Monthly Archives: January 2021

Things I’ve been Living in Lately

31st January 2021

When it comes to blogging lately, I either seem to have loads of words raring to go, but no images to go with them, or, in this case, I have plenty of images good to go but when it comes to writing I have nothing.

That got me thinking back to the early days, when I was literally posting what I wore on a daily basis and very little else. I don’t know when it came about that I thought I couldn’t post without some long ramble to go alongside it, so I’m trying to go back to basics a bit more. Snap some photos of an outfit I like, and simply just share that.

The dress in this post is from ASOS and I love it. Gingham, smock style, flattering with an awesome collar. It’s the one thing I bought in the Black Friday sales and it’s my go-to on the weekend days I bother to get dressed, or sometimes I smarten it up a bit for work.
My DM boots have become my footwear of choice for out of work, I ignored them for a little while (goodness knows why) but now they are definitely the favoured boots of the season. They match perfectly with my Barbour bobble hat; a gift from Bob after a procedure, and it has been more daily since I got it in November.
The teddy fleece aviator style jacket was an impulse buy from New Look in the Autumn and I really need to make sure I wear it a bit more than I currently do.

Trying to find places to take photos these days is a challenge. The lighting in our house, and the layout makes it near impossible, and in the depths of winter our garden just looks a bit of a mess. Our current location of choice is the end of the garage block on our street- so long as no neighbours are about to see, as I can’t deal with attention!

I hope lockdown 3.0 is going as ok as can be for people. Like with the previous 2, not a lot has changed for me as I’m still in work full time so leaving the house on a daily basis. There is a lot going on at the moment so an excuse to stay in for quieter weekends is actually kind of welcome, but I am missing my friends and family terribly and I do feel for those who live alone.

Posted in fashion, lifestyle, outfits, personal style

Permalink 2 Comments

Keeping up Healthier Habits*

16th January 2021

This isn’t a post all about New Year’s resolutions; I never make them anymore as the guilt over not keeping them kind of defeats the point.
This is more about some changes I’ve made over the last few months, just small ones in a bid to be that little bit healthier and save a bit of money, and I wanted to share some of the products that have helped me on my way.

Gifted/PR Products

I’ve talked before about my dislike of drinking water- in fact drinking any drink that doesn’t contain caffeine or carbonation. I’ve really had to work hard to force myself to reduce my consumption of both though, with the IVF process underway it’s driven me to do the best I can for my body, and if that involves some caffeine withdrawal headaches then so be it!
This adorable bottle from ION8 may be targeted at a market far younger than myself, but I’m a giant kid at heart and I love this cute and playful unicorn design! This bottle is BPA free, totally leakproof (I’ve really put it to the test!) and easily transportable and has been my constant companion in recent weeks. Available from leakproof.co.uk in many colourful designs.

I’m definitely better at drinking water or squash if it’s super cold. At work we have a cold water dispenser which is brilliant, and for on the go I find these reusable ice sticks are fantastic. The perfect size for sticking in your water bottle (also great for a nice cold g&t). These are by Kikkerland and cost around £5- you’ll find them for sale in a wide range of places online.

Lunch is my least favourite meal of the day, and for a long time I tried to interest myself in it by popping in to Waitrose every day for something a bit more exciting. When the first lockdown hit I decided it was time to break this habit and try to find options I could take from home. Fridge space at work is often in high demand so having this hot/cold packs means I can keep a salad or sandwich perfectly cool, and when I take soup with me I can also keep it much warmer than my thermos flask alone can do. Another great Kikkerland product, again you’ll find these available at a variety of retailers for around a fiver in a variety of fun designs.

I’m doing pretty well with my goals, and my kitchen drawers are almost overflowing with bits and pieces like this to help me on my way. There is always room for a few more though, so if you’ve spotted anything I might like, or have any recommendations be sure to let me know!

Posted in brands I love, healthy living

Permalink

Degustabox: December 2020*

09th January 2021

Hello, and Happy New Year! A much later return to blogging than I anticipated but it’s been a crazy few weeks and I’ve just not felt “in the zone”. But I’m back now, and hopefully (maybe) with a bit more regularity this year.
I’m kicking things off with the only feature I manage to do on a regular basis- my review of the last Degustabox of 2020…

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

The December 2020 box was in partnership with Sainsbury’s, designed to showcase a range of exciting brands that the supermarket stock. We used to get a regular delivery from Sainsbury’s pre Covid-19 but don’t live near enough to a store to visit frequently. I miss the new and unusual goodies I always got from there so this box was very quickly broken in to and explored.

First up is this vegan Aioli from Leon. Made using aquafaba (a chickpea stock) rather than eggs, this is perfect for anyone missing their garlicky mayo fix. It packs a good garlicky punch, although as I don’t like regular mayo I can’t compare. £2.50.
The Odysea Aubergine Meze Dip was a real hit with us over Christmas. This is super thick and smoky tasting and we enjoyed it best with strips of toasted pitta bread alongside some cold meats. The real bonus here is that it doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge- fridge space is always at a premium in our house especially in December! Will definitely get this again, especially for BBQs come Summer. £2.15.

I loved the sourdough bites from Peter’s Yard. Sour Cream and Chive is never my first flavour choice but these were delicious. They are so crunchy and made using flour from my part of the world. They are a lighter snack option at 98 calories per 26g serving and a good source of fibre. A bit on the pricey side at £2 but definitely something I would get again on offer.
Bob jumped in on the Pipers crisps. He loved the herby ones best, but said both have a really good flavour and a touch of luxury to them. These are definitely more for social occasions rather than something to take with your packed lunch at £1.20 for a 40g bag (£2.50 for a 150g bag) but crisp lovers will definitely appreciate them.
I skipped trying this tea because I can’t stomach ginger in drinks and Bob doesn’t do any tea but Yorkshire. They look fun though and the fact the brand uses biodegradable materials for their tea bags is great. £2.75 per pack.
I’m a fizzy drink fiend and I’m forever trying to cut down, but non sparkling drinks just don’t cut it for me. I really like this Dash water in Peach- the packaging is gorgeous, and I love that they use “wonky” fruit for their products. With no added sugar or sweetner this is a really good alternative to my usual pepsi max. £1.25 a can.
Bob and I love packets like this to jazz up our meals in quick and easy ways. This is used to create a chicken “Tinga”- a shredded chicken dish, although we used it as a marinade for some chicken (all about the quick and easy) and it was really good. Smoky rather than spicy, I think this would make excellent fajitas. £1.30.
Another pepsi max alternative for me, hurrah! This Pineapple soft drink from Nexba looks so fun! I would have liked a stronger pineapple flavour, but the flavour is does have is so good. Again with no sugar, artificial sweeters or fructose as well as a whole host of other benefits, this is another winner for me. £1.25.

We still haven’t got around to trying this tropical IPA from CLWB Tropica, but even non beer or lager drinking me is tempted by this with it’s flavours of pineapples, passionfruit, mangoes and peaches. I might crack it open tonight in fact. £2.

Tony’s Chocolonely has grown in popularity over the last year or so, which is great to see. I’ve been munching on it for a good while now (Dutch family) and they truly do make the most deliciously chunky chocolate bars ever. If you haven’t already treated yourself, you should. There are some amazing flavours on the market- this one is milk caramel sea salt and comes highly recommended. £1.35.

Last but not least we have some great little snack items. The cocoa caramel peanuts were Bob’s favourite product this month- lightly caramelised peanuts dusted with cocoa powder and salt is a great combination and incredibly addictive.
I have long loved roasted chickpeas and these ones from Brave are so crunchy and packed with flavour. They are full of protein and fibre and keep you full for ages. I’m desperate to try the dark chocolate ones next!
£1.20 for the peanuts and £1 for the chickpeas.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s round up. Let me know which products caught your eye the most and what some of your favourite festive snacks are.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.

If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim £3.00 off of your first box (making it just £9.99!) by entering the code XOQGC at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.


Posted in brands I love, food, review

Permalink