Wannabe Princess

Plus Size Fashion and Lifestyle in South Yorkshire

Need an Extra Bedroom? Why a Garden Annexe Could Be the Perfect Solution

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As our families grow and our lives change, the walls of our homes can start to feel like they are closing in. Whether it’s an adult child struggling to get on the property ladder, an elderly relative who needs to be closer to home, or simply the need for a high-end guest suite, the “spare room” is often the most coveted—and rarest—resource in a modern household.

Read more: Need an Extra Bedroom? Why a Garden Annexe Could Be the Perfect Solution

Need an Extra Bedroom

FeatureWhy It Matters
Full IndependenceIncludes sleeping, living, and bathroom facilities for self-contained living.
Building RegsBuilt to the same rigorous standards as a new-build home for year-round use.
Shorter TimelinesRapid installation compared to the months required for brick-and-mortar builds.
Property ValueAdds significant habitable square footage, increasing the overall house value.
Future-ProofAdaptable for different family members as your needs evolve over the decades.

While many homeowners immediately think of loft conversions or traditional brick extensions, there is a more elegant, efficient, and often more cost-effective solution sitting right in your backyard: the Garden Annexe.

Need an Extra Bedroom

The Rise of Multi-Generational Living

We are living in an era where multi-generational living is no longer just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice. However, the biggest challenge to living together is maintaining a sense of independence. A garden annexe provides a physical and emotional “middle ground.” It allows a loved one to live just steps away for support and safety, while still providing them with their own front door, kitchen, and living space.  

Unlike a simple garden room, an annexe is designed specifically for long-term habitation. They are built to full building regulation standards, ensuring they are as warm, safe, and durable as a traditional house.  

Why Choose an Annexe Over an Extension?

  1. Speed and Convenience: A traditional extension can take six months or more of dusty, noisy construction. A garden annexe is often manufactured off-site and assembled in a matter of weeks, meaning your daily life remains largely undisturbed.  
  2. Privacy: Because an annexe is a standalone structure, it offers a level of privacy that an extra bedroom inside the house simply cannot match. This is particularly valuable for teenagers or elderly relatives who value their autonomy.
  3. Versatility: While it might start as a home for a relative, its purpose can shift over time. It can become a premium rental space, a luxury home office, or a dedicated studio for your hobbies.

Real-Life Inspiration

When considering such a project, it helps to see how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. Looking through garden annexe case studies can provide a clear picture of what is possible, from sleek contemporary designs to traditional timber-clad structures that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Creating an extra bedroom doesn’t have to mean compromising the integrity of your original home or enduring a year of construction. A garden annexe offers a high-spec, modern, and beautiful way to expand your living horizons. By utilising the unused space in your garden, you can provide a loved one with a home of their own, while keeping the family unit stronger and closer than ever.

Need an Extra Bedroom- FAQs

Is a garden annexe the same as a garden office?

Not quite. While a garden office is great for work, an annexe is built to Building Regulations Part L, which covers everything from ventilation and drainage to thermal performance and fire safety. This makes it legal and safe for someone to sleep in permanently.

Do I need planning permission for an annexe?

Yes. Because an annexe is intended for someone to live in, you will typically need to obtain planning permission or a Certificate of Lawful Development. A specialist provider will usually handle this process for you to ensure everything is above board.

Can I put a kitchen and bathroom in a garden annexe?

Absolutely! In fact, that is what defines an annexe. They are fully plumbed into your home’s existing water and sewage systems, and they have their own dedicated electrical consumer unit.

The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion (2011–2026): A 15-Year Retrospective

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Looking back through the Wannabe Princess archives is like opening a time capsule of a revolution. In 2011, the conversation around plus-size bodies was loud, reactionary, and often defensive. We weren’t just “shopping”—we were activists. Every denim dress, every viral print, and every award ceremony was a statement.

Read more: The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion (2011–2026): A 15-Year Retrospective

As I reflect on my journey from a “Savvy Plus Size Shopper” in 2013 to a veteran of the industry in 2026, it’s clear that while the clothes have changed, the heart of the message remains: we deserve to be seen.

Quick Look: The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion

If you only have a minute, here is how the plus-size industry transformed from a niche community into a global fashion powerhouse:

  • 2011–2014 (The Inclusion Fight): Brands like ASOS Curve and Lovedrobe proved that plus-size women wanted trends, not just “cover-ups.” We fought against “flattering” rules and reclaimed the Bodycon dress.
  • 2015–2017 (The Industry Boom): The era of the British Plus Size Awards and Scarlett & Jo. Fashion became a red-carpet event, and community-led brands like Topsy Curvy redefined what “fit” really meant.
  • 2018–2022 (Global Accessibility): The shift to massive e-commerce. Simply Be and Yours Clothing dominated the UK high street, while SHEIN Curve made fast-fashion trends accessible to everyone at a lightning-fast pace.
  • 2026 (The Empowerment Era): We have moved from seeking “permission” to wear clothes to demanding Dopamine Dressing—fashion that sparks joy, regardless of the size on the label.
Debz in a black floral yours clothing dress - The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion (2011–2026): A 15-Year Retrospective

2011–2014: The Era of “Savvy” Survival & Breaking Rules

In the early days, finding trend-led fashion above a size 18 was a literal treasure hunt. We had to be “Savvy Shoppers,” scouring the corners of the internet for brands that didn’t just offer “mumsy” tunics.

This was the era of the ASOS Curve Milestone. I remember the breakthrough moment of finding a denim dress that actually fitted—it wasn’t just a shapeless sack; it was cool-girl fashion. At the same time, brands like Lovedrobe were perfecting the art of the silhouette, proving that denim could have stretch and style without sacrificing the “premium” feel we had been denied for so long.

It was also a time of “Fashion Rebellion.” We ignored the critics who said “Fat Girls in Bodycon” was a mistake. We wore the fitted dresses, we wore the “Banana” prints, and we challenged the “Real Women Have Curves” narrative by proving that every woman is real, regardless of her shape.

2015 – The Year of Activism (#WeAreTheThey)

While brands were starting to listen, the mainstream media was still behind. In 2015, I launched the #WeAreTheThey campaign in response to comments made by TV presenter Jamelia on Loose Women, where she suggested that plus-size women should be made to feel “uncomfortable” while clothes shopping to encourage weight loss.

“Surely you have to agree that fat people are just that—people.”

  • The Campaign: I wrote “Dear Jamelia,” an open letter explaining that shaming women doesn’t make them thin—it just makes them unhappy. The hashtag #WeAreTheThey trended on Twitter as thousands of women shared their stories of being treated as “other” by society.
  • The Impact: This campaign proved that the plus-size community wasn’t just a “market”—we were a sisterhood with a voice. It highlighted the hypocrisy of celebrities supporting self-esteem campaigns while simultaneously calling for the shaming of fat bodies.
  • 2026 Reflection: This was a defining moment for Wannabe Princess. It moved the conversation from “What should I wear?” to “Why should I be shamed for existing?” It remains one of the proudest moments of my career.

2015–2017: The Industry Takes the Red Carpet

By the mid-2010s, we weren’t just bloggers; we were a movement. This was the “Golden Age” of community recognition.

  • The Awards Era: Attending the British Plus Size Awards and the “I Am Me” Awards with Topsy Curvy was a turning point. We weren’t just a niche online; we were a red-carpet-worthy industry.
  • The High Street Powerhouses: This was when Simply Be stepped up their game with “True Icons” campaigns, proving they could do high-fashion editorials as well as any straight-size brand. Meanwhile, Yours Clothing became the reliable backbone of the UK high street, offering accessible, trend-led pieces that actually reached our local town centers.
  • The Glamour Shift: Brands like Scarlett & Jo and Carolina Dress Room (with their famous “Lucky Dip” dresses) gave us permission to be vibrant, expensive-looking, and structural all year round.
Debz in purple yours clothing floral dress

2018–2022: The Rise of the Cosmic Girl & Global E-commerce

As we moved into the late 2010s, the “look” changed. We wanted more than just “flattering” florals; we wanted edge, glitter, and cosmic vibes.

  • ASOS Curve “Cosmic Girl”: I remember reviewing the “Cosmic” star-print dresses—it was a departure from the “safe” plus-size aesthetic. We were dressing for the party, the festival, and the “Nice” Christmas events with Very.
  • The SHEIN Curve Explosion: Then came the shift to global e-commerce. SHEIN Curve changed the price point of plus-size fashion forever. While it raised conversations about sustainability, it provided jumper dresses and trendy basics at a speed we had never seen before. It made “staying on trend” affordable for a much wider audience.
Debz in asos denim style dress

The 2026 Perspective: What Have We Learned?

The journey from ASOS denim in 2013 to SHEIN hauls in 2022 wasn’t just about clothes; it was about reclaiming the narrative. The Shift: We’ve moved away from binary labels. We no longer dress to “hide” or “flatter” (code for looking thin). In 2026, we dress for Dopamine. We’ve moved from seeking permission to taking up space. The brands that survived—like Yours Clothing and Simply Be—are the ones that realised we don’t want “special” clothes; we just want the clothes.

FAQ: The Evolution of Plus-Size Style

Is “Savvy Shopping” still necessary in 2026?

While options are more plentiful, being a “savvy” shopper now means looking for quality, sustainable fabrics, and brands like Yours Clothing that offer consistent fit across their range.

How did ASOS Curve change the industry?

They were the first to treat plus-size fashion as “Fashion” first and “Plus” second. Their “Cosmic” and denim collections proved there was a massive market for trend-led pieces.

What was the #WeAreTheThey campaign?

Launched by Wannabe Princess in 2015, #WeAreTheThey was a viral social media campaign that challenged the idea that plus-size people should be shamed in public spaces. It trended nationally and became a key moment in UK body-positive activism.

The Best Plus-Size Friendly Dining in Thorne: Canal Tavern Review

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Moving to a new area is always a whirlwind of boxes, change, and a fair bit of “navigational confusion,” but my favourite part of any move is the inevitable discovery of local gems. Since settling into the area, I’ve been on a mission to find spots that feel like home—places where the food is excellent, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the environment is truly inclusive. This week, that mission led us to the Canal Tavern in Thorne. It was one of those evenings where everything just clicked, from the nostalgic fashion choice I pulled from my wardrobe to the seamless service we received from the moment we walked through the door.

Read more: The Best Plus-Size Friendly Dining in Thorne: Canal Tavern Review

Canal Tavern Review

Debz Louise wearing a black ASOS skater dress outside the Canal Tavern in Thorne.

A 2026 Twist on a 2016 Style Classic

You would be forgiven for thinking this was another one of my 2016 throwback posts, but I can assure you this is most definitely the 2026 version of me! I decided to reach into the archives—or rather, my latest Vinted haul—for a classic ASOS skater dress. Back in the day, these dresses were the absolute “holy grail” for plus-size bloggers because the silhouette is so incredibly flattering. I’m currently finding so much joy in reclaiming these pieces through Vinted and friends’ wardrobe de-cluttering sessions. There is something so satisfying about sustainable fashion that connects your past style with your present self, and the skater dress remains the ultimate “princess” silhouette that makes me feel confident and comfortable for a night out.

Debz outside the canal tavern

Inclusive Dining: Seating Comfort and Accessibility

When you’re a plus-size diner, a restaurant review is never just about the seasoning on the chips; it’s about the logistics of the space. I often find myself doing a “pre-scan” of a restaurant’s photos online to check for fixed booths or narrow aisles that might make the evening feel cramped. I am so happy to report that the Canal Tavern is a breath of fresh air in this department. The seating is genuinely comfortable and spacious, allowing us to relax without that nagging feeling of being “squeezed” in. Whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch or a long family dinner, the physical environment feels inclusive and thoughtfully laid out, which immediately set the tone for a stress-free evening.

beefburger,onion rings and chips

A Menu That Truly Caters to Everyone

One of our party diners requires gluten-free options, and as anyone in that position knows, pub menus can be a bit of a minefield. However, the Canal Tavern boasts an incredibly extensive menu with an impressive range of gluten-free choices. It wasn’t just a token salad, either; there were substantive, delicious options that meant no one felt like an afterthought. I opted for the Chicken Hanging Kebab, which was as much a visual treat as it was a culinary one, while my partner went for a classic burger. Both dishes were cooked to perfection and arrived with the kind of friendly, attentive service (👌👌👌) that makes you want to become a regular immediately.

hanging chicken kebab

The Practicalities: Parking and Location

If you’re planning a visit, don’t let any worries about parking put you off. While there isn’t a massive dedicated car park, we found the street parking to be plentiful and very easy to navigate—we found a spot right outside without any hassle at all. The pub’s location by the canal also makes it a perfect destination if you fancy a scenic stroll before or after your meal. We had a truly lovely experience and left feeling full, happy, and excited to have found a new local favourite. If you’re looking for a delicious, accessible, and friendly spot in South Yorkshire, the Canal Tavern should definitely be on your list.

Canal Tavern Review – FAQs

  1. Is the Canal Tavern in Thorne plus-size friendly?

    Yes! The Canal Tavern offers spacious and comfortable seating options that are not restricted by narrow booths or fixed chairs, making it a great choice for plus-size diners looking for a relaxed experience.

  2. Does the Canal Tavern offer gluten-free menu options?

    Absolutely. The restaurant has an extensive menu with a wide variety of gluten-free dishes. It is well-regarded in South Yorkshire for catering effectively to diners with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities.

  3. What is the parking situation like at the Canal Tavern?

    While there is no large private car park, there is plenty of accessible street parking directly outside and in the immediate vicinity of the pub. We found a space easily during our visit.

Maki and Ramen Meadowhall Review: Plus Size Dining & The Perfect Outfit

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Quick Summary

Is Maki and Ramen Meadowhall Plus Size Friendly?

Yes, Maki & Ramen in Meadowhall’s Oasis Dining Quarter is accessible and great for groups. While the booth seating can be a snug fit for plus-size diners, it is manageable for most.

The restaurant is easy to find on the Upper Level, parking at Meadowhall is free and plentiful, and the food is both delicious and reasonably priced.

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The Ultimate Guide To Moving Into A New Home

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Moving into a new home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From packing and organising to adjusting to a new neighbourhood, there’s a lot to manage. The key is preparation, planning, and a little bit of patience. Whether this is your first move or your fifth, this guide will help make the process smoother, less stressful, and even enjoyable.

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Teaching Your Child to Make Decisions for Themselves

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One of the most important skills you can help your child develop is the ability to make decisions independently. Decision-making isn’t just about choosing what to wear or what to eat—it’s about thinking critically, weighing options, and taking responsibility for their choices. Learning this skill early sets the stage for confidence, resilience, and independence throughout life.

Read more: Teaching Your Child to Make Decisions for Themselves

Here’s how you can support your child in becoming a capable decision-maker.

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Hoover H-Power 300 Review: 3 Years with a Bagless Cylinder (Pet-Owner’s Verdict)

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Hoover H-Power 300 Review – With 2 cats, 2 dog and a partner, keeping the floors tidy in my house is somewhat of a nightmare. We’ve ditched the carpets in most of the house now, apart from the stairs which does make it easier for keeping on top of things – but I have to say, if those pets could help around the house a little more I’d really appreciate it- I have been trying out a new bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner to see if that helps. [Read more…]

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