Jordans Cereals; a bite of luxury

Breakfast is hands down the best meal of the day (if you don’t agree then we can’t be friends). I shake my head in disbelief when I think back to when I refused to eat a morning meal, now I wouldn’t be able to leave the house without it and although I mostly favour porridge for it’s slow release energy, the latest releases from Jordans have me converted.

My love of Country Crisp breakfast cereal was instant, some years ago when I was given a box of the strawberry variety. It became dangerous to have around as it’s just so more-ish and the second I set eyes on the new Super Berry variety I knew the box was doomed. Crispy, crunchy golden clusters of oats mixed up with blackcurrants, cranberries and blueberries with no added salt, a high fibre content and no GM ingredients the creamy and sweet taste of the oats is contrasted perfectly with the tartness of the berries. Forget milk, I think this is best eaten by the handful from the box (although if youi do want to eat it in a more traditional way, hot milk makes the perfect Autumn morning treat). Oh granola, so addictive!

For those who don’t have time for a sit down breakfast or like me, have a snacking addiction then the Absolute Nut luxury bars are for you. Jam packed with almonds, hazelnuts and pecan pieces these are irresistable and pack a powerful punch. Substatinal enough for a morning meal and easily portable I’ll be keeping one of these in my work bag for days when I’m running late or get mid-morning/afternoon/any time munchies. Again with no added salt, lots of fibre and nothing artifical you could do far worse in a cereal bar!

You’ll find both products stocked in Tesco and Waitrose and whilst they may seem more expensive than other products on the market, they are SO good and so luxurious (and a heck of a lot cheaper than a hastily grabbed latte and muffin en route…better for you, too!)

Are you a breakfast fan? What’s your favourite way to start the day?

xxx

Daisy Chain Dreaming: Ginger Pickle

I love it when you find a gem of a shop and then discover it’s owned by a total sweetheart. This was the case with Ginger Pickle; owned by the lovely Jade who also blogs here, the shop is a real treasure trove for jewellery, homewares, stationary and all manner of gorgeous things.

I can’t narrow down my favourite items from the shop, there is just so much and it’s all at affordable prices. I’ve placed one order so far (which I can’t share as it’s a gift) but Jade’s talents are limited to owning such a gorgeous shop; her packaging is AMAZING and like a gift itself. I love it when a shop goes above and beyond to provide a real experience and I will be making Ginger Pickle my first port of call when looking for Christmas presents (and for writing my Christmas list!). New stock arrives regularly and you can follow Jade on Twitter and Facebook for the latest.

Have you seen Ginger Pickle yet? Take a peek and let me know what takes your fancy.

xxx

P.S. I’m writing this post off my own back, Jade didn’t ask nor expect this but did kindly e-mail me over the photos of her favourite pieces.

Bristol meets Boux

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Boux Avenue’s latest store in Cabot Circus, Bristol. I remember when Boux, owned by Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis first launched as online only and wishing they had an actual shop (buying lingerie online is somewhat of a challenge for me) and slowly but surely that wish came true with shops popping up across the country. I literally did a jump for joy when I heard Bristol was getting a piece of the action!
Along with a few of my favourite ladies, at 10:30am we were treated to a press preview ahead of the public…did  Boux live up to the hype?

In a word…YES.
In several words…a well thought lay out with friendly approachable staff and amazing changing rooms (with a choice of three different lightings). A concierge service and a wide range of sizes (from 30A through to 40H in all styles) make Boux Avenue stand out from the rest and all lingerie, pajamas and gifts/accessories have an affordable price point. One thing I especially liked was that the underwear was set out on display for show but instead of fighting with rails, the stock was housed in drawers organised by size, so much easier to get at the goods! We were gifted with a generous gift bag which included a voucher, I shall be heading back to Boux asap to get properly measured and stock up on brilliant bras. I’ve put off being measured for years, but the friendly atmosphere instantly put me at ease and less apprehensive about this up close and personal experience.

I also had the pleasure of a short interview with Theo Paphitis who is really rather lovely and not as scary as his TV persona would have you think. I won’t be sharing that interview on the blog though…on hearing it back I realised I asked nothing of any worth and generally sounded like an idiot!

I think Boux Avenue caters for all tastes, shapes sizes and occasions and would urge everyone to familiarize themselves FAST.

Thank you to Boux Avenue for having us, and big HELLO to all the fabulous blogging ladies I met today.

Outfit: New Look dress, Mexx velvet blazer, Kate Kanzier flats. Really kind of frumpy but hey-ho!

Are you already familiar to Boux? What are your thoughts? Have you visited a store lately, what have your experiences been?

xxx

wise old owl

I think I’ve waxed lyrical enough about this Asda George jumper by now, I can’t explain why I love it so much; well, actually I can…my Nan was the biggest owl lover ever, and since her passing we have started to notice owls everywhere…most of them just make me feel a bit sad, but this one didn’t, she would have loved it and at £10 she’d have approved of it’s bargain nature. My next (and final apart from finishing my foot) tattoo will be an owl on my ribs, subject to putting some weight on first; gonna need some padding for that one I think! Many of my family members have had memorial owls done and I can’t wait to join them.
Worn with New Look cords and battered ballet pumps. Bonus shot of how my tattoo looks now the swelling and bruising has gone down.

Today I’m off work and venturing in to Cabot Circus to meet up with some fellow bloggers for the opening of a new Boux Avenue store. I had immense jealous when actual shops, rather than the website started opening all over the country so when I heard a Bristol one was opening, and was then invited to come along for it’s opening I jumped at the chance. I’m all for decent undies and I love that Boux caters for all shapes and sizes and carries a good range in an A cup, why do so many shops start at a B?!

Where do you get your undies from?
Got anything exciting or random to tell me?

xxx

Instantly

A typical middle of the week/starting work at 7:15am lazy kind of post with my last 12 days on instagram (and Ellie’s because I fail at taking photos most of the time!)

1. AMAZING Jelly Beans sent from my friends at Bean Cellars I always thought liquorice was my favourite but it has been relegated by Apricot! If you need a sweet treat or gift then support the lovely folk behind this site…it’s brilliant!

2. One Ellie snapped of me chilling at my Grandad’s and looking very pleased with myself for some reason.

3. You are NEVER too old for Disney pajamas.

4. Or owl jumpers. Seriously can’t get over how much I love this! For reference, I got a size 14 and I’m usually a 10 for a slouchy look. Get yours from Asda George.

5. Knitwear! Black two in one jumper from New Look and the red one was a brilliant find in TK Maxx. I love the collar on it and wish I had got the navy version I spied too!

6. Gingerbread fairy wand biscuit in Waitrose whilst waiting to see if the tattooist would show up on Saturday. Snapped by Ellie, sometimes food is meant to be played with!

7. Standard tired face (now you can see why I never take straight on photos!)

Well,
arse must be shoved in to gear, breakfast then work beckon!

xxx