Wednesday 30 October 2013

Mini Primark Dash

Having a dash through Primark yesterday I saw so many pretty things that I wanted to buy.

Why is this always the case when either my purse is empty or I am in such a mad crazy rush that I have no real time to stop, browse and spend.

Typical.

Anyway, I did find time to grab a few things as I whizzed around.

These dresses were a great bargain to begin with at £10 each, and I was contemplating buying them when I first saw them a while ago.  I really like the "leather" detail of the arms and around the neckline.

When I dashed to the till, I found that they had both been reduced down to the beyond reasonable price of £5.


Two-for-one...that will do me nicely.

I know that the weather is changing and it isn't really appropriate to wear dresses like these at the moment - which is no doubt why they were reduced in the first place.  The material of the grey dress is a tad thin in particular (fingers crossed not see-through-thin though...!)

Now that I think about it properly, the more sensible purchase option should have probably consisted of boots, jumpers or thick socks...

But never mind, I didn't have time for "sensible" and at only £10 for two dress - I'm sure I can be forgiven.

My next purchase was this pair of simple plain black pumps.


Now, the reason that I had to buy these will probably just highlight even more why my first two purchases were a tad silly at this time of the year.

My last pair of black work pumps were totally ruined last week in a crazy downpour.
I know I really should have more sensible footwear choice capabilities, but I just don't.
I've been known in the past to turn up all ready for a school trip to go trekking around fields...wearing flip flops!
Crazy I know.

Anyway, I really did need to replace my ruined shoes ASAP, and these ones will go with everything and are quite cute with their little tassel and suede-y fabric - and they were another bargain at just £5.

Hmmm... suede-y fabric pumps... in winter....

In hindsight I think I sense another poor footwear choice by me ...

Oops!

But never mind - £15 for three things isn't too disastrous.

Let's hope my next shopping trip is a little more sensible and lasts a lot longer.
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Saturday 26 October 2013

Elemis Event

Approaching the Big 3-0 has made me a tad conscious about the fact that I am really, actually, undoubtedly getting older now.
Older in the fact that I'm going to start noticing changes in my skin before too long - most obviously, the dreaded wrinkles!

Eeek!

With this terrible thought in mind, I know that I really really do need to be taking a lot better care of my skin than I do at the moment.
I'm absolutely terrible and I'll hold my hands up and admit that now, because I have officially been shown the light!

And I was so helpfully guided into it by some extremely lovey ladies, who I found tucked away in the corner of Harvey Nichols in Leeds at the skincare haven that is Elemis.

Elemis is the leading British luxury skincare and spa brand around.
Using a combination of the most cutting edge technology and totally natural ingredients, Elemis offer a range of the most influential anti-ageing and spa products the market has yet to see.

Elemis pride themselves on having a totally non-chemical ingredient base, and recognise the need for products that fit into people's hectic lifestyles.



With me being on the lower end of the budget scale, I hadn't heard of this brand before the event, but now I think I may have developed my first ever "Brand Crush".

Everything was absolutely amazing and I genuinely could have spent a lot of money in store, but I had to rein myself in, and I kept the thought in mind that Christmas is just around the corner, and hopefully my loved ones will be feeling pritty generous.

Upon arrival at Elemis we were greeted with a flute of champagne - always a winner - and asked to fill in a few details about ourselves which were entered into a prize draw later in the evening.



As we sat and chatted, waiting for other guests to arrive, we were given some beautiful chocolate and strawberry covered rice cakes.  I will admit, I did go back again and again - the strawberry ones were my absolute favourite.


Very Yummy.

The lovely ladies at Elemis then treated us to a fantastic demonstration of some of the products that they have on offer, including some new, extremely excellent value for money Christmas gift sets.



We tested a range of the products on our hands and were taught the best way to use each one in order to get the maximum benefits.



I think I had the softest, most beautiful smelling, healthiest looking hands in Leeds that evening, and can only imagine how great the rest of my body would feel after using all of these lovely products.

I totally fell in love with more than a few things, and the top of my list was taken over by the amazing spa@home Body Exotics Range.



The Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow and the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Oil totally won me over.



  I don't think I've ever found any products that smell quite so beautiful, and because they contain a blend of ingredients, including frangipani flowers, it's very easy to see why I fell so much in love.

The body oil is infused with coconut coprah oil to help moisturise the skin.  It is solid inside the bottle, so needs to be heated before use.
The tiniest amount made my skin feel so soft, and then when I was told it could be used as a hair conditioner too - well, that was me hooked - anything for beautifully soft hair.
Another lady also told us that she pours some of the oil into a container when it is in liquid form and lets it set to give her a fantastic lip balm.

A little 3-in-1 miracle product.

The salt glow made my skin feel incredibly clean and smooth.  It contains mineral rich salts and tahitian monoi oil to help exfoliate whilst also moisturising.
Amazing.

These two items are 100% on my wishlist - I absolutely adore them.

Next, I was treated to a demonstration of the Elemis massage chair that is located in a private treatment room within the store, where you can indulge in facials and enjoy total relaxation.

The chair was like heaven - I would quite easily have taken it home with me.
It massaged, and then pummeled the aches, pains and knots out of my back - definitely what was needed after a hard week at work.


I did have a little giggle when the massage motion altered though - it felt as though the chair was mini-punching my back.  It felt fantastic, but was really unexpected.
I'm glad there was no-one else around to witness my laugh-out-loud moment.  :)

After a very fun game of Elemis Pass The Parcel - using the most attractively wrapped parcel I have ever seen (and where everybody was a mini-winner, taking home a range of Elemis samples), we were encouraged to have a browse around the shop, and purchase anything we liked, using our £10 ticket fee as a discount - fab.


Kelly showed me the way to go with the beautiful scent of the Lime and Ginger Body Lotion - another winning combination.
I chose to purchase this lovely little Spa Body Treats gift set from the Elemis Christmas gift range because it contained a travel sized lemon and ginger body lotion and hand and body wash.

It smells divine...and looks very cute too!

As we left for the evening, we were treated even more and given a goodie bag, filled with Elemis samples and product information - I felt very spoilt indeed.



A very fantastic event - thank you to Elemis and Harvey Nichols for allowing us in!

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Thursday 24 October 2013

Book Review: "Crimson Sky"

My book reviews have been a little few and far between recently, so I thought tonight should be the night that I share another one of my recent Orchard Book Club reads with you.

Although this book is quite different to anything I have picked up before, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone.


Crimson Sky
Gretchen Craig



“Crimson Sky” is the heart-felt story of Zia, a strong woman, mother and wife living within a traditional tribe in New Mexico in the late 1500′s. The story explores her struggles and her heartaches when, after she believes her beloved husband, TapanAshka, to be dead, she must do unthinkable things in order to survive the unforgiving weather and lack of food to keep her young son, TyoPe, safe and ensure his survival.

At this time, the Spanish have settled in New Mexico looking for development opportunities and are offering the tribes of the pueblos food and homes, in exchange for their labour.
Zia feels this is her only option. To leave her home and her freedom behind and start again in a bid to keep herself, her baby and her family safe through their time of desperation.

“Crimson Sky” explores the issues and compromises made when these two highly different cultures are forced to come together as one.


Will the traditional, spirit worshiping people of the tribes be able to feel at home within the settlements of the Spanish, with their new animals, new tools, strange crops, and deadly weapons?
Will the Spanish be able to make the newcomers feel at home, or constantly view them as unequal, as slaves?

Will Zia find new love and a new life with the strong, powerful, seemingly kind and loving Spanish conquistador, Captain Diego Ortiz? Or will their differences, and his brutal treatment of her people prove they can never be together?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Crimson Sky”.
The characters are very well developed, and the plot is fast paced and exciting. I liked that I was able to “look into” real historical events and look at a snippet of how people at this time may have lived.

At the beginning of Chapter 17: “The March”, I had a little “Oh No” moment though I must admit, and I had to force myself to put the book down and stop reading for a while.
This was only because I felt I knew the direction the plot was going to take…and I didn't want to see what I thought was going to happen actually happen!!

couldn't stop myself reading for long though, and I enjoyed every page!

Oh – and I got the EXACT ending I wanted too.  :)

recommended 4*
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Thursday 17 October 2013

Organisation Is The Key

Organisation is the key.

And I'm not one to argue with that.

At times, it feels like my head is a little bit of a sieve - there are things I know I have to do, places I know I have to be and dates that I know I just shouldn't be forgetting - but my brain doesn't seem able to keep up.

Then throw in the odd kiddies party, the school disco's and numerous school trips and non-uniform days, and that's it, I'm in total brain melt down mode.

I'd say it's an "age thing"...but then I'd really start to become depressed!  :)

This is why my absolute must have item of every single year is a diary organiser.
One that I can keep in my bag and check on as and when I need to, which more often than not ends up being a few times a day.

I just wouldn't manage without one.

Usually, I find a fairly cheap and cheerful one at my local supermarket that does the job just fine, but this year, it seemed as though they were all conspiring against me a tad - I just couldn't find any anywhere.  Despite always finding them on sale in July/August time, this year, I was told to wait until Christmas and try looking then.

WHAT?!?

Three whole months of having nothing to jog my memory - you must be joking!

The internet searches began immediately.

My first stop was Paperchase.

I know that Paperchase have some lovely bits and pieces but to be honest, I'm usually too much of a scrooge to pay anything above £5.00 for stationary.

But I was in dire need, and then, when I came across this little cute design, I just couldn't resist.



And it was a bargain too, at £8.00.

Yes, OK - I admit, this is most defiantly meant for a school-goer with its sections for timetables and exam dates; and Yes, it probably isn't something an adult of my age should be purchasing - but tough!

It's cute; it's pink; it's girly and I like it.

So I bought it.

But if this isn't your thing, there are so many really pretty designs available at Paperchase, it will be a difficult choice to choose just one.

My diary arrived really quickly after I ordered it - thank goodness - and although it was bigger than the usual tiny hand bag day-to-day diaries I buy, it still fit inside my work bag nicely, and most importantly, had plenty of room inside to write the majority of my brain down within it!

I honestly couldn't be without it, and it's so pretty, I always get lots of lovely comments when people spot it.

Most importantly, it will (thankfully) keep me organised for another year.
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Wednesday 16 October 2013

A Bit Of A "Bad Skin Day"

I'm having a little bit of a crisis this week and my face seems to think I am thirteen again and hitting puberty for the first time.
Why oh why I need this face full of spots at my age is beyond me.

Well...when I think about it, I do know why they've appeared - and it is all of my own fault.
I've totally brought it on myself by not rushing to the supermarket and re-stocking on my miracle  cure face cleanser the second the last tube ran out.

Lesson well and truly learnt.

But I now have a new tube and wont allow myself to be without it from here on in.

Being a bit of a gym bunny, I have days when I am faced with a pritty disgusting issue to be fair.  
I can spend at least an hour at a time jumping around, squatting or sprinting around a room, obviously creating vast amounts of sweat which simply drips continuously down my face.

Very yak I know!

Doing this day after day, is naturally going to take it's toll on my skin, and if it isn't dealt with properly, will cause nasty spot breakouts.

Which is why I am left trying to rectify my little issue today.

So, the Miracle Cure comes in the form of this, Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Face Scrub, which is a very reasonale £3.50 for 150ml, and can be found at a whole host of high street stores.
I purchased mine from my local Tesco.



Whilst the name of this scrub explains exactly what it does - it focuses mainly on getting rid of nasty blackheads, which I reckon it does do very well, it also helps stop those nasty bright red spots popping up too.

The nasty sweat build up caused by the gym, is scrubbed away by the exfoliating orangey micro-beads, unclogging the pores and helping to stop spots of all varieties from sprouting up all over my face.

Fantastic.



The cleansing scrub has a nice pleasant scent, and is gentle enough to use daily - which is just as well really!
After using it, my skin always feels fresh and clean.

I have never had dry skin after using this either, which has been known to happen with other products in the past.

It simply strips all the sweat, gunk and yakiness out of my pores, leaving cleanliness and freshness behind.

And I WILL NOT be without it again.

Simply perfect for washing away a good old gym session
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Sunday 13 October 2013

Cheesy Christmas Jumpers - Take Two: An Interview AND A Jumper Review


Earlier this week, I introduced my blog to it's first taste of Christmas goodness when I posted about Bradford based company Cheesy Christmas Jumpers.
(Post can be found here)

Since that post went live, the brilliant Paul and Mark Everett - Cheesy Christmas Jumpers founders - have sent me not one but TWO of their fantastic jumpers to review*.

Christmas came a little early for me I think.

I was also lucky enough to bag a little bit of a mini interview with the people behind Cheesy Christmas Jumpers too!
Hope you enjoy....

• Do you think of the designs of the products yourself?
I’m always playing about with new ideas and designs, I think about Christmas Jumpers 365 days of the year.  I take lots of inspiration from the 80′s American ugly Christmas sweater era by creating a garment that will look truly vintage but with the high quality production of a modern knit.  Every time I design a new jumper I always remember the brands name ‘Cheesy’, this makes me stay within the brands identity and keeps the designs unique to the Cheesy Christmas Jumpers brand. I’m not designing a garment you would find in your high street fashion shops or on a Milan Catwalk.
• How did you manage to get noticed so quickly to become a favourite with the celebs?
When we first started out in 2009 their was only a few other companies producing Christmas Jumpers. So when the TV companies needed a Christmas Jumper they just started to contact us. We always dealt with them in a friendly manner and made sure that we bent over backwards to get them what they wanted to their sometimes very tight deadlines. If it had meant driving down to London to deliver the jumpers in person, we'd have done it. This over the years then created a bond and we are now one of the top contacts for TV production companies when they need a Cheesy Christmas Jumper.

• There are A LOT of different jumpers around at Christmas time, what do you think sets Cheesy Christmas Jumpers apart from other retailers?
Each year with have grown our brand and adjusted to the ever changing and growing market.  In recent years the big retailers have started selling Christmas Jumpers and we cannot compete with some of their prices and marketing budgets but make sure we compete by producing a high quality garment with unique customer service.
We are also the only (to date) UK company to sell the LED lighted Christmas Jumper. This gives us an edge over other companies due to the high demand for such a product. Because of the high end production time of the lightup Christmas jumper we cannot see any big retailer producing one. We have spent years developing the lighted Christmas jumper range so we already have a head start over any other brand that wants to start developing them.

• With the need for Christmas Jumpers being limited to such a small part of the year, do you put the company on a "back burner" for the majority of the year?
No, not at all. As soon as the festive season has finished for one year we need to start developing our new range for the following season. January is when we start getting our new samples made, and over the first few months of the year we start to develop the new collection. Once we are happy with our new range we then spend the next few months planning our website and social media strategies. We also need to start organising our Christmas Jumper Party, photoshoot and launch party. This all needs to be done and in place before or early September launch date.

• Do you have other jobs away from "festive cheese"?
Cheesy Christmas Jumpers is part of the Paul Everett Print and Design family. Paul Everett Print and Design is a family run business in Bradford which was formed in 1985. We provide all your printing needs alongside our other online businesses:
www.personalisedshirts.co.uk
www.clubshoponline.co.uk
www.stagt-shirs.com
www.hent-shirts.com


• You offer a "Rent A Sweater" scheme at events - which I think is fab - can you tell us more about this?
Our Rent'A'Sweater is one of the way's we plan to raise money for our charity fund at our Charity Christmas Jumper Party. So if people don't have a sweater, are buying on a budget or just love a vintage Christmas sweater with a difference then our Rent'A'Sweater is great for them.
Each sweater is available to rent for £20 and you will get £10 back if you return the sweater. Or if you fall in love with the garment and can't bare to let go, then just keep it! All proceeds from the Rent'A'Sweater go directly to our charity fund.
We aim this in the run up to our charity event via our facebook page, in store and at the event itself.

• Your latest charity event is being held at Moo Restaurant - why did you choose Moo as the venue?
I've known manager Jonathon Davies since I was a wee nipper as we use to go to the same school. I've followed his progress in the catering industry over the past few years, and once he announced he was opening Moo then this was my number one choice. I wanted the charity event to take place in Bradford and I needed a venue that would make people want to attend. By holding part of the event at Moo, we can now offer a high quality 2 course meal for our guests which will be the perfect start to our Christmas Jumper Party. Arranging the event with Jonny is easy because he understands the direction we are going in and he's allowed us the freedom to grow the event.

• Anything in the pipeline for Christmas 2014, or are you focused on the here and now at the moment?
We are fully focused for the season ahead because we fully expect it to be our toughest yet. The big retailers are investing heavily in not only products, but marketing and SEO. We believe the independent Christmas Jumper brands are the heart beat of the Christmas Jumper industry and we aim to be part of it for years to come. I still have ideas and plans for 2014 and even 2015 but for now my full attention is on this year. 



Fantastic Stuff eh!
So now you know a little bit more about the people behind the products, I think it's about time I showed you a few of them.

The first item is the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Sweatshirt priced at a very reasonable £19.99.  This sweatshirt is unisex, so both men and women can enjoy it's bright festive feel.
This is a 2013 remake of the sweatshirt that was worn in 2010 on ITV by Keith Lemon, only now it sports an adorable glittery nose and tongue.



I love it

Red is one of my favourite colours to wear,and I don't think Christmas would be Christmas without it!
I will definitely be wearing this sweatshirt for a very festive night on the town.

I have styled the sweatshirt here with a "Christmas Party" in mind, and have chosen a black leather-look skater skirt and black high wedge heels.
I would complete the look with a large over-sized black clutch bag and black jewellery.


Perfect for a few Christmas drinks - 
Who said sweatshirts can't be styled up for a night out.

Not only is this sweatshirt an amazing colour and has Rudolph emblazed on the front (does it get more Christmassy than that?), it is also slightly fleecy inside, so will keep me all snuggly, toasty and warm.

The sizing is great too.
This is a 'small' which fits me perfectly (I'm a size 10).  It still feels a little "over-sized" and isn't skin tight - which is perfecto for me.

My second jumper is a total full on representation of a what a Cheesy Christmas Jumper should look like in my opinion, and I blooming adore it!

This particular knitted jumper isn't even on sale yet, so I feel extremely lucky to have it already.

It is part of the LED Lighted Range and I can't get enough of it - it really is amazing.


This range of jumpers are knitted using a wool/acrylic mix, and as you can see, this one is very obviously varying shades of blue in colour.

It is showing a perfect Christmas Eve scene, with Santa in his Sleigh delivering all of his presents!  :)
It is flecked all over with silver too, which I reckon represents snow falling very nicely.

THE absolute best bit though, is that when you switch on the tiny battery pack concealed inside the left seam, the teeny tiny LED lights surrounding Santa and his Reindeer flash a brilliant blue colour.

The inside of the jumper is covered over with a polyester lining, to obviously stop the lights and wires coming into contact with the body.  The battery is so tiny and discreet, it is almost impossible to find. 
It definitely isn't noticeable when you are wearing the jumper.


With it being knitted, it is a slightly tighter fit that the Rudolph Sweatshirt, but a 'small' still fits me fine.

This jumper will 100% be the main component for my Christmas Day Outfit.
I think I'll be wearing this with a trusty pair of jeans and some good old Converse Pumps...or more ideally - my slippers!


Equally - it would be a real talking point at any Christmas gathering, so slipping on a pair of heels and black skinny jeans would work just as good with it.

I absolutely love love love Cheesy Christmas Jumpers and I think everybody should own at least one of these amazing, festive creations.

Is it too early to start wearing mine yet...?
*PR Samples
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Saturday 12 October 2013

Trashy Doll Haul

As you may very well know, I have a love of all things "accessory" and love how a change of belt, bag or necklace can totally transform the look of an outfit.

This is why I think Trashy Doll are simply amazing!

I reviewed Trashy Doll before and the amazing people have sent me some fabulous items to wear and review.

Trashy Doll seem to have a knack of bringing out little squeals of joy from me.  I've had two parcels from them now, and both times I have literally been like a child on Christmas morning.

Starting with the packaging, every item is sent with lots of love and attention.  Everything is individually wrapped in bubble wrap to make sure it reaches you in mint condition, and is then put into cute little leopard print bags.

Adorable

The most amazing thing that I realised about Trashy Doll though, is that they have absolutely amazing customer service.

They really seem to take notice of their customers and what they like - they certainly went that little bit extra with my parcels anyway, and managed to match the things I like perfectly to the things they sent.



I certainly expressed an absolute love of all rings before, especially ones with a bit of an edge.

In particular I was desperate to have one of Trashy Doll's Inked Princess Rings - they are all gorgeous.

Imagine just how giddy I was when I unwrapped one of the cute little parcels that landed though my door, and out popped an adorable Inked Princess Ariel ring.

Very happy lady indeed!


Trashy Doll also sent me a fab half eaten Chocoholic Ring - I mean chocolate - need I say more, and a gorgeous aqua Infinity Bracelet.

I have actually considered incorporating the infinity emblem into a tattoo in the past...not that the people at Trashy Doll were to know this when they sent me the bracelet...but I still found it fantastic and really meaningful.



Next up, was yet another amazing ring - a Bronze Vintage Camera ring.

How perfect for a blogger.

Especially for a blogger who is desperate for a new "fancy pants" camera for her upcoming birthday.
I think I'll wear this ring and flash it about as a little bit of a hint to the Birthday Fairy.

Last but by no means least was this lovely Seven Dwarfs necklace.
This is the only item I haven't had chance to wear yet, but it 100% suits the style of a book fan like me!



Working in a secondary school, I made sure I wore the rings and bracelet to work (on different days of course!) and the students simply couldn't get enough of them...nor could the staff for that matter

They certainly went down a storm.

And there is still chance to get an amazing 15% discount using code
MARRIEDTOAGEEK
at the Trashy Doll checkout

Plus free UK delivery - What could you possibly be waiting for?

I think my Trashy Doll Haul has created quite a few new Trashy Doll fans anyway.

But I doubt any of them could rival my Trashy Doll love!  :)


*PR Samples
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Friday 11 October 2013

Quinessence Hand & Body Lotion

Quinessence are an aromatherapy and well-being company who specialise in manufacturing natural skincare products.

They began their journey in 1985 when founders, Sue Charles and Geoff Lyth, started an intensive search to set up a range of high quality aromatherapy oils.

And so the company was born

During the twenty seven years that they have been in operation, Quinessence have grown and expanded, and are today an award winning company.

There is so much demand for their products that they now distribute to over sixty three countries all over the world.

Quinessence make sure that they take a lot into consideration with each one of their products.
From aromatherapy and massage oils, to shampoo, to body lotions, Quinessence are strictly against animal testing; they support Fair Trade and are very keen on recycling and conservation.

Well-being for the planet as well as the body.

The essential oils and Aroma-botanicals skin care ranges have even been finalists for not one, not two, but for six years now, in the Natural Health and Beauty Magazine Awards.
Good Stuff!

With this in mind, when Quinessence contacted me regarding testing one of their products, I just couldn't pass the opportunity up.

Mr Postman delivered me a (very very well wrapped) bottle of aromatherapy goodness earlier this week, in the form of a Hand and Body Lotion*




Quinessence describe this lotion as containing Neroli, Sandalwood and Patchouli; as being moisturising, and as containing exotic Neroli to re-hydrate and help maintain the natural moisture balance of the skin.

Sounded pretty good to me

The design of the bottle struck me straight away.  I thought it looked very professional.
More of a product you would expect to see in a spa...and not sitting in my bathroom, amongst my collection of lotions and potions.

It totally puts the rest of my things to shame.

I applied the cream after a nice long soak in the bath, and decided to give it the ultimate test - to see if it would soften up my not-too-nice-knees.


The lotion rubbed in well and wasn't greasy at all.  It spread across the skin brilliantly and only a small amount was needed.
It will last for ages, meaning great value for money.

If I'm totally honest, I wasn't too keen on the scent, and it's not a fragrance I would choose for myself, but this is only my own personal preference.
I'm not all that keen on highly floral fragrances you see, and I usually tend to avoid them.

However, saying this, I do think it began to grow on me a little bit.  Partly because the scent lasted so long I'm sure -  my hands smelt of flowers for so long I couldn't help get used to it.

My hands and knees stayed soft and smooth all evening, and even when I woke up the next morning, I still had soft knees, so the lotion passed my little test.

This particular Hand and Body lotion retails at £6.50 for 100ml.

I love and totally agree with the ethos Quinessence promote, in that they are so adamant on being animal and planet friendly.

I think I need some more relaxation im my life and Quinessence's aromatherapy oils are looking pritty good to me too...

*PR Sample
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Wednesday 9 October 2013

Cheesy Christmas Jumpers - Take One

There's no getting away from it - Christmas is fast approaching this year, and I already actually really feel right "in" the Christmas spirit.

I mean, how could I not be - I'm signed up to be a Secret Santa a few times over and I reckon I will look absolutely ah-mazingly christmassy this time around, and all thanks to the brilliant company Cheesy Christmas Jumpers.

Over the past few years, a craze seems to have swept throughout the UK.
Men, women and children alike are dead set on sourcing the craziest, loudest and dare I say it, the ugliest Christmas jumpers possible and wearing them everywhere over the festive period.

Pubs and clubs around Christmas have never looked so colourful

Naturally, not one to want to be left out, I wanted to get myself in on this craze last year but I made the major school-girl error of leaving it until the very last minute to go Jumper Shopping - and all the best ones were long gone.

However, this year it seems I will be a whole two months ahead of the rest - I will look the part - and all thanks to a fabulous Bradford based company.

So who are Cheesy Christmas Jumpers I hear you ask?



Well, as I said earlier, Cheesy Christmas Jumpers are based in my hometown of Bradford and began their journey in 2009 when father and son - Paul and Mark Everett - had an idea and began work, initially by selling a few made to order Christmas jumper designs through eBay.

Year after year, the company has simply grown and grown, and gone from strength to strength - so much so that they now offer a much larger range, including jumpers, sweatshirts and t-shirts, all Christmas themed and suitable for men, women and children.

The company is so popular now, that they not only sell within the UK and Ireland, they have a  large demand to ship their Christmas Cheese worldwide too.

And a lot of this Christmas Cheese seems to be being snapped up by celebrities too, who just can't seem to get enough of the brilliant brand.


I just love it when Bradford does good.

Cheesy Christmas Jumpers offer a range of items, all within different price ranges.
So no matter you're budget, you can have an amazingly Cheesy Christmas!

The Christmas Sweatshirt is the companies most affordable line, with the classic Rudolph being the bestseller.

At an amazing £19.99, the bright red fabric, complete with large glitter nose, is a brilliant value buy.
It was even worn by Keith Lemon in 2010 on ITVs "This Morning" - how brilliant is that.

If it's good enough for Keith, then it's certainly good enough for me.


The Mid-Priced Range includes the companies line of knitted jumpers.  Knitted jumpers are the thing we all tend to associate typically with Christmas Cheese, and this range is priced between £34.99 - £39.99.
Each item is knitted, is soft, and is made using the brightest, most garish coloured wool available, which really gives them that loud Christmas Jumper feel.


The Premium, and frankly, my absolute favourites from the company, are the knitted, brightly coloured jumpers with the added edge!
These jumpers are priced slightly higher at £49.99 but they look fab and all have a bit of "omph" with  baubles, stars and actual, real, flashing LED lights sewn into them!

How amazing - they really do flash!

Can it get any more "christmas" than this?

I think not - I love them


Cheesy Christmas Jumpers have gone one extra this year too, and have an amazing Charity Christmas Party night organised, at another favourite of mine - Moo Restaurant (find my review here).

Tickets are priced at £25.00 and include a two course meal at Moo, with £5.00 from each ticket going to two local charities - Harry's Appeal and The Haven.




It should be an amazing evening.

Tickets for this event can be purchased by contacting sales@cheesychristmasjumpers.co.uk

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a Cheesy Jumper
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Tuesday 8 October 2013

A bit of Kettlebell Training

I've been pritty - well mega - busy over the weekend, partly trying to squeeze a few more fitness classes back into my weekend routine.

I'll admit, I used to be majorly obsessed with the gym, and spent at least an hour there every evening.  I've managed to curb this obsession a tad - I mean how could I fit all of those sweaty evenings in working out now that I have my new found love of blogging!

Something had to give a little - and that something was the gym.

I do still like nothing more than "feeling the burn" though, and try to get myself to the gym a few times a week.

And it was the day after one of these squeezed in gym sessions, with my body still in absolute pieces, that I thought I should tell you about the new class my gym has introduced.

I mean you never know, there may be lots of bloggers out there who are just looking for a way to inflict pure muscle pain on themselves, making walking, moving, and even just sitting still a bit of a nightmare for days....

And the way to do this I hear you ask - 

Kettlebell Training

Kettlebell Training, for those who don't know, is a really high intensity cardio workout that is carried out using various sized weights that are shaped a little bit like a cannon ball with a handle!

When you hold the weight by the handle, the heavy part hangs lower than the handle itself.  This means  the weights are quite difficult to control.

And "difficult to control" means that a lot more effort is needed to control them - even when the most basic moves are being carried out.
The core muscles have to work a lot harder to keep the body sturdy than if a dumb-bell was being used for example.
But the benefit of this extra effort means that a lot more calories are burned in the same amount of time.

Brilliant!

Trust me, it certainly felt as though my body was put through it's paces - the pain after was like nothing else.

During this particular class, which was a fairly basic "learn to use the kettlebell properly" kind of class to be honest, we were shown some very basic moves, including a lot of squats and a lot of swinging the weight between the legs and then up and above the head.

I was terrified of letting the weight go mid swing...  I was stood in front of a full length mirror... Which doesn't bare thinking about... All I do know is that it certainly made me cling hold of the kettlebell as hard as I could!
Which I suppose worked my arms harder.

Like I said, I'm not a stranger of the gym, and have tried all sorts of classes in the past, my favourites being Jump FX, Body Pump and HIIT, but I must admit I really did start to feel tired a lot sooner than I usually would during this class.

And this was just a basic, day one, learn the ropes kind of class.
I can only imagine how I'll feel after half an hour of the more advanced one...!

Today I used a 4kg weight - I didn't fancy pushing myself too much - especially knowing that I would have to lift the weight up and over my head a lot - my poor shoulders.

I did find the class quite easy to follow and it was really popular - a lot of new faces in the gym that evening...which usually happens when there is something fresh to try out.

Beginners - don't feel put off - it's suitable for everyone.

I found a little bit of the body postures hard to grasp at first - a lot of "locking the legs" and "thrusting the hips", all whilst remembering to keep hold of the weight that was swinging above the head took a bit of getting used to.  But once I had the hang of it, the class was easy and I really enjoyed it.

But there's nothing enjoyable with how much you ache the day...well the week...after - but all that shows in my book is that the class must really work and do what it should do

I'm definitely making Kettlebell Training a part of my weekly exercise regime...45 minutes of hard work to burn a lot of calories and tone up - what's not to love!


Give it a try and see if you "feel the burn" as much as I did.
Good Luck
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Friday 4 October 2013

Moo Restaurant Pre - Opening Event

I had the brilliant fortune of being invited, once again, by the lovely Kelly to a pre-opening event of a new barbecue restaurant in our very own town of Bradford recently.

Moo Restaurant
47, Highfield Road
BRADFORD
BD10 0QH
01274 611111

Absolutely starving, I was extremely excited about popping along to sample some good grub - and I wasn't dissapointed at all.

We had a little bit of difficulty finding the restaurant at first, but then we spotted the huge yellow and black sign, and knew we had reached our destination.


Walking into Moo Restaurant, the atmosphere was a little quite and still, but this was obviously down to it being everybody's first night and their trial run before the official opening.  A little bit of music and a few more customer's soon livened the place up.

We were shown to our booth really quickly and directed towards the bar to order drinks by the very friendly waiting staff.

In fact, everyone was really polite and friendly - and I loved the uniforms the staff wore!  They were really smart - I particularly liked the little Moo Tie's the waiting staff wore - they certainly made them look the part.

The waitress assigned to look after us and our table was such a polite young lady called Sharini.  She was very smiley, welcoming and accommodating - everything you'd expect when you are out for a meal - with a little bit of an added extra sparkle.

So now for the main event:

The Food


The menu was really extensive and I had real difficulty in choosing what to order.  Unfortunately, I had to re-think what I wanted, as steaks were off the menu for this event, and I had been desperate to try one all day.

I will just have to go back again to give them a whirl I think.

Naturally, no steak means "order a starter too" in my book... so I did.

And very un-lady like of me, I devoured a plate of very messy, sticky American Buffalo Chicken Wings which were covered in Moo's own buffalo sauce.


I had the sauce all over I'm afraid - fingers, hands, face... but it was all good!
These chicken wings were some of the best I've ever tasted, and they were massive too.

Beautiful

The hardest decision for me was the main course and whether I should opt for a very healthy Grilled Chicken Salad, a healthy BBQ Salmon Steak, or forget the "healthy" word altogether, and have a total burger fest blow out...

A 6oz "Create-Your Own" Beef Burger with a choice of three "toppers" won over, with minimal self-persuasion I must admit.


Moo's burgers are made with 100% juicy, well seasoned Yorkshire beef; are served with a lovely fresh coleslaw and a side order of the most delicious, moreish, triple cooked chips I have ever tasted.

Add to this your own combination of three "toppers" from the huge list of twenty four that are available - I chose pulled pork (you need to try this - it is gorgeous!), caramalised onions and chilli cheese - and you have a burger fit for a King

I began slipping into a happy-hazy-dazy food coma about half way through the burger, and I'm ashamed to admit that I just couldn't finish it.  Which wasn't for the want of trying - it was some pritty immense food I had in front of me, I was just so s-t-u-f-f-e-d!!

But not so stuffed that I could resist ordering a pudding.

My initial choice of chocolate fudge cake lost out I'm afraid, simply due to me being so full up, so I went for a really nice portion of apple tart with raspberry cream.


It did the trick, light, delicious and very sweet - and I managed to eat the lot!

Payment tonight was a little different to normal, a contribution was made by each diner based on what we thought we should pay for our meal, and then Moo kindly donated all of the money raised to local charity, Martin House Children's Hospice - which is an amazing gesture.

Being the oh-so-nosy person that I am, I spent a little bit of time between courses having a little look around the restaurant.  I particularly enjoyed watching the drinks being made at the bar, and if it hadn't have been a Monday night, I would have been swayed to try one of the amazing, fancy cocktails the bar manager was mixing up.

There was a lot of ice shaking, juice draining action going on - very professional.
The finished cocktails were little works of art too.

The whole meal was really well presented, well cooked and tasted just divine.

I know I'll be back with the rest of my household in tow quite soon.

I have a feeling The Husband may want to enter the "Boy Meats Man Tower Burger Challenge" -
£40.00 to eat eight 6oz burgers, each with three toppers, a double basket of triple cooked chips and a double helping of coleslaw - all to win a t-shirt and a place on Moo's WALL OF FAME.


I'm not too sure that he, or anyone for that matter, would clear the first hurdle on this little challenge though..!

Moo Restaurant opens it's doors this evening - so be sure to get in touch and book a slot - you definitely don't want to miss out.


Amazing food, a great atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable prices - what more can you ask for!
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