How to Look Expensive, Without Spending Too Much!*

At least once a year, an invite will probably drop through your letterbox (or into your inbox, it is the 21st century), requiring you to wear something smart, formal and usually expensive. Whether it's a wedding, conference, or Christmas do, the remit is always the same; tailored, unique and extravagant-looking. This can pose a real problem, if you are not financially equipped to invest in a designer dress or, are reluctant to splurge on something which is unlikely to see the light of day again. There may be friends, colleagues, or relatives at the event, with whom you have not shared your financial affairs, and you would like to keep it that way. Or perhaps you just don't want to be the subject of other, judgier, guests comments. Whatever the reason, you need a posh outfit, on the cheap, and quick!

Back to School: Make This Their Most Successful Year Yet

It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to be thinking about going back to school, but this time of year is always full of surprises. Whether you’ve had a summer full of sunshine or have been waiting for the rain to stop so you can go outside, September will be here sooner than we can say “school uniform”. Among the dash to buy new stationery and school shoes, make sure you take time to think about how you can support your child’s school experience this year, and whether you can make any positive changes at home to help them.

Olympics; Could the Sexism Police be Making it Worse?

Sometimes, a commentator says something, really, really stupid and we have to laugh. Who can forget the greatest ever innocent observation from Brian Johnston, who quite accurately reported, during a Test match at The Oval in 1976; The bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey. Brian Johnston often said something daft, and had a little chuckle to himself, and we laughed along with him. This was the golden age of commentary, when commentators were allowed to have personalities and say silly things and make mistakes. Then along came Twitter, and everything changed. The Sexism Police arrived and political correctness went a little bit bonkers.

Simply Be Outfit Review. Dresses for all Occasions

Since I waved goodbye to my tiny twenties and thinnish thirties, I have found it much trickier to find clothes I feel comfortable and confident in. The summer poses a particular problem, when, like many people, I face the issue of having to wear less clothes in order to keep cool, but not wanting to wear anything too revealing. Dressing for my age is very important to me. I know it's personal choice, but I don't feel right with too much on display. So, when Simply Be offered to send me an outfit to try out, I was really keen to see what was available for the summer season, from a company who specialise in the plus size.

Win Minions DVD Bundle with Now TV

*This post has been produced in association with Now TV and includes an affiliate link.*

My Sunday Photo: See? Gull!

How to Make the Perfect Crispy, Fluffy Yorkshire Pudding

Recently, I published a photo of one of Phil's culinary creations, the humble Yorkshire pudding. Now, I'll be totally honest, this is not something I'm especially good at. I just don't have the patience to faff about getting it exactly right. It seems I'm not the only one, as the photo recieved a fair bit of admiration from people, with one or two suggestions that it might even be *gasp* 'purchased from the frozen aisle'. What an outrageous suggestion! Phil says it's not actually that difficult and has been promising for ages that he will share the recipe. So, here it is. Phil's foolproof method for a crisp and fluffy Yorkshire pudding.