An observatio and an explanation…

I started this blog with the intention of sharing my budget fashion tips, amongst other things. I realise that this has not entirely been the perception of the blog. The reason for this, I fear, is that I lack the sophisticated camera and I.T equipment to be able to show truly good quality photos. The other issues is that age old problem: MONEY. I really do not have a great deal of it, I earn a very little, do not have much money in my immediate family and have little in the way of savings to fall back on.

 

I am desperately trying to save to get on the property ladder. I appreciate for some this is not a priority , but I am nearly 30 and desperate to get on the ladder. So, after my holiday, I will be adding my tales of budgeting and saving to the blog too. The hope being that this will motivate me, and entertain and inform you too.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Emirates airlines. My experience of them so far has been that they treat everyone to first class service, whether they are flying first class, or economy (“Coach”) like me. They have patiently answered my enquiries and have arrange for a gluten free meal. I cannot praise their helpful and polite customer service team, particularly on twitter. Thumbs up for Emirates!!

Sophie xx

This week…

Lots to look forward to this, week which is helping my new positive attitude! 🙂 Main things:

1. I will be getting back in the saddle after a very long break, and hopefully rediscovering my love of horse riding and all things Equestrian!

2. I fly to Dubai in the UAE at the weekend, a place I have always wanted to visit, for a much needed holiday and to catch up with a lovely friend from University.

Now that I look at those two statements, in black and white, it strikes me that booking an hour’s riding lesson two days before a long haul flight to Dubai was probably not my smartest move, however, as part of my new endeavours to “embrace life” I feel that the pain I will undoubtedly feel, will be worth. Lets hope I still feel this way on Friday after my lesson!

No doubt I will blog about the lesson anyway!

As I will be away I will be scheduling some posts for the blog, so please keep a look out.

On my return from Dubai I will do several posts ( as I did with Bordeaux) sharing my experience.

If anyone has any hints, tips or must-dos for Dubai please let me know!

Sophie xx

 

Things which have made me smile, pt 2, 3 & 4!

So, in addition to my plans to rediscover my love for all things equestrian, here are some other things which have pleased me / made me happy this week.

2. These rather ridiculous leggings. I absolutely love these, but I imagine wearing them would result in some funny looks. I wouldn’t care though, as they are just so funny. If anyone knows where I can purchase them (picture below!) please let me know.

3. Getting my nails done by the lovely Sophie at Simply Nails and Beauty in Warwick.  This cheered me up on a miserable day, and it is always nice to have something to look at whilst I type away at work!

4. The fourth thing which has made me feel good, or at least better, is that I visited a doctor this week who is actually going to refer me for further tests for my on going painful and bizarre digestive symptoms. Perhaps a breakthrough at last!

Lots of love, Sophie xx

Things that have made me smile, pt. 1

The first of my things which have made me smile this week:

After a very long break (approx. 8 years) I have made the decision to get back into the saddle. In my childhood and early teens I rode regularly, giving up my spare time to help out at a little local riding school; Bubbenhall Bridge in Warwickshire.  I loved it, and I loved horses, but not coming from a wealthy background I found myself a little limited in what I could do. In return for “helping out” we were given free rides on all sorts of horses and ponies from lovely, safe school masters to nasty, biting, kicking, feisty little beasts!

I had a few nasty, although minor injuries, along the way. Numerous falls from the straight withers of little stocky ponies left me battered and bruised. A particularly nasty incident happened when I was attempting to bring a rather feisty pony in from the field. She spun round, chased me, and then booted me hard in the leg and pelvic area. I was extremely lucky, a few inches higher and it could’ve been a very different story. It was horrendously painful, and my entire leg from hip to knee, went black. Afraid my mum would stop me riding I feigned less pain than I felt. Result? Permanent and poorly healed soft tissue damage! This still bothers me now.

Confidence shaken, but not deterred, I continued, cracking my knuckle joint jumping, putting my back out,  and finally breaking my nose (horse vaulted me into jump). In the end lack of time, and a love of shopping, boozing and my job/ studies killed off the riding and helping out. I last rode in my early twenties, and although I still love horses, often spectating at local shows, I never really intended to go back to it.

I am not 100% sure what changed my mind. Without a doubt I am bored. I go the gym, I run (although reduced lung capacity due to ventilation at birth means I could never do this competitively) and I am quite active. I am not great at team sports, rather lacking in hand eye coordination, and being single I do find I spend a lot of time alone. The initial high of being a qualified solicitor, finally after all my years of study, has begun to wear off. I do love a challenge, and I need a new hobby; a new focus.

I was also inspired by a rather amazing para-equestrian and her blog about her achievements. Anyone who is of a horse loving disposition, or who has ever attempted dressage ( I have; I wasn’t good!) should check out Amanda Shirtcliffe’s website:

http://www.pararider.co.uk

She is an inspiration and definitely part of the reason I have booked my first riding lesson in almost  a decade!

I have chosen a friendly local establishment for my first lesson; the lovely Moor Farm Stables. They have been friendly, helpful and approachable.

http://moorfarmstables.co.uk/index.aspx

I am very excited to get back in the saddle soon, and will be taking a friend with me who has never ridden before.

Fingers crossed it goes well, check back soon for an update!

Lots of love, Sophie (alter ego of My Little Law Life) xxx

The real me…

The alter ego of My Little Law Life, I am Sophie. Everything in the “about me” tells you what you need to know about me!

I hope you enjoy the crazy mix of fashion, fun and general chit chat which my blog provides.

All feedback is welcomed xx

Pure Primark, post 1!

So, as promised in my previous posts, here is a little taste of my working wardrobe with a generous smattering of Primark. (For those of you wondering about why a Lawyer dresses in budget fashion, please note: NOT all lawyers are highly paid. In the high street and legal aid world, we tend to earn a modest wage).

This was an outfit for a typical day at the office, mostly based at my desk, unless I see clients I don’t have to stick to the strict “suits” normally associated with Lawyers, however I try to dress in a way that is both smart yet has a slight fashion edge.

Where to buy:

My shirt is from the wonderful PRIMARK. It is a collarless animal print one, with gold coloured buttons. I have paired it with black tapered trousers from H&M (find similar at M&S)  quilted velvet pumps from H&M and a lovely “Pippa” bag from MODALU in Oyster Crock.

This is a close up of my shoe view! These shoes were so cheap and really comfortable. I have had numerous compliments on these! Even from some of my lovely clients.

A close up here of the shirt, showing the pattern well. This was an absolute bargain and I can report that it has washed well, not even needing ironing afterwards!!

Another view of the outfit. It could be made more classic-formal, with the addition of a blazer. Check out my upcoming posts for a lovely PRIMARK blazer!!

The final addition to my outfit, to give it a little fashion edge was my 1960s pop art Silver and Onyx ring. These can be picked up relatively cheaply at second hand/vintage shops or online. eBay is a good place to start.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading, as always any (constructive) feedback is welcomed!!

My Little Law Life xx

Pure Primark

My original idea for the blog was to have daily fashion updates, however, my crazy busy life and current long working hours do not allow for this! Plus, my limited budget means that I am not able to change up my outfits as often as I would hope! ( I do try to post outfits of the day #ootd on my twitter feed @mylittlelawlife.)  I have decided that, at least once a month, I will show an outfit at least partially sourced from everyone’s favourite budget high street store; Primark! Check back soon for the first of these updates, and don’t forget my upcoming “A week in shoes” blog!

Keep reading and thanks for following.

My Little Law Life xxx

Dietary dilemmas!

I suffer with various digestive problems, I have been diagnosed as probably having IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as other tests (bloods etc) have been inconclusive.

I get flare ups and a significant amount of pain, from time to time. Some days I struggle to eat, but others I am ravenous!! I have found that cutting the gluten out of my diet and restricting dairy has helped me greatly. However, I have a penchant for dairy milk chocolate and I have not yet found any dairy free chocolate which I really enjoy. The closest thing I have found which I actually like the taste of, is the Itsu chocolate covered rice cakes.

Can anyone recommend any dairy free chocolate which actually tastes good? I have enjoyed a “faux hot chocolate” made with almond milk and raw cacao, but never found any chocolate bars which taste good.

 

All suggests gratefully received!!!

Lots of love My Little Law Life xx

A country walk…

I do love a country walk, and the recent lovely weather has encouraged me to add a few of these into my (mostly indoor) fitness regime, which typically includes the gym, fitness classes and swimming.  I am fortunate living in a beautiful Warwickshire village, and I feel that between work, gym and attempting a social life, I just don’t take the time to appreciate it.

Recently I have been thinking a lot about the way in which I live my life, I am always focused on the negative, I never manage to look at the positive. So, I have decided that I will try to look for the good in each situation I approach!  Life may not have always been kind to me, but on the other hand, I have been very lucky in some areas of my life, and my hard work and endeavour has finally paid off in my professional life. After all this time, (approx. 6 years!) I am now, finally, a qualified Solicitor. I thought that  day would never come.

As part of my new appreciate-what-I-have life approach I have decided to enjoy my lovely country surroundings more, and drink in the beauty of the countryside.

 

I thought that you too might like to share some of the lovely views I have encountered on my walks.

A Victorian cottage across the river sowe in Stoneleigh village. This is one of two cottages across the river, which are only accessible via a foot bridge.

 

A close up of a lovely wild meadow.

Some rather chubby pet sheep in a field. Was pondering whether the grey coloured one is a Herdwicke sheep, but my knowledge of British sheep breeds is lacking!!

 

St Mary’s parish church viewed across the meadow in the sunset.

I am fortunate to live (with family) in this village, but unlikely to be able to afford the high prices when I come to buy my own place. I am determined however to continue to enjoy the beauty of the English country side. I encourage you all to do the same!! (I also welcome any tips on country walks in Warwickshire/ West Mids/Northamptonshire…)

 

Lots of love My Little Law Life xxx

 

Spinach smoothie!

Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed my last smoothie post. This is another recipe which I happened upon, and I love it.

What you will need

Ingredients:

2 frozen spinach blocks ( or fresh spinach if preferred)

5 sprigs of fresh mint roughly chopped

1 kiwi fruit peeled and chopped

1 green apple, peeled, cored and chopped ( I used Granny Smiths, but any will be fine I am sure)

half an avocado chopped

Equipment/ utensils:

Blender

chopping board

knife

corer

strainer

 

Combine all of the above ingredients in the blender, add two tablespoons of water. (if you prefer a thinner smoothie texture, add more water, to your taste) Blend for about 4 minutes, or until smooth.

Using the strainer, drain into glasses, and season with ginger or mint as required! A healthy, cleansing smoothie!!!

 

I have since substituted the spinach for the wonder that is broccoli, but I have say I do prefer the spinach, it gives a better consistency and a cleaner taste.

 

Feed back welcome

My Little Law Life xxx