Why Holidaying In The UK Really Could Be As Beautiful As Holidaying Anywhere.

This summer, more than any other it would seem, the UK is indeed the place to holiday.

DRESS: H&M
BASKET: ETSY
SANDALS: NEXT

With the glorious warm weather, stunning cities and golden beaches, is there really a reason to jet off to another country and put our money into their industry instead of our own?

For years now I have found such happiness in our holidays in this country, whether it is travelling across to Norfolk or up to Scotland, some of our happiest holiday memories as a family are from trips around this beautiful isle. 

It was a walk round one of our local pretty streets that prompted this post. My friend CHARLOTTE took some pictures of one of my new baskets and me waltzing down the street and it was her who stated that I look like I was in a different country. The sun beat down, the distance had a heat mist and there were plenty of cobbles on the street that could make you think we were somewhere further afield than just in Lincoln.

The thing is, Lincoln, as an example, is a prime location for a UK holiday. The Cathedral quarter itself boasts some fabulous hotels and, in fact, has all the lovely resemblances of foreign tourist spots. With the heat basking over us and plenty of people getting outside for picnics these cobbled streets are as good as any other. 

I think what I love most about this country is what there is to offer. Whether you are camping in beautiful Norfolk or have a cottage in the Cotswolds, there are just wonderful spots where happy memories are just waiting to be made. Cornwall's blue waters are there to be played in and just across in Devon you could fine some golden sand. This country has an absolute bounty of picture perfect places that could really rival anywhere.

Next summer I really wanted to do a six week tour of France with a camper van, but after this summer, I am wondering if we tour the UK. Where would we go? Well I think we would pretty much start at the bottom and maybe work our way across Cornwall, then drive up through Wales, head to the lakes, into the moors, who knows but we really have a beautiful collection of places we could go and I for one have been wanting to explore the UK more for ages. We quickly go off to travel other countries but I know there is also something here for everyone too!

Where would you suggest going if you were going to holiday in the UK?

Dressing With A Happy Colour & Not Feeling I Have To Fit

I don't know if it was the sunshine or the sudden sprouting of sunflowers that made a colour really pop into my life and wardrobe. I usually steer away from yellows (she says even though she owns that amazing yellow dress from M&S last year) but really, it has never been a colour I head to for all sorts of reason. 

JUMPSUIT: ASOS {available in standard, tall and curve}

Usually I find I like mustard, more in the autumn months, as I love fashion shades that represent the seasons. With your oranges and rusty colours really popping onto the scene it was inevitable that my wardrobe was going to really represent the coming season but this specific jumpsuit has sat in my ASOS basket for weeks and weeks before I purchased it! I just didn't know if it was me or indeed if I could pull it off. These fashion worries affect most of us. We start to recoil at the fact people might look at us and actually really like what we are wearing. Why am I so scared to go out of my comfort zone when I am quite a confident dresser?

I know that for me, inevitably it is my strive to not be laughed at. That moment that takes you right back to school where you re-live all those awful, girly teenage emotions. I am a grown woman, those shouldn't affect me now but with all the media pushing perfection the thoughts creep in and I feel that what I share should be "perfect".

The thing is, no media push or inner worry can take away from the feeling of genuinely feeling good. In fact, sometimes all it takes is for you to look at yourself and love what is looking back to make anything look good. I love this jumpsuit and I think that shows. I loved it when I saw it online and got the fear due to my own insecurities but as soon as it was on I loved it again. 

I think what I am trying to say is if you love it; wear it. It is your confidence that carries any outfit and the happier you make the outfit the happier you feel. Colour for me is the best way to make an outfit happy and yellow fruits have set me off this summer!

Enjoy fashion, don't fear and wear what you want to wear, just be happy that the only person you need to like it is yourself!

PHOTOS by Charlotte Jacklin

School Uniforms: That Last The Test Of Childhood. {Sponsored By TESCO}

* This is a paid advertorial with TESCO

It always seems weird being so forthcoming with thinking about uniforms, but the last few years I have actually been getting uniform at the start of the holidays so I don't need to think about it at the end. It is easy for us as our children tend to fit the age size they are so it is just a case of buying the next age up. 

For us, school uniform is quite simple. All we need is grey or black trousers or dresses, white polo shirts and the school cardigan or jumper. It makes shopping for uniform very easy and it means things are very replaceable with just a nip to the local supermarket which for us is TESCO. For me, TESCO UNIFORM is tried and tested. Writing about it now is completely sponsored, but who was to know that from the moment Raph started school we have only ever bought our uniform from TESCO. Why, because it is quite literally down the road and because it is cheap and easily replaceable. Not cheap in fabric quality though, which is something I am really excited to share as I can say in true honesty that I have never been let down by TESCO UNIFORM apart from one item which I will share with you later.

In the last school term Raph was wearing TESCO school shorts and just the other day I folded them and put them away as they will do for summer term 2019! They wash so well, don't need ironing and it is only the length that would cause me to buy more. Interestingly his trousers from the last school year are piled ready to give to someone else as they still have plenty of wear left in them.

I really like the TESCO slim fit black trousers on Raph, Sometimes the standard cut just looks too big so I much prefer this fit. Also, for us, the knees have never gone through on any pair and having been in key stage one where there is lots of movement and teaching on the carpet, they have stood up against the rough movement from that. All in all trousers and shorts have been great.

I am also a big fan of the classic girls pinafore dress. Etta got her first one last year and I was all too happy to buy the same as a replacement. Again, another garment that can be passed on because it is only Etta's long legs that are going to stop her wearing it. I love this cut; not fussy at all and just a simple, classic line. 

This is our first time buying into their school knitwear range. With improved technology to reduce bobbling I am really excited to try out their cardigans. This bright red one made Etta look so grown up. The school cardigan is much thicker, like a sweatshirt but this is so nice and as soon as she popped it on she just looked beautiful!

It'll be interesting trying out TESCO'S TEFLON POLO SHIRTS too as this is the only item I have previously disliked as it stained. In fact, it put me off buying them, but with excellent new technology in stain repellent finishes these polos should now be perfect. I especially love the shallow collar on the girls shirts so would really love to have them in our wardrobe. 

Last summer I got the children's trainers and school shoes from TESCO also. Their trainers lasted the year with very little wear and tear. Raph's school shoes only had to be changed as he grew out of them but I am really happy with putting him in TESCO SHOES again. For this next year Raph is sporting a new pair of scuff resistant shoes which look ever so comfortable. They have a very flexible and durable sole and and they aren't stiff like traditional leather school shoes. These are great for a boy constantly on the move ready to play at any time!

In my experience, TESCO have always offered me convenience, ease and comfort in their uniform. I can wash them over and over and with young children, their uniform is washed after one wear and it will last me the whole year through. I was really happy to take on this campaign as I had the experience already of how good it was and with a few tweaks to a few items I am really happy to spend my money and kit the kids out from TESCO.

I would just like to point out I also buy the children PE wear from here and it is excellent and good value. An absolutely great price which will see items last the whole year through.