about you but I’m so over the sales – yes I love a bargain but there’s something about the start of January that sees me attempting to streamline my life (and wardrobe) and that means not being seduced by frivolous buys and instead concentrating on pieces that
SO here’s my *think I’m going to get a lot of wear/use out of this lot list* or at least will look pretty in my room… ok I admit I’m a lost cause!
January wouldn’t be January without some new gym gear and these black with mesh gym leggings from Next are just the ticket for the school run to spin agony look I’m hoping to rock a lot this spring. I also spotted this amazing scuba dress whilst I was in Next and I instantly fell in love with it’s cut and structure – yes it may be a bit too cold to wear now but there’s nothing like having a dress that forces you to seek out a spot of winter sun!
Whilst we may be lacking in the heat department for eleven months of the year, that doesn’t mean we don’t need sunglasses, and these brand new Burberry shades are great with the oversized lenses and simple design; and will go perfectly with the this Vacation sweater from Whistles. Can you tell I have winter holidays on my mind?!?
It’s no secret that I’m a big Moschino fan and their recent fun collections are guaranteed to have you smiling about fashion and their Moschino Fresh Couture Eau De Toilette is no exception, although I fear Boo would spritz this within a an hour!
Now I know these aren’t the most timeless of pieces but I’m a big fan of the barely there heels and the Alora nude barely there perspex heel would go with almost any outfit – can you see how easy it was to convince myself!
As I sit and write this post I have three candles on the go in my bedroom and I must admit to a slight obsession with them in recent months and I’m on the hunt for the perfect relaxing scent – the NEOM Complete Bliss scented candle looks to be ticking all the boxes and I doubt it will be long until one ends up in my room.
And seeing as 2017 is set to be a kickass year, this will be year that I finally get round to buying my first Ruby Woo by Mac!
Happy Wanting!
Universal Orlando Resort Review Part 3 | Exploring the Parks Further
Our VIP tour of both Universal and Islands of Adventure with the amazing Katrina over two days is one of those experiences that will stay with us forever, seeing us making lifelong memories; plus we learnt SO much about the amazing parks.
I’m not going to lie before our holiday to Universal Orlando Resort, I didn’t know much about the park(s) – in fact I wasn’t aware that there were two parks, Universal and Islands of Adventure! As I discovered the park to park experience that awaited us, I was intrigued to learn how and why two parks which were right next to each other worked alongside each other, and what that meant for a family holiday.
One of the most common questions we’ve been asked since our return is which park we preferred. Now I’ll say this from the start: there is absolutely no way to pick a favourite, as for me even though they are technically two parks, they come together to create a once in a lifetime experience, and I couldn’t imagine one without the other. Anyway, enough of me fan-girling here’s our round up of both parks and how they come together…
Universal
This perhaps is the most ‘famous’ of the two parks with it’s iconic rotating globe at the entrance giving you the first glimpse of the fun that awaits as you make your way over the bridge from City Walk. Both parks are packed with fantastic rides for all the family; our first impression was of utter wonder, Universal has loads of 3D ride experience including Minions, Transformers, The Simpsons to name but a few. After riding the Terminator ride more times than I’ve had hot dinners, it’s safe to say that Boo is a bonafide Freedom Fighter and is besties with Optimus Prime – we even have the photo to prove it!
I could go on forever about each and every ride (and will be putting together a ride by ride guide for each park in the coming weeks) but the truth is, it’s not all about the rides; from the moment you step through the gates, you’re transported to a land of magic and dreams, with plenty of opportunities to meet your favourite characters, sing and dance and discover new amazing adventures round every corner. One of Boo’s highlights from the whole of our trip is the afternoon parade – those precious memories will stay with me forever.
Islands of Adventure
Not knowing much at all about Islands of Adventure gave us a great blank canvas when we stepped off the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade after setting off from platform 9 3/4 in Diagon Alley back in Universal; the first thing to hit us was the snow in the 30C heat on the roof tops! From Hogmseade you can have a great base to explore the rest of the park.
Whilst both parks have stellar rollercoasters, Islands of Adventure is home to the Hulk rollercoaster, which having recently undergone a full re-track is still one of the most best rides in the world, it’s been a while (by a while I mean over six years) since I last rode a proper rollercoaster and it took less than ten seconds into the Hulk ride for my memory to be jolted by my screams as to just how much I love them, and how good it is to be scared a little and scream until your voice is hoarse. Islands of Adventure also houses all the water rides, including the Jurrasic Park ride which Boo was tall enough for, meaning that even though she’s 5, she was fearless and squealed we rode the 85ft drop! One of the highlights for Boo was Skull Island, a fantastic 3D immerisive ride experience that sees you get stuck in the middle of a battle between King Kong and a gang of rather angry T-Rex. Islands of Adventure is also home to the Comic section, and was soon a hit with Boo as we got to save the day with Spiderman and rub shoulders with
Wolverine.
Park to Park Experience
I’m lucky enough to have ridden every single ride across both parks (yes, you can bet your bottom dollar that this is my new ‘random fact about me’) and I’m still of the view that both parks, while separate come together to create the ultimate family holiday. The design of both Universal and Islands of Adventure is such that it flows seamlessly and before you know it, it’s closing time, your feet are tired and your souls are full of happiness as you head to bed after having the best time ever…
Disclosure: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have
volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for
the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.
Bidvine: The Clever Mother’s Little Black Book
I don’t know about you, but modern motherhood is one of the greatest joys – I’m able to have it all, being around for Boo and having a flexible career with the blog plus running our busy houeshold. But with the amazing positives there is also the reality of trying to have it all and the juggling act in the process. I’ve wanted to have a photographer come round to ours for a family session for nearly two years, for me you can never have too many photo mementoes and it’s nice to have ‘in the moment’ snaps captured by someone else. But have I got round to doing it? No – it’s one of those ‘to dos’ that gets written in each month and I feel terrible that as 2016 draws to a close, we’re still no closer to booking in a family portrait session.
Like most projects in life, it’s all about getting them off the ground and for this it means gathering quotes and deciding on the best photographer for us. But where to start? Picking a Portrait Photographer in London is no easy job – there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of photographers in the capital. Say hello to Bidvine: an online service that allows you to hire local trusted professionals by utilising their platform to generate a quote from professionals by answering a few simple questions.
They asked me to try it out, so a couple of days ago I put in a few key points (style, budget etc) and clicked submit. Now all I had to do was sit back and wait to hear from prospective photographers. Pros have up to 4 days to respond to your project request – however I received the first quote in less than 12 hours and was really impressed with just how much of a ‘fit’ the pro sounded. Another two responses came in over the following 24 hours. Bidvine’s mission is simple: “make hiring local, trusted service professionals ridiculously simple – and help people use the time saved to pursue their passions.” After just one use, I’m already a big fan – and am looking forward to getting smart with my time… oh and finally getting some beautiful snaps of me and Boo.
This is a collaborative post.