Yearly Archives: 2013

Snackered

12th November 2013
Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a total snack fiend and it would seem that I’m not alone.
Research done by popchips has shown that we are a nation of ‘snackered’ workers (knackered + in need of food = snackered), meaning that the average worker is reaching for the snack cupboard at least twice a day to keep them going. ‘snackered’ workers are tucking into a pick-me-up at 11.30am – and again by 3pm, and over three quarters of brits agree a snack helps to boost energy levels!
some other interesting stats from the study include:
–          one in ten sneaky employees admitted that when previously experiencing an energy slump they have faked an illness so they can go home early.
–          fifty five per cent of brits agreed that eating smelly food is the number one bad habit closely followed by noisy eaters (40 per cent).
–          six per cent choose to hide and snack privately in the bathroom or toilet.

I can’t say I personally relate to any of those little facts, I snack more than twice a day and I have never left work early due to an energy slump. I’m one of life’s grazers. Big meals don’t bother me, I’d rather eat little and often and as a result never get energy slumps. 
Smelly food and Noisy eating is a bug bear of mine but I can live with it.

Writing this post has made me feel quite peckish actually.

Time to get stuck in!
I’d love to know your snacking habits and what you reach for when hunger hits…
My current favourite is cereal. Lots and lots of cereal. Popchips feature when I get a salt craving, which is fairly often and it’s an expensive habit!
xxx

I was compensated in popchips for writing this post.

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seriously squidgy

12th November 2013

When I was a child I remember think of Soreen’s Malt Loaf as a very grown up food, only ever seeing adults eating it I automatically assumed that’s who it was meant for and a kid wouldn’t enjoy it.
That impression lasted up until I got my first taste aged 8 or 9…now I knew why the adults didn’t want to share…it was too good!
Since then I’ve been faithful to this squidgy snack and enjoyed watching the brand launch new products such as those you see above- Banana loaf, Cinnamon and Raisin loaf, on the go snack packs and the Toastie loaf to name but a few.
I was recently sent a box of my favourites and in the name of blogging I decided to experiment with various toppings to see what complemented the flavours best (as a lover of somewhat odd food combinations at times it seemed like a win-win situation)
Winners:
Salted butter
Banana slices (with or without butter)
Butter and jam
Peanut butter
Cream Cheese
Warmed in the microwave and dipped in custard
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Not so Good:
Nutella- normally I’m a fan but it only really worked on the banana loaf
Cheddar cheese (some people rave about this)
Golden syrup
That was about all I managed to try over the course of a few days before running out of inspiration.
Fellow Malt Loaf fans, how do you top yours?
xxx

Posted in food

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Figgahugging

11th November 2013

Neon yellow under dress c/o Figgahugga
Black and White dress: Ax Paris
Boots: New Look
A bit of a braver look from me today- it’s not often I brave a bodycon dress but I do love this Ax Paris monochrome number.
I was recently sent an under dress from Brit brand Figgahugga, a bright and young alternative to the more traditional shape wear already on the market. I thought it looked pretty funky under the Ax dress and although I know I don’t have a bad figure, I’m not at my most confident right now and this little wonder helped me feel a bit better about how I looked in the dress as well as adding a splash of brightness.
The dress itself is made from nylon and lycra and is seriously strong. Getting in to it is a bit of an adventure as you shouldn’t pull it over your head, instead stepping in to it and wriggling it up but once it’s on there are no seams on show and it gives a smooth and streamlined silhouette.
The Figgahugga could actually pass as a dress itself, although it’s a big too short for me to get away with it and I think it’d look fantastic under some sheer lace. 
What I especially like about the brand is that it’s designed AND made in Britain, something I’m increasingly conscious of when I purchase new items.
At £49.99 it’s not the cheapest of solutions but far more pleasing than endless diets or drastic measures.
I’d love to know what you guys think of shape-wear in general, I’ve never really tried it myself and I wasn’t expecting to feel quite so…internally squished, but for a big night out or a day where I really wanted to feel confident how I looked then this is the perfect solution for me.
There’s a whole rainbow of bright colours available with the chance to vote for both the next colour to be released and for future designs.
I can’t wait to see more from Figgahugga, I think I want to hug the creators!
xxx

Posted in outfits, review

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Fashionably Fit

10th November 2013
I’m writing this post whilst being inwardly excited that I’m able to do so. You see, I used to love running a few years ago but had to give it up for a while to let my body and mind get healthy enough to expend that kind of energy again.
The time has now come where I am so nearly at that point and I can be writing a post like this on my blog.

Shoes c/o Sportshoes
Meet my new running shoes…jazzy aren’t they? I couldn’t help but want them the second I started browsing the website,
do I really need bright purple and coral shoes to pound the pavements? Probably not, but fashion and fitness do sort of go hand in hand. Look good, feel good and all that.
Maybe you won’t agree with me, and I’m not talking a full face of make up and the latest designer labels just to go for a jog around the park but I do think it’s worth making some effort. For me personally if I stuck on some ratty old leggings and the biggest tee I could find then I wouldn’t feel as confident or as comfortable during exercise and would a) not want to go and b) not do so well if I did attempt it.
A well fitting pair of jogging bottoms or some jazzy leggings with a flattering vest or long line tee, combined with some fun (and comfortable) trainers and I’m more likely to feel cheerful and like I’m in the spirit of the activity. These shoes also happen to be incredibly light and cushioned which will make a pleasing change from my last pair of running shoes and be better for me feet, too.
Does this make me a bit vain? Maybe it does. I don’t care though. It’s about what is doing what’s right as an individual and my journey will progress better by paying a bit more attention to what I’m wearing whilst I rebuild my strength and stamina.
What are your thoughts? What kind of things do you wear for exercise?
xxx

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Cat Lady Christmas Gifts

09th November 2013

How gorgeous are these cat themed goodies from social enterprise ARTHOUSE Meath?
They would make the perfect gift for any cat lady and give something back too.
The cat designs come from a girl named Amy and you can buy them through the online shop. The mug is priced at £8.99, the notebook costs £3.95 and the tea towel is £7.25.
Of course, it’s not just felines on the website, there is a HUGE range of beautifully designed gifts from jewellery to fine art prints. It’s a site I intend to keep firmly at the top of my bookmarks and will be checking regularly for updates.
This brilliant video shows more of what ARTHOUSE Meath does and what an amazing place it is.
What do you think?
xxx

Posted in christmas, gifts

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