the cosiest jumper in the world

I’m absolutely delighted to see an abundance of chenille on the high street as we run in to the coldest months of the year. Ever since I was small I’ve loved the look and feel of it and wear it instantly makes me feel snug and secure. On a recent and long overdue shopping trip with my Mum I fell in love with THE most perfect chenille jumper of them all- from the colour to the fit it ticked all the right boxes and it just had to come home with me- Mum clearly felt the same way as she pounced upon and purchased the pink version within seconds!

Jumper: Pull and Bear (here) | Skirt: Monki (on sale at ASOS) | Boots: Banana Republic

How great is this bright Teal shade? At £19.99 it’s also one of the most affordable chenille jumpers I’ve seen on my travels with the added bonus that it isn’t cropped- call me old fashioned but I just don’t get cropped jumpers…the whole point is to be warm and snuggly in them, clearly I am just showing my age here though as the damn things are everywhere.

Rant over, the skirt is also a recent purchase as I loved the entire cosmic print range Monki bought out. I already picked up the dress so when I saw the skirt reduced to £16.50 in the ASOS sale I couldn’t help myself.

It’s so nice to be able to shop again- I’m pretty much back to working full time hours now, most of the time and actually having some spare cash after over a year of having to watch every single penny is so nice. It was also amazing to have an afternoon of un-interrupted mother and daughter time, since we both took on new job roles we very rarely get to spend much time together so we appreciate it all the more when we do get the chance.

It’s been a while since I did an outfit post, life has genuinely been so busy and this has reflected in the type of content I’ve churned out on my blog. I’m really hoping that now I’ve got in to a routine and I’m finally started to feel a bit more settled and confident in my changing body shape and size that I can get back to sharing a bit more of my personal style in amongst the likely plethora of gift guides and lifestyle posts.

If there’s anything you’d like to see more of on the blog or anything you’d like me to answer then feel free to leave suggestions in the comments section below. I was going to some kind of “life lately” update post but I’m not all that sure how interesting that would be, and I might just save it for an end of the year recap given that before we know it we’ll be entering the start of 2018 (what a startling realisation that is!)

Anyone else feeling the chenille love?

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What do different colour shirts say about men?*

When a man chooses a new shirt it’s likely that he’ll ask himself a few questions, these may include: does it match with these trousers? Is the material of a good quality? Is it suitable for the dress code? Something that men should also be asking is – what does this colour say about me?

Some research has demonstrated that the colours a man chooses to wear can say a lot about them. For example, if they’re looking to come across as powerful then they should choose red and if they want to demonstrate their confidence they should wear black. I have teamed up with Charles Tyrwhitt, experts in gentlemen’s fashion and retailers of men’s formal shirts to investigate further and find out which colours women prefer on men.

(Photo by Crew on Unsplash)

What do women think of when we see different colours?
When it comes to men dressed in different colours, women perceive some colours more positively than others. Men should consider one of the following coloured shirts if they’re looking to impress…

Powerful red-
Red is commonly associated with love and passion. It is thought that the attraction to red comes from our biological roots – many animals such as baboons are attracted to the opposite sex if they display bright colours. To wear this on a first date might be slightly overpowering, however it does give off some vibes that a woman might be interested in.
Research found that women associate a man dressed in red with power and having a strong social status. It also found that wearing red can actually boost the wearers own confidence which will be a good sign during a first date for women who are looking for a man with some self-assurance. A red shirt can also indicate good health and financial stability- two more things a woman may have on their checklist when looking for a new partner.
How does red rate against other colours on the attractiveness scale? It was found to be more attractive than blue or green. This perception was a global consensus – wherever a man goes in a red shirt they should expect to get a similar reception.
However, wearing the colour red did not give off any vibes of kindness or sociability – a man must rely on the power of conversation for this!

Confident in black-
Black used to be hidden away in the wardrobe only brought out for morbid occasions, but now it’s had a new lease of life and is worn by many fashionable individuals. Similar to red, black can be perceived as the colour of self-assurance – 56% of women said that it inspired confidence. Other comments included that the colour black made the wearer appear more intelligent and sexy – perfect for a first date!
Black is often the colour of choice for someone attending a formal event, too much black can be overpowering though so if you’re shopping with your other half encourage them not to pair a black shirt with a black jacket, pants and shoes too.

Classic white-
White came out as a favourite for women to see their partners in, it was perceived to be the least arrogant colour and instead gave off the impression that the wearer was full of optimism! A white shirt is a classic look for men when they are choosing an outfit for a formal event. However, during research it was the definitive white t-shirt and jeans combo that caught women’s eyes and was perceived to be the more attractive look for a man.

What to avoid?
There are some colours to avoid when shopping with your partner or choosing them a shirt. In many surveys revolving around the attractiveness of colour orange and brown consistently performed poorly. They often are perceived as quite boring, drab colours although a bright orange shirt could brighten up an outfit nicely on a summer’s day I suppose!
The colour pink didn’t go down well either, only 5% of people thought that intelligent people would wear this colour!

Additional tips-
Consider the following tips when purchasing a men’s shirt:
Many men look great in a colour that matches their eyes, if you have green eyes perhaps opt for a moss green shirt- a popular colour this season.
Avoid wearing dark colours if you have a light complexion as this can really draw your skin tone out and make you appear paler.
If you have dark hair opt for bright colours as these are likely to complement you more than a pastel tone.

What colours do you find most attractive on men? I can’t say I’ve ever paid all that much attention to the colours Bob chooses to wear- as long as he’s comfortable and relaxed I don’t give it a second thought!

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Review: Oral B Genius 9000 with Pure Smiles

Tooth care is something I was never forced to think about until a couple of years ago. I was lucky enough to escape with no fillings until I was in my late twenties and apart from giving my teeth a good brush twice a day I didn’t stop to consider the toothbrush I chose, or whether my toothpaste was adequate for my needs.

These days it seems like every routine trip to the dentist reveals yet another major piece of work to be done- I’m a pro at grimacing through root canals now and it’s really forced me to stop and think about not only how often I clean my teeth but what tools I use for the job. My teeth have always been a hinderance in my self confidence, they stick out and nothing short of drastic dental surgery can fix that. They are also quite discoloured after years of an eating disorder, and whilst I finally accept I won’t ever have a Hollywood smile I am determined to do the best for what I have left.

I was recently contacted by Pure Smiles who asked if I’d be interested in testing out the Oral B Genius 9000 toothbrush- whilst I might not be able to participate in any cosmetic dentistry procedures, no matter how much I’d like to, trying out a shiny new and very fancy toothbrush is well within my remit!

At over £120 this isn’t a cheap toothbrush and it’s something I’d ordinarily not be able to afford. Having tried it out for over a week now I would definitely say it’s worth it though- it’s the number one dentist recommended toothbrush of the moment and makes my mouth feel cleaner and more cared for than any other I’ve tried.

So, what makes it so special? Well, firstly the round head is designed to remove up to 100% more plaque than a standard toothbrush- I might not have the means to measure this in a scientific manner but my teeth and gums certainly feel like they’ve had a more thorough clean than I could ever manage myself. The brush also gently removes stains, with effects noticeable from day one. I can’t vouch for this particular feature due to my own dental quirks but I don’t find it a hard claim to believe.

This is a multi-mode toothbrush with 6 different functions to ensure your mouth stays in top condition. My favourite feature is the one that alerts you if you’re brushing too hard as this is something I’m definitely guilty of and a habit that can do more harm than good. Unlike many electric toothbrushes this also has a good battery life, around 12 days on a single charge. If that’s wasn’t enough, the brush also comes with a USB travel case meaning you’ll never be caught short, and the whole package just looks and feels…well, sleek, fresh and clean. Everything you could want from a toothbrush and more.

As someone who was once sceptical of buying anything other than a cheap £1 disposable toothbrush and whatever toothpaste was on offer, I’m a convert to investing in a quality cleaning tool. I’ve also given in and starting using a prescription toothpaste and since I upped my game with taking care of my teeth the dentist trips, whilst still revealing ongoing problems have become a little less traumatic. It may not have been poor dental hygiene that caused my problems, but making it the best it can possibly be certainly has helped to reduce them.

Do you have any top tips for squeaky clean teeth?

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The 6 Secrets To Bringing The Outside In This Winter *

According to the author Florence Williams just 15 minutes outside in nature can make you happier. While it’s easier to picture yourself walking outside and enjoying a gentle breeze in the park at the peak of the summer holidays, you may not feel quite the same way about a stroll in the forest in the middle of winter when it’s blowing a gale. It might be a fantastic occasion to test how waterproof your wellington boots really are, but let’s be honest,even 15 minutes in the great outdoors is not an easy task during the colder months and there’s no guarantee that getting drenched in the rain and slapped by the cold wind will actually make you feel happier about your life. No, you have to admit that while Ms Williams might speak the truth, the theory will have to wait until Spring 2018 to be tested. However are ways and means to cheat the system, if you can’t spend time outside in nature how about letting the outside in? No, that doesn’t mean taking down the wall or losing a few roof tiles! Check out these 6 safe and foolproof tips to spend 15 minutes in nature at home.

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1. Get more plants!
Beautiful plants don’t only belong in the garden, there are plenty of elegant houseplants that can completely change your interior decor. It’s important to remember that when you decide to keep indoor plants you need to pay attention to a variety of features such as how much sunlight, moisture and fresh soil they need. Indeed, while houseplants can revive your interior dead ones don’t quite have the same effect (trust me, I know!) So be sure you know how to maintain them- or pick easy to maintain plants such as a spider plant or a dracaena plant as these are not only easy to manage but they can also clean the air of its toxins.

2. Showcase windows and balconies
Natural sunlight is vital for your health, you’ve probably heard of SAD syndrome that touches people during the colder months of the year. Lack of sunlight can affect your mood and even cause mild cases of winter depression. While this is most common in regions like in the Shetlands or in Norway where daylight becomes extremely scarce in winter it can also happen in urban areas in the main UK regions. It’s important to keep a free access to the sources of sunlight in your home, from keeping your blinds open to choosing the right balustrade system to maximise your balcony. It doesn’t cure SAD, but it reduces its effects significantly!

3. Fresh herbs are a must
You can’t beat a comforting stew in the Winter, whether it’s a rich chicken and tomato stew or an Irish cabbage and potatoes dish. Whatever it is, if you’re thinking of using dried herbs in your dish you’re missing out on the real taste of fresh herbs. It doesn’t take much effort to introduce a fresh herb garden in your kitchen and it can completely change your experience of cooking in winter. When growing your plants indoors light is key so the windowsill in the kitchen is a good place to start- unless it’s just above the heater — in that case it will dry out your plants. Select easy herbs to grow such as basil, coriander or even sage which are beautiful additions to your winter dishes.

4. Bring the shine back to your window panes
When was the last time you cleaned your windows? They may not seem dirty, but small particles accumulate and gradually block out the sunlight. So if your living room looks a little dull and grey it’s time to get your bottle of vinegar and your brown paper out to refresh your window panes. Make a note to wash your window with a mixture of vinegar and warm water to remove dirt and grease at least twice a year.

5. Paint it green
If you can’t bring nature inside your home you can at least imitate it as best you can. Painting your walls in yellow, sky blue or green can add the touch of happiness that you need to make it through the winter. Make sure though to pick soft pastel colours- if you use bright-coloured paint the result might feel a little too aggressive on the eye and have the opposite effect.

6. Eco-friendly craft at home
Maybe you can’t bring all of nature inside but what about little decorative elements? From creating a shoe tray out of pebbles for your muddy boots to using empty seashells in your decor, you can add natural materials to your home easily and elegantly. Pine cones make a great festive decoration when spray painted and dipped in glitter- make the most of the dry days and get collecting!

How are you going to follow the advice of Florence Williams this winter and get your 15 minutes of nature time? We’re doing it at home with houseplants, natural craft and plenty of sunlight. Make your home a nature catalyst to enjoy winter with a smile!

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Gift Guides: Paddywax Candles at Rooi

There seems to be differing opinions as to whether a candle makes a good gift. Some might say it’s generic or a cop out, but I love to receive them and I also love to give them, especially when you stumble across the recipients favourite scent or some seriously luxe style on a budget.

I was recently introduced to Paddywax candles thanks to interiors retailer Rooi and was seriously impressed by their aesthetically pleasing style and intriguing sounding scents. I was lucky enough to be able to pick out one of the candles for myself- testing out their gift-ability if you will…read on for my thoughts and whether I’ll be hoping that Santa delivers me more from this brand.

I picked out the wild fig and cedar scented candle from the brand’s Hygge range which costs £27.95. This might seem expensive for a candle, but when you stop and think about what you pay for a large Yankee candle, or splurge on a Jo Malone one it’s really quite reasonable.

The candle itself is beautifully presented in a duck egg blue matte ceramic pot with a very on trend copper lid. This is a large candle weighing in at 425g and promises plenty of gorgeously scented burn time.

It’s always a bit of gamble ordering a candle online when you’ve not smelt any of their scents before but somehow I just knew this would be good- and it is. Whilst some candles have a highly artificial aroma to them this one smells fresh and natural, and once lit cannot help but make it’s surroundings feel cosy.

I’d be delighted to receive any of the Paddywax Hygge range as a gift, and will certainly be gifting them myself. If you’re on more of a budget or fancy a little treat for yourself then you can pick up smaller but equally easy on the eye candles on Rooi- next on my list is the delightful sounding “sunset sherbet” candle from the prism range.

Have you tried Paddywax candles before? If so, which scents would you recommend? You can find the entire range on the Rooi website, along with plenty of other gift ideas from brands such as Kate Spade and Emma Bridgwater. Definitely somewhere to be checking out when writing your Christmas list.

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