Sorry for the absence

Hi, BIG apologies for not being around of late. My sister came over from Australia in April for a few weeks, then I just couldn't get back into the groove of blogging. I guess it's just one of those things that happens to most bloggers at some point or another. Anyway, nice to see that despite the time away I have aquired a couple more followers so welcome to you guys. :)
Last weekend I went to my beautiful cousin's wedding in Guildford. It truely was a MAGICAL day. It was an outdoor ceremony on a gorgeous sunny day. I wore my Frock & Frill dress from Simply Be. It was a little shorter than I'm used to but with a pair of unsexy granny pants underneath I felt fine. Also the dress is fabulous and floaty which was perfect for the warm day we had.
Anyway. here are a few snaps from the day. If you follow me on Facebook you'll probably have seen them all before but if not enjoy.

Me, Teagan & the gorgeous bride

 My little family

Yum yum

Unleash the animal within

I'm a firm believer in that animal print is never out of fashion. I think it depends on how it is worn and what it is accessorised with as to whether you look Bet Lynch or bang-tidy! Recently I have seen some beautiful fatshionistas rocking the animal print in many different ways Laura and her lovely pumps, Charlotte and her peplum top and not forgetting Mhairi in her gorgeous Bettie Page number.

I've seen a couple of fabulous animal print plus-size pieces courtesy of New Look which are definitely on my wish list.

I think my favourite of the two is the Maxi dress and at £22.99 I think it's a real steal. So are you an animal print lover or hater? xXx

Sale!

DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST I HAVE DECIDED TO PUT THIS STUFF STRAIGHT ON EBAY - YOU SNOOZE YOU LOSE ;0P

Hi I have a few items for sale - please let me know what you want by emailing me on mattymustdie@hotmail.co.uk I can accept payment by Paypal only and will add on £3 for postage.

Size 24 Tunic from Inspire. Only worn a couple of times. £7

Size 24 Simply Be bird print tunic. Worn a few times. £7

Size 26 (although closer to a 24) Peter Pan pearl collar tunic/dress from Simply Be. Worn twice. £8.

Cute little bag that i got in a charity shop a couple of years back but have NEVER used. It has no label which makes me think it's a one off made by somebody. Its so pretty. £6

Don't forget to let me know what you want via email at the address above and I'll send you an invoice via paypal. If nobody wants anything in a couple of days i will put the stuff on ebay. Thanks and happy shopping. x

Clements Ribeiro Tunic

There have been so many posts about the Clements Ribeiro Swan range, it seems to have divided opinions in the plus size community but I guess that's not a bad thing. Just because we might share the common experience of being plus-size it does not mean we necessarily will love the same clothes. Even in the collection I see pieces that I'm definitely not brave enough to wear - like the matchstick trousers for instance. But look how the beautiful Amy wears them...doesn't she look fabulous?
Anyway, I had my eye on the heart print Diana top as soon as I'd seen it. So the morning Swan launched online I got myself up at 7.15am to make sure I could be in on the occasion.

Tunic - Swan for Evans

Jeans - Chloe for Simply Be

Boots - Simply Be

Hairband (old) - New Look

I wore the tunic on Easter Sunday with the Chloe Jeans I just got. I have to admit the jeans are a little baggy in the legs, but its because I carry most of my weight around my middle and definitely couldn't have got away with sizing down. I think they'll look better with flats rather than boots tucked in. The tunic however is just adorable. I love it, it's a good length and the print is so cute. I'd love to purchase more from the Swan Range like the Betty or Peggy dresses or even the cardigan but right now funds do not permit. I'd love to know your take on the range and if you made any purchases.

For those of you wondering, the first 500 to buy something from the range online got a scratchcard. You could either win £50, £30 or free delivery. Yep, I got free delivery. A nice thought but I'd have much preferred a badge or a pin, something all 500 of us could have got equal enjoyment from.
One of my favourite blogs on the range has to be from Em, she actually went instore and tried on the pieces so for an honest and enjoyable read please check out her blog. x

A Night Out

Last night was my cousin's hen night. I'd been planning on wearing my Frock & Frill top from Simply Be as soon as I heard we had to wear something pink and glam. I have loved this top ever since seeing it at Plus London 2 a few months back and had been saving it for a special occasion. It is a gorgeous top and fits beautifully.
It was a great night and although I drank ALOT and mixed my drinks - flitting between cocktails,wine and my absolute favourite Disaronno and coke, I didn't feel too bad this morning. More tired than anything else. I did manage to get to church and wear my Swan tunic but that my friends will be for another post.
Sorry I haven't posted in over a week just been busy with my sister arriving over from Melbourne and having Teagan off nursery. Anyway, I'll leave you with some photos from the evening's antics. x

Top - Frock & Frill for Simply Be

Leggings - Joe Browns for Simply Be

Boots (not seen)  Simply Be

Clutch Bag - New Look

Ring - Primark

Perfect for the occasion

I have finally found the perfect dress for my cousin's wedding in May. I have looked at a few different dresses but have gone back to a beautiful dress I first spotted a couple of months back from Frock & Frill at Simply Be.
Now, I'm not putting any photos up of me wearing the dress as I want to save those for the actual wedding when I have hair perfectly coiffed, make-up looking fab and picked the perfect accessories but I did want to share my glee. So what do you think?

Speaking of weddings. I finally sold my wedding dress from when I married my ex in 2006. It was for much less than I wanted but when the lady called me to arrange picking it up she seemed chuffed to bits so I'm just glad to be able to make someone else happy. I guess having a short-lived marriage and wearing the big, expensive dress really made me re-evaluate that if me and Matt were to ever walk down the aisle, then I'd never dream of spending that sort of money on a dress that only gets worn for one day. Ah well, you live and you learn. x

That dress

So as I promised you yesterday, here's me in the birdcage dress. please give me your thoughts. I like it but just not liking the slip underneath too much. Still not quite sure if I should keep it as I don't know when I'd wear it, seems a bit too 'special' for everyday.

Dress- Asos Curve

I have only added one pic because I absolutely hate my hair - so much so that after I dropped Teagan off at nursery I went and had a dry-cut, got myself some John Frieda and have gone a bit darker. So here is my new hair, hot off the press. It's meant to be dark blonde but looks brown to me. So ta-da..

Don't forget your thoughts on the dress - to keep or not to keep, that is the question! x

Nelllie the elephant

So if you follow me on twitter you will know that I have been lusting after the elephant print dress AND the birdcage dress both of which are from Asos Curve.
On Sunday the lovely man from Hermes delivered my goods. The idea was to purchase one of the two and as I feel Asos Curve can be a little off-key with their sizing and how things can sometimes appear so different to how you see them on the site, I didn't know what to expect. However now I face the dilemma of actually liking both. Well, that isn't entirely true. I adore the elephant print dress. I've worn it today to go shopping and find myself looking at people to see if they are checking it out ...okay how self-obsessed am I? Be warned, I don't look great in these photos as I am extremely tired due to about 4 hours sleep - no idea why but hey an outfit post was long overdue. Also I tried to do some weird 'scrunching' thing with my hair that sometimes works but today not so much.

I wore the dress with leggings but it wasn't necessary as it's a pretty good length. Also I used a belt as the dress is a tad on the big side. This would be my only down point as the sleeve area is a huge hole which shows some of my bra so when I went out I chose to wear a cardigan on top but if you're happy with a bit of bra exposure then that's all good.

I'll try and post about the birdcage dress tomorrow as I need to make a decision about keeping it. I like it but to be honest it has one of those annoying cami's underneath it but hey when I post I'd love some feedback.

Knowing Me, Knowing You...Aha

The lovely Sara tagged me in this quiz, thank you my lovely. It's always nice to learn a bit about the person behind the blog so I'm happy to partake.

There are five rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you’ve tagged them.

11 Random things about moi......

1. I like reality TV, the trashier the better (well maybe not Geordie Shore.. .that seems to go just too far).
2. I have lived and worked abroad. Two summers spent on summer camps in the USA when I was  18 and 19. I also spent 14 months living and working in Niigata, Japan. Best times of my life and I highly recommend it to anyone. Get out of your comfort-zone just for a bit.
3. I was once married for 14 months, it didn't work out. Although I'm engaged again now and we have a gorgeous daughter I'm not in any huge rush to do it again.
4. Being a mum is incredibly hard with not many rewards and not much gratitude. The lack of sleep is also a killer... but it's also the best thing I ever did!

5. I hate turkish delight.
6. I get awful bedhead - seriously Russell Brand has NOTHING on this mop.
7. I would love to be able to bake. Fairy cakes and muffins are about my limit.
8. I can be a mardy cow sometimes.
9. I love curry, any type of curry - Indian, Japanese, Thai...
10. I hope that when I can financially afford it to visit my sister in Melbourne.
11. I live by the motto 'there is always someone else worse off than you'.

Sara's questions....

1. Who was your first ever crush, real or celebrity?

It was either the guy who played The Karate Kid or Putsy from Happy Days. Please don't judge me!

2. What sort of sweets would you eat if you could only eat one kind?

The sweets that I love I always gorge and end up feeling sick but it has to be Haribo - not those horrible fizzy ones, just your regular fried eggs, hearts and rings.

3. Books are my favouritest thing in the whole world. What was your childhood favourite that you’d pass onto a child?

Without a doubt Shirley Hughes Alfie books, Teagan and I adore them and 9 times out of 10 an Alfie story will be her choice of bedtime book.

4. What do you eat/drink when you go to the cinema?

Pic n mix ..nom nom and coke

5. Do you have a particular passion for any cause, in other words, what would you happy protest for?

I guess if I had spare money I would support charity's that support premature baby care like Tommy's or Ickle Pickles it's close to my heart as Teagan was premature 5 weeks premature and low birth weight so I will always appreciate what the nurses did for her in special care.

6. What is the last song you got stuck in your head?

The cheesy haribo advert song  'squidgy, squidgy baby....new supermix' teagan and I always sing this.

7. Are you a weekly shopper or a quick flit round to chuck stuff in your basket?

I do a weekly shop but usually forget something or another

8. If you had a time machine, and could go back into your own personal time-line without causing a rip in the very fabric of time, what would you change that you’ve already done?

Nothing, everything happens for a reason no matter how difficult.

9. What is the one item you don’t own, can’t afford but would give anything to have?

I think I'd quite like a Kindle

10. What’s the one book you say you’ve read but you really havent?

Lol - seriously I've never done this. I did A-Level English Lit and I remember some girls saying they'd read Pride & Prejudice when they hadn't. They had just watched the Colin Firth TV version as it was on at the same time.

11. Tell me a secret. Honest, I wont tell.

I watched the Tulisa sex tape...kinda wish i hadn't though ...hold that, can this be my answer to question 8???

Here are my 11 questions....
1. What is your favourite childhood memory?
2. If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be and why?
3. If you were brave enough what or who's hairstyle would you rock?
4. shoes, handbags or jewellery? Your favourite and why...
5. What kind of drunk are you? i.e aggressive, merry...
6. What are your top three favourite songs of all time
7. Something you learnt from your mother is....
8. What book do you wish you had written?
9. Can you speak any other languages?
10. Something you really want to do before you die is...
11. Prince Harry or Prince William - who is the hottest and why?

The person I am passing this on to is the lovely Ms Moon one of my favourite bloggers and all round nice people. x

Bumps Away

When I was pregnant with my daughter I was around a size 24. At that time floaty tunic tops were very much in fashion so it was easy to pick up a top from Inspire or something from my existing wardrobe and wear it.
It never went unnoticed by me that there was a serious LACK in plus-size maternity clothes. I often got the pregnancy and baby magazines and never once did I see anything for a woman my size. To say this was upsetting is an understatement. Pregnancy is mean to be an amazing time and you want to feel good about yourself. The fact that an industry fails to acknowledge a person over size 18 is just downright rude.
I remember randomly looking on the Simply Be website at the time and finding that they had some staples. I bagged myself maternity jeans which I was very grateful for and they served me well. I also remember Evans randomly 'trying out' a maternity range from which I had a very comfy tracksuit (yes, tracksuit) and a tunic. This range, like the bridal range, hasn't lasted the distance though.
Recently I noticed that Simply Be have stepped up the maternity range by a gear. They have come up with a 'Maternity Clothing Guide'. This advises on different supportive panels in their range, they also give tips for maternity clothes shopping AND everything comes between the sizes of 14-32. The range itself isn't huge BUT it's a huge development from what has been on offer to us. There are lots of vests tops, some plain, some pretty. My recollection of pregnancy is that I was nearly always hot (even in the middle of winter) so layering was always the best option for me. This is where vest tops are perfect.  Here are a few of the pieces that caught my eye.

Maternity Palazzo - Simply Be

Maternity Vest - Simply Be

Maternity Dress- Simply Be

As well as Simply Be, Yours have a selection of their items that they say are also suitable during pregnancy so that is also worth taking a look at. I'd love to know the experiences of others, if not yourself then your friends or family members because I really feel that pregnant plus-sized women are ignored by the fashion industry and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that thinks this way. x



There's No Place Like Home

Yesterday Matt and I took our little one off to spend some of her birthday pennies and to see The Wizard of Oz at The Palladium.
I have no red glittery shoes or baby blue gingham so I just decided to be a bit 'girly' for the occasion and wore this.
He only managed to get one half decent photo unfortunately...

Dress - Simply Be (past season)

Waterfall Cardigan - New Look Inspire (past season)

Leggings - Simply Be (past season)

Boots - Simply Be (past season)

Hairband - New Look (past season)

Yep, non of my bits are 'current' but I really don't care :0P Matt looked in my wardrobe and said 'you don't wear half of this' so I have been on a bit of a sale on ebay so far selling 4 items. I also sold a fab top to the lovely Preya a fellow blogger so I hope she posts about it when it arrives.

We had a great time at Hamley's so if you are in London you must go. Five floors of toys - not sure I like these toys they fling over your heads or helicopters - Matt was pretty nervous as he is so tall. Our daughter is currently into Playmobile so she picked the caravan and here are the other bits she got for her birthday.

 

Matt has seriously enforced his love of Playmobile on our daughter. I would rather she liked Sylvanian Families as I think they are so cute but oh well.

The Wizard of Oz was fantastic and if you're in London you must go. The best thing in it by far was the wicked witch esp when she came out with her hair like Mel B in a sexy number. So much so that I would love to see Wicked now. Our girl really enjoyed the show and her favourite thing was the cowardly lion. Matt has NEVER been to the theatre and he was also very impressed.

Anyway, just time to say Happy Mothers Day to the mums out there and if you're not a mum well enjoy the fact that you don't have to sample the delights of toast or tea made by a four year old. x



A bird in the hand

You ever see something that you think I must have this in my life? Well that was how I felt the other day when I saw this beauty on the Asos website.

I saw recently that on their Facebook page Asos had promised birdcage print but completly forgot about it. This little beauty will set you no me back at £38.99. I am frantically trying to sell things on ebay to get the funds together for this. Let's hope it stays avaliable in my size for just long enough.
It seems like with this and the Domino Dollhouse Rebel Rebel range there are quite a few bits I'd love to own. Just wish I could find a gorgeous millionaire to marry ....oh Mr Clooney..... x

New Items Added - Buy my wears!

THESE ITEMS ARE NO LONGER FOR SALE. THANK YOU!
I have a few bits and pieces for sale if you are interested, please email me on mattymustdie@hotmail.co.uk and I will arrange a paypal invoice for you, don't forget to state the item or items you want. I will also charge £2.50 p&p (sorry UK orders only).

Red cropped jacket size 24 from Caryn Franklyn (Simply Be circa 2009). This is a lovely little jacket, still has a spare button inside, never worn. Will accept £13.

So Fabulous stripey top, worn a few times. Size 26 will accept £4.

Ruby Rocks (for Simply Be) banana print top. Size 26, worn twice. Will accept £7. SOLD

La Redoute jersey spot dress size 26. Never worn but tags have been removed. Will accept £7.

Grace (Sainsburys) black sequin top. Worn once. Will accept £5.

A used Jeffrey Fulvimari purse, purchased in Japan 2003. This purse could do with a little clean on the fabric but other than that it's in good condition. Will accept £5.

A gorgeous shawl from Tracey Boyd at Etam (remember Etam?) I have used this once for a night out. It is gorgeous. Will accept £7.50

Blue tunic with bow from Asos Curve. Tags removed but never worn. Will accept £5.

Garnier B.B. Cream

You know I'm partial to a freebie, so just before I went on my Facebook detox I saw an offer to try a sample of Garnier B.B. cream. I had no idea what it was, what B.B. stood for or where it was meant to be applied. Imagine my delight when I received not 1 sample but three little packets to try out!

'so what does B.B. stand for?' I hear you cry. Well B.B. is short for Blemish Balm. and according to the scientific blurb on the packet means it 'combine(s) the benefits of skincare and make-up in one'. It was originally developed in the 1950s apparently so I have no idea why it has taken so long for the world to discover it but like oldies such as Astral, this cream is a goodie.

The shade sent to me was 'light' and initially when I opened the package I thought it was a tad dark, however it blended beautifully leaving no tide marks. The other thing I noticed was how thick it was. I had the impression it would be thin and watery like a tinted moisturiser but this seemed quite rich and had the beautiful light and fruity scent of other Garnier products.

In the evening after I washed my face I don't know if I imagined it but my skin felt incredibly soft. This is definitely a product I would invest in again. As a mum I don't have time, finances or the energy to do moisturiser, foundation, concealer and powder. I'd much rather have a product like this that can be applied quickly and work a little magic too.  The RRP is £9.99. However I notice that Sainsburys had it on offer (sorry can't remember the exact price). Superdrug are offering it for £7.49 and Boots has it at the RRP price. In the meantime click on the link in the first paragraph and see if you can get your hands on a free sample (I know they were subject to availability). x

Craziness

Anyone who orders from Simply Be will have probably noticed the little 'sale' or clearance' catalogues that come inside their package. I used to ignore them or get cross thinking they were a waste of paper...little did I know.
Recently through one said brochure I was drawn to look at the Crazy Clearance website. The website is for cut price stock from Simply Be and it's affiliated catalogues like Fashion World. I would definitely say it is worth a look. It stocks pieces from Anna Scholz, Bespoke and Grazia. All big names that we have known to grow and love.
Recently I made a couple of orders. Now I can't say I adore either of these items and they will probably go back but that definitely wouldn't stop me ordering from Crazy Clearance again. Have a look and tell me what you think...

Grazia Tunic Catalogue No VX448FY

Crazy Clearance price £13.75

Changes Boutique Dress Catalogue No. AX863FY

Crazy Clearance price £21.50

 I feel like the first tunic seems to 'swap' me in the photographs and although it's described as nude I'd say the colour is more like a  light beige. However it still seems to photograph as 'nude' - maybe I just have a weird definition of 'nude'! Lol.

The Changes Boutique dress was picked up for a wedding I have in May where the theme is 'glamour'. Aside from one of the jewels on the waistband being a bit loose (easily fixed). I guess I just don't feel like it's me. maybe I'm just not used to being a glamour puss!

Both these items are no longer available in my size anymore but don't let this stop you having a browse and seeing if you can pick up any bargains. x

Phenomenal Woman

So as International Women's Day draws to a close I have to say it's been great to hear women talk about the amazing women who have strengthened and inspired their lives and usually it's the women closest to us. Mother, sister, grandmother.
You may or may not know this but half of my degree is in Women's Studies which I completed many years ago now. One familiar writer who cropped up in various modules of my degree was Maya Angelou. Her biography on her website describes her as a poet, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress and civil rights activist. I'm not usually a lover of poetry but this to me is simply beautiful and needs no explanation. x

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me

Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman

Gripes and Grievances

This post is a little different. I'm not going to tweet about it, if you found it and you are taking the time to read it thank you. I sure hope it doesn't bore you or drive you crazy.The fact is is that I have decided to deactivate my Facebook account. I know this may not seem like much to some people but to me it is. Facebook is one of the first things I click on in the morning and the last things I click off at night. I love staying up-to-date with friends old and new, sharing articles and photos. Lately though I'm beginning to see a new side, one which I don't like. I knew that there was bitching but it hadn't really affected me until lately. It wasn't just bitching either. It's that everyone knows each others business, people become over familiar with each other and talk to others in a manner they may not ordinarily. People gossip and criticise and slowly it's been getting to me. Even when it isn't directed at me, I just think it's all got a bit too claustrophobic and I needed some air.
I have things to fill my day, looking after my daughter, my home and my blog. No doubt I will go back to Facebook before long but for now I want to focus on what's important to me and not everyone else. Anyway, I just wanted to leave you with one of those cheesy inpsirational quotes but as it's from one of the most inspirational women on the planet and It's International Women's Day tomorrow i think you will forgive me. X

Simply Splurge

Recently Simply Be had a few discounts going on so I decided to take full advantage and have a bit of a splurge on  some things I've had my eye on for a while. Now this first dress is from Frock & Frill and is on sale as it's from last season's catalogue. However I instantly fell in love with it and it's still avaliable in all sizes!

Simply Be catalogue number VX219OR

Excuse how I am holding it, I look a bit of a div and have managed to draw attention to the stomach BUT this dress is so gorgeous and can be dressed up or down accordingly. I also think the sleeves are so pretty!

This next item is the Joe Browns denim jacket. I have been after a denim jacket for a little while and if you read my last post will know thus far I haven't had much luck :0( AND this isn't going to change. The jacket itself is lovely so I really think the problem lies with me and my shape. I think I just end up looking 'boxy'. Therefore any other ideas for a spring/summer' jacket would be greatly appreciated.

Simply Be catalogue number VX491VN

This next item from Frock & Frill caught my eye at Plus London 2 when I saw it on the hanger. It's so pretty. When I first tried it on I wasn't 100% sure BUT when my make-up was done I actually had a change of heart. This is definitly a keeper!

Simply Be catalogue number VX312VN

My last item was a dress from Anna Scholz. I had high hopes for this dress but unfortuatly it didn't live up to my expectations. It was much thinner than I anticipated. Also it made no difference adding a belt or a shrug it just wasn't 'me'.

Simply Be catalogue number VX194VN

So there you have it. I am going to keep the two Frock & Frill items and again if anybody can recommend a nice lightweight spring summer jacket for a size 26 lady please let me know. x