Yearly Archives: 2013

How I Wish I Wore Them

26th November 2013
Once upon a time, about the same day my back went a pair of very beautiful red shoes landed at my door 
They came via the lovely people over at Spy Love Buy and the intention was I’d style them up and review the shoes.
It became clear quite immediately that my back wasn’t going to get better fast and that the outfit post was probably not going to happen this side of December and perhaps not even this side of Christmas so I had a little think and decided to chuck some clothes (I can’t call it anything other than chuck, I lack artful draping skills that other bloggers possess) on to my bed and show how I *would* have worn these beauties– brilliantly named Minx instead.
I decided with the festive season coming up I’d use a day dress and glam it up a bit for early evening drinks with friends as tartan always reminds me of Christmas (one too many tartan dresses for the Christmas school disco I think). This Vintage dress was purchased via Hello Terri Lowe last year and is one of my favourite dresses ever. I’ve added in some thick-ish Primark tights and a chunky cardigan from New Look which was a recent bargain and I’d simply swap my usual chunky boots for the fierce Minx shoes.
As it stands, my outfit for the day looked more like this
(Cat slippers from Primark)
I have been spending a lot of time relying on walls for support. Or friends and family who have all been amazing. The NHS have been amazing too. Taking excellent care of me and my local non-work medical center have dealt with my catheter woes without batting an eyelid.
Hopefully by the time you read this post (as I’m writing things in advance lately) I will be a bit more mobile. I’ve discovered a wonderful Osteopath through work who is working magic a getting my spine in a better position to heal itself. And maybe, just maybe by the end of this week I’ll no long have a catheter. I know not everyone wants to hear about that, but well, if you ever end up needing one for any reason…it’s nothing to be ashamed about and I wanted to try and break down the stigma just a little.
Back on track with this post though, which shoes would you like to Spy Love Buy?
xxx

Posted in life stuff, outfits, shoes

Permalink 15 Comments

a proper winter warmer from teapigs

25th November 2013

I used to be known as “the coffee girl”, always opting for a large mug of something strong and caffeine filled. These days I’m much more about the tea- admittedly most likely to be found sipping a cup of Earl Grey than something herbal but I was delighted when my favourite tea brand, teapigs about their newly launched Christmas Shop. Jam packed full of gifts for tea lovers- from stocking fillers to serious gadgets I have found myself coveting really rather a lot. Luckily I was also sent a pack of spiced winter red tea to tide me over and oh boy this really is “Christmas in a Cup” packed full of orange, cloves and cinnamon with a base of rooibos. This is THE drink for icy cold dark evenings and fills the house with a charming festive scent. I did find it a little strong for my taste when drunk straight up but with a splash of milk it was just perfect. It would also make a bloody brilliant alternative to mulled wine for the non-drinkers at a festive gathering (or indeed a cheeky alcoholic tipple itself with a splash of brandy).
Well done teapigs for making me covet yet more gorgeous goods and reminding me just why I fell in love with you in the first place.
What would you like from the Christmas Shop? I love the look of the Scandinavian Teapot. Best get writing that letter to Santa.
xxx

Posted in christmas, review

Permalink 7 Comments

Simple Skincare Wonders

25th November 2013

Being incapacitated lately means I’ve struggled to follow my usual makeup routine. I hate to sound shallow but I find it hard to feel good without at least a little bit of makeup on and this is where the folks at Simple have really helped!
I was generously sent an envelope of their latest goodies, this included Radiance Brightening Cleansing Wipes and Eye makeup remover wipes (which Mum has run off with!) as well as Kind to Skin+ Illuminating Radiance Cream and perfecting BB Beauty Balm.
It’s these two products that have really helped me out here. No fuss to apply, the radiance cream has helped take away that “too much time indoors” dullness and the BB cream has evened out my skin, given some coverage and added some much needed blemish coverage (from a bit too much chocolate, sweets and biscuit eating!)
I was a bit concerned that the BB cream would be too dark, it’s a universal shade but as I’m so pale I often still get left a shade of orange. Whilst when first applied I did find this a bit on the dark side it soon settled in and matched my skin tone perfectly.
Sorry for the grumpy face, everything is awkward!
The products are available from Boots and Superdrug as well as many supermarkets and chemists.
Price wise the BB cream is £8.99 and the Illuminating Radiance Cream £7.99 and both are worth every penny.
Have you tried these products?
xxx

Posted in beauty

Permalink 1 Comment

Christmas comes to Monster Sweets

24th November 2013
How many times have I raved about Monster Sweets on the blog? Enough to most readers to know I am a massive fan of this shop and it’s wonderful owner.
We e-mail from time to time and during on of these conversations the question of whether there would be any Christmas treats going up was raised. The answer was yes, he’d give it a go. And he did. With great results!
American Sweets Gift Box- £15 (there is also a European one of these too)

A fill your own idea- the box costs £1.50 with a bow for an optional 60p. You then choose the contents of the box and the price of those is added on, plus the standard delivery fee. I did one of these for Ben’s Dad and it worked out so much cheaper than others I had seen  and was created especially for him. I can’t wait for him to get it! 

European Gift Hamper- £23. Top of my wishlist this year, wow!

Ritter Sport gift box containing the Winter Limited Edition bars- caramelized almond, coconut macaroon and caramel orange. The box costs £7.00 and I want it. Ritter Sport never, ever dissapoints!

What do you think of these as gift ideas? I love them- especially the create your own box option.
What would be in your dream box out of everything on the Monster Sweets website?
Keep a close eye out, I’ve heard on the grapevine that a few more bits will be making their way on there soon
(buy me a Reeses Christmas tree as you browse)

xxx

Posted in christmas, food, gifts

Permalink 5 Comments

Sarenza Sunday- by Sarenza

24th November 2013

After stocking so many fabulous brands for what feels like forever I was delighted to see on my most recent browse on Sarenza that they’ve started to launch some shoes under their own name.
I’ve straight away gone and fallen for the Jemerced design (£92.70). How fierce would these look with a LBD or a metallic skirt and black party top at all those upcoming festive dos?
There are currently five styles online but I have everything crossed for more. Nice work Sarenza, nice work.

Posted in sarenza

Permalink 2 Comments