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| From pinterest |
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Happy Valentines Day!
Monday, 13 February 2012
Picks of the week/ weekly roundup
I'd like to get into more of a routine with my blog and thought that I'd start doing a weekly roundup of sorts, picking my favourite items of the week and so on..
Fashion
I'm going to cheat on this and pick two items. One for comfort and one for style. I bought this shirt from crew clothing in the sale and love it! It's very me- Floral, girly and comfortable.
Second is my new Rab generator jacket. It's super warm which has been a godsend in the frozen climes that has been the UK recently but isn't bulky at all. I've barely taken it off. It's not a fashion statement and I think I look a bit like I'm wearing a bin bag but there a plenty of times when I just don't mind looking like a bin bag!
Beauty
I haven't bought anything new this this week which is good. I've had a nasty cold and so I've been trying to moisturise lots. I've been using Johnsons baby lotion as I'm trying to use my way through my lotions and potions. This is frugal too as I think you can buy these for about £1. It's not the most luxurious of products but it does the job!
Films
Muppets Treasure Island!! I'm excited to see the new Muppets movie and they were selling all the old ones in Tesco for £5. This is one of the standout films of my childhood and it just gets better with age! Amazing!
TV
I'm still really enjoying call the midwife (see more about it here) although I was sad last night when she rejected Jimmy. He's so sweet! I also watched the Baftas last night, I'm so pleased The Artist cleaned up!I loved it when Colin Firth helped Meryl Streep with her shoe when it fell off- what a gentleman!
Books
I haven't read any books this week..
Food
The only thing I've really made this week are these. They're super tasty though, passion fruit cupcakes.. yum! It was a good food recipe, I can't find the recipe online but I can type it out if anyone fancies it!
Money
It hasn't been a great week. I had a filling at the dentist, bought a few unnecessary bits and bobs.. Must try harder!
Health and Fitness
I've had a bad cold so I haven't exercised much at all. I haven't been feeling great about my body recently, I need to start eating less!
Considering the above I thought that I'd set some challenges for the week ahead..
- No snacking between meals apart from fruit
- Don't buy anything unnecessary (ie. clothes, make up, DVDs etc)
- Promote my blog a bit more and try and get a few more readers :-)
Fashion
I'm going to cheat on this and pick two items. One for comfort and one for style. I bought this shirt from crew clothing in the sale and love it! It's very me- Floral, girly and comfortable.
Second is my new Rab generator jacket. It's super warm which has been a godsend in the frozen climes that has been the UK recently but isn't bulky at all. I've barely taken it off. It's not a fashion statement and I think I look a bit like I'm wearing a bin bag but there a plenty of times when I just don't mind looking like a bin bag!
Beauty
I haven't bought anything new this this week which is good. I've had a nasty cold and so I've been trying to moisturise lots. I've been using Johnsons baby lotion as I'm trying to use my way through my lotions and potions. This is frugal too as I think you can buy these for about £1. It's not the most luxurious of products but it does the job!
Films
Muppets Treasure Island!! I'm excited to see the new Muppets movie and they were selling all the old ones in Tesco for £5. This is one of the standout films of my childhood and it just gets better with age! Amazing!
TV
I'm still really enjoying call the midwife (see more about it here) although I was sad last night when she rejected Jimmy. He's so sweet! I also watched the Baftas last night, I'm so pleased The Artist cleaned up!I loved it when Colin Firth helped Meryl Streep with her shoe when it fell off- what a gentleman!
Books
I haven't read any books this week..
Food
The only thing I've really made this week are these. They're super tasty though, passion fruit cupcakes.. yum! It was a good food recipe, I can't find the recipe online but I can type it out if anyone fancies it!
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| Passion fruit cupcakes on my new cake stand mentioned here |
Money
It hasn't been a great week. I had a filling at the dentist, bought a few unnecessary bits and bobs.. Must try harder!
Health and Fitness
I've had a bad cold so I haven't exercised much at all. I haven't been feeling great about my body recently, I need to start eating less!
Considering the above I thought that I'd set some challenges for the week ahead..
- No snacking between meals apart from fruit
- Don't buy anything unnecessary (ie. clothes, make up, DVDs etc)
- Promote my blog a bit more and try and get a few more readers :-)
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Recent things I have enjoyed...
Call the midwife
I'm really enjoying this new series on BBC1. If you haven't heard of it it's about the experiences of a young midwife in the east end of London in the 1950s. It's funny (it has Miranda Hart in it!), heartwarming and sad all in one go Love it! It's filled a Downton Abbey shaped hole in my Sunday evenings!
Home-made cake stand
I got the idea to do this from this blog post that was featured on the guardian. I scoured charity shops for plates and got the middle bit from ebay ( search for three tiered cake stand fixing) for a few pounds and ta da... I'm really happy with how it turned out. The plates in total were £3.20 so it was pretty cheap to make, not to mention fun! I might make some more and give them as presents this year!
The Rules of Civility
I recently borrowed the book from the library and demolished it in 24 hours tops! I love reading about the 1920s. It had the glamour of The Great Gatsby but told from a female perspective of a kind of a rags to riches storyline with a twist. Definitely recommended!
If anyone has a book/ tv show/ project that they've enjoyed recently I'd love to hear about it!
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| Source |
I'm really enjoying this new series on BBC1. If you haven't heard of it it's about the experiences of a young midwife in the east end of London in the 1950s. It's funny (it has Miranda Hart in it!), heartwarming and sad all in one go Love it! It's filled a Downton Abbey shaped hole in my Sunday evenings!
Home-made cake stand
I got the idea to do this from this blog post that was featured on the guardian. I scoured charity shops for plates and got the middle bit from ebay ( search for three tiered cake stand fixing) for a few pounds and ta da... I'm really happy with how it turned out. The plates in total were £3.20 so it was pretty cheap to make, not to mention fun! I might make some more and give them as presents this year!
The Rules of Civility
If anyone has a book/ tv show/ project that they've enjoyed recently I'd love to hear about it!
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
2 alternative interview outfits
2 alternative interview outfits by bm25 featuring shirts & blouses
I saw this competition on the lovely undergrad's fabulous blog and fancied having a go. I know I can't win as I don't live in the US but I thought, I've just got that hang of this polyvore malarky so why not!?
The first outfit is something that I would wear to an interview (although not to a really formal interview- I'd stick with a dark suit for that, but that's boring!). It's preppy, girly yet very comfortable and functional. I's wear my hair down in lose waves or maybe half up.
The second is what I'd wear to an interview if I worked in a creative environment (which I don't). How cool are those trousers though!!? I kept the rest of the outfit quite plain except for a statement ring to smarten them up.
I saw this competition on the lovely undergrad's fabulous blog and fancied having a go. I know I can't win as I don't live in the US but I thought, I've just got that hang of this polyvore malarky so why not!?
The first outfit is something that I would wear to an interview (although not to a really formal interview- I'd stick with a dark suit for that, but that's boring!). It's preppy, girly yet very comfortable and functional. I's wear my hair down in lose waves or maybe half up.
The second is what I'd wear to an interview if I worked in a creative environment (which I don't). How cool are those trousers though!!? I kept the rest of the outfit quite plain except for a statement ring to smarten them up.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
My 30 piece capsule wardrobe
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| From polyvore |
My 30 piece capsule wardrobe by bm25 featuring skinny fit jeans
I thought more about this 30 item capsule wardrobe mentioned in jest here and I thought it'd be fun to create a fantasy capsule wardrobe inspired from my own clothes using polyvore.
Not all of my recent buys make the cut (oops!). I felt sad when I had to replace my uncomfortable but pretty leopard print mocascins with a waterproof jacket. Boo! The reality is that I lead an active life and the waterproof makes more sense but still..boo! These clothes would allow me to do my hobbies (save extra equipment, which I included things like thermals, proper waterproofs etc..)
So here we go..
If I had another 5 items I think I'd include more casual tops, a pair of pretty flat sandals and a skirt.
My next mission is to work out what accessories I'd need lol! I think I'd need a lot to add variety to some outfits! This has actually been a really fun exercise and has made me think what I really need the clothes for! There are a lot of things that I'm sad I couldn't include but many that I think I could do without! Also another good thing is that rather than look at things that you want to buy to make a capsule wardrobe, it makes you look at what you already have! If anyone else has a go, i'd love to see yours!
Edit* It's pretty funny, I've actually been back and edited this a few times because I've been thinking and suddenly thought 'oh I can't live without this' and swap something in! I swapped some knee length boots for a blouse! Also, I was thinking this wardrobe covers all seasons so maybe I'd be allowed a few extra pieces to cover the seasons ;) What makes me think I'd be no good at actually implementing this lol! hmmmm..
I thought more about this 30 item capsule wardrobe mentioned in jest here and I thought it'd be fun to create a fantasy capsule wardrobe inspired from my own clothes using polyvore.
Not all of my recent buys make the cut (oops!). I felt sad when I had to replace my uncomfortable but pretty leopard print mocascins with a waterproof jacket. Boo! The reality is that I lead an active life and the waterproof makes more sense but still..boo! These clothes would allow me to do my hobbies (save extra equipment, which I included things like thermals, proper waterproofs etc..)
So here we go..
Coats and Jackets:
1. Black blazer- Will make up a suit or can smarten up jeans or a dress.
2. Leather jacket- mentioned here. Can be smart or casual and was too expensive not to include!
3. Grey Funnel neck coat- Need a warm, smart coat for UK weather. Mine is darker than this one and from Zara.
4. Black waterproof jacket- UK weather.. need I say more? I am also fairly active!
Trousers:
5. Black smart trousers- For work. Had mine for years.
6. Brown smart trousers- Just bought these from M+S. Were a bargain in the sales.
7. Dark jeans- I would have liked to include more than 1 pair of jeans but 30 things fill up quite quickly!
8. Jogging bottoms- For exercising/ lounging
9. Zip-off walking trousers- For travelling/ sailing/ walking. Would rather something prettier but nevermind!
Jumpers:
10. Beige cardigan- This goes with everything! Mine is from Zara.
11. Navy cashmere V neck- A bit of luxury! Last years Christmas present.
12. Red cashmere jumper- A bit more luxury! This years Christmas present.
13. Purple fleece hoody- Warmth/comfort.
Shorts:
14. Board shorts- For active things in the summer.
15. Denim shorts- I really do live in shorts in the summer!
T-shirts/ tops:
16. White- I'm definitely too messy for only 1 white t shirt though!
17. Black tank top
18. Yellow tank top- one of my fave colours <3
19. Stripey long sleeve t shirt. Mine is from topshop. Could be smart if needed.
20. Pink/ white collared shirt. Mine is from Crew
21. Cream long sleeved lace top. I love this, mine is french connection! It's very classy!
22. Short sleeve flowery blouse. Recent purchase from H&M.
22. Short sleeve flowery blouse. Recent purchase from H&M.
Dresses:
23. Flowery sun dress- For girly days and summer tea parties.
24.
American Apparel purple multiway dress- This is made for a capsule
wardrobe. It can be worn so many ways. You can watch a video explaining
some of the ways here.
25. Black smart dress- I got mine tailored in Vietnam so I couldn't not include this!
Shoes:
26. Black flats
27. Birkenstocks- I did orgionally have cheap flip flops as well but these are comfy too which is a bonus!
28. Trainers
29. Ankle boots
30. Black heels- Nude ones would also be good!
If I had another 5 items I think I'd include more casual tops, a pair of pretty flat sandals and a skirt.
My next mission is to work out what accessories I'd need lol! I think I'd need a lot to add variety to some outfits! This has actually been a really fun exercise and has made me think what I really need the clothes for! There are a lot of things that I'm sad I couldn't include but many that I think I could do without! Also another good thing is that rather than look at things that you want to buy to make a capsule wardrobe, it makes you look at what you already have! If anyone else has a go, i'd love to see yours!
Edit* It's pretty funny, I've actually been back and edited this a few times because I've been thinking and suddenly thought 'oh I can't live without this' and swap something in! I swapped some knee length boots for a blouse! Also, I was thinking this wardrobe covers all seasons so maybe I'd be allowed a few extra pieces to cover the seasons ;) What makes me think I'd be no good at actually implementing this lol! hmmmm..
..isms
Lately I have been struggling with my inner self and my views on consumerism vs. minimalism. I can go from vowing to throw out all but 30 of my most prized possessions to 30 mins later doing some sneaky online shopping...
The result of these battles has favoured consumerism and I am the owner of various shiny new items! All my purchases have been in the sale and have been what I consider a really good deal but they have undoubtedly taken me further away from my 30 piece fabulous capsule wardrobe. You know why I think I want to buy things? Well it's mainly because I spend quite a long time browsing blogs and youtube channels watching hauls and looking at outfit of the days etc. I spot things and think.. Oh..well I neeed a pair of studded boots! This is what I think I have a problem with. A while ago, I was about to buy a leather mini skirt for £20 just because a. it was a 'good deal' and b. because it was fashionable. I know the chances of me actually wearing this mini-skirt would have been slim. I lack confidence and I rarely go to events where a leather mini-skirt is normal. I normally put things in my basket then falter for a while deciding whether I really need something. Sometimes, by the time I've decided to buy it, it's sold out which is probably quite lucky! However, I bought a really pretty floral blouse that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of. I don't mind buying things like this that I know I will get my wear out of! I also bought some red jeans for £9.99 from Zara and a long sleeved mustard coloured top from New Look for £3. I also did some online shopping for potential work shirts from Crew but they haven't arrived yet so if they're terrible, they might go back!
Enough with the justification... I've picked up a few good tips from minimalism blogs to try and work out what I actually wear in my wardrobe to try and slim it down a little to make up for the extra few items.
On another note, I find it really funny when people are doing hauls and they say I 'picked up' this and I 'picked up' that.. Does anyone else think it sounds like they just wandered up, picked the thing up and then wandered out without paying.. or is that just me !?
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| From pinterest - Would I want this?... Yes.. or Maybe...Hmmm |
The result of these battles has favoured consumerism and I am the owner of various shiny new items! All my purchases have been in the sale and have been what I consider a really good deal but they have undoubtedly taken me further away from my 30 piece fabulous capsule wardrobe. You know why I think I want to buy things? Well it's mainly because I spend quite a long time browsing blogs and youtube channels watching hauls and looking at outfit of the days etc. I spot things and think.. Oh..well I neeed a pair of studded boots! This is what I think I have a problem with. A while ago, I was about to buy a leather mini skirt for £20 just because a. it was a 'good deal' and b. because it was fashionable. I know the chances of me actually wearing this mini-skirt would have been slim. I lack confidence and I rarely go to events where a leather mini-skirt is normal. I normally put things in my basket then falter for a while deciding whether I really need something. Sometimes, by the time I've decided to buy it, it's sold out which is probably quite lucky! However, I bought a really pretty floral blouse that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of. I don't mind buying things like this that I know I will get my wear out of! I also bought some red jeans for £9.99 from Zara and a long sleeved mustard coloured top from New Look for £3. I also did some online shopping for potential work shirts from Crew but they haven't arrived yet so if they're terrible, they might go back!
Enough with the justification... I've picked up a few good tips from minimalism blogs to try and work out what I actually wear in my wardrobe to try and slim it down a little to make up for the extra few items.
On another note, I find it really funny when people are doing hauls and they say I 'picked up' this and I 'picked up' that.. Does anyone else think it sounds like they just wandered up, picked the thing up and then wandered out without paying.. or is that just me !?
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Free things!
So this post goes along with the thrifty and frugal-ness of my previous post in a way, but it must be said that I love getting free things!! Lets be honest though who doesn't!? Stuff for free, brilliant!
I graduated a few months ago and it has taken a while to find a job. I'm pleased to say that I'll soon be able to join the ranks of the employed but for all the time that I was job searching I had a few plans of action of how I was going to entertain myself.
My first plan was that I was going to win competitions. I thought that surely if I entered enough, I was bound to win some of them. I think I read somewhere of someone that did this and made loads of money. Anyway, this didn't work. I haven't won a single one yet! Maybe I didn't enter enough.... I think I gave up too early. I wanted instant gratification!
Anyway.. The second plan which has actually worked was to get loads of free samples! Well I did this and here I proudly present my hoard of free things...
Now you may think I'm a little strange getting excited about this but here are some reasons why they are so great..
-Samples of shampoo/ conditioner are soo useful for travelling for a few days or taking to the gym. It saves either taking big bottles or transferring liquids into little bottles. Same goes for all the other beauty samples!
-I have got 22 cups of tea and at least 5 cups of coffee worth of free tea and coffee! That's quite a lot of cups!
I found most of these by putting 'free stuff' into google and going through the websites that it comes up with! Some of them are also from magazines (the bottom row in the photo).
I graduated a few months ago and it has taken a while to find a job. I'm pleased to say that I'll soon be able to join the ranks of the employed but for all the time that I was job searching I had a few plans of action of how I was going to entertain myself.
My first plan was that I was going to win competitions. I thought that surely if I entered enough, I was bound to win some of them. I think I read somewhere of someone that did this and made loads of money. Anyway, this didn't work. I haven't won a single one yet! Maybe I didn't enter enough.... I think I gave up too early. I wanted instant gratification!
Anyway.. The second plan which has actually worked was to get loads of free samples! Well I did this and here I proudly present my hoard of free things...
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| Ta da!! |
Now you may think I'm a little strange getting excited about this but here are some reasons why they are so great..
-Samples of shampoo/ conditioner are soo useful for travelling for a few days or taking to the gym. It saves either taking big bottles or transferring liquids into little bottles. Same goes for all the other beauty samples!
-I have got 22 cups of tea and at least 5 cups of coffee worth of free tea and coffee! That's quite a lot of cups!
I found most of these by putting 'free stuff' into google and going through the websites that it comes up with! Some of them are also from magazines (the bottom row in the photo).
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