Monthly Archives: November 2019

Foodie Gifts from Sous Chef*

11th November 2019

Halloween and bonfire night have passed, which, according to just about everywhere now means it’s Christmas! I’m usually one of those people who is super organised and has most of their shopping done by now, but this year I am a bit stuck and therefore WAY behind myself. Am I panicking? Perhaps a little…but I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end.

I was recently sent a couple of gifts from Sous Chef which is one of my all time favourite foodie sites to browse, so to say I was over the moon would be a slight understatement. Actually, since these items arrived I’ve had further browsing sessions on the site and I do feel that half my Christmas shopping problems have been solved.
Anyway…

Anyone that knows Bob and I will be familiar with our chilli obsession; we curved our enthusiasm somewhat after a vegan chilli disaster last year (never before has a dinner gone entirely in the bin, it was literally glowing from the heat it contained) but are gently easing ourselves back in, so this Mexican Chilli Selection (£13.95) was very well received and is just one of many fantastic chilli options on the Sous Chef website.

The second item we were sent was this beautiful Ramen set (£39.50) which could not have been better timed as we had literally just a few days before decided we wanted to experiment more with ramen and noodle dishes in general.

This is such a beautiful set (there are several options available) and makes such an ideal gift for a foodie couple. It comes with a booklet full of recipes, and whilst we haven’t made anything yet you’d better watch this space (well, instagram) for what is to come.

Both items arrived impressively packaged and ready to give as gifts. Whilst these items were gifted to me by Sous Chef I honestly cannot recommend this website enough, I’ve been a fan girl for years. You’ll find everything you need for foodie friends and family, from stocking fillers and delicious treats to much grander gifts for super special occasions.

Posted in brands I love, christmas, food, gifts, lifestyle

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The October Degustabox*

08th November 2019
Item gifted by Degustabox

I think that the October 2019 Degustabox might be one of my favourite boxes to date, there wasn’t one product included that I didn’t like- and some have become instant favourites in this house.

I’ve long been a fan of Amy’s Kitchen soups and the organic rustic Italian vegetable is delicious. It’s gluten free and organic, and whilst on the pricey side (£2) for a tinned soup it’s something I always stock up on when I see them on offer- especially now it’s officially soup weather.
As ever I’m always on a mission to cut down my fizzy drink intake, and much more open to trying soft drinks than I once was. Whilst I would’t go out of my way to purchase Upbeat Drinks juicy protein water, if I saw it on my regular lunch shopping trip I’d definitely pick it up for an afternoon hydration boos with the added bonus of the protein if you’re the type who likes to work out.
Again on the cutting down fizzy drinks misson, I’ve really enjoyed these three blends from Tick Tock Tea, especially the bounce variety. Also, how awesome is this packaging?
I almost feel like this broccoli crisps are worth their own post. This was my first introduction to the Grower’s Garden brand and I’m hooked- even Bob, who was very sceptical about Broccoli in savoury snack form has become obsessed- it’s just a shame they aren’t yet more widely available. Who knew the taste of Broccoli could become so addictive?

Pip’s real hot chocolate is another great brand discovery- I favour the classic whereas Bob was about the praline. These are perfect stocking fillers for any chocolate lover, and a luxurious treat after a long hectic day (also vegan friendly and gluten/nut free).
There’s not much one can say about Maple Syrup that hasn’t been said before, we’ve been loving this on porridge- and I think Bob is angling for a pancake breakfast very soon!

If you love garlic then these Garlic and Parsley snacks are for you. Incredibly pungent, super light and airy and totally addictive. Not one for your packed lunch.
I really like chocolate bars disguised as something healthier such as this Boost + Protein bar. Not that you need an excuse for chocolate but this has 12g protein in each bar making it even more justifiable – and who really needs to justify chocolate?

Next we have these chocolate and hazelnut shots from Whitworths. I’ve been buying these snacks for a couple of years now, they are perfect for handbags and have a good balance as a sweet treat with a healthier boost.
Finally we have Gourmet Drops in chocolate and vanilla- these are designed for coffee but I’ve been using them in porridge too. The vanilla is by far my favourite but the chocolate is pretty decent too.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.


If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.


If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code XOQGC at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

Posted in food, review

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Levis x Hello Kitty

03rd November 2019

I guess this outfit is my version of “jeans and a nice top” now that I’m over 30 and pretty anti-social (I much prefer an early night in comfy pjs than crawling home in the small hours dressed up to the nines and my wardrobe very much reflects that).

This hoodie was a fortituous find as I thought that I had missed out on the rather fabulous Levis x Hello Kitty collaboration/that I wouldn’t ever be able to justify spending the money on it. A visit to Clarks Village came good though as not only did we find my dream hoodie at 20% off, but Bob decided that I simply must own it and treated me.

The jeans are another recent find. I really struggle with jeans, I strongly dislike how I look in them, and find that most pairs just leave me in a pit of self loathing after about five minutes. In desperation I took to social media to see what jeans people were loving and took up Sophie’s recommendation of the New Look Lift and Shape skinny jeans, which are affordable, flattering AND comfortable.

I’ve really neglected the more personal aspect of blogging lately. It’s all lifestyle/life advice type content because I just haven’t been in the right headspace to put myself out there at all.
October was a hard month, historically it always has been for me and it’s taken quite a lot of inner strength (stubbornness) and support from Bob to get through. It’s November now though and it’s already shaping up to be a better month, and I have a renewed determination and motivation to get to my final targets in terms of health and wellbeing (and what better time of year to be trying to gain a few kilos right? Extra warmth and so many seasonal foods about).

We’re just coming to the end of a super chilled out weekend, one we both needed after a horrible week. There’s been time with my family, time curled up watching movies and drinking gin, good food, many laughs and a hefty dose of productivity around the house.


So that’s kind of where I’m at lately. Struggling with myself a bit, but ploughing through. We have such a busy month coming up with various commitments and a week away up with Bob’s Mum as he turns 30…and then before we know it we’ll be in full blown Christmas madness. I’m really hoping I can get some better posts up…gift guides, wish lists, wedding planning updates…

What have you been up to lately? Watched any good films/TV series? Recommendations welcome.
Until next time…

Posted in fashion, life stuff, lifestyle, outfits, personal style, recovery, shopping

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