SUMMER ACCESSORIES TO LEVEL UP YOUR OUTFITS...

It's the little things that makes summer.. summer! Some awesome new accessories.

Summer is fun and energetic, maybe a little bit more energy than I have. But it's my favourite time to be outside, all dressed up. Even if I'm not going out. It's the perfect time to wear your brightest and boldest pieces that you've got locked away in the back of the closest for months now.

Here are some items that I'm loving this spring/summer to level up your outfits, and of course they are some affiliated links below each so you can shop some of my favourites.

Statement Earrings

Bold , colourful jewellery are definitely a trend, and one of my fave. Wear with off the shoulder tops or a simple dress. It's a great way to step up your style game, no matter the occasion. you can get them in different colours, prints and shapes that goes perfectly with your personality or sense of style.

"Jewellery is an expression of a woman's individuality, of her story and what and who she is."

Straw Hats

My two favourite F words when it comes to my style. Functional and Fashionable.

That's exactly what these hats are. The keep the sun out, and can style with any outfit. From jeans to maxi dresses. 

If you've got a holiday planned, don't forget to get yourselves a couple. they are my daughter's fave. I got one for her to take to school, and another for our little days out when the sun is at it's best.

Sandals

Flip flops, block heels. wedge heels, tied espadrilles. You name them, they are all perfect to pair with your summer outfits. My favourite are flip-flops, cause I can pull my feet out whenever. 

If you are not showing your pedicured feet this summer, you are overdressed!

Straw Bags

This is definitely a summer staple, from round to mini box bags, oversized totes and clutches too. Straw bags are not just for the beach anymore. Again style this with any outfit. Summer accessories don't get any better than this.

Tie a scarf on your straw bags to add some colour.

Only because a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.. So why not be ready for it.

Of course if you subscribe to my blog you can keep up to date with the series of summer post I have planned and see how I style my favourite summer accessories for the season.

Thanks for stopping loves

Good night and good morning,

sending loads of love your way...

xx Patrice

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DAD TO A LITTLE GIRL/ DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FATHER AND A DAD..

"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad".

A father may believe that "donating" his sperm or taking part in the reproduction process he has done his duty in the child's life. the verb 'to father' means to procreate. Being a father requires little to no emotional investment.

On the other hand, a dad, daddy, papa, pop or whatever you might call him, makes the difference in a child's life. A child requires from his/her dad strength, support and discipline. A dad does whatever it takes to put a roof over your head, food on then table and clothes on his child/children's back. Don't get me wrong. They both may get up to go to work and provide for their family. They both may be physically "present". However, the difference I'm speaking of is much more deeper than material things. Sure it is all important. But the difference is being emotionally engaged in a child's life and providing mental support when necessary. Which is imperative when raising a child. Whether it be boy or girl, no matter the age.

Now we have a 6 year old daughter( as some of you may know), and of course I have a "father" as well. So I know what I expected as a daughter, what I want for my daughter and what I've observed with Rhea and her dad. So here goes..

What does being a dad to a little girl means?

It means learning how to love, and showing love. 

This might sound complicated, but it's really not. As a dad you know you love your child when she does simple things like using the microwave on her own for the first time, and you get all excited. Love is sacrificing your personal desires without a thought for just one chance to make your child smile. Love is listening to you daughter reading a book that is above her reading level. That burst of pride, that sparkle in your eyes. That's what it means to love a little girl.

Being a dad to a little girl means that you will act silly to entertain her, or do crazy dances to make her laugh. I wish I could share Rhea and her dad dancing sessions, but he might be a little too embarrassed haha.

Being a dad to a little girl means dedication, being supportive and most importantly, being present. A daughter needs to know that when she comes to look for daddy's face, they know exactly where to find them. A little girl need to know that daddy will be there to pick her up if she falls, to do her laces if they are loose, and to mend her toys when they are broken..

And of course daddy needs to be there when mommy says no, cause daddy will say yes.. right! ( not all the time) .. ah.

My point is, little girls do need that protection and strength from their dads. Quick example: If it was up to just me Rhea would be so gentle and we would sit around reading books, dancing and painting all day. But as soon as dad is home, it's a different vibe. loads of giggling, running, shouting, screaming. It's just different and kids need that. We have different personalities (my hubby and I) and we bring out different sides to Rhea. I love that, cause it takes two..

It takes personal discipline to be a dad, and it's not easy. There is no manual, you learn as you go along. Some men might have felt a panicked urge to cut and run, some actually do, sadly. Dads teach their little girls to be strong resilient and courageous.

And last but definitely not least. Being a dad to a little girl means setting good examples. 

kids live what they learn. Don't think I need to say much more. Don't worry  that your kids don't listen to you, worry that they are always watching.

Being a dad to a little girl means being the man that you would want your daughter to get married to years from now.. A daughter will love no other man as much as she loves her dad, so being an amazing dad or someone that she can be proud of is vital.

So to sum it all up. Being a dad to a little girl means you learn how to love and with that comes protection, guidance and pride.

I don't think enough is done in our culture to celebrate the men who is actually holding their position as a dad. Honestly, some of them are crap, but thumbs up to the ones that plays the part. Happy Father's day to all the great dads, whether you have a child of your own or being a dad to someone else' child. You are appreciated !!

A father is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love..

Happy Daddy's Day!!

Thanks for stopping by loves

Sending loads of love your way.

xx Patrice

5 THINGS I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS SUMMER..

 British summer officially begins in 12 days, I know you are as excited as I am for all the fun it brings. The days are getting warmer, athough I cant really enjoy it because its constantly raining. When I woke up this morning and saw the sun shining, I got ready as quickly as I could to get some pictures taken. June is here!!

The kids will be out of school in about a month. I think in American schools are already on summer holidays. You are planning your family holidays (if you haven't done so already). Last week we took out our garden furniture and the BBQ grill is ready for the sunny afternoons.

I've come up with 5 things I have been looking forward to this summer, just some little things that makes the heart smile.

Walking on the grass barefoot

I can never get away with this in winter. The smell of freshly cut grass which tickled under your feet. Apparently walking barefoot on grass do have some health benefits. Some of which are:

• Help combats headaches
• Strengthens the immune system(resilience)
• Helps relieve stress

I wasn't aware of this until I decided to do a quick research. I just simply love the feel of my toes in the warm grass.

Barbecues

I think this is one of, if not the most common activity that people look forward to in summer. Roast corn; Chicken; burgers; ribs; fish; kebabs. Grilling ideas are absolutely endless. BBQs are a perfect way of getting family and friends together that you haven't seen in months. Oh and how could I forget the rum punch and beer. I sometimes believe that a barbeque is the British way of celebrating the summer lol. As soon as the sun comes out, so does the BBQ!

Summer Fashion

It is so easy to dress in summer. Just pull on a simple dress and some sandals, add accessories and you are good to go. No scarves, no boots and absolutely no coats! I'm all about effortless  and comfy outfits this summer. I'm partial to dresses all day, but rainy evenings call for denim and trainers and so far it's been mostly rain. So I am definitely looking forward to brighter skies in the next couple weeks.

Fruits

Summer time you get the best fruits. Strawberries especially are a delight in summer. It's a good idea to go strawberry picking as well. Great family activity and very rewarding. Summer brings with it various fruits, bestowing our taste buds with some of the most refreshing flavors of the year.

family Days Out/Activities

In summer you get the chance to visit places that are usually closed in winter. 

Simple things like hanging out in the backyard, jumping in the trampoline, blowing up the family pool, Attending fun fairs. This is the time when  he circus is in town as well etc. etc. etc. 

I could go on and on. I bet you guys have loads of activities planned for the summer, especially now that the kids are out of school. Hope you guys enjoy..

Only because a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about...

Every summer has a story, it's time to start writing your summer 2019. What are you looking forward this summer? leave your reply in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by loves

Good night and good morning

Sending loads of love your way..

xx Patrice

START SHOPPING FOR YOUR SUMMER STORY BELOW