Summer Soles* | Just Add Ginger

If you know me, then you instantly recognise that ankle boots have pretty much become my shoe trademark over the past year. As I got a little older, and consecutive nights out at the student union faded into the distance, I began to realise that the five inch heels I used to totter around in would have to go in to retirement, and instead, it was time to opt for a more "sensible" yet chic shoe option.

As a lady with self-confessed "massive trotters", comfort is always key when it comes to footwear. So many times I have been drawn to a shoe because of the way it looks, but, as soon as I've taken them home, I've come to realise that it is just too narrow for my poor tootsies, and that I would just never build up the resistance to be able to take them out.

Bodycon Dress // Primark // Cardigan // Primark // Handbag // ASOS (old) // Hat // H&M (old) // Ankle Boots // Sole Diva*

So when JD Williams got in touch and asked if I wanted to try out a pair of boots over the summer, I instantly jumped at the chance. It doesn't matter what time of year it is....I love me some ankle boots, and I really do believe that having a classic pair in your collection will instantly shake up your style and ensure that you always look put together, even on your off-duty days.

For the sunnier season (if we really indeed have those in England) I like to keep my style simple and elegant, and use ankle boots as an accessory to accent colours used in the rest of my outfit. This summer, I have practically been living in dresses or black skinny jeans. And this is where this pair of Sole Diva boots have played their part so well. In a classic black, with mid block heel, contrast sole and back panel featuring playful texture, they've really added extra depth to my clothing choices. Perfect for day or nighttime wear, I've practically lived in these over the past few months.

For the day, I keep hemlines mini or just below the knee. A fan of both body-con and A-line silhouettes, the cut of my dresses has showed off a bit of skin without going too OTT for my personal comfort levels. Some may think that a pair of ankle boots worn with a shorter skirt may cut you off at the wrong place in the leg, but I really like the slightly edgier feel. And the soft fabric choice really helps soften the overall effect.

But its never just about appearance is it? Comfort is ultimately key, and one of the reasons I've waited so long to upload this post is because I've wanted to make sure I fully tested the comfort factor of these boots to the max. After a full few months taking them for a spin, it's pretty evident that these are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. It's a big claim, but from the super-cushiony sole to the height of the heel, you can put these boots on first thing in the morning and still feel just as supported by the evening. They have been a joy to wear, and my love for them is pretty evident in that the lining inside one of the boots has already worn away!

I never really ventured on to the JD Williams website before these boots, but now I definitely would see them as a serious contender for filling my winter shoe wardrobe. With a range of brands, sizes and widths that cater for us ladies with the less narrow foot, their selection has something for everyone.

Click here to take a peek at the selection yourself. Which ones are catching your eye?

* I was very kindly sent these boots by JD Williams for review on JAG. This is no way affects my opinions. They are always 100% honest and informed by my personal experiences.

20 Things I've Learnt In My 20s | Just Add Ginger

In just under five months I will be turning the big 3-0 (shh, don't tell anyone). And even though I am generally terrified at the prospect of being in my 20s, and the increasing pressure to be more grown up, I wanted to impart some wisdom about life lessons I've learnt over the past decade (nearly). 

1. It's important to take time out for you. 

2. Not every friendship lasts. And that's okay...

3. ...But it's still important to nurture the strong ones.

4. Heartbreaks happen, and they SUCK.

5. You think you are quite grown up, but really, you are still learning. 

6. You'll learn that Pot Noodle isn't the most nutritious meal. 

7. Your sense of style will change and evolve more than once. 

8. You really won't give a shit if the popular girls don't like you. 

9. You'll realise it's okay to open up. 

10. You still may not have a clue what you want to be when you grow up. 

11. There will be times you laugh so much you nearly wet yourself. 

12. Stress just isn't worth it. 

13. Adventures are important. 

14. You'll come to full embrace your quirks. 

15. It's okay to still ask for help. 

16. There are more drinks out there than Lambrini. 

17. You'll welcome a Saturday night in with open arms. 

18. You won't realise how quickly time flies. 

19. A face wipe is still sometimes a highly tempting makeup removing solution. 

20. You'll have no shame in having an early night. 

What life lessons has being in your twenties taught you?

Do We Put Pressure On Ourselves As Bloggers? | Just Add Ginger

Over the past few weeks, I actively chose to take a break from blogging and YouTube. There were so many things going on in other areas of my life that I just needed to focus on myself for a little bit and everything that I needed to do. In my head, I was ready for the break. I needed the space to digest all the things that were going on. Trying to fit everything in just seemed practically impossible, and physically, I just wouldn't have had the time I needed to make space for blogging. 

But I don't think I realised how guilty I would feel. I felt like I had abandoned my blog, and left it behind as I carried on my merry way. I felt like a fraud. I felt like a failure. 

But should I really have felt that way? I think for all of us (correct me if I'm wrong) there is some sense of obligation. I know for me, if I've been on a roll for a while in terms of the number of posts I upload, and then this number decreases, I am overcome with a sense of guilt. If I upload an Instagram picture that just doesn't quite fit in with my theme, it is instantly taken down. 

But why? 

Why does it really matter? Will people really mind? And why should I even care? Surely being a blogger is about sharing things we love, that we are passionate about. But that shouldn't get in the way of life. Especially if we do not do it full-time. Maybe if I was a full-time blogger type, this sense of pressure would be justified. But I'm not. So what am I trying to prove? 

It can be so easy to get caught up in the explosion that has been the blogosphere over the past few years. To place yourself up against those who are more popular/more successful/more "out there", when really, who we are as bloggers should stem from who we are as people. Rich posts that are well-constructed and true to our own style is what should be important. Not conforming to archetypes, in any sense of the word. If we are proud of the content we put out there, I think it shows, and if we publish a post just for the sake of hitting a self-imposed 'three posts a week' rule, well, I think that's pretty obvious too! 

It's time to go back to why we all started blogging in the first place. In the grand scheme of things, taking a break doesn't matter. Not being present at every single Twitter chat doesn't matter. Upping the saturation and applying all the filters on an Instagram post doesn't matter. What does matter is that our passion, our love, and our spirit is still there. Because, when it comes down to it, for it is that which sets us apart.

Do you feel under pressure as a blogger?

The Hidden Words | Just Add Ginger

I don't often tend to share this side of me on my blog too much. It's not that I'm ashamed, or bashful, but there is an innate fear within me that by bearing my soul, the world will judge me. 

From early on, I knew that words were going to play a big part in who I was going to be. Forever writing stories, in the playground my friends begged to be a part of them, and I, only too happy to indulge their pleas. To them, I was a writer.

As I got older, I've become more protective over my stories. They are my babies - I have poured so much love into them that I am terrified of anybody criticising them. But stories are written to be shared. To be read. To be spoken. It's time to be brave, to open up!

So....*deep breath*.... here we go ....

-----------------------------------------------------

“Please, Bethany, gerr’off him!”

            “Why should I, Bogey Face?”

            “You’re hurting him.”

            Amy jumped up from her bed, trying to reach the captive teddy bear that was dangling from Bethany’s arm. She missed. Bethany ran out to the landing and began to swing the bear round and round her head like a helicopter blade.

            “If only you’d listened to me, Bogey Face.”

            “But I told you, I wasn’t anywhere near the living room. I couldn’t see what you were doing in there. I was up here.”

            “You were spying on me!”

            “I wasn’t!”

            Bethany swung the bear faster and faster. Amy could just make out his terrified face as it whizzed in front of her. Mr Tubbs was the only piece of Dad that she had left. The poor teddy was tattered and frail. Mum had suggested that Amy send him to a charity shop, but she couldn’t bear to see him go. He still smelt like Dad. 

            “Bethany, please. You’re really hurting him,” Amy pleaded.

            “Aw,” Bethany sniggered. “Poor Mr Tubby-wubs.”

            Amy started to cry. All she wanted was Mr Tubbs back, but she knew that Bethany would not give in easily. She could see the corner of Mr Tubbs’ ear that was coming unstitched, straining under the swinging.

            Bethany laughed again.

            “Bogey Face, Bogey Face. Your dad is dead, so shut your face.”

            That was the last straw. Amy lunged for the captive teddy bear. Bethany squealed in delight. Ever since Bethany and her dad had moved in, Bethany had tormented Amy as much as possible. 

            Amy caught one of Mr Tubbs’ feet. It wasn’t a firm grip, and she could feel Bethany trying to pull him up again, ready for another spin. Amy started to tug on the bear’s foot harder, but she could see that the ear by which Bethany had hold of him was starting to loosen. She had no choice.

            She had to let go.

                Amy didn’t realise that Bethany was going to release her grip at the same time. Before Amy knew, Mr Tubbs was up in the air. Well, at least his body was. Amy swore she saw Mr Tubbs wink at her as he tumbled over the banister and disappeared from sight.

Mr Tubbs’ ear lay on the carpet next to Bethany’s foot, torn, and stuffing-less. Bethany glanced down at the ear, and then Amy’s face, and then burst out laughing again.

“Poor Mr Tubby-wubs went for a ride. He fell downstairs and then he...”

“Don’t!” Amy screamed. “This is all your fault. It’ll never be the same now because of you.”

“Me?” Bethany screeched. “If you hadn’t lied about being downstairs, I wouldn’t have taken your stupid bear.”

Amy had had enough. She stormed past Bethany, knocking her to one side. She hurried down the stairs, following the trail of stuffing that had flown out of the bear. She found Mr Tubbs lying at the bottom of the stairs, face down on the carpet.

Amy could hear Bethany’s laughter coming from behind her. Amy wished sometimes that Bethany and her dad would just disappear. She hated them being here. All she wanted was things to go back to how they used to be. But they wouldn’t. She gathered up her bear and as much stuffing as she could and sat in the middle of the hallway. Bethany had threatened Mr Tubbs before, but she had never followed through. The damage done today could be irreparable.

“I’m so, so sorry,” Amy said as she cradled Mr Tubbs in her arms, squeezing him as tightly as she could. “Please don’t hate me.”

“Saddo,” Bethany taunted, coming down the stairs and cowering over Amy. “Least now you’ll know not to listen in on me again.”

Amy covered her face with her hands.

And cried.