Mod Mob: Tips for Summer Festivals - 2012

Summer time means BBQ’s, sun tan lotion straw hats and music festivals! 

Brenda and I have been to a fair few including Witness 2002 - my very first music festival. We all pitched up in a field at Fairyhouse Racecourse. A fantastic group of friends together for one hell of a party.The sun was shining and the mood was electric. Fun fair rides, cold beers and ice cream.The Chemical Brothers and 2 Many DJ’s. Our best friend Jay was in his element that weekend.Watching Basement Jaxx in a muddy field as the sun went down will always be a treasured memory of mine.

Of course there is that less glamorous side to festivals. Overflowing toilets, queues and a lack of showers. A weekend of no hot water, mirrors or a hair dryer can prove tricky!

Here are some of my essential festival buys so you can enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about looking and smelling your best...well they will help at least!

Pocket size sun cream  sun protection in one easy application

Antiseptic hand wash gel ...for those toilet trips!

Soap and Glory mini's are a perfect size for your make up bag.Try the body cleanser and lotion all in one, smells delicious!

24hr Max Factor False Lash Mascara really does last that long and more! 

Rimmel Sunshimmer 3 in 1 a perfect way to stay looking bronzed all day. You can use this on your face, body and even as an eyeshadow. Handy!

Dorothy P’s sunnies  really stylish but inexpensive incase you lose them


Havaiana's summer print wellies are bright and funky and will keep your feet mud free


River Island light weight parka easy to pack in and so handy for those chilly walks back to your tent at night to continue the party!

Aztec print snood perfectly colourful to match up with a nice plain vest and shorts

(courtesy of Frugal Fashion Diva)

Click here to see some gorgeous fashion ideas and bargains from Frugal Fashion Diva

I wish I had thought of some of these...I remember smelling of cucumber thanks to cheap face wipes from Dunnes Stores - for better value.

Do you have any Festival Tips you can share?

Mod Mob: Tuesday's Top 5 for your Bookshelf

A good book can sometimes be just as therapeutic as any pampering session!

I can’t think of anything more relaxing than curling up with a good book to switch off...and sometimes nod off!

This week I've put together a few of my top reads for you this summer. 

A month in the Country – J.L Carr

Set in remote Yorkshire during a hazy summer of 1920. This is  short uplifting romantic tale of love, loss and restoration.

The Girl in the Polka Dot Dress – Beryl Bainbridge            

A story of a girl from London and an American with a hidden agenda. They meet and embark on a road trip through Kennedy-era America in search of a medical guru. 

Constance:The Tragic and Scandalous Life of Mrs Oscar Wilde – Franny Moyle

If you fancy a bit of scandal, this is a shocker and in parts sometimes very sad. It covers the suffering, disloyalties and love between Oscar and his long suffering wife. She was no angel herself, but was admiringly involved in women’s rights and ideals.

Me Before You – Jojo Moyles

More than just an emotional soppy love story for the beach! This story that will make you laugh out loud and cry. A totally distracting tale of courage and making difficult decisions in life. I couldn't put it down.

We need to Talk about Kevin – Lionel Shriver

A book that stays in your mind for a while after you've read it. A slow starter, but then takes your breath away with its shocking and sometimes disturbing twists. It questions motherhood and the responsibility as a parent. Kevin’ s horrific rampage is just the tip of the iceburg!

We would love to hear all about your favourite reads and authors, any recommendations welcome too!

Enjoy Emma X

Mod Mob: Weekend packing and green fingers

Have a fun filled weekend everyone, tune in next week for more from Mod Mob!

Brenda is busy with the exciting big move and the start of their next chapter in Boston. I’ll be spending this weekend with the Mr Dyson in his hometown of Grimsby and shopping for our new Garden!

Oh how we have come of age. Gone are the days of footloose and fancy free, curry chips and dancing at the disco.

...We wouldn’t want it any other way!

Emma and Brenda X

Mod Mob: Mod about Town

Watering holes are two a penny here in London.

So I’ve decided to narrow it down... tough job but someone has to do it!

Here are this week’s pick. Tried and tested or reviewed by friends.

First up...

The Lucky Pig London W1W 6BB

Featuring: Regular acoustic and jazz evenings.

Vintage interior including a plush chesterfield sofa, chandeliers and chaise longs.

Cocktails...well take a look!

Gordon's Wine Bar  London WC2N 6NE

Featuring: Old world charm and standing proud since 1890!

Award winning wine list, selling sherries and ports from the barrel. Homemade pies and cheeses.

Down to the cellar where you will find your rickety candlelit table!  

We would love to hear about your city or towns hidden gems!

Have a lovely weekend everyone

Wow another weekend has rolled around and boy am I glad it's Friday. I have been single-parenting this week because my husband is travelling for work . I am starting to un-wind a little knowing that he is coming home tomorrow but am so tired that I think this weekend will be a quiet one.

So just a few short and sweet links to send you on your way,

This hilarious tumblr had me laughing out loud .....

angry boobs ...........

a gorgeous no bake chocolate cake .......

beautiful wedding hairstyles .....

how this nike advert filmaker made it count....



I hope you had a great week and have a truely lovely weekend,

Brenda x

Mod Style :Black French Manicure- yea or nay?

Via Pshiiit

I have never been one for taking care of my nails. I rarely, if ever paint them. I do however like to paint my toe-nails black. If anything it covers their freakiness and the black is just easy. It pretty much goes with anything. I must say though I came across this black French manicure late last night via a French blog called Phiiiist.com and I think I might just have to try it.

It's all in french but if nail polish is your thing you must visit Phiiist here on their blog or here on their Facebook page. Their motto is 'nail polish is life'.....and there are lots of pictures.

Brenda x

Mod Love: Top 5 dream wedding venues

I’ve been doing a bit of research on this topic as a girl needs to be somewhat prepared!

(photo credit: bendthelight.com)

Well we can all dream ladies...here are my top "dream" places to say I DO.

Once we won on the Euro millions and of course you would ALL be invited.

(Royal Opera House)

From a mere £12,000 plus extras you can hire out the Royal Opera House. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in London. Pavarotti has even sang here!

How about a winter wonderland wedding here in Sweden at the amazing Ice Hotel. Exchange your vows at the hotels very own ice chapel, whilst your guests sit in snow suits and boots. You may need to re-think your wedding dress!

Somewhere a little warmer? Think Arabian nights and the twinkling lights in the city of Marrakesh.  Say "I Do" in your very own luxury Riad or a rooftop terrace.There are so many stunning palatial hotels over looking the city to choose from. Even a beach blessing?

Oooh la la, for the bathroom alone I would get married here in a heartbeat!

Chateau De Challagne. Designed with elegance and charm, this is the fairy tale castle venue at it's absolute best. Situated in a sleepy village surrounded by countryside and only an hour and a half from Paris.

Finally, my all time perfect setting for a country-couple at heart. Simple, organic, stylish and...FUN! Bring your wellies and your favourite woolly blanket for a Cornish Tipi Wedding! A magical woodland setting with plenty of photo opportunities you can cherish forever.

(pictures courtesy of: cornishtipiweddings.co.uk)

Emma x

Mod Mum : Bully

The documentary 'Bully' is to be released this weekend in the states with a PG 13 rating after an initial controversial R rating has been removed. For those of you who haven't heard about this movie, I have shared the official description and the release trailer below. These are not actors. The scenes are disturbingly real and the documentary maker stood and watched this terrible story unfold before his eyes, even when the camera was in full -view.

Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of Americas bullying crisis. The Bully Project follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. As teachers, administrators, kids and parents struggle to find answers, The Bully Project examines the dire consequences of bullying through the testimony of strong and courageous youth. Through the power of their stories, the film aims to be a catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole.

A storm of controversy has followed this movie that has been hard to miss here. It's been talked about a lot. It contains violent scenes and strong language. Initially it received an R rating which, due to public outcry has been changed to PG 13.

I for one will be taking both my boys aged 8 and 12 to see it. I feel it is vital that they learn that there are serious consequences for ill-thought actions in the playground or classroom.

There is an ongoing debate about whether it should be shown in schools .

What do you think ? Would you take your kids to see it ? Would you be comfortable with them seeing it at school ?

Mod Mob: Good Friday...Great Easter

Easter is coming...take a look at these fab cards and handmade mugs from Marble Ink 

How about a beautiful country storage box for your eggs! Mine is on order...

(notonthehighstreet.com)

Something for the kids...

(say it with sam -notonthehighstreet.com)

An Easter keepsake for someone special by Laura Long

(notonthehighstreet.com)

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all have a chocolate filled weekend x

Mod Mob: The Truth About Lingerie

Is it just me or do you instantly feel better and your mood lifted when you put on a nice new matching set of underwear? 

I've often wondered, is it important to always match?

When I was single I’m pretty sure I remember feeling a little liberated when I donned my cerise pink bra with my navy and white polka dot thongs! I still do sometimes...sorry Mr Dyson.

What about the men? Do we prefer those tight Calvin’s as opposed to the brightly coloured boxers?

I've been inspired by the new Marks and Spencer Autograph and spring collection.

Finally you don’t have to spend a fortune to look sexy in silk. Take a look at these...

Check out this link for your very own lingerie fit and online style guide.

Leave this page casually open on...a buying guide for the men! 

Out with the old and in with the new... prices range from just £15 and you can order online!