The Big Feastival 2014 | We’re ACTUALLY going!

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I enter competitions on a whim. I forget about them. I entered The Big Feastival competition via the Jamie Oliver ‘Gold Club’ back in December… at the time, I remember saying to Mr Memoirs, “We should keep that weekend free, just incase!”. His obvious reaction was “No need, we never win anything…”. He’s eating those words right now, because I DID WIN!

We’re so so excited, I can’t even put it into words! And that is saying something.

I’m even excited about the camping part! Which is DEFINITELY saying something.

We’ve always wanted to go to The Big Feastival – as we’re huge fans of Jamie Oliver, and Alex James fan’s to boot (I was always on team BLUR, of course). This is literally the perfect festival for us, especially with Eli in tow too. It’s hugely family-friendly (heck, Justin Fletcher A.K.A Mr Tumble and actual Mr Bloom swoon are there too!). There are dozens of activities and area’s to keep little ones entertained. Plus, and most importantly, this is a foodie festival. With all our favourite chef’s in attendance! You can see the list of who’s-who, here> CHEF’s.

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The marketing team at Jamie Oliver have been absolutely fantastic. They’ve been super swift to reply to any queries we’ve had and have kept me up to date with everything. The tickets landed on my doormat this morning, giving me a new lease of excitement – WE’RE ACTUALLY GOING!

So – what’s the plan when we get there?

Well, we’ll unload the car and get the tent up as soon as possible – and get settled in! We tested the tent a few weekend’s ago and it was super easy to assemble – which is good news because I would get bored so quickly otherwise! For the first time ever, we also have a camp bed; there was no way we could sleep on the actual floor for a few nights (we literally have the bones of elderly people!).

We’ll then head into the festival, which open’s at 11am!

We’re really looking forward to seeing presentations/tasting’s with our favourite Chef’s, as well as joining in all the toddler activities we can feast on! Eli is very, very good with his food, so we’re certain he’ll get stuck into munching whatever he can. As reader’s of my blog, and friends of mine IRL, will know, I’m massively mildly obsessed with Little Bird by Jools. Basically, there is little else that I will dress Mr Eli in, other than Little Bird. It is my imaginary children’s fashion made reality (and probably better than my imagination to be honest!). And guess what? Little Bird will be at The Big Feastival too! Last year there was even a catwalk (I can’t cope!), which I’ll so be FROW of with Eli. Hoping he doesn’t gatecrash though – I know he has a soft spot for Jools and her design’s too! I’m literally so excited I can’t even contain myself!

Just look how adorable these kids are man! LOVE LOVE LOVE Little Bird!

So the countdown is officially on, now that tickets are in hand! T-minus 13 day’s! This weekend we’ve bought Eli some new threads to keep him cool or warm and dry across the Big Feastival weekend. That’s the only trouble with a British festival, you really need to pack for ALL weather! I’m certain we’ll have an amazing time whatever the weather will be. There are adventures and memories to be made… and that’s the main thing.

 

MM.

 

PS – any tips you have for camping with a 2 year old would be greatly appreciated!

Here is the line-up (in full, more or less).

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Halloween costume inspiration, for kids!

We LOVE Halloween. But, we’d already decided before Mr Eli arrived that he was ALWAYS going to be a skeleton, with Converse on, at Halloween. Well, until he’s old enough to say “NO MORE NOW, PLEASE!”, of course.

But I can’t help but adore these following costumes I’ve found on Pinterest. Most of them would work at any time of the year too, not just Old Hallows Eve. ENJOY!

(Below is a small selection of the costumes I’ve pinned, to view the whole lot, click here >>> Halloween Inspiration)

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UP, image taken from Pinterest.

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E.T, image taken from Pinterest.

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Fox costume, image taken from Pinterest.

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Lady Liberty and Honest Abe, image taken from Pinterest.

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Spray painted toy soldier (not sure how the poor bairn walks!), image taken from Pinterest.

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Cardboard box dinosaur, image taken from Pinterest.

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Don Draper (not sure how appropriate this is!), image taken from Pinterest.

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Jesse and Walt (REALLY not sure how appropriate this is, either!), image taken from Pinterest.

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Zombie kid! Image taken from Pinterest.

MM.

BODEN | Transeasonal picks.

BRRRRRR, anyone else absolutely freezing today? Good job Boden have some amazing pieces to take you straight into Autumn! Take a look at my favourite pieces below… And you might even find a little discount treat at the bottom too! Happy browsing!

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THE DENIM SHIRT, £39.00

BODEN SAY: Our new, lightweight denim offers a clean, sophisticated look. This must have shirt has signature Boden spots inside the cuffs and collar.

MM SAY’S: LOVE a denim shirt and this one is perfect for A/W. I’m currently tucking all my tops, blouses and shirts into jeans. This is top of my must-have list!

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THE WOOL SKATER DRESS, £139.00

BODEN SAY: This on-trend, panelled dress is a sound investment. Subtle stab stitching, elegant elbow-length sleeves and Italian milled wool make it a must have.

MM: Absolutely LOVE this colour! The panels on the dress will also give a great silhouette.

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THE MILITARY MOLESKIN COAT, £119.00

BODEN SAY: This versatile coat is made from supple moleskin, which is a lovely fabric for cooler months. Try the trend for ‘Winter white’ in our Pearl option.

MM SAYS: Great fabric and lovely detailing. This coat comes in lots of different colours too! Uh oh…

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THE NEW TROUSER, £49.00

BODEN SAY: A great alternative to a jean, that moulds to any body shape and feels more substantial than previously, thanks to this season’s thicker fabric.

MM SAYS: I struggle with jeans, the Ponte Roma Trouser sounds right about perfect to me!

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THE SIXTIES DRESS, £99.00

BODEN SAY: We’re really excited about this new, Sixties-inspired tunic dress in four retro prints. It’s pared down with a relaxed, drapey fit.

MM SAYS: Brilliant dress. The Boulevard Tunic Dress encompasses that Sixties vibe perfectly with the monochrome – although other colourways are available too! Love the relaxed fit, perfect for those ‘not feeling so great’ nights out!

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THE JUMPER, £89.00

BODEN SAY: Embellished knitwear is a big deal this season and this jumper feels like the sort of gem you might happen upon in a vintage shop.

MM SAYS: Great design work on the collar of the Chelsea Jumper – love the vintage feel of this piece. Definite LOVE.WANT.NEED item for any wardrobe! And how lovely is the Notre Dame Skirt (£79.00) too? They work perfectly together!
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THE LOAFER, £99.00

BODEN SAY: This blocky heel is bang on trend. It makes this loafer sexy and modern, as does our contemporary patent leather.

MM SAYS: If you buy one shoe this Autumn, make it the Heeled Loafer. I love the height of the heel, perfect for dashing about with the little one, or going to the office or even dinner! The patent leather makes this style very versatile indeed.

So there you have it, hope you like my picks! Let me know what you think!

Also, GET THIS!! Boden’s infamous Diminishing Discount is back! Grab yourself a bargain this week with 20% off from Monday 9th – Thursday 12th, 15% off on Friday 13th (oo-er!) and 10% off on Saturday 14th September. All orders also have free delivery and free returns – spoil yourself!

 

OFFER RECAP:
Monday 9th – Thursday 12th September – 20% off plus free delivery and returns
Friday 13th – 15% off plus free delivery and returns
Saturday 14th – 10% off plus free deliver and returns
Live: Monday 9th September
Expiry: Saturday 14th September
ENTER CODE: DIM5
CLICK HERE TO GET SHOPPING!

 

MM.

Dungarees set to make a comeback?

Maternity Dunagrees, £38. Topshop.com

We bought our little babbit a pair of amazing Dungarees from Zara last week… and it got me thinking about Maternity Dunagrees. Was this not the staple to all pregnant ladies’ wardrobes, way back when? I jokingly said to OH I’d have to get a Vintage pair and team them with a lovely Laura Ashley blouse and huge headband…. But then thought of the absolute hassle a pair of dungarees really is. The frequency of which I frequent the loo these days is incredible. Imagine having to faff on with the buttons on a pair of dungarees every time?!

Or am I missing the point? Are dungarees really that comfy for a pregnant lady? I can’t help but think I’d also look like a small child with big pot belly if I got a pair, I am only 5 foot nothing, after all!

What do you think? Dungarees, yay or nay? I found it very interesting that high street favourites, Topshop, are attempting to bring the faithful dungarees back – just spied the above pair in their Maternity New Arrivals!

MM.