Giveaway: London Retro Glasses

If you've read this post, you'll know that I have a soft spot for London Retro glasses. Now you can get in on it too as they're offering one lucky reader a pair of their own. You even get to choose your favourite pair as sunglasses or with your prescription in.

All you have to do is like their facebook page and write on their wall 'enter' along with this giveaway link. You can have a few extra entries on the rafflecopter widget too.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway will run for two weeks and ends on Thursday 19th December. I'll tweet the winner and drop them an email.

Good luck guys!

Read more

What to buy for: The Beauty Lover

Ted Baker Diamante Bow make up bag £25, O.P.I Christmas Pastel Liquid Sand Mini Trio Nail Polish Set £8.50, Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Duo, £16, Cath Kidston Blossom Manicure Set, £13, Topshop Lipstick and Blush set £12

Benefit The Bronze of The Champions £26.50, Liz Earle Beautiful Skin Duo £28, Philosophy Peppermint Stick Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble bath £11.90, Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml Eau De Toilette Gift Set £42.50

One of the best things about Christmas besides the mountain of cheese available - Wensleydale and Cranberry thank you - is picking out the perfect present for your nearest and dearest. I've decided to put together a few gift guides to help you out because I'm nice like that. First up is the ideal gift for the beauty fanatic.

With most presents under £30 you don't have to rob a bank to gain a gold star for the best present buyer in the whole entire universe. I've tried to pick out the perfect gift for the beauty mad lady in your life. Mums will adore receiving Liz Earle and Cowshed on the big day whereas you can't go wrong with a bit of Benefit or Topshop for your best friend. Need to buy a present for your sister-in-law? OPI is always a winner as everyone like a pretty colour on their nails! Finally treat your nan to some Philosophy so she can have a pamper session once all the mayhem has died down.

Read more

Laura Ashley s/s14 Collection

When I grow up. I want my house to be filled with lots of pretties from Laura Ashley. It's such a pleasure to be asked to pop along and have a mooch at their latest offerings. I always come away with a list as long as my arm and this season was no different.

As I walked in from the bitter cold outside, it was like being transported into a beautiful spring day in the countryside. With pretty, floral prints and rustic charm, the press day took on a perfect British Country show theme. I always think Laura Ashley is so brilliant at capturing everything quintessentially  British. If you was in any doubt, you were greeted by a rosette, huge horse and a pair of wellies as you turned the corner! Even if you prefer a more modern touch on your homeware, you wouldn't be disappointed. The brand manages to offer something for everyone regardless of their taste in interiors.

I think the clothing collection was one of the best so far. Gorgeous tea dresses, fun welles and floral bags are all on the Spring agenda. Fear not if you're not really a girly girl as there will be some stunning, simplistic clothing begging to be worn. The above navy dress will slot right into your wardrobe! You'll have no problem adding a pop of colour to your spring wardrobe next year.

On a side note, I really do need to start remembering to bring my camera along to events and not rely on my phone!

Do you have a soft spot for Laura Ashley too?

Read more

This week i'm loving - Lotil cream

Original Lotil - c/o

I don't know about you but my skin takes a right battering in the winter months. It's always so quick to go dry and i'm constantly on the look out for lotions and potions to give it some TLC. My problems areas tend to be my knees, elbows, hands and heels. Lotil is recommended for dry areas and promises to rehydrate and soften chapped skin. After reading the instructions on the back, I applied on my problems areas after i'd had a shower before bed time. It smells quite clinical but it's not a horrible smell. Just non-offensive. Sometimes I prefer to lotions to not have a strong scent as it can be quite overpowering when you get into bed.  It's just the right thickness of without feeling greasy but a little does go a long way so there's no need to squeeze it on in bulk!

I used the product for nearly a month and have found some much-welcomed improvement. My hands in particular are a lot less chapped and feel smooth to touch. This little tube is a handy size to keep in your handbag. It's not made a huge lot of difference on my heels but I think they just need a bit more work as they are softening up slowly! It is a product you have to use religiously every night for it to make a difference. I think it's great value for money as it does last a fair bit and i'll add it to my list of lotions for the winter months,

Have you ever try Lotil?

Read more

Sometimes I love ya, sometimes you make me blue

Outfit
Faux fur leopard print collarless coat - Next (similar)
Sheer long sleeved shirt - Primark (similar)
Khaki super soft skinny jeans - Primark (similar)
Leather heeled ankle boots - Topshop (similar)
Black gem statement ring - Topshop (similar)

You can tell these jeans are super skinny- they look like a second skin but I'd rather they be tight then give me baggy knees! The end of November means the faux fur coats are in rotation in a bid to try and not freeze to death. The temperature really seems to have dropped eh? I'm not looking forward to snow arriving and disrupting my life. I'm not a fan of the white stuff.  I'll never for the life of me understand why the public transport system comes to a standstill. You'd think after all these years we'd learn to be better equipped! I've had a few red lowlights put through my hair as a bit of a change. You might be able to notice!

I'm trying to make the most out of my final few weeks working in London as my company is relocating to North Essex. It's right at the other end of the county to where I live so my commute will double but I'm seeing it as a new challenge to meet head on. New surroundings and a new place to explore will be fun! It'll be sad as i'll have to say no to the majority of blogging events as I won't make it back in time to the city. Meeting other bloggers and having a sneak peak at new collections is one of my favourite things about the community. My social life will take a bit of a battering but maybe my bank account will be a lot more healthy because of it!

Read more

Very S/S14 Collection

I was very kindly invited along to have a mooch at what Very has to offer us next season. I know, is it really that time of year again?!

The thing I was most excited about was to have a peak at Fearne Cottons home range. Since being told I need to seriously start saving for my own house next year and the fact Mulberry bags are not an investment, I have been obsessed with interiors and spending far too much time on Pinterest. Her current range is very vintage and gothic inspired - it looks very luxurious. Next seasons offering is a lot more girly but still with that vintage edge. I fell in love with the flamingo cushion and think it'll look fab on my wicker chair in my bedroom. It's full of bright pretty colours and looks very girly.

Onto the clothes. I noticed that neons will still be a big player again next season so make sure you haven't thrown any of this seasons offerings away! The neon maxi skirt is such a gorgeous vibrant colour and will be a fab holiday buy. Although tartan doesn't seem to have stayed, checks are still prominent. It looks like next S/S we'll be opting for the tailored look with lots of sophisticated pencil skirts and shift dresses. I'm happy to see a lot of the dresses and skirts will be knee length. I'm too tall to look elegant in a mini dress, especially with a gust of wind!

What do you have your eye on from Very?

Read more

Review: Five Guys

If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll probably have already have came to the conclusion that burgers are my favourite thing to shove in my mouth. It's taken me a while to get round to trying out Five Guys - Obama's fave dontcha know! - so when it was decided we needed an office lunch outing, this burger chain was my suggestion. We didn't queue as we had an early lunch but by the time we'd finished it was starting to get very busy. Make sure you visit off peak!

I opted for the cheese burger with the toppings of tomato, onions and ketchup and a side of small cajun fries. A word of warning - the portion size of the fries is humongous. That brown bag at the back was nearly full up. My boyfriend, who has been known on more than one occasion to finish a whole KFC bargain 12 piece bucket on his own, couldn't even finish a portion when he went. He's an human dustbin so you know the portion size is kinda out of control if he doesn't finish it. One of the unique selling points of Five Guys is the sheer amount of fizzy drink combinations on offer. There's over a 100 to choose from. I was boring and just opted for diet coke but you can go wild!

After being disappointed with the offerings at Shake Shack , I was hoping and praying Five guys didn't leave me with the same sinking feeling. Fear not friends, Five Guys was amazing. The fries were delicious, slightly a bit too spicy after you've shoved a few too many in your mouth but a perfect amount of kick. The cajun seasoning meant they were morish enough to munch without a sauce. The burger was ridiculously messy to eat and was all over the place. It's near on impossible to eat like a lady. The generous layer of plastic cheese - my guilty pleasure in a burger! - helped to add to the flavour. The bun held together quite nicely without breaking too much. It did go soggy after a while but it's what i'd expect for a fast food burger. The burger tasted of much nicer quailty than other fast food chains i've tried - you felt like you were eating meat unlike a certain chain beginning with M. The most important thing was it made me go 'mmmmmm so good' with my mouth full. That's the main thing right?! Five Guys, you win this American fast food battle for me!

Have you tried Five Guys?

Read more

I'm paying the price of living life at the limit

Outfit:
Black cat eye glasses - c/o MyOptique
Nude sheer stripy blouse - Dorothy Perkins
Black pleather midi skirt - c/o Pretty Little Thing
Black leather heeled ankle boots - Topshop (similar)
Black leopard print collar coat - Topshop (similar)

MyOptique have recently launched a new eye care range celebrating the iconic London Underground stations, each pair is named after one of the many stations. As a self-confessed London fanatic I'm in love with the range so when they asked me to pick a pair to try out, it was a very hard decision. Ranging from both small to large frames, the Metropolitan range is full of beautiful retro-inspired glasses suitable to tickle anyones fancy. It was a toss up between the Eliza or the Piccadilly frames. As I already have a pair of larger frames I opted for the vintage inspired cat eye glasses to help me channel my 50s siren! The black makes them look classy and sophisticated because lets face it I need all the help I can get in that department! Priced at just £79 for the frames, they really are a bargain. The frames feel such good quality - I don't have to worry about them blowing off my face in the wind!

What is your favourite style of frame?

Read more

Put your best foot forward

L-R 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Next Easter I shall finally be soaking up the sights of New York City. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. I've wanted to visit the Big Apple since the age of 14 and I think I might actually cry the minute I step foot out of the airport - I'm only half joking. As much as i'd love to totter around the city in skyscraper heels doing my best Carrie Bradshaw impression, it just ain't going to happen. Therefore i'm on a hunt for a pair of converse to save my poor feet. After scouring the internet i've noticed Littlewoods range of Converse is an absolute corker. The spotty low tops are winning the battle of the sneaker. They're a colour that will go with most things but the pattern stops them from blending into the background. But if you really want to make a statement, go for the wonder woman option. They'll certainly be a conversation starter! 

Are you a fan of converse?

Read more

Recipe - Malt loaf bread pudding

Bread pudding is one of my favourite comfort foods. There's nothing better than the smell wafting around the kitchen and settling down in front of some trashy TV with a big slice whilst listening to the rain pitter-pattering outside. So when I was very kindly sent a bundle of Soreen goodies I put a recipe passed down by my nan to the test. Look at all that squidy goodness!

You'll need:

1 Soreen Toastie Malt Loaf

1 large egg

2 tablespoons of milk

2 teaspoons of soft brown sugar

A handful of currants

1. Preheat the oven at 200 degrees

2. Soak the bread in a bowl of water for around 10 minutes and then break it up into little pieces. I find a masher works wonders! It doesn't look very nice I'm afraid! Then drain all the water out.

3. Pop all the other ingredients into the bowl and give it a good thorough stir. 

4. Pour into an oven proof dish and pop in the oven for around an hour. If you have a fan oven like me, make sure you keep a good eye on it. The consistency should be squidgy but not gooey. It should be fairly solid. 

5. Sprinkle white sugar over the top. Let it cool down and cut into generous chunks. If you're feeling extra indulgent, pop a scoop of ice cream on top!

Happy eating! Let me know if you give it a whirl and tweet me a picture! 

Read more

Derry, Ireland

My boyfriends dad is Northern Irish and after hearing family rave about the wonder what is Halloween, we decided to fly over and see what all the fuss is about. After packing our costumes, we all bundled to the airport after being pre-warned to stock up on sleep as we were going to have a busy three days.

Although I vaguely knew about the Troubles in Ireland, I wasn't really 100% sure exactly why it started and why there was a struggle. It's not something that was ever touched upon in British history lessons at school and I really do think it's important for youngsters to understand. Connor's cousin took us all to a musuem - history geek at heart! - about the history of the city from way back when to modern day. It was so interesting and I had no idea the struggle between both the Catholics and Protestants dated back to the Tudor times. His cousin then took us around the city walls pointing out certain places of interest - it's always handy to have someone with insiders knowledge! Connor and I wandered over to Bogside which is home to all the famous murals and Bloody Sunday memorial. Everyone seemed so unbelievably young on the Bloody Sunday memorial - some were tragically just 17 years old.   It was quite a strange and sad feeling wandering through the streets trying to imagine what it would have been like with the army patrolling and riots happening outside your front door.

That mix match of food on a silver pot above is what I was informed was a local delicacy. In the same way we love to get a cheeky kebab in Essex whilst having a night out, the chicken box is what the people of Derry scoff their faces with. Consisting of a layer of chips, cheese, mayo, fajita mix and chili sauce. It tasted nice at the time but it's not something I would even entertain trying if I was sober. But when in Rome eh? The amazing view at the top is right outside Connor's uncles front door. Imagine waking up to that every day? Let me tell you though, that is one steep hill to walk down to into the city! We had an fantastic view of the fireworks over the river on Halloween night. The best seat in the house! I have one word for Halloween in Derry... Carnage. I'd never seen so many people on the street! Some of the costumes were absolutely brilliant. My personal favourite was a group of about 20 people dressed up as zebras!

I'd love to go back as I feel we only really scratched the surface. Belfast and the Giants Causeway are just a few places that spring to mind as well as exploring Derry a bit more. As it's only really a hour plane journey away, there's no reason why we shouldn't visit more often.

Have you ever been to Northern Ireland?

Read more

Give me shelter or show me heart

Outfit:
Black and white tailored jumpsuit - c/o Warehouse at Debenhams
Black faux fur cape - gift (similar)
Black and white pointed court shoes - Primark (similar)
Peony pink lipstick - Liz Earle c/o

If you cast your mind back to this post, you'll remember that I was contacted by Debenhams to offer my take on A/W dressing. This jumpsuit was the second item I picked using my voucher. I've got to be honest and admit I'm not 100% confident wearing this. As someone who's a owner of child-bearing hips I try to stay away from clingy outfit that draw attention to my bottom half. But I do really like how this outfit has turned out. I adore the sharp tailored look and think it's a great outfit choice for any festive parties if you fancy a change from a glitzy dress. The faux fur lined cape gives it a very glamorous feel. It taps into the yearly monochrome trend as well as the androgynous trend. Two birds with one stone? Don't mind if I do!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a gorgeous Beara Beara bag.

Do you own any jumpsuits?

Read more

Giveaway with Beara Beara

Fancy winning yourself a brand new bag?! What am I thinking - of course you do! The lovely guys at Beara Beara got in touch and have offered the above bag to one lucky winner. It's the top seller in Topshop concessions don't you know?!

The story behind the brand is pretty special. Beara Beara were founded by a travel writer living in Bolivia, Latin America. After meeting a talented bag maker named Julia who was selling leather bags from a tiny back street shop along with her extended family and collaborating on unique designs, Beara Beara was born. The company actively encourages employment and every business is family run. The customer treats themselves to a snazzy new bag while helping out families in a third world country bring in much needed finances for their family. It's a win win situation and one that I think is pretty amazing.

The bags use vintage Andean cloths, known locally as Aguayos. Each Aguayo is hand woven and are unique to their region so you'll likely to be carrying around a one off. You have every right to be smug when someone comments on how pretty it is! The impressive art of making these cloths are passed down through generations over hundreds of years and reflects the fascinating history of the indigenous Bolivian people.

The giveaway ends on Sunday 24th November and I'll send a tweet/email out to the lucky girl. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read more

This week i'm loving - Liz Earle Lipstick

Liz Earle Peony - c/o

This is my first Liz Earle lipstick and it won't be the last! I love the fact that the lipstick is slightly sheer meaning you can build up the colour depending on how bright you fancy your lips. A quick sweep of colour for the daytime or a more intense pink for the evening. It's been my go-to lipstick for when I'm dashing out of the house for the past few weeks. It's a perfect neutral yet still manages to pack a punch. It feels lovely and moisturising on your lips although I'd recommend prepping your lips with a lip balm or scrub as it does tend to show up the dry patches. It has a fairly decent staying power - after a few hours it was still intact and visible.

Have you ever tried the make up range by Liz Earle?

Read more

Why d'you only call me when you're high?

Outfit:
Black crochet midi dress - H&M Trend (similar)
Silver snakeskin platforms - Next (similar)
Sliver ball Return To Tiffany charm bracelet - Tiffany & Co (similar)
Grey drop pearl earrings - Birthday present

I was frantically shopping for some black pumps when I came across this dress in H&M and decided now and then I had to have it. It was brought completely on whim and I actually trekked to two different stores to make sure I could take it home. H&M is never usually a store I shop in very often as the jumble sale-esque layout isn't my favourite. I like to be able to shop stress free and see everything clearly on display. This was hanging clearly in view so it was obviously meant to be. I decided to pair with it some 70's style platform shoes to help give me some height. I find a midi can look frumpy on a night out if they're not paired with heels. I wore this out at the weekend for an evening out watching a Take That tribute act after tagging along with the mother and my friend.

This week is slightly less jam-packed than usual which is proving to be a god send. As I'm coming down with a cold I'm loving popping my onesie on as soon as i get in the door from work and snuggling down in front of the telly. Socialising is fun but boy is it tiring! I've also managed to get quite a few Christmas presents out of the way so I'm feeling rather smug! Boots 3 for 2 is proving to be very helpful!

Read more