The #BeYou Project with Treaclemoon

I’ve briefly glossed over beauty brand treaclemoon’s partnership with charity BulliesOut in the past but thought it was high time I gave such a worthy cause a bit more attention.

They believe that the uniqueness of each individual on earth is what makes the world go round and nobody should ever feel that they have to change in order to fit in. Their latest project, the #BeYou project is set to highlight the fact that it’s perfectly ok to be yourself; you’re wonderful just the way you are.

This campaign touches on a cause close to my heart. As someone who is a self-confessed people pleaser who will put other people’s needs above her own and who has never managed to accept herself for who she is I’m finally learning that the only way to get ahead in life and truly be happy is to focus on just one person’s happiness and needs- MINE.

With the rise of social media comes with it an increase in cyber-bullying, trolling and general feelings of inadequacy all of which I have personally experienced over the six years I’ve been blogging. The internet is such a vast and anonymous place it’s easy to make someone feel really bloody bad about themselves without much effort, or without even intending to do it.

So I’m setting everyone a little challenge, leave a comment below this post saying what makes YOU awesome and how your own experiences of the issues mentioned above. You can also get involved on social media by tweeting your response (don’t forget to mention @treaclemoon_UK and use the hashtag #BeYou). You can also support BulliesOut and the #BeYou project by making a purchase from the online shop, sending vital funds in the direction of stamping out bullies for good.

Find out more in the video below.

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Happy Hour with Vendula London

It wasn’t all that long ago that Vendula London featured on the blog and they’ve certainly become a firm favourite of mine. They recently got in touch again about their latest arrivals and asked if I’d like to pick out a couple- of course I jumped at the chance and today I’m showing off the first of my new beauties.

Dress: Quiz ((here)) | Boots c/o Long Tall Sally | Bag c/o Vendula London

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never really “got” clutch bags but having added a couple of them to my accessories collection this year I’m becoming a convert. The second I saw this Happy Hour velvet clutch bag I was smitted. It has more than an air of Charlotte Olympia about it and although probably best suited for a dressier look I think it looked pretty good against this checked dress which is a recent arrival from Quiz Clothing after I won their summer calendar styling competition.

At £60 this clutch may be classed as pricey by some but really, I don’t think it is (and I never thought I’d say that about any bag costing over £20). The quality is amazing and I can’t wait for it to come in to it’s own over the festive season. Quirky clutch bags might just be my new thing…

Have you seen any brilliant bags lately? Vendula is a one stop shop for high quality quirky pieces and I can’t wait to show you the second piece I was sent next week.

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Top Ideas for a Brighter Bedroom*

Photo from here

I don’t know about you but I’m a fickle creature when it comes to the decor of my bedroom. I just about get it how I want it and then decide it needs an upgrade. Obviously it’s not practical to do a full revamp every time the mood takes me but there are some quick and easy ways to make subtle changes and refresh your look.
1. You can create an original feature wall quickly and simply with a wall mural or framed print. You could have anything from sunset scenery to a custom print featuring your favourite photo. Guaranteed to add an original twist to any bedroom and give it a real personal touch.

2. If you live in rented property and can’t decorate a quick, easy and cheap way to update things is with vinyl wall stickers. They are super easy to reply and can be removed safely without damaging the walls meaning that a) you can change your mind as often as you like and b) you will still get your deposit back at the end of your lease!

3. Soft furnishings and accessories as the perfect way to change up your room from season to season. Head to somewhere like Primark and pick up blankets, throws, cushions and candles and mix things up from season to season. I’m digging a warm and cosy Autumn vibe right now with plenty of plaid and fleece.

4. Get collecting- start up a quirky collection (snowglobes, funky vases, beer glasses etc) and create a feature corner in your room. Hunting out these treasures is going to be fun and as your collection grows so will the look of your room. It’s also a great way to preserve memories from special trips and holidays.

5. Tired of your flooring and don’t have the money to change it? A cheap rug will instantly hide a battered carpet or tired wood and when you fancy a change you can simply pick up a new one to suit your mood.

I’d love to know if you’ve got any ideas to add to this list and what things you’ve done to brighten up your bedroom especially if you live in a rented home, if you’ve blogged about it make sure you leave your posts in the comments below.

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Degustabox- the September edition

Half way through October and I’m only just getting round to posting my review of September’s Degustabox. Long gone are the days where I’m actually on the ball with these things!

I’m sure that by now you’re all familiar with what the box is about, but just in case you’re not, it’s a monthly food subscription box that delivers a selection of new and surprise products to your door for the cost of £12.99 per one off box or £11.99 per month when you take out a bi-annual subscription. I’ve been reviewing the boxes over the last year and they never fail to impress me and get me eating outside of my comfort zone.

The October box was full of old favourite brands and new discoveries and it’s probably topped the list as my favourite box to date. The first thing I clocked was the sweets from Bassets and Maynards . I used to be such a gummy sweet junkie but have let that slide over recent years. Both the berry jelly babies and the Red and Black wine gums reminded me just how much I love a good chew and neither bag lasted very long at all- and yes, I always was that person rooting through the bags for her favourite flavour leaving the rejects behind.
More sweet treats followed with the inclusion of Reese’s peanut butter cups, a product I have craved and enjoyed for years. I admit the shine has worn off slightly now they are less tricky to find in the UK but these are perfect for a quick chocolate and peanut butter fix! I was most excited by the inclusion of some raspberry mallows by Mallow & Marsh, a brand I have stalked on twitter for an indecently long time. I’m a sucker for a good marshmallow and this trio of soft, sweet and fruit flavoured squares lived up to my expectations and then some. Bonus points for being 100% natural too. Yum!
I’m going to hold up my hands and admit I skipped over the Miracle Noodles that were in this month’s box. I’m currently struggling again with my eating disorder and don’t feel the addition of such a low calorie food to my diet at the moment is the best idea. These would be ideal for anyone trying to lose weight though and perfect for the 5:2 diet as the entire 200g pack contains just 10 calories and are suitable for both diabetics and coeliacs.

I did try the Compete Energy bites as a useful boost during a busy day. These are jam packed full of caffeine and ideal for a quick boost. At only 44 calories per bite they are a good low calorie snack for those watching their weight. I did find the taste a little…unique but I wouldn’t say they were unpleasant (but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to buy them again).

Popcorn is one of my favourite things to eat and I love Portlebay Popcorn’s range a lot. The original sweet and salty flavour is a best seller for a reason and I find it highly addictive and the new cappuccino flavour is one of those things that you just can’t judge by it’s cover- it sounds like it really shouldn’t work but it does…this is pretty much genius and very moorish.
More Drinks is a brand I discovered about a year ago when they hit supermarket shelves and I’ve been an infrequent purchaser ever since (mainly when on some kind of offer). Their waters are infused with natural flavours and no added sugar with a boost from either multivitamins or vitamin D depending on which flavour you opt for. My favourite is the sparkling lemon and lime with multivitamins.
The other drinks in this month’s box were a bottle of Sweet Sally Tea which I am yet to try but it does look and sound rather lovely. Said to be a refreshing blend of black tea with citrus and spice I will be sampling this very soon. There were also two breakfast drinks from Aussie brand Up&Go. Containing the same fibre, protein and calcium as a bowl of cereal these are great for busy people and don’t taste half bad either!
Have you tried any of the products in the September box? I’d love to know what you thought of them. If you fancy giving Degustabox a whirl for yourself you can claim an impressive £6.00 off of your first box when you use the code BLDEG15

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Daytime dressing with House of Fraser

TGIF! My first week back at work post-holiday is almost over and lazing around on the beach is all but a distant (but happy) memory. For ages now I’ve neglected my work-wear wardrobe, tending to resign a few old faithful pieces for when I’m not in uniform and never focusing on anything new. I’ve started to pay more attention to what’s available on the high street in terms of office wear and it turns out House of Fraser was a pretty good place to start.

Dress c/o House of Fraser | Boots c/o Long Tall Sally

I absolutely love this dress by Dorothy Perkins, just one of the many brands stocked by House of Fraser. At £25 it’s hugely affordable and the perfect addition to my working wardrobe. It’d be really easy to take from office to post-work drinks too, with a leather jacket and some heeled boots it could go from smart to smart casual in seconds. I also really like this twist on monochrome as the black pattern is set against a baby pink hue which softens the look somewhat. I’ll be keeping a close eye on both House of Fraser and Dorothy Perkins over the next few months as I seek to update my working wardrobe, there are some amazing pieces at amazing prices and I’m a department store convert.

(and yes, yes I am absolutely living in these Long Tall Sally boots right now).

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