aka the adventures of blueskygirlie: I'm a part-time marketing consultant/social media content creator, a part-time style blogger and a full-time fashion obsessive! I am also a seller of fabulous vintage treasures via Etsy, a mum to a blended family & here to help to prove you can be over 40 & still look great! I dropped 5 dress sizes between my 30's and my 40's and now run 5k 3 times a week. I changed my life and this blog helps me to share what I'm discovering along the way…
Don’t you just hate when your clothes dont feel right? I am a stickler for perfection in fashion styling (its a throwback from being a Harrods window dresser) and like to customise things that aren’t quite right.
In todays blog I’ll show you a little fashion fix for when your belt is hanging down, looking messy and being generally annoying! Long belts are fine when youre wearing something with belt loops but I like to add belts to my dresses and skirts. Plus, it seems I always have too much belt left over (this belt is a S/M from Primark and is still too long!) as you can see below.
This hack works best with a plaited belt but you could also make a small hole in any belt yourself and do the same.
1) Firstly find yourself a bobby pin (the type you use to pin hair up).
2) Push the pin through the end of the belt where its too long. Make sure it is as near the end of the belt as possible.
3) Line up the belt where you want it to stay put and push the pin through both layers.
4) Twist the belt over so you can get to the underside and then bend out the ends of the bobby pin into a straight line.5) Turn the belt back over and line up the pin, so the pin is hidden underneath.
6) Pull down the belt so it is lined up with the waistband of your clothing and fits your waist snugly.
And Voila! A neat, fixed in place belt!
Simple, yet effective. Look out for other fashion hacks in further blogs.
Reuben started back at school last Wednesday and now we are all back in the busy routine of school runs, working days, clubs and play.
I have to say I have genuinely enjoyed the last 6 weeks. Although a struggle at times to manage childcare while working in marketing part-time and running an online vintage shop, the more laid-back vibe and opportunities to do new things together has been wonderful.
I, like many, dont have tons of spare cash to throw around so the summer holidays are always a mix of days out and either free activities or time at home. So in todays blog I thought I’d share some of the things we got up to big and small… hopefully making memories that will last for years to come.
Bletchley Park
This hidden gem on the outskirts of Milton Keynes is a great place to really experience the lives of the WW2 codebreakers (led by Alan Turing – who you may of seen immortalised in the Benedict Cumberbatch film The Imitation Game). Theres lots of information, exhibits and a replica of the Bombe, one of the first computers as well as an original German Enigma machine. The grounds and house are lovely with plenty of spots for picnics and fun, plus theres a cafe and restaurant too. A great historical visit that has something to interest everyone.
The National Museum of Computing
Next to Bletchley Park is the museum of computing and with two computer/gaming crazed 9 years olds we couldnt not visit! The museum holds all types of computing devices and the boys marvelled at the huge old computers from the 1960s as well as interacting with robots, retro consoles and even some virtual reality. There were lots of passionate helpers on hand to explain things and were very patient with our children helping them program, play and generally interact with the exhibits.
Cinema – Finding Dory
OK, its kinda a no-brainer but the cinema was a great day out for all of us and we made sure to fit in some ice cream afterwards! Finding Dory was a great film that all our children enjoyed (with the age difference this can be hard) and had a beautiful message.
Roald Dahl Museum
What a delight this place is. Small but perfectly formed, it is located in Buckinghamshire where Dahl lived and shares his childhood, all his wonderful work, insights on his process (he ate 3/4 bars of chocolate a day, wrote during strict working sessions and never cleaned his writing hut) and his ongoing legacy. Theres lots of interactive displays, memorabilia, storytelling and talks and a lovely little tea room if you fancy a slice of cake. It is great for school aged children as they are already familar with much of his writing and all visitors are given a cute pad and pencil to write down their ideas just as Dahl did.
The Science Museum
I’d not been to the Science Museum since I was a child and I was pleasantly surprised to see it had changed alot since then. Its free to get in, theres lots to see and do and kids eat free in the restaurant when you order and adult meal. However for all the REALLY cool stuff you do have to pay – the IMAX cinema, 4D experiences and flight simulators add up £ wise, but make for a cool techy day out…and if you travel by train you can get 2for1 vouchers which bought the cost down a lot. Great for inquisitive minds, young and old, and don’t get me started on the amazing gift shop…
Theme Parks
We are a thrill-seeking family so summer wouldnt be summer without a trip to a theme park. We visited both Alton Towers and Thorpe Park this summer and had a blast! Look for 2for1 vouchers and online codes to make it more affordable and think about bringing a picnic lunch. We usually purchase the refillable drinks bottles too and refill throughout the day via the Hydration Stations. Now our 9yr old’s are taller we have a lot more rides to go on so keeping hydrated is important!
thorpe park and alton towers
Swimming
The pool, the garden, who cares?!? If its hot get wet! Our local pool does lots of kid friendly swim sessions and we bought a bigger paddling pool last year and I was determined we would get good use out of it! Again quick and easy, but very fun.
Trampoline Park
This was a new experience for us as a family and boy it was fun! Be warned though it is EXHAUSTING! Our local trampoline park has a ‘Total Wipeout’ machine, dodgeball and basketball areas and lots of high points to jump off of! We will definitely be visiting again.
Frappincino Dates
A simple quick thing to do but it feels special. I love having a Starbucks ‘date’ with my 9 year old and it makes him feel very grown up. He knows its a treat (those drinks are yummy but calorific) and we get some sweet one on one time.
Days at the Seaside
Living in Kent we have quite the pick of the seaside towns. Margate, Whitstable, Broadstairs and Herne Bay are all great to visit and filled with everything you would expect. We walked the pier, played in the amusements (2p machines a speciality), ate chips and swam in the sea. Just perfect.
And of course there were plenty of quieter days at home. This year I made sure our boys didn’t expect to do something everyday and they made use of the many toys and books they have as well as visiting our local play park and spending time with other family members. All in all I think we found a good balance.
Find more photos via my Instagram – follow all the photographic fun and games here.
Those who know me know I love to try new beauty products. Part of my blog tagline is ‘here to prove you can be 40 and still look great’ but that takes work…and great beauty products!
I had heard quite a bit about certain ‘wonder products’ that had originally come from Korean beauty ideas so when Skin Chemists sent me their Advanced Snail Eye Serum* I was pretty excited!
“Snail?!?” I hear you say. Yes, this eye serum has snail secretions in it! Never one to back down from trying something that could make me look younger I dived straight in.
So firstly what does Skin Chemists say about this wonder product?
“Our Advanced Snail Serum works to actively lift, tighten and repair the skin for a younger, more flawless complexion. Snail Secretion, derived from the natural defensive liquid secreted by snails aims to delay premature ageing of the skin, whilst reducing visible age spots and providing protection from free radicaldamage. Osilift, a natural sugar from purified oat extracts, aims to instantly lift and tighten the skin to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid aims to rejuvenate the skin by boosting natural hyaluronic acid levels found within the layers of the skin, to plump and hydrate. Starflower Oil, rich in essential fatty acirds, provides lipid nutrients, which aim to effectively replenish skin tissues in order to slow the natural ageing process.”
Ok sounds interesting…so what did I think?
Firstly the product looks great. It is in an easy to use pump action bottle that delivers just the right amount of serum for use.
Secondly, it smells divine. It goes on easily and leaves no residue which is great as it means you can put make up over it if you use it in the morning (the instructions suggest morning and night applications for best results).
The instructions said to apply using your ring finger for a very light application but I just very gently applied it around my eyes using my index finger concentrating on the lower area (where those pesky bags/shadows are). As you can see from the photo below I have noticable shadows below my eyes without make-up.
And after about 2/3 weeks of use? Well the first thing I noticed was my under-eyes are looking brighter and plumper.
Its always hard to show differences in photos due to differences in light etc but I definitely can see a difference. The hollows of my eyes look less and the skin seems more luminous. I dont have a lot of lines on my face yet so can’t comment on if it helps fine lines but the few I have havent got any worse and I can imagine this product would keep it that way.
And finally – would I recommend?
Yes I would. This is a premium product with a price tag to match but it does make a noticable difference. I used it regularly morning and night and I have definitely used less concealer since. A little goes a long way and I am looking forward to trying more of Skin Chemists wonder products.
Find the full range of Skin Chemists products here.
*This was a gifted item. For my disclosure statement please see here.
La Redoute is a French mail order company with a catalogue (an actual printed one you can flick through!) and a huge online shop selling womens, mens, kidswear and home. It is super stylish as you would expect from the French but also very reasonably priced! I placed my first order this month from their Summer sale and I have become utterly obsessed.
Have a look at my first 5 buys…
1 – ‘Soft Grey’ gingham ruffle shirt
Fitted with a western vibe, I am sold on this cute top. Perfect with skinny jeans and a ‘yee-ha’ attitude…
2 – ‘Mademoiselle M’ lace blouse
Very feminine with lovely lace detailing this top looks so much more expensive than it was…for modesty you do need a cami underneath though!
3 – ‘Soft Grey’ tie waist midi skirt
I’d been looking for a midi denim skirt for a while and this was perfect…and I do love a skirt or dress with pockets!
4 – Soft Grey’ high neck blouse
Inspired by blogger Erica Davis from the un-edited (again) I had to order this. Come Autumn I will be wearing this with EVERYTHING in fact I am already!
5 – ‘Soft Grey’ embroidered peasant top
Want a throw on summer top? This is perfect…and the embroidery and detailing are top notch…
And best of all, all these items were less than £15 each!
Other things I loved – you can order everything ‘click and collect’ to your local Hermes parcelshop so delivery is free and returns are free too. This is great when you’re still getting used to the sizing and want to order 2 sizes to compare. They have lots of customer promo code offers for full priced items – usually 20/25% but sometimes have a 40% off code so keep your eyes peeled – its worth signing up to their newsletter to keep in the loop. I have only bought in the sale but can’t wait for the new season offers.
Their home range is AMAZING! So far I’ve bought the most stunning rug. I blogged about it here and am coveting quite a few other pieces for when we decorate our lounge. The quality and design is some of the best I’ve seen in a non-premium range.
Things I didn’t love – I think you could say that La Redoute customer service is hit and miss. I had a parcel go missing (which finally got found), email confirmations werent always sent and delivery can take 7-10 days. However it is worth putting up with the less than slick operation as the clothes are wonderful quality and feel so different from the usual High St offering.
I’ve just placed another large order so look out for more items coming soon…
My name is Sarah and I have a problem… with buying sunglasses.
Like most of you, sunglasses are a staple of my wardrobe throughout the summer and I can’t go anywhere without some. I love the fact they add an extra element to an outfit and if needed, hide a multitude of sins. No make up on? Eye bags? No problem!
I choose different shapes for different dressing styles and always keep spare pair in both my handbag and car glove-box.
An oversized cats-eye looks stylish and makes your face look slimmer…Sunglasses / New Look
A decorated frame can make a simple outfit look dressed up…Or go or all and clash your patterns!!!Both Sunglasses / Primark
A formal style can be mixed with a casual outfit to dress it up a little…Sunglasses / Kookai
A statement pair will get peoples attention and scream ‘fashion’…Sunglasses / Primark
A classic colour such as tortoise shell will see you through summer after summer…Sunglasses / TopShop
And black just goes with everything…!Sunglasses / Store TwentyOne
Even my 10 year old cant resist…Sunglasses / Primark Kids
At last count I had 14 pairs and I can honestly say I dont regret a pair of them! From £150 RayBans to £1 Primark sale buys, sunglasses really are THE summer accessory essential – throw them in your bag or suitcase this summer and they will make any outfit look better…
So whats your favourite pair? And do you make sure you have a matching pair for every outfit too?
I think its fair to say I am a big fan of Soap & Glory. I use their skincare, make-up and even wear their perfume! I am most dedicated to their body and bath ranges and in todays blog I show what I use day to day and tell you why, to try get you into the S&G cult too!
Body Wash – Clean on Me £6.50/500ml
Shower gel is something you use every day and although this is more expensive than your average product it is in a large 500ml pump action bottle that lasts ages. It is super thick and creamy, lathers up beautifully and leaves a lovely sweet but fresh smell.
Face Wash – Peaches and Clean £8.00/350ml
Regular readers to this blog know I follow quite a strict beauty routine. I never use soap or shower gel on my face as it is drying (and therefore aging) to the skin. I switch to a squirt of this 3 in 1 product and make sure my skin is both clean and mosturised. I use this in the morning rather than the evening and it acts as a skin detox which helps to purify and clarify for a smooth, luminous complexion.
Scrub – The Scrub of your life £7.00/200ml, Flake Away £8.00/300ml
OK, you’re clean but are you smooth? I use a scrub probably every 2/3 days. Scrub of your Life is a gentler scrub that you can use on your face for exfoliation (and on your body too if you want) and Flake Away is great for tougher skin areas – legs, arms etc. – definitely dont let that near your face! Both products work brilliantly though, removing any rough skin and making you feel smooth like a baby!
Body Milk – Smoothie Star £10.00/500ml
The smell of this is so delicious you will feel like a beautiful walking milkshake afterwards! Use wise, body milk is a lighter alternative to body creams, is absorbed easily, leaves no greasy residue and works great after a shower.
Body Butter – The Righteous Butter £10.00/300ml
If youve ever heard anything about Soap & Glory its probably the body butter youve heard of. The Righteous Butter is the brands hero product and carries its signature scent. It comes in a large pot and is thick and luxurious. Again although not cheap it lasts ages and really moisturises well.
Hand wash and lotion – Wash Hands £5.00/250ml, Hand Food £7.00/250ml
I dont just keep my Soap & Glory products in the bathroom…I have them in the kitchen too! Your hands need as much care as the rest of your body and I love this double dispenser for day to day use.
They sell the holder as a gift every Christmas and then when each hand product runs out they can be replaced from the normal range.
I also love their make-up, skincare and perfume and would definitely recommend trying a few items out – but I’ll leave that for another blog!
To buy Soap & Glory products in the UK visit Boots – find the full range here. Look out for 3 for 2 offers and free gift promotions and soon you’ll become as much of a loyal follower as I am!
Whats your favourite Soap & Glory product? I’d love to know…
Every so often I get obsessed with finding a piece of high street fashion I have seen in a magazine or on Instagram. You know that feeling when you just have to have something?
I first saw this dress on one of those big wall posters in H&M. Did they have it in stock? Well as it was only £14.99 it had sold out…typical. I trawled Bluewater then central London trying to track it down. I found a couple of UK 16’s and 18’s but this dress is huge (for reference I am wearing a UK8 and probably could of fitted in the 6 if I could of found it and I am definitely not that size!)
Finally when we were away on holiday in Budapest I sweet-talked my boyfriend into letting me go into the H&M there and I found it – so forever it will be called the Hungarian H&M Holiday dress™.
This dress ticks a lot of boxes trend-wise for summer 2016. Off the shoulder? ☑️ Peasant style? ☑️ ☑️ Strong, hot colour? Oh yes ☑️☑️☑️
Now I am a bit of a customiser when it comes to fashion and as I’ve mentioned this dress is very voluminous – great if youre a 6ft waif model but not so good if youre a 5’2″ curvy 40 something. The dress had tasselled ties on the sleeves which I removed and replaced with elastic and then created a tasselled rope belt which I fixed to the dress. This belt pulls the dress in at the waist, still keeping with its Boho feel but creating a more flattering fit for me and my body type. The lesson here? If something doesnt quite suit you then make it suit you!
I accessoried this look with my new rose gold sunglasses from New Look (which I’ve hardly taken off since I bought them), some gold palm leaf earrings and espadrille floral print sandals from Primark. Oh, and just as a finishing touch I painted my toenails the same reddy/orange as my dress. Good styling is often all in the details – you dont have to spend a lot…in total this outfit cost me under £40.
So what have we learned from todays blog? If you fall in love with something find it by any means necessary even if you have to go to a foreign country and then change any parts you don’t totally like to make it look even better!
Nothing too major then..well, when you love something, you love it!
Dress – H&M
Sunglasses – New Look
Earrings – New Look
Sandals – Primark
Someone asked me the other day how I motivate myself to keep running. They wanted to run, in fact they could run a 5k OK, but they couldn’t motivate themselves to do it regularly so it wasnt having any effect.
It got me thinking – how have I bucked the trend and run 3 times a week every week for the last 2 years come rain or shine and havent given up?
Well firstly its definitely not due to any physical prowess! Let me be clear – I still find running hard – I’m tired at the end and I definitely dont look forward to it. But the thing I’m best at is never missing a run, so these are my 5 tips for not just starting running, but keeping running…
1) Treat it like a commitment you cant get out of – when you get up for work in the morning not going in isn’t an option you consider even if you’d rather stay in bed. I treat running the same way. I have ‘running days’ that fit around my work and childcare schedule and think of them as an appointment in the day that is non-negotiable. This change in how I think about them makes them a ‘have to’ rather than a ‘might do’. 2) Provide yourself with tools that make it easier – buy yourself some bits of clothing that mean youre not reliant on good weather. Any gaps for excuses is dangerous. A hat, snood and gloves for winter and sunglasses, vest and water bottle for summer. We can all make excuses to get out of doing things but dont give yourself the option. Carry an ipod or phone with you and listen to music or an audiobook – if you can find ways to make yourself feel more comfortable within the act of actually running it wont seem so hard.
3) Get to know your body – your body is a machine and you need to treat it as such. Know when you’ll be running and make sure you eat a decent meal beforehand. Dont leave it too late though, everyone is different but I would suggest a gap of least 2 hours so you dont feel like youre going to see your food again! Stay hydrated too and then take some water with you particularly in the summer and you will find running so much easier. If youre a woman don’t push yourself too hard at certain times of the month – a slow steady run is still a run. And finally a small thing but its mega important, ALWAYS make sure you use the loo before you leave 🙈.
4) Revel in your acheivements and be proud! Hey, youve done something amazing. Realise that. It shocks me how many people do no exercise at all – I used to be one of them. Share your run on social media – you might get the odd sarky comment but you know what? People that do that are just jealous (and usually doing no exercise themselves) and on the whole I find friends very supportive. Join a running community online or find followers via Strava – kudos from others can be a powerful tool. And if all else fails treat yourself to a favourite dessert or treat with dinner that night…after all the more you run the more you can eat!!! 5) Push yourself and acheive some ‘bucket list’ goals – when I started running just the idea of running a 5k without stopping was my only goal but as I’ve gone on (and its got easier) my goals have become bigger. Trying to get better times, running with others and recently doing my first organised run – a daunting concept for me – a charity Colour Run where we got pelted with paint powder as we ran. That had been on my bucket list so I was very proud…plus I got my first running medal!
Dont wait for January with the New Years resolutions losers, or during a short-lived health kick, or even wait till Monday, start now. And then, most importantly, DO. NOT. STOP.
Whenever I’m in central London I always try and pop into one of the flagship Primark stores. They hold the most stock and give you the best chance of finding that item you saw on Instagram (but probably not).
My store of choice is the Tottenham Court Road branch – its less busy than Marble Arch with all those tourists trying to claim their VAT back and although smaller I think holds a better range (or maybe just the VM is better!). I didnt buy a lot this time as I’m trying to edit my overflowing wardrobe but the 3 things I’ve got to show you I think are Summer must haves!
Cotton embroidered Kaftan jacket – £16.00
I saw this in the window and my eyes popped out on stalks like a cartoon character! I’d been trying to justify the £50 Zara version (and couldnt) and this is so similar. I went for a size small as its open fronted with loose sleeves and its is perfect as a summer cover up either over swimwear on the beach or with a white vest, skinny jeans and sandals for a cute daytime look.
Khaki slim leg joggers – £8.00
All the bloggers keep telling me khaki is the new denim and I didnt have anything khaki! These trousers are flattering with an elasticated tie detail waist and slim leg although I found the calf area a little tight so went for a size 12.
Two tone esperadrille pumps – £8.00
When you want Chanel but can only afford Primark… Seriously though, these are a great summer shoe when you dont want to wear sandals and are a casual shoe that still looks stylish.
I also bought black leggings, white t-shirts and some sunglasses cases – you gotta have fresh wardrobe staples each year! But my favourite of the three has to be the shoes…when Primark gets it right, it gets it right! Yes the stores are busy, yes the queues are long but a flagship store is an Aladdins Cave of bargain fashion delights!
All available in store now.
5) Turn the belt back over and line up the pin, so the pin is hidden underneath.
always a blue sky girl 
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