Supermarket sweep - the jumper edition

Is there anything more tempting than those hidden clothing sections in the supermarkets? Especially when you're trying to count pennies before Christmas. Surely a couple of jumpers popped into the trolley along with the Quality Sweet isn't going to break the bank - is it?

Disclaimer - yes it can! But as long as you shop wisely and remember budgets, there are some gems to be found in our supermarkets. Here's a couple of jumpers I picked up recently at Tesco and Asda.

This first striped number is from George at Asda. I picked my normal size 20/22 and there's plenty of room so maybe size down if you want it more fitted.

The second jumper is from F&F at Tesco. I have a bit of a love/hate thing with F&F clothing. I don't always think they're that cheap for supermarket clothing, their sizing is a bit hit and miss and you can't order their clothing online anymore. But even after all that, this was a love at first sight jumper.

I'm wearing a 22 here and I think it's pretty true to size. Both jumpers are soft and snuggly and very comfortable - which at the end of the day is pretty much my number one priority!

Can I also mention my coat? This was also a purchase from George at Asda and is nearly 5 years old. There's so much 'fast fashion' around nowadays (and as a blogger I know there are times when we add to the problem with monthly hauls, purchases etc). It still fits, makes me feel good so why replace it? Even if it is tempting to buy a new coat every season, anything we can do to re-use and recycle has to be good for the environment and our purses.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Jumping into Winter

Hello there,

I'm not quite sure where I am with the weather at the moment - it got cold - I bought a few new jumpers and hats - now it's warm again. Grr!

Anyway, despite the unseasonably warm weather, I have a new selection of knitwear to show you. Which is just as well really as I got a bit too enthusiastic sorting out clothes for charity and gave away loads - does anyone else do that?

First up hats. I have a problem with hats - I love them. I seem to have hats in every colour and shape. These ones are all from Primark and at £2 - £3.50 each, it doesn't feel like too much of a bad obsession....

Then the jumpers, first up is a daisy print one from George at Asda. Not especially seasonal but oh so comfy! It's quite lightweight so will be a good one for early Spring wear as well.

The next jumper - I have to admit was bought months ago in the Marks & Spencer sale. I had almost forgotten about it. Very warm - but a bit awkward when eating (those cuffs!).

I love stars, I seem to have a ridiculous amount of tops with stars on, so why not get one more? This one is from Simply Be.

Finally in the this mega jumper haul, two goodies from Primark. I saw this jumper in grey first and then a few weeks later in a plum colour. It seemed a shame not to have both.

There you have it, new jumpers for Winter.

And remember - everything looks better with a hat on!

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Outfit August - 9th August

Have you ever found something in your wardrobe that makes you think 'huh?'

I think I've had this checked top for years (and looking back at photos, it really is years!). But somehow, I just don't have the heart to get rid of it, so every now and then, it comes out again. I'm even struggling to remember where it's from, but I suspect Simply Be. The cardigan is from George at Asda, Jeans from M&S and trainers are my old faithful Converse.

I'm going to cheat a bit with Outfit August as with the weather lately, it's been pretty challenging to get out and about without getting blown away. So here's an extra shot of the same steps with a skirt from a few days earlier. Except that this shot didn't quite go to plan....

The perils of a windy day, lots of neighbours and a partner who loves taking photos when you're not ready!

Again, I'm not entirely sure where this skirt is from, I suspect it's M&S though.

Don't forget to check out the other lovely ladies taking part in Outfit August

Leah
Kate
Mookie
Nikki
Christy
Becky
Christie
Katy

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

What I wore in August

Hello there,

I might have mentioned this before, but I am really forgetful when it comes to taking OOTD piccies. I wear something that makes me feel fab, then get to the end of the day and think 'photo!'. By which time I'm looking pretty knackered and my in-house photographer (ie the other half) has gone on strike.

So I'm trying something a bit different this time - a round up of outfits from the last month all in one post. To be honest, as I work from home, a lot of what I wear is pretty much the same (gotta love jeans and a t-shirt) so this is hopefully the best way to get some outfit pics on the blog! I'll add details such as sizes because for me personally, I love seeing that on other blogs. It really helps me get an idea of what's available and what could work for me.

Sleeveless cardigan - George at Asda (18)

Striped top - Primark (20)

Denim skirt - M&S,old (22)

Shoes - Primark, old

Bag & sunglasses - charity shop

Mickey t-shirt - Primark, old (20)

Sleeveless cardigan - George at Asda (18)

Jeans - M&S (22)

Shoes - Primark, old

Vest top - M&S (20)

Jeans - M&S (22)

Kimono - charity shop

Shoes - M&S, old

Necklace - Evans

Top - Evans (22)

Jeans - M&S (22)

Shoes - M&S

Unicorn phone case - Ebay

Top - M&S outlet (20)

Denim skirt - M&S, old (22)

Shoes - Primark, old

Necklace - birthday gift (possibly M&S?)

T-shirt - Primark (20)

Kimono - Dorothy Perkins (XL)

Jeans - M&S (22)

Shoes - Primark, old

Bag - charity shop

Sunglasses - Claire's Accessories

Bucket - Brightlingsea's best!

T-shirt - Primark (20)

Skirt - TU @ Sainsburys, old (22)
Shoes - Primark, old
Sunglasses - a magazine freebie

So there you have it, some of the outfits I wore in August. The plan is to try to keep this going as a monthly round-up - it seems to be less stressful than that 'arghh' moment at the end of the day when you remember you've not taken a single photo....

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

A day out in The Wallops

Hello there,

Now, chances are unless you live in or know Hampshire, you're probably wondering what on earth The Wallops are.

The Wallops are a group of villages in Hampshire - Middle Wallop, Over Wallop and Nether Wallop. Middle Wallop is home to a British Army Base which houses The Museum of Army Flying.

Now I appreciate this isn't everyone's idea of an exciting day out, but both my hobbies and work deal with military history and aviation so when I saw a 2 for 1 offer on Groupon, it seemed too good an offer to miss.

On the day we went, the weather was glorious, a real crisp sunny winters day. But even if it was wet, it would be an ideal place to visit as most of it is indoors.

They certainly pack a lot in! And for kids (or should I say me) there was plenty of exhibitions where you poke, prod and pull stuff. I love being hands on in a museum and it's such a good way to keep children engaged. They even let you climb on some of the exhibits...

The Groupon voucher we'd bought also included a hot drink and a cake. All the cakes were homemade - and very yummy... and no, these aren't both mine...honest....

The site is a working army base, so from the cafe you can watch planes and helicopters taking off and landing. For a plane spotter, it would be easy to spend a whole day here with an endless supply of cake and tea to hand. 

And to finish the day - the obligatory pose in front of a tank shot

As it was chilly day and I knew I'd be clambering around, I opted for a casual look. Jumper is from Evans (22/24), jeans from Marks and Spencer (22, old), coat from George at Asda (22) and boots are from Primark. I've mentioned these boots before, but my goodness! These are the comfiest and warmest footwear I own at the moment - best purchase ever from Primark,

I love days out like this and anything to do with history, esp military really interests me. I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out on any Groupon or similar type offers (this post isn't sponsored by any of them btw). There's a few more museums and days out I have my eye on which helps with my 16 for 16 goal of finding new places to visit.

Thanks for reading and hopefully I might have given a few of you some ideas for a day out.

Cathy
xx

Outfit August Day 10 - George @ Asda

Hello there,

This is a bit of a combined post - a bit of Outfit August and a bit of doing something out of my comfort zone.

Everything here was bought at separate times, but they match (I think) quite well. I like it when things happen like that. Looks like I planned the whole outfit instead of inadvertently realising something matches months after buying it.

The outside of my comfort zone is wearing a vest - a tight one with bare arms. But I was comfortable and felt good. I really wouldn't have done that a few years back, so I was feeling pretty pleased.

The skirts from George at Asda. I got a size 20, but in reality, I could easily have gone down a couple of sizes. I'm 5'3 and didn't take the skirt up. But a few trips later and I was wondering if I should have.

The tops and old one from Primark and the shoes are from the Marks & Spencer sale. I added a cotton top (also from Asda) over the top in case it got cold later.

These are the other ladies taking part in Outfit August so check them out

Leah
Harriet
Emma
Veronika
Nikki
Woosang
Christy
Charli
Mookie
Lucy
Steph
Natalie
Meshel
Jane

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Black summer dress and sweetie handbag - OOTD

Hello there,

Following on from my last OOTD - here's another black outfit. And this one also has a coral theme (I see a pattern developing here).

I mentioned in my last post that I was looking for ideas for places to take blog posts. Now I didn't travel all the way to Gatwick just for these photos, but as I was up there anyway waiting to collect family, it seemed an ideal opportunity.

(this was so out of focus - but hopefully you get the idea - arghh)

The dress is from TU at Sainsburys and is a 22. Now, I often find the sizing at TU a bit odd. Sometimes dresses which are perfect on the bottom half will be too big on top. This one thankfully is ok. It has a button front and is lined. It came with a black belt, but I replaced that with a coral one to match my handbag.

Talking of my handbag, I've seen this in so many magazines and blog posts, I knew I just had to have it. It's from George at Asda and at the moment, our local branch still has plenty in stock. It's a bargain at £8 and surprisingly roomy. I fitted my purse, phone, camera and keys in with no problem. I kept the handle quite short, but it's long enough to have as a cross body bag.

I love this dress, it's casual enough to wear everyday, but easy enough to dress up with smarter shoes and a different belt. I think it's one that will be on the blog again soon.

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

Black and coral heart - OOTD

Hello there,

I finally managed a couple of OOTD posts this last week, which doesn't sound that unusual but as I work from home, most outfits are jeans and t-shirt (and no-one wants to see a week of that - do you??).

There's also a black theme here - which is ironic as I always thought I was someone who didn't own much black. But it's snuck in there and I rather like it. The coral heart on this t-shirt is made of sequins which helps to make it that little bit better than your normal casual t-shirt.

I'm also in love with these sandals at the moment. After my ankle op, I'm still needing comfy flats so these are perfect. They remind me of Birkenstocks - but a lot cheaper.

T-shirt - George @ Asda (old) size 20
Cardigan - George @ Asda (old) size 22
Boyfriend jeans - Marks & Spencer size 20

Shoes - Marks & Spencer (old)

I have my hands in my pockets in every photo - guess I just don't know what to do with them! Must work on better poses. I'm also experimenting with finding new places to take blog pictures. This is in my front garden (which amused the neighbours greatly) but seems to work.

Where's your favourite place to take blog photos?

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx