September casual

jeans / top / bag

Isn't that bag gorgeous? It's on my birthday list now. Do I need another handbag though? Probably not but a birthday is a birthday...

I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to jeans, i wear them 90% of the time. So different colours to hide the fact i'm wearing jeans again are a must. Slimming ones which taper at the ankle are great for tucking into boots for the autumn weather. 

That top has cute little bows on the shoulders and it's such a soft colour to break up the dark colours of the jeans and handbag. 

This is a perfect weekend casual outfit for going out with friends!

Borrow my dog?

Okay I kid, I don't have a dog. If I did, I'd maybe think about lending him to you but probably would be a little too attached to let go. People do though; they lend out their dog to people who don't have one. How great is that?!

A couple of months ago I heard about a friend of Mr's who was going to Spain and couldn't take their pup because they hadn't got him a passport yet. The thought of a dog passport photo-page cracks me up everytime! I digress.

So this family was going to Spain and I offered to look after their mini dog (it's a cross Dachund/Terrier something...). Problem is I live in a house where the Landlord won't let me have pets. Spoilsport. Wasn't going to let that stop me. So that got me thinking, who would like a dog for 2 weeks, who lives near me and would let me play with said dog. My parents!

So they had him, i walked him and played ball with him, win win!

Here he is looking out of the window at work (it was one of his favourite places to hang out).

Want to look after a dog (actually look after, not palm off to your parents)? Head to Borrow My Doggy where you can pet sit, walk dogs and generally enjoy pet care without the cost. You're welcome!

(This post was not sponsored or endorsed by Borrow My Doggy and all thoughts are my own). 

Garden success!

So this is our garden. I know, tiny isn't it? We strimmed the grass and it's a little weedy and dead in patches but overall getting better than when we first moved in. BBQ ready!

These flowers are from the wedding and i'm amazed i've kept them alive for the whole summer...

Washing line is up and our garden chairs from the wedding have been getting used on the patio. Overall then, a garden success! 

Also this weekend, we went to a great BBQ on Friday night with friends and sailed in the gorgeous weather this afternoon. Can't believe the weekend is over and it's back to work tomorrow. 

I'm a Mrs!

I can't believe this is my first post as a Mrs not a Miss. It's been 4 months! I'll share some memories and photos in the coming weeks for you all though.

The day after the wedding Mr had a business trip he had to go on and although I'd planned to go back to work for a couple of days he wanted me to go with him. You don't have to ask me twice! We flew out in the afternoon and enjoyed dinner on a balcony overlooking the water. The next day he went to work and I experienced what it was like to be a lady at leisure. I went to the gym, relaxed at the spa and then headed into the local coastal town for shopping and lunch. Then it was time to fly home. It was a lovely day away but I wouldn't want to be without a job to float about like that all the time - boring!

Being a practical couple, being that our flight for our honeymoon left the UK on a Sunday night we naturally felt it best to stay in a hotel the night before, because who wants to drive for 2 hours on the same day as your holiday starts? Ridiculous I know. We've since tightened our budget. The Crowne Plaza upgraded us to a spa suite and gave us sparkling wine and truffles though so it was totally worth it! More on the amazing honeymoon later...

We moved into my rental flat for 2 weeks then I found us a house last minute while Mr was working and I had a day off (to recuperate from all that beach time obviously). We've got a cute 2-bed house now complete with a garden and a garage. How grown up. How very expensive. Now the saving to buy in this inflated economy begins!

I'm in law school part-time though still work a full week (stress but strangely i'm enjoying it). Mr is busy with numerous projects, most of which involve his new garage and boats. We're pretty happy as a Mr & Mrs!

Every weekend should be a bank holiday, yes it should

Finally, this countdown to our wedding day is starting to feel real; 4 days people!

I think now that the shopping is done and the craft is finished the pre-drinks and family time should begin!

So this weekend yes i'll collect some ordered stuff (must not forget to collect the cake, serious) and attend a wedding rehearsal, but then I'm going to relax. I'm thinking lie-ins, pilates, Netflix, park with my niece and some good old-fashioned family time. The planning is done. There's nothing I could change that would make a difference and it'd only stress everybody out. So, to the relaxing weekend! Happy bank holiday!

(Oh, I've gotta move house this weekend. Forgot. Well i'll relax around that minor detail). 

Engagement Shoot

Just the title of this post makes me feel a little edgy. I'm not photogenic and not even a selfie girl so having an entire shoot dedicated to Matt and I made both of us nervous to say the least. You know the couples who take regular photos of themselves to share on Facebook? Yup, we're not one of them.

To get around the fear, I booked it at a beautiful Abbey owned by English Heritage which isn't too far from our village. It was a bright sunny day and the Abbey was teeming with families and even a couple of other photographers. We love the photos Alisa took for us! We really enjoyed the shoot and will definitely do more of this in the future (you know, for special occasions, not as a casual weekend activity!).  If you're local to Hampshire, check out her Facebook page here for some more stunning pics (of more photogenic people, ha!).

Here are a few of our favourites from the day! 

 A huge thank you to Alisa and we're even excited about our wedding photos now!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is fast approaching and what better way to say "I love you mum" than a quirky card? I'm loving the designs below, which is your favourite?

via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

For those of you who have experienced mild panic over a day which you had forgotten/were not prepared for don't worry, you've still got time. UK Mother's Day is Sunday 15th March. Now get shopping!

Check back soon for gift ideas to go with that awesome card you're going to buy.