Monthly Archives: November 2014

Co-ordination Is Key

10th November 2014
I’ve had the outfit in this post saved in my wardobe, waiting impatiently for it to become cool enough to wear to work, and given that the temperatures are now dropping by the day I’d say it’s finally time (ok, so it was probably time way before now if we go by outside temperatures, but my work place has it’s own micro climate at times!).

Co-ord: Primark (skirt and top) | Tights: Primark | Boots: Jonak at Sarenza

I think it was July/August time when I first spotted this co-ord set in Primark and decided I needed it. I can’t remember exactly but I think it was £20 for the two pieces, both of which work really well on their own with a plain top or bottom added so you got real value for money. Unusually for a Primark piece this is really well made and fits like a dream, I hope they bring out similar styles in the future as it makes for such an easy work outfit with mix and match options too.
I’m not sure if these boots will see me through the entire winter. I own so many pairs of ankle boots but these are the ones I keep returning too and they are starting to look a little worse for wear. I should probably force myself to wear some of my others to give my feet a break, but these are just so comfortable and go with everything…I’d never heard of Jonak before getting these, and I’ve just checked out some of their latest styles- these are now calling my name- but with plans to move in the new year as serious spending ban must start, and shoes are the first thing to stop buying!
Are you a fan of the office co-ord? I’m thinking a trouser suit may be a good way to go- after my spending ban ends, of course!

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Posted in life stuff, outfits, sarenza, shoes

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11 Reasons To Never Forget

09th November 2014
Tuesday marks the 11th day of the 11th month, and at the 11th hour we should all take a minute out of our day to remember those who lost their lives for us in the First World War. Do you know what we are actually remembering though? And how it affects our every day actions? Read on…

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“They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

– an extract from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon, written in 1914

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The October Degustabox

09th November 2014
Another month passing means it’s time for another Degustabox review! The October box actually arrived about ten days ago and most of the contents are now long devoured but I’m pretty behind on blogging (just for a change) so my review comes a little later than planned…
I swear these boxes keep getting better and better, each month there seems to be more and more products that really get me excited! It’s a brilliant way to try new foods and has gone a long way in breaking me out of my comfort zone and improving my relationship with food.
There were two products from Bear in the box which really excited me as they are one of my favourite brands when it comes to snack foods and have been for a long time! The Bear Alphabites were a sample present, there was a full sized box in a Degustabox some months ago and they have easily become my favourite cereal- I’m not a cereal for breakfast kind of girl but I usually keep a tub in my work bag for grazing on the go. The Bear Paws are pure fruit snacks with no nasty ingredients. Aimed at children- with five paw prints to find in the pack these are also perfect for grownups and super tasty. At 55p for a pack these are cheaper than a chocolate bar and perfect for on the go!

Also in among the snacking selection was a Get Buzzing bar which due to a nut allergy I couldn’t sample but Ben has eaten it and given his approval. I love to have a few bars stashed away and Get Buzzing do some nut-free options too so I’ll be making the most of the 10% off your first order code and treating myself to some.

The Ken’s Kitchen meal kits are super cute and a really clever idea. Each pack contains three steps to create a delicious meal in just 20 minutes with the addition of just a few fresh ingredients. At £2.50 each and several varieties to choose from these are a great store cupboard buy- I haven’t tried the Bengal kit yet but I know Dad has his eye on it. What I have tried is the Blue Dragon sweet chilli sauce- I never used to like foods with even the slightest hint of spice but I’ve recently become obsessed with sweet chilli so this is going on everything from noodles to chicken to salads.
I always love the sweet treat selection in the Degustabox as I have a raging sweet tooth 24/7. The Dr. Oetker premium 90% extra dark chocolate has been stashed away with my baking supplies ready for some festive creativity (assuming I get time) as has the cocoa powder- christmas cookies anyone?!

The Jelly Belly jelly beans have long since vanished as they are my favourite sweet ever! The sour ones were so super tasty I couldn’t bring myself to share! I’ve been taking the Enhance Drinks pod in to work with me so I actually drink something other than coffee all day. I have the orange and passion fruit flavour which is highly addictive- and with no added sugar it makes a great alternative to plain water.

Brioche and Pain Au Lait (with choc chips) from Brioche Pasquier are both incredibly tasty products. I actually took these in to work to share with colleagues, alongside a jar of nutella and they didn’t last long at all- I’m not alone in being a sweet treat fiend. I love brioche at the best of times, but toasted with something warm and chocolately on it? Heaven!
As much as I have a sweet tooth I also like my savoury snacks and the Special K Cracker Crisps are a delicious alternative to “real” crisps which I’ve never really enjoyed. The BBQ flavour is strong without being over-whelming and they have a really satisfying crunch and 60% less fat than the average crisp on sale in the UK.
Possibly the most amusing product in the box was the Solo Marshmallow Creme– I haven’t dug in to this yet but there is a recipe for some fudge on the side of the tub which I plan to make ASAP so I’ll do a separate post on that.
Last but not least there was a coupon in the Degustabox Fridge section of the box for a four-pack of the New Greek-Style Yoghurts from Benecol which have a unique cholesterol lowering ingredient (plant stenols). These are thick, creamy and utterly delicious. At £2.39 a pack they are on the pricey side for yoghurts but as a treat, or for those who need to watch their cholesterol intake they are a really tasty dessert or snack.
So there concludes the round-up of the October Degustabox. Still haven’t tried the service out yet? For £12.99 per/month you can have your own box delivered to your door and get to try all these fab products (that would cost far more in total) for yourself! Sign up now to claim £3 off your first box when you use the code: L2K2O

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Posted in food, review

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More Black & More Bright

07th November 2014
Can you tell that teaming black with a super bright colour is one of my current favourite combinations? I also seem to be having a moment for lurid green/yellow shades as I couldn’t resist this jumper in Primark, especially at just £10. I bought several of their fluffy jumpers last year and they wear and wash so well that I couldn’t pass by another addition to the collection.

Jumper: Primark | Jeans c/o Celeb Look | Boots: I still can’t remember!

I’ve been after a pair of black jeans for ages, I have my ripped ones from TTYA x Long Tall Sally but I was also really craving something more solid. For £18.99 this pair from Celeb Look are excellent value- as is everything on their site. I love the textured knees and zipper details, they add a little extra edge to a wardrobe staple. My only gripe is they come up a little small, I’m sort of inbetween sizes and I probably should have gone for the larger option for a little extra comfort, still they are really comfortable and well made so I can live with a little less circulation!
It’s been yet another mad week here in my little part of the world, between now and Christmas I don’t expect much in the way of rest and relaxation- I’m just glad that because of the way Christmas falls this year I get four days off rather than two- bring on the pudding coma!
I hope everyone has had a great week, did you go see any fireworks? Or perhaps you’re off to a display this weekend? I love wrapping up snug and waving sparklers around like a lunatic. It’s also the perfect chance to get a final fix of barbecued food before next Summer- bring on the bangers!

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Posted in life, life stuff, outfits

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Instagram Famous Kitties

06th November 2014
A post dedicated to my fellow cat ladies and instagram addicts! Be sure to let me know if I’ve missed anyone off!

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Interested in creating your own Riddle? Let me know and I’ll get in touch!

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