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Pretty Big Butterflies

Family, Food & Plus Size Fashion Blog

How I Deal With Feeling Intimidated Because Of How I Look

I finally had a bit of time to myself today to get myself sorted. What I mean by that is get my eyebrows waxed, have a pedicure, facial and manicure! It sounds like a lot but I got a fab deal! Anyway, I wasn’t feeling my best, I mean my eyebrows had turned into squirrels and my feet were as dry as the Sahara. I haven’t been to a decent beauty salon in ages. But moving to Nottingham means I have to book and go to a proper place. Not a little side street where you pop in and out with cash only!

How I Deal With Feeling Intimidated Because Of How I Look

TOP: PINK CLOVE

JEANS: RIVER ISLAND

SHOES: ASOS

So I knew this was a lovely salon, it’s one of those Instagram worthy kind of places if you know what I mean. All pink and rose gold. The beauticians were all stunning and so well put together. I felt really quite intimidated. Like a cat caught in headlights. I’m not even sure why! I’m 32 years old for God’s sake! So I sat there for a bit and attempted to pull myself together. (It also included tweeting my vulnerable state out into the world for back up from fellow intimated souls).

plus size fashion blogger uk - pretty big butterflies

I did realise what it was. It’s the elephant in the room that has plagued me for most of my adult life. It was my size. The amount of space I took up felt considerable in such a pretty place full of petite and gentle looking things. I knew when I had the facial I’d have to lay on the massage table and I always wonder if they have a weight limit. I mean, they do. I’ve checked. But would it break under my weight? Seriously.

Then there’s the chair, would I fit in the chairs? People just don’t think about these things until you’re in that situation. Plus, that’s without the added pressure of just how terrible I felt I looked. I mean, my feet hadn’t had any TLC for several months while I was pregnant. Anyway, by the time I walked out, I felt really comfortable and relaxed. (The work of a great beautician yes!) But also the work of my own positive thinking. Here are the things I did today and thought to myself to help me gain control of the situation and fight the feeling of intimidation at the beauty salon.

Plus size fashion blogger -nottingham - pretty big butterflies

 

  1. Find out the route of what’s intimidating you and face it head-on. Mine was how crap I felt about the parts of my body I was soon to expose. So when I was having the facial and pedicure I did that random chit chat thing that people do. I did the whole very blasé this about how I haven’t done anything to my feet all summer because of the heat and how I know they’re really bad so I hope that it’s not too much hard work etc. The lovely ladies response was that actually, my feet weren’t bad at all! She literally was not fazed! But knowing I’d dealt with that elephant in the room made me feel better.

 

  1. Another thing when I’m at a beauty place or spa is how I feel about the massage table. I always have the feeling that I’m going to break it or it’s going to make some serious creaks. But then I get on it, and although it’s usually a tad small and I have to tuck my hands under my bum, it’s always stable! So, not only do I remind myself of this but I also think that if it was to break they don’t ask for your weight beforehand, so it’s their fault!

 

  1. Money talks. So this might not be to everyone’s cup of tea but it works for me. I always want to leave on a high. The thought of leaving feeling as though the beautician is like thank god that’s over leaves me with dread. Far enough, it hasn’t happened yet but it’s definitely my own demon. So I give a tip. I’m not sure what is classified as generous, but I usually give £5 as a little thank you and I give it directly to the beautician, I don’t do it through the car payment. I always think to myself, if I did give them a really tough job, and then at least I’ve bought them lunch!

 

  1. I know they say it all the time, but it’s true. They deal with all different types of people. Every shape and size. You’re not the only person in the world who weighs what you weigh or who has your body shape. So it’s likely they have had a customer similar to you before. I try and tell this to myself, it can be difficult when you’re surrounded by very small dainty women. But it’s true!

Pink Clove plus size review

 

I think so much of it is the fear that someone is thinking negatively of you. It somehow manifests into embarrassment and then intimidation. It doesn’t happen to me often. But when it does it really sucks and makes me feel almost angry with myself.

I deserve to be there. I am a person. I can pay the money (that’s kind of vital) and other than that what I look like shouldn’t matter. It’s amazing how many people feel the same though – that’s another thing to remember.

casual plus size outfit inspiration - pretty big butterflies

If it helps at all, the lovely beautician I had today said that’s what people go there for. They go to a salon or a spa feeling somewhat crappy and they are paying to be made to feel and look better. That’s so true! It would be a bit bizarre if you went in with a fully pedicured set of feet… to then have a pedicure!

So chin up, work your dry feet, bushy brows and tough talons. You’ve got this.

 

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Moccis – The Cutest Baby Shoes In Town

Having a 19-month-old is pretty interesting most days. Every day Cameo learns something new and seems more like me. It’s become very apparent that just like me, he hates wearing socks or shoes (unless he is going for ‘big walk’) If you put socks on him, he sits and yanks them off. If you put shoes on he’ll pull them off at the first chance. Just like me! I’m a barefoot princess that’s for sure. I don’t doubt that Marlo will be the same. 6 weeks and counting, he is a right fidget with his toes. Let alone when he starts crawling and toddling! When babies start to crawl it’s hard for them to keep socks on anyway. Plus, I’ve always been worried about them wearing baby shoes too early. I want their feet to grow and be comfortable. It seems pointless restricting them so early!

Moccis - The Cutest Baby Shoes In Town

Something that helps defeat all the above is Moccis, the hand sewn Swedish moccasin. They’re like sock shoes and are really pretty amazing. They are skid proof with a leather sole, making it soft on little one’s feet. Plus, the sewed in double elastic at the sock ankle prevents the moccasin baby shoes from falling off. Woohoo! It means they stay on, keep comfortable and look cute. What more could you ask for?

hand sewn Swedish moccasins - Review - pretty big butterflies

Well as a mum, I want them to be machine washable. CHECK! Moccis are machine washable in 40 degrees and can be hang dried. This is music to my ears. Cameo would walk through cow dung and not give a hoot. Moccis are made with Ecotex certified yarns & natural leather sole. I was concerned about getting them on, but they’re really easy! Just think thick socks and that’s how they fit.

Moccis review - pretty big butterflies

To get the best fit, make sure you measure your little one’s toes. We got a pretty good measurement. Marlos’ fit perfectly. Cameos’ are a little bit but his feet are growing so fast right now it’s not an issue. I feel like Moccis are perfect for autumn and winter. Especially those cold mornings when the floors are freezing. Cameo won’t keep socks on but I feel like Moccis are a little more difficult for him to take off.

uk mummy blogger - pretty big butterflies

I can’t lie. They are SO SO cute! The different designs are adorable. We opted for a matching set because it’s cute. No other reason! Moccis Founder, Anna Wetterlin has children herself so I feel like the design is really made with little ones in mind. Not just how cute they look, but comfortable, hard wearing and functional. Everything a parent looks for. Each collection is available for a limited time and they do adult versions too.

With winter on its way, these are great gifts for all the family. So get rid of your crummy slippers and slippery socks. Moccis are what your household needs to be wearing this winter.

 

*Items are gifts but opinions are my own or my sons!

 

 

 

 

WIN A Summer Saviour Kit And Get Outdoors With The Kids

We’re halfway through the school holidays and bank holiday is fast approaching. This used to go right over my head until I had kids. Summer holidays just meant more traffic on the roads during the day and supermarkets full of families. But now – NOW it’s a whole new thing. Our eldest son is almost 20 months and already he screams to get outside. He absolutely loves the outdoors. But it can be hard, especially as new parents with lack of time, to know what to do with them. So the lovely team at Germolene have created this REALLY helpful FREE guide called ‘Germolene 90 Days of Summer‘. The guide has 90 ideas of free and cheap ways to embrace the garden, park or beach as well as what to do with the grandparents, what to do if you only have half an hour or if you have a whole day to roam free!

Germolene 90 Days of Summer

Some of it might seem really simple and basic, but they’re so easy to forget. But there are some real gems in here that help gets the imagination going. A couple of my favourites are creating a music wall. Hang up wind chimes, water bottles, spare pans – whatever you have and a wooden spoon (of course) Let the kids bang it out like they’re auditioning for the next rock band!

Outdoor play with the kids ideas

Another one of my fave ideas that I totally forgot I used to do as a child is chalk art! No mess and easy to clean up, let the kids run free on the pavement or brickwork with some colourful chalk. I bet you can’t stop yourself getting involved! Cameo LOVES doing this and it really does keep him entertained. He draws on the floor and on our brick walls in the garden. It really doesn’t matter because either the rain or a pan of water will wash it away and they can start all over again tomorrow.

Win a getoutside and play gift set

The guide from Germolene really is a wonderful little book of inspiration, you’d be silly if you didn’t give it a download and check it out. But to help you on your way and to give you a little push to get outside I’m giving you a chance to WIN a great summer saviour bundle from Germolene.

It includes everything you need for a day in the garden or a couple of hours at the park. Think chalk, bubbles, frisbees, skittles, paints and more! It all comes in a lovely cool bag so you can keep your wine – water chilled while you’re out in the sun.

To enter just answer the below Rafflecopter! (Don’t forget to download the free 90 Days of Summer Guide.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UK only, giveaway ends midnight 26th August 2018-08-18 – Prize will be sent directly to winner via external company.

Toy Box Talk – Our Current Toddler Favourites

Cameo is almost 20 months old and I feel like we have a proper little toddler running around now. He is fully engaged in everything he does and the fact he can string little sentences together now make the world a happier place. At the moment we’ve managed to teach him to say ‘Hello Babe’ (Don’t ask!) and he can say Mum and Dad after his sentence. He has gone from saying ‘Yes Please’ to just ‘Yeah’ which we are working on again! Every day he wakes up stringing new words together and it really is the best thing in the world.

What’s really great over the last few weeks is that Cameo has been able to keep himself entertained with his toys a little more. Which is brilliant for us while we get used to being on team no sleep again with Marlo. Marlo isn’t a great sleeper at the moment but he is only just over a month old so we can’t expect miracles!

Anyway, as Cameo has been showing great motor skills and really great imagination we’ve been testing out some toys over the past week or so and these are his current favourites.

Hape Take Along Activity Toy (Ages 10M+ )

Cameo loves this activity box. We have a similar large one, like what you get in waiting rooms but it’s not as modern as this. Cameo loves to carry it around even if it is a little heavy and it’s nice he can take a toy with him from room to room.

It’s a really bright toy and amazing quality so everything feels sturdy and robust. There are pictures of animals which are recognisable which means Cameo loves pointing and shouting out the names.

I know that when Marlo is a little older he will love this too. There aren’t any bits that can fall off and it will be too heavy for him to push or pull until he is closer to Cameos age. There is a mirror on one side that he’ll love too and I didn’t realise that was there until it came out of the box. It’s also fine if he wants to have a good chew on it when he is teething because it’s wooden. It’s a toy that will last!

Hape Take Along Activity Toy (Ages 10M+ )

Hape Take Along Activity Toy (Ages 10M+ ) Review

Shop it here

Fuzzikins Campervan Carry case (Ages 4+)

I know this is a little out of Cameos age range because it has small parts that can come off, but he absolutely loves the Campervan Carry case. Whenever he plays with it, we make sure we are present (and that does involve us running after him around the garden!) He is going through a phase of loving cars and carrying bags around. This entwines the two together and when we first got it, he wouldn’t even let me take it out of the box!

Inside the campervan are two cats that you can colour in as you wish. Then you can wash the cats and do it all over again! The felt tip pens are washable too so that helps with the mess. This is a great all in one toy. For creative kids to those who like to roleplay with cars and buildings. It caters for all interests.

Fuzzikins Campervan Carry case (Ages 4+)

Fuzzikins Campervan Carry case (Ages 4+) review

Shop it here

Peppa Pig Car

We were given this by a friend whose son has grown out of most of his toys. It’s a Peppa Pig car. It’s really simple, and just has a bit of music. Cameo loves it and is quite happy to push it around the garden shouting ‘’Pig Car’. He is a fan of Peppa Pig so I understand why.

It’s light and bright and actually quite big in size compared to the other little cars he has. The main thing is, of course, the pigs, that’s what makes it stand out from the rest of the cars! Hooray for Peppa!

peppa Pig Car Review

peppa Pig Car Review

 

Items may be gifted and links may be an affiliate. All views are my own (and my sons)

5 Ways To Make Your Bra Comfortable

Everyone is different. That’s a fact. Including women’s breasts. However, one thing is for certain, gravity exists and it has an impact on our boobs at some point. All of them. So regardless of whether we have a perky pair, a saggy set or we’re not really sure, it’s always a good idea to wear a good fitting bra. Not just for how we look and to help delay the droop but also for how we feel and our health too. But I know they’re not the most comfortable thing. Not sure what to look for when you’re choosing a bra? Here are my top tips on finding a bra that fits well and is comfortable.

GET MEASURED

First up, get measured. I know it’s a chore and can be a little off-putting if your confidence isn’t at it’s best. But getting yourself properly measured means you’re ¾ of the way there to a good fitting bra. You can’t just guess and hope for the best. Wearing bras can improve posture and prevent a lot of spine problems and back pain. Breasts are heavy and they need support! If you’re not wearing the right size, then the bra can’t do its job. You might as well not be wearing one!

AND AGAIN!

Just like the rest of your body, your bra size changes depending on various factors. Pregnancy, weight loss or gain and even age. So you should keep getting fitted. It isn’t a once in a lifetime thing, keep going to get measured.

EXPERIMENT WITH FIT

Find a fit that works for you. Try different bras to see what feels better for you. From underwired to padded, there are variations to bras that will work better for you. Knix is a great example of how different bras can be and just how comfortable they can be. They offer everything from padded to reversible bras. It’s definitely worth experimenting.

AND COLOUR!

As well as trying different fits, try different designs and colours! It’s amazing how opting for a bright bra can boost your confidence and in turn, it makes wearing a bra more enjoyable. Ta da!

TLC

Lastly, hand wash your bras. They need a little TLC to last longer and keep their shape. There’s nothing like a dodgy shaped bra to make them uncomfortable. Remember, they’re investments for your breast health and your confidence, as well as your comfort. Don’t put them in a dryer (ever!) and if you REALLY have to machine wash them make sure they are fastened up and put into a lingerie wash bag. It helps keep the structure of the bra together. It will save you money in the long run too! There’s a good guide here on how to clean your bras if you want some more information.