Christmas is just round the corner, and dare I say it, I've still not put up my Christmas tree, decorations or the obligatory Christmas lights in the window. To be honest I still can't wrap my head round where the last couple of months have disappeared to. Usually I am really organised for Christmas and I have all my presents purchased and ready to wrap. however this year I am starting to run out of Christmas shopping days!
At this time of year thoughts always go out to absent family members and friends who cannot celebrate Christmas with us. I am not trying to kill anyone's Christmas spirit or dampen the Holidays, its just a reminder that, although Christmas is the time for Family - some people don't have much family left.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Secret Santa - Generalspiration
Occasionally it happens, you are advised to bring in a gift that would be suitable for male or female. I have gathered together some ideas for general Secret Santa gifts. All the items featured are under £10 and can also been found on my Luvocracy: http://www.luvocracy.com/abloggingblonde
Lonely Planet's Best Ever
Travel Tips (Lonely Planet Travel Reference) £4.99
365 New Words-A-Day 2014 Page-A-Day Calendar £7.69
Film Listography £6.13
642 Things to Write £9.59
Procrastinator Mousepad Doodler £8.95
Shot Glasses Ice Mould (12 Pack) £7.95
Jelly Shots Mould £4.95
Warm Up Soles £6.49
You To Do - Fun Stuff To Do Wall Chart £9.45
Desktop Status Bar £4.99
Neon Mixer Tablet Case £9.99
Hopefully the posts over the past couple of days have been helpful, or given you some shopping inspiration.
Happy Christmas Shopping!
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Secret Santa - Guyspiration
As I mentioned the yesterday, I have compiled some Secret Santa gifts for guys. All the items featured are under £10 and can also been found on my Luvocracy: http://www.luvocracy.com/abloggingblonde
Stainless Steel 'Cheeky Tipple' Hip Flask £8
8GB Novelty Cute Cartoon Batman USB Flash Pen Drive Memory Stick £8.99
Knit Your Own Bike Saddle £7.95
Ticket Stub Diary £9.99
The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead £5.92
NUXE Men Survival Kit £8.50
The Fart Tutorial Book £6.99
Design Museum Fifty Cars that Changed the World £7.69
Travel Edition Scratch Map £8.99
Duff Beer Water Bottle £9.99
Velcro Knife Throwing Set £7.95
Tomorrow's post will feature Secret Santa - Generalspiration.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Secret Santa - Girlspiration
As I mentioned the other day, I have compiled some Secret Santa gifts. All the items featured are under £10 and can also been found on my Luvocracy: http://www.luvocracy.com/abloggingblonde
Debenhams Foam Heart Hair Curlers £6
Benefit Ticket to Glossytown £9.75 (on offer)
Murad Summer Essentials Discovery Collection £8.99
Knit Your Own Zombie: Over 1000 Combinations to rip 'n' reassemble for Horrifying Results £6.71
Soap & Glory™ Clean Getaway™ Gift Set £10
NIP+FAB Happy Holidays Body Pamper Kit Spiced Apple £8.99
Design Museum Fifty Dresses That Changed the World £7.69
Cocoa Brown One Hour Tan Mousse + Mitt Gift Bag £9.99
Your Love Life in Lists £8.39
ASOS Watermelon Beanie £9 (on offer)
Cath Kidson Star And Dot 3 Pack Notebooks £10
Benefit High Flying Glosses £9.75 (on offer)
Tomorrow's post will feature Secret Santa - Guyspiration.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Secret Santa!
As the Christmas music gets louder and the shops get busier, I find myself tucked away enjoying some form of Christmas coffee while turning to my trusted shopping friend - the internet!
I am aware that there will be millions of you who enjoy traipsing around the overcrowded shopping centres having your personal space invaded by heavy breathers. Then standing in a queue to purchase an item that you are still not you want to by, all for the gratification of having your arms full of shopping bags - of the non food shopping variety.
As well as shopping for the usual suspects a wild card is always thrown in the mix in the form of 'Secret Santa'.
I always love Secret Santa shopping. I love the challenge of finding a decent present with the restrictions given. The usual amount for a work Secret Santa is £10, as it is a good amount and hopefully won't break the bank. I also think you would be hard pushed to get a decent present for anything less.
As I have been searching for Secret Santa present ideas, I thought I would share my findings with you lovely folk, and hopefully inspire the Secret Santa's out there to purchase a good gift, and not another random slogan mug. Do people really think a mug is an acceptable Christmas gift?
I am going to be pulling together some gift ideas which will be split into three separate posts;
The first feature will be Girlspiration and this will be available on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Happy Christmas Shopping!
I am aware that there will be millions of you who enjoy traipsing around the overcrowded shopping centres having your personal space invaded by heavy breathers. Then standing in a queue to purchase an item that you are still not you want to by, all for the gratification of having your arms full of shopping bags - of the non food shopping variety.
As well as shopping for the usual suspects a wild card is always thrown in the mix in the form of 'Secret Santa'.
I always love Secret Santa shopping. I love the challenge of finding a decent present with the restrictions given. The usual amount for a work Secret Santa is £10, as it is a good amount and hopefully won't break the bank. I also think you would be hard pushed to get a decent present for anything less.
As I have been searching for Secret Santa present ideas, I thought I would share my findings with you lovely folk, and hopefully inspire the Secret Santa's out there to purchase a good gift, and not another random slogan mug. Do people really think a mug is an acceptable Christmas gift?
I am going to be pulling together some gift ideas which will be split into three separate posts;
- Girlspiration - for a female recipient
- Guyspiration - for a male recipient
- Generalspiration - when its a lucky dip
The first feature will be Girlspiration and this will be available on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Happy Christmas Shopping!
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Wednesday Wishlist 16th October 2013
The weather has taken a turn for the worst, the nights are drawing in and to top it all the clocks change at the end of the month! I've been back on the internet looking at pretty things with an empty purse and a warm cup of tea.
I thought I would share a few more of my top shopping items with you guys.
This jacket is absolutely gorgeous, and for those of you who have a spare £85 can pick this up form ASOS. This jacket is available in the ASOS Curve range as well as their... ahem... 'Skinny' range. Now as much as I have fallen in love with this jacket I cannot help think "Is this a practical jacket?". The two major pit falls I find are: 1, It is an open front design, 2, It is dry clean only.
I featured a watch on my wish list last week but just look at how beautiful this Marc Jacobs watch is! This is bound to be a hit at Christmas, and feature on many Christmas present lists. At the moment I absolutely love burgundy so a burgundy watch is definitely going to appear on my wish list. I came across this gem on ASOS and it is priced at £185.
My final item is not fashion related. I have millions of postcards and I love to send them while I am on holiday. I was chatting to my sister at the weekend as she is looking for something to display the postcards I sent her while I was on Trek America's Southern Sun tour. I came across this lovely memo board and thought I quite fancy it myself.
This item can be found on a website called Not on the High Street.com and is priced at £34.99. The site has a whole host of atlas decorated items, including a makeup bag.
Happy Shopping!
I thought I would share a few more of my top shopping items with you guys.
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| ASOS CURVE Longline Jacket In Tartan |
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| Marc By Marc Jacobs Henry Skeleton Burgandy Watch |
My final item is not fashion related. I have millions of postcards and I love to send them while I am on holiday. I was chatting to my sister at the weekend as she is looking for something to display the postcards I sent her while I was on Trek America's Southern Sun tour. I came across this lovely memo board and thought I quite fancy it myself.
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| Atlas Memo Board and Pin Board by Pins and Ribbons |
Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Wednesday Wishlist
Recently starting a new job and the change of season has really fired up my desire to shop. While many people are starting to organise their Christmas shopping and most of the shops are starting to display the same Christmas gift sets that they sell every year. I, on the other hand am browsing to buy things for me!
I thought I would pull together a few things that I have been coveting so that everyone else can drool over them like me. Hopefully a few of these items will make it in to my autumn wardrobe.
I have to mention the black chunky cut out boots. A few months back I fell in love with the Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe Cut-out boots and I have been looking for a high street alternative since. The other day browsing on River Island's website I came across the Black chunky buckle cut out boots priced at £45.00.
I have a serious obsession with footwear at the moment and I am also obsessed with dark red, burgundy and wine colours so River Island's Dark red cut out buckle side Chelsea boots priced at £35.00 are right up my street.
Moving away from footwear and onto accessories I spotted a lovely tartan scarf and this one can be found in River Island for £25, the Black dog bite print t-shirt dress is also from River Island and is priced at £20. Unfortunately the dress is currently sold out in my size.
Moving away from River Island and onto another website I keep finding myself browsing on, ASOS. I could just be showing my age but I remember when ASOS first launched as 'As Seen On Screen'!
While browsing on ASOS I came across OWL Chelsea Tortoiseshell Strap Watch, at the moment this is exclusive to ASOS priced at £84.95. This watch comes in different colour ways but I think I love the tortoiseshell the most.
As it is October and it will be my favourite time of the year, Halloween! I came across this cracker of a Pumpkin Beanie (£12) also from ASOS.
No doubt I will come across more things that I want so keep your eyes peeled.
I thought I would pull together a few things that I have been coveting so that everyone else can drool over them like me. Hopefully a few of these items will make it in to my autumn wardrobe.
I have to mention the black chunky cut out boots. A few months back I fell in love with the Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe Cut-out boots and I have been looking for a high street alternative since. The other day browsing on River Island's website I came across the Black chunky buckle cut out boots priced at £45.00.
I have a serious obsession with footwear at the moment and I am also obsessed with dark red, burgundy and wine colours so River Island's Dark red cut out buckle side Chelsea boots priced at £35.00 are right up my street.
Moving away from footwear and onto accessories I spotted a lovely tartan scarf and this one can be found in River Island for £25, the Black dog bite print t-shirt dress is also from River Island and is priced at £20. Unfortunately the dress is currently sold out in my size.
Moving away from River Island and onto another website I keep finding myself browsing on, ASOS. I could just be showing my age but I remember when ASOS first launched as 'As Seen On Screen'!
While browsing on ASOS I came across OWL Chelsea Tortoiseshell Strap Watch, at the moment this is exclusive to ASOS priced at £84.95. This watch comes in different colour ways but I think I love the tortoiseshell the most.
As it is October and it will be my favourite time of the year, Halloween! I came across this cracker of a Pumpkin Beanie (£12) also from ASOS.
No doubt I will come across more things that I want so keep your eyes peeled.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Detox Days
As you have read from my previous post, I tried the five day detox diet from Soulmatefood. Now I did mention that I would blog each day of the detox but there didn't seem much to say, apart from I was hungry!
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Day one was fine as it was the start and I was filled with excitement and I couldn't wait to get started. Reading through the do's and don't's as I sipped on my first juice my mind started to wander and I found myself thinking about a cup of tea. I absolutely love my tea so I contacted Soulmatefood through their Facebook page and asked if I could still drink green tea as they only mentioned stay clear of coffee. I was delighted when the speedy reply came back advising me that I could still drink green tea as it contains natural caffeine. The lovely people at Soulmatefood also advised me of the other benefits of green tea, such as increasing fat burning and helps to reduce bad cholesterol. Another reason to stop and go boil the kettle.
Day two felt alright, however I felt as though I was counting the minutes to my next juice. It is recommended that you have your juice every two hours, and sip it slowly. I found that some of the juices were just that, juices and others seemed more like a smoothie. I was most sceptical about number two - pineapple, banana and coconut. Now I love all three of those things on their own but together seemed odd and it looked rather ominous. I was pleasantly surprised and I found this to be my favourite juice. I was starting to get a little bored as the cleanse advises you only to take part in light exercise so I thought it would be wise not to attend my usual spin classes as they are anything but light exercise!
Day three and there was a development, not a great development, but something changed. My tongue felt horrid, I felt kind of furry. It must have been all the acidity in the juices, just as well I was using a straw to try and minimise acid erosion of the teeth. Although I was feeling good, empty but good. I seemed to notice the difference in my lower stomach.
Day four and I was dreaming of food. I do not eat red meat, however seeing adverts and programs that featured food had me salivating at a glance. I could think of noting more than sinking my teeth into a big juicy stake. Although I did not do myself any favours as I watched John Catucci You Gotta Eat Here. It was just food piled on food and massive portions.
Day five and the end was in sight as I knew I just had to reach the end of this day and then I could eat solid food again. I certainly missed chewing food and my tongue not feeling as though it did not belong in my mouth. I survived feeling hungry and a little lighter, although I may have cancelled out all the good cleansing work on the day after the cleanse
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Day one was fine as it was the start and I was filled with excitement and I couldn't wait to get started. Reading through the do's and don't's as I sipped on my first juice my mind started to wander and I found myself thinking about a cup of tea. I absolutely love my tea so I contacted Soulmatefood through their Facebook page and asked if I could still drink green tea as they only mentioned stay clear of coffee. I was delighted when the speedy reply came back advising me that I could still drink green tea as it contains natural caffeine. The lovely people at Soulmatefood also advised me of the other benefits of green tea, such as increasing fat burning and helps to reduce bad cholesterol. Another reason to stop and go boil the kettle.
Day two felt alright, however I felt as though I was counting the minutes to my next juice. It is recommended that you have your juice every two hours, and sip it slowly. I found that some of the juices were just that, juices and others seemed more like a smoothie. I was most sceptical about number two - pineapple, banana and coconut. Now I love all three of those things on their own but together seemed odd and it looked rather ominous. I was pleasantly surprised and I found this to be my favourite juice. I was starting to get a little bored as the cleanse advises you only to take part in light exercise so I thought it would be wise not to attend my usual spin classes as they are anything but light exercise!
Day three and there was a development, not a great development, but something changed. My tongue felt horrid, I felt kind of furry. It must have been all the acidity in the juices, just as well I was using a straw to try and minimise acid erosion of the teeth. Although I was feeling good, empty but good. I seemed to notice the difference in my lower stomach.
Day four and I was dreaming of food. I do not eat red meat, however seeing adverts and programs that featured food had me salivating at a glance. I could think of noting more than sinking my teeth into a big juicy stake. Although I did not do myself any favours as I watched John Catucci You Gotta Eat Here. It was just food piled on food and massive portions.
Day five and the end was in sight as I knew I just had to reach the end of this day and then I could eat solid food again. I certainly missed chewing food and my tongue not feeling as though it did not belong in my mouth. I survived feeling hungry and a little lighter, although I may have cancelled out all the good cleansing work on the day after the cleanse
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Detox Delivery
I have been looking to do a juice cleanse for some time now, rid my body of all the sugar that I have been craving and hopefully start a fresh on a cleaner diet. I have been looking online at juice cleanses however there seems to be a number of companies that provide this service and the difference in price is quite extraordinary.
One company I kept coming back to is Soulmatefood. I had read about this company last year so it stuck in my mind, and the great thing about the website was the number of testimonials it had. They also supplied team GB with food for the Olympics!
A couple of weeks ago I was sifting through my emails and I came across a Groupon offer for a Juice cleanse. I was rather excited so I opened the email and read on. The offer was for either a 3 day or a 5 day juice cleanse, so I picked the 5 day juice cleanse for £75. I thought the 5 day juice cleanse was a better deal as it was only £15 dearer than the 3 day cleanse, also anyone who has tried any kind of diet or change to their eating plan has figured out that its after day three the magic happens. By magic I mean that you feel better and your cravings have gone, the sugar withdrawal headaches have disappeared, you feel, well... magic!
Soulmatefood delivers on a Tuesday so I had my juice cleanse program scheduled to be delivered today.
I was rather excited by the chap at the door this morning, knowing it could only be my juice cleanse delivery. I signed for my parcel and went straight into the kitchen to open my box of juicy goodness.
All the bottles were lined up in number order in the box and they were kept chilled with ice packs. Included in the box was a menu that advised you to the flavours of each of the juices.
Number one to start the day is detox breakfast. This juice contains; carrot, orange, ginger and super foods.
The second juice for the day is Vitality. This juice contains; pineapple, banana and coconut.
The third juice for the day is Berry Active. This juice contains; antioxidant blend, cherries and mixed berries.
The fourth juice for the day is Earth. This juice contains; raspberry and pomegranate.
The fifth juice of the day is Tropical. This juice contains; orange, mango, passion fruit and goji berry.
The sixth and final drink of the day is Nutrilicious. This juice contains; strawberry and banana.
Now as this is a cleanse, the usual rules apply; no coffee or alcohol and drink plenty of water. It doesn't mention anything about tea, so I wonder if I could still have a cup of green tea. I will try and find out.
I am going to be blogging tomorrow to let you guys know my first day went, and if I am still as excited as I was when the box arrived.
One company I kept coming back to is Soulmatefood. I had read about this company last year so it stuck in my mind, and the great thing about the website was the number of testimonials it had. They also supplied team GB with food for the Olympics!
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| Juice Cleanse |
Soulmatefood delivers on a Tuesday so I had my juice cleanse program scheduled to be delivered today.
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| Delivered box, just after opening |
All the bottles were lined up in number order in the box and they were kept chilled with ice packs. Included in the box was a menu that advised you to the flavours of each of the juices.
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| 1 Detox Breakfast |
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| 2 Vitality |
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| 3 Berry Active |
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| 4 Earth |
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| 5 Tropical |
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| 6 Nutrilicious |
Now as this is a cleanse, the usual rules apply; no coffee or alcohol and drink plenty of water. It doesn't mention anything about tea, so I wonder if I could still have a cup of green tea. I will try and find out.
I am going to be blogging tomorrow to let you guys know my first day went, and if I am still as excited as I was when the box arrived.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
To Ease Those Tangles
It seems as though everyone has been raving about the Tangle Teezer. So I thought I would discover what all the fuss was about.
Now if you have not heard the buzz about the Tangle Teezer, or have no clue what I am on about the do not fret.
The Tangle Teezer is a handle-less bush like device that promises to detangle your hair pain free, so no more pulling at the tugs in your hair. It has just occurred to me that the brush slightly reminds me of the brushes people use to groom horses.
I popped into Boots to have a look at the range. I was quite disappointed as there were only a few different ones. My eyes naturally gravitated to the leopard print Tangle Teezer. I soon shook that out of my system as the leopard print one was much smaller as it was classed as a travel Tangle Teezer - so therefore it was more expensive. I decided to settle for the original version and chose orange over pink.
Now as you can probably guess from my previous post, I like a bargain. The Original Tangle Teezer was £10.99 from Boots so I decided to purchase this item with my points, so it felt like a freebie! My thoughts were:
After a quick towel dry, I threw my hair back and applied the Tangle Teezer. The Tangle Teezer certainly glided over my hair. It seems as though it has been designed to glide over the tugs and slowly work them out of your hair, rather than forcing them out.
After the first use it felt very much as though there were no tangles, no breakage but also as though there was no skin left on my scalp.
I would certainly recommend this product if you have thick hair as my rather thin hair did not protect my scalp from those detangling teeth.
I have not given up on the product and I am not disappointed, sadly I really love the sound the brush makes when it glides through my hair.
Have you taken a trip down the Tangle Teezer tunnel?
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| The Original Tangle Teezer |
The Tangle Teezer is a handle-less bush like device that promises to detangle your hair pain free, so no more pulling at the tugs in your hair. It has just occurred to me that the brush slightly reminds me of the brushes people use to groom horses.
I popped into Boots to have a look at the range. I was quite disappointed as there were only a few different ones. My eyes naturally gravitated to the leopard print Tangle Teezer. I soon shook that out of my system as the leopard print one was much smaller as it was classed as a travel Tangle Teezer - so therefore it was more expensive. I decided to settle for the original version and chose orange over pink.
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| The Original Tangle Teezer - Orange |
"If I use my points then I won't be depressed if I am not impressed."As with any new product, I was excited to try it out. I jumped in the shower and I washed my hair. The brush can be used on both wet and dry hair, however I wanted to properly use my new purchase, and my hair was due for a wash.
After a quick towel dry, I threw my hair back and applied the Tangle Teezer. The Tangle Teezer certainly glided over my hair. It seems as though it has been designed to glide over the tugs and slowly work them out of your hair, rather than forcing them out.
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| The Original Tangle Teezer Brush |
I would certainly recommend this product if you have thick hair as my rather thin hair did not protect my scalp from those detangling teeth.
I have not given up on the product and I am not disappointed, sadly I really love the sound the brush makes when it glides through my hair.
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| The Original Tangle Teezer - out of box |
Have you taken a trip down the Tangle Teezer tunnel?
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Free Stuff!
I absolutely love a bargain, however what I love more is free stuff. I have been with my mobile phone service provider for over twelve years and it is nice when you get a little something back, just for being you.
I am currently with O2, and they have an app called priority moments. I downloaded the app when it first came out, but nothing on the app suited me.
The app offers money off and discounts on various things, meals, travel, online shopping. I have never fully used the app. I had logged in every so often to see what was on offer.
A few months back there was a code to get a free packet of Percy Pig sweets from Marks and Spencer. Naturally I went and got my free bag of sweets as nothing else was involved, and since then I have been on the app looking out for all the free items.
Yesterday I was meeting some friends to go shopping for another friends birthday present. Before I set off I thought I would go on and look at my priority moments app to see if there was anything that I could take advantage of and I was not disappointed. There were three fantastic offers all from the same store!
Sometimes I feel a little apprehensive about redeeming offers when you have clearly only went into the shop for the free stuff. When I went into WHSmith yesterday it was quiet so I though it was the ideal time to strike.
The first item that I redeemed was a packet of Thornton's Continental chocolates. This was meant as a thank you from O2 as they had won an award for being the best network operator.
My next free item that I redeemed, as they had to go through in separate transactions was; a free book. I got a paperback book with a recommended selling price of £7.99. I didn't get a choice in the book, however it was free so I am not going to complain. It was a copy of 'Close my eyes' by Sophie McKenzie. Granted this book probably does not sell at £7.99, but it is not given away for free either.
The last item I redeemed did require a purchase. I had to purchase a Fathers Day card to get this free item. I still believe it was a good freebie as I needed to purchase a fathers day card - even through I can not remember what date fathers day is on again this year. With my fathers day card purchase, I received a free box of Thornton's Special Toffee.
All together I spent £2.99 and I got a book, a bag of chocolate, and a box of toffee as well as an essential fathers day card. I would say a successful day of bargains.
I am currently with O2, and they have an app called priority moments. I downloaded the app when it first came out, but nothing on the app suited me.
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| Screenshot of Priority Moments app opening |
A few months back there was a code to get a free packet of Percy Pig sweets from Marks and Spencer. Naturally I went and got my free bag of sweets as nothing else was involved, and since then I have been on the app looking out for all the free items.
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| Marks and Spencer Percy Pigs (picture from Wikipedia)
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Sometimes I feel a little apprehensive about redeeming offers when you have clearly only went into the shop for the free stuff. When I went into WHSmith yesterday it was quiet so I though it was the ideal time to strike.
The first item that I redeemed was a packet of Thornton's Continental chocolates. This was meant as a thank you from O2 as they had won an award for being the best network operator.
My next free item that I redeemed, as they had to go through in separate transactions was; a free book. I got a paperback book with a recommended selling price of £7.99. I didn't get a choice in the book, however it was free so I am not going to complain. It was a copy of 'Close my eyes' by Sophie McKenzie. Granted this book probably does not sell at £7.99, but it is not given away for free either.
The last item I redeemed did require a purchase. I had to purchase a Fathers Day card to get this free item. I still believe it was a good freebie as I needed to purchase a fathers day card - even through I can not remember what date fathers day is on again this year. With my fathers day card purchase, I received a free box of Thornton's Special Toffee.
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| My Freebies |
All together I spent £2.99 and I got a book, a bag of chocolate, and a box of toffee as well as an essential fathers day card. I would say a successful day of bargains.
Monday, 3 June 2013
Car Boot Sale - Yay or Nay?
I have recently cleared out my room and cupboard. From this, I have come to the conclusion that I an a hoarder! I live in a tiny house - which most people in Scotland probably do, therefore storage space is essential so I need to get rid of a lot of stuff.
Now the easy, and quickest option is to drive to the dump and bin everything. However in the 'Make do and mend' culture that is developing out of the financial difficulties, I feel it would be a waste to throw out items that are in near perfect conditions.
One option is eBay, which I have used, however there is the added cost of postage and waiting up to ten days to see if an item has sold. I find eBay useful to sell smaller items and clothing. Larger and breakable items do not seem at home on an on line auction site.
I did consider handing the items into a charity shop, although I recently found out that charity shops only need to donate a percentage of their profit in order to maintain their charitable status. I found this quite upsetting. If I am wrong or if you know of a charity shop that does not do this, please let me know.
Since I was made redundant at the end of April, and the sparse job market, I thought I could 'Car Boot' my items. By selling my items at a car boot I will hopefully release some cash to put towards bills and my up coming road trip.
A few months ago I tried and undercover car boot sale in Glasgow. By undercover, I don't mean illegal or hidden, I mean it was in doors - more accurately a large empty warehouse. A few of my friends had attended this car boot sale and managed to sell all their stuff. I decided to have a go and I was severely disheartened as I only managed to shift some of my items. After paying for my pitch I just about broke even and I was expecting to make some money. I believe the worst part was that I had to leave the house at five o'clock in the morning, in the winter and deal with people who wanted my items for free.
I have certainly decided that I need to go into my next car boot sale with an open mind. I need to concentrate more on shifting my items than making money, although making money is always great!
If you have any car boot top tips, please let me know in the comments.
Now the easy, and quickest option is to drive to the dump and bin everything. However in the 'Make do and mend' culture that is developing out of the financial difficulties, I feel it would be a waste to throw out items that are in near perfect conditions.
One option is eBay, which I have used, however there is the added cost of postage and waiting up to ten days to see if an item has sold. I find eBay useful to sell smaller items and clothing. Larger and breakable items do not seem at home on an on line auction site.
I did consider handing the items into a charity shop, although I recently found out that charity shops only need to donate a percentage of their profit in order to maintain their charitable status. I found this quite upsetting. If I am wrong or if you know of a charity shop that does not do this, please let me know.
Since I was made redundant at the end of April, and the sparse job market, I thought I could 'Car Boot' my items. By selling my items at a car boot I will hopefully release some cash to put towards bills and my up coming road trip.
A few months ago I tried and undercover car boot sale in Glasgow. By undercover, I don't mean illegal or hidden, I mean it was in doors - more accurately a large empty warehouse. A few of my friends had attended this car boot sale and managed to sell all their stuff. I decided to have a go and I was severely disheartened as I only managed to shift some of my items. After paying for my pitch I just about broke even and I was expecting to make some money. I believe the worst part was that I had to leave the house at five o'clock in the morning, in the winter and deal with people who wanted my items for free.
I have certainly decided that I need to go into my next car boot sale with an open mind. I need to concentrate more on shifting my items than making money, although making money is always great!
If you have any car boot top tips, please let me know in the comments.
Monday, 27 May 2013
Socks, socks everywhere, if only I could find a pair!
It is at moments like these that I worry for my sanity. My Bank Holiday weekend consisted of washing, drying and pairing socks.
I now have an overflowing sock drawer and a pile of single socks that I am unwilling to chuck out. I know I should throw the single socks out. However I keep thinking I am going to come across its partner and then I would know that I have thrown out a perfectly good functioning pair of socks.
Currently, the bane of my life is black socks. I have a big pile of black socks and they are proving the most difficult to pair. Some are shoe liners, some trainer liners, some are long socks and some are short socks. I think I have come accross every single design of black socks as they are currently nestled in a clean bundle in my washing basket.
Is anyone else sock obsessed?
I now have an overflowing sock drawer and a pile of single socks that I am unwilling to chuck out. I know I should throw the single socks out. However I keep thinking I am going to come across its partner and then I would know that I have thrown out a perfectly good functioning pair of socks.
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| some of my single socks |
Is anyone else sock obsessed?
Friday, 24 May 2013
The Holiday Countdown - Officially Started
It is now only ten weeks until I jet off on the holiday of a lifetime. A three week Road Trip of America. The final balance was paid yesterday so I am officially going!
I am going on Trek America's Southern Sun tour, which can be found here: Click me
I am starting my tour from the hustle and bustle of New York and finishing in sunny Los Angeles.
I am going on Trek America's Southern Sun tour, which can be found here: Click me
I am starting my tour from the hustle and bustle of New York and finishing in sunny Los Angeles.
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| Southern Sun |
I am heading out to the trip on my own, and will be meeting up with thirteen strangers and spending an action packed three weeks with them.
I have started my holiday shopping, although I have a feeling I am going clothing overboard. I have visions of me frantically crying while attempting to overload my holiday case with the "Essentials". I am the type of person that always packs too much underwear, you can never have enough clean knickers is my motto. I find myself packing five pairs of pants for an overnight stay, so three weeks away will be pan-ty-monium.
I have organised my flights through Icelandair as they had the best price. However I will be flying into JFK and then having to make my way to Newark, where the tour starts. I am flying into New York the day before the tour starts so that I am not panicking about time as I get lost in the 'Big Apple'.
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| Icelandair Flight |
I feel completely unorganised for my trip also, as I keep looking at forums where people post the things that they took and what you might need. My reaction to this as that the Icelandair plane pictured above better just be for me and my luggage!
I think the reason I am also panicking about over packing is that the trip is mostly camping so I have to factor in my sleeping bag, torch, and all the other items you don't have to take when staying in swanky hotels. Although I am pretty sure I can always pick thing up while I am away.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Thoughts of Food
Why is it, when you try to set your mind to something you are faced with nothing but temptation? I have been trying to get back into my health kick by it is proving to be rather difficult!
This week I have been hitting the gym - or more accurately, classes at the gym. I have been spinning up a storm, well spinning up a serious sweat. However as soon as I get home and pop the kettle on I find my self reaching for the biscuits, chocolates or anything sweet!
This morning I went to spin and then kettlercise and I thought it's a fantastic way to start the weekend. Kick start the weekend on a healthy note, and hopefully it will continue. Now, I have been relatively good but what is worrying is that the only thing that has been on my mind today is food, food, food. I have tried to keep busy to take my mind off shoving sweet treats onto my gob but it is proving rather difficult.
I hope this is just the craving of sweet things talking and tomorrow will be easier!
I think I will try to set myself a challenge - one to keep me motivated and on track to look good for my fantastic holiday. I have been hearing rumbles about this '30 day squat challenge'. I think this sounds challenge worthy. I guess squats can been done anywhere so there should not be an excuse to fail..... well I guess that is the point.
Right I am off to check out this challenge, mostly to take my mind off food!
This week I have been hitting the gym - or more accurately, classes at the gym. I have been spinning up a storm, well spinning up a serious sweat. However as soon as I get home and pop the kettle on I find my self reaching for the biscuits, chocolates or anything sweet!
This morning I went to spin and then kettlercise and I thought it's a fantastic way to start the weekend. Kick start the weekend on a healthy note, and hopefully it will continue. Now, I have been relatively good but what is worrying is that the only thing that has been on my mind today is food, food, food. I have tried to keep busy to take my mind off shoving sweet treats onto my gob but it is proving rather difficult.
I hope this is just the craving of sweet things talking and tomorrow will be easier!
I think I will try to set myself a challenge - one to keep me motivated and on track to look good for my fantastic holiday. I have been hearing rumbles about this '30 day squat challenge'. I think this sounds challenge worthy. I guess squats can been done anywhere so there should not be an excuse to fail..... well I guess that is the point.
Right I am off to check out this challenge, mostly to take my mind off food!
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Fingers Crossed that Spring has Sprung
Today was one of those glorious days where the sunshine seemed to lift everyone into a happy mood. The cold dark winter months seem to feel as though they last longer and longer every year. Lets hope that winter is finally over for this year.
For the first time in months I felt motivated. Not only motivated to get things done, but motivated to eat healthier food, banish all the stodgy comfort food that I have been packing away and each fresh and healthy. It's rather unfortunate that you can't get good fruit throughout the year...
I am a great believer that climate effects your weight because the weather seems to have an effect on what you want to eat. I've always said if Scotland had warmer, sunnier weather I would be skinny and the obesity crisis would not be so prominent. Changing times and computers have made kids less active, but who remembers when it was a rainy day? Utter boredom ensued, you were trapped, stuck in.... on the rare occasion you could have friends over but you were ultimately still bored.
For the first time in months I felt motivated. Not only motivated to get things done, but motivated to eat healthier food, banish all the stodgy comfort food that I have been packing away and each fresh and healthy. It's rather unfortunate that you can't get good fruit throughout the year...
I am a great believer that climate effects your weight because the weather seems to have an effect on what you want to eat. I've always said if Scotland had warmer, sunnier weather I would be skinny and the obesity crisis would not be so prominent. Changing times and computers have made kids less active, but who remembers when it was a rainy day? Utter boredom ensued, you were trapped, stuck in.... on the rare occasion you could have friends over but you were ultimately still bored.
Monday, 21 January 2013
It's been one of those weeks
Happy Monday Folks!
Another Monday means it is the start of another week, and boy am I happy for a fresh start. Last week I was out and about and got to venture to Newcastle and Leeds via the UK rail network. As some of you may know the snow has hit with a vengeance and with it, it has brought the freezing cold and travel disruptions.
I always believe that the best train journeys are all about the snacks. On Wednesday I hopped aboard the train that was to take me to Newcastle. As it was an afternoon departure I thought I would jump into Boots and grab a sandwich, or even a meal deal because I love a bargain. I clambered aboard the train with my wheelie case in tow, found my reserved seat and began to settle in.
I began by opening my Boots bag and fetching out my sandwich, well in this case, my wrap. I had decided to purchase the Prawn and Lemon wrap from the Boots 'Shapers' range. I pulled the packaging out of the bag and I noticed that the bottom of the boxed packaging did not look too neat so I thought I would open the wrap from this end. BIG MISTAKE! The package was soaking and so was the wrap. The wrap had become like a sticky dough. It went straight into the bin, well after I took some snaps with my phone to email to Boots Customer Service.
My next mishap was with Boots again. The foundation I use is the Maybelline 24 hour superstay foundation. I am coming to the end of current bottle so I thought I would pick more up before I was caught short. I popped into Boots and I was really excited to see that they had an offer on Maybelline products. If you purchased one Maybelline product, then the second Maybelline product is half price. I have now ventured into four different Boots stores and I am unable to find the shade that I wear. I have also checked online, however no luck.
I decided to try a new Maybelline foundation. I noticed that Maybelline have brought out a new Fit Me range. I had a look at the testers and I tried a few. I decided to go with Fit Me 120. Once I got home I tried the foundation on my face and I thought it looked a little lighter but I thought I would try it again when I have a source of natural light. The foundation is a little 'yellow' for me, however in the store lighting the foundation was a good match. Has store lighting ever caused this issue with anyone else? I cannot be the only person who has wasted money on a foundation that is unsuitable?
If anyone comes across the Maybelline 24 hour superstay foundation in Sand, can you let me know?
Another Monday means it is the start of another week, and boy am I happy for a fresh start. Last week I was out and about and got to venture to Newcastle and Leeds via the UK rail network. As some of you may know the snow has hit with a vengeance and with it, it has brought the freezing cold and travel disruptions.
I always believe that the best train journeys are all about the snacks. On Wednesday I hopped aboard the train that was to take me to Newcastle. As it was an afternoon departure I thought I would jump into Boots and grab a sandwich, or even a meal deal because I love a bargain. I clambered aboard the train with my wheelie case in tow, found my reserved seat and began to settle in.
I began by opening my Boots bag and fetching out my sandwich, well in this case, my wrap. I had decided to purchase the Prawn and Lemon wrap from the Boots 'Shapers' range. I pulled the packaging out of the bag and I noticed that the bottom of the boxed packaging did not look too neat so I thought I would open the wrap from this end. BIG MISTAKE! The package was soaking and so was the wrap. The wrap had become like a sticky dough. It went straight into the bin, well after I took some snaps with my phone to email to Boots Customer Service.
My next mishap was with Boots again. The foundation I use is the Maybelline 24 hour superstay foundation. I am coming to the end of current bottle so I thought I would pick more up before I was caught short. I popped into Boots and I was really excited to see that they had an offer on Maybelline products. If you purchased one Maybelline product, then the second Maybelline product is half price. I have now ventured into four different Boots stores and I am unable to find the shade that I wear. I have also checked online, however no luck.
I decided to try a new Maybelline foundation. I noticed that Maybelline have brought out a new Fit Me range. I had a look at the testers and I tried a few. I decided to go with Fit Me 120. Once I got home I tried the foundation on my face and I thought it looked a little lighter but I thought I would try it again when I have a source of natural light. The foundation is a little 'yellow' for me, however in the store lighting the foundation was a good match. Has store lighting ever caused this issue with anyone else? I cannot be the only person who has wasted money on a foundation that is unsuitable?
If anyone comes across the Maybelline 24 hour superstay foundation in Sand, can you let me know?
Saturday, 12 January 2013
New Year, New Challenge
Hello and welcome to my blog!
Recently I have been reading blogs by lots of lovely people out there and I thought that I will give it a go. I have noticed that I might be 'Jumping on the band wagon' a little.... actually a lot later than everyone else but you have to start somewhere!
At the moment I don't have any plans on how I want this to develop, so I thought I would start with everything and anything and see what develops.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time!
Lynn
Recently I have been reading blogs by lots of lovely people out there and I thought that I will give it a go. I have noticed that I might be 'Jumping on the band wagon' a little.... actually a lot later than everyone else but you have to start somewhere!
At the moment I don't have any plans on how I want this to develop, so I thought I would start with everything and anything and see what develops.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time!
Lynn
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