Looking For Swimwear? Look No Further...

I can't believe how fast the year is flying by. 

Summer is well and truly here! It's that time of year for bearing some flesh. A time to enjoy the sunshine and catch a bit of Vitamin D.

One thing us women - well, most of us - don't enjoy about summer is buying swimwear. It can be a somewhat arduous task that fills us with dread. I had such a task facing me a while back when I needed a new swimming costume for Center Parcs. I wanted a new one as the one I had was starting to look a bit faded and ropey after countless hours at swimming lessons with the children. It was only a relatively cheap one but it served its purpose. I also wanted a new one that would serve me for our holiday to Florida. One that was pretty enough to be flattering and feminine but sturdy enough to stand up to the likes of Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach. That thing can give you a colonic irrigation if you're not careful!

Anyway, I digress, I happened to be on social media at the right time and was lucky enough to be sent a David swimsuit from Patricia Eve (with matching sarong). I was thrilled as, after researching the company, I knew it would be difficult to be disappointed.

Now let me start by saying I would love to have the confidence (and the body) to show you a photo of ME in the swimsuit but I've just taken little glimpses. The main photo, at the bottom, is not me. Just incase you may have thought it was. Ha... I wish!

Beautiful detailing

As soon as I opened the swimsuit I loved it even more than the photo I'd seen of it online. It really was beautifully made. 

I am ashamed to say I hadn't heard of David Swimwear before but once I did some research into the brand I realised what a great collection of swimwear pieces they do. David is an Italian brand and that shows by the quality and beautiful Italian design - they also provide something for every woman.

The attention to detail on the swimsuit was immediately obvious. The glittering jewelled 'D' at the top of the thigh was perfectly placed and the cut of the swimsuit across the groin is extremely flattering.

The gorgeous patterned bust area

The swimsuit is black apart from the lovely pattern across the bust. Obviously black is  flattering but who wants a swim suit that's just all black? The detail on the pattern is exquisite and really sets the whole suit off beautiful.

What is great about this particular swimsuit is that it can be worn in a variety of ways. It has a tie halter neck from the patterned bust but it also has 3 different, totally removable, straps. This means that you can create a number of different looks and when you want to wear it completely strapless the halter neck twists and ties around the back of the suit.

It's quite low cut at the back but still high enough to cover your lower back so it's not too revealing. I've been using it each week for swimming with TC and I have to admit that I feel very glam in the pool - I've even had someone in my swimming class ask where I got the swimsuit from!

So, if you're looking for any swimwear in the future you can be sure of finding something suitable from Patricia Eve - they are also stockists for the 'Miracle Suit' which is the leader in swimwear shape-wear. They really do offer a great choice of high quality swimwear.

NOT ME, obviously (photo credit)

I was sent the swimsuit to review 

but all photographs (apart from image credited above), 

words, views and opinions are entirely my own.

#MeAndMine - A Family Portrait (May 2014)

This month has been a little hectic for various reasons but it's been a good one.

I can now share some news!

The month started off with lots of exciting holiday planning. A break away over half term (which ends today) and a third trip to Orlando, Florida! It's not until next year and we aren't going for 3 weeks this time.

No, this time we are going for a whole month!

To say I'm excited is an understatement.

For the first week of our holiday we will be staying on-site at Disney for the first time. Not only that, we will be joined by my parents, Matt's parents and my brother-in-law for that week too. Then we will be retreating to the condo, just the four of us, for the remaining three weeks.

Those of you who know me know just how much Matt and I have fallen in love with Orlando. If it wasn't for my family I'd happily move out there. We both would. We often talk about it.

The last two trips have been booked within 4 months of departure so this is quite a long wait for us but it means we have plenty of time to plan it all properly and I'm already very excited about our plans.

Anyway, back to this years break away! Oops. *shakes off the desire to waffle on about Orlando love*

We have just spent the half term week down in East Sussex. Camber to be exact. We booked a lovely cottage just a 5 minute walk from the beach. We've been really lucky with the weather as it's only rained one afternoon and that didn't spoil our fun.

We've been to the beach a couple of days enjoying some periods of sunshine. We've explored pretty towns and villages. We've been to Drusilla's Park which was great fun. We've also explored some great historic sites. One of my new favourites in fact.

Bodiam Castle.

It's a 14th century moated castle, now owned by The National Trust.

It is, quite simply, stunning.

Just look at these photos of the castle.

If you ever get the chance to visit. Go!

This is where I finally asked someone to take our photo yesterday.

It's not a perfect picture as TC had just fallen over and hurt his knee (at the exact moment I handed the camera to the lovely gentleman who was to take our photo). I then had to pick him up. TC that is, not the gentleman! So I'm very much striking that 'hip stuck out propping a child up' pose. TC had a really bad tummy bug at the start of the holiday which hasn't helped and he's not been himself all week. Plus, I got a touch of it too.

Also, Matt is full of a cold and neither of us had a great nights sleep the night before. Actually, if I'm honest, I'm looking forward to getting home to our lovely super-king bed at our own house. This week we've been in a double so it's been a little snug. We've also been woken by mating marsh frogs in the night and disturbed by noisy sheep at our front door at 6.30am!

Still, it's been a lovely break and despite illness (and wildlife) we've had plenty of fun and special memories.

As you read this we will be packing up to leave our holiday cottage but stopping at the Baby Tilda Barn Dance on the way back home. The perfect way to end a great week away. If you're coming along, we will look forward to seeing you there.

For those of you who remember my Me and Mine post last month. I quote myself…

"My homework for May is to try and get at least three photos" 

Well, before you say anything. I did! I did!

They are iPhone selfies. The first when we just arrived at the cottage after a mammoth 7 hours in the car and the second riding Thomas The Tank Engine at the fabulous Drusilla's Park the other day.

Now head over to Dear Beautiful to check out all the other fabulous family portraits this month.

The Cosatto Moon Unit Has Landed!

Our journey into all things bright and beautiful as Cosatto Brand Buddies reached another peak this month as we were lucky enough to be sent the new Cosatto Moon Unit to review.

There was much excitement!

Another Little Monster design (which we absolutely love having reviewed the Swift Lite Supa pushchair in the Summer) to add to our collection. This is the ultimate in travel cots/play pens.

Even though the Moon Unit is a little heavier than some
other travel cots it's still compact and it has wheels!

The Cosatto Moon Unit is pretty awesome. It is heavier than most standard travel cots but that's because you get so much more included. However, it also has 2 wheels so once it's in it's carry bag, the wheels stick through so it can be pulled along. Brilliant for holidays - no lugging a heavy cot around!

It comes with a detachable basinette so it's perfect for using from birth and, for c-section mummies, it's ideal because you don't have to bend right down. I would have loved this just after my caesarean section. It would have been great to have downstairs to put Tiny Ched in.

What's not to love?

It also comes with a detachable change table which is ideal if you're staying away from home and don't have a change area. Also included is a lovely detachable toy bar with 3 'little monsters' - one with a mirror.

The only slightly tricky part - assembling the change table

Setting the Cosatto Moon Unit up is so simple. It took me 70 seconds to assemble the unit and a further 90 seconds to add the basinette. The only part I found slightly tricky was putting the poles together in the change table. This was a little fiddley and I did break a nail!















Cosatto have, once again, outdone themselves with the attention to detail. The Little Monster design throughout the unit is fabulous and provides much amusement for TC (and his big sister!). The unit does also come in the 'Oh So Pretty' design too.










The Cosatto Moon Unit retails at approximately £150 (but currently online at £135)* which is great price for what you get. What we also love about all Cosatto products is that they come with a 4 year guarantee. Yes, 4 years! Not many companies can say that.

My 'Little Monster' loves it!

Here's a quick video review (sadly TC was unable to appear in this as he was poorly!)

This is not a sponsored post.  

We were sent the Cosatto Moon Unit to review 

but all photographs, video, words, views and opinions are entirely my own.

*price correct at time of writing