Things I’ve been Living in Lately

31st January 2021

When it comes to blogging lately, I either seem to have loads of words raring to go, but no images to go with them, or, in this case, I have plenty of images good to go but when it comes to writing I have nothing.

That got me thinking back to the early days, when I was literally posting what I wore on a daily basis and very little else. I don’t know when it came about that I thought I couldn’t post without some long ramble to go alongside it, so I’m trying to go back to basics a bit more. Snap some photos of an outfit I like, and simply just share that.

The dress in this post is from ASOS and I love it. Gingham, smock style, flattering with an awesome collar. It’s the one thing I bought in the Black Friday sales and it’s my go-to on the weekend days I bother to get dressed, or sometimes I smarten it up a bit for work.
My DM boots have become my footwear of choice for out of work, I ignored them for a little while (goodness knows why) but now they are definitely the favoured boots of the season. They match perfectly with my Barbour bobble hat; a gift from Bob after a procedure, and it has been more daily since I got it in November.
The teddy fleece aviator style jacket was an impulse buy from New Look in the Autumn and I really need to make sure I wear it a bit more than I currently do.

Trying to find places to take photos these days is a challenge. The lighting in our house, and the layout makes it near impossible, and in the depths of winter our garden just looks a bit of a mess. Our current location of choice is the end of the garage block on our street- so long as no neighbours are about to see, as I can’t deal with attention!

I hope lockdown 3.0 is going as ok as can be for people. Like with the previous 2, not a lot has changed for me as I’m still in work full time so leaving the house on a daily basis. There is a lot going on at the moment so an excuse to stay in for quieter weekends is actually kind of welcome, but I am missing my friends and family terribly and I do feel for those who live alone.

Posted in fashion, lifestyle, outfits, personal style

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Keeping up Healthier Habits*

16th January 2021

This isn’t a post all about New Year’s resolutions; I never make them anymore as the guilt over not keeping them kind of defeats the point.
This is more about some changes I’ve made over the last few months, just small ones in a bid to be that little bit healthier and save a bit of money, and I wanted to share some of the products that have helped me on my way.

Gifted/PR Products

I’ve talked before about my dislike of drinking water- in fact drinking any drink that doesn’t contain caffeine or carbonation. I’ve really had to work hard to force myself to reduce my consumption of both though, with the IVF process underway it’s driven me to do the best I can for my body, and if that involves some caffeine withdrawal headaches then so be it!
This adorable bottle from ION8 may be targeted at a market far younger than myself, but I’m a giant kid at heart and I love this cute and playful unicorn design! This bottle is BPA free, totally leakproof (I’ve really put it to the test!) and easily transportable and has been my constant companion in recent weeks. Available from leakproof.co.uk in many colourful designs.

I’m definitely better at drinking water or squash if it’s super cold. At work we have a cold water dispenser which is brilliant, and for on the go I find these reusable ice sticks are fantastic. The perfect size for sticking in your water bottle (also great for a nice cold g&t). These are by Kikkerland and cost around £5- you’ll find them for sale in a wide range of places online.

Lunch is my least favourite meal of the day, and for a long time I tried to interest myself in it by popping in to Waitrose every day for something a bit more exciting. When the first lockdown hit I decided it was time to break this habit and try to find options I could take from home. Fridge space at work is often in high demand so having this hot/cold packs means I can keep a salad or sandwich perfectly cool, and when I take soup with me I can also keep it much warmer than my thermos flask alone can do. Another great Kikkerland product, again you’ll find these available at a variety of retailers for around a fiver in a variety of fun designs.

I’m doing pretty well with my goals, and my kitchen drawers are almost overflowing with bits and pieces like this to help me on my way. There is always room for a few more though, so if you’ve spotted anything I might like, or have any recommendations be sure to let me know!

Posted in brands I love, healthy living

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Degustabox: December 2020*

09th January 2021

Hello, and Happy New Year! A much later return to blogging than I anticipated but it’s been a crazy few weeks and I’ve just not felt “in the zone”. But I’m back now, and hopefully (maybe) with a bit more regularity this year.
I’m kicking things off with the only feature I manage to do on a regular basis- my review of the last Degustabox of 2020…

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

The December 2020 box was in partnership with Sainsbury’s, designed to showcase a range of exciting brands that the supermarket stock. We used to get a regular delivery from Sainsbury’s pre Covid-19 but don’t live near enough to a store to visit frequently. I miss the new and unusual goodies I always got from there so this box was very quickly broken in to and explored.

First up is this vegan Aioli from Leon. Made using aquafaba (a chickpea stock) rather than eggs, this is perfect for anyone missing their garlicky mayo fix. It packs a good garlicky punch, although as I don’t like regular mayo I can’t compare. £2.50.
The Odysea Aubergine Meze Dip was a real hit with us over Christmas. This is super thick and smoky tasting and we enjoyed it best with strips of toasted pitta bread alongside some cold meats. The real bonus here is that it doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge- fridge space is always at a premium in our house especially in December! Will definitely get this again, especially for BBQs come Summer. £2.15.

I loved the sourdough bites from Peter’s Yard. Sour Cream and Chive is never my first flavour choice but these were delicious. They are so crunchy and made using flour from my part of the world. They are a lighter snack option at 98 calories per 26g serving and a good source of fibre. A bit on the pricey side at £2 but definitely something I would get again on offer.
Bob jumped in on the Pipers crisps. He loved the herby ones best, but said both have a really good flavour and a touch of luxury to them. These are definitely more for social occasions rather than something to take with your packed lunch at £1.20 for a 40g bag (£2.50 for a 150g bag) but crisp lovers will definitely appreciate them.
I skipped trying this tea because I can’t stomach ginger in drinks and Bob doesn’t do any tea but Yorkshire. They look fun though and the fact the brand uses biodegradable materials for their tea bags is great. £2.75 per pack.
I’m a fizzy drink fiend and I’m forever trying to cut down, but non sparkling drinks just don’t cut it for me. I really like this Dash water in Peach- the packaging is gorgeous, and I love that they use “wonky” fruit for their products. With no added sugar or sweetner this is a really good alternative to my usual pepsi max. £1.25 a can.
Bob and I love packets like this to jazz up our meals in quick and easy ways. This is used to create a chicken “Tinga”- a shredded chicken dish, although we used it as a marinade for some chicken (all about the quick and easy) and it was really good. Smoky rather than spicy, I think this would make excellent fajitas. £1.30.
Another pepsi max alternative for me, hurrah! This Pineapple soft drink from Nexba looks so fun! I would have liked a stronger pineapple flavour, but the flavour is does have is so good. Again with no sugar, artificial sweeters or fructose as well as a whole host of other benefits, this is another winner for me. £1.25.

We still haven’t got around to trying this tropical IPA from CLWB Tropica, but even non beer or lager drinking me is tempted by this with it’s flavours of pineapples, passionfruit, mangoes and peaches. I might crack it open tonight in fact. £2.

Tony’s Chocolonely has grown in popularity over the last year or so, which is great to see. I’ve been munching on it for a good while now (Dutch family) and they truly do make the most deliciously chunky chocolate bars ever. If you haven’t already treated yourself, you should. There are some amazing flavours on the market- this one is milk caramel sea salt and comes highly recommended. £1.35.

Last but not least we have some great little snack items. The cocoa caramel peanuts were Bob’s favourite product this month- lightly caramelised peanuts dusted with cocoa powder and salt is a great combination and incredibly addictive.
I have long loved roasted chickpeas and these ones from Brave are so crunchy and packed with flavour. They are full of protein and fibre and keep you full for ages. I’m desperate to try the dark chocolate ones next!
£1.20 for the peanuts and £1 for the chickpeas.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s round up. Let me know which products caught your eye the most and what some of your favourite festive snacks are.

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 £3.00 off of your first box (making it just £9.99!) 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 brands I love, food, review

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Helping Your Side Hustle Stand Out In Your Community*

17th December 2020
Photo by Вальдемар from Pexels

People run businesses for all kinds of reasons. Of course none would be created, unless adhering to the special designation of a non-profit, if there wasn’t the chance that money could be made in a positive sense. However, to think that vast fame and riches are all that people care about when crafting a side hustle is truly incorrect.

For some the financial measures are a motivator, yes, but are not all of the picture. They may wish to help out the community, take a hobby and potentially develop it into a full time career, or simply share their talent with the world in a self-sustaining manner. For example, while cliche and quite rare at this point, would you think that an Elvis impersonator would get into that gig for the wealth they would create, or simply because of how much of a blast they would have representing him? We would say it’s likely equal.

So, helping your side hustle stand out in your community is a great step when trying to become more noticeable as a small business. Let us consider some worthwhile advice to this end:

Help Out 

Helping out in the local community is a sure fire way to not only do some good, but to spread your business message. It shouldn’t be something that you overly market yourself for. People will notice. It’s more important to be reliable, to give yourself to projects you care about, and perhaps let things develop from there. For example, consider you own a landscaping company operating near a local village and town. As part of your service, you are more than happy to cut and sculpt the garden of a local elderly woman in her 90s for free, because she deserves to live in a comfort and peace as much as possible. Helping out where you can not only helps you take things a step further than other businesses might, but it gives you a real impact.

Brand Yourself Well

Brand yourself in an unmistakable fashion. Perhaps painting or using stickers on a Saxon Bridge used van can help you brand yourself around the village, helping you become a fixture in the local area. Branding means more than the baseline contact information or simply logo you might wish to show. Get creative! You could consider branded clothing using free embroidery designs, or could having an artist design a beautiful template for the mural of your van help people take notice as you drive past? You might even become a local landmark within your branding if you’re careful enough. You would be astonished just how well this can be regarded.

Stay Reliable

Stay reliable in how you price, how you turn work around, and how you interact with the local community. You cannot expect the positives to happen overnight. Yet with this advice, people will notice you, and also wish to support local business. You just need to prove yourself first.

With this in mind, you are certain to help your side hustle stand out in your community.


Posted in finance, information alert

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Degustabox November 2020*

05th December 2020
Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

The theme for the November Degustabox was festive and gourmet, so it seemed only right that we bought a little Christmas cheer to our photos. Bob has started getting super involved with photographing items for the blog, and things have definitely taken a more creative turn.

Kicking off with some beautiful chocolate goodness from Lindt. These Lindor Treatbars in Orange and Mint are perfect for a moment of indulgence. An elongated version of everyone’s favourite truffle, lucky for me Bob doesn’t like either orange OR mint chocolate (I know right?!) so I didn’t have to share.
£0.85 each from major supermarket chains.
Here we have a sachet of Pip’s real hot chocolate. This is called “Zero Trace Full Taste” due to it being free of any of the 14 major allergens. It’s also ethically grown and traded, meaning it’s a real feel good treat in all senses. An ideal stocking filler or Christmas eve treat.
It happens to pair perfectly with this mini caramel Stroopwafels from Daelmans. These have long been a favourite treat of mine, having Dutch relatives and a sweet tooth. Perfect for sharing over a cuppa, or popping in a food lover’s stocking.
Hot chocolate £1.00 from Amazon or pipschocolate.com
Stroopwafels £1.30 from Sainsbury’s and Ocado.
I got a bit obsessed with the bunny version of these at Easter so was beyond happy to see a festive re-incarnation. KitKat’s are so under-rated- there’s something about the chocolate that just tastes so good and these are no exception. Available at £0.65 for a single santa, or £1.00 for a mini pouch bag from all major supermarkets. Get them before I get them all!

I recently rekindled my love of KIND bars and I’m having great fun working my way through the current range. I really enjoyed the double dark chocolate nut protein bar, and the flavours of the caramel, almond and sea salt bar were bang on. My favourite bar from KIND will forever be the peanut butter dark chocolate one though, it’s impossible to beat.
£1.99 for the protein bar, £1.30 for the caramel almond one. Available at kindsnacks.co.uk

These Brioche baguettes from La Boulangère are said to be perfect for breakfasts, or for sandwiches (bonus points for being pre-sliced). Bob and I are, perhaps controversially, loving them dunked in piping hot soup. The contrast of the sweet bread with salty soup is a winner and we’ve already re-purchased these a few time. They are super fluffy and keep for ages too (and are ideal for the freezer).
£1.50 from Tesco, Milk and More and Ocado.
Festive Jaffa Cakes?! It’s a yes from me! Sometimes I find Jaffa Cakes a bit too orange-y so I get sick of them quite quickly. The Cranberry in these breaks up that citrus really nicely and bring about a nice Christmassy flavour. It’s far too easy to eat these 6 at a time, be warned!
£1.20 from Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda and discounters.
Gonk on the plonk?
I’m not a wine drinker but Bob gladly sampled these two Wolf Blass varieties. He really rated the Cabernet Sauvignon and he’s usually super fussy about red wine. The white was also a hit, although never his preferred choice he said any Chardonnay fan would like this.
£2.25 a bottle from major supermarket chains.
How cute is this tea advent calendar from Clipper Tea? It was a challenge to wait until December to start this, but I managed, just! I’ve been loving discovering a new blend every day- although it is kind of hard to work out which is which sometimes! The packaging is adorable, and a really nice change from chocolate (although I have a chocolate calendar too!)
£4.99

Finally a couple of savoury products.
A vegan pesto from Zest made with coriander and basil. We haven’t tried this yet but I’m planning on some kind of chicken and pasta dish. This Pesto is vegan friendly and gluten free making it an ideal store cupboard staple for whipping up a quick dinner.
Also a great staple is this Dijon mustard from Maille. We use a lot of mustard when we’re cooking and for sauces and is something we’re never without. We love this particular mustard with steak, or as part of a honey and mustard sauce for gammon.
Pesto £2.20 from Morrisons, Ocado, Amazon and independent stores nationwide.
Mustard £1.99 from most major supermarket chains.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s round up. Let me know which products caught your eye the most and what some of your favourite festive snacks are.

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 £3.00 off of your first box (making it just £9.99!) 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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