A day in the life of a Jedi:*

The Star Wars films have always shown the Jedi in the heat of battle, but do you know what they do when they are done? Once they are back home in the Jedi Temple? You may find some answers in the Star Wars quiz here but everything else that Jedi’s do on a day to day basis is explained next. Well, their day would start like anyone else’s, by waking up (at the break of dawn) and getting clean. But what then? A Jedi is (at their core) still nothing more than a monk with a lightsabre. So meditation and lots of it. Attuning themselves to the flow of the force could take a Jedi the better part of their morning, and that is a lot of time to remain completely motionless. So what comes after?

Breakfast. Something that varies depending on which Jedi is eating. Whilst some are vegetarian, others are more than happy to eat meat. It is a dietary choice that hinges a lot on what species the Jedi in question is. Regardless, after feeding, it is time for exercise. The exercise of a Jedi can come about in a number of ways. They could enter the aerobic chamber, and complete a number of strenuous exercises that take place over the course of a near impossible obstacle course. The completion of this course would of course call upon the use of the force. Otherwise, there is lightsabre practise.


Lightsabre practise would be taught to all students from an early age by a range of different but equally skilled instructors, each themselves accomplished Jedi. Here the Jedi would be taught many different styles and variations of lightsabre combat that focus differently on offence, defence and agility (known as forms I-VI). Once proficient in lightsabre combat (or at least one specific form) the Jedi will hone their skill with their weapon, sparring with equally skilled padawans or more adept masters in order to master their craft.


After the physical exercise comes the mental. Jedi are known for being keepers of the peace throughout the galaxy, and are expected to have an incredible understanding of all things political, geographical and sociological. This means hours studying different cultures and star maps in the Jedi library, consulting the resident experts on each topic afterwards so that the Jedi in question is thoroughly educated. Of course, these are not the only mental exercises that a Jedi can undertake. Often, they meet with Jedi masters who instruct them on how to attune themselves better with the force and through doing so, achieve new abilities. These can be anything from manipulating minds to throwing around objects with their mind-the force is the Jedi’s first ally after all.


Once the day is done there is always time for socialising with other Jedi in your barracks, perhaps even a game of skorch (a Jedi version of racquetball) and then, to cap it all off, more meditation. The force must be respected at all costs, and much of the Jedi’s time is spent growing closer to it. 
All in all, a Jedi’s day off is completely different to what we see in the movies. Less daring heroics and more quiet contemplation, it is no surprise to know that these hours off haven’t been shown in the films so far.


Mustard and Navy

Despite my best intentions of not buying myself any more clothes for a while I seem to have acquired quite a number of new pieces lately, oops! The high street is a maze of temptation at the moment, I don’t seem to be able to walk past a shop doorway without seeing at least a dozen things I need to own and this makes even the quickest dash to pick up essentials a dangerous game.

Jumper: Topshop (get it here) | Pinafore: (get it here) | Tights: Primark | Boots c/o Lunar Shoes

For some reason I spent years convincing myself I hated roll neck tops as they made me feel claustrophobic. I’m not sure what I was thinking and this year they are a real staple of mine, especially the jersey ones from Topshop at only £16. I picked up a few of these in various colours but this mustard yellow is my favourite. I love how it looks against my hair colour and it makes for the perfect partner for the cord pinafore dress from New Look which I bought after seeing on Amie’s blog. It also comes in a lovely deep red colour and at £19.99 is a great value layering piece for my winter wardrobe.

The only trouble I find with wearing a couple of block colours in an outfit is how to pair up some tights. Nude just doesn’t cut it when the temperatures dip and trying to match either the yellow or the navy turned out to be a nightmare in shade coordination. In the end I went with a tonal brown to tie in the boots and I think it works but I can’t help but wonder if there is a better alternative…

Are you finding the high street as impressive as I am right now? I am having to fight so hard to stop myself from continually shopping!

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Party Pieces and Cyber Monday with Moda in Pelle*

If ever there was a reason to go shopping for a new bag and pair of shoes then it’s party season. Add in to this the fact it’s Cyber Monday and you’re pretty much obliged to pick up a new pair of dancing shoes (and matching clutch, of course!). Moda in Pelle just so happen to have one of the most stunning ranges of party perfect accessories that I’ve seen online so far and with an extra 20% off everything with the code Cyber20 for today only what more reason do you need to indulge in a lunch break browse?
I’ve helpfully (because it’s such a chore) put together a little wish list of my perfect party pairings.
How striking are the Jagger Shoes and matching bag? These are perfect for adding a new twist to your old faithful little black dress and are sparkly enough to allow you to keep jewellery to a minimum.
I love a caged heel and the Lonero style adds a new take on the trend with it’s mesh detailing. These are probably my pick of the bunch out of all off Moda in Pelle’s offerings and I’d take them up a notch by pairing them with the super sparkly Celio diamante clutch (which could probably also double up as an impromptu disco ball!)
For a splash of colour I just love the ombre effect Lucina shoe which comes in two stunning colour ways. A matching bag is also available in the two colours meaning you could mix and match with the mermaid-esque blue shoes and a flame red clutch or vice-versa.
Are you sorted for party season yet? I thought I was but looking at these I’m suddenly not so sure…

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Thoughts on Christmas Shopping*

One of my favourite things about the festive season is the excuse to shop for those around me. I’d say I’m a pretty generous person and it’s rare for me to go anywhere near a shop and not bring back something for someone other than myself. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than picking out something to make someone smile and at Christmas I have been known to get more than a little bit carried away. With that in mind here are some tips and tricks I use when searching for the perfect present.

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Set a budget and then allow a buffer for when you inevitably go over it. My best friend and I always do this, we set a “limit” on our present buying knowing full well that when it comes to it we’ll spend at least the same again. If we set the budget at a higher level we’d still go over so this keeps things within what we can afford.

Buy it when you see it or regret it later! How many times have you seen the perfect gift for someone but didn’t get it there and then? Countless times I’ve gone back to get something only to find it’s too late leaving me either paying over the odds on e-bay or having to wrack my brains to think up something not half as awesome. I also never wait for Black Friday in the hopes of snagging a good deal- if I know it’s the perfect thing for someone then I get it when I see it rather than run the risk of it selling out for the sake of a few quid.

Think small… independent local shops are one of my favourite places to pick up gifts with a unique and often personal touch. The same goes for indies online. Some of my favourite haunts include Hill Road in Clevedon, Not on the Highstreet, Lisa Angel and cheekyboo

It’s a common thought that bigger is always better when it comes to giving gifts but I’ve found this isn’t always the case. Some of the most loved presents I’ve given to people have been something small, inexpensive and utterly random that showed care and thought went in to the process of buying it. I like to think I’m pretty good at giving gifts these days and I’m yet to meet someone who disagrees (to my face at least!) It was pretty interesting to see that Currys PC World made an infographic featuring the 10 greatest gifts ever. I don’t think I can top those!

What are your top tips for Christmas shopping? What’s the most extravagant gift you’ve ever given or recieved?

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Mae Reviews: The November Purrfect Box

After the success of previous packages from Purrfect Box it was hard to tell who was more excited about another delivery from them a couple of weeks ago. The Purrfect Box is a monthly subscription which costs £19.90 a month, or £15.90 per month if you take out a years subscription. The contents of the box are guaranteed to be worth at least £30 with 4-6 premium products inside so it’s a pretty sweet deal, especially as each box is catered to your feline’s needs and preferences. Let me know if you’d decide to treat your feline friend to a box- I’ll be picking up a few on a one off basis throughout the year, I can’t afford it on a monthly basis but as an every so often treat I think it’s wonderful!
In typical Mae fashion she wasn’t been at all co-operative in the taking of these photos so you’ll just have to take my word for it that she really enjoyed her box once again. There was a fantastic array of products in the box, from treats to toys and pretty much all of it was greeted for what one assumes was enthusiasm from my feline fiend.

A particular favourite in this month’s box were the lovely paw print blanket from Sauvagine which is keeping Mae nice and toasty warm in this recent spell of chilly weather. She’s never really been much of a cat for blankets and beds but this one appears to have changed her mind somewhat as she’s spending a good deal of time hiding under it and looking rather smug.

One product that I really rated were the wipes by Camon as I’ve lost count of the times where I wished such a thing existed. Utterly ideal for when a certain someone comes flying in after a dig around in the garden and for removing the evidence that she’s been walking through leftovers on a dinner plate again.

As ever the toys in the box were brilliant fun for both Mae and for myself. The treat roller is an endless source of amusement to me and frustration to Mae as she doesn’t want to work hard for her treats (and often I relent and give her a few extra, oops!). The only product that she didn’t like was the Cat Pudding from GimCat. She’s a bit funny about textures and for some reason wouldn’t even go near the packaging for this- but worry not, a visit up to Ben’s family saw this enthusiastically lapped up by their three cats so I’d say it’s still a success.

Have you given Purrfect Box a try before? I’d love to hear your thoughts…and watch this space for more “Mae Reviews” type posts, she’s getting quite in to this blogging lark.

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