Shopping in Suffolk

At last, Forever21 launches in the UK!

2010-11-08T19:51:00.001Z

Calling all Fashionistas! Ever lusted after clothes from an American fashion blog, only to realise you have no chance, unless you take a quick flight across the continents to grab yourself a bargain? (rendering the term 'bargain' slightly non-applicable).

One of the main culprits that crops up A LOT in fashion blogs is Forever21, but fear not, in a high street fashion trade off, we gave them Topshop, now they are giving us Forever21!

With the first UK store launching in Birmingham this Friday on 12th November, and the second in Dublin on 13th November, I for one am hoping they will filter through to all the main cities in the UK over the coming months.

In a side note, I'm hoping to get back to some outfit posting real soon, once I've a) sorted out my winter wardrobe and b) got over this week of allergy testing at my local hospital.

I've had some skin 'issues' for years now and have finally been referred for a week long allergy testing course. For this week at least I'm having to wear a very, VERY tight gym top to hold down the 50 sample patches attractively taped to my back. I am desperate to find out just what it is that I'm allergic to on Friday, although my current mantra is *Please don't let it be alcohol, please don't let it be alcohol... fingers crossed everyone!

Fireworks Food: Classic Chilli Con Carne

2010-11-05T16:51:00.000Z

I can only think of one thing I want to eat tonight, when I'm out in the pouring rain watching soggy fireworks with my 3 year old, saying 'oooh' and 'aaah' at all the right moments – HOT Chilli Con Carne in a delicious Jacket Potato! You just can't beat it.

Here is Jamie Oliver's Recipe for Chilli Con Carne, just in case you get the same cravings, now I've mentioned it! His ingredients list is rather long, but I usually just knock certain bits out if I a) haven't got them in the cupboard or b) don't actually know what they are.

And if you are out enjoying the festivities tonight or over the weekend, hope you have a fabulous time, and stay safe!

ingredients
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 sticks of celery
• 2 red peppers
• olive oil
• 1 heaped teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 heaped teaspoon
• ground cumin
• 1 heaped teaspoon ground cinnamon
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
• 1 x 400g tin of red kidney beans
• 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 500g good-quality minced beef
• 1 small bunch of fresh coriander
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 400g basmati rice
• 1 x 500g tub of natural yoghurt
• 1 x 230g tub of guacamole
• 1 lime

To make your chilli
• Peel and finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots and celery – don’t worry about the technique, just chop away until fine
• Halve the red peppers, remove the stalks and seeds and roughly chop
• Place your largest casserole-type pan on a medium high heat
• Add 2 lugs of olive oil and all your chopped vegetables
• Add the chilli powder, cumin and cinnamon with a good pinch of salt and pepper
• Stir every 30 seconds for around 7 minutes until softened and lightly coloured
• Add the drained chickpeas, drained kidney beans and the tinned tomatoes
• Add the minced beef, breaking any larger chunks up with a wooden spoon
• Fill one of the empty tomato tins with water and pour this into the pan
• Pick the coriander leaves and place them in the fridge
• Finely chop the washed stalks and stir in
• Add the balsamic vinegar and season with a good pinch of salt and pepper
• Bring to the boil and turn the heat down to a simmer with a lid slightly askew for about an hour, stirring every now and again to stop it catching

Home Style: Easy peasy coffee table

2010-11-04T20:33:00.003Z

I saw this idea for an ultra easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy coffee table on another blog the other day, so thought I'd give it a try. I've not executed the idea particularly well here, although you get the idea!

It's so simple, just pile up a big stack of your biggest hard-backed books, and voila, one unique coffee table.

Try to use books that you won't want to look at for a while, if I now want to read my Russell Brand book I'll basically have to 'break' my new table to read it.

And the great thing is, you can constantly update your table with different books depending on your mood. Try it out for yourself!

Wise words Sophia...

2010-11-03T20:06:00.001Z

Says Sophia Loren, with possibly the most beautiful eyes in showbiz history!

How to: Fall over in a dignified manner...

2010-11-02T16:24:00.001Z

This isn't me falling over (I'm not friends with Sarah Harding), but I feel for the poor lass, I really do...

One of my very bestest skills (if you can call it a skill) is falling over. I've probably even blogged about it once or twice.

My preferred falling over incidents (and most talked about) are, in order of preference:

That time I fell over at my friends summer barbeque, my heel got stuck in the grass and I was DOWN, face first, with mud all over my chin.
That time I fell over in the pub (which time I hear you ask? there have been a few), well that time when I landed in a kneeling position at the bar after getting my heel stuck in the doorway, it's one way of getting served soonest.
And that time I fell out of my car, again head first, and again after getting my heel stuck, this time in the hem of my trousers.

Can you see the pattern forming?, they all involve 'heels'.

Well, in the first of my 'Tuesday: How To's', I'm addressing this issue with some top tips for falling over in a dignified manner:

Always try to break your fall. Head first falling hurts bad. And you wind up with mud on your face, which makes your already embarrassed state rather much worse.
Feel free to let out a little girly squeal (unless you're a guy), it makes people feel sorry for you, like they would do a small child and they are less inclined to laugh.
Please make sure you are wearing good knickers. It's bad enough to fall over, but if you give everyone a glimpse of your 'I need to do some washing knickers' - the humiliation will last a LOT longer, I promise.
If you are of the falling over variety, try to make sure you are with someone at all times. Falling over on your own is possibly the worst type of fall. With no one to laugh it over with you really do just look like a wally, or a drunk, or a drunk wally.
Always inspect your heels for 'pretend' defects after a fall, if in doubt, blame the shoes but make sure everyone notices you 'blaming the shoes'.
Never admit to being hurt. Once the commotion has died down, feel free to walk round a corner and scweam and scweam and scweam, but not while people are still watching.
Allow people to help you up - even if they are sniggering. If they are not sniggering, be warned, they will snigger when they tell all their friends on facebook what they just saw.
And lastly, whilst difficult, if you happen to be walking along with your beautiful friend, try to compose your facial expression when falling, the lady above has got it all wrong, if you are captured on camera falling, a smile is much more flattering.

Like with most things, falling over with dignity is an art form, it takes some practice. I practice a lot and I'm still not there, so don't worry if it takes you some time to perfect.

What's been your best (or worst, depends on how you look at it) falling over experience?

Fashion: Cheryl vs Dannii

2010-11-01T17:49:00.001Z

Like many people, X-Factor seems to take up half my weekend these days. But for me, one of the main reasons I watch... is to see what Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue are up to in the style stakes.

The girls are clearly having a full on fashion-fight each week and this week was no different.

Before I get onto the clothes, let's just mention Cheryl's hair. Hmmm, I'm not digging it this year, Dannii is definitely winning the hair contest for me, what she can do with a simple short bob never fails to amaze me.

Cheryl tried this red tinged hair a little while back, and my previous post on it is by far the most searched item on my entire blog, so it seems many people are curious to Cheryl's hair. Well, I'm not sure about it, and I think it's getting her down too, she seems a bit grouchy these days (although I suppose that could be to do with the rubbish year she has had, poor girl).

Anyhow, back to the clothes. The top picture is from Saturday night, for me Dannii wins here in this gorgeous Marchesa dress. The picture below is from Sunday night, Cheryl wins for me here in her Ina Soltani dress (although she does look a teeny bit like she's jumped out of a box of quality street).

So, who are you backing this week? Cheryl or Dannii?

Random: Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T13:00:00.023Z

A likkle picture of my two little kidringtons, in their halloween outfits last year.

Well Daisy isn't fully in her outfit, she later became a funky witch, and little Jo Jo in his little fat pumpkin outfit. Possibly the last year I'll get away with a cutie pie outfit for him now he's a proper boy and all cool and that.

Hope you all have super fabulous halloween fun. Boo!

Scrummy Chocolate Fudge Cake

2010-10-29T16:00:00.060+01:00

Sorry if you can see dribble on this picture, I've been a' droolin!
Chocolate Fudge Cake, mmmm, how delicious, give it a go this weekend and everyone will love you forever and ever amen. I am a learner in the cooking dept. but this isn't too tricky even for a numnuts like me.

Ingredients

200g plain chocolate, broken into chunks

200g butter

200g light brown sugar

100ml soured cream

2 eggs, beaten

200g self-raising flour

5 tbsp cocoa powder

hundreds and thousands or whatever takes your fancy, to decorate

For Icing

100g plain chocolate

170g can condensed milk

100g butter
So, start by heating your oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and if you can manage two things at once (I can't) line a 22 x 22cm square tin with baking paper.

Pop one piece of the chocolate in your mouth (optional), and add the rest of the chocolate, butter and sugar into a large pan with 100ml hot water and gently melt together. Set aside for 2 mins, then stir in the soured cream followed by the eggs.

Finally, stir or whisk in the flour and cocoa like a mad woman, until lump-free, then pour into the prepared tin (unless you forgot to prepare it, if so, prepare it now). Bake for 50-55 mins until a skewer comes out clean. Sit the tin on a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, make the icing (which sounds simpler than it really is). Gently melt together icing ingredients in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, then leave to cool until spreadable.

To decorate, carefully turn out the cooled cake and peel off the baking paper. Spread the icing over the top and scatter with hundreds and thousands, then cut the cake into triangles or fingers before serving.

Now you can share your efforts with your loved ones, or alternatively, simply hide it in a cupboard and secretly eat it all when no one is looking. Scrummy Chocolate Fudge Cake: Done.

Dreamy Home Office Inspiration

2010-10-28T20:29:00.000+01:00

Vintage inspired accessories make boring stuff look fun!!

I love the idea of the inspiring pictures to gaze at when deep in thought...

And here, who needs pictures with a scenic window view

So organised! something I could only wish to be in my wildest dreams!

Gutted that I grew out of my home office a couple of years back. I WANT ONE OF THESE!!! *Stamps feet in childish tantrum scandal

If I had one of these, my work would be so much easier to do, I'd really enjoy going to work, I'd be happier and all in all it would be just lovely. I JUST WANT ONE OF THESE!!!

Unfortunately my office now holds 4 people and it would be hard to inflict my dreamy office looks on to them, especially the 2 men in the office, but you never know maybe I'll surprise them one day with an office makeover!. I REALLY JUST WANT ONE OF THESE!!!

Land of Soap & Glory

2010-10-27T22:03:00.000+01:00

I have to admit, I was a Soap and Glory virgin until a friend suggested I try Soap and Glory's 'Flakeaway'.

I absolutely blinkin' loved it! Flakeaway is now one of my all-time favourite products. Scrubbing your legs with this before shaving them gives you an extremely close shave and baby soft skin and the smell is just divine!

In Boots recently, I bought 6 of their products (and only paid for 4). No, I wasn't shoplifting, they were on a 3 for 2 offer, yeehah! As I was on a bit of beauty product trolley dash, I walked away with a slight Liam Gallagher swagger, not 'cos I'm cool, 'cos my 2 carrier bags were so so heavy!

Naturally, I topped up my 'Flakeaway' supply, but will give you a very quick run down of the other products I bought and what I thought of them.

Dr Spot: Unfortunately, so far this hasn't done much for the recent spotty antics on my face, although I will keep trying it.

Wish Upon a Jar, 21 Day Collagen Overhaul Cream: This is gorgeous! It says to only use for 21 days (not quite sure why that is) but I'd consider using it long term. My face feels slightly plumper, I love's it I do.

Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser: Probably my favourite product from this particular haul. Deep cleanses your skin, leaving my face feeling light and totally refreshed.

Hair Supply Conditioner: Well, my hair's not digging this one, it smells lush, but it's not for me.

Hand Food Hand Cream: A huge tube of this is £4.50 which I think is excellent value, it's a great everyday hand cream with the same delicious smell – I have to stop myself from licking my hands all day!

I'm trying a new format for the blog to make it easier for me to find new content each day, so it will be mixed up with fashion, how to's, beauty, home style, recipe's and of course some of my 'randoms'. Hope you likey. x

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

2010-07-16T22:09:00.003+01:00

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum – have you tried it yet?

So this is the new 'must have' beauty product that has his the shelves in the UK this week.

Boots are selling this exclusively for £39.99 (in fact the Boots website crashed last night due to the demand from eager shoppers). You can BUY IT HERE – if they have any left!

It promises to promote eyelash growth by up to 50%, if used daily for 8 weeks.

Have you tried this or are you going to? I'm so interested to know if anyone has in real life, reviewers seem to be raving about it, is it really that great?

STOP THE PRESS: NEXT SALE...

2010-07-15T22:03:00.001+01:00

The NEXT Sale starts officially on 17th July, stores open from 5am and online from 8am.

I've heard rumours it starts in London stores on 16th July, er... like tomorrow from 5am and rest of the UK on Saturday. Can anyone confirm?

Eugh: flat shoes...

2010-07-15T20:04:00.000+01:00

I had a full-day photoshoot today for one of my design clients. A full and tiring day I can tell you... but on the upside, it was in a pub! And boy do I love a good old country pub.

I had to be ultra comfy today for jumping around the set's, and that meant... eugh: flat shoes. Not something you'll often see me in!

This LBD was fabulously cheap from Matalan at £10 but has seen me through all sorts fashion dilemma's, dressed up or dressed down it really is so versatile. I love the gold detail round the neck which ties in nicely with my beige with gold fleck cardigan.

Happy evening to you all!

Just a hint of pink...

2010-07-14T18:35:00.003+01:00

Top: River Island, Skirt: Matalan, Shoes: Matalan, Necklace: Gift from my mum

Day 2 in my advice from the Joy Wilson body shape guide, 'a tulip skirt with pockets', gives me some hips... and as Shakira would say in her nasal type Shakira stylie "ooh baby I'm on tonight... and the hips don't lie...".

Today led me to thinking about two extremely important questions in life...

1. Is it okay to wear satin for day wear?... I say YES!
AND
2. After all his misdemeanors, is it still okay to love my soundtrack of the day?... Chris Brown, Forever

What d'ya say? Love or Boycott Chris Brown?

Today Matthew, I will be a... buzzy bee

2010-07-13T18:42:00.005+01:00

I found the yellow shoes on ebay a year or two ago, after seriously stalking a pair that Kasmira used to wear a lot over on her blog...

There is something a bit buzzy bee'ish* (made up word alert!) about my outfit today.

Running on from my earlier post about dressing to suit your shape, one thing these guides often tell me to wear is an A-line skirt, which suits me fine as I have around 532 in my wardrobe. I think they suit just about everyone – and as my dear old friend used to say (btw, she's not dead, she just doesn't say it any more), if ever in doubt, go A-line.

This black and white stripey number is from River Island (£10 sale price) and actually has a layer of netting as well as the lining, which gives it that extra va va voom – and we all love a bit of va va voom don't we?

*Interesting Bee Fact: A common, yet incorrect, assumption is that the buzzing sound of bees is caused by the beating of their wings. The sound is actually the result of the bee vibrating its flight muscles, and this can be achieved while the muscles are decoupled from the wings—a feature known in bees but not other insects, oooh, who'd have known?

Which body shape are you?

2010-07-13T11:23:00.002+01:00

One of the fundamental rules of style according to most stylists, is dressing to suit your body shape. But do you know what body shape you really are?

Most of us have a distorted view of our true body shape. What we see (or think we see) in the mirror isn't necessarily true, sometimes it takes others to point out and assess our shape and it can be a surprise!

I love Joy Wilson's shape guide, with a simple quiz to find out what shape you are and then helpful suggestions and ideas on how to dress to suit that shape.

I've always thought I have broad shoulders and smaller hips making me a 'Strawberry' – but on closer inspection actually I may be more of a straight up and down or a 'Rectangle' according to Joy. At least I can read the tips for both and choose which to put into action!

So which body shape are you?

Ladies day at the races...

2010-07-12T22:41:00.011+01:00

'Considering it was ladies day, there seemed to be rather a lot of men milling around!'

What better excuse to get all dressed up than ladies day at Newmarket Races?

I bought a new floaty maxi dress especially for the occasion (£20), plus a purple fascinator (£6), both from bargaintastic Matalan.

I was quite possibly one of the cheapest dressed ladies there, and certainly wasn't going to win any fashion awards with all the amazing designer looks floating around, but I had a fantastic day none-the-less.

Sorry the pic is rather bright, but it was proper scorchio in Newmarket that day. I Show Allhave to say I felt as cool as a cucumber in the long, airy maxi – highly recommended for warm days. If I can find a full length pic, I'll update the image asap!

Back by popular demand...

2010-07-12T19:22:00.004+01:00

Outfit: Gold shoes and belt, brown and gold flecked trousers, animal print chiffon blouse, wooden heart necklace, pretty much ALL from New Look.

Well, I'm back, not so much by demand, just by one request really... from my mum and auntie... (holds sign up *hello mum and auntie!).

I'm not wearing anything new here, but there is something new in the picture, can you spot it?

I have no clue where this necklace is from, unbeknown to me, it has been lurking in my jewellery for some time!

No, it's not the necklace, cute as it maybe... that's just a decoy shot.

'Home Sweet Home' from the cute but camp 'Colin and Justin' range at Matalan.

Hi-five if you guessed the 'Home Sweet Home' ornament on my mantlepiece, fresh from the sale in Matalan for a fabulous £10.

Whilst there isn't often much 'sweet' about my home (it contains children), we can but dream!

The Beauty Encyclopedia...

2010-04-15T20:30:00.008+01:00

Well, it's not often that I actually take notice of sales emails these days, like most people I've become oblivious to them and they hit my trash bin quicker than you can say "you've got mail".

But, these beauty encyclopedia's from make up site e.l.f. did make me do a whiplash inducing double take.

'Everyday eyes', 'Sparkle eyes' and the 'Lip edition'. I loves it I do. And at just £6 each, I might just have to treat my 'e.l.f. and get all 3!

I want. I want. I WANT...

2010-03-17T17:46:00.004Z

Oh, do excuse me, you just caught me mid tantrum.

I mentioned yesterday, my broken news years resolution and my lack of discipline. Well, this extends to my nails. Confession: I bite my nails AND I WANT NICE NAILS!

It is a really unattractive trait I know and totally bizarre when you think about it. You wouldn't munch on any other body part, well, not in front of people.

Worse still I don't even realise I'm doing it, well not always. I did notice the other evening mind you, when I was watching "The Hurt Locker" – Man! have you seen that yet? I suspect even non nail biters may find themselves with slightly shorter nails after that one.

So guys, how do I knock this nasty little habit on the head? Any tricks or tips I could try?

It's been a while...

2010-03-16T22:36:00.006Z

Yep, it's been a while since I last posted (*looking sheepish, shuffling from one foot to the other). One of my new year resolutions was to be more disciplined in all aspects of my life... BIGTIME FAIL!

But here I am, I'm sorry if you've been stopping by only to find nothing new, I'm making amends as of today.

Starting off gently with a couple of hot picks from the MEGA SALE at Tesco:
Clockwise from top left: Lime gathered sleeve jumper £5. Leopardprint Coat £15. Hot Pink Coat £15. Denim shirt dress £16 (non sale).

I want to wear the lime top under the leopardprint with some black skinnies...

There are some fantastic bargains both instore and online. I noticed they are also doing a 20% off all clothing until 24th March online, big wowza if that also applies to sale items?, go grab a bargain! (Tip: Look out for the knitwear, tons of cardigans handy for Spring mostly at £5.)

A little market research please... on happy birthday cards

2010-02-07T18:06:00.010Z

Today, I am doing a little market research on happy birthday cards.

For years I've had an urge to produce greetings cards – happy birthday cards, thank you cards. I have millions of designs like the ones above, I've just picked out a couple of randoms here.

Would appreciate your thoughts, are they worth pursuing?.

The inners would be printed in a bright coordinating colour, but, left blank mainly. They would come with a contrasting brightly coloured envelope, so the bright pink for example. Retail would be around £1.50-£1.75.

These are not completed designs, just testing the water! They would be under a 'brand' and all follow a similar look and feel.

Any feedback greatly appreciated, thank you!.

Seeing Red... leather gloves

2010-02-05T21:39:00.005Z

Today, I bought a pair of red, leather gloves in Sainsburys!.

I'm afraid I may have to give up grocery shopping. Items seem to relentlessly follow me round the store until I give in and pop them in the trolley. (Oh, go on then).

I'm not feeling too guilty about these red, leather gloves mind you. Reduced to £5 in Sainsburys. My mum and I both agreed these were a sound purchase.

Red seems to be my accent colour of choice at the moment, and not just in my accessories and wardrobe. My house is seeing snippets of red here, there and everywhere – I just can't stop myself.

Have you noticed a colour theme that filters through your wardrobe AND your home?

One for the road... hand painted wine glasses

2010-02-04T21:50:00.007Z

In a break from normal service – today, I bring you NOT something I have bought, but rather, something someone has bought for me (which should please both the boyf AND the bank manager).

My mother in law gave me this beautiful, hand painted 'Lolita' wine glass. A truly thoughtful gift as it encompasses two of my most favourite past times... shopping and wine! She knows me too well me thinks.

This is the 'Shopaholic' version, there are tons available, one to suit every taste I'm sure. If you'd like to get your smackers around one of these hand painted wine glasses, they retail around £16 in the UK and come beautifully packaged, they make an ideal pressie.

I found some here at John Lewis, to save you the bother of google, such a hasslepants.

Now please excuse me, I'm off to pour myself a large glass of Pinot! I may be some time.

Rule Britannia... Union Jack style

2010-02-03T18:59:00.007Z

I'm a woman of my word... when I said I had a hunch of matching this thrifted union jack belt with floral, I only blimmin' well did it.

My union jack belt has left me feeling rather patriotic today, but I have to admit to being a useless patriot. I had one of those moments when for some reason I was adament our queen was called Margaret. What? Margaret? And you know that feeling when you are so convinced of something and argue your case only to suddenly realise you are a complete imbecile and shouldn't really be allowed out of the house unaccompanied.

Honestly, what was I thinking... Margaret... everyone knows she's called Vera.

ps. Do you think you can be imprisoned for misquoting the 'name' of the Queen on a blog? If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know the answer is YES!

And in the depths of the sales...

2010-02-02T22:03:00.004Z

You know when the sales seem to drag on and on? And you wonder why shops leave a couple of rails with a selection of old tat in a range of extreme sizes that surely no one will ever buy, even if it is reduced by 90% – in some cases looking like they would pay you to take it off their hands.

Yet, for some reason, I still feel the need to trawl these rails. No, I'm not after that elusive neon yellow ra-ra skirt, it's because, just now and again you do come across a bargainistic find, purely by chance.

The blazer above is one such find in Matalan. An amazing £3!! reduced from £30!. Hi fives all round I do believe.

Thrifting on the 1st Feb...

2010-02-01T16:21:00.005Z

What better way to start off February, than with a spot of thrifting?

I didn't have a very enjoyable week last week, it was rubbish. I actually ended the week in hospital! (It's a really long story which I won't bore you with, but I'm fine now and it wasn't all that serious). So, to cheer myself up, I took the day off today to recover and met my mum and sis for coffee and thrift time.

First score was this Jigsaw top above. I loved the orangey/terracotta embroidery. £6 from Cancer Research in Bury St Edmunds.

I also found this little cute-cream-coloured-cape (try saying that a few times) for £2.50 from another thrift shop in Bury St Edmunds. I'm not sure exactly what I'll wear this with, but it is really pretty and a nice girlie addition to my wardrobe.

And finally, this union jack belt in Oxfam for £3.99. Bit chavvy... agreed, but I was feeling patriotic. I'm going to try wearing this with a floral dress... not sure why... I just had a vision and in my head it looked good! We shall see...

COMPETITION WINNER NEWS! Before falling ill, my colleagues and I did manage to choose a winner for the competition to be published in my ickle magazine.

We had more than 50 entries, so picking a 'best' was an impossible task. So it came down to what most suited the February issue. And the winner was... northwestlondongirlinthecountry.blogspot.com Congratulations!

Thank you all for your entries, they were all fantastic. The magazine is produced monthly, so I may publish some more of the articles as the months go on. I'll be sure to let you know if I do. And feel free to keep submitting articles you feel may be suitable.

Blogger inspired outfit...

2010-01-20T18:11:00.003Z

I love reading your blogs. I'm just a glorified stalker really. But, don't let that put you off! Today's outfit was inspired by you guys.

The jeans inspired by Kari. I used to LIVE in jeans, but somewhere along the way I fell out of love with denim. Time to rekindle! Thanks to Kari for making me rethink them.

Ruffle blouse and animal print cardi, belted, partly inspired by Jessica at What I Wore (there are not many days go by when I'm not inspired by this girl!). I loved her ruffle on ruffle look, but had to make do with what I had available...

Another trend I've tried here (as seen on several bloggers) is mixing patterns. Something I would never have dreamed of a few months back, before I discovered fashion blogs!

Dottyness and animal print, who'd have thought?

Have you tried the pattern mixing combo? or been inspired lately by other bloggers?

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

Ring ring... ring ring...

2010-01-19T18:45:00.007Z

Like most ladies, I have far more rings than I have fingers... but I just wanted to share with you my favourite of all time.

I love the antique look of this ring, the little jewels and mostly the two lovely ladies in the middle – just where are they going? I always think they are strolling on the beach...

I got this ring a couple of years ago at the launch party of a new company in Bury St Edmunds, Aboulia. A party plan business aimed specifically at young women and teenagers. It was set up by a really cool young lady who also owned one of Bury's trendiest clothes boutique... Leylou, and even more impressively she started all this aged around 18!

I was asked to design the brand for 'Aboulia', some of the items are pictured above.

Unfortunately, Hayley, the owner moved on to others things and as far as I know the shop and the party plan business ceased to trade, which is a real shame, I think she was on to something there!

Do you have an absolute favourite item of jewellery that you can't live without?

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

Thrifting in London...

2010-01-18T22:07:00.010Z

A few weeks ago, I spent the day shopping in London with my mum. I say London, but we actually spent the whole day in just one street in London!

One street in Hammersmith to be precise.

And this one street had 4 good reasons why it took a whole day to complete:
1. It had a pub.
2. It had the second biggest Primark I've ever seen (second to the Oxford Street one).
3. It had some thrift shops...
4. …Oh no sorry, there wasn't a 4th, I just love making extra long lists with the last item being totally irrelevant.

I picked up this fully embroidered skirt in one such thrift shop for a mere £3.

And for your viewing pleasure, a close up of the embroidery...

Since I've got a bit slap happy with my sewing box, I very nearly re-hemmed this to make it a fraction shorter. But, I'm so glad I didn't. It's the sort of skirt that starts to ride a bit as the day goes on. Any shorter and I've have been showing off me bloomers to all and sundry come tea time – oooh Matron!

Wide hot pink belt... was a bargainistic £1 from Tesco.

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

Customising a coat – THE RESULT!

2010-01-16T16:16:00.010Z

Well, I only blinkin' well went and did it! I updated my old red coat, all by my little self.

I hot-footed it down to our local haberdashery store this morning, Mill House Fabrics. I made my usual stylish entrance into the shop. Totally bedraggled from the rain, holding my son under one arm (I was parked illegally so had no time for messing). As suspected, quite a few elderly's were pottering around but once I'd shoved them out the way, (what? I was parked illegally, no time for being polite) I set about choosing my buttons.

This must have been the point when I started talking to myself. I thought I was just mumbling in my head, but the look on the assistants face told me, no, I was actually talking out loud. My son then chose this opportunity to fall over on his face, resulting in a minor nose bleed. And something told me that all this was fairly unusual behaviour in a shop like this.

Anyhow, the selection of buttons wasn't huge, so stifled my creativity somewhat, I had something much different in my mind, but came out with 6 pearlised glass buttons and some cream tassle trimming, setting me back around £7.

For most people, this is probably THE most simplest thing ever, however, I am not a sewer and haven't really ever tried anything like this before, so for any other virgins... here's how it went:

Customising the coat:
1. Wash coat thoroughly using loads of fabric conditioner, so it smells gorgeous! Good start.
2. Repair the inside seam, not visible to anyone else, but makes it feel old to me.
3. Remove boring old black buttons and replace with twinkly new ones.
4. Iron on cream tassle trim to underside of both pockets (for simplicity, using iron on hemming/bond tape, which I have to say is amazing stuff!).
5. Ta da! Nearly new coat, that is actually 3 or 4 years old.

Time spent: Total around 45 mins, but actually I was being slow. A competent sewer could probably achieve this in 15 mins.

With some left over cream tassle trim, I then updated this boring cream short sleeve sweater which I never really looked twice at, again, using the iron-on bond tape, giving it a pretty new neckline. Time spent: 5 mins!

I'm quite pleased with my first attempt, and dare I say even a little bit hooked on this new hobby! Looking for my next project as we speak!

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

Do it yourself this weekend...

2010-01-15T22:53:00.006Z

I have 5 'main' Winter coats. All of which also see me through our British Autumn's and Spring's too (and come to think of it, some Summer's as well), so truth be told, they could be classed as 'all year round' coats.

They are all really similar in style, 3/4 length, tailored, it's just my thing.

From left to right I have beige, black, brown with fur collar, purple and red. By far the most used are the purple and red, they just go with everything.

My coats are like old friends, some I've literally had for years and years! A couple are getting a little tired and are in need of some tlc. So, this weekend, I'm giving them a little mini-makeover. Starting with my favourite, THE RED ONE. I'm getting new buttons and possibly some trim for the pockets. I'll see how that one goes and then maybe move on to the others!!

Have you had much luck customising/updating your clothes? I haven't really tried it before, but I figure – even I can't mess up changing buttons!! Please come back over the weekend to see how I get on.

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

What do you do with yours?

2010-01-14T18:35:00.005Z

Being a shopaholic isn't all fun and frolics believe me! (well, if I'm honest it is, but for the purposes of this post it isn't - get me?) It can mean you very quickly become the proud owner of a total mish mash of jewellery boxes with excess 'stuff'.

But, my totally fabulous mum found this great storage solution for me from Kleeneze. Good 'ole girl.

It's actually meant for the garden shed! but doubles up as a great over-the-door jewellery tidy.

I can see everything at a glance which makes life much easier.

When I sorted out my jewellery I was a little concerned to see how quickly it filled up, in fact there wasn't room for my bangles, but then I remembered, I do have a shopping disease, and 'too much stuff' comes with the territory I'm afraid. This system means that I do have to have a 'cull' every so often.

Does anyone have any other ways of storing their jewellery, other than the standard jewellery boxes. I'd love to hear.

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

ps. For the Mary Poppins fans... Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious doesn't come up in my spell check, however, if you say it loud enough, it ALWAYS sounds precocious. It just does.

Biker floral this spring...

2010-01-13T19:52:00.005Z

I love the styling on this outfit, all from New Look. The Biker Jacket is currently reduced to £25, the dress is also £25.

I will definitely be toughening up my floral dresses with a bad ass leather biker jacket this year.

TOP TIP! Such a small detail, but I think the way they have styled this shot, with the sleeves of the jacket pushed up a bit, is brilliant. Straight out of the Gok Wan book of style (he does this A LOT when he styles outfits). It adds an instant stylish boost and gives a more edgy look to any outfit.

Try it now on your jackets, blazers work best, but long sleeve shirts and jumpers are great too. Honestly, if you don't already do this, go try it now!

DON'T FORGET! For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue of my magazine... click here for more details.

Calling all budding writers and bloggers...

2010-01-12T22:15:00.005Z

Did I ever mention... that I own a little magazine?

It's just a little free monthly magazine with around 8-10,000 readers a month.

For any budding writers or bloggers out there, I'm offering the chance to be published in the February issue...

Interested?
Copy deadline for the February issue is January 20th. Articles can be emailed to me for consideration before this date please.

The magazine is family based and to give you an idea the sections break down as follows:

* Community and Family
* What's On
* Shopping and Fashion
* Food and Drink
* Health and Beauty
* Home and Garden
* Property and Finance
* Motoring

I'm looking for fresh content on any of these subjects. A small article... an old blog post... a product review... A fabulous recipe... whatever you think might tickle the readers' fancy!

What's in it for you?

* Exposure of your blog to 8-10,000 NEW people.
* Printed copies of the finished publication sent to you so you can see your work in print!
* The kudos that you have been published.

Whilst I cannot offer a financial gain at this time, please don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for free, cheap content, (it's a free magazine so there is not much money involved in it full stop) - I have plenty of excellent content given to me every month, I'd just love to mix it up a little and as I love reading all your blogs I'm sure others would too. I'm not asking for loads of time to be put into this... maybe revisit your best blog posts... that's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for!

I don't know if anybody is interested but I'd love to hear from you, just email me your contributions and I will pick my favourite and announce the winner on 21st Jan (or around that time).

And if you know of anybody else who may be interested please blog or tweet or whateverness. x

ps. any questions? pop them in the comment box or email me... x

What I WON'T be wearing this Spring/Summer...

2010-01-11T17:01:00.008Z

Don't let my post title mislead you. I absolutely j'adore these playsuits from Topshop.

I have a romantic fantasy... imagine if you will, there's me, galloping through the fields in the summer, with my dog (I don't have a dog, but this is a fantasy daydream remember) or moshing it up at a music festival - wearing my 'cutie pie' playsuit.

But alas, I have to let these pass me by. I think I'm just too old and not quite the right shape to carry these off. I imagine my teenage daughter and her crew will be rocking this look this year though...

If you want to snap up one of these little babies, I'd get looking now at the full range at Topshop. Despite the fact they are not the most convenient garment when nature calls, I'm certain they'll be pretty popular this spring/summer.

(Top pic: Pansy Print Playsuit - £50 Topshop, Bottom pic: Ibiza Print Playsuit - £35 Topshop).

What I wore at the weekend...

2010-01-10T16:24:00.007Z

We've spent the weekend 'unofficially' snowed in.

We could of course have got out, and did for short spells (ie. to get to the pub for some of the landlords finest lager), but we decided to have a cosy, self-imposed weekend indoors.

During our weekend, I managed to catch up on oodles of laundry. Re-discovering some long lost items of clothing from the bottom of the washing pile. My daugther honed her "I'm soooooo bored" skills, my son perfected his 'throwing a wobbler' terrible 2's skills and the other half spent much time talking about everything he was going to accomplish around the house, none of which has actually happened, but nevermind, he does make the most delicious bacon sandwiches.

I didn't want to scum around the house all weekend, so did make the effort to get ready each day.

Saturday (top pic)
Rose top by pussycat at New Look, £15 in the sale
Leggings (not new)
Tiger belt - £1.75 sale at Matalan
Black shoe boots - £7 sale at Matalan

Sunday (bottom pic)
Dress and top (both old)
Colour Block Tights - £1.50 sale at Matalan, a controversial item within the household, 1 liked, 1 disliked, and 1 couldn't care less.
Purple shoe boots - £18 at Matalan - which were reduced to £4.50 2 days after I bought them :-(

Hope you all had fantabulous weekends!

ps. I should mention, I did manage to tone down my orange face on Saturday. I have a new bronzer from Max Factor. It's pretty darn hardcore, I need a lighter touch me thinks!

Wellie boot envy...

2010-01-07T22:06:00.007Z

I had a bit of wellie boot envy going on the other day (I know... is that really possible?).

At an event at my toddlers nursery of all places. I spotted one of the other mums wearing a pair of wellies similar to the ones above. I kept having a sneaky glance at them. Couldn't stop myself, they looked so fab. She probably thought I was a bit crazy, but she can relax, I wasn't stalking her, just her boots.

Ordinarily I would have asked her where she got them from but it wasn't 'that' sort of event and the teacher is a tiny bit scary and I didn't fancy getting sent out for talking.

I've been looking for them ever since, the ones pictured here I found on Amazon, but I don't think they are quite the ones I'm coveting. Has anyone seen these anywhere else, maybe better quality ones?

Love you.

ps. Thank you for all your lovely messages over Christmas and New Year. Happy New Year everybody! I've been a bit rubbish at updating I shall be trying to get back on track now, but so you know, I make time to visit all your lovely bloggywogs every day, even if I don't make a comment, I still read you all. x

Facebook pic of the day...

2009-12-17T22:02:00.012Z

Sharing my facebook pic of the day.

My children make me lol every day, especially when we go shopping and they insist on wearing 3d glasses.

And thank you for all your tips re. the navy top yesterday. Thanks to you guys, I think it's a keeper. I'm on it. x

In Tesco's tonight, I bought a couple of things. The shop assistant kindly decided to give me and the other shoppers in the queue a running commentary on my purchases:

"Wow, great dress... I'd like one of those" (I agreed politely)
"Oh, you found a matching belt" (yep, amazing I know)
"And a cardigan, so if it gets cold you can pop that on" (yep, getting bored now love)
"Eye drops, always a good idea on a heavy night out" (yada yada yada)
"Nibbles... good idea to take along to the party" (whatever)

As the panty liners moved up the conveyor belt, I tried to make eye contact with her, willing her to SHUT UP. How was she going to factor that into my 'imagined' evening out?

Thankfully to save my blushes and the others behind me in the queue, she didn't even try.

8 sleeps. Woo hoo.

ps. IT'S SNOWING!

A little help here please...

2009-12-16T22:43:00.003Z

When I was out tonight, I came across this little top in the sale in Sainsburys. It was half price at £8 so I snapped it up.

I've been going against every rule of shopping lately, complete impulse purchases, and cheapy ones at that. This one caught my eye because of the pretty embroidery.

Now it's at home with me safe and sound though, I've noticed a slight problem. It's navy blue. Navy is not one of my colours. I don't own anything else navy or from that colour family (unless you count dark blue denim).

So now I'm completely stuck as to what to wear this with. What goes with navy? Do you have any ideas how I can style this? I'd be grateful for any advice, otherwise it may be doomed and be given back to the shop and boy do I hate doing that. :-(

Only 9 sleeps to go!!!!! And I'm about to go have one of those right now.

Total spent today: £8.

We wish you a Merry Christmas...

2009-12-15T17:37:00.009Z

Whilst we were having dinner tonight, there was a knock at the door.

"Is that singing" my other half said. And by jove it was, as we discovered when all 4 of us went to open the door (which is probably slightly weird if you are the 'knocker' – 4 people answering the door may seem a bit OTT).

Blimmin' carol singers! I'd heard that carol singers existed, but often wondered if they were just an urban myth.

They sent the 'cute' little ones to the front, all wide-eyed and bushy tailed. (well without the tails, although we do live in a small village, and I've seen stranger sights), I think Joe thought his entire toddler group had turned up on his doorstep just to sing to him, he did look puzzled.
All the accompanying adults stood further back (in the darkness so their faces could be concealed). Mystery Carol Singers.

One child explained they were collecting for charity. So being the festive season and all that... I sent them packing without a penny! Interrupting my dinner indeedy, that'll teach 'em.

What? well if I'd given them a donation, I wouldn't have been able to purchase this winter floral top from Matalan, £8.

In other good news... Only 10 sleeps to go!!!!!

Total spent today: £8.

ps. To avoid any complaints, just to confirm, I am of course only joking... I let them sing a couple of songs first... and then I sent them packing!

The Kamakaze Assault Course

2009-12-14T18:41:00.011Z

In some respects I guess I am lucky that I work from home, literally from my back garden. (Well, not quite literally, I'm not a hobbit after all... sitting in the depths of the undergrowth, I should say it is actually an office within in my garden.)

My walk home from work is approximately 15 steps. Which may sound pretty cool given some people's commutes, but let me tell you... with the nights drawing in so early, those 15 steps are filled with terror and peril every evening. I call it 'The Kamakaze Assault Course'.

First up, we have the treacherous clothes washing line (still lying on the floor from summer), one false move and it's wrapped round your legs quicker than Tiger Woods in a Las Vegas motel room.

Next, comes the childs scooter, a simple, ye olde kids scooter by day, but turns into a 4 wheeled, vicious, danger machine at night in the pitch black.

If you've made it that far, the next obstacle is the 'Slide of Death'. So called as it has nearly killed me on several occasions. It may only be a 2ft high kids slide, but it's camoflage skills are respected by most of the military personnel in the country, being a perfect match for the night sky.

Finally, right by the back door are the 'Jeopardy Pots', if your foot goes in one, you are a gonna... with a capital G.

To make my journey even more exciting, I like to do it in 4 inch heels like the red platform ones above, not for the faint hearted I can tell ya! The amount of expletives coming from my garden every evening, quite honestly needs a Parental Advisory Warning.

I made it home unscathed, and nothing much new to show you in my outfit today, other than this oversized brown belt I found in Primark for £2.91 and Black Roll Neck Top, also £2.91 from Primark. I have a love/hate relationship with Primark, today it's lurve...

Here's hoping your journey home is a safer one.

Total spent today: £6 or just under, cba to do the maths.

3 facts about Elves... you never really wanted to know, but do now...

2009-12-13T21:50:00.009Z

At this time of year, I know everyone starts to ask themselves... I wonder what the top 3 FACTS about elves are?

What?, you haven't asked yourself that? Really? Just me then. Well nevermind, you're getting them anyway...

Interesting Elf Fact No. 1:
One of the best Christmas films ever made is 'ELF' (taken from the 'Shopaholic poll for best Christmas films ever made' survey). We watched it tonight for possibly the 517th time. I can't believe this film was released in 2003, my how time flies... when you're watching Elf. Fact.

Interesting Elf Fact No. 2:
If you've never done this before, then it is well worth frittering away 5 minutes of your time... check out elfyourself. It still makes me nearly wet myself every time! Fact.

Interesting Elf Fact No. 3:
This years lack of rainbows has been put down to ELVES getting access to cashforgold.com acording to leprechan and goblin monthly. (Okay, can't claim that one for myself, taken from comedian Ross Noble's twitter status!) Debatable Fact.

I know, bet you feel better now.

The Sweet Smell of... Christmas

2009-12-12T18:02:00.015Z

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without all the glorious festive smells. And there aren't many whiffy things better than Yankee Candles.

Today, my daughter and I chose two Christmas scented Yankee Candles, 'Mulled Wine' and 'Christmas Eve' purchased from 'Buy the Light' in Bury St Edmunds.

It maybe cold outside, but indoors it is like a mini santa's grotto. We've just baked cookies and one of the candles is making the house smell super Christmassy, spicy cinnamon... lovely.

If you are stuck for a gift idea for a sister, mum or grandmother, I highly recommend a Yankee Candle. The jar ones last forever. A Yankee Candle is not just for Christmas after all!

In other good news, 6-1 chance of a white Christmas this year in the UK...!

What Yankee Candle 'flavour' would you recommend?

Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-09T21:43:00.010Z

Today, we bought our Christmas Tree.

Every year we go to a lovely place near our home to buy our tree, Blackthorpe Barn in Rougham. There is a massive selection of trees, a delightful decorations shop, cafe, arts and crafts stalls... it is quite frankly, Christmas heaven.

J likes to get heavily involved in the Christmas Tree selection. It's his thing. And his number 1 criteria? – it has to be BIG. (well, you know what they say about men and their Christmas Trees... No?… that's probably cos I just made that up).

I'm the most organised I've ever been so far this Christmas, not complete, but organised, which is a bonus for me. I hope your Christmas prep is going well...

Total spent today: eek! (I'm closing my eyes) Tree £42.99, Door Wreath £12.99, other bits and pieces (cos obviously I can't leave a shop with just two items, even if they are bigger than my car) £20.00(ish)...

ps. Just noticed something important is missing off our tree... the STAR! A tree without a star is like... Victoria without David... soz, I meant to say Mary without Joseph.

Party dresses...

2009-12-02T19:40:00.004Z

One of my absolute most successful traits, is being able to make a complete fool out of myself on a daily basis.

At a posh party the other night, I was hovering around outside... alone... in full ballgown attire, when two girls walked towards the building. I couldn't quite see their faces as it was dark, but one of them loudly said "HELLO...?"

Oh, I must know them I thought to myself, (well, they are arriving at the same party).
"HIYA" I shouted back in my cheeriest manner...

I didn't know them. As they drew nearer the girl continued her conversion... ON HER MOBILE PHONE TO SOMEONE ELSE... Man!!!! I DIE... they had to walk right past me, they looked embarrassed... for me.

I popped to Tesco after work today for some wrapping paper. Didn't find any I liked, but this zebra dress did sneak it's way into my basket... naughty dress.

All party dresses were half price, making this dress just £9!! I don't know if I'm abnormal (well, don't answer that actually, I clearly am) but, I wouldn't even say this is an out and out party dress, I would be quite happy wearing this in the daytime with a hot pink cardi and matching shoes...

I've just looked on the Tesco website and they have tons of stuff half price, it is well worth a look, dresses, coats, boyfriend cardigans... AND that little leather bomber jacket that's been "on my radar" for some time now is half price at £14!!! SOLD!

Please wash your hands...

2009-12-01T17:50:00.008Z

A strange thing just happened.

I noticed a brown mark on my hand, and for some reason, instinctively licked it. (That maybe the mum in me, yes I have started washing my son's face with my own saliva when needs must).

As soon as I licked my hand though, my mind flashed back over the last couple of minutes. I had made a coffee and... eugh, emptied my sons potty... eugh 50/50 chance.

I think you know where this is headed so nuff said, suffice to say, the lesson for today is... "Always smell BEFORE licking".

Today, I wore a stripey top I bought last week from Tesco, Bury St Edmunds. It was a complete bargain, with a starting price of £8 but with 20% off, so made it like... um... a bit less than £8... (whut? it's been a long day, my brain is offline).

Whilst you may be thinking, not bad love, but it is only a simple black and white long sleeved T... well let me tell you, there are tricks galore with this top:

1. It has removable shoulder pads! wowza! so it's perfect for a Dynasty Reunion Party... (if there is such a thing?)

2. PLUS! a large silver zip right down the back... I discovered that in cold weather, the zip does get very cold indeed. Several bouts of involuntary 'squealing like a girl' later and I had to give in and pop a vest top underneath. My colleagues already think I'm mental, random squealing wasn't helping my cause.

An ode to the hot pink mama shoes...

2009-11-30T21:55:00.006Z

Dear Hot Pink Mama Shoes,

You know I love you. I loved you the moment I saw you, I just knew you had to be mine.

So why do you keep insisting on embarrassing me whenever I wear you?

Take the other day for example, minding my own business, tottering around on you out shopping together, when you gave way and sent me tumbling (not for the first time)...

And then the other evening when I took you for a night out with the girls, most shoes would have been grateful for an outing like that, not you, no, not you, as soon as we entered the slightly rough pub in Bury St Edmunds Town Centre (yeah, I hang out in all the classiest places me) you tipped me over, I landed on my knees at the bar. People were laughing Shoes... did you not see? All I could do was tell them "I always come in here like that". I defended you, I blamed the hidden step. I could tell you blamed the couple of shandies I'd had in the previous pub.

Whilst you know I don't like to have favourites, put it this way, if the house was burning down, I would potentially grab you (oh, and one of the kids if I had room in my arms), so I think the least you could do is show me a little love back.

You are making me consider the perils that lay before me if I even dare to venture out with you. And that's not good for either of us.

So, give me a break shoes, let's get back to the old love we once shared and I will cherish you forever more.

Yours 'hoping to stay upright a bit more',

ooops...!

2009-11-27T23:01:00.004Z

A serious case of 'bloggers block' has struck me recently, but I'm getting over it and am just about ready to start blogging again.

Besides, I have a serious backlog of shopping to share with you guys.

So I am sorry for the absence, I hope you will all join me again in the next few days when I return to the blogging world.

Just wondered... does anyone else suffer from blogger breakdown? And how do you deal with it?

And the WINNER is…

2009-11-02T21:30:00.004Z

And the winner of the great big sweetie giveaway II is...

Using a random number generator, it selected number 41 which equals a winner!

Who is...

Drum roll please...

Shoegal!

Congrats Shoegal (please email me your address), hope you enjoy these little babies! Sorry everyone else but thanks for all the entries, next time eh?

London Zoo made us ill...

2009-10-28T19:42:00.007Z

Contrary to popular belief, this skirt wasn't from the kids range but funnily enough is much smaller than the kids one I bought yesterday. This one though was just £3 from Matalan, Bury St Edmunds.

The picture probably doesn't show it well, but it has a purple and black houndstooth pattern.

My 'la pharmacie' box has been getting some good usage. Both kids have been poorly all week. Worryingly they took ill monday, the day after our family trip to London Zoo.

I can't understand why. I became completely OCD'ish about the hand sanitizer they had everywhere at the zoo. Making them form an orderly queue at each sanitizer stop (and there were quite a few!). My son even started drinking the stuff. At one stop he wanted to do his own, so stood beneath, looking up, mouth wide open to concentrate... and... SPLOSH, straight into his mouth. Eugh!

ps. Only a couple of days left to enter my second sweetie giveaway, don't miss out!!...

It's child's play...

2009-10-27T21:58:00.005Z

I'll let you into a little secret. I was drawn to the pattern and colours of this skirt on a sale rack in Sainsburys, Bury St Edmunds the other day... and was quickly let down when I realised it was a kids skirt... age 12-13.

I tried to force it on my daughter, she didn't want it, not cool enough or summink.

On further investigation, hmmm, it had an elasticated waistband. Could I possibly squeeze into it with the aid of the elastic, or at least letting the elastic out a bit? You betcha! "Sold to the lady who looks a tiny bit silly buying kids clothes for herself."

It still needed a little work, the length was very appropriate for a child, very decent you might say. So I whacked off a couple of inches (being the hussey that I am), hemmed it up (with hemming tape, I might be a hussey, but I'm no seamstress) and voila! A pretty skirt for a bargain £4. Sorted.

If you look closely enough, you can just see the hemming tape show through, so my plan is to just move quickly whenever I wear this, that way, no one will ever notice my shocking work.

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

No7 Protect and Perfect bargains...

2009-10-26T22:09:00.009Z

At the end of last week, I started to run out of most of my make up AND skin care products. Why does that always happen? All at once. At least it allowed me a bit of a shopping spree at Boots, Bury St Edmunds.

I've become addicted to Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Range. It is one of the best skincare ranges that I've ever tried. I use the eye cream, the day cream and the beauty serum.

These 3 bought together can set you back a bit as they retail around £20 per item, and really should be used in conjunction with each other to keep those wrinkles at bay.

I was thrilled to discover that Boots were doing a 3 for 2 offer on the range, but not only that, the assistant also gave me a £5 off voucher! I ended up getting all 3 for £34 which should have been £60. Yay!!! (The extra £5 off voucher only runs for a few more days, so hurry if you want to stock up!).

With the £25 I saved, I hot footed it round to New Look and bought that Rock and Roll jumper dress that has been 'on my radar' for some time now! I was a very happy shopper.

So, what skincare products do you swear by?

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

Thrifty Thursday!

2009-10-22T16:13:00.008+01:00

I was in such a rush this morning to get the kids to their respective carers for the day that I didn't have time to get ready! Horrific! No make up, nothing.

I chucked on a trackie and trainers and off we skiddadled.

En route, my toddler asked "going running mummy?"

"Yes darling!" I lied, whilst my teenager sniggered.

Boy, has that little fella got some things to learn about mummy!

Once back home I had a little more time to get 'officially' ready for work. The sun was shining for a change, so I decided to eek out some wear in a summer dress. I thought the colours could lend themselves to an autumnal look.

The brown courdroy blazer was the only 'new' purchase, £3, thrifted from a charity shop in Bury St Edmunds. Coolio.

I also had a little play with a new foundation. 'Minerals' from L'Oreal. It's a powder foundation that claims flawless coverage. And the result... Yea, I quite liked it. (how's that for a product review?).

I didn't really have time to give it a fair try, just a bit of dabbing on the face and back of the hand mainly. 10,000 years BC (before children) I would have spent hours playing with this, perfecting using it, but those days are long gone... Now I just make do with a tidemarked face and lying to my two year old son about my keep fit regime (or lack of it!).

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

Budget stylie hot picks from New Look...

2009-10-21T12:47:00.005+01:00

Uh oh... I've been looking at the New Look website.... Darn it, I want so much, I've picked out just a few of my fave bargains – warning to BF: some of which may become mine.

Sequin ankle boots £25. Rock and Roll Jumper Dress £20. 69 Print Top £12. Chunky Beret £6. Funnell Neck Dolly Coat £30. Skinny Jeans £20. Sequin Jacket £35. Gem Frill Bag £12. Metallic Frill Belt £6. Ribbed Leather Gloves £12. All available from New Look.

My daughter is demonstrating at her high school open evening tonight. She is making scones for Home Ec! (which is amusing if only you knew how bad a cook I was). It's funny, she got picked to demonstrate due to her scones scoring a '9 1/2 out of 10' during lesson time. (woop woop Daisy!) But... what God giveth, he also taketh away, she also received a dentention for the very same lesson (for forgetting one ingredient). I can't figure it out! If I was Daisy, I would have bargained... "Sure, I'll demonstrate baking, but swipe the detention... pleeeeease Miss?"

On the other hand, I've been teaching my 2 year old son to finish singing his nursery rhymes with a dramatic finish... 'Up an octive' and 'Jazz Hands'. It's working, he's now doing it all the time, my work here is done. Only prob is, I did suddenly remember that he goes to toddler group several mornings a week with his childminding group. Just imagine the 'big finish and jazz hands to Old Macdonald Had A Farm' - he will never live it down. I'm picturing him now growing up, he will be a clone of Justin off of Ugly Betty... mwah ha ha.

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

Hallelujah!

2009-10-20T16:40:00.008+01:00

I found two new eye shadows in the boot of my car today!

At first I thought it must be God, cutting out the middle man (aka the shopping bit). In fact when I opened the car boot, a small gospel choir formed in my head and belted out a short sharp burst of "Hallelujah!" and... yep, my boot was glowing*.

Imagine that, you just wish for something and it appears in the boot of your car. A miracle!

But during later investigations, the mysterious eye shadows were claimed, by my mum, who'd lost them on one of our recent shopping excursions. Hmmph.

I started today with all good intentions of wearing a clean cut outfit, simple black and white... and red... and er yellow shoes (ok... several colours). But as the day wore on, and I got colder and colder, I eventually started layering up. I ended the day looking like a bag lady who'd been on a trolley dash round the local church jumble sale. (Naturally, I haven't pictured that look, although it can probably be found in a 'What NOT to wear' type feature somewhere online).

Oh, the skirt was from River Island, it was £10 in the sale. Yeehah!

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

*Actually, there really was a glow of light... but that's just the interior boot light. No actual real miracles here today unfortunately. But, if God is reading... (what?... you never know), I don't really need 2 new eyeshadows, but if you know anything about heating in a Honda CRV please don't hesitate to have a tinker.

Faux fur, frills and purple shoes...

2009-10-19T19:52:00.006+01:00

I woke up today feeling below par. Could of been the couple of shandies I had last night, but as I explained to BF and my colleagues was more likely that I was actually really ill (and it was Monday).

After serveral bouts from the voices in my head, 'staying in bed' put up a good defence, in the end I decided not to be a total wimp and just get up and get on with it.

When I got dressed I put on this new skirt which I found in a charity shop in Bury St Edmunds. It was £2.50. The length felt a tiny bit 'mumsy'. Yes, I am a mum, but I don't really qualify as 'mumsy' however much I wish I did. Having said that, looking at the pic, actually I think it is okay. It may live to see another day this skirt.

I wore the coat nearly all day. Was way too cold today. Not helped by the fact my heating has stopped working in the car. I like my car, but not when it does things like this. It's not content with having just had all new tyres at £100 a piece! Ungrateful I say.

The windows were misting up badly without the aid of some warmth, so as cold as it was, I had to whack the air conditioning on full blast just to see where I was going. My poor car nearly did get a quick kick today had it not been for a) not wanting to damage my purple shoes and b) the fact I suddenly realised I have heated seats... that softened the blow. Sure, I risked frostbite in my hands and face, but my butt was as warm as toast.

ps. Don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

pps. Horror! my son gave me two round "I've been a good girl" stickers this morning, and popped one on each boobie. It's now 8.30pm and I've just taken them off. Exactly how many people have seen me with these today is uncertain AND slightly worrying.

DIY Sunday...

2009-10-18T13:08:00.008+01:00

My mum got me this bag organiser recently, I could have sworn she said it was from Lakeland, but looking on their site, I cannot find it anywhere. Maybe they are just available in the shop.

It has to be one of the single most useful things in my chaotic life. Endless hours of searching for keys or a ringing phone in my bottomless bags are a thing of the past. I can swop handbags every day, and literally just lift this out and pop it in the next bag.

In a dramatic reconstruction, I've mocked up what could go in here. To save anyone's blushes, I haven't necessarily put in the real things that I carry around. Normally there would be serveral pairs of pants... not for me... for my potty training son, and occasionally some for the BF, well you never know when you might need them.

As I haven't been able to find a link to this if anyone was interested in bagging their own, I have a special treat for you:

Make your own! Yep, you heard it hear first. There are several tutorials available on tinternet, but this is one of my faves here... because it comes with... a downloadable pdf! mama mia! Not exactly the same... mine has handles, but lovely nonetheless.

Happy crafty Sunday everybody peeps!

ps. gosh, don't forget to enter my second sweetie giveaway, you gotta be innit to winnit...

What a 'Sweet' giveaway II...

2009-10-17T14:39:00.008+01:00

As I mentioned the last time I did this giveaway, I'm lovin' the sweeties. So in return for all your lovely comments and kind words... and just for reading my dribble each day, it's back. 'What a 'Sweet' giveaway II'.

Now, I know you're not supposed to accept sweets from strangers (hey, it's the oldest rule in the book kids), but on this occasion we can throw away the rule book. I'm strange AND I'm giving away sweets, a big old hamper of em. (Yep, the same ones as in that mouth ulcer inducing pic up top).

Here go the rules:
1. For one entry, please comment on this post.
2. For a second entry, please become a follower (if you are already a follower just comment to remind me about that would be good, yep)
3. For a third entry, post a link on your blog or stealeth my likkle image in my side bar and pop it in yours and let me know about it in the comments - a link would be good, but I'll probs find ya anyways.
4. For a fourth entry, tweet about this giveaway (chirpy chirpy) - oh, and comment.
5. For a fifth entry, …there is no fifth entry, four is plenty greedypants!
6. Anonymous entries cannot be accepted. Sorry 'bout that, but the nature of anonymity means that I won't know who on earth you are.
7. I will post overseas, so anyone can enter, but exact contents of the sweet basket may change slightly due to weight restrictions.
8. The winner will be picked randomly (I picked from a hat last time, but was a bit of a palava so will use a randomiser number picker and document it) on Sat 31st October at 9pm UK time and announced on Monday 2nd November. Posting of prize will happen approx one week after that date.
9. If you are super lucky and blimmin' well win, I will need you to email me within 7 days of winning with your postal address, otherwise, the next picked runner up will win the goodies. If it all goes horribly wrong, I shall just eat them. Nuff said.

I've got a new friend...

2009-10-16T20:36:00.006+01:00

This top is new. It was a remarkable £1.97 from Primark, Ipswich. It also belongs to my daughter. Never thought I'd see the day when I was pilfering from my teenage daughters wardrobe, but hey ho.

I put it with a white skirt, grey tights, a long heart shaped pendant and hot pink shoes (also wore my purple coat and I was really loving the colour combo).

We have slipped into a pattern on Friday evenings. I finish work, go collect the relevant children (when I say relevant, I rarely collect just my own two children, Friday night is sleepover central in my house). Go collect Martha (aka my mum, her name isn't Martha but for some reason I call her that). And then we all trot down to Bury St Edmunds Tesco Supermarket for dinner in their café. (Oh the glamour of Dinner in Tesco!).

Every Friday at the same time, an older gentleman also eats there, alone. Now this will sound really really mean, but at first sight I wondered if he might be a tramp?. Terrible I know, but do you know what I mean, when you get an impression of somebody that may well be very wrong?.

Well, he's not a tramp. (At least I don't think he is) And as the weeks have gone on, we've progressed from a polite 'hello' to a few words conversation. Occasionally I bump into him out of situ, in a pub for example. My friends are often bewildered as to how I know this man. My daughter always pokes me and says "There's your new friend".

I can't really claim that he is my new bessie mate, I don't even know his name, but if next Friday I go to Tesco and he isn't there, I will be concerned and wonder if he is okay.

I do have some very random conversations with very random people, it is true. And I guess it is because I invite these conversations. It's very good for the soul!

ps. Just spotted a weird thing. In the photo up top... my reflection in the glass behind, my bazookas are either on fire or emitting a strange glow...

Coat Love...

2009-10-15T17:59:00.009+01:00

I've noticed a bit of 'Coat Love' going on in the blogosphere lately. Not to be last on trend, here is my most recent coat purchase.

A bargain £25 (full price) from, you guessed it... Matalan, Bury St Edmunds. Honestly, I should be the patron saint of Matalan.

Although the pic lies a little, it is bright shocking purple. I've not styled it up here, but I've been wearing it with hot pink or red scarves.

I love this style of coat, by far my favourite, it goes equally well with skirts as it does trousers, but can smarten up an outfit quicker than you can say... "ooh, don't you look smart".

They have it in other colours... I'm tempted by the turquoise version...

Have you seen Clarks new range of desert boots?

To celebrate the 60th Birthday of the Desert Boot – Clarks have produced six unique boots to represent ‘life through the decades’:

Harris Tweed for the 1950’s
Liberty print for the swinging 60’s
Purple Suede for the 70’s
Denim Blue for the 80’s
Red/White/Blue England flag for the 90’s and
Vintage Sand for the 00’s

Which decade would you pick? I'm digging the 70's purple little beauties...

In conjunction with this they have also launched a unique 3D animation online called ‘Your Original Life’ that allows you to create your life through the decades. Users can upload pictures, music, backgrounds, colours and themes that they can then keep for themselves or upload to the web to share with friends. The animation has been called a ‘visualisor’ and is the first of its kind.

Want to try it out? Go to www.originallife.me-digital.co.uk it is completely free of charge. I've had a quick look and it is pretty darn cool... check it out. You'll be one of the first to try it, as it only went live today!

Bright red corsage...

2009-10-14T23:04:00.009+01:00

I saw Jane wearing a gorgeous corsage the other day, and ever since have been inspired to wear the one I bought a couple of days ago from Sainsburys, Bury St Edmunds, for just a couple of pounds (less than a Starbucks but gives me a similar sorta buzzzzzzzz).

I didn't realise how distracting it would be for other people mind you. I've noticed eyes being drawn to it all day and some even double taking. Probably thinking 'why on earth is that lady wearing a humongous red flower on her jacket?'

One person did ask me if it squirted water. Squirted water? what? did he think I was a clown, circa 1984?

Although personally I think that would be one nifty accessory... pretty AND a hilarious gag all in one! (although not as hilarious as I remember it being in 1984).

pssst... top secret: I'm not allowed to talk about how much my shoes are hurting me today, mostly because they are new and my BF did not welcome more unnecessary shoes into the home with open arms, let alone ones with 4 1/2 inch heels, so I had to soldier on and act like they were as comfy as slippers, (he was sure he caught me wincing a couple of times), but... publicly, I can tell you that they FLIPPIN WELL HURT LIKE CRAZY!

Handbrake turns for girls...

2009-10-13T22:12:00.009+01:00

Crikey, it's been a busy day.

I've just finished work and it's 10pm (of the night time variety). Today has been manic so sorry no chance for a shopping post today, just something irrelevant. Well… it is irrelevant Tuesday after all.

On my way to my first meeting this morning, tad on the late side, I was bombing down the motorway (ah, just been pulled up on that, apparently it's not a motorway as it only has two lanes, but I'm a girl and anything bigger than one lane is a motorway in my book).

Doing a teensy weensy bit over the speed limit. 'Honestly officer it was only a teensy bit over'... when suddenly I got overtaken, by... a learner driver.

Seriously? He must have been doing 90mph. I saw the white knuckles of the instructor on the dashboard as he whizzed past. That's surely not allowed?

As I turned off the 'ahem' motorway, I pulled up behind another learner driver, who continued at the more accepted speed of 10mph... ALL THE WAY INTO TOWN! I was late.

So for that crazy learner driver and anyone else who has never tried it, here is some handy tips on how to pull off the coolest handbrake turn, like the ones in them there films and that...

The perfect handbrake turn for girls:
1. You are best doing a hand brake turn in wet conditions.
2. A hand brake turn can be done in any car with a good hand brake that can lock you rear wheels tightly.
3. You need to drive at around 15mph with your left hand on the hand brake and your right at the 12 o’clock position.
4. Then simultaneously turn the steering to the right, depress the clutch and pull really hard on the hand brake to lock the rear wheels. As you do this the rear end of the car will skid out to the way you steer if you pull the handbrake hard enough.
5. Once your car has turned, pointing to where you want to go release the hand brake, re-engage the clutch and drive away.

Important Note:
This sort of manoeuvre should not be attempted in Sainsburys carpark trying to secure the last toddler/mum space. It's not big and it's not clever. (Well it is a little bit clever).
But actually, should probably not be tried, like... ever.

ps. No offence intended to learner drivers by the way, I love them. I used to be one.

Just another manic monday...

2009-10-12T18:32:00.006+01:00

Well, I went back to Matalan at the weekend, after my last embarrassment.

Manager man wasn't there, or he might have been, perhaps he was just hiding from me. I figured it's like when you fall off a bike, you just gotta get back on.

Just to be safe I took my mum and 3 others. Safety in numbers.

Good job I went back mind you, the sale was in full swing, I went a bit mental. Starting with this Autumnish dress. The colours are just perfect for Autumn. It was half price at £9. And the blue beaded necklace was £3.

I later looked on their website and realised... Doh, I am a complete hussey! This is advertised as a tunic to be worn with jeans. Never mind, I like it as a dress and you'd have to be a 6ft goddess to wear it as a tunic anyhow.

Dancing with the Store Manager...

2009-10-08T17:48:00.010+01:00

Total humiliation in Matalan today.

They started a half price sale yesterday so I went in today for a browse. It couldn't have been a worse shop to embarrass myself in, my favourite bargain store of all places, I heart it, but it will never be the same now.

Here's how the story unfolded...

Strolling down an aisle, I almost bump into the store manager. He catches my eye with recognition, "Ah... hello madam, how are you today". Doh, embarrassment number 1, the store manager recognises me. (as I suspected, I do shop there too often).

Worse, he looks down, I'm holding a pair of tights and a frilly bra. Eek.

Worse still, we sidestep to move past each other, but, arrrgh... we sidestep the same way.

Worse still, we do it again.... and again... AND AGAIN, oh man, you can see where this is heading.

Even worser, not content with my already embarrassing situation, my mouth starts to operate before brain has had chance to communicate: "Shall we dance?" I say. CRINGE!

Please somebody shoot me!!!! I could of possibly got over the whole 'dancing with the store manager thing' if only I'd just left it there. Instead, I had to make it even worse, by making him feel even more awkward than he already did, he nervously giggles and moves away.

Why oh why can I not just go into a shop, and make a simple transaction?. It's not too much to ask is it?

BTW, random outfit post up top. Nothing to say about it to be honest.

Oh, and btw too, (I'm done with ps's) thank you all for your lovely comments yesterday, it meant a lot. And sozza that I made some of you cry, going all sentimental on ya! :-(

A Tribute...

2009-10-07T18:07:00.009+01:00

I must admit, I have been 'umming' and 'arhhing' about whether to include this post. I wondered if it was too personal for my blog and whether my family would mind.

But it's such an important thing to me, I didn't think it appropriate for a whimsical outfit post today. So forgive my self indulgence. Consider it my therapy!

3 years ago today, we lost my dad. He passed away aged 55.

It completely devastated our whole family as you can imagine. My dad could make me laugh until I cried, daily. He was the 'hub' of our family. I would call him up for advice on everything, from a car problem to work issues, he always had the answer.

He was very poorly, but never complained. In his last few weeks he did not sleep well. I know this because I would go into work in the morning and my first email of the day was always from dad. Usually sent at silly o'clock in the night. It would always make me smile. I printed out all those emails and put them in a private box which I read now and again.

But something strange happened. A week or two after dad's funeral, I discovered I was a few weeks pregnant, with a little boy. I went 2 weeks overdue and was invited in to discuss induction. They gave me 3 dates, one of which was 07.07.07. Whilst in itself this seemed a nice lucky birthdate (and certainly one I can remember!), more importantly it was also 9 months to the day that dad died. And out popped Joseph Paul.

Joseph gave me a new focus in life and he (along with the rest of my family, extended family and friends) helped me start to come to terms with our loss. Naturally it doesn't go away, but having a focus helps a tiny bit.

Rest in peace Dad, I hope you are proud of me and everyone else in our family, we all miss you more than ever, but you're always, always in our thoughts.

It's raining, pouring, the old man is snoring...

2009-10-06T16:43:00.015+01:00

Scared the window cleaner this morning. And he scared me. In fact we both squealed (but I'm a girl, so my squeal was allowed, he on the other hand should be a teeny weeny bit embarrassed, grown man squealing like a girl indeed).

Being a window cleaner, he should really know better than creeping up unannounced and cleaning your upstairs bedroom windows at the crack of dawn, he's just asking for some surprise moments.

He's just lucky I didn't swing open the windows in a "Oh what a beautiful morning!" styley (I've never actually done that but I can imagine can't I?), then he'd have something to squeal about and probably a couple of broken bones too.

It started to rain when he left (typical) and continued for most of the day, so what else is a girl to do? Pop on a totally unsuitable dress, pearls, and gold 'cinderella' shoes and go 'Singing in the Rain'... That's what.

ps. I'm off to the cinema again tonight, not to watch Fame again, (It crossed my mind, but I decided that would be too geektastic twice in two weeks, and there is only so much air leaping I can do). I'm watching 'The Invention of Lying' tonight. I have discovered that Tuesday nights at Cineworld is 'Bargain Tuesday' night, all tickets are £4.70 as opposed to £7.20. Nice one!

pps. Oh, and much excitement today, been invited to a party... Black Tie and Ballgowns!!!! OMG... Is that 'the shops' I hear a-calling me?

ppps. I've realised I've slipped a couple of song titles into this post, if you can comment using a song title, not only will you be amazingly cleverer than a clever person, but I will love you forever and ever and may even come over to your place (well your blog, I'm not a crazy, bunny boiler, stalker type really) and give you a great big smackaroonie... mwah!

pppps. Don't you just hate it when people OD on the ps's - I know. Annoying. So I'm going now before I think of another one.

Meet The Flintstones!...

2009-10-05T17:16:00.009+01:00

Today I bought this bag from Primark (well I say bought... read on).

I keep humming The Flintstones theme toon when I look at it, which makes me smile, which in turn means it's a good buy.

I did have an attack of the 'little person in my head' talking to me when I put it in my basket.

Little head person: "You really do NOT need any more bags Missy"

Me: "I know, but come on, it's only £8, and it's making me smile" (hopefully I didn't say that out loud in the shop, but I can't be sure)

I can picture using it with a gorgeous cream and chocolate coloured trouser suit, I don't have one of those so will need to go shopping to 'accessorise' my new bag – with an outfit!

Anyway, turns out, the gods did want me to have this bag. Got back and realised the assistant didn't actually ring it through, so in effect I was a thief and it was free! (she didn't ring through a top my mum bought either, so mum is a thief too).

But alas, moral dilemma: should I take this back and own up? I'm thinking... Nope.

Capsule Wardrobe Challenge – Day 4 and 5

2009-10-02T20:37:00.012+01:00

Day 4 consisted of: Flowery dress, black blazer, black boots, black belt and green scarf. I wasn't sure about the rock boots with girly dress, but I really liked the look (even if my legs look extremely short at this angle).

Day 5 consisted of: Flowery dress (hoiked up to look more like a tunic top), skinny jeans, red shoes, red belt, blue cardigan and silver necklace.
I haven't shown the red bag that I've been using this week (pictured above), or the red coat which is pictured below.

I found the challenge easier than I first thought I would. I quite liked the idea each morning that I only had 10 main items to choose from, it certainly saved time in the morning.

Some mornings though were not so easy, occasionally I was itching to wear something else but knew I couldn't or I'd be reaching for more accessories.

My most worn item was my flowery dress. I knew it would be. I rarely wear black and for some reason chose several black items at the start of the week, probably for safety, another time I'd try the challenge but would ban black items!!

Thanks to Jane for the challenge, I really enjoyed the week and it has changed my view on how many clothes I actually need in my wardrobe.

Capsule Wardrobe Challenge – Day 3

2009-09-30T19:56:00.007+01:00

Day 3 of the Capsule Wardrobe Challenge.

I wore a dotty top, and black trousers, red shoes, red belt and silver necklace. Pretty basic, but I had meetings today so had to be reasonably 'normal'.

As a graphic designer I can get away with wearing more risky clothing combinations, I think some of my clients expect it, but today I played it safe.

Another graphic designer once told me that when you go to a meeting, it you wear the clients' corporate colours subtly (we're not talking looking like their walking logo), they will feel more at ease with you. Same goes for job interviews. (And that is actually a good tip).

Not to be outdone, my son has gotten in on the challenge. He doesn't know the meaning of the word 'Capsule' or 'Wardrobe', but boy, he's got a mean 'hand on hips' stance.

Capsule Wardrobe Challenge – Day 2

2009-09-29T21:41:00.006+01:00

Today, I finally went to see 'Fame'. See above, I really did go (there were a few onlookers for the photo, so I was kinda embarrassed hence a dorky pose).

It was everything I hoped it would be, a bunch of supremely talented/obnoxious teenagers, leaping*, singing and playing as if their life depended on it.

In fact it reminded me of my old high school, except at my school we had Big Baz who could belch the alphabet, Gaz who could turn his eyelids inside out and Daz who's talent was jumping from the second story window without breaking either leg – supremely talented also, I'm sure you'll agree, although in their own way... (And yes, most boys names did end in a 'Z' at my school).

Anyhow, today was also the second day of the Capsule Wardrobe Challenge.

I wore, Skinny Jeans, Long line T, Black Blazer and Black boots. My accessory today was a lime green scarf. Simples.

I have to draw attention to the boots, I've been dying to wear these since I got them so they had to be entered into my 10 items. They were £18 from the 'Be Beau' range at Matalan.

* My daughter and I were so inspired by the 'fame air leaping' that we tried it on the way back to the car, we were as graceful as elephants, much to the delight of my mum and sister (who also accompanied us) and by the looks on their faces were mightily impressed by our leaping action.

Capsule Wardrobe Challenge – Day 1

2009-09-28T19:56:00.010+01:00

This week I am taking part in Jane's Capsule Wardrobe Challenge over at 'The Small Fabric of my Life'. The rules can be found here.

For a very quick recap of the rules:
10 items of clothing are allowed and must be warn Monday – Friday. (This includes clothing, shoes and outerwear).
5 Accessories are allowed (to include jewellery, belts, scarves and bags).
Tights, underwear, watches and glasses (if you wear them) are free!

I must admit, the first day didn't go well. I didn't prepare. So this morning, by default, this flowery dress, blue cardigan and red shoes became part of my 10 items.

The red belt and the silver necklace are 2 of the '5 Accessories'.

As tights are free items, I choose bright red ones. Why not?

Here is my full list as I haven't had time to take a photo (reads: I haven't had time to wash and iron everything yet being the undomesticated goddess that I am).

My 10 clothing items:
1. Flowery Dress.
2. Blue Cardigan.
3. Black Trousers.
4. Long line T-shirt.
5. Dark Blue Skinny Jeans.
6. Black and White Dotty top.
7. Black Blazer.
8. Red Platform Shoes.
9. Black Boots.
10. Red Coat.

My 5 Accessories:
1. Red Belt.
2. Black Belt.
3. Silver Heart Necklace.
4. Scarf.
5. Red bag.

So, 4 days to go. I hope you are all joining in too...

Splat!...

2009-09-25T22:39:00.003+01:00

A short post tonight my friends. There has been a drama in the house.

My 13 year old daughter decided to dye her hair dark brown.

I can't go into detail as I am still growling. But does anyone have any tips on getting brown (permanent) hair dye out of:

a) my cream bedroom carpet
b) my new white bathroom rug (one day old)
c) 2 x white towels (yes 2)
d) my pine dressing table...

You guys are such a wealth of knowledge, any tips will be so gratefully received.

love you ;-).

dotty, spotty, potty...

2009-09-24T21:57:00.008+01:00

Today, I bought a La Redoute polka dot top from Oxfam* in Bury St Edmunds, it was £4.99.

I love dotty, spotty things and don't have nearly enough in my wardrobe, so this is a welcome addition.

Talking of dotty and spotty things, we've started potty training my 2 year old (what?... at least it rhymes).

He's been brilliant. So proud of himself. Never more so than the other day in a restaurant with the family. He politely asked for a wee and off we went to the toilet.

On our way back, he shouted to the rest of our table, in his proudest, loudest voice: "I DUN A POO!", "I DUN A POO!"

Well, of course we all clapped, cheered and congratulated him. Only when I looked around at the other diners tucking into their Sunday Roasts did I realise that they were not nearly as happy as us about this revelation.

*Have you been to the Oxfam website recently? You can now buy online from the site, which is always updating as all the items are one-offs. True feel good shopping.

ps. Is it wrong to love the new Miley Cyrus song? AND want to go and watch 'Fame' The Movie when it comes out tomorrow...? Help, what's wrong with me?

T'was a lovely idea...

2009-09-23T22:26:00.007+01:00

In one of my first ever posts when I started this blog, I mentioned my love of subliminal signs around the house.

Well, today, I bought a cute chalkboard for the kitchen from Candle and Blue, St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds – so now I can write my own subliminal messages to my family. T'was* £8.99.

I have a romantic idea that it will be used for quaint shopping lists like this...

In real life it is more likely going to be used to hurl abuse, such as this...

Total spent today: £8.99.

* I've been using the word 't'was' an unusual amount today, even on the email to clients. It would seem I've turned into a Charles Dickens character overnight! How untoward!

ps. The people at vouchercodes.co.uk contacted me with some great discount vouchers available from their site. I've listed some of the best ones in the column on the left. It is well worth a look if you are buying anything online or eating out, every little helps!

4 men in a pub...

2009-09-22T20:16:00.005+01:00

Today, I bought a dress from Debenhams. A bargain sale item at £9. 70% off.

My shoes (yes, the 2nd hand ones that were caught watching TV last night) actually chose the dress. "Oh please buy it mum" they said. "It'll go perfectly with us". (I know, weird huh?, my £5 shoes not only watch TV, but talk to me too).

Turns out I had a 5 hour meeting today which might sound heavy going, until I tell you it was in a pub. Every cloud has a silver lining! But it does explain why I look slightly creased.. oh, and the dress is a bit creased too.

I feel this dress would benefit from two things:
1. A nice white shirt underneath instead of the tshirt. Only problem being I don't own one single blouse or shirt. My bazookas don't agree with them. Every time I've attempted one, they've made a bid for freedom, usually resulting in some highly embarrassing moments.
2. The hem could come up an inch or two, although, I have to say, I didn't mind this length today for work, in a meeting with '4 men in a pub*'.

Total spent today: £9.

* Contrary to popular belief, '4 men in a pub' is not a film. But in my opinion it should be.

Thrifty footwear...

2009-09-21T20:17:00.006+01:00

Today, I bought a pair of shoes... from a charity shop!

I have to admit, I normally avoid thrifted shoes like the plague, I can't get my head around the thought of other peoples feet having been in them for the fear that, well… I may actually catch the plague.

But these looked brand new, they still had stickers on the sole, so I gave them a chance.

I also swiped them from the rather nice window display, they were centre piece. I really hope the girl doesn't get into trouble for ruining the display.

I'm not sure what my shoes are doing watching Eastenders mind you?

Total spent today: £5.

ps. no plaguelike symptoms so far. Woop woop!

"love you"...

2009-09-15T19:29:00.008+01:00

Today, I have another necklace post. I'm not feeling confident about the outfit I'm wearing today. I was, until my daughter said how awful I looked in it. Aren't teenagers brilliant?!

This beautiful necklace was half price in Accessorize, The Arc Shopping Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

It is just so pretty I can't stop looking at it.

Oh, I went back to my local garage today for the first time in a while. I used to go in there at least 3 times a week to top up with petrol. I've avoided it recently. You see, the last time I was in there, the assistant said her normal goodbyes, then as I walked out the door she called after me "love you". I stopped dead in my tracks, almost said it back (through habit) but managed to hold my tongue... and got into my car truly perplexed.

It was quite obviously a complete slip of the tongue, like when you call your teacher 'mum' or 'dad' at school (mortifying). Don't get me wrong, I am quite familiar with her but not that familiar. But it did make me smile :-)

I couldn't post today without mentioning how sad I am to hear the news that Patrick Swayze has passed away. "Nobody puts baby in a corner". RIP Patrick Swayze.

Total spent today: £6.

Vintage Louis Vuitton...

2009-09-14T20:09:00.006+01:00

Today, I wore some of my longest serving wardrobe items.

A green wrap dress which was £10 from Topshop a few years ago. This trusty dress has seen me through thick and thin (and yes I'm talking waistline), even pregnancy; Snakeskin shoes, really cheap, but still look like new, (mainly because they absolutely kill my feet so rarely get an outing); And the Piéce de Résistance, my really, really old Louis Vuitton belt.

I was so excited when I bought this belt 10 or more years ago which would probably count as vintage now. It came in a little brown box with Louis Vuitton embossed on the lid... seriously, the box was exciting enough, it was, and still is one of my little treasures.

The only thing I've bought today is the chunky necklace. £3 from Matalan. It's a chameleon necklace, it's actually shades of brown, but today mysteriously changed to green to match the dress, 'nice one necklace, hi five for you'.

I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend. My highlight was going to watch Julie and Julia. Have you seen it yet? If not, please, please go see it.

Meryl Streep is amazing as the wonderful Julia Child and Amy Adams is the blogging obbessed Julie Powell. It really is a must see for all us bloggers who will associate only too well with Julie's blogging lifestyle, her over excitement at her first ever comment, which turns out to be from her mum, (we've all been there!) through to her struggle with keeping up with the blog.

Total spent today: £3.

* Pièce de résistance is a French term (circa 1839), translated into English literally as "piece of resistance", referring to the best part or feature of something (as in a meal), a showpiece, or highlight.

The Derren Brown Experiment

2009-09-11T22:11:00.006+01:00

So, Wednesday evening, we watched one of the UK's most famous magician/illusionist/mind twister/weirdy man, Derren Brown, predict the 6 winning lottery numbers. Tonight, he has shown us exactly how he did this.

There has been a lot of speculation on the web and in the press about how he did this. Mostly pointing to foul play/camera trickery, and I have to admit, skeptical me does buy that explanation.

However, just for fun, I'd like to try out the method Derren claims to have used, so I'm asking for your help.

I need as many people as possible to give me 6 random numbers between 1 and 49. I won't use your actual numbers, it will be a combination of everyones.

The next UK draw is tomorrow night, so please take a minute just to help out in the experiment asap.

If by some bizarre reason it works, I'll be sure to compensate anyone who offers their numbers! Tomorrow's draw is worth 7 million pounds!

To get the ball rolling (scuse the pun) here are my 6 random numbers:
03 - 07 - 17 - 44 - 32 - 29

Good luck everyone!

ps. I'll post the results up tomorrow evening along with the 6 numbers we collectively picked (with the secret formula) and let's see how we get on!.

pps. If you don't know of Derren Brown, he is worth looking up, he's quite a freaky dude that I'm strangely drawn to. Unfortunately for me, he is more likely to be drawn to my boyfriend.

ppps. If you never hear from me again, I've probably won and am off sunning myself in Barbados, but I'll send you a postcard... ;-)

pppps. Another sweetie giveaway is coming soon... check in soon to find out more!

Julien Macdonald is a STAR...

2009-09-09T21:48:00.007+01:00

Today I am wearing my new BARGAIN Julien Macdonald skirt from Debenhams The Arc Shopping Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

My fabulous mum actually found this and bought it for me for one of my birthday pressies a week or two ago. It was reduced by 70%!, although still cost £28, but I just adore it.

I got caught out yesterday with the weather. I'd stupidly assumed our autumn had arrived as it was so cold and grey in the morning and dressed accordingly. Come the afternoon, the sun decided to put his hat on for one last random mini heatwave.

Not wanting to be caught out again, I went sans tights today, but did wrap up in a bright red cardigan. (Needless to say, it stayed cold all day – the law of sod*).

As I waltzed into the office (a tiny bit on the late side), my father in law said: "ooh, you look bright".

"Thank you" I said.

It was only later when I realised that this may not have been a compliment.

Total spent today: £0, present from mum.

*Sods law is derived from Murphy's law – an adage that broadly states: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong and usually does."

Welcome to my world...

2009-09-06T21:06:00.013+01:00

I didn't think it was possible to feel boredom as an adult, but today for the first time in a very, very long time, I was bored.

I was bored of my recently turned teenage daughter talking to me in text shorthand:
Me: "Can you tidy your room please Daisy?"
Daisy: "tbh i cba mutha" (roughly translates to 'to be honest, I can't be ar*** mother')

I was bored of my 2 year old son insisting on me being a horse and riding him around the house whilst he sang repetitive songs in my ear, first time was funny, 150th time was tedious and talk about housemaids knee.

I was even bored of snacking through half the contents of the kitchen cupboards before moving on to the fridge.

So, I did what any good bored person would do. Went for a walk.

I live in a beautiful tiny village in Suffolk, I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.

Around 500 people live here. We don't have a shop in the village, the nearest shop is a car ride. The hub of the village is The Green where we have village get togethers.

We are surrounded by other tiny, delightful villages. Bury St Edmunds is the nearest small town. Unfortunately it can cost up to £20 for a cab home after a night out in town.

We have two pubs. The White Horse and The Bear. It's funny, no shop but two pubs. The White Horse is nearest our house so I rarely venture the extra few metres to The Bear.

Ah good times, many an accident I've witnessed at the stream. Mainly the rope swing attached to the tree here, and mainly involving adults. It is currently a bit lacking in water to call it a stream.

We have some resident kamikaze geese that live on the village green. There used to be more but in a recent tragedy one was killed in a hit and run accident. It was splashed all over the press (well, in the parish magazine) with a call out for witnesses to contact the police with any information. They never found the killer.

The preferred mode of transport out in the country. 'Just popping up the pub love'.

I've never noticed this. We have a phonebox. An oldy worldy phonebox.

And lastly, this is what I come home to, at the bottom of my garden is a gigantic field. I sit and watch the sunset here, contemplate life, sometimes run in and out of it for no real reason other than I can.

In the middle of the field is a big dip; a large crater. I was told that a plane crashed into the field during WW2. I often sit and ponder how terrifying that would have been to witness, then I remember that my house wasn't even a twinkle in a housing developers eye back then.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my village.
The End.
xxx

STOP... poncho time!

2009-09-05T14:44:00.009+01:00

I can't believe I haven't posted for so long, it wasn't an intended absence but as addictive as blogging is, it's also all too easy to fall out of the blog way of life, so my apologies gang – but I'm back!

Today I bought a fabulous poncho* from Tesco (I'd only popped in for some bread). Actually I have two. The cream one shown above AND a purple one.

I've always felt that ladies avec poncho look somewhat floaty and sophisticated. Unfortunately I haven't quite mastered the art of wearing the poncho in a sophisticated manner, I'm more cowboyish, so for the meantime you will have to make do with a model who wears it so perfectly!

The only downer to buying said poncho was that when I arrived at the checkout, I noticed the label size was different to the hanger size, so annoying when that happens, I mentioned this to the lovely checkout girl (who quickly morphed into bitchy checkout girl) who felt that I may be happier with the larger size I'd picked up. Hmmph. Totally put out, I still went to swop it for a smaller one and didn't go back to bitchy checkout girl. I just hope it fits! I can't face taking it back to the tune of "I told you so" smug, bitchy checkout girl.

When I arrived home, had a strange text convo with my mum.

Mum: "Come and watch football here if you like 5 thirty"
Me: "Ok, will do x"
Mum: "Good"
Me: "Was that your world record attempt for the shortest text ever?"
Mum: "N"

Mum hasn't quite fathomed out how to do punctuation in texts bless her but she is rather comical, technology is a bit of a blur to her. But I've realised that we regularly spend over £1 a time on similarly random discussions.

Total spent today: £10 (well £20 if you include the fact that I bought it in two colours, but I prefer to gloss over quite frankly irrelevant facts like that).

*The poncho has become a fashionable item both in fashion as in pop culture, after being the most notable outfit of the Man with No Name, played by Clint Eastwood, in Sergio Leone's "Dollars Trilogy". Interesting fact of the day.

Love letters...

2009-08-12T20:45:00.006+01:00

Today I've been to my old favourite shop… Matalan.

My bargain of the day wasn't my blue dress (airport chic contender, see below) (ebay £6).
It wasn't even my cardigan (ebay £2).

It wasn't even these cute peeptoe white wedges with a bow (matalan £6):

It was though, these dangly earrings (matalan 75p!):

I love matalan. I've penned a little note to tell them how much:

Dear Matalan,

I heart you massively. I love you more than I loved that elderly man who walked into the cinema on Sunday to watch 'The Proposal', wearing his jumper tied around his waist, but the wrong way round so it looked like an apron (I didn't know that was still an acceptable fashion?).

I know some of my friends and family don't agree with you. They don't understand you Matalan. They take one look at the crumply, jumble sale type outer, but they don't take the time to delve into you and find out what you're all about.

I've neglected you for a week I know. But I drove past you on my way back from the airport and blew you a kiss, you were never far from my thoughts I promise.

I'm back now, and we can start up where we left off, I'll visit you at least 3 times a week, how does that sound?.

And thank you for your surprise 75% off sale today. You always know how to put a smile on my face.

Yours always
Shopaholic
xxx

So what do you think? A teeny weeny bit creepy and weird? Uh huh, I know.

Cheryl Cole's got new hair then…

2009-08-11T21:10:00.005+01:00

I dunno, I leave the country for a week or so and everything goes mental.

First, Sainsburys, my large local grocery store uses my week away to completely change the entire store around. It took me over an hour to locate and buy 4 items at the weekend. Whilst I am grateful they chose to do it whilst I was away, (they were probably thinking it would be a nice surprise for me) I just wish they had given me a bit of notice, it was a shock to say the least.

And secondly, and more majorly, Cheryl Cole goes and changes her hair colour! Here she is with her new hair:

For those of you who are not familiar with Mrs Cole, she is currently one of the UK's most famous, most photographed and most loved ladies. She is part of a girl group 'Girls Aloud' and also Simon Cowells right hand woman on X-Factor. She's also married to one of the UK's most hated men, Ashley Cole who plays football for Chelsea. The fool cheated on her, but in true Footballers Wives fashion, she took him back.

I don't mind admitting that like many women I know, I do have a bit of a girl crush on old Chezza. Here she was with her previous hair:

So which do you prefer? new reddish/purple hair, or old gorgeousness hair.

Even though Cheryl can probably carry off any colour or style, I'm not so taken with the new tresses, it's gonna take a while to grow on me. Although I hear that colour hair dye is flying off the shelves already.

Also, I'm interested to know, if you live outside of the UK, have you ever heard of Cheryl Cole?.

Yoo hoo! I'm back…

2009-08-10T21:09:00.005+01:00

Well, the holiday I have been waiting a year for has been and gone, it was glorious. Glorious sunshine, glorious sangria and glorious sunburn.

Oh, and I bagged myself a cowboy. (Ok, so really he is my other half, but he probably will shoot me for posting a pic of him).

So in the interest of fair play, I too became a cowboy (yes, it was one of THOSE types of holiday).

I know quite a few of you will still be waiting to go on your holidays… so from experience, I bring you my 10 commandments of holidaying:

1. Thou shalt attend the gym thou joined six months ago with a view to getting that perfect bikini body. Going to the gym to sit in the bar drinking coffee and eating croissants, or 'watching' the family in the outdoor gym pool whilst sunning oneself on a lounger does not count.

2. Thou shalt 'defuzz' more efficiently prior to boarding any flight, at any time.

3. Thou shalt not try 'HARDCORE' sunbathing more than once. It can only end in tears.

4. Thou shalt not sunbathe all week in the same style bikini, it renders the sexy, strapless dresses reserved for the last few nights totally useless and a waste of valuable packing space in the suitcase.

5. Thou shalt moisturise and exfoliate religiously to avoid coming home with peely, patchy skin, making the 'show off the tan to friends' totally non applicable.

6. Thou shalt not down copious amounts of double vodkas and redbull in the local karaoke/drag bar until 4am, thus fooling oneself into believing she is Mariah Carey, when everyone else knows she is Mariah Scarey.

7. Thou shalt not depress oneself looking at all the thinner, younger and more attractive bodies on show all holiday. As I learnt today, this is the only reason boyfriends' wear sunglasses throughout an entire holiday.

8. Thou shalt not waste one entire day and evening of the holiday with a hangover from hell after downing copious amounts of double vodkas and redbull in the local karaoke/drag bar the night before.

9. Thou shalt not fall asleep on the 4 hour flight home next to a stranger. When you awake unexpectedly to find your dribbling face an inch or so away from aforementioned stranger, it makes for an awkward end to the flight.

10. Thou shalt not weigh oneself on day of return from said holiday, please allow at least 4 weeks prior to going anywhere near the scales. And that is an actual law.

And the WINNER is…

2009-07-27T22:06:00.005+01:00

A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the sweetie giveaway.

I was amazed at the response... didn't anyone ever tell you not to take sweets from strangers? Tee hee. Well the winner has been drawn, rather technically...

Out of a hat, by an independent adjudicator (aka my daughter Daisy).

AND THE WINNER IS...

Congratulations to Emily, who won the great big sweetie giveaway!

Please email me your address asap Emily so I can post out your prize!

Thank you again for all the entries, I shall have more giveaways coming soon, so check back now and again.

In the meantime, I shall be laying low for a while, off on my holiday in a few days, so I haven't gone away for long, just for a bit! I have done some huge sale shopping so look forward to sharing those bits with you when I return.

Ta ta for now x

From the mailbag...

2009-07-26T21:05:00.008+01:00

I love receiving mail, and where I can I will try to help, here is a recent plea for help...

Dear Ms Shopaholic,

I read with interest, your post below about how you cunningly customised a hat. I just wanted to ask, how on earth did you do this?

From hatloverbutnotacustomiser

Dear hatloverbutnotacustomiser,

I know, I am pretty a-maz-ing, but it really is easier than it looks.

I love DIY blogs about how to make your own clothes or customise them, but truth is, I can't sew. I can't even thread a needle, so I'm all for the really major simple ones.

I recently read a post that explained how to make a ra ra skirt from scratch, whilst doing a handstand AND making your husband Spinach and Lamb Risotto (that sounds gross).

So, here goes, how to customise a hat:

Take 1 hat… and a scarf...

Tie the scarf around the base of the hat:

And ta da… done. (I know, unreal).

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

I do hope this has helped you ms hat person... you no longer need to make do, customise at your will. x

Love Ms Shopaholic

Ok, I'll admit, this is a rubbish customise, has anyone got any tips for a real simple customise that doesn't involve a sewing machine or any brain cells?

ps. don't forget! the great sweetie giveaway ends at 9pm GMT Monday so get your entries in! I'm excited.

Airport chic… you decide…

2009-07-22T21:46:00.007+01:00

Today I am getting a little over excited, so much so, I nearly peed my pants.

You see very soon, I will be jetting off on my holidays! yipeeeeee, sun, sea and sand in um... windy Lanzarote.

My mind is starting to wander to the packing. Eugh. I hate packing. I can't pack too early as I tend to get a bit OCD'ish about it and I'll unpack and pack so many times just to check I really did include enough pairs of knickers, even though I know full well I have.

Anyhow, I need your help pretty please, cos you are all so brilliant and know stuff, what should I wear to the airport? Option A or option B (click to enlarge the image). I will wear the most voted for outfit. (I'll even take a picture of me in it, running on the luggage belt - actually no I won't, it is soooooo annoying when that breaks down, I think I'd be booed when I board the plane and boy do I hate being booed boarding planes).

Both options would have a denim jacket accompaniment. Well, it will be like 2° in the UK when we leave and 38° in Lanzarote when we land.

*Or feel free to show me an Option C, and I'll see if I can match it from my wardrobe.

Just Hangin'...

2009-07-21T20:17:00.007+01:00

Today I bought a new hat from New Look. A straw trilby.

It will soon be full on festival time here in the UK. And my MUST HAVE for any festival… is a hat. I usually take a couple, because after just 1 day of camping, believe me, I need a hat to cover my bad hair.

This one came with a cute white and blue ribbon around it, but I have cunningly customised it which I guess I can do with any outfit, just by tieing it with a complimentary scarf. Sorted.

Hats are are not only brilliant for bad hair days, but they are also good for bad face days. I went for dinner in Sainsburys Cafe the other evening (I know, classy), then strutted around Sainsburys doing a small grocery shop complete with a 'tomato ketchup moustache*'.

Not one single person mentioned it (including my own two children), and I must have spoken to several people and smiled politely at several more. I'd like to think I'd have mentioned it, even if just discreetly.

Motto for the day: "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle..."

Would you tell a stranger if they had a tomato kepchup moustache?

Total spent today: £7

*Tomato Ketchup Moustaches are not a fashion accessory. Please do not get them confused with comedy fake moustaches which are occasionally very funny indeed.

What a 'Sweet' giveaway...

2009-07-20T19:33:00.006+01:00

Today it is time for my first giveaway!

I have a very sweet tooth, and I particularly like sweeties. The sort I used to buy when I was knee high to a grasshopper – retro sweets. It has cost me a fortune in dentistry, but I think it's well worth it!

So for my very first giveaway, I'm giving you all the chance to win this Sweet Experience! And a few visits to the dentist to look forward to. With the Summer Holidays in full swing, maybe you'd like to give them to your kidrens, or keep them all for yourself, piggy pants!

Here go the rules:
1. For one entry, please comment on this post.
2. For a second entry, please become a member.
3. For a third entry, post a link on your blog and let me know about it in the comments.
4. For a fourth entry, …there is no fourth entry, three will do greedypants!
5. Anonymous entries cannot be accepted. Sorry 'bout that, but the nature of anonymity means that I won't know who on earth you are.
5. I will post overseas but exact contents of the sweet basket may change slightly due to weight restrictions.
6. The winner will be picked randomly (out of a hat literally) on Monday 27th July at 9pm UK time and announced on Monday 27th July. Posting of prize will happen approx one week after that date.
7. If you are super lucky and blimmin' well win, I will need you to email me within 7 days of winning with your postal address, otherwise, the next picked runner up will win the goodies. If it all goes horribly wrong, I shall just eat them. Nuff said.

English Eccentric…

2009-07-19T21:00:00.006+01:00

Today I bought a polka dot jacket from H&M in their mega SALE.

I felt a little bit eccentric* today. Happy eccentric. So I put on a polka dot jacket and more polka dot in my scarf, a tiny bit mental, but happy mental. Nothing particularly matched today but sometimes I like days like that.

I still feel slightly unwell, but am getting on with it. Everyone in the world seems to think I have Swine Flu. I know I don't as I'm certainly not bedridden, but my nose did go a peculiar colour this evening for no apparent reason (is that a symptom?).

I hate taking my picture, I cannot relax. I wish I were a child again, they are always so totally relaxed in front of a camera. Here is my 2 year old Joseph. He wanted 'his turn'. Cute.

Total spent today: £10 (jacket from H&M)

*The eccentric's habits are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a mind so original that it cannot be conformed to societal norms. Or they are simply just eccentric.

The morning after the night before...

2009-07-18T16:19:00.005+01:00

Today I bought a grey tshirt with a print of a zebra wearing a $ sign necklace. Chavtastic chic from H&M.

I've been wearing leggings again recently, especially on lazy, chillin days like today.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with leggings. I wore them to death whilst pregnant, so much so that I set light to them in a burning ritual shortly after giving birth. I remember thinking 'thank god, no more leggings' – but then low and behold they are everywhere again, and I've found a new type of love for them.

Today, I could really only manage leggings and a tshirt. It is after all, the morning after the night before. Last night I went to Newmarket Races with 3 girly friends, we did a bit of betting on the horses and then watched The Pussycat Dolls, intermingled with several drinks and pretending that we were The Pussycat Dolls (one can dream!) and several more drinks.

The Pussycat Dolls* were great, The lead singer Nicole (I can call her that now, I've seen her in real life, we're as good as best buddies now) is pretty amazing... she looks fabulous and can sing and strut her stuff like no one else I know.

I'd gone dressed in posh party frock and high heels. Totally unsuitable. It rained non-stop and was all outdoors on grass. My heels were sunk so far into the ground, I gave up moving around and stayed in one position like a weeble. At least there was no chance of falling over, I was fixed to the ground. I did sneak in my flats to change into when it was time for some dancing later.

This morning, I had a headache.

Total spent today: £5

*The Pussycat Dolls started life as a Burlesque troupe. Nicole loves Formula 1 British boy Lewis Hamilton. Nicole and Lewis sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. They are boyfriend/girlfriend.

Purple and red combo…

2009-07-16T20:15:00.011+01:00

Today I bought this purple dress. I now own the same dress in 3 diferent colours, yellow, purple and pink.

I originally bought the yellow version at full price (£18 - my eggcellent dress) at the start of summer. I have warn it so much, you know when you just get a dress that fits well and feels comfortable, well this is that dress for me. So when it appeared in the New Look sale for £8, I picked up another two.

I've seen a lot of bloggers trying out the purple and red combo recently. I can't say I've really tried it before but thought this dress was worthy to give it a go. I think I like.

Have you ever bought the same item in multiple colours? Did you get bored of the style quickly?

Total spent today: £8

Mods and Rockers

2009-07-16T15:05:00.006+01:00

Today I designed and printed my daughters 13th birthday invites… in 1 hour.

We have decided to theme the party 'mods and rockers', really just so we can feed our desire to dress up funny.

As well as the standard disco, we also have an up and coming band playing 'Thee Vicars', they look quite modish but sound more punk/rockish, they have been touring Europe recently, and also appeared at Radio One's Big Weekend. (Daisy's dad is the manager).

Daisy is inviting over 100 party goers! Wowza, I shall be in the nearby bar me thinks :-)

So, what I need to ask is, what would you go as? A Mod or a Rocker? Which is cooler?

Total spent today: Nil points (a lovely, kind, local printer printed these for nothing)