I believe I have made mention of iHerb in previous food related posts, and there were a few questions from you lovely lot. Most of these questions related to shipping and service so here are my opinions on both.

Shipping; CHEAP! $4 (around £3) for orders under 3lbs in weight and under $80 value. It costs $12 for faster shipping or if you order is over the weight restriction for the cheaper option…none of my orders have been, yet, so I’ve always gone for the cheaper option with no problems. I like that product weight/basket weight is made clear in your basket.

What you do need to bear in mind is that if you spend over £18 you may be liable for a charge by UK customs, and the fees that go with that. Again I’ve had no problem with this as my most expensive order has been about £13 including shipping.

Service; Variable in terms of when you get your order, but utterly reasonable. Confirmation e-mail is prompt and you are kept up to date with the progress of your order. Mine have always been dispatched within 24 hours and typically they arrive within a week to a fortnight. The last order I placed was here in just five days!

And what do I most frequently order? SNACKS of course! Photos from iHerb site

These are meant for kids but argh…SO GOOD! There is also a chocolate brownie flavour that is on my wishlist (another handy feature!). Availability of stock is sometimes an issue but you can set up alerts.

Cinnamon, raisin, flavour AND fibre. Sounds too good to be true but totally isn’t!

These only arrived in my latest order and I haven’t tried them yet, but bunnniiiiesss! Totally sold on bunnies alone!

More bunnies. Oh yeah. I also have a serial cereal problem.

Kashi bars for the win. I’ve tried several flavours now and LOVE them!

Aside from the fabulous prices and reasonable shipping, everything on iHerb is good for you! It’s been invaluable to me for getting more variety in my snacks for work…I’ve mainly ordered bars up until now but have just branched out in to crackers and other “pick and mix” type snacks for my elephant box!

Have you used iHerb before?

Would you, after reading this post?

What should I try next?

(I am in no way affiliated with iHerb, I just wanted to make my UK readers aware of what a godsend this site is!)

xxx

Most of yesterday I was asked “do you mind working all day when you could be at home?” The answer was no,
as well as it being a very important day for us at work, for me, being involved and working a long and chaotic shift was the ultimate sign of how far I’ve come. It might sound strange, coming from a (now) 24 year old, but although I have worked since I was 15 I have never been able to do full days and for a couple of years was right now at three hours a WEEK.

We won’t talk about the actual day at work, all my predictions of chaos and hiccups came true…and then some. What amazed me was the team spirit and how we all pulled together to help each other out and make sure our patients got the care they needed and deserved. I love my work place and the people who I work with. They really went out of their way to make sure I had a special day, understanding what it meant to me.

Sorry I get so … emotional about things like this. It’s hard to explain. To put it simply, I feel loved and spoiled by everyone who took the time to wish me a good day. It was the Birthday I wasn’t sure I’d see and in it’s own little way it was the best.one.ever.

I woke up to this:

My Mum is far too cute for her own damn good!

Gorgeous flowers from work, as well as a mountain of cards and gift vouchers and girly things.

Utterly spoiled.
My main present was a new digital camera from my parents and a *mystery* of which we are yet to work out.
Other highlights included a Patrick Cox purse, although I’m not sure who sent it as there either wasn’t a card, or I misplaced it…so if it was you, please say!

Trudi….who else knows me that well?

And quite simply, the most awesome hand made card ever, from my school friend Hazel!

I think I’ve thanked everyone personally for the cards and gifts now, but if I haven’t…then THANK YOU, please don’t think I’m being rude, I was somewhat brain dead by last night.

Today will be all about the chilling.

((and probably eating a bit more cake))

xxx

I’m sorry,
this isn’t an outfit post, or a wish list, or something food related.
This is a wordy post. A thank you. From me, to you.

A year ago I had almost given up hope. I wasn’t sure things could change, it all seemed impossible and all-consuming.
But I am here. Now. About to celebrate my 24th Birthday and a large part of that is down to YOU. Yes you. Reading this right now.

Never under-estimate the power of strangers, or of words. They make a huge difference. I can honestly say I have never felt so loved and supported in my life. For those reading this and thinking “what the hell is she on?” refer back to posts from early last year. I’ve talked about the past enough. This is about now.

To freedom. To happiness. To Hope. To the Future. To achieving dreams, no matter how big or small.

To realising that the smallest of changes can make the biggest difference. And the tiniest of gestures can mean just as much as the huge “look at me” ones.

Thank you again, for being amazing. For being you.

And Happy Birthday to me.

Now,
sappy-ness over, lets go eat cake!

xxx

-Can’t resist a cheeky beg for votes…it’d be a great Birthday present!-

There was some interest at the mention of Bristol Balloon Fiesta on yesterday’s post. For those who dont then here’s some blurb from the website

The Fiesta is a world-class hot air ballooning festival and one of the UK’s top five outdoor events.

Held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol, it is a hugely popular free event. Around half a million people from across the country and beyond flock to Bristol for the Fiesta over four days each August.

Founded in 1979, it has become an icon for Bristol, as synonymous with the city as Brunel’s Suspension Bridge.

Estimated to boost the local economy to the tune of £10 million each year, it is run by a not-for-profit organisation.

I missed last years but have been a couple of times in the past and it has never disssapointed. This year the fiesta runs from 11-14th August and I hope to go along for at least one of the night glows!

(Anyone else planning to be there, maybe we could meet up?)

Early morning launch, when I was a child the balloons used a playing field 2 seconds from my house to land in. Waking up hearing a balloon roaring over your house and racing down the road in your night clothes are a memory that I will always cherish.

Night Glow! It’s far more…impressive in person!

(image source)

Have you been before?

Planning to come this year?

Want to hang out?

It’s Monday…the day most commonly associated with doom and gloom, so I declare it perfect timing to introduce CHEER UP CLOTHING

Run by two best friends working together to combine their love of music and fashion. Their hand drawn designs have celebrated growing success and are much loved by loyal customers, friends and and musical greatness such as All American Rejects.
Above are a couple of my favourite shots from their current lookbook, which are all available to buy online. Another favourite are the fabulous hoodies (I need this one in my life!)

Not one to miss out on an opportunity, Cheer Up have created a line of pieces to celebrate the impending Nuptials of William and Kate…
you have probably gathered by now that I am not in the least bit bothered by the Royal Wedding (except it gives me a day off work to spend celebrating my birthday a day late!) but I am rather taken by these Royal themed designs.

Kings Crown unisex tee in white

Queens crown embroidered sweater.

Cheer up clothing have also just launched the T-Room which will feature acoustic sessions and interviews with emerging stars within the music industry. No genre or style will go un-touched…personally I can’t wait to stumble upon some new talent to add to my playlists!

What do you think?

And who is your favourite new musical discovery?

xxxx

P.S. Pixie giveaway closes at NOON, winner will be announced tonight.