With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I decided a girly shopping day was in order. A chance for mum and I to spend some wonderful quality time together. Time without husbands pulling us in opposite directions, or grandchildren demanding all the attention. Just mum and I.

So very long overdue. I can’t even remember the last time we did this.

First up, shoe shopping…

(Of course!)

Just like me, mum really loves Hotter shoes, so we made it our first stop…

Coral: Daytime // Soft violet: Tone

Firstly, we tried every single shoe on in the store.
I think some styles more than once.

Whuuut? It’s the shoe-shopping law, isn’t it?

And my goodness, the sales assistants were fantastic. Never once did they bat an eyelid at our indecisiveness.

After much ooh’ing and aah’ing, mum eventually settled for the coral-coloured ‘Daytime.’ We both agreed, it would go perfect with so many of her outfits.

A gorgeous mix of flat-meets-trainer, the lace-up gave stability, the shoe gave Hotter’s famous comfort and the design was so pretty and perfect for Spring. Mum leads a very active lifestyle (puts me to shame!) and she can often be found dashing from golf course to home to shopping in town! Mum knew right away that this shoe was just perfect for her.

Me, me, meeee!

My lifestyle is nowhere near as active as mum’s, but I’m busy nonetheless. After dashing around on the school run, my full-time day job sees me working from home, before heading out to run my Slimming World classes each week. I’m on my feet a LOT and I need to be comfy.

I already knew I wanted to find ‘the perfect flat’, but I hadn’t anticipated so many choices!

1. Jewel  //  2. Envy  //  3. Natasha

Fresh navy & white tends to dominate my wardrobe in springtime. Maybe because it’s so clean and crisp… or perhaps it’s the versatility that I like, and the speed in which I can pull an outfit together each morning. Seeing the navy Jewel, I knew instantly that it would work so well for me. I love how so many of my favourite styles come in multiple colour ways!

And they fitted like a glove!

I used to hate shoe shopping. I’ve inherited wide feet and finding good fitting shoes is always a nightmare. Hotter is the ONLY store where I can walk in and know that a 5.5W will fit and feel amazing. For my every day style, they are PERFECT!

Together, mum and I had a fabulous day with lots of fun, laughter and giggles. Can’t wait to do it again!

Seriously, did you think we’d leave with just a pair of shoes? Ha, 3 pairs and a handbag later… we NEEDED that coffee break!

What are your favourite Spring shoes?

I’m curious to know what our favourites have in common?

My guess is that most women like their fave pair of comfortable sandals, but I don’t know.

Do you have a favourite pair of Spring shoes or sandals?

What makes them great?!

Happy Spring shoe shopping!

The post Step out this Spring appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

What beauty maintenance do you tend to neglect?

Is it nails? Waxing? Getting your brows done?

Me, I tend to neglect my legs, but only in the winter. They are hidden under woollen layers and from time to time may get a haphazard once-over with Hubby’s razor, assuming he’s left it within arm’s reach of the bath tub.

This summer, I’m a totally different story. Hello sunshine!

With bare legs on show, I’m all about the silky smooth. WILL NOT STOP until I’m totally de-fuzzed and woe betide any stubble *shudders*.

Nair Argan Oil

I’m all for salon pampering, but one thing I refuse to pay for is waxing. Giiiiirl, I don’t want to part with my hard-earned cash to have pain inflicted upon me, flash my nether regions to a total stranger, all whilst making small talk about where I’m going for my holidays this year. No thank you.

With Nair Argan Oil I’m all about that salon-smooth finish at home.

I’m a total wuss when it comes to hair removal, so I like to switch between cream and wax depending on how brave I’m feeling

Dare to Bare

It’s been a long time since I bared my legs in public… like a long, long time. YEARS! But it’s amazing what a 60 lb weight loss can do for your confidence.

I may have knobbly knees, be deflecting sun beams off my whiter-than-white pins, but oh, they are silky smooth.

Less Pain, More Pamper

Grab a glass of wine, a trashy celeb magazine and go pamper thy self!

You might like Skin By Nair if…

• your Hubby always complains you steal his razors (who, me? )
• you’re looking for a quick and (mostly) painless hair removal treatment
• you like an excuse to lock yourself away for some uninterrupted pampering***
• you love that silky swish of clothing against stubble-free skin

*** cannot guarantee no interruptions

I’m in love with the fragrance. The bottle says it’s infused with moisturising and nourishing Argan oil and cocoa butter, but I think it smells like towels, fresh from the line, mixed with sunshine and a dash of soap — refreshing and clean, and it totally makes me feel fresh and pampered.

*This is a sponsored post written in collaboration with Nair. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The post Hairy Beast Be Gone with Nair Argan Oil Hair Remover appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

So, I made a pact with myself a few months ago in which I pledged, from now on, to only buy shoes that are comfy and I can walk in.

Ha! A novel concept, I know!

I probably should have done it sooner,

I’ve been on the hunt for a stylish and comfy pair of nude or pastel wedges to wear with jeans and little dresses this spring. But nothing really took my fancy, until I spotted these.

Hattie Wedges From Hotter

As soon as I slipped on a pair and took a few steps around the store, I knew they were comfortable and a good height for me. The wedge measures about 3 inches tall, but because of the little platform they feel much smaller. Which is good, because I’m not the most dainty when I totter around in high heels

The colour and detailing give them some cute sass and make them perfect to wear casually with jeans or skinnys, or a little more class with a fun dress.

I’ve worn the Hattie wedges lots since I picked them up a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to really test them out before coming here and telling you about them – and nothing beats the crazy school run and life of a busy mum to truly put them through their paces. They’ve held up really well. So comfy and highly recommended! (That’ll be their secret comfort concept!)

#HotterLovesMums

With Mother’s Day close by, it was a great way for me to also enjoy some girly shoe-shopping time with mum.

Everyone say, “Hi Angela!”

Photograph courtesy of Louise Jolley

And boy, does my mum LOVE shoe shopping.
Correction *any* shopping!

Here is her impressive shopping haul.
She got two pairs of shoes AND two bags.
Didn’t she do great?!

1. Jewel shoe in ‘white gold’ // 2. Jewel shoe in ‘white’ // 3. Mischa bag in ‘white’ // 4. Marci bag in ‘off white’

^^ Check out those quotes by my mum… she’s such a bad influence to shop with!

(Her shoes may not be my size, but I already have my eye on those bags. Shhhh).

There’s nothing like a new pair of shoes to make you feel like you’ve conquered the world, and these are my newest pair. And I love them! LOVE them!

Oh, and because you simply cannot buy new shoes without a new bag, I picked up this little beauty, too

If your on the prowl for a new pair of sandals or wedges this spring, Hotter has a great new collection. Stop by sometime and give the Hattie wedges a try.

In the comments below, tell me… has spring sprung in your part of the world yet? Have you packed away your winter boots and purchased new spring footwear? Let’s talk shoes! 

Happy shoe shopping!

*** HUGE thanks to Melanie and the team at Hotter Bournemouth for inviting mum and I along to try out their new range. We love our new shoes, and you will too!

The post Out on a Wedge With The Comfy Hotter Hattie appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

This month, Slimming World and it’s members have been talking #FreeFoodFebruary – celebrating just what makes losing weight at Slimming World sooo incredibly easy – Free Food!

Most of the food you eat every day on the Slimming World plan come from the Free Foods list. They’re called Free Foods because you can eat AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE. No weighing, counting or calculating in any way…. no fuss – just fill up!

And it’s not just fruit and veggies, as you might think! There’s also fish, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, rice, pasta (yup, pasta is on this plan, too!), beans and a whole host of other deliciousness. This is exactly how I lost 4 stone last year! 

Food Glorious Food

Food Glorious Food is Slimming World’s fabulous new recipe book packed full of delicious recipes from across the UK and Ireland – from things like cottage pie and roast beef right through trifle and crumbles – so so tasty and perfect for family meal times.

As someone who is so passionate about healthy food and Food Optimising, I just had to share this with you!!!

Enter To WIN!

Friends, I have one shiny new copy of Food Glorious Food to give away to one lucky reader!

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is ‘Like’ this Facebook status and leave a comment over on the Facebook post telling me which Slimming World dish is a family favourite in your house! Simple!

(See below for full T&C’s).

I Made This!

I made Slimming World’s cottage pie last week but I was running SO tight on time this particular evening. To speed things along, I skipped the mash and quickly whizzed a few spuds through my spiralizer and threw them on top! The curly potato ribbons made a fab change and clean plates all round.

• The prize is one (1) copy of Slimming World’s Food Glorious Food

Terms and Conditions:

• This giveaway will close at 9pm UK time on Saturday 28th February, 2015
• Giveaway is open to UK residents only. 
• There will be one (1) winner. 
• To enter, participants MUST like the Facebook post and comment stating which Slimming World dish is a family favourite in your house. 
• A winner will be selected at random shortly after the closing date and contacted via Facebook. 
• A reply is required within 24 hours or a new winner may be chosen. 
• Once a winner is confirmed, One Busy WAHM will be in touch direct. 
• No cash alternative. 
• This giveaway is not managed or endorsed by Facebook in any way.

Good luck!

The post WIN! A copy of Slimming World’s fabulous new Food Glorious Food cookbook! appeared first on One Busy WAHM.

You know, there’s a whole lot of stuff you’ve got to buy when you lose weight… new clothes, new PJ’s, new underwear, new handbags and shoes to match.

(I *may* be stretching the truth a teensy bit with the last two, but don’t tell my husband that  ). 

Until now, I’ve been complacent over bra shopping and making time to get properly fitted – but after losing 4 stone, it was clear my current collection was no longer up to the job.

Triumph Magic Wire Bra

When it comes to bra shopping I expect a lot. I totally lucked out when it came to boob allocation (I’ve always been on the small side), but I want my bras to look pretty, give a nice natural shape (a little lift and squeeze is always welcomed), and comfort. Ugh, we’ve all experienced the pokey wire, itchy clasp and slippy straps, right?

Well, as I expected it turns out I was wearing the wrong size bra – but a quick professional fitting and change into the Magic Wire bra got me right back on track.

So what is so special about this bra?

Instead of conventional underwire, the styles from Triumph feature their silicone ‘Magic Wire’ – which won’t dig in or poke out – and promise to keep you perky and uplifted all day long.

The cups combine all the support of a wired push-up with the feel and comfort of a non-wired.

It’s super soft to touch and moulds to your every move – the perfect t-shirt bra.

It moves with your body offering additional support and confidence all day long.

Oh, and the soft and silky padding keeps your nips at bay, even on the coldest of days. What?! Don’t say you don’t think about those things, too! 

Seven Steps To A Perfect Bra Fit

1. The band around the bra needs to be firm but comfortable
2. Ensure the back of  the bra is in line with the front of  the bra and is fastened on the loosest hook
3. The cups should not come too high underneath the arms as this may cause rubbing and discomfort during wear
4. The whole of the breast should fit neatly into the cup, with no excess flesh behind the cup or over the top of it
5. Wires and boning must lie flat against the body and go right around the contour of the breast
6. The centre front of the bra between the breasts should lie flat against the body
7. Straps must only be adjusted until you feel the breast is supported into its natural position, usually half way between the shoulder and the elbow

New Year, New You?

Lost weight? Gained weight? Or simply stayed the same?

Book yourself in for a measure and fit – and don’t forget to give your underwear drawer an overhaul, too. Your boobs will thank you.

The Triumph Magic Wire bra (£34-£36) is available in black, red, nude, silver and lilac and in cup sizes A-F. Visit www.uk.triumph.com to order online. (Sign up for their newsletter and get £5 off your first purchase!)

xoxo Natalie

* I was invited by Triumph for a bra-fitting and provided with a Magic Wire bra for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The post Triumph Magic Bra (plus 7 Steps To Finding Your Perfect Fit) appeared first on One Busy WAHM.