It's a Hard Knock Life

Day 23 - What You Have Learned that School Didn't Teach You

I have gained many things in my life that were not as a result of what I was taught in school.  The "School of Life" has taught me many things.

Working from the age of sixteen has taught me a good work ethic.  I may not have been to college or university but that doesn't make me stupid.  I just chose to take a different path.  I have been employed full time for seventeen years now and am proud of where I have reached.

In school you are allotted into your groups.  Be it cool, geeks, goths or emo, or whatever was around when you were at school, you are automatically morphed into a pack and that is where you stay.  Individuality is frowned upon and doing things just because your friends do it is the norm.

I am proud of the fact that I am not a lemming.  I do what I want and am not afraid to say what I think.  I actually think that the sheep mentality that the public gets can be downright dangerous.  A person on their own is intelligent; a group seems to get progressively less intelligent the more members are added.

I could add more things, but this post is in dangerous of turning into a rant, and that is another day!

Check out the other ladies and what school didn't teach them.

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://www.meetthemillards.co.uk/ 

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/ 
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/ 

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com 

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk 
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

A Rant a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!

 

 

I love to rant. Really love it. I find it a really good way to get something off my chest and I always feel better afterwards. There are a variety of rants on this blog about subjects that have warranted it. I don't rant at people of course; that is just plain rude!

 

 The thing with ranting of course is that it is spur of the moment thing, not done to order. So what I will do instead is share with you a previous rant that I have had on the blog.

 

The title is What Does a Daily Mail Reader Look Like?

 

I was going to just put the link, but will copy out the text here so I am not having you clicking all over the internet.

 

If I were asked to think of someone who I would like to physically resemble, I would have said Rachel Weisz. But now I’ve changed my mind. I want to look like a Daily Mail reader, specifically, one who writes some of the comments.

 

Now the elusive Daily Mail reader has never been seen out in the open. From comments made though we can begin to deduce what they must look like.

 

Here’s a profile:

 

Facial Features

Given various comments made with regard to “huge nose”, “needs plastic surgery”, “would need a bag over their head to be attractive” “ugly”, “disgusting to look at” etc etc it can only be deduced that the Daily Mail reader has perfect features, albeit features that would not be so perfect as to be labelled “too bloody good looking for their own good” or “vain” or “must be a slut”.

 

Body

Again, after perusal of the comments it is impossible to accurately guess the size and weight of a Daily Mail reader, other than it is “just right”. Things therefore that cannot be said about a Daily Mail reader’s body are “you need to eat more pies love” “Fetch a harpoon” “Must have had a boob job” “Tits like a sparrow”, “disgusting” “intolerable” “can’t even look at” “a bad role model” etc.

 

As with the facial features however, we must also note that the Daily Mail reader’s body cannot be so perfect as to then be described as “whore” “vain” “who the hell does she think she is” “must have had plastic surgery”.

 

Given the above, I have finally come to a decision of what the Daily Mail reader looks like. EVERYONE ELSE.

 

No one has the perfect face. No one has the perfect body. No one has any right to criticise the way that someone else looks.

 

So whilst I cannot accurately describe the physical features of a Daily Mail reader, their personality traits should be seen from a mile away. Look out for rude, obnoxious, insecure, under confident and, if one of them ever reads this, probably angry and already writing a comment below of how I should lose weight, wear a bag over my head, live in a hole underground so I can’t be seen and hold up a sign apologising for the way I look.

Check out the other ladies in the challenge and see what they are ranting about!

 

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://meetthemillards.blogspot.co.uk/
http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk

Beautiful South

I have been so engulfed in the 30 Day Challenge lately that I am trying madly to fit some outfit posts in with everything else I have to do.

I wore this outfit on Sunday, just two photographs unfortunately as they were taken just before I went out for a meal with the family.

I wore a beautiful black top with a Bow Lace Jumper from South at +Very.co.uk - click the link for better photos of it and also Tile Print Peg Trousers, again from South at +Very.co.uk , £22 and £25 respectively.

The red cardigan you have seen before, I think it was £7.00 from Primark.  My lovely lovely bag is from last season at +Next and the shoes are from I don't know where, old but I love them!

The Best Bits

Day 21 – Your Five Favourite Blog Posts (Your Own)

Today’s topic is a bit of an odd one as it asks you to choose your favourite five blog posts that you have written.  It is a little like holding an awards ceremony but giving all the accolades to yourself….

In the end I decided to choose five posts for all different reasons, either because the subject was important to me, it was a milestone, a good memory or simply something I really enjoyed writing.

So in no particular order!

Written in September 2011, Trophy Hunting - Are We Still Neanderthals?

Animal rights is a subject close to my heart.  Trophy hunting isn’t something that appears a lot in the popular press and a lot of people don’t know it exists or even what it is. 

Written in December 2011, Think

I wrote this piece whilst thinking of my dad.  There are too many people on the roads who have no care for their safety, or the safety of others.  The “I’ve only had a couple” people and the ones who drive through a red light to show off to their friends.

Written in August 2012, Great Britain

I was still engulfed in Olympics fever when I wrote this post and reading it back now makes me remember how proud I felt of our country during the Olympics and how proud I felt to be British.

Written in January 2013, I am not a Lemming

January of this year was a time that I was finally beginning to find some confidence and realise that we aren’t all the time, and that is good thing.

Written in March 2013, SimplyBe AX Paris Dress Review

The blog post that inspired my first real smile in front of a camera. 

So that’s my top five.  Check out the other ladies involved in the challenge for their top five posts!

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://meetthemillards.blogspot.co.uk/ 
http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/ 
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/ 

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com 

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk 
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

Get Real

Day 20 - Get Real - Something You Are Struggling With

I'm struggling with this post.  No pun intended.

That is a very good thing though.  For the first time in my life everything is good, no, great.

I have the usual financial things that many people are dealing with at the moment and do wonder if I am going to live in the land of singledom forever, but in myself, I am happier today than I have ever been.

So am happy to report, I can't do this challenge today.

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://meetthemillards.blogspot.co.uk/  

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/ 
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/ 

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com 

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk 
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

5 Favourite Blogs

 

Day 19 – List Your Five Favourite Blogs

There are lots and lots of different blogs that I enjoy.  My absolute favourite ones though are the blogs where you can see someone’s personality coming out so much, that you feel like you know them well.

In no particular order, because I just couldn’t choose, are my favourite five blogs.

Just Me Leah

I can’t remember exactly when I came across Leah, but her warmth, generosity of spirit and her willingness to share both her story and her life is amazing.  She is a must read.

MrsBeBe

As previously mentioned in another post, Becky’s blog kickstarted my journey into plus size fashion blogging and I have never looked back.

Miss Kathryn's Misstakes

I absolutely love all the outfit of the day posts that Kathryn does.  Although I don’t know what she does for a living, she has the same ethos as I in wearing what she wants to work and is usually in a dress, just like me!

Natty Nikki

Nikki is another of those people whose personality comes out with her blog and I think that if we met, we would get on brilliantly.  Luckily I get to meet her soon as we are both modelling for Plus North! 

Polka Spots and Freckle Dots

I love Louise’s blog.   I want every item of clothing that she posts, she would make a great personal shopper for me.  Louise, if I ever win the lottery, I am wiring you some money!  Louise has a great spirit, never appears downbeat and I find her inspirational.

So there are my top five favourite blogs.  If I could have added one more, it would have been Emma from Plus Size Millard as her video blogging inspired me to do a few of my own and she is lovely.

There are many more blogs that I love, listed on my blogroll on the main page.  If  you don’t already follow them, I urge you to check them out!

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://plussizemillard.blogspot.co.uk/
Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com
Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/
Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/
Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com
Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/
Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

A Story from your Childhood

Day 18 - A Story from Your Childhood

I'm entirely sure how old I was.  5 or 6 I think.  We were on a holiday in the South of France.  A tiny little place called Argeles.  We had rented a static caravan on a site, the same one we had been going to for a few years.


Friendly people, a gorgeous sandy beach; my parents, me and their two friends Vera and Ted.  Perfect.

I remember my dad getting a hose pipe out whilst everyone was sunbathing.  Who knows from where.  I remember him chasing my mum around with the water spurting out, her shrieking as she didn't want to get wet.  She ran into the caravan, thinking that no way would he follow her in there. 

He did.  Of course.


I loved those holidays.  It is a very precious memory as I don't have many with my dad.  Details fade over time but some burn so brightly in your mind that you never forget them.

Me and my dad - happy times

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://plussizemillard.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/ 
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/ 

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com 

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk 
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

Matching the Sky

I was recently contacted by Bon Marche and asked if I would like to review something from their “New In” section.   Having recently done a post on Bon Marche, I knew that they had some really nice pieces in this season and so immediately went on to their site to take another look.

I was quickly drawn to the David Emanuel Border Print Sleeveless Jersey Tunic.  Normally I am not a lover of tunics; is it a top, is it a dress, how do I wear it etc etc but I loved the colour and print so much that I had to give it a try.

I originally tried out the tunic with just my So Fabulous +Very.co.uk leggings on it’s own, but as you can see, that didn’t work on my body shape and made me look like a box.  I’m sure on ladies with a smaller bustline it would look completely different.

Undeterred I decided to add a wide belt which brought me in a little and I think really finished off the outfit.  I loved the result!

You can find the tunic in the new in section of Bon Marche and is currently priced at £18.00. 

*I was not paid to write this post and all opinions are my own.

A Favourite Photograph

 

Day 17 – A Favourite Photograph of Yourself and Why

I have previously shared some really special photographs of me on this blog.  One with my parents on holiday, another with me and my dad and my favourite ever photograph of my friends and I.

When asked to choose a photograph just of myself though, I struggle.  I used to systematically detag every photograph of me that I didn’t like on Facebook (so about 99% of them).

Embracing who I am and what I look like has been a bit of journey.  I have chosen a photograph though, but this one in particular marks the start of acceptance. 

This photograph was taken for a review of a SimplyBe dress.  This was the first time I had worn so many colours and such a loud print, and I LOVED it.  It is probably the first genuine smile in front of a camera since I was a little girl, because back then you don’t care do you?

So yes, this is definately my favourite photograph of myself.  Not because of a right camera angle or even the way I look, but more what I was feeling when it was taken.  Happy and hopeful.  You can’t ask for more.

Check out the other ladies involved in the challenge

Beth http://tinkerbellandthelostgirls.blogspot.co.uk/
Claire http://lifeonadifferentlevel.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://plussizemillard.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Karen http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Lisa http://lookingforlisa.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Mary http://channellingliz.wordpress.com/ 
Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/ 

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 
Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com 

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Toni http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Verena http://APlusSizeFashionObsession.blogspot.co.uk 
Vicky http://TheCurvedOpinion.com

Lady in Black

I haven’t worn an all black outfit in absolutely ages.  In fact I have consciously been shying away from wearing black, after wearing it constantly for so long.  I fell out of love with it.

 

Today though I was riffling through my wardrobe looking for something cool to wear to the office when I came across a black dress that had escaped the great purge of January 2013.  Rather than throw it into the donations bag that I am currently collating, I decided to try it on.

 

My love of black was reignited. 

 

It made me remember that black can look great.  It doesn’t have to be depressing and used as a way to cover up and hide yourself.  This dress certainly doesn’t cover up much of anything on me being sleeveless and with the low neckline!

 

I had forgotten the power of a little black dress. 

 

It is probably a little too revealing in the chest area for the office and indeed when I tried it on my first thought was “Vicky, your breasts look too big in this dress”.  Then I remembered that my breasts are not going to shrink, they are what they are.  It’s a boiling hot day and I want something cool to wear so I’m wearing it.  Screw it.

 

So here are a few photographs of me in the dress and I feel great in it, fat arms out and all.

 

The dress is an old collection from So Fabulous at +Very.co.uk

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine!