My daughter is off to university, she is going to the prestigious Norland College in Bath, to study for an Early Years Degree and the Norland Diploma.  She has dreamt of this since she was about 12, we visited for three open days, she's worked so hard to get plenty of experience working with children, she got the equivalent of three A levels (A grade) in her CACHE child development qualification and apart from the very real worry of leaving home, she hasn't wobbled in her determination to get there!

Yes I am incredibly proud of this young lady, she is beautiful (inside and out), committed, determined and she knows her own mind, she has never allowed peer pressure to influence her, she has at times struggled with some aspects of her academic education but she has pushed on regardless.  She is quiet but confident, she will speak up if she sees an injustice but she will also walk away if necessary.   She is very petite and so calm and so gentle.  And she looks like Mary Poppins in her uniform - they wear this formal uniform for three years while studying and have a practical navy blue uniform for when they are on placement.  Then when working it will only be worn occasionally - you may have spotted The Cambridge's Norland Nanny, Maria, wearing hers at Charlotte's christening.

You will have seen from my posts in the past that I am all for wearing the bikini and for encouraging and promoting body positivity.  I don't believe there should be an age limit to what we choose to wear, I am certainly not going to be too hot and not get a tanned tummy because 'someone' says it isn't the done thing to wear bikini post 50.  ​So as many of you set off on your summer holidays this year I hope you will find these encouraging words helpful. whether you decide to rock a bikini or enjoy wearing a super-flattering swimsuit, relax and enjoy it!

You will have noticed that I am slowly, very slowly, looking for more eco-friendly and sustainable options in my life, it is a gradual process and one that won't happen overnight.  Decluttering my house and my wardrobe in particular has been a recent project.  Buying less, shopping my wardrobe and researching sustainable brands is all part of the process.  My favourite shampoo can now be refilled if I save the bottles, all baby steps.  So when I was contacted by 'Wild' recently about their Kickstarter campaign I decided it was one I should look at closer - an eco-friendly and natural deodorant that actually works!?  And I really like supporting the smaller brands - especially with a focus on sustainability.

Who doesn't love something soft, comfortable and loose to wear especially on hot summer days?  But with my increasing interest in a more sustainable approach to my wardrobe, I was also interested to read about this fair trade and eco-friendly business, Hippie Pants.  Their products are designed and handmade in Thailand by local artisans then shipped direct to the customer.  The company was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who love travelling, love Thailand and love harem pants and yoga pants.

They asked if I would like to try out a pair of their cotton ocean pants!  I am not into yoga (I have tried) but I do love a pair of comfortable trousers I can wear around the house on down days and evenings, I don't do pyjama's so I like to search out alternatives.