All the Rage

After the recent arrival of true Winter weather it felt both fantastic and alien to receive my first addition to my Summer wardrobe and break out of the long sleeves and ankle boots. I love seeing the new season stock arrive in the shops, a sign that change is on the horizon and a perfect opportunity to try something new (you know, as in try on something new because you can’t afford it…)

Dress c/o Madam Rage | Brogues: Hobbs via McArthur Glen in Swindon

After spending most of the winter in fairly muted tones with not much print it was refreshing to see this tropical beauty arrive at my door. I’ve really embraced the high necks lately, I think they add quite a chic twist to any look. I’m not overly familiar with Madam Rage but based on this dress and an extensive browse on their website and I can safely say I’m a big fan, everything is really affordable and if this dress is anything to go by, excellent quality too.

I decided to continue on the colourful theme by putting on this coral suede brogues from Hobbs- the perfect between season shoe. I don’t wear brogues or anything other than boots anywhere near enough so it felt a bit strange to be wearing these, I’d forgotten how much I loved them.

I think until the weather warms up a bit I’m going to try layering this dress with a fine knit and some dark tights, part of my feels I should save it for Spring but the print lifts my spirits so much I don’t think I can hang on…

Are there any brands you’ve recently discovered? How would you style up this dress?

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Get in the Garden- a guide to crops in pots*

Well here’s a new topic for me to be covering on the blog. I’ve always had an interest and appreciation for a good garden- my Grandad and Dad both take huge pride in theirs and I’ve often watched in amazement as they make things flourish and bloom. I’ve never really had much of a go myself though, preferring to stand at the sidelines rather than risk killing off nature with my lack of knowledge. Now I’ve got my own flat, complete with little front garden I’m starting to take more interest. I really want to start growing some crops in pots but knowing where to start is my stumbling block (even thought I DID buy a book!). I was sent over this really handy infographic from Compost Direct the other day and wanted to share it to inspire and aid any one else with a mission to get green fingered this year…
And a little bit of information to accompany…

“Gardening is good for you, according to a new infographic produced by Compost Direct. Older gardeners have a 36-47% lower risk of dementia than non-gardeners. However, with urban spaces on the rise there is less room for people who’d like to get into garden.

Thankfully, there are many ways to grow crops in small spaces – from potted plants indoors to veg patches and grow bags. Did you know that you can grow potatoes in compost bags and bin liners? Following a simple growing process you can enjoy some pristine spuds without needing a full size garden.

How about growing crops in specialist grow bags? With just a small amount of space, you can grow fruit and veg to feed your whole household – from tomatoes and carrots to herbs and courgettes.

Read the full infographic to see how to grow potatoes, tomatoes, veg patches and more. You can also find out how to maximise your growing area by building window boxes and vertical gardens, meaning that no matter what kind of outdoor space you have – there is no excuse not to garden!”

Have you successfully grown crops in pots before? I’ll take any hints and tips I can get right now…I’m really excited and will hopefully have some good results to share later on in the year!

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Play bingo and go for your favourite shopping!*

How about the idea of keeping yourself updated with the latest trends in fashion by playing bingo games for free? Well, it may sound bit surprising but the truth is on playing such free games you can grab massive cash prizes that can just help you to fulfil your fantasy!

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The popular site New Look Bingo does not fail to amaze you at first instant by rewarding you with an incredible no-deposit bonus worth £15 absolutely free on simple registration. With this you can be all ready to hit the free bingo rooms open 24/7 for you and play there without a need to spend any penny. Play and win some exciting real cash that promises to make you rich just at the comforts of your home!

You can even start making your deposits on the site and gain additional chances to indulge in your favourite free bingo games. Deposit and get the privilege to participate in the exclusive ‘Free Bingo Tournament’ promotion that once again offers you attractive rewards including free cash bonuses.

Being a depositing player, you can take an interest in the ‘Login-to-Win’ offer that presents you free casino cash making your every login memorable. Just make a deposit and come back for £1 cash every day, for the next 7 days.

So, register on New Look Bingo now and experience the grandeur of online freebingo games. Get the hang of how bingo actually works through such an exclusive facet and collect huge earnings in the free gaming process. Win money, gather it and go for a happy shopping to buy the expensive dress or pair of shoes in your fashion wish list!

Mae reviews: Purrfect Box

One of the major things I miss about having moved out of my parents’ (other than my parents themselves) is having my delinquent little Mae on hand to keep me entertained. Thankfully I haven’t moved far and still pop in regularly to say hi to Mum and Dad, scrounge a cup of tea and some food and catch up with my feline fiend. I was delighted when Purrfect Box once again offered to send me out a box for Mae to enjoy, the perfect way to show her I still care and indulge in a photo taking session of her pretty face!
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 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.
As ever there was a fantastic mix of toy, treats and useful bits and bobs in the box which Mae really enjoyed exploring. On the toy front I’d say this box has been the biggest hit to date with the catnip filled dolphin being a particular favourite.

As you can see Mae was somewhat bemused by the idea of Cat Caviar and tried to eat it as it came rather than waiting for it to be crumbled over her food as suggested. I think this was a hit though and certainly a unique concept in feline dining.

Once again this box was pretty much a complete hit from Purrfect Box, anything that captures my fussy friend’s attention for more than thirty seconds is pretty rare and so far we’ve lost hours playing with these toys and chasing around for treats.

Have you tried Purrfect box (or any other pet subscription boxes) for your pets? I’d love to know your thoughts.

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Win an Armani Exchange Watch with Babla’s Jewellers*

I love an excuse to hold a giveaway on the blog and being the watch enthusiast that I am when Babla’s Jewellers got in touch offering up the Jullietta Watch by Armani Exchange to one of my readers I jumped at the chance.
Both Babla’s Jewellers and Armani Exchange are new ones on me; I’d heard of both but never really took much of a detailed browse. Clearly I’ve been living in ignorance as Babla’s stock a huge selection of Armani Exchange watches which offer designer style at an affordable price.
I really love this tan and silver watch and I won’t lie, I’d love to fix it to win my own giveaway (but obviously that would be very, very wrong!). If you’re equally as taken with it as I am then follow the easy steps below and get your chance!

Giveaway open for two weeks from today. Winner will be contacted within 24 hours by myself to arrange your prize. Open to UK readers of this little blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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