Hen Do’s and Don’ts: Advice for the Hen Do Organiser!

If you’ve been put in charge of organising a hen do – whether it’s for your best mate or a family member – it’s your responsibility to make it as memorable as possible. You’re not going to get tears of joy from something that has been put together in a matter of hours, so it’s up to you to plan the time that you have wisely to ensure that what the bride-to-be gets is nothing short of a hen do dream come true.

This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune, because you don’t. Hen parties on a budget are just as unforgettable as those that aren’t; it’s all down to what you do with the time that you have! Here are some of the hen do’s and don’ts that you should consider during the planning process, so that you can ensure everything will run smoothly, without a hitch.

DO speak to the bride about her wishes and desires. Remember that it’s not your hen do, it’s hers, so make sure that what you plan reflects her personality. Is she the sort of person who would thrive in a pair of hen do head boppers and a bright pink sash? Or would she prefer to have a more sober evening, enjoying a nice meal with friends?

DON’T listen to her completely, though. Even if she says she doesn’t want any fuss, chances are she’d like a little bit of fuss, she just doesn’t want to say that. Bear in mind her desires and, if she’s completely anti something, then obviously don’t include it. That being said, hen do’s are all about the FUN, aren’t they?

DO give guests a dress code. This is particularly important if you’re hoping to incorporate a theme into the evening. Let all of the guests know (including the bride), in advance, what the dress code is so that they can plan their outfit. Is it fancy dress? Or can the guests shop for occasion dresses from George at ASDA to be as girly and feminine as possible? 

DO consider who will be coming to the hen do. If she wants her mum and her gran to be there, perhaps a stripper or a naked butler wouldn’t be the best way to go. That is, of course, unless they aren’t prude in the slightest and would grab the opportunity with both hands…

DON’T stretch the budget if you can help it. The bride will want her guests to be able to attend, and if that means cutting the budget because everyone will be able to come if it’s that little bit cheaper, then do it. Book things in advance and ask guests for their contributions as and when you need it. That way, you won’t be out of pocket and nobody will have to worry about funding things on the day.

DO remember the personal touches. The little additions to the hen party, or weekend, that will let the bride know just how much you care will make her hen do special. Perhaps you could ask the guests to write a little note to her, in a guest book, that she can look back on in years to come?

Give yourself plenty of time to organise everything and be sure not to wing it – the more planning and organisation you do, the smoother the hen do will run!

*Guestpost

How to Rock Swimwear this Summer

Whatever your shape or size there's guaranteed to a swimsuit or bikini to suit you. It's funny how, the minute the sun comes out, we all dread getting into our swimwear that summer - we hit the gym, jump on the wii fit, go out for more runs and try to eat healthier, just to look that little bit better on the beach and by the pool. There are certain tricks you can use however that will help transform your body, highlight your best bits and hide the ones you aren't so keen on, without upping the fitness routine. So how do you do that with swimwear? Read on and take a look:

Boyish and Slim Figures

If you want to create curves, go for a padded bikini top. You can also add the illusion of being slightly wider than you are by wearing horizontal stripes. You'll also find that you can wear pretty much any type of swimwear thanks to your fantastic figure, be it a string bikini or a cut out swimming costume. You may find it hard to believe but a cut out swimming costume can actually create curves thanks to the way in which it's cut, so don't shy away from them.

Big Bust

If you have a large bust, you need a costume that offers plenty of support. Whether that's in an underwired bikini, or a costume or tankini with built in support, is up to you, but you need to have your assets under control so to speak. Halternecks are great for this, but you can get away with wearing any style of neck if the support is right. If you want to create the illusion of smaller breasts, wear a lighter colour on your bottom half and a darker colour on top.

Large Stomachs

Many women are conscious of their tummies, particularly after having children, but the key is to disguise it. Buy a swimsuit with added support in the stomach area to help cinch you in where you need it, and consider one with ruching around the tummy or prints, both of which will help to disguise what's going on under your swimming cossie. George at ASDA's swimwear offers some great choices to help ladies who'd prefer to keep their tummy underwraps, including the Bodysculpt Mixed Animal Print Swimsuit and the Spot Ruche Swimsuit. Both of which are just what ladies with insecurities about their tummies need to feel confident on the beach this summer.

Pear Shaped

If you're bigger on the hips than you are on your bust, try a costume that is darker on the bottom than on the top. This will give the perception that you are in fact smaller on your bottom half than you are. You might also find that a chevron style print will work equally as well when worn all over the costume.

If all else fails of course there are some amazing cover ups that are just perfect for the beach and around the pool available to buy from George at ASDA and on the high street, so, no matter what, you'll end up feeling confident in your swimwear this year.


**Sp

Top UK Music Festivals 2014

The UK comes alive though the summer with some amazing music festivals. There are the biggies like Glastonbury, along with the less well known ones, offering music to suit all tastes. So grab your tent, pack your maxi dresses and head off to one of the great festivals around the UK this year. Why not take a look at what's on to find your favourite:

V Festival

Held at two locations in the UK, Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire, over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August 2014, this is a massive concert featuring huge names and a great atmosphere. Expect to see Justin Timberlake, The Killers, Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Example, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers, Blondie, Rizzle Kicks and so many more. It's a real mix of music genres with old favourites and great new bands and singers sharing the stage. A brilliant weekend full of music and dancing.

Accommodation wise, there are so many options. From yurts to beautiful old gypsy caravans, stunning American style Airstreem caravans and wooden huts, to exotic Bedouin tents and Luxury Emperor Suite tents, to colourful village style accommodation, you'll find the perfect accommodation choice for you.

Wireless Festival

Another festival held in two locations over two dates, the Wireless Festival is now in its eleventh year and still going strong. Featuring the best pop, rock and dance acts combined with a great festival atmosphere. You'll find a festival village here featuring a huge beer garden, food stalls and chill out zones. You can't camp here but as the festivals are held in London and Birmingham, you'll have no problem getting in and out of town thanks to the readily available transport and hotels.

The line-up this year features acts like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Drake, Rudimental, Knife Party, Bruno Mars, Outkast, Salt n Pepa and Ellie Goulding. You'll find it In Finsbuy Park in London and Perry Park in Birmingham on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July 2014.

Racing Rocks

Rockington Motor Speedway will play host to Racing Rocks on the 17th and 18th of May this year. It’s an eclectic music mix, including folk, country, rock and cover bands, combined with a beer festival, where you'll find 40 hand crafted beers and ciders. There’s also a food fayre including cookery demonstrations as well as street vendors and artisan foods and, of course, plenty of motorsport action. It's a two day extravaganza that's great for rock and racing fans.

With lots of hotels and B&B's in the surrounding area and even a free prebookable campsite, there are plenty of opportunities to stay and enjoy the whole weekend of the festival.

Festivals are of course a great excuse to buy some of the great maxi dresses at George and rock that festival style. Also popular this year are dungarees, bright patterns, teeny shorts, comfy sandals, Aztec ponchos, pretty playsuits, flowery cover ups, big sunglasses, pinafore style dresses - and don't forget to pack your wellies too. Get ready to rock, dance and party in style!

**Guest Post

The Dos and Don’ts of Leggings

Leggings were a big deal in the 80s, then the 90s, and again in the 00s. It is now 2014 and it seems this particular item is going nowhere. There have been some interesting incarnations of the legging, some more appealing than others, but however you wear them, you have to admit that, when done right, they look great as well as being comfortable. Despite the fact that leggings have been around for a good few decades, there are still those that commit big fashion crimes when wearing them, so here are the basic dos and don'ts of wearing leggings: 

As tights

It is perfectly acceptable to wear leggings as a substitute for tights, they are much cosier in the winter, and less see through if you’re rocking a short skirt. If you choose to do this however, make sure you are wearing boots or other foot covering footwear, as being cut off at the ankle does nothing for the legs, even on the loftiest of supermodels. If you are wearing your leggings in the place of tights, you should shop around and try and find a pair with invisible seams so they really look like thick tights even up close. For really cold days why not invest in a pair of thermal leggings complete with fluffy inners to keep your pins extra toasty?

As trousers

The nation is split as to whether leggings should be worn as trousers with most believing that if you are going to do this you need to wear a long top that covers at least the top half of your bum. An absolute must if you are going for leggings in the place of trousers however, is that you buy a quality pair that are big enough. The least attractive thing in the world is a pair of leggings that have worn through or are being stretched too much over a derriere so that your whole bottom can be seen through the fabric. Have a look at George at ASDA's range of leggings for some good quality thick pairs.

For the gym

Leggings are great gym-wear as they are stretchy, absorbent, comfortable and available in different lengths. Originally most popular with aerobics goers, they are not used by weight lifters and runners as the training attire of choice. Team your leggings with an oversized t-shirt for a practical yet stylish workout outfit that won’t let you down at that critical moment. Leggings are especially good for those who are new to exercise and don’t want to fork out on expensive gear until they have decided whether it’s really for them. As you progress you can look into purchasing special sports leggings or yoga pants. 

Leggings are one of the most versatile items of clothing you could own, easily transitioning from day to night depending on how you wear them. What other item of clothing could both be worn to the gym for a workout, or with a tunic dress of an evening for cocktails? Leggings are 100% here to stay, so now’s a great time to invest.

Do you wear leggings?

**This is a sponsored post

Winter Clothing Essentials for Men and Women

There’s definitely a chill in the air at the moment, isn’t there? And with the cold front set to stay for the next few months at least, it’s time to rummage through your wardrobe and check that you have everything you’re going to need to keep yourself warm and toasty throughout the cold spell. If you need to top up your winter clothing, now is the time to do it so that you can be sure that you’ll be snug through Christmas and beyond.

For the Girls

You’re bound to need some knitwear. Whether it’s a couple of chunky cardigans or a lovely thick jumper that you can snuggle up in when it’s nippy, you can find some superb knitwear from George at ASDA that will leave you toasty without breaking the bank.

Make sure you have a good pair of winter boots, too. While it’s tempting to pick up a cheaper pair, it may be worth investing in some that will last. Boots with a good grip will ensure that even in ice and snow, you won’t come a cropper, while fur-lined boots can help to keep the little piggies warm. Invest in a good quality pair that will suit all outfits (think blacks, greys or browns) and you won’t have to replace them next year!

Some of my recent purchases

Warm and woolly accessories will help to keep extremities toasty – a nice chunky hat, gloves and scarf or snood will help to keep the chilly bite at bay. Ear muffs are also super cute and handy to have! A thick winter coat is also an essential piece of clothing that everyone should invest in – don’t worry about replacing this every year, a good coat can last for ages!

For the Guys

A decent selection of jumpers and hoodies would be perfect – ones that you can throw on over a t-shirt underneath your winter jacket as an extra layer. Christmas prints are all the rage at the moment, with festive jumpers making their way into plenty of wardrobes already.

Fancy jumping on the bandwagon? Onesies aren’t just for the ladies, you know! Take a look at some of the superb onesies available at ASDA for the guys too – you’ll be amazed at how snug and warm they are; perfect for a Sunday on the sofa.

Similarly to the girls, hats, gloves and scarves are essential if you’re planning on going outside (which, inevitably, you’ll have to!) – simple colours would do the trick because they go with anything. A decent coat would also be ideal – if you’d prefer to have one coat that’s multipurpose, take a look at the ones found at in ski shops and outdoor pursuit stores. Many of these have zip up fleeces on the inside that can be used separately, while the waterproof outer would be perfect on a dull, rainy day.

My scarves and gloves and from Asda

Wrap up warm and keep the cold at bay with a capsule winter wardrobe to be proud of – you don’t have to spend a fortune to update your clothing essentials, either!

Do you ever buy anything from Asda?  

Do you like the selection of clothes from George?