wet weekend in wales

This is just a selection of the 100s of photos we took during our wet weekend (well 5 days) in North Wales a couple of weeks ago. My parents, Alex and I decided a while ago we fancied a little break in Wales, mostly because we wanted to climb Snowdon but also we hoped for some better weather and a few beach days. But we didn't let the weather get us down and instead we took the opportunity to really relax, mostly infront of the log fire - bliss!


We also explored Caernarfon and the castle which is where Prince Charles had his investiture ceremony for him becoming the Prince of Wales. As you can probably tell, I spent the whole time in my walking boots as it was the only sensible footwear I took. Needless to say I am now scouring the internet for holidays abroad so I can crack out the flip-flops before the summer is out!

weekly ups and downs #4

finally fitting into a dress I've had in my wardrobe for years, new studded jumper, outfit for the sun

hair looks blonder in the sun, fotd, cute socks 'borrowed' from the spare sock box at nursery

blue cheese salad dressing yum, home-made chicken korma, healthy pizzas

watching my dad play cricket, alex made marinated courgette salad, finally said goodbye to double digits

catching up on gossip girl, cramming for driving test on wednesday, finished 50 shades of grey trilogy

follow me on instagram@lifeofemilyalice

Ups

+ Only 3 days left working at the nursery yippee!

+ It's a bit embarrassing that you're all going to know what I weigh haha but I've finally broken into the 9s and have officially lost over 3 stone. I've been so so good with my diet this week and I'm aiming to keep it up for the next 3 months or so and hopefully be at my goal weight by September when we will be going on holiday!

+ Only 1 week until I head down south for 5 days with friends and hopefully some sunny weather.

+ I discovered a new album to listen to over and over. Don't laugh but I really love the song on the Kopparberg advert so I googled the band and it's by a Swedish band called Fredrik - they're hard to explain but kind of folky and electronic, very ethereal and right up my street. 

Downs

- I have my driving test on Wednesday and I'm feeling super nervous about it. Hopefully passing it will feature in my 'ups' next week!

Only one down so it must've been a good week! :) Here's to another one!

the swan queen

Dress: Topshop (sold out)

Shoes: Primark Wedges

Bangle: Custom Made

I posted about this dress here when I bought it a few weeks ago. I'll admit I didn't actually wear it out the house when I wore it as I'm still saving it for Alex's Graduation on Friday but I know there won't be time for posing (apart from the obligatory photos with Alex in his robes!) and I really wanted to take some pictures in it. 

I love the print of this dress so much, the only thing I'm not sure about is the length. I think it could do with being a teensy bit shorter. I'm quite funny about the length of skirts/dresses, even though I don't particularly like my legs (horrible knees) I hate wearing anything too long - you'll never see me in anything on the knee, below the knee or mid-calf, it's just mini or maxi for me! It'll be okay for Alex's graduation but it might be taking a holiday to my Mum's house where all clothes go when they are in need of some sewing handiwork :)

chatsworth house and bakewell

These photos were taken a couple of weeks ago when my new camera was brand new. I wish I could tell you that I understand how to use it a bit better now but no I'm still using it on automatic mode! And still clueless about photo editing oops!


It was such a lovely day that day, we walked to Chatsworth House from Bakewell which we discovered is just a 45minute bus ride from us. Not included in these photos was the amazing Bakewell pudding we bought and devoured. So much better than the nasty Bakewell tarts you buy in shops - the real thing doesn't have an inch thick layer of too-sweet icing on top. Just yummy almondy goodness. 


We couldn't believe our luck when we saw the deer. Believe it or not I've never actually seen a deer up close before, the only time I've seen one is in a flash as they run across country roads when you're in the car. These were so cute and really tame, made me want to watch Bambi again!


The last couple of photos were taken of a little village in the Chatsworth Estate called Edensor. After watching a documentary about Chatsworth House on the bbc not so long ago I was really keen to take a little wander round the village as it looked so pretty. Even though it was raining it didn't disappoint - love the bunting and the home-made goodies. 


I'll be posting some photos from our trip to Wales soon.

what i bought today

John Freida hair care products (thinking of doing a hair care routine post soon).

No 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm, Barry M Nail Paint in Nude, Orly Nail Varnish in Basket Case,

 Natural Collection mascara and lipstick, No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation. 

How cute is this bag? Perfect for packed lunches at work or little picnics.

New studded jumper from Glamorous (bought in Ark). Love it!

Just a little splurge in town, felt like I hadn't treated myself in a little while (but in reality it's probably just been a matter of days). 

I especially love the new jumper - definitely taking it to Leeds Fest with me, it'll look great with some denim shorts and wellies. 

Ciao for now,