Search Results for: joules

Joules Style Crush Wish List

28th October 2014

I though I would share my current style wish list, this is the perfect outfit for family lunches, shopping and casual meeting, perfect country chic.

I just love Joules and the Mr. Toad Tweed Jacket is my style crush of the season. It is so stylish and can be easily dressed up or down. I am also loving the caramel accessories, not a colour I would usually choose but looks great with this outfit.

Belgravia Chelsea Boot Womens Green Mr Toad Tweed Jacket Ella Long Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse
Womens Straight Leg Jeans Leycett Womens Leather Bag Womens Woven Scarf Mishabracelt Womens Bead Bracelet

family, Family Life, Familylife, Style

Loving Life And Why Sometimes The Only Thing To Do Is Take That Risk

18th April 2017

Lazy pool days and evening beach walks are the things of dreams. You know when you are rushing around, so busy with a to do list as long as your arm which is ever-growing and you just want to press pause and be transported somewhere nice.

I am so lucky life is exciting, new adventures materialise weekly. Some small adventures, a chance to write something nice on my little blog and take some pretty pictures. And others find us sat on a stunning beach in Greece eating a delicious Italian meal as the waves crash a couple of feet away from our sandy feet.

I could have only dreamed of living the life I do now back when I was teaching hairdressing. A career I worked hard at and was passionate about, put so much of my own time into. Until increasing paperwork and unrelated add-ons killed the artistic and turned my ever so creative career into a pen pushing exercises that could do nothing but crush the joy out of any self-respecting creative type.

I chose creativity over security; a scary decision, some would say is inspired and brave. Others may argue downright foolhardy.

But here’s the thing, the biggest deal of all. I am happy, happy being creative on mostly my terms, the stuff of dreams right?

If the last year and watching a few very dear friends go through the unimaginable has taught me something it is that you should always choose happiness. That may not be a drastic change, it may be that one thing you never had time to do. It may be dancing in the rain, watching a sunset or moving to a new area?

Take that risk; ok I was lucky I had incredible support. I also work blooming hard, probably more hours than ever before. But on Sunday nights I no longer have that feeling of dread, I have butterflies of excitement. Wondering what bright colours of joy will find their way into my life. What will make me scratch my head with frustration because I am so fussy? Or what will have me stood on my kitchen table snapping away with my camera. Yup I actually do that!

And then there are the Mondays when I am enjoying a beautiful resort, somewhere amazing to share with the world. But also something special to share with my family, that time to pause and rest. To enjoy each other’s company and eat long leisurely meals together. These boys are growing so fast and I so want to make the most of every moment before they are off on their own life adventures.

So as we chilled together last week, as we dipped in and out of the pool to cool down. The boys sneaking off to play football as often as they could. I made the most of every single second we spent together. I watched families with young children run ragged, but enjoying what to us is a distant memory.

It all flies past so quickly enjoy every minute, take every opportunity. Enjoy family days go on adventures.

Watch those kiddies grow up and enjoy it rather than wishing it away. Every moment is precious and when its gone, reminisce smile but move on and enjoy the next bit. Don’t be scared to take the occasional risk. And if you are having a bad hair day, don’t stay in and miss out, wear a hat! x

Thank you so much to Joules for my ever so gorgeous Elayna Dress, hat and shoes.

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Style, Uncategorized

Style Chat, One Coat 2 Ways

27th January 2017

I don’t know about you but the sunshine this week has given me a real boost?

I am sure it’s watching that warm glow over the countryside and feeling the sunshine on my face through the window. It makes me feel so much brighter knowing sunnier days are on their way.

Of course the reality is that it still feels bitingly cold, and I still feel the need for chunky knits and hot drinks by open fires. But the sunny days have me wishing for spring wardrobes, cropped jeans and muted pink tones.

Lately I have been trying to make my wardrobe more of a capsule wardrobe. It seems very appealing to have less to think about. To have outfits that work together and gel. Thus making decision such as what to wear simpler. Because I don’t know about you, but some days I just want someone to make these essential style decisions for me. To tell me its all going to be ok and I will look great today.

As a busy mum it is so easy to go with what is comfy isn’t it?

But that can lead to a slippery slope of content. One thing I know having worked in the hair industry for many years. And working on teams that design hair colour collections for seasons ahead. Looking good is about feeling good, and projecting confidence. It is not necessarily about following current trends; it’s about tweaking a look and having your own style. Being unique and happy in your own skin. And yes that does take a little effort some days, but what happens when you don’t make the effort. What’s the alternative?

Great Jackets are key for me, and I have collected a few great pieces from Joules, Laura Ashley and Oasis, matched with a striking pair of shoes and skinny jeans makes a great go to go outfit.

When the lovely people from Esprit asked me what my style choices were going to look like for spring? I was immediately drawn to this Pastel Pink Blazer Coat. I love the subtle colour and the longer lines. It will make a great addition to my wardrobe.

Perfect for meetings, and cocktails with the girls when combined with killer heels and a tiny bit of sparkle. Or to give life to a funky pair of cropped jeans and ever so stylish metallic loafers. But also timeless, and a great staple for my wardrobe. Which I can see looking fab with chunky knits as the year draws to a close. But lets not think about that. I want to enjoy anticipating spring and summer for now.

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Pink Blazer Coat, Boyfriend Jeans , Flowing Jersey Print Top , Metallic Loafers, Suede Sadle Bag, Geometric Print Scarf

Stretch Pencil Skirt, Leather court Shoes, Crepe Wrap Over Top ,Sequin Bag, Braided Chain Bracelet, check out Esprit for all items and some great style inspiration.

Dubai, Farther Shores, Travel, Uncategorized

Family Holidays and How They Are Changing

20th September 2016

I have been Dubai spam lately I know this!

And I promise I will cool it soon, but I do get giddy about our family travels. We have visited some amazing places. In fact when I was working full-time I lived to travel, to not be at work, and to see new places with Chris and the boys. And as a result it sort of became the norm. Today I am rambling about family holidays and how they are changing. It is not something I am totally ready for.

We have travelled well. Due to planning, organisation and air miles we have stayed in great locations and enjoyed some wonderful family holidays. As soon as the boys were born I was determined we would travel with them. We decided pretty early on that they would fit in with us, and not the other way round. And for us as a family this has worked. As soon as we left home for a trip the routine became non-existent and we went with the flow.

We have built holiday survival packs to get us through long flights. When the boys were little we let them nap in their buggies whilst we enjoyed a late evening meal. We let them have lie in’s if needed; we would take turns chilling by the pool whilst the other read a book in the room to let the babies sleep. I have never had expectations. Going with the flow I am sure, is why we have never been disappointed.

But I have a feeling it is all going to change soon, Jack is 16 next month. He has started to resist a little, wants so stay at home more. Well, I say at home that is not going to happen yet, so he packs off to his grandma’s feeling all grown up and independent ha ha.

That made Dubai all the more special

I know we are on borrowed time, and then there will be 3. Of course he will always be welcome. And I will always be happy to pay for him to come along, even when he is working. I can see Chris rolling his eyes now. But he is our first-born, a quarter of our family.

Don’t get me wrong; we will still go on to have great adventures. I am sure there will be many he does not want to miss out on. But we are coming to that time, the time of independence arghhh and I have no idea how it crept up so quickly.

When they are little you don’t think this will ever really happen, it seems a lifetime away. I know Joe is rubbing his hands together in preparation of being the only child on holiday. He is at that explorer stage, in fact he has always been. Joe went on his first holiday at 6 weeks old, and ever since nothing has fazed him.

He loves being included in holiday vlogs and has even hosted a few live vlogs lately. He loves the fuss and attention, which Jack is withdrawing from now. Maybe he is getting more self-conscious the older he gets.

He may not have been on camera as much, but Jack loved Dubai. It is the perfect place for families, for long drawn out evening meals with lots of laughter. Floating around the lazy river, we can even laugh about how he almost shut down the lazy river with his nosebleed. How competitive he got with his little brother on the arcade games, even though he said he wasn’t bothered.

There will be a time when there is just us!

At the rate time is speeding by it wont be far away. We keep laughing and saying we can’t wait till we can go in School Holidays just because we feel like it. Go to Sandals, just the two of us. But until that time we have many adventures to plan and enjoy. To make the most of our precious boys before they fly the nest. I just have to make sure they are memorable.

The memorable thing about travel is not always the location, the cruise itinerary, or the swanky hotel. It’s the having the undivided attention of my not so little family, no pressure, no work just the 4 of us relaxed together.

Thank you so much to the gorgeous people at Joules for all the lovely things you sent us for our holidays we have loved them all.

Shopping

Rainy Days and Muddy Puddles

29th January 2016

I hear it so often, ooh we haven’t got out this weekend, the rain has been awful. This takes me right back to when Joe was only 2. We were about to go out for a walk and the heavens opened. That was it, I started to take my coat off, unwrap the boys, and we were not going out in that weather, no way. Joe looked at me with his big eyes and said please Mummy, it’s only water, please can we go out and jump in puddles. So we did, we had the most wonderful walk, splashing in the rain and the boys jumping in puddles.

Let me also tell you a story about Florida in August, as we walked towards Magic Kingdom the rain was so heavy we were walking in a stream, the crowds were flooding out of the park. But we were one step ahead we had our rain gear. So we fought against the crowd, and for the next hour enjoyed Magic Kingdom in the rain, once the sun came out the crowds returned, but in that time we had walked to the front of queues, splashed in puddles and been photographed on a very quite main street, it was wonderful.
Rain on most days is only water, yes we get those days where a storm causes catastrophic damage and devastation and you would be mad would venture out. But on an average windy, rainy day be prepared get out and make memories, let the kids run in rain, splash in the puddles, and if they are anything like my two they love every minute.

As this weather is getting no better, I plan to embrace it, be prepared and make memories rather than wishing the time away. Life seems to be speeding by so fast, I want to make every day count, even the rainy ones. So I have put together a little wish list, exactly what we need to make rainy outdoor days.

Just a few of my current favourites from Joules are;

I just adore the Neon Candy Waterproof and Stripped Wellies perfect for brightening up a rainy day.

The JnrSkipper raincoat and French Navy Wellies are perfect for Joe and puddle jumping experts.

For Jack and cool teens who love the rain but don’t like to admit it, the Stafford Quilted Jacket is super cool.

And the Waterfield Waterproof Jacket, perfect for not only family walks in the rain but the endless hours Chris spends standing pitch side at kids football matches.

And just because it’s my list this gorgeous Pom Pom Bobble Hat, has anyone noticed I have a thing for bobble hats?

And there you have it, something for all the family to enjoy long rainy day walks.

All About Me

Hello and welcome to my Chaos. A little about me; my name is Sarah, I am a travel and lifestyle blogger with a passion for new adventures, travel, interiors and fashion. I have a wonderful husband and two amazing, very active and sporty boys aged 17 and 12 who share this love of life and the new and exciting.

I love to share our likes, loves and adventures as life ever changes with a growing family. And how we adapt to life as our boys grow up. My blog is a reflection of our family adventures and my love of travel and living life to the full.

Our oldest son suffers from type 1 diabetes; he was diagnosed at 10 which temporarily turned our lives upside down. With a great deal of work we now mostly have this under control, although it tends to throw us a challenge every now and then.

Ambassadorships

Brand Collaborations

Featured On

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Contact

We live in a lovely village in rural Lancashire, where we are lucky to enjoy the most beautiful views and wildlife and having boys, lots of mud. I also love to visit the city, soak up the busy atmosphere and most importantly shop.

I am blessed with wonderful friends, family, and a hectic, and at times rather chaotic life. I love walking, reading, shopping,baking, traveling, crafting and chilling with my family and friends. As busy as I am my brain always needs more to occupy it.

I started to blog as I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences and my passions in life, family life, food and traveling. My motivation in life is to take my family different places, enjoy different experiences, and cultures and spend quality time together. We are always on the look out for our next adventure.

Proud to be announced as one of the

Top 10 UK Lifestyle Blogs 2017

Ambassadorships

I am thrilled to be a Mark Warner Mum 2017

We were very proud to be Q Hotels Family Ambassadors 2015

Brands we have worked with.

Proud To Be Featured On

Proud Winner of the Next Blog Network Family Blogger Award.

And

And A Member Of

Hibs 100, www.extraordinarychaos.com ranked 5

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Contact me on:

travelingchristie@gmail.com

Although I write about Type 1 Diabetes I am not a medical professional. Just a Mum learning to live with a life affecting condition.

Pages on this website may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase or register then I might get a commission from that sale.

My opinions on all the products, and experiences I review, even if they are gifted are that of my family and myself. If I do not like a product I will not put it on my blog. This is a happy honest place and I want to keep it that way.

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