GUEST EDIT: Workwear with Fiona

When we think of work fashion and outfits suitable for the office, we typically think of the faithful pencil skirt and fitted blazer. But sometimes we want to break free of that mould and wear something a little more comfortable. And other times we'd like to opt for a more office casual look.

Katies have a great selection of fashion pieces that work well for creating sophisticated and comfortable work looks. 

Choosing block colours like red, black and white help to create wardrobe staples that you can easily mix and match to create different outfits. These colours are also all strong and bold, to help you exude confidence and strength in the workplace.

For my first work look, I put together these Black Ruched Pants with a White, Macrame Panel Top to achieve a comfortable but sophisticated outfit. I added my own red blazer and accessorised with this gorgeous, Monochromed Bucket Bag. These pants are insanely comfy. They're like wearing PJ's to work.

My favourite piece: I love the detail on the macrame panel top. It's a simple top but the extra, lace detail changes it from basic, to pretty.

Keen to replicate a pyjama-level of comfort, I teamed these Wide Legged Pants with this simple, mixed media top for this second work look. I tucked-in the Top and added a Waterfall Linen Jacket. So easy to achieve and ticked all the work causal boxes! To add some extra dazzle to this outfit you could add a statement necklace. I like this Love K Multi Strand Necklace.

My favourite piece: I love the Waterfall Linen Jacket. It's great to tie an outfit together and is versatile. It can double as a work jacket and for regular daywear.

I'm a sucker for dresses, particularly for at work. They are so simple to wear. Anything that I can quickly throw on and confidently race out the door in is a winner in my books. The Black, Lace Yolk Dress that I wore for my third work look was no exception. It's detail is gorgeous! Plus, never certain of the weather at this time of year I had my Waterfall Linen Jacket at-the-ready. The beauty of black and white is that they ALWAYS compliment each other to create a classic, sophisticated look.

My favourite piece: I love this Black and White Bucket Bag. For a busy mum on-the-go it has plenty of room for my tablet, oversized wallet, make-up bag, dinosaurs and snacks AKA bribes. 

The brilliance of these three work looks is that they can all be mixed and matched together. But above all, these looks all combine super-comfy and flattering pieces. That's right, you can look good and feel good. Winning!

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GUEST EDIT: Affordable Family Activities with My Mummy Daze

I love enjoying weekend activities with my kids. Every Sunday we reserve the day exclusively for family fun. It's a day free of housework, commitments and most certainly irritating statements like 

"I'm BORED!"

We call it “Sunday Fun-day” and we look forward to it all week.

Typically we explore the amazing beaches, bike tracks and bushwalks that surround our region. The goal is always to have fun together and simply enjoy the great outdoors.

We're all about making memories with our kids and enjoying them while they still actually like us!

[Here’s some photos of a late afternoon scooting adventure we enjoyed on our bike track. Watching the sun set behind the escarpment and seeing the ocean change into a silky black was beautiful.]

Family activities together don't need to break the bank.

Here’s six family activities you can introduce to your kids that don’t cost the earth, and will get you all enjoying some laughs and making memories together.

Walk, scoot or ride along your local bike track. 

Exercising together is fun, healthy and let's you breathe-in some fresh air. Better yet; it’s completely free. If your kids aren’t keen to get moving, the promise of a playground at the end of the ride is always a worthwhile reward. Enjoying the sunshine as you ride is wonderful, and it’s great to see your kids’ faces glow as you share a fun activity together.

Explore the beach foreshore

Australia is surrounded by amazing beaches and our coastline has impressive landmarks and features to explore. A simple wander along the tideline at low tide can become a treasure hunt as your kids find shells, seaweed, and other lost treasures washed-up from the sea. A lot of our beaches also have stunning rock platforms with rock-pools hiding sea creatures just waiting to be admired by young eyes. Searching for sea urchins, anemones, starfish and periwinkles brings squeals of delight. Just watch out for octopus and stingers!

Picnic lunch in a local national park

Pack some drink bottles, sandwiches, snacks and a picnic blanket and visit the National Parks & Wildlife Service website to find your nearest national park. There’s loads to choose from and can be easily accessed by car. A quiet afternoon picnicking under a gum tree or next to a bubbling creek is a wonderful experience that kids love. They might even spot a wombat or a wallaby.

Adventure along a local bush track 

The Aussie bush is a beautiful, serene place to breathe-in the Eucalypts and enjoy peace and quiet. Have a look online at the recommended, family-friendly bushwalks in your area. Some beautiful bush tracks are not too far from the city and can take you to breath-taking lookouts, waterfalls, pristine creeks and waterholes. There’s some amazing national parks just waiting to be explored.

Fishing 

Taking a simple hand reel or amateur fishing rod to a nearby lake or beach can be lots of fun. The reward of your children catching their first fish is worth the wait. The memories they will treasure will last a lifetime too. Just think of the BBQs you can enjoy with your fresh, hand-caught fish.

Drive to an ice cream shop. 

Let’s face it. Sometimes you just don’t feel like being active. But you can still enjoy family time together with a good, old-fashioned Sunday drive. Cruising down a tourist route with the promise of an ice cream for everyone is sure to get everyone smiling. \ Turn the radio off and say no to any screentime to just enjoy connecting with each other as you travel. Playing old-school car games like Eye Spy and Word Association can be silly, but fun. Or play “High-Low” and take turns sharing your week’s high and low moments.

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This week, we meet Fiona...

Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

I'm in my (very) late 20's and live in Wollongong, NSW. My life is all about juggling being a Mummy to my two little cherubs whilst striving to reach my career dreams. It's a crazy-busy life but, hey, at least I can do it in style.

Are you a full time blogger for My Mummy Daze? How did you get into blogging?

I've been blogging at My Mummy Daze since 2011. I created my blog as a space to vent my frustrations and share my joys in motherhood. My Mummy Daze has grown into a wonderful community of like-minded women all trying to journey through motherhood the best way they know how.

Where do you get ideas for your posts?

My chaotic day-to-day life as a working mum provides me with endless blogging fodder to share online. I'm also a social media addict which inspires a lot of my blog writing. You can find me trawling Pinterest for home, recipe, beauty and fashion inspiration. Or you'll see my regular posts and comments on Instagram. 

Describe your personal style and its influences/inspiration?

My personal style evolves with the seasons, but I always remain true to my personality. I'm all about pretty and practical with pops of colour and glamour. I LOVE wearing sunny yellows and pretty pinks to keep me feeling cheery, but I also love wearing chic textures and crisp blacks for instant glam.

What is the first thing you look at in another person's outfit?

I love to feel pretty but with two small children to chase after at the playground I need to be practical too - especially when it comes to SHOES! I'm always checking-out the choices of footwear that other Mums at the park and supermarket wear.

What is a fashion rule you never break?

My Mum has always had some strict do's and don'ts for fashion. Some rules I have broken - like to never mix prints and patterns. But one rule I'll never be breaking is her stance on wearing socks with thongs. Don't worry, Mum; it's NEVER going to happen!

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