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LIFESTYLE – 5 things for 2018: how’s it going?
As my original ‘5 Things for 2018’ post has been one of the most popular of the year so far, I thought I’d do a little update on how things were going. Hope you like!
Find a new home 🏡
I’m beyond ecstatic to share that I can *almost* tick this one off the list!! After 8 looooong months of searching and living out of boxes, the Mr and I have finally found a house we love and want to build a future in. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more on my social media; and perhaps in future blog posts if anyone would like to see it?
Smash my new job 💻
This one was always going to be more of a slow burn, but it’s definitely a ‘so far, so good’ scenario – my colleagues are nice, the role is challenging and the brand is really interesting. Most important though, I feel valued and respected in my team, which is priceless.
Get back to my happy weight ⚖️
Again a slow burn, but it’s burning! I’m dropping lbs by getting back into regular physical activity, meal planning and a little PMA. I’ve set myself some goals that, although I had a bit of a wobble in February/March, I’m still on track to achieve by the end of the year.
Have eyebrows on fleek 💉
I’m also super excited to share that this goal should be we on the way to being completed too by the time you’re reading this, yay! I faced my fear of needles and have undergone a course of microblading treatments which I’m really pleased with. Once they’re fully complete and healed, I’ll be sharing a full post with photos going through the whole process for anyone who’s interested.
See more of the UK 🇬🇧
I’ve a start on this one with my quick visit to Manchester in February. I will planning more for the latter part of the year when I can enjoy cheaper travel costs and have settled into our new home a bit more, so stay tuned.
Overall I’m really pleased with my progress so far and I’m confident that I’ll be able to carrying on making progress towards the end of the year. I hope you’re doing as well when any of the goals you’ve set yourselves – remember; it can be done, just not all at once. Have faith, set mini targets and keep moving forward until you make it!
What else has been happening?
I got a new car 🚗
Sadly this decision was forced due to a minor traffic collision that wrote my car off, but I’m made up with my new ride! I’m now the proud owner of a Suzuki Swift and I’m constantly surprised at the extra things it can do (volume controls on the steering wheel, USB port, heated wing mirrors) that other people would take for granted.
I’m getting back in the fashion blogging game 👠
If you’ve been keeping up with my posts and Instagram over the past few weeks, you’ll have noticed this already. I’ve had a great time collaborating with some of my local blogging gals – spending time together, swapping tips and generally giving each other the confidence boost we all deserve. So happy to be surrounded by wonderful women!
I’ve left the clutches of the iPhone 📱
I’ve decided to switch to team Android and got a Huawei P10 back in March. It actually works in a pretty similar way to iPhone so I’m fairly comfortable with it, though it’s been more tricky to find a proper screen protector for it. However it came with a phone case included which was a really nice touch. The camera is awesome too!
Overall I definitely have a lot to feel good about in 2018, as I hoped I would, but we will see how the rest of the year pans out and I’ll share another update in a few months time.
Thanks for reading,
J xx
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FASHION/ You can leave your hat on
If you’re British, the title of this post is likely going to a) remind you of The Full Monty and b) make you want to sing the song, no matter where you are… I say sing out loud ‘n proud like nobody’s listening!
Anyway, moving on to all things fashion. I saw this blazer on a Lily Melrose video and thought “yessss”. I instantly had the idea to make look a bit more casual and almost masculine for daytime a la Megan Ellaby (just channeling these blogger gals left right and centre aren’t I!) with sportswear, however I was a teeny bit apprehensive about wearing it out as its really not me. What do you think?
The blazer is made of really soft material that moves with you almost like a cardigan as its quite thin, not quite what I was expecting so I’m not sure it’s quite giving me the sassy feels I’d hoped for. I do like it as a different kind of colour pop mixed in with the monochrome of the other pieces though, very Dennis the Menace!
Blazer, Boohoo / T-shirt, Adidas Originals / Jeans, Topshop / Trainers, Adidas Originals / Hat, Topshop
Part 2 of my #hullFoodie hangouts is coming your way later this week, so stay tuned and prepare to be hungry!
Thanks for reading,
J xx
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FASHION / Thank you my love
One chilly (and ever so slightly snowy) afternoon, a group of Hull Bloggers gathered to eat, drink, chat, coo over baby Jasper (Violet’s adorable bubba) and snap some pics…
I learnt during this time that I can also do two other facial expressions as a variation to my usual RBF – the ‘I look innocent but am totally plotting something (above) and ‘oops, you caught me doing the eye-roll’ (below)
This jumper is so bobbled now because I’ve worn and washed it to death since buying it last year (it’s a take on the popular whit boyfriend tee, which I also own) it’s really easy to chuck on and is a flattering length to hit the top of high-waisted jeans without making you look too bulky (sadly it can’t minimise my love handles, but it doesn’t make ’em look any worse. Cake takes care of that.)
Totally living for these Primarni trousers too! I was going to pick up a similar pair elsewhere that were about £30 in a jogger style, however these were a bargain £11 and just as comfy because they’re made from jogger- type material. They also have the Adidas style poppers to play around with the proportions and keep cooler in the summer hopefully. I’m optimistic it will be warmer!
Props to Amy and Courtney for taking the pics.Jumper, Topshop (sold out online) / Trousers, Primark / Boots, Ankle boots
Hope you all have a lovely #Easter weekend and thanks for reading,
J xx
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FASHION / Oh hey there Mrs
On this day 8 years ago, I became Mrs Barrett. It was the start of a new chapter that has brought challenges, support, a lot of happiness and ‘laugh until you can hardly breathe’ moments, and I wouldn’t swap my Mr for the world. Ultra soppy but very true – he’s got 99 problems and ‘dis bish is the biggest one!
Thanks to my faves Rock on Ruby for teaming up with Bespoke Bride for a sassy range of bridal-related tees right when I needed them most! They’re the same brilliant quality as usual, I’m wearing a size M which was fitted but still a bit loose so was really comfy.
Shout out to these trousers, which are adorable and ridiculous comfy – they feel great and are meant to be culottes, but I’m a short-ass so they look more like half-mast trousers… also sharing a little pic at my cute heart tattoo, which rarely gets an outing.
T-shirt, Bespoke Bride x Rock on Ruby / Jacket, Topshop / Trousers, Topshop (similar here) /Trainers, Adidas / Sunglasses, Missy Empire
Thanks to Emma for taking these pics.
and, just in case you haven’t seen enough of my wedding pics over the years, here’s another…
Thanks for reading,
J xx
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FASHION/ I did a Fearless clothing haul from an Instagram ad (March 2018)
We all get those pesky Instagram ads – between suggesting what I should I buy and who else I should follow, I barely see any of the people/ brands I’ve actually chosen to have on my feed!
But how well does Instagram think it really knows me and my taste in fashion? I decided to throw caution to the wind when an ad for Fearless clothing popped up – it featured a pair of shoes I though would be a good buy for everyday wear, so I clicked though to see what else they may have for me…and that’s where I got a lil’ bit spendy! So here I’m sharing what I bought and my first impressions of each item.
DISCLAIMER: I took ‘proper’ first impressions photos i.e. Straight out of the packet, no regard for lighting and setting up a decent shot. I thought that was the best way to see how the items actually looked IRL.
This is the item that appeared on the original #instagram ad that made me click and take a loot – they appealed because they look very like a shoe boot style which I’ve always liked, but with a super chunky heel that I thought would be great for Day to day wear. They looked really cool on the photos I saw so thought I’d give them a go. When they arrived I noticed they had a cutaway design on the leather which reminded me of the shoes I used to wear to primary school, which put me off a bit and made them lose a little of their cool edge for me. However I tried them on anyway but they just didn’t look any better and I couldn’t shake off feeling like a massive school kid. Gutted.
(I haven’t been able to snap a pic of me wearing it, but it looks exactly the same)
It’s pink and covered in metallic pearls, obviously this jumped straight out at me. As I wasn’t sure of the fit of the brand I sized up which was definitely the right move – the fit is pretty small and there’s not any give in the fabric, but it’s not tight and the crop fit sits nice in the waistband of my mom jeans.
I hadn’t realised that this top was by AX Paris when I ordered it, but it explains why the bold floral print really struck me as I have a lot of floral items from them. I really liked the fit of the top, lots of room to move around, however I was a bit disappointed but the material as it felt kind of cheap and scratchy.
I really wanted to be blown away by this bodysuit, sadly it wasn’t to be. The print and the vowel back detail were just as striking in person as they were online, but the fit around the bottom just felt really awkward so I couldn’t see myself being comfortable in it.
I took an instant dislike to this shirt as soon as I pulled it out of the bag – it look far thinner and flimsier than it had done online, to the point where I didn’t want to try it on in case it ripped.
this bag looked so insta-cool online, but it’s actually made of rubber. WTF?? That actually makes it a little more practical for nights out though, as it would wipe clean if anybody spilt their drink on it.
Reality bag
I was drawn to this as it had a designer look to it with the shape of the clasp on the front. The quality of it feels nice, a soft velvet, and I think this will be lovely for nights out or for a more dressy daytime outfit.
Gemini boots
I’ve been wanting a pair of chunky boots for a while, and these were a bargain £10 in the sale. Sadly when they arrived they were a little bit too synthetic looking for my taste, and the buckles wouldn’t fasten up tight enough to stay on my feet properly.
Overall, my experience with Fearless clothing wasn’t overwhelmingly positive, however it does have some nice pieces and it’s definitely somewhere I’ll give another look in future. I’ll definitely be looking to size up in most items as well as trying to check the fabric makeup more closely of items I like.
Thanks for reading,
J xx
About Me
I’m Jenny, nice to meet you. I’m a thirty-something who likes fashion, holidays and wondering about life. A lot.
