If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have seen that last weekend was a really special weekend for us as a family. We were away for four days to Porto in Portugal for my brother-in-law’s wedding, and I’m so happy that I’ve got a new ‘official’ sister-in-law!
It really was a beautiful day, and fun to see how the Portuguese throw a wedding – they know how to party!

As we weren’t sure of what the weather would be like in the beginning of May, we didn’t want to take the kids out of school for too many days unnecessarily, which is why is was quite a flying trip. But it meant that all of the extended family would be over at the same time, and my husband’s parents, brothers, and their partners, all joined us at an amazing Airbnb rental that we found.
It had five bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, and it slept 12-13, so it was perfect for what we needed. Not only that, there was a pretty good sized pool, a tennis court (that could be used as a basketball court as well), with table tennis, a BBQ area, lemon trees, and just lots of place to spread out and explore. It was a great find, and one that you wouldn’t expect. It is just off a main road, and you wouldn’t imagine behind the big green gates and driveway that there is this huge place. You couldn’t hear any of the cars either, such a hidden gem.
We had two days in the run up to the wedding, so we were all about chilling out and trying to get a little bit of a tan before the big day. In reality, I had several people tell me on the day how red and sunburnt I was, so that was great. Ha! But it was great to just chill out by the pool, get my summer dresses on, mooch around the area, and have a quick trip into Porto itself.
It was also a great excuse to try my new swimsuit out, that was sent from UK Swimwear. I was all over a bit of miracle shaping swimwear that claims to help you look like you’ve lost 10lbs in ten seconds. Sadly the loss doesn’t go from my arms, but I really felt like it helped to smooth my lumpy tummy, and suck it all in. I am in love with the stye and pattern too. Normally stripes aren’t meant to be a good look, but how it is criss-crossed makes it look layered, and way more flattering that a plain swimsuit would be.
^Miraclesuit Escape Mayan Stripe Swimsuit – £154.95
The swimsuit is definitely more than I would normally spend. But then again, I haven’t had a shape wear swimsuit before, and I can really tell the difference when wearing it – the quality is fabulous and I can really tell the difference when wearing it. So if you’ve got that kind of budget, then a luxury swimsuit like this would fit the bill.
I think my favourite feature, other than the slimming factor was the padded chest area. It had wiring and padding, so it really felt supportive, and actually quite flattering. Wearing swimwear can be tough for me after having children, and my health conditions that have lead to piling on the pounds. So to have that extra support, to not make me feel self-conscious in that area either, is a massive plus.
I can’t wait to wear it again when we’re away at the end of the month.
Have you got holidays planned over summer? What is your go-to for swimwear? I’m all about a one-piece! It would be great to hear what you think.
*Thank you to UK Swimwear for my swimwear. All opinions are my own.
I haven’t been to Porto yet, but when I decide to go there this will be my accommodation for sure! Seems like a very cozy, lovely and perfect place for relaxing, Rebecca. Attending a Portuguese wedding party must have been lots of fun!
It looks amazing doesn’t it?!
Lovely photos and really good post 🙂 I have no solid plans for the summer but my partner and I are hoping to visit France and Scotland if we can get the time off work. I’m always wary about wearing a swimming costume but I’m usually more comfortable in a one-piece. But I wish I had the confidence to wear a bikini.
One-pieces are certainly more practical anyway and always look classy!
I’m all about flattering swimwear. Looks amazing.
Your Air BnB looks beautiful, I’m super jealous.
Katie xoxo
That’s so good that you had enough sunshine to make use of the pool while you were away. The air B and B looks amazing and perfect for a big family x
Oh wow what a gorgeous Airbnb and what a fantastic place to attend a wedding – that weather, glorious. Loving the swimwear, so chic and stylish – perfect for a sunny holiday break
Laura x
What a fabulous holiday it must have been and wow, that swimsuit, totally loving it. You look fab in it.
Oh my, that swimwear looks amazing! I’d totally invest in the shaping ones as the others make me look super flumpy! Looks like a lovely place to stay too! X
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That place looks amazing I’d love to visit! Some friends are there now and I’m so jealous x
What a fab location – the swimsuit with that cross cross design looks very flattering!