Escape to the Countryside

To kick start my Birthday celebrations, which feels like a lifetime ago already Ben and I headed up to stay with his parents for the weekend. He’s recently passed his driving test and has a car so it was the first time we were able to suit ourselves around timing and not be reliant on public transport or needing other people to ferry us around.

On the Saturday he took me on a little tour of Melton Mowbray where he grew up. I was already somewhat familiar with the town centre from previous visits but had absolutely no idea that there was also a country park- how something so vast could have remained so hidden from me I don’t know! Over 100 acres of land with lakes, streams, grass, fields and playgrounds galore this really needed a whole day to explore. We dodged the rain showers and had a little walk through just part of the park…a return visit is needed very soon, complete with picnic and sensible shoes.

Dress c/o Quiz Clothing| Boots: New Look

I just love this dress from Quiz, I always feel good when I wear it. The structured shape and off the shoulder neckline add a touch of glamour and we all know I can’t resist a good floral print. These boots are ancient now and I wish I could find some similar to replace them with as they are long past their best- do let me know if you come across any!
Having felt like I’ve needed a break from routine for ages this weekend was the perfect escape. Long lie-ins and discovery new places, catching up with Ben’s family and being reunited by Tobias (who is in disgrace after killing two baby bunnies). I came back feeling relaxed and refreshed and ready to start again.

I wish we had a country park near to where I live with my parents, I find these kind of places are so serene, the perfect hideaway for when you need to unwind and escape from the pressures of every day life.

Where do you go to chill out?

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The Ups and the Downs

One of the many reasons I love living in (well, near) Bristol is that one minute you’re in the hustle and bustle of a busy city centre and the next you can be somewhere so calm and quiet that it feels like another country.

“The Downs” is a huge open space made up of Clifton Down and Durdham down and in the Summer it’s awash with people- from the dog walkers to the runners, from young families having a picnic to the sweet elderly couples walking hand in hand. It’s a brilliant place to people watch and there are some pretty spectacular views on offer too, the most impressive of which has to be Avon Gorge which features the famous Clifton Suspension bridge- an iconic part of Bristol City.

The other weekend Ben and I ventured up there to chill out for a while- despite being busy there is always a quiet spot somewhere. We also took the opportunity to branch out with outfit photo locations…I’m getting quite used to prancing around in public now.

Top: New Look (similar) | Dress: River Island at ASOS | Boots: Missguided

The downs could also kind of describe how I’ve been feeling lately, as life hasn’t been the easiest. For as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with my mental health and the last few months have been testing to say the least.
I know a few people have commented and expressed concern over my weight and all I can say on that is I’m working on it- working on getting it back to where it was a year ago. Mood wise things are finally picking up, thanks to a tweak in medication and the unwavering support of my friends, boyfriend, family, colleagues and awesome GP I feel in a happier place right now and I’m starting to enjoy life a bit more again. Next on the agenda is to break out of my self imposed social isolation- any volunteers for dragging me out of the house?
Do you have any places near where you live that you like to escape to?

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In the Pink

It’s my Birthday tomorrow! Woop, I’m pretty excited about it this year actually as I have plans that span over most of the weekend, having just come back from a weekend away with Ben staying with his family up North. I love getting away for a weekend, I don’t do it often enough- even if it’s not the most relaxing time ever I always end up feeling recharged and ready for action. I’ve booked tomorrow off of work and Mum and I are heading over to Cardiff for some retail therapy; another instant mood boost if ever there was one.

Dress: Topshop c/o Cabot Circus | Sandals: SpyLoveBuy (here)

I originally picked out this dress to take me in to Autumn but it’s pretty pink shade lends itself equally well to Spring, especially paired with some chunky nude sandals. This pair from SpyLoveBuy are just amazing- not my typical style, that’s for sure but so comfortable for something so vertiginous and really light to wear.
As you can tell, I also finally got around to dying my hair and getting rid of my three inch roots. I seem to be moving away from the vibrant reds I favoured for a few years, heading towards copper instead. I think I like it, it’s certainly brighter and lighter for the warmer months; which do you prefer? Something deeper or keep it orange-y?

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Child’s Play

Is there anything more perfect for a Spring Sunday than a Disney print tee paired with denim? I think not, although it might be one of my more juvenile outfit combinations of late I am still quite smitten. Perhaps the fact I turn 28 on Tuesday is making me try to cling on to my youth that little bit longer- it amazes me just how young some of my favourite bloggers are. I was over 20 when I first started and still lack even an ounce of talent and creativity that is all around these days!

Dungarees c/o Long Tall Sally | Bambi Tee: Primark | Shoes: Hobbs c/o McArthur Glen

It’s so nice being able to break away from boots, as much as I am obsessed with ankle boots and all there is something so refreshing about being able to slip in to something lighter. I was sent these brogues as part of a style challenge last Spring and I’m still smitten with them now. They are the softest suede I own and can’t fail to put a spring in my step.

I used them in place of Converse to stop this outfit becoming a bit too childish and loved the way they worked with the denim. I don’t wear these dungarees nearly as often as I should as they are a bit of a faff when it comes to attending the call of nature (and I’m lazy) but I need to get over that, fast!

Again, with the eyes closed in photos- I’m either really really relaxed or my mum is having a laugh!

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Boho Florals

I know, florals in Spring, what a cliche? It doesn’t matter what other trends and prints are about, as soon as the weather turns it’s florals I’m drawn to most. This was a weekend outfit from a couple of weeks ago, the sun was shining but there was still a distinct chill in the air- I’m longing to get sandals on my feet but sometimes boots are very much required.
Dress and Boots both from Zara
I picked this dress up about three years ago in the Zara sale. I can’t remember how much I paid for it but it was under a tenner and I love it as much now as I did then- I don’t think I’ll ever part with it. The floral print and floaty style fit perfectly with the seventies trend for this Spring, and despite being casual and comfortable I always feel quite feminine and girly when I wear it.

The boots are a pair I bought thinking I’d live in them over the winter. Alas, I for some reason ignored them for most of the season, sticking to my old faithful flat black boots instead. Now the weather is (mostly) drier I feel I can get the best out of the suede finish and neutral colour- these were really reasonable at £29.99 and I am pretty certain I’ll get a couple of years from them at least.

I try to keep away from Zara as much as possible because it’s impossible not to fall in love with at least a dozen pieces at any one time. Even breaking my foot in a store in Holland hasn’t been enough to dampen my desire to own everything they stock- I do envy bloggers who can afford to shop in there more than once in a blue moon!

P.S. I have NO idea why my eyes are shut in one of the photos, clearly the sunshine is making me feel quite zen.

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