This is one of those posts where I show you a fabulous bag that I bought ages ago and is now unavailable for purchase…. you’re welcome

 Bag – AWear Sale

Skull Vest – New Look
Basic Black Skirt – H&M
Denim Shirt – H&M Sale
Boots – River Island Sale

Necklace  - River Island
Watch – Michael Kors

Well, how are you all? I’m a busy little bee at the moment. I’ve really settled into my new job, so much so that today I was informed that I’m being made Team Rep #geek

My husband will find this development uber amusing because he always ribs me about the fact that I can’t go into a job without being given extra responsibility/ promotion. Honestly guvnor, I try really hard to just be mediocre….

Monday – Thursday dress code is business. I tend to wear black peg leg trousers, flats and varying degrees of boring blouses. Friday is an optional dress down day, hence my bag lady/ hipster get up. You pay £1 and each quarter all the money is donated to a different local charity. With almost 700 of us I think that’s a pretty cool deal.

Hmmm what else do I have to tell you…. oh yes. I bought my first and only make-up purchase in an absolute age. MUA/ Alexandra Burke Lip Boom. For £3 each me likey, a lot, but if you don’t like chunky glitter in your lip gloss you might want to give them a wide berth. I’ll stick a few pics up over the weekend.

Ooooh and I’ve found a fake tan that I reeeeeeally like. One that suits even us white-as-a-sheet peeps. Stay tuned! xxxx

Today I ran the Belfast Marathon!!!!

It took me 5 and a half hours and the last six miles were the most mentally challenging thing I have ever done, however the feeling of achievement and exhilaration when I crossed that finish line was one of the most emotionally satisfying moments of my life. I DID IT!!

I am so proud of me and I am SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS for cheering me on via tweets and Facebook, not to mention sponsoring my chosen charity so generously. We’ve raised almost £600 inc Gift Aid for AddictionNI guys. That is SERIOUSLY COOL!! Thank you SO MUCH!! (If you would still like to donate you can do so here)

((BUG HUGS))

Arlene xo

… my new Miss Sixty Druce Jacket

I ordered this from a German site called Trendboxx and I was super impressed with their customer service. Tracked shipping took just TWO DAYS from Germany to Northern Ireland and was approx £10. Well happy with that!

New clothing is a welcome distraction, as is my new job (it’s going well thanks) as unfortunately my brother is in hospital at the moment and emotions are topsy turvy to say the least. I just want him to be well. So if you’re religious I’d appreciate if you could direct some prayer his way, if not positive thoughts are very welcome too

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver – Mahatma Gandhi

I have been plagued with cold sores, particularly in the last 3 years and although I realise that people have “real” health problems they have really got me down. They make me feel unclean, scabby and highly self conscious.

A cold night in late December my desperation to find a cure reached new depths of crazy. After a plea on Twitter for help the lovely Liz informed me of light gadgets that supposedly worked wonders. Off I trotted to my local Gordons Chemist to enquire. They had just one, called LipZor and the sales lady was less than enthusiastic. The fact that she knew not a single person who had tried it AND the fact it cost the guts of £30 should have sent me running, but desperation does funny things and so out came my wallet (and at the time I thought my wit as well)…

I don’t know the technical ins and outs but basically it emits a therapeutic light (unseen to the human eye) which stimulates the natural immune response and cuts the healing time, in some cases preventing the blister developing altogether.

How to:

• Press the button which will beep and place over the “tingly” or currently affected area
• Hold it there until it beeps again signalling the end of the 3 minute light cycle

Simples

As I said at the beginning I bought this as a last ditch DESPERATE attempt to improve my recovery time during outbreaks and it has EXCELLED my expectations and then some. Since New Year I have had no blisters, not one. Even typing that sentence is kinda scary, I feel like I’m tempting fate but it’s true and it makes my heart dance.

I still get the tingle, and when I do I use my LipZor. I use it a few times a day during the tingly phase which lasts about 48 hours and although the area feels incredibly itchy and the little bump becomes visible (see pic above) it has yet to develop into a full blister and is easily covered with make-up. I should probably add that I haven’t used ANY cold sore creams in the past four months. I like to imagine the Zovirax Sales Team holding emergency board meetings to discuss my whereabouts and how to cope with the huge slump in profits

I honestly hope that this is it, I believe I’ve cracked it and I wanted to share. If you’re feeling like I was four months ago I know you’ll be willing to try just about anything.

Fingers crossed it works for you too if you do decide to buy and a MASSIVE MASSIVE THANK YOU TO LIZ. LOVE YA BIRD!! xxx

I have finally found my “Marant” style trainers. Say hello to the ASH Coolbis Wedge Trainer. It took me three attempts to find some I was happy with.

First I bought the black River Island versions here (the black is now sold out) which just did nothing for me at all. They are a steal at £40 tho and look fabulous in the navy and cream (my mate Karen rocks them), but the black… well they just looked super cheap on me. Returned.

Then I bought the Topshop Athlete ones here thinking they’d be easier to wear than the true “sneaker” type ones. WRONG. I must have tried them on 10+ times with multiple outfits and they just didn’t look nice with anything. Returned.

So I took a final chance and ordered the ASH Coolbis from Daniel Footwear online and was so impressed with a) their customer service (I made a boo boo during the ordering process and they sorted it asap) b) their delivery speed – I ordered a Wednesday night and they arrived the Friday lunchtime in Northern Ireland  c) the trainers -  ridiculously class. Sooo comfortable, really well made and just uber flattering. I think it’s the big chunky tongue, slims my ankle area where the others didn’t. Friends, we have a WINNER

I wore them today with footless tights, denim shorts from New Look, cobalt blue Zara vest and a cheap grey hoodie. Then we went to the beach, even though it was FREEZING and there wasn’t another sinner in sight.

That’s the great thing about kids tho, or maybe it’s just kids from Northern Ireland….. It can be phishing it down and you can suggest the beach and they’ll squeal with delight like it’s the height of Summer in Spain. They just don’t feel the cold. Hardy wee buggers. It must be all those potatoes.

The older boys did a bit of rockpooling while Noah and I built sandcastles. I need to work on my turrets…

I might not be able to feel my nose in this picture but I’m happy as a clam

Hope you all had a great weekend too xxx

Light Knit Jumper – New Look
Jeans – Oasis Amber
Necklace – Argento Sale (Past Season). Similar one here
Bracelets – H&M (Past Season)
Brown Ankle Boots – M&S (Past Season)

Casual outfit from Friday. It was the last day of the boy’s Easter holidays and so I took them to a local fun park and generally made a fuss of them. The sun shone throughout, smiles never left faces and laughter rang out. It was a precious day ♥

P.S I found my tripod doo dah *beams*

Jeans - Oasis Sale "Amber" £20

Last few days of the Easter holidays and so I was running about doing all the odd jobs that need doing before I start back to work on Monday. Banking, new car tyres, food shop… all terribly glamorous.

I wanted to be comfortable and warm but I am SICK of winter jumpers atm and so I paired a thin vest top with a faux leather jacket. Real or faux, leather jackets are guaranteed warmth. The jeans are also the ones with stretch in, extremely easy to wear for someone who finds jeans problematic.

I’ve been wearing my hair up this week which has the tendency to make me look a bit drawn but it’s laziness. I’m trying to get away with washing it every three days instead of daily.

Vest Top - Exhibit £6

All I can see in the above picture is armpit, apologies for that. Plus how pale am I? Answer: VERY. I just can’t be assed with fake tan at all this weather.

The vest tee was purchased months ago from Exhibit which are super cheap clothing shops in Northern Ireland. They actually carry a lot of the  Missguided line , so that gives you an idea of the price point and quality. It’s good for passing trends/ basics.

Faux Leather Jacket - Exhibit

I picked up this jacket in the same shop just before Christmas and today was the first time I’ve worn it. Kinda forgot I had it tbh (shameful). I can’t remember how much I paid at the time but I’m thinking around £30 which is pretty pricey for that store but I like the classic shape and it really is a beautiful fit whether left open or zipped. Hugs in all the right places!

Arm Cuff worn as bracelet - Topshop Sale £1

Moshi Monsters Jumper - George @ Asda £10

While I was taking pictures Noah asked me to take one of his outfit too Little fashion blogger in the making?

Hope you’re all well xx

P.S Still missing the doo dah to connect my camera to its tripod. Hence lack of posts. I refuse to buy another one as I just know it’ll turn up the moment I do! Grrr x

I’m kinda struggling to put into words how I feel about my new trainers. They are disgustingly groovy and frankly bordering on distasteful. In other words… I LOVE THEM!

Shiny, limey, turquatic wonders…..

I’ve been wearing (a different pair of) Mizuno Inspire trainers for a few months now and have to say that FOR ME they really are the best runners I’ve ever had.

I started off with a pair of Gel Asics and we didn’t get along at all. Sore sore knees, constantly. Then I got fitted with Brooks Adrenalines (3 pairs) and they were almost perfect despite giving me an intermittent arch blister. I need support but turns out that they were a touch too structured.

After doing lots of reading online and trying on in shops I got a past season pair of Mizuno Wave Inspires. From the day and hour I started wearing them I have had “healthier feet”. Zero blisters, happier knees and just general all round comfort. So when I spotted the Special Osaka Editions on Zalando I just had to have AND having got my first pair of Inspires half price I didn’t feel quite so bad splurging on these ones. See the way I’ve justified it? Yes? Good

Anyways, enough rambling. It’s time to break them in

xo

Childish and yet utterly pretentious stationary. HAD to have.

Thank you Pampered Sparrow for being such an excellent enabler

I purchased all my SMASH goodies here , it’s actually a US site but due to the exchange rate it was just as cheap to order from and at the time they had more stock than the UK. Shipping took approx 2 weeks.

This little video explains it all…

Must dash, cutting, sticking and doodling awaits

xo

Take one pair of plain converse style shoes. I got these in the New Look sale for £4

Decorate with studs. You can go for symmetry if you’re anal or throw caution to the wind and fix them randomly.

Your craft project = your choice

et voilà!

So simple. It took me 2 sessions of approximately an hour each (mainly because I’m a bit feeble). You’ll need a blunt knife and a bit of muscle to press down the backs of the studs but other than that just patience and a little spare time.

Now…. what to wear them with….. tbc xo

Contain your excitement people. It’s another storage post. I know… I know… I spoil you guys so much

So why all the putting things in their place? Well. Quite simply I am abhorrently messy. Always have been, and almost thirty three years later I think we can safely assume that I always will be.

But being untidy and living in amongst mess makes me feel very blue. It clutters my mind-space as well as my real life space, if that makes sense. Therefore I try my best to make sure everything has a place. Now, once every week or so everything will find it’s way out of it’s place. Think dressing table completely covered in creams and potions, jewellery strewn across the mirror. Bedside table littered with same.

It’s actually quite gutting that I just can’t stay on top of it and put things away as and when I have used/ worn them. I’ve tried. I fail…

So storage is my little saviour. When I do finally take the head staggers and decide to clean up at least everything has somewhere to go. It takes a fraction of the time it used to take me and the end result is a pretty streamlined living space… until the next week. C’est la vie!

The latest thing I have tackled is my costume jewellery stash. You know the one, all the cheapy rings and bangles that have been bought over the years to suit specific outfits for a wedding/ baptism/ funeral (well you gotta look like you made an effort… right?)

This is what I threw out. Quite a sizeable pile. I’d have donated but most of it was going green… so to the bin it went.

The remainder went into this little set of wooden drawers from TK Maxx £16.99

TK Maxx is fantastic for storage, and for something that little bit different.

I loved that this looked like an old doctors surgery filing thingy. Cute as well as functional.

The only other bedroom storage I need now is for my ever increasing sunglasses collection. I liked the idea posted here but I’m not sure I want to lose such a large amount of wall space.

The search continues xo

This is my current set-up when it comes to makeup storage (you can click on any picture to enlarge)

The six drawer unit is from Ikea and costs £24.99. It comes in red, silver and white. Beware though the white is actually cream. It is made from a powdered metal and was extremely easy to assemble. GO THE SWEDES!!

It offers ample space to house all of my cosmetic delights and I have used old beauty boxes to create divisions within. The icing on the cake is the fact that the unit is on castors and can easily be moved to the window should I require more light.

I’m also enjoying having all my makeup in one place again and I’ve even re-discovered some lost loves (I’m looking at YOU NARS Deep Throat and YOU Topshop Bronzer!).

If you’re in the market for an affordable but funky looking solution for your bits and bobs I can highly recommend this xo

1. How old are you in five years? 37, almost 38… oh christ :/
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My two sons and my husband Matt. We made pizza and watched Star Wars ♥
3. How tall are you? 5 feet 6.5 inches
4. What is the last movie you saw? Star Wars obviously. Previous to that it was Overboard, a really old romantic comedy with a Randy Newman theme tune. Epic 80′s
5. Who called you last? Matt. I missed the call. I miss a lot of calls
6. Who did you call last? My Mum, asking her to babysit. She said yes #winning
7. What was the last text message you received? My Mum “You rang. Out doing lotto. What’s up?” She has only recently learned to text so this amazed me
8. Do you prefer calling or texting? I prefer to call, but short calls and to the point
9. Are your parents married or divorced? Divorced. About 16 years ago
10. When did you last see your mother? Last week. We walked the dogs together and drank lots of tea
11. What color eyes do you have? Hazel
12. When did you wake up today? 6.45am via alarm. I actually got up out of bed about 7.10…
13. What is your favorite Christmas song? Dominic the Italian Donkey. I wish it wasn’t but it is
14. What is your favorite place? Anywhere near the sea. Must be the Pisces in me
15. What place do you prefer the least? Cork. Ex-boyf. Bad experience
16. Where do you think you will find yourself in ten years? Traveling around Europe with my husband and possibly the teenagers (scary thought)
17. What scared you about the night as a child? The thought that I might not make it over to sleep before my parents started “doing it” next door. They may have divorced but they definitely fancied each other *cringe*
18. What made you really laugh last? Gosh too hard to pinpoint just one thing. I am BIG into laughing
19. How big is your bed? Double with a king size quilt. Matt and I are spooners so a bigger bed is unnecessary
20. Do you have desktop or laptop computer? Both but I use my MacBook Pro 15″ most of the time. It has a faulty hinge as I am VERY hard on my computers
21. Do you sleep with or without clothes on you? Mostly with. I don’t have a preference but I do live in the UK and it’s cold so clothing makes for a more comfortable Zzzzz
22. How many pillows do you have in bed? Four, two each
23. How many provinces have you lived in? Quite a few. I was fairly nomadic as a teen and in my twenties, hopefully settled now
24. Which cities have you lived in? Belfast, London & Reading
25. Do you prefer shoes, socks or bare feet? Socks or tights. Rarely barefoot as I cannot stand cold feet, actually feet turn me quite a bit so it helps if they are covered
26. Are you social? Less so since having children but in general yes
27. What is your favorite ice cream? Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough
28. What is your favorite dessert? Rhubarb Crumble
29. Do you like Chinese food? I do, favourite dish would be honey chilli chicken and noodles
30. Do you like coffee? Only in the past year, and now I’m addicted :S
31. What do you have for breakfast? Lots, full cooked/ egg and soldiers/ weetabix and soya/ yoghurt and fruit
32. Do you sleep on a particular side? Left hand side of the bed and on my back. I snore
33. Can you play poker? Yes and 21′s
34. Do you like to cuddle / snuggle? So much, I am extremely tactile with my husband and children. Which always surprises me as I’m not like that with my parents or friends
35. Are you a dependent person? I am. I like sharing my life with a significant other and although I can and have lived alone I think life is more fun as a pair
36. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Jessica Biel. Apparently all the sexy ladies are born then
37. Do you have children? Yes 2 of my own and 2 step-children. I’m extremely blessed
38. Do you know any other languages than English? yes, I can converse in basic French
39. Have you ever driven an ambulance? No but I’ve been driven IN one
40. Do you prefer the ocean or a pool? Definitely the ocean. It’s hypnotic to me
41. What do you spend any money on? Boots, books and too much off eBay
42. Do you have precious jewellery? Lots and one of my new years resolutions is to wear it all more. One life people. NOT a dress rehearsal
43. What are your favorite shows on TV? I love Californication, Masterchef, Biggest Loser, Eastenders. I’m a big telly fan
44. Can you roll your tongue? I can. I can also curl it into a cauliflower shape #talented
45. Who is the funniest person you know? My brother. He has a very dry wicked sense of humour
46. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Under no circumstances and I am suspicious of adults that do this
47. What is your ringtone? Standard ring ring. I’m always scundered for people with song ringtones
48. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Personally no, but I think my Mum might have some stuff
49. What are you closest to you right now that is red? My MacBook Cover. It’s by Speck
50. Do you flirt much? Not that I’m aware of. In fact I’d hazard a guess I come across as quite cold & unfriendly until you know me
51. Can you change the oil on the car? No. I have no desire to either. That’s what mechanics are for
52. Have you received speeding ticket ever? Yes and 3 penalty points #badgirl
53. What was the last book you read? I got this – Jennifer Hudson. It made me dislike her. Dare I say that she doesn’t come across as the sharpest tool in the box when reading it…
54. Do you read a newspaper? The Daily Mail. It’s an atrocious rag but I love it
55. Subscribe to a magazine? No. In fact that’s one addiction I have well and truly kicked. I rarely buy magazines anymore
56. Are you dancing in the car? Not right this second but I am a car dancer and I do like to belt out a good show tune while picking up my penalty points…
57. Which radio station did you listen to you last? Radio 1. I remember because it was Fearne Cotton presenting and I like her accent
58. What was the last thing you scribbled down on paper? My signature. Cheque to the taxman. Bastard
59. When were you at church last? A looooong time ago. Actually is was a chapel for a friend’s wedding. They make me uncomfortable
60. Are you happy? In my heart, yes. In my head, not always xo

Inspired by Emma’s post. See her answers here

Now that we have moved and unpacked (most) boxes my mind can turn to making this house a home. Although detached our house is quite modest and therefore storage is limited. I’m constantly on the look out for nice boxes, shelving and space-savers.

This metal wall hanging is from NEXT and although this particular design is past season they currently do a shabby chic version for £12 here

I have a massive jewellery box for all my good pieces but I was really desperate to find something to house those “every-day” pieces. The ones that aren’t worth putting away but inevitably end up strewn across your dressing or beside table.

This fits the bill. It’s also useful for holding hairbands. The only negative is that it’s not designed to hold ALL of your jewellery. Definitely best suited to necklaces, but that suits me fine, as they are the ones that get tangled on me. I think it makes a really nice addition to the wall in our bedroom too, almost like art…

I also just HAD to show you this great TK Maxx find. I’m the type of person that finds one piece they like and builds the style of their room around it. THIS is my veranda inspiration. At the moment the veranda is dull and dusty, but come spring I hope to find even more weird and wonderful shaped Moroccan lanterns, large jeweled throws for the outside sofa and a huge brightly coloured rug and cushions ♥

Finally I would like to give a huge virtual hug to the lovely Georgia of On My Mind (formerly WelshBeautyBlog). Thanks to her general loveliness I have had a visit from the Fairy Hobmother of AppliancesOnline and will shortly be the proud owner of a crepe maker Woo Hoo!!

I know that the Fairy Hobmother has been granting quite a few wishes around the blogosphere lately, so watch out! Next time, it could be you! xo

Wearing my festive jumper/ sweater dress. It would be indecently short on me as a dress so I pair it with lace trimmed cycling shorts from Topshop, dotty Primark tights and sparkly Zara shoes (purchased on my Summer holiday).

Dinner was at my Mum’s house and as usual she outdid herself with the fabulous table decoration. My Mum and I are very similar, in that we are drawn to the more bright and childish Christmas ware. If it doesn’t feature a Santa/ Snowman or Ruldolph then it doesn’t say Christmas to us!

Noah (6) sharing his seat with two of his new friends, Bruno the Dog (Build-A-Bear) and Mosh & Chat Katsuma. Well done Santa

Dinner was particularly tasty. I rarely have seconds (unless it’s the Chinese Buffet… then I have seconds, thirds and fourths…) but I couldn’t get enough of the turkey this year. Scrummy!

My mother (60) and Izaak (10). Pray to goodness that I’ve inherited her ageing genes. I think she looks fab!

One looking at the lens… other looking at the display screen #fail but YAY for matching Christmas jumpers!!!

My brother even made dinner this year which was great. Fingers crossed 2012 is a good one for him cos 2011 has been pretty sucky tbh

ATTACK!!!!

…..until an impatient Izaak can track Santa again

All in all Christmas was everything I could have hoped for and more. Hope yours was enjoyable too xo

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

NOW on to the Sales. I really didn’t buy much this year. Well…. definitely a lot less than previous years but still probably too much *shrugs*

First up is this light from NEXT. I think this is my top sale bargain as it was just £20 and will look amazing in our dining room. WIN!

Then these mid heel leopard booties from M&S for £15. Ridiculously comfortable and I totally fell for the little ruching detail.

Also this colour block scarf from M&S reduced to £12 from I believe £29 (say whaaaaat?!). I live by the sea and you can NEVER have too many scarves, hats and gloves. Also my beloved multi-coloured one from Tesco is starting to look a bit shabby so this is a nice replacement.

That’s it for now, I’m waiting on a few online purchases arriving but nothing too mind-blowing.

What’s been your pick of the sales? xo

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Howdy folks!

Hope you’re all having a lovely Christmas build up. So far my week has been tops! Lot’s of yummy treats, family time and last night Love Actually & Pork Scratchings! (a must watch film at Christmas time). My heart is literally full to bursting with love and happiness and I am super dooper thankful for everyone and everything I have been blessed with in my life!

Of course, I realise that not everyone will be feeling this way coming up to the festive period and that it can in fact be a very bleak time of year for some. With that in mind I would urge you (if you have the means) to give a little to a charity.

CRISIS is one close to my heart and you can donate to their appeal here. Your simple donation will mean a lovely warm Christmas meal and chance for a shower/ shave/ haircut etc. Things that most of us take for granted.

 
 
 
If you are local you might also consider donating to Assisi Animal Sanctuary who do fantastic, tireless work rescuing our furry friends without any funding other than what you and I give. They operate a no-kill policy (last year rescuing 2,300 animals) and as you can imagine until each animal is rehomed the costs are significant. You can donate here or just head to Pets At Home in Bangor and buy something for the animals. The lovely staff there will sticker your purchase and everything gets delivered direct to Assisi in time for Christmas!

There are literally hundreds of worthy charities I could list but I’m sure you’re all well aware of who and what you can donate to. Stop thinking of doing it and actually DO IT!! xo

Dress – H&M £14.99

Boots – Topshop Ambush £75

Coat – TU Clothing @ Sainsbury’s Sale £17.50
Scarf – Florence & Fred @ Tesco £8
Lipstick – Studio Make-up Really Red

Necklace – Urban Outfitters Sale (donkeys ago)

Well how are we all doing? I’ve finally moved (again….) and although there are still a mountain of boxes to unpack I’m trying to be upbeat. Not sure whether it’s a subconscious thing but this past week I have found myself dressing head to toe in black which perfectly matched my mood, well… barr Saturday night when I wore a red dress to an Xmas do *inserts grainy phone pic*

What is a very conscious realisation though, is that wearing bright colours makes me feel sunnier. So this is my excuse for dressing like a real life rainbow today, and I think it’s working. That smile almost reaches the eyes… no?

Loving

• Wrapping up for Winter. Hats, scarves and mittens. I adore them all and feel happiest when bundled up in all of these things walking the dogs on a windy evening ♥
• Statement necklaces – Think big & mutiple layers. They dress up the simplest of outfits with minimal effort
• Primark Super Cosy Tights – Loved these last year and once again they get a massive thumbs up from me. Who couldn’t adore fleece lined tights?! ‘MAZIN!
• Sweet Potatoes – Let me count the ways I can cook thee… Delicious, nutritious and ready in a flash!
• Getting up early – Say whaaaat? No but seriously. Hear me out. It’s 13 miles drive to the boy’s school and I like to leave around 8am to get there in plenty of time. This means I now rise at 6.45am (previously I got up around 8 as boy’s school was 2 minutes drive up the road). I don’t know why but it’s invigorating getting up earlier. Everything is less manic and more organised. I need that in my life

Not Loving

• H&M returns and general customer service. I had to hold for over 15 minutes just to ask for a Royal Mail return label. This should be included as standard with Northern Ireland deliveries as unlike the mainland we cannot ring the Hermes courier direct to book returns. Not impressed
• Unpacking – nuff said
• My hair – I’m not sure whether the water is different in County Down but it’s not been behaving itself at all this past week. Soooooo tempted to hack it all off again but chanting “persevere, persevere, persevere” whenever the dark thoughts come

xo

Let’s just get stuck right in shall we?

I am up to my eyeballs in life stuff at the minute and my current daily uniform consists of paint splattered jeggings and an equally decorative jumper. Wouldn’t make for the most dynamic outfit shots….

So I’m a little stressy (but in the productive way) and free time is sparse. This hasn’t stopped me indulging in some retail therapy tho, helps relive the tension dontcha know

Oxblood Pleather Shorts from Topshop £30. Gorgeous colour, really Xmassy and easy to wear with thick opaque tights and ankle boots. What’s not to love? Well, if you buy online the sizing. It’s atrocious. I would suggest the Size 14 if you are normally a UK Size 10-12. Anything smaller would imo be indecent (think arse cheeks hanging out to say hello).

New Look Mittens £5 ish pounds. Everyone comments on these. Pure 70′s and ultra cosy. On the downside they (along with any mitten) are of course deeply impractical. It’s like having a pair of flippers and I struggle to lift anything when wearing them. Cute tho

Versace for H&M Leggings £24.99. I couldn’t resist. In fact if money was no option I’d have bought lots from this collection. Not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but isn’t that the beauty of fashion and life. We all like different things? Quality wise these are not your average Primarni style leggings. Very heavy glossy material and ridiculous flattering. WIN

Charity Shop Purchase and I could not have been more delighted when I clocked this. I have been after a decent vanity case for an age. The modern equivalents just don’t cut it size or quality wise. My ultimate aim is to reduce my (still frankly embarrassingly large) make-up collection to the point where it all fits in this. Rome wasn’t built in a day tho…

One of the rare days where I did actually wear real clobber and a visit to the hairdressers. Namely Hedonist Hair on Botanic (apologies if you do decide to click the link. Their website hurts the head and eyes. Trust me).

You clicked didn’t you? Matt had bought me 2 cuts and a 50% off colour deal through Living Social and I must admit that because of the price my expectations were low. However I was pleasantly surprised, the salon is quirky but cool and the stylist I had (I believe her name was Cathy) was bubbly and friendly. She also listened to me (massive thumbs up). I told her I was growing it out and simply wanted a tidy and a bit of shape to the back while the layers grow down. Now at this point what normally happens is the stylist nods and proceeds to “thin out” my hair and generally undo all my hard growing out work. She didn’t. Refreshingly she did EXACTLY as I asked. SUCCESS!!

Now on to what has been taking up almost all my days and nights. Decorating. Yes painting, papering and sanding shit. I’m doing it all and YES, I too wish it were more exciting. We are moving house this time next week and I still have an absolute mountain of work to do BUT I really feel like I’ve broke the back of it today. So YAY!!

This afternoon I completed our bedroom (carpet is coming on Thursday). I kept it pretty neutral. Cream walls and a simple floral paper behind the bed. That way I can put any duvet/ curtains with it.

In natural light (on a dismally dull day) it gives off an almost silvery hue

Under lamplight it takes on a lovely warm buttermilk colour ♥

Finally… if you’ve made it this far give yourself a little round of applause and feast your eyes on my sneak peek….. what’s in the box???

Find out this weekend

xo

I feel like I should be pulling a rabbit out a hat in this jacket.

Leopard Blouse – Primark £10
Pleather Trousers – H&M £14.99
Red Blazer – River Island Sale £25
Bag – H&M £14.99
Boots – Topshop Ambush £75
Necklace – Topshop £16
Earring/ Cuff – Topshop
Necklace – Topshop
Lipstick – MAC Russian Red

I actually drafted this outfit post late last night and planned to write up some text/ waffle today. But I’ve just had to have my Dad’s cat put to sleep (he’s currently in Arizona but aware) and I totally under-estimated how upset I would be about an animal that wasn’t my own. So please forgive me for the lack of craic in this post.

I’ll be back on form in the next one. Pinky swear xo

Loving:

• MAC Patina Eyeshadow on the lid with MAC Print blended into the Outer V – A wee buns killer combo!
• Topshop Neon Rose Cream Blush – Cute and flattering on my dry skin
• Barry M Wink Eyeliner – It’s still love. Lazy lovely liner
• My H&M Gilet – Wearing it everywhere other than bed!

Not Loving:

• L’Oreal True Match Foundation – Let me count the ways I loathe thee. Horrible smell, consistency, colour AND it broke me out like crazy
• The cold – Brrrrr! Nuff said
• My bank balance – YIKES!

xo