tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11047920531991467662024-03-13T02:52:18.837-07:00Take me to CaliAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-82939338169419873252013-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:002013-10-27T14:23:31.036-07:00DIY: Trick or Treat bags<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:22ATeamXKv8W23hS9wEbXQ" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't quite know how to start this post, as it's something I never imagined myself talking about, but I guess I should just admit it - I did some 'crafts'. Just saying the word makes me hate myself, as it conjures up images of a pushy mother who bakes lots and gets overly involved with her children's school activities... (way to stereotype and offend oh so many people in one single sentence, Lucy...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a pushy mother's defence, she probably has a reason to make such crafts, I, on the other hand, have created a cardboard 'Trick or Treat' bag, which I have no intention of using and is not aesthetically pleasing enough for me to want in my flat. I know, I know, what a great use of my time. But, what can I say, I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and watching YouTube tutorials of pointless things, OK?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, if you wish to <strike>waste</strike> enjoy an evening in with bits of card and some stationary, you could make your very own bag with the simple tutorial below:</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you'll need:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scissors </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Double-sided sticky tape</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ruler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pen/pencil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hole punch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 pieces of card in 2 different colours (you can also use wrapping paper around any old card)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 pieces of ribbon (ideally 2 different colours - one about 1 inch thick, the other about 1cm - way to mix measuring systems)</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How it's done:</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT04uPHDXL5OpmXEVDkLnVs6Ts6Tr7Vb4-304XfN-bOz9Xv98WehvGzk6FxJw6ax60rzRU1uWaa4WRk24GPDfRcUbOrP-pnJNtXlj6StihbAQl9kQT2a3zfFxjpBR_6vpPNeghkigLxM0/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT04uPHDXL5OpmXEVDkLnVs6Ts6Tr7Vb4-304XfN-bOz9Xv98WehvGzk6FxJw6ax60rzRU1uWaa4WRk24GPDfRcUbOrP-pnJNtXlj6StihbAQl9kQT2a3zfFxjpBR_6vpPNeghkigLxM0/s400/IMG_2494.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. With the first piece of card, measure out a square and cut it out (I think I made this about 6in x 6in).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Once you have a square, measure out a further square 1 inch in from the edges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Fold each side at the 1in line and cut tabs into the four corners.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf5FzsUJT079kz-M3BrSKHTAc2nuvCt9uucCE2u_D14DMQ7d5bneuksp6wOKhPCtW-ldLV8uavRbov2MYwr4GpvnZvQzjgJF-oiZWe76Y0cuSBvWxb_t6zvVcK2VAkBwrbpE_F-f2VKM/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf5FzsUJT079kz-M3BrSKHTAc2nuvCt9uucCE2u_D14DMQ7d5bneuksp6wOKhPCtW-ldLV8uavRbov2MYwr4GpvnZvQzjgJF-oiZWe76Y0cuSBvWxb_t6zvVcK2VAkBwrbpE_F-f2VKM/s400/IMG_2495.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Using double-sided sticky tape, stick the tabs down to form the base of the bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. With the second piece of card, measure the height you want the bag to be and cut it to size (landscape view, so that it goes further around the base).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Looking at the paper in landscape view, stick double-sided sticky tape across the bottom of the card.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY3z4F79TYpoOvQftFZiL3-XkWmCKyi4HZ_o0pWzmqfvj5iY-M8_lBWxPJM6fTCVCp0ce6G_ky7UX6wQ07jLQypcKhgcHFiI0u6z89-CpGJ8lqKU6f514ZIjykIsQMQA8DC5eWhK0aoE/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY3z4F79TYpoOvQftFZiL3-XkWmCKyi4HZ_o0pWzmqfvj5iY-M8_lBWxPJM6fTCVCp0ce6G_ky7UX6wQ07jLQypcKhgcHFiI0u6z89-CpGJ8lqKU6f514ZIjykIsQMQA8DC5eWhK0aoE/s400/IMG_2496.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Stick the card to the base (around 3/4 of the way up, so that the base is visible), and repeat with a second piece of card to cover, then stick the two pieces together. If you make a smaller bag or use a larger piece of card, you shouldn't need to do this (obviously...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. Take the thicker ribbon and place it just above the middle of the bag. Measure out enough so that it goes all the way round the bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Using two strips of double sided sticky tape, stick the ribbon down.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9uqWgRsp95xO1gIIjAKOCRGaquaarvDd-Idx8NB9UktJWKvmzuGcsQk05htrY_wwIUOAALbKhA0NUpEoMmVvJJdimdPTt5waLrGNlFqUaaqi3zi7pk_66w4yLcl-rkDkDU6NEb-5TM/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9uqWgRsp95xO1gIIjAKOCRGaquaarvDd-Idx8NB9UktJWKvmzuGcsQk05htrY_wwIUOAALbKhA0NUpEoMmVvJJdimdPTt5waLrGNlFqUaaqi3zi7pk_66w4yLcl-rkDkDU6NEb-5TM/s400/IMG_2497.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. Measure out another square in the original card - this time about 2in x 2in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. Fold over the card and cut out the corners of the folded edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. Put a hole in the middle of the folded piece of card (between the two cut out corners) - preferably with a hole punch, but if you 'mislay' yours in your tip of a flat, then just poke a pair of scissors through for a more 'rustic' approach...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. Using double-sided sticky tape, stick the bottom of the card to the top of the bag, right in the middle. Repeat on the other side, making sure the two holes match up when the bag is squeezed together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnv9jaCBcBXVMi7tknSZ0MhPVjyJuh4U3vLts3I3rvQg1RJHEY_RcrYjRuqjSLv2uRe2lVzq1F9C0Y-7wc2qqMebAzs7rNx8uhXhIPn9JZaYUsOj9IAN47tuA3ZaKg5EL8tq2Ww6tXgE/s1600/IMG_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnv9jaCBcBXVMi7tknSZ0MhPVjyJuh4U3vLts3I3rvQg1RJHEY_RcrYjRuqjSLv2uRe2lVzq1F9C0Y-7wc2qqMebAzs7rNx8uhXhIPn9JZaYUsOj9IAN47tuA3ZaKg5EL8tq2Ww6tXgE/s400/IMG_2498.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. Using the thinner ribbon, thread it through the two holes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. Using the original coloured card, cut out two shapes of choice and write on your chosen sentiment. I chose 'Trick or Treat' seeing as it's Hallowe'en and all...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. Stick the cut-out shape down over the ribbon going round the bag, and repeat on the other side.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzDQ43DxN3XdKEy_Ldd_NHb-OhvZkArkXR7lmrz6sXtiaspnkHAKe7QZPSfbCIohmbWWhZHCzs9QZSZRukbMC0IIJ5ItrG27BNzFr3OHjQpKEHJCV4pWFIVZ-EWhR110Nnj7999Lo-Hs/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzDQ43DxN3XdKEy_Ldd_NHb-OhvZkArkXR7lmrz6sXtiaspnkHAKe7QZPSfbCIohmbWWhZHCzs9QZSZRukbMC0IIJ5ItrG27BNzFr3OHjQpKEHJCV4pWFIVZ-EWhR110Nnj7999Lo-Hs/s400/IMG_2499.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. Fill the bag with sweets and tie the ribbon at the top of the bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there you have it, an in-no-way-useless 'Trick or Treat' bag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all honesty, this was just a practice run, as I really wanted to make Christmas gift bags, but thought I had to restrain myself what with it being October and all, and this seemed like a happy medium. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I've just realised that made it sound ten times sadder... Ah well, I enjoy wrapping presents, there, I've said it.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-50104043448797991602013-09-29T15:00:00.000-07:002013-09-29T15:00:43.269-07:00Pick of the best scented candles<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:6rDSJEMDFEaT7pr8J9jND1" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I'm a proper grown up, I love candles. That is pretty much how you can tell if you're a grown up... In fact, when you do the 'grown up' test, the questions go:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) <b>Q: What's the best thing about being an adult?</b> <i>A: Being able to go out and buy a burger and chips whenever you want without asking permission.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) <b>Q: What's the worst thing about being an adult?</b> <i>A: Washing, cleaning, tidying, using your own money to pay for boring stuff...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) <b>Q: Do you like scented candles?</b> <i>A: Yes</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeh, I'd say I'm doing a preeeeeeetty good job at being a grown up...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a pick of my favourites:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/candles/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=99031247" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Candles" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/xNDdXGTvyaTdCRoGTZZdgA/cid/99031247/id/0IXvv0sp4xG65VreFIJoxg/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Candles" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/cire-trudon-odalisque-scented-candle/p561484" target="_blank">Cire Trudon Odalisque</a>, <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13154720&cp=12586994.12936192.4147333" target="_blank">Bath and Bodyworks Mahogany Teakwood</a>, <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/miller-harris-fleur-oriental-candle-175g/p95210" target="_blank">Miller Harris Fleur Oriental</a>, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Diptyque/Mimosa-Scented-Candle-190g-Diptyque/1495" target="_blank">Diptyque Mimosa</a>, <a href="http://www.amara.com/products/refresh-3-wick-candle?utm_source=92295&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate%2BWindow&awc=3263_1380491464_3bcb56df267d6dc81526330a81927221&amss=sq" target="_blank">Neom Refresh</a>, <a href="http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/scented-candles/single-wick-candles/naran-ji-medio-candela/CAN101/" target="_blank">Molton Brown Naran J</a>i, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Jo+Malone+London+Pomegranate+noir+home+candle/183480751,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=Google+Shopping-_-Product+Extensions+And+Listings-_-Jo+Malone+London-_-_Jo+Malone+London+Pomegranate+noir+home+candle&$$ja=cgid:7178738035%7Ctsid:44970%7Ccid:146503555%7Clid:57207270235%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:30616017115%7Crnd:6455890251341145591%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:1o2%7Cmt:%7Cbku:1" target="_blank">Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir</a>, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Malin+Goetz/Dark-Rum-Candle-260g-Malin+Goetz/25404" target="_blank">Malin + Goetz Dark Rum</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Brands/TRISH-MCEVOY/Fragrance/Home-Collection/Blueberry-vanilla-scent-candle-205g-7.25-oz_789-10053-CANDLESBLUEBERRYVANILLA7/" target="_blank">Trish McEvoy Wild Blueberry Vanilla</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think my main love of candles stems from the fact that they hide a multitude of sins; I figure as long as the room smells like flowers, then it doesn't matter about the mountain of washing and lack of cleaning that has taken place. That's how it works, right?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These ones all smell amazing, and they make my flat feel nice and cosy as it starts to get colder (boo), so I would say that that is positives all round. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-5536285388768005462013-09-15T12:08:00.000-07:002013-09-15T12:09:38.110-07:00Review: Liberty Free Beauty Gift<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4XTV1muK6wJ3hbit0n0RpV" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you been into Liberty recently? They are giving away the BEST free gifts I think I've ever seen. OK so when I say free, you have to cough up a <i>pretty</i> hefty sum (£150) in the beauty department to qualify for it, but I managed to justify it by buying four Christmas presents that I had been eyeing up a week before anyway, and I figured that I could either use the entire thing as a fifth gift, or even split it up and make a few different gifts. Anyway, that's what I told myself...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But anyway, onto the gift itself. Inside the signature Liberty-print wash bag are 22</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> samples of their handpicked beauty favourites, including amazing cult products such as Eve Lom cleanser, Nars illuminator, Laura Mercier primer and a Dyptique candle. It's just crazy how good this gift is - take a look:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY5-_691C6ypCuBK1l8Kl_D38tx8qfy9HPRRJMR6LIZDI-ZvkykTMmN5WcUXHPz7ycf4zNlsUXXvuXa6u6oWmFHa89DqVZUj6a4sHI07wJce1TBzY4NOKMDXbUD0gaqowUh9a9ksUj-s/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY5-_691C6ypCuBK1l8Kl_D38tx8qfy9HPRRJMR6LIZDI-ZvkykTMmN5WcUXHPz7ycf4zNlsUXXvuXa6u6oWmFHa89DqVZUj6a4sHI07wJce1TBzY4NOKMDXbUD0gaqowUh9a9ksUj-s/s400/IMG_2276.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as the great products involved, one of the best things about the gift is how big the samples are. Apart from a bit of a teeny Hourglass lipgloss and Trish McEvoy perfume sample, the rest are all big enough to get numerous uses out of, and some things are even full-size, such as the Liberty body wash and the ESPA fitness oil. They claim that the entire thing is worth £300 and I can totally see how - the wash bag alone is worth £35!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're a bit of a beauty junkie, then I assure you that you will love this. If not, it would make a great birthday/Christmas present for somebody as it in no way looks like a free gift, or you could even split it up and make your own little gift sets! I have something special planned for mine that will be appearing on my blog in a few months. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, they have all sold out <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/content/bgwp-2013/content" target="_blank">online</a> (I swear they were on there for less than 24 hours!), but they are still available in store so make sure you get there quickly as they're only there while stocks last! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-87538398584515248642013-09-12T13:29:00.002-07:002013-09-13T15:48:49.881-07:00What to do in London this weekend: 13th September<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:70mAceS5ArAqVj2OwDE4db" width="250"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems like, nowadays, the only thing I write on here are 'Things To Do This Weekend' lists, which is very much a sign of the times: I'm knackered all week and wanting to fill my free time up with plenty of fun things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here's my pick for this weekend:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thelunacinema.com/" target="_blank"><b>Luna Cinema</b></a> - OK, so there is nothing new here; outdoor cinemas, I seem to mention them every week. However, anywhere that is showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show in London has to be added to this list. And in the incredibly pretty/incongruous surrounding of Kew Gardens? Amazing! Be sure to sign up for Rocky Horror on Friday or Ghostbusters (another fave) on Sunday (sadly, Dirty Dancing has sold out on Saturday), before the weather becomes too awful that even the thought of sitting outside makes your nips freeze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hoxleyandporter.co.uk/?utm_source=The+Handbook+UK+Limited+List&utm_campaign=6f8e6aa522-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b9ef1a60d7-6f8e6aa522-308579669" target="_blank"><b>Hoxley & Porter</b></a> - Halfway up Upper Street is Angel's latest watering-hole. This glamorous bar and restaurant, styled as a 'Victorian drinking den', serves up exotic cocktails and traditional food in a truly decadent surrounding. As an Angel-ite myself, I am VERY excited to witness the colour-changing, absinthe-soaked scorpion that garnishes the 'Whatever Doesn't Kill You' cocktail and soak up atmosphere in this rhino-headed, palm-treed opulent decor. <a href="https://twitter.com/HoxleyandPorter" target="_blank">@hoxleyandporter</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://edition-hotels.marriott.com/" target="_blank">London Edition Hotel</a> </b>- Having just opened up on Berners Street, this new kid on the block is bringing plenty of old-school glamour to the London hotel scene. The ultimate union of modern and vintage, this is definitely a must for any tourists or Londoners looking for a staycation. If you don't fancy splashing the cash for a room, why not try out the beautiful Berners Tavern, or The Punch Room - the cocktail bar with no bar, but all drink served on a silver tray. It's like being on the Titanic. But you can be fairly sure that your night won't be brought to a brisk end due to a rogue iceberg... <a href="https://twitter.com/EDITIONHotels" target="_blank">@EDITIONHotels</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(make sure to check out the most beautiful instagram photos...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.streetfeastlondon.com/" target="_blank"><b>Street Feast London</b></a> - This has been a personal favourite of mine this summer, and yes, I have spoken about it <a href="http://takemetocali.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/what-to-eatdrinkdo-in-london-this.html" target="_blank">before</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">, but this is the last weekend you get to check out this Dalston pop-up culinary extravaganza. Bajan fishcakes? Yakitori skewers? Popcorn prawn burgers? This is street food done VERY right! And, entry is totally free. Wins all round. </span><a href="https://twitter.com/StreetFeastLDN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">@StreetFeastLDN</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Delicious hoisin duck crepes at Street Feast)</i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-41591949839127310822013-09-07T12:47:00.001-07:002013-09-07T12:47:23.445-07:00What to do in London this weekend: 6th September<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4SXU3lUZ1eb4JWWbkQw43Y" width="250"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is SO much going on this weekend, it's cray cray. My inbox is positively overflowing with exciting activities and openings so without further ado, here is my pick of the best:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.bwblackout.com/?utm_source=The+Nudge+London&utm_campaign=8fccd2b186-The_Nudge_151&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3c18d68908-8fccd2b186-407316353" target="_blank">Blackout Banquet at Butler's Wharf</a><span id="goog_788622325"></span><span id="goog_788622326"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> - </b>Starting tonight and running for the next ten days, 140 diners each night are treated to a completely alfresco (although there is a wet-weather contingency plan if the weather remains as pants as it has been today!|) feast at one abnormally large banqueting table. The best bit? At 8.30pm, all electric lighting is turned off, and diners are left to enjoy their treacle-cured salmon with just candlelight and the flow of Tower Bridge to aid them in seeing such culinary delights. The price of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? £35. Buy a ticket. Now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.grillshack.com/" target="_blank">Grill Shack</a> - </b>OK, so there are a lot of great breakfast and burger joints in London, but what makes this all day grill really stands out is the innovative take on service. You can either order from their app on your phone or at a self-service station in the restaurant (which also lends itself nicely to sending sneaky drinks to other tables...). What's more, if you're watching your figure or a (nuisance) pescatarian like myself, there are plenty of veggie/healthy options to choose from, which is a welcome break from these places that offer one type of burger or nowt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/article/2013-08-30/adRa.sgvoGMQ.html" target="_blank"><b>Mario signs stuff</b> </a>- First things first, I adore video games, and none more than those in the Mario franchise. I blame my family and friends - my grandma completed Mario Bros. on the Nintendo NES at least ten times, and that is a conservative estimate. At uni, we would play MarioKart on the Wii at least once a day. Therefore, you can understand my unbelievable excitement at the prospect of meeting the big guy himself! That's right, this weekend Mario will be in Oxford Street's John Lewis. Or rather, the voice of Mario, Charles Martinet, will be, and he will also be signing autographs amongst all the fun and merriment of "competitions and games". I swear to god, this is the most exciting thing that has every happened in London. Ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wearepopup.com/p/pop-up-ping-pong/" target="_blank"><b>Pop-up Ping Pong & Retro Arcade Games</b></a> - Continuing the theme of nerdy video game obsession, I am VERY excited by Pop Up Ping Pong's upcoming event, which brings together some of my favourite things in life: table tennis, beer pong, drinking and vintage video games. Pac man, ping pong and piña coladas (possibly) all for £7?? YES. PLEASE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/PingPopPong" target="_blank"><b>Pop-up Screens presents Dirty Dancing</b></a>- I had the best time last week at Future Cinema's Dirty Dancing After Party; those guys seriously put on an amazing event. And, seeing as how you can never have enough Patrick Swayze (it is scientifically impossible) I would definitely be up for watching this again tomorrow. And who doesn't like an outdoor cinema screen with a bar and gourmet popcorn? Nobody. Except agoraphobics maybe... But yes, definitely on my hit list this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk/backin5minutes/" target="_blank"><b>Disappearing Dining Club; Back in 5 Minutes</b></a> - I think secret hideouts are my favourite things about London. Ok, so most aren't so secret (I'm looking at you Mayor of Scaredy-Cat Town), but it's nice to think that we're one of the chosen few who know about something unbelievably good. Step up Back in 5 Minutes, a restaurant and private dining room hidden behind a clothes shop on Brick Lane. This amazing little nook in one of the busiest areas of London on a Saturday night is quietly serving up incredible 4 course meals and Grey Goose cocktails to those in the know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.redemptionbar.com/" target="_blank"><b>Redemption Bar</b></a> - Having ticked off everything on my weekend to-do list, you'll probably have a pretty stonking hangover. Don't worry, I have an answer for that too; an alcohol-free bar! On Sunday, make sure to head to this a pop-up that's going against the grain. But seriously, all your favourite <strike>cock </strike>mocktails, amazing food, a 360 degree view of London and a clear head for work on Monday morning. What's not to like? </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-64565004849661938492013-08-30T10:55:00.000-07:002013-08-30T10:55:02.311-07:00Things to do this weekend: 30th August<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:5QUCLniZUKnPlbhN8TEXCX" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's almost the weekend (woooooo! I appreciate this so much more now that I have a job), and so here is a pick of things to do on these sacred 2 and a bit days:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.futurecinema.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Future Cinema presents Dirty Dancing</a> </b>- Future Cinema's Dirty Dancing inspired event, is the ultimate night out for any wannabe 'Baby'. Starting with the screening of the classic movie, complete with bars, activities and my fave B.O.B's lobster, you are transported to everyone's favourite holiday destination, Kellerman's, without ever having to leave Hackney Downs. If you didn't get tickets for this, you can always watch the movie at home, preferably with the drinking game, then </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">grab your watermelon and head on over to Kellerman's staff quarters (aka, Oval Space in Bethnal Green) for the ultimate after party! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://monikers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Monikers</a></b> - such a kitsch 'back to school' theme which even boasts an indoor school bus with plenty of walls that you are welcome to graffiti on - what's not to love? The place is more than just good theming though; what really wowed my friends over at <a href="http://kizzleandellie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/thats-what-i-go-to-school-for.html" target="_blank">gradfoodies</a>, however, was the incredible food. I'm really excited to try it. Mainly because my favourite meals are those made up of small, shareable dishes, and this place specialises in just that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.xmasclock.com/" target="_blank">Do all your Christmas shopping</a></b> - to anyone who knows me, it is no secret that I am OBSESSED with Christmas. Seriously, expect to see a LOT of it here in the next few months. And ok, maybe it's a bit too much to ask to complete all of your shopping by the end of August, but with the summer sales in full swing (<a href="http://www.feelunique.com/" target="_blank">feelunique</a> have a particularly good one), now is the perfect time to pick up a lot of bits. Also, with Harrods and Selfridges already opening their Christmas shops, you really have no excuse not to be prepared...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Harrods: Christmas in July</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-26824204654263165862013-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:002013-08-28T16:18:20.321-07:00Housewarming gift guide<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4CBiFsWG20h1VWgBu9Cnyk" width="250"></iframe><br />
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I have been completely rubbish at writing on here for the past few weeks, but I do have some pretty good excuses. Firstly, and (arguably) most importantly, I finally got a job! I'm talking real life, in the office for 9am, creating reports and spreadsheets. Every. Day. Weeeeeird.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other news is that literally every member of my family has moved house in the past month to one place or another. Therefore, I've been travelling up and down the country a lot to visit the new abodes, help (ish) people move, celebrate birthdays (including my own, ugh) and play with these amazing beings:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeh, very little blogging... But, I am going to ease myself back into this with one of my favourite things to do: a gift guide! And, seeing as how I've had to buy a fair few of these this month, I'm going to make one for housewarming gifts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/housewarming_gifts/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=95568354" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Housewarming gifts" border="0" height="436" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/iQRG0mePpZ5Z8Hm8KYUA/cid/95568354/id/AX3kjfFKSFGq7AQ-MMjxvA/size/c600x436.jpg" title="Housewarming gifts" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having quite recently moved into my own place, I think the best advice for housewarming gift-giving is to stick to useful things and no decorative items (that need to match a theme/take up a lot of space) unless you know the person REALLY well, and know exactly what they would like to display in there house. With that in mind, I have kept this list to either useful/overlooked items and inoffensive, universally popular house gifts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/ashortwalk-recycled-cups-pinch-pots/p231717036" target="_blank">Salt and peppe</a>r: Kitchen essentials like this (and things like olive oil/balsamic vinegar), are often forgotten items, and this is a really nice alternative to the standard grinders. I think this is also easier to use in cooking so you can just add a 'pinch' at a time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Features-Gifts/Brand-rooms/Gift-brands/JO-MALONE/Lime-Basil-Mandarin-diffuser_701-10020-PRODL2W501/" target="_blank">Fragrance diffuser</a>: Safer than a candle and a longer-lasting smell. Win-win.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tiffany.co.uk/shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=15882212&mcat=148212&cid=297640&search_params=s+5-p+2-c+297640-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+" target="_blank">Keyring</a>: I've talked about this before, but a special keyring is a great gift to give to make the whole moving-in process a little more special. Even better if you can attach it to the keys beforehand...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/52174/Indoor-Allotment" target="_blank">Herb 'allotment'</a>: The only attempt I have ever made to grow my own herbs was when I bought a mint plant one time I tried to make mojitos. Not only did the drinks not turn out well, but the plant also died almost as soon as it crossed the threshold into my flat. However, if you're buying for anybody that is just a teeny bit more green-fingered, then this is a cute (and in no way unnecessary) gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dotcomgiftshop.com/traditonal-large-jug-ivory-paisley?ctid=5080&pos=0" target="_blank">Vase</a>: When I first moved in, my friends very kindly brought flowers round. However, I did not have a vase in which to display them. Granted, I was pretty crafty and cut a large Evian bottle in half, but there's shabby chic and then there's just grim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.champagnedirect.co.uk/pd_louis_roederer_cristal_2005_champagne.cfm" target="_blank">Champagn</a>e: Obviously, it does NOT have to be Cristal, which is ludicrously expensive. However, anybody who has ever watched MTV Cribs knows that it is completely essential to keep at least one bottle of this in your fridge at all times if you stand any chance of being taken seriously in your rap career...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, as I have said, there are a lot of everyday things you forget about when moving; cleaning products, biscuits, condiments... Therefore, I think a very nice and thoughtful gift is to put a hamper together of such essential items, which may not be too glamorous, but greatly appreciated and can be spruced up with some fancy wrapping. Come on, who doesn't want a box of rubber gloves and Cillit Bang wrapped up in cellophane when they move into a new house?!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-91071027908271247472013-08-15T15:31:00.001-07:002013-08-15T15:31:58.032-07:00Tartan yourself up<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:66S14BkJDxgkYxLl5DCqOz" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a slight aversion to tartan. It may have something to do with the fact that my school uniform contained this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0C_54_NIXMhJjAo9A44DSDjZ0AUwy5B-Ml_OcsYbydJRJ1Q_D0rEWF7oTs7QD9N8t6Ncdnver33dgsv6jH1aDabVkh1lY86oiL3dn1KnvAk-P9i0DvHee9KJVSJacoKP8AOSPnrqcpc/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0C_54_NIXMhJjAo9A44DSDjZ0AUwy5B-Ml_OcsYbydJRJ1Q_D0rEWF7oTs7QD9N8t6Ncdnver33dgsv6jH1aDabVkh1lY86oiL3dn1KnvAk-P9i0DvHee9KJVSJacoKP8AOSPnrqcpc/s400/images-2.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(image from eBay)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But anyway, it has been on the cover of Vogue and it was the focus of Chanel's A/W13 highland collection, so I guess I have to accept that it's a THING again. So, here are a few ways that I think that I can embrace the trend without feeling like an overgrown schoolgirl...</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/everyday_tartan/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=93966265" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Everyday tartan" border="0" height="406" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/FNUFpUUWBrsBUhjIeeynMA/cid/93966265/id/x2JzhKsRQZyD9QTfvBIz-g/size/c600x406.jpg" title="Everyday tartan" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=2&catid=24&subcatid=55&designerid=167&productid=36229" target="_blank">Comme des Garçons purse</a>, <a href="http://uk.burberry.com/store/womenswear/knitwear/brit/prod-38883331-reversible-waterfall-jersey-cardigan/" target="_blank">Burberry cardigan</a>, <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/shop/accessories/scarves-hats-gloves/jacquard-logo-scarf-mulberry-pink-cashmere-merino" target="_blank">Mulberry scarf</a>, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/379141" target="_blank">Charles Philip Shanghai shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_GB/fashion/products/handbags/g/s.flap-bag-in-mohair.13A.A66344Y25577M9203.sto.new.html" target="_blank">Chanel bag</a>, <a href="http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/skirts/checked-mini-skirt-c269188p1481514.html" target="_blank">Zara skirt</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whaddaya think? Still too St. Trinians??</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-84096445279123109122013-08-07T12:28:00.005-07:002013-08-07T12:28:43.915-07:00Save the Dates<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This may seem like a slightly odd post, seeing as how I'm not in any way close to getting married/don't have any events on the horizon, but hey, what is life without whimsy; I blame my newly rekindled Pinterest addiction... But anyway, for no apparent reason, I thought I'd compile a list of 'Save the Date' alternatives from the boring old flyers through the post. Some of these do come in on the pricier side, so wouldn't be suitable for an event with thousands of guests/a tight budget, but most could also work as an actual invitation or even as favours/gifts during an event.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyday items:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One great way to send your 'Save The Date' (I've seen this shortened to STDs around the Internet - if ever there was something that should not be made into an acronym that would be it) is to print it onto an everyday item that people are going to see/use all the time so that they are constantly reminded of the most important day of your life. There are plenty of options for this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g4KOIizbnC8_GT9Nl57l6_hyphenhyphen-rY_HRZOALBc8n7LIuGnJP9aR2A7aD9zHmfl0jK8ikP8JYbcIx47WiJePQG7JUDg9SvoJ_A05kSlboZJ14HBEvELaWgxFJKEwA_Hd7XEkAyyxkWGLXk/s1600/NewHome2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g4KOIizbnC8_GT9Nl57l6_hyphenhyphen-rY_HRZOALBc8n7LIuGnJP9aR2A7aD9zHmfl0jK8ikP8JYbcIx47WiJePQG7JUDg9SvoJ_A05kSlboZJ14HBEvELaWgxFJKEwA_Hd7XEkAyyxkWGLXk/s400/NewHome2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8a1Imyy3K8ZKo_atIPDswjvPyeQiulOAbtZkBmcQQmRV08o9YR2jY3ixYLr-rOFNYrF-pJaqjq_nn9uryOJqJ-1w7kdnMLy7QyadOuABooaGh5mcToGC_l614esEOks557j7xwGDCoc/s1600/save_the_date_mug.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8a1Imyy3K8ZKo_atIPDswjvPyeQiulOAbtZkBmcQQmRV08o9YR2jY3ixYLr-rOFNYrF-pJaqjq_nn9uryOJqJ-1w7kdnMLy7QyadOuABooaGh5mcToGC_l614esEOks557j7xwGDCoc/s400/save_the_date_mug.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpIFp6uN4UsaSDhbGtJ0If4Nu4ZCzG1BnXIJ45Ha0Zqf7rsL9WRYMjyHRQVNTxdfSBLCQ3cFyQIDYuRItpiUbQ_otPfsojI9gAHrcxCJARw2Bep_OUZUOuzMEdgxcp_tfbdLesypPgic/s1600/modern_aqua_chevron_pattern_save_the_date_magnet-r072262f46e134bc3a841c413eb5a7e34_x7j3u_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpIFp6uN4UsaSDhbGtJ0If4Nu4ZCzG1BnXIJ45Ha0Zqf7rsL9WRYMjyHRQVNTxdfSBLCQ3cFyQIDYuRItpiUbQ_otPfsojI9gAHrcxCJARw2Bep_OUZUOuzMEdgxcp_tfbdLesypPgic/s400/modern_aqua_chevron_pattern_save_the_date_magnet-r072262f46e134bc3a841c413eb5a7e34_x7j3u_8byvr_512.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.weddingteatowels.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">tea towel</a>, <a href="http://www.cafepress.co.uk/+save_the_date_mug,208875432" target="_blank">mug</a>, <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/modern_aqua_chevron_pattern_save_the_date_magnet-147427941207919734" target="_blank">magnet</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consumable:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The complete other end of the spectrum is to put the date on something consumable as almost everybody enjoys sweets and alcohol. The risk here is that, as these things are meant to be eaten/drunk, the date will not be 'saved' at all, so it is advisable to send a card along with these, or at least a caveat that the recipient should make a note of the date, rather than it being forgotten almost instantaneously.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2FfB662FH0Z7kr5_GA8y04FU0gBiK_8zHRBvmO5tQvaMXUnFDUWwQCtmdQPN1YklJI2g5a78WHAf8ZTW2D18Qp-srE8uKqSmfg8RpAhRJxTRkWRnubDqq8sg_MbFcgsITuK3CPfu_VM/s1600/decorated+sugar+cookies+wedding+shower+bridal+calendar+save+the+date+royal+icing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2FfB662FH0Z7kr5_GA8y04FU0gBiK_8zHRBvmO5tQvaMXUnFDUWwQCtmdQPN1YklJI2g5a78WHAf8ZTW2D18Qp-srE8uKqSmfg8RpAhRJxTRkWRnubDqq8sg_MbFcgsITuK3CPfu_VM/s400/decorated+sugar+cookies+wedding+shower+bridal+calendar+save+the+date+royal+icing.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj5pwtkg2Hc38xhgtBr18a48n2cFJ5vVn8lkn0CZFOWyKgHMw7vCRReCuSoE5NTaKWMlwnZCQCAZqtnyTrsVUkUGMd2pDUrfrm5NP3oyE4Iyy5fYZlE9zhSiSXPrNvhUUvmB8l48H6F0/s1600/Design-30-Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj5pwtkg2Hc38xhgtBr18a48n2cFJ5vVn8lkn0CZFOWyKgHMw7vCRReCuSoE5NTaKWMlwnZCQCAZqtnyTrsVUkUGMd2pDUrfrm5NP3oyE4Iyy5fYZlE9zhSiSXPrNvhUUvmB8l48H6F0/s400/Design-30-Collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuQx15rpj7Ug1JfZWIc_0tihABfBFhtoRLWqUbIRfgsBEZhGsXy6LHCkPySWSuXEBCTdXmhMsKwrtMRVXtbT9Ux8JQJOQnILGIfuRXYcQIdc1MDJ1qG6nlkT7lkwsNHvoWySW4sfRy-s/s1600/Untitled-TrueColor-152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuQx15rpj7Ug1JfZWIc_0tihABfBFhtoRLWqUbIRfgsBEZhGsXy6LHCkPySWSuXEBCTdXmhMsKwrtMRVXtbT9Ux8JQJOQnILGIfuRXYcQIdc1MDJ1qG6nlkT7lkwsNHvoWySW4sfRy-s/s400/Untitled-TrueColor-152.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://sugardotcookies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/save-date-bridal-shower-calendar-sugar.html" target="_blank">cookies</a>, <a href="http://www.personalisedbottlelabels.co.uk/personalised-wedding-champagne-label.html" target="_blank">alcohol miniature</a>, <a href="http://www.therockpeople.co.uk/personalised-wedding-rock-sweets.php" target="_blank">rock</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interactive:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are great as they require the recipient to really study your 'Save The Date' and are all pretty fun too. All of these need the 'user' to stare at them for prolonged amounts of time, so hopefully the date should sink in pretty quickly, but you may want to send along a card with all the information too, in case these prove a little too challenging...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4UhMDVVH65FLG5kEFS151LjoTwi4k1d8Fx3DuY2UGzZDIzuIch16-v-mOPkh4g2r0OcGYT1u77nBOHiU0hc04eHnO1U4A3V_nmJz37Kub2Ocv5LVP4gyjGTTKUNFBY_EEDLOL0gHFE4/s1600/viewmaster-red-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4UhMDVVH65FLG5kEFS151LjoTwi4k1d8Fx3DuY2UGzZDIzuIch16-v-mOPkh4g2r0OcGYT1u77nBOHiU0hc04eHnO1U4A3V_nmJz37Kub2Ocv5LVP4gyjGTTKUNFBY_EEDLOL0gHFE4/s400/viewmaster-red-300.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKot-7ged5NT8Xl-zKFYT3se1B0qm1K-pWbTm5tJ01_spQUt2EvEbPbdpnXArTTjyMW5eXJyigdPyEq9q1OIgpiaCLrbwLSlrqIDp_kiyat4TSdHN9qbwmBlJcvCee7kQEAD4j2kQK1E/s1600/red_reveal_encrypted_text.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKot-7ged5NT8Xl-zKFYT3se1B0qm1K-pWbTm5tJ01_spQUt2EvEbPbdpnXArTTjyMW5eXJyigdPyEq9q1OIgpiaCLrbwLSlrqIDp_kiyat4TSdHN9qbwmBlJcvCee7kQEAD4j2kQK1E/s400/red_reveal_encrypted_text.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4XcfPncVoILOoD-3ibMeUtbhI3hcwR7NBpTpENrzf4ippIQxPs6wKNWaCi96IEPk65nSwtASI3xDywBcOBjC9nPpfwLgVvF64MXiCX4iBjc-i5wNC0KUtHJaOpRQpUchFPUYWn91FtU/s1600/red_reveal_glasses.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4XcfPncVoILOoD-3ibMeUtbhI3hcwR7NBpTpENrzf4ippIQxPs6wKNWaCi96IEPk65nSwtASI3xDywBcOBjC9nPpfwLgVvF64MXiCX4iBjc-i5wNC0KUtHJaOpRQpUchFPUYWn91FtU/s320/red_reveal_glasses.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW19m5FUIErfy29QnGn015VHGvly_g8OOMXd6Y4BLvz94wMophJOBlyq_0R33mOyn6aY6ePWx-VjjlQs4uLQE1tfb_6yEkABuN5hxpisG_s1m_y8WlM-V2c1vbcfheukU5fZ4DDZHO0y0/s1600/501434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW19m5FUIErfy29QnGn015VHGvly_g8OOMXd6Y4BLvz94wMophJOBlyq_0R33mOyn6aY6ePWx-VjjlQs4uLQE1tfb_6yEkABuN5hxpisG_s1m_y8WlM-V2c1vbcfheukU5fZ4DDZHO0y0/s400/501434.jpg" width="352" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.3dimages.co.uk/viewmaster.html" target="_blank">viewfinder</a>, <a href="http://www.3dimages.co.uk/red_reveal.html" target="_blank">message reveal</a>, <a href="http://www.4imprint.co.uk/product/501434/Rubiks-Keyring" target="_blank">rubik's cube keyring</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheap and Cheerful:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are great alternatives to a simple flyer for anyone on a budget. If you're going for a theme, then this could be the time to get creative and give people a bit of a heads up... The keyring here is a bit pricy, but you could just bulk buy <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50x-Clear-Acrylic-Plastic-BLANK-KEYRINGS-45-x-35-mm-Insert-PASSPORT-PHOTO-SIZE-/261115558999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ccbb33c57" target="_blank">plastic keyrings </a>and use your own design. Or you could take your own creative, in no way cringe-worthy, Pinterest-inspired photo and send that out to your guests.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoO8jubE0JUROiyxF9KN5-GDT6HE9uR58NlJh1pb_2fdotvkHpOi3R2ZfZ4nqSsRUcYOkp28U2q4eA2vjkQujA1kbjUPUN6dUGlwhhXGWcg33dvUl9R_IgR4rAFaWcb6FPkK4vREqFGw/s1600/il_570xN.386566638_5unw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoO8jubE0JUROiyxF9KN5-GDT6HE9uR58NlJh1pb_2fdotvkHpOi3R2ZfZ4nqSsRUcYOkp28U2q4eA2vjkQujA1kbjUPUN6dUGlwhhXGWcg33dvUl9R_IgR4rAFaWcb6FPkK4vREqFGw/s400/il_570xN.386566638_5unw.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/112611238/vintage-western-ticket-save-the-date?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=ticket+save+the+date&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=1&ga_facet=ticket+save+the+date&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">movie ticket</a>, <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/las_vegas_save_the_date_customised_occasion_keychain-146563507903336594" target="_blank">key ring</a>, <a href="http://fridge.us/?p=37506609366734402.jpg&a=" target="_blank">photo</a>)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-16651252444812404562013-07-31T14:23:00.002-07:002013-07-31T14:23:28.160-07:00Gift guide for mums<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:0Ny4yM9JFFuCUZ497ouxKe" width="250"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is my mum's birthday this Friday (yay, another gift-giving stress) so I thought I'd put together another gift guide - again under £25, £50 and £100 - to give me a way of looking at all my 'research' and to possibly help others who are looking for a little inspiration. My mum is very much interested in beauty and fashion, so these choices do all tend to lean towards that kind of thing...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Under £25</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mums_gift_guide_under_25/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=91735881" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Mum's gift guide under £25" border="0" height="419" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/HgaWY1JKDkCC56viOSQPIA/cid/91735881/id/YDrpOx4kR2ma39TCUesycA/size/c600x419.jpg" title="Mum's gift guide under £25" width="600" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Medium-Mirabelle-Fabric-Notebook/85681" target="_blank">Liberty notepad</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Brands/YVES-SAINT-LAURENT/Make-Up/Lips/Rouge-Volupte-lipstick_456-84033258-10680/?previewAttribute=No+1+nude+beige" target="_blank">YSL lipstick</a>, <a href="http://www.joythestore.com/metal-rose-frame-large-1" target="_blank">Joy photo frame</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Home-Tech/Categories/Shop-Room/Dining/Tableware/Tableware-collections/Blossom-Cappuccino-cup-and-saucer_294-3001784-51004022/?cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-PlusBox-_-Pip+Studio&_$ja=cgid:5189056654%7Ctsid:35948%7Ccid:116283454%7Clid:24800246374%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:33741652774%7Crnd:11628784501420523507%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:1o1&gclid=CLLKtZDl2bgCFZQZtAodmUEAhg" target="_blank">PiP Studio cup and saucer</a>, <a href="http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/gallery.aspx?pg=141&preid=267&xnav=iPhoneCases_TsrImage&GP=7%2f31%2f2013+9%3a01%3a28+AM&GPS=2913273078&GNF=1" target="_blank">Vistaprint personalised iPhone cover</a>, <a href="http://www.radley.co.uk/thames-mini-crook-handle-telescopic-umbrella" target="_blank">Radley umbrella</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Brands/CHANEL/Makeup/Nails/LE-VERNIS-Nail-Colour_437-73004626-LEVERNIS/?brandname=CHANEL&lhnDeptId=19353" target="_blank">Chanel vernis</a>, <a href="http://www.rococochocolates.com/Truffes-Roses-au-Marc-Champagne/dp/B009LL2SE0?class=quickView&field_availability=-1&field_browse=2460487031&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Truffes+Roses+au+Marc+Champagne&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchNodeID=2460487031&searchPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12" target="_blank">Rococo chocolates</a>, <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-crosstealight-holder-peacock/p423159" target="_blank">John Lewis candle holder</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mary-Berrys-Cookery-Course-Berry/dp/1409367959" target="_blank">Mary Berry cookbook</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Under £50</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mums_gift_guide_for_under/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=91744506" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Mum's gift guide for under £50" border="0" height="439" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Igjvkihz0AImtQ8ZpRfMhQ/cid/91744506/id/NvXts0_gRqW_W4OrChS6EA/size/c600x439.jpg" title="Mum's gift guide for under £50" width="600" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.biscuiteers.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/338/category/3/" target="_blank">Biscuiteers biscuit tin</a>, <a href="http://www.janepackerdelivered.com/grey-rose/" target="_blank">Jane Packer flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Food-Wine/Categories/Shop-Wines-Spirits/Champagne/Rose/Non-vintage-Rose/Brut-Rose-NV-750ml_414-81024827-LPROSEBOX/" target="_blank">Laurent Perrier champagne</a>, <a href="http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3789/10082/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/Home-Candle/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Jo Malone candle</a>, <a href="http://www.housingunits.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/HousingUnits/_205427/-/Umbra-Aquala-Bathtub-Caddy?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Product-Listing-Ads&gclid=CN_Nk8Pn2bgCFTLMtAodlhgAYg" target="_blank">Umbra Aquala bath caddy</a>, <a href="http://www.smythson.com/purple-supermum-wafer-notebook.html" target="_blank">Smythson notebook</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/NEW-IN/Skincare/Advanced-Night-Repair-Synchronized-Recovery-Complex-II-30ml_327-81004877-YF4901/" target="_blank">Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair</a>, <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/elephantgrey/product/personalised-thanks-mum-picture" target="_blank">Personalised 'Thanks Mum' poster</a>, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Calvin+Klein+Wovens+rollup+pant+with+logo/184666570,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Calvin Klein pyjama bottoms</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Under £100</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mums_gift_guide_under_100/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=91766732" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Mum's gift guide under £100" border="0" height="449" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/OXvOBL6kL5r32Yv69IQAg/cid/91766732/id/3P9S7OUETTmwTsapLK7ILQ/size/c600x449.jpg" title="Mum's gift guide under £100" width="600" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/food-wine/categories/gifts-hampers/hampers-1/s470728-summer-jaunt-bike-basket-hamper.html" target="_blank">Harvey Nichols hamper</a>, <a href="http://www.tedbaker.com/women%27s/women%27s_accessories/purses/list.aspx#-&styCode=104351&colRef=58-LIGHT%20PINK&path=/women's/women's%20accessories/purses/" target="_blank">Ted Baker purse</a>, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/356848" target="_blank">Marc by Marc Jacobs cosmetic case</a>, <a href="http://www.karenmillen.com/modern-texture-knit-jacket/clothing/karenmillen/fcp-product/111KR06410" target="_blank">Karen Millen jacket</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Brands/TOM-FORD/Cosmetics/Eyes/Eye-Color-Quad_450-3001058-EYECOLORQUAD/?previewAttribute=Crushed+amethyst" target="_blank">Tom Ford palette</a>, <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/shop/travel/travel-accessories/mulberry-iphone-cover-mulberry-pink-glossy-goat" target="_blank">Tiffany charm</a>, <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/shop/travel/travel-accessories/mulberry-iphone-cover-mulberry-pink-glossy-goat" target="_blank">Mulberry iPhone case</a>, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/373906" target="_blank">Acne scarf</a>, <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Brands/CHANEL/Ladies-Fragrances/Chance/CHANCE-Eau-de-Toilette-Spray-100ml_130-73004626-126460/?brandname=CHANEL&lhnDeptId=19353" target="_blank">Chanel perfume</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as I am a fan of the <a href="http://takemetocali.blogspot.com.es/2013/07/birthday-wish-list.html" target="_blank">birthday list</a> (you get what you want and the present-giver can be happy in the knowledge that you're really going to love what you get - win-win), if you're up against the dreaded 'I don't know, surprise me' response, then I think the best gifts for mums are ones that they might not usually buy for themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whaddaya think? Would your mum be happy to unwrap one of these bad boys on her birthday?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-50866154558937248102013-07-28T17:04:00.004-07:002013-07-28T17:04:55.619-07:00It doesn't matter if you're (wearing) black or white<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:7EsjkelQuoUlJXEw7SeVV4" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the weather is cooling down a little again, I'm excited for covering up. As much as I enjoy the sun, I'm much more of a winter-dresser than a summer one. Similarly, I like that it allows me to revert back to my monochrome (ish) ways. So, here are a few ways to wear my favourite colour combination as the weather cools off a little...
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/silver_black_gold/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=91402541" target="_blank"><img alt="Silver, black and gold" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/dzT7y6DOwP8NZMW17mOQ/cid/91402541/id/DgZbF0kVSqOrVRxlZG0zRw/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Silver, black and gold" width="600" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.whistles.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/clothing-knitwear?resetFilters=true#product=903000060473" target="_blank">Whistles sweater</a>, <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/shop/womens-bags/clutches/oversized-willow-clutch-black-shrunken-calf-with-soft-gold" target="_blank">Mulberry clutc</a>h, <a href="http://www.allsaints.com/women/leggings/allsaints-khaki-echo-leggings/?colour=750&category=586" target="_blank">All Saints leggings</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/374678" target="_blank">Pamela Rose necklace</a>, </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/323383" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Aurélie Bidermann ring</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=ring&storeId=12556&productId=11370912&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057" target="_blank">Topshop ring</a>, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/374675" target="_blank">Saint Laurent heels</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/team_miuccia_monochrome/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=91474138" target="_blank"><img alt="Team Miuccia monochrome" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/FX187KHRVvXLfNy2e0ubLg/cid/91474138/id/1-xo4yhUQi6xXSXpyhWGBw/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Team Miuccia monochrome" width="600" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/367151" target="_blank">Helmut Lang leggings,</a> <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/390342" target="_blank">LPD New York T-shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/5,21/2209191693" target="_blank">Vans trainers</a>, <a href="http://www.tiffany.co.uk/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP03755&mcat=&cid=&search_params=s+1-p+1-c+-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+rose+gold+ring&search=1" target="_blank">Tiffany ring</a>, <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/ultra-mini-titan-ring-vita/vp/v=1/1572877437.htm?folderID=2534374302168726&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11784" target="_blank">Vita Fede ring</a>, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/365730" target="_blank">Eddie Borgo bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=11160987&langId=-1" target="_blank">Topshop backpack</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not just me that gets really excited about getting to wear black and white without looking 'unseasonal' is it!?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-45283979908626413212013-07-25T13:40:00.004-07:002013-07-25T14:48:41.282-07:00How to throw the perfect dinner party...NOT<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:36482hNESSwELpr9sS3NbE" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On my 101 list, I challenged myself to throw a dinner party for reasons I'm not entirely be sure... I am pretty awful in the kitchen and have absolutely no confidence in my abilities (due to the fact they are so lacking) and live in constant fear that I am going to give my 'victims' food poisoning. Therefore, I like to seriously overcompensate with decorations and alcohol (I apologise for the differing lighting throughout, they were taken at various points throughout the day):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picked up the table runner, place mats, napkins and candles from a cracking shop called <a href="http://www.butlers-online.co.uk/" target="_blank">Butlers</a> that is quite similar to Crate&Barrel but on a much smaller scale; it is the type of place that sells things that you didn't know you needed until you saw them. It's also pretty affordable, the candles were only 99p for instance. I tried to keep costs low as much as possible so, as it was a very informal evening, I just used paper napkins and little plastic kid's bowls as side 'plates' for bread, as my little flat is definitely not well stocked enough with crockery. I realise that the table could be viewed as a little gaudy, but I think that it works well in this sweltering summer heat. I personally really like the colour clash and think the massive white hydrangeas break it up well. As for the bubbles, well, what is life without whimsy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also set up a little 'bar' which later had olives, flowers and prosecco, but unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of that. I tried this funkin' bellini purée as I didn't want to be messing about trying to make my own, but I wasn't impressed really - it took a lot to get any real taste from them. And as for the cocktail shakers, I LOVED them when I got them as they're really bright and fun, but before even using them two of the 'heads' had broken off, which was very upsetting. I picked these up at Butlers, so just as a warning, they aren't the most fantastic quality.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_p97gNBw7uz98tlu7Bv5W_pb415cu9fL4ed3mNPyYchVmJpjm0dT0QfuK9xNZsps38mcrNB38-iXItiObmrFxe5xgdY1bKhlR9Ye4sQDP1g29SnTWr1wWVyn9EGm7xwBdMPw3Xtlg68/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_p97gNBw7uz98tlu7Bv5W_pb415cu9fL4ed3mNPyYchVmJpjm0dT0QfuK9xNZsps38mcrNB38-iXItiObmrFxe5xgdY1bKhlR9Ye4sQDP1g29SnTWr1wWVyn9EGm7xwBdMPw3Xtlg68/s400/IMG_2035.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for food, it was definitely not haute cuisine. The menu consisted of scallops and butternut squash purée (that was it, I forgot to put the other ingredients in), salmon with ratatouille and couscous, Eton mess (which I forgot to get a picture of, but I served them in Kilner jars as I didn't have enough bowls) and my amazing cheese board - this is the bit I'm most proud of, mainly as I wasn't responsible for any of the food. I stuck with the classic rule of one hard, one soft, one blue and one goats with crackers, grapes and chutney and it was pretty darn good. Sadly, though, I had plied my guests with so much food and alcohol that they didn't want any more by the time this came out and so this is now sat in my fridge and stinkin' up the joint. Marvellous.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-5323314577070408852013-07-22T19:21:00.002-07:002013-07-22T19:22:52.276-07:00Mid-year resolution: be a better girl<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4lHaUgqumnhiqLPwoG4MND" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather has been glorious recently, but rather than enjoy the amazingness, I have spent an excessive amount of time watching beauty videos and reading blogs, and they're really making me want to go out and buy every single skincare product and item of makeup mentioned. I have watched HOURS of <a href="http://www.zoella.co.uk/" target="_blank">Zoella</a> and <a href="http://sprinkleofglitter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sprinkle of Glitter</a> videos. And I know what you're thinking: you don't have a job, Lucy, maybe you should focus on that first. Well, I'm sorry, I can't help it, and hey, maybe better skin will help to get me a job...?! (I like to try to rationalise every life decision in such ridiculous ways).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been massively neglecting my skin recently and I don't really know why. It's not as if I have a high-powered, stressful job getting in my way or a jam-packed social life that is taking up all my time... Anyway, we're sort of half way through the year and so this seems like a great time for a resolution: I will take better care of my skin and learn how to stick creams and colours on my face in order that they make make it marginally more appealing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am very much one of those people that finds a makeup regime and sticks to it: same primer, concealer, foundation, blusher, eye liner and mascara. I don't even wear something on my lips every day as it scares me. I may have mentioned this before, but I have a really bad fear that I am going to look like a drag queen (not that there is anything wrong with that, I - not so secretly - wish I was a drag queen) and so I am not very creative when it comes to colours and fancy makeupin'. BUT, I absolutely love beauty products and have drawers full of unused products and I figure, I'm 22, if ever there were a time for atrocious makeup disasters, it would be now - old enough to half understand how to use everything/enough sense to start again if I look like Marge Simpson post-makeup gun, but young enough that at least I can console myself that I don't look like mutton dressed as lamb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, to start things off, I have just purchased my first EVER red lipstick, thus making me a proper grown up. It was this bad boy (only £5.49, as I wanted to make sure that it was going to look RIDICULOUS) and so far, I'm liking it: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss 01.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJGQ_Z_Uo_ySueAXT1k989BQwzMTaxzU-GhqZMIaLW9_b5lAZkNRsnH1gpyhHZCUnmZ8gteZktLZcP29rZ-biQr0s5HtMhCf7tc66Pu342LVp7B2dbnp2PG_wxLwaze7JLxt6j2doflk/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJGQ_Z_Uo_ySueAXT1k989BQwzMTaxzU-GhqZMIaLW9_b5lAZkNRsnH1gpyhHZCUnmZ8gteZktLZcP29rZ-biQr0s5HtMhCf7tc66Pu342LVp7B2dbnp2PG_wxLwaze7JLxt6j2doflk/s400/IMG_1993.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I reckon this is a slippery slope and, if I'm making a video similar to this within a year, please come round to my flat and cut my credit card into tiny pieces and disconnect my internet to prevent me from ever buying a beauty product again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been a bit of a nonsense post really, but essentially, I'm going to be buying more makeup and talking about it. So, there's that to look forward to...</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-51270257326083142802013-07-21T19:57:00.002-07:002013-07-21T19:57:58.201-07:00Men's Gift Guide<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:5TgD3Wh5ZUZnUU4tmVvJbx" width="250"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have 3 VERY difficult men that I have to buy gifts for at least twice a year: my dad and two brothers. I don't know if all men are like this but they don't want ANYTHING. My dad and eldest brother generally just don't 'use' very many things and my other brother just buys himself anything he likes (and has very expensive taste). With all three birthdays and Fathers' Day within two months of each other, mid June-mid August are particularly stressful shopping times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, whilst I'm searching frantically online, I thought I'd create a little guide so I can see everything side by side and maybe even help others who are suffering with the same pain! Here's a selection, depending on your budget...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Under £25</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gifts_for_men_under_25/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90452453" target="_blank"><img alt="Gifts for men under £25" border="0" height="435" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/jGw8IGqofXoBFP6aRcgF9Q/cid/90452453/id/tfBXDo60QZmK-1-6Yl6CDA/size/c600x435.jpg" title="Gifts for men under £25" width="600" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) <a href="http://www.drinx.com/product/3581/Buy-Jack-Daniels?gclid=CIP6lK2HwrgCFTHItAodQS4ANQ" target="_blank">Jack Daniels </a>- easy gift that will always go down well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.tedbaker.com/men%27s/men%27s_accessories/socks/list.aspx#-&styCode=105774&colRef=00-BLACK&path=/men's/men's accessories/socks/" target="_blank">Ted Baker socks</a> - fail-safe option; people need socks and these ones are a party in all the right places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=cosmic&storeId=12555&productId=10717057&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33056" target="_blank">Topman t-shirt</a> - who doesn't want a t-shirt with a French Bulldog on?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/where-chefs-eat-book/invt/5620401290012/" target="_blank">Book</a> - sure to make any foodies happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) <a href="http://www.riverisland.com/men/gifts/novelty/Novelty-scratch-off-map-272132" target="_blank">Scratch-off map</a> - a nice way to document where you've been/where you have left to go and it doubles up as a poster!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6) <a href="http://www.firebox.com/product/6078/Back-To-The-Future-iPad-Case?via=searchbox" target="_blank">iPad case</a> - this is the ultimate nerd alert! If you know what this is, you should be as embarrassed as I currently am. However, if you have a Back to the Future fan in your life, and you're looking for a fun, thrifty present, then this is an absolute winner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7) <a href="http://www.firebox.com/product/2087/Portable-Notebook-BBQ-Grill" target="_blank">BBQ</a> - all men love to barbecue, and this one folds up to nothing so that they can show these skills off wherever they go. And it's only £24.99. Amazing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mens_gift_guide_under_50/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90496348" target="_blank"><img alt="Men's gift guide under £50" border="0" height="420" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Bp8zaJlUV18zzztXZCDX1Q/cid/90496348/id/eXv_rzf4QgSBc0z8ax3D6Q/size/c600x420.jpg" title="Men's gift guide under £50" width="600" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) <a href="http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/hand-wash-lotion/hand-wash-lotion-sets/thai-vert-liquid-hand-wash-hand-lotion-set/TBG752/" target="_blank">Hand wash and lotion</a> - my brother has just moved into a new flat, and so this is a boring, but useful present.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/eshop-catalogue/homeware-and-gifts/leather-hip-flasks/classic-5oz-leather-hip-flask/7044-classic-5oz-leather-hip-flask-in-amazon-brown-croc#GBP#" target="_blank">Hip flask</a> - secret drinking, but keepin' it classy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.tedbaker.com/men%27s/men%27s_clothing/swimwear/list.aspx#-&styCode=101864&colRef=10-NAVY&path=/men's/men's clothing/swimwear/" target="_blank">Ted baker swimming shorts</a> - hopefully there is still enough summer left to get your money's worth out of these.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) <a href="http://www.asos.com/Vans/Vans-Era-Plimsolls/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2811409&SearchQuery=vans%20men&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Black" target="_blank">Vans</a> - a little bit of a cheat at £52, but it'd be worth skipping that latte for just one day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/godiva-new-gold-chocolate-box-385g/p231834314" target="_blank">Chocolates</a> - one of those gifts that is secretly a little bit for yourself too. But hey, if you're spending that much on chocolate, you deserve the treat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6) <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/Shop-Fragrance/Mens-Fragrance/Eau-de-toilette/Spicebomb-eau-de-toilette_208-77011643-SPICEBOMBEDT/" target="_blank">Spicebomb</a> - because nobody likes a smelly man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7) <a href="http://www.fortnumandmason.com/p-9386-new-the-piccadilly-hamper.aspx" target="_blank">Hamper</a> - who doesn't like a Fortnum's hamper? This is a great selection of condiments, teas and chocolate all for £50.</span><br />
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Under £100</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mens_gift_guide_under_100/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90500979" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Men's Gift Guide under £100" border="0" height="423" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/PoV5ciErwBR01Ih9bFtuRQ/cid/90500979/id/PHRvn6McTwyZNkQNcUwJtQ/size/c600x423.jpg" title="Men's Gift Guide under £100" width="600" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) <a href="http://www.harrods.com/product/mesh-custom-fit-polo-shirt/polo-ralph-lauren/000000000003172872?cat1=new-men&cat2=new-men-polos" target="_blank">Ralph Lauren polo shirt</a> - the men of my family absolutely bum polo shirts, and this one is fairly safe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) iPhone case - a swanky Mulberry case for a swanky phone which would look very smart to take to meetings and generally show off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.harrods.com/product/cheese-gift-set/harrods/000000000002496330" target="_blank">Cheese gift set</a> - I really love the idea of giving food gifts as you can be pretty sure they will be used and they can be treats that people wouldn't usually buy for themselves. This one is just so amazingly excessive that it's hard not to love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Bags/Categories/Shop-Men/Wallets-card-holders/Heritage-credit-card-holder_111-2000882-E0328ASCA/?previewAttribute=Black" target="_blank">Card Holder</a> - Zegna is a big winner with my siblings so this is a nice simple gift, that you can't really go wrong with (i.e. no wrong sizing!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) <a href="http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HB711ZM/A/up-wristband-by-jawbone" target="_blank">Up by Jawbone</a> - I personally REALLY want one of these, although I'm not sure how useful they could actually be. But for men who like gadgets, this one is pretty cool. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6) <a href="http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3628/12557/Fragrances/Cologne-Intense/Oud-Bergamot/Oud-Bergamot/Cologne/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Oud and Bergamot cologne</a> - a nice smell in nice packaging = perfect present.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7) <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Menswear/Categories/Shop-Accessories/Ties/Ties/Striped-silk-tie_415-78064228-50249723402/?previewAttribute=Navy" target="_blank">Hugo Boss tie</a> - again, a tie is a useful gift and you don't have to worry about sizing. This one is tasteful/muted enough to feel sure that it will be welcomed into their wardrobe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8) <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street-Luxury-Shaving-Box-" target="_blank">Shaving accessories</a> - I just love how old-school and everyday-indulgent this gift is.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-24076484348185951782013-07-20T08:47:00.002-07:002013-07-20T15:02:41.661-07:00Vine & Bloglovin: make me laugh in six seconds please<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4KoecuyOpZaNFZ0UqVsllc" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I admit it, I can be pretty late to the party when it comes to social media, I mean, who starts a blog in 2013?! BUT, I have sought to resurrect that and, as soon as I sign myself up to something, I quickly become obsessed (I currently have 7 tabs open up on my computer, and each of them is some form of social media - now I just need some friends).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, in celebration of reaching my first 1000 hits on my blog (woo!), I am happy to announce that I am now on Vine and Bloglovin', and here are my favourite Vines so far:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://vine.co/v/b2u2eM5Xglr/embed/simple" width="480"></iframe><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
<iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://vine.co/v/hzxpjd6b9d9/embed/simple" width="480"></iframe><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
<iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://vine.co/v/b0wvhvQtbMH/embed/simple" width="480"></iframe><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
<iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://vine.co/v/b0P30pWbXdj/embed/simple" width="480"></iframe><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE Eric Stonestreet, so no apologies for putting him in twice - there are few characters as perfect as Cameron in Modern Family. I am, however, finding it difficult to create anything so good - there is so much pressure to do something impressive in those six seconds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, lemme know if you're on either of these so I can give you a follow. </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9811127/?claim=tq6t7tytf9r" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> here, if you are so inclined, or get my Vine through my Twitter: @Lucy_J_Cross orrr, just send me over some recommendations of who to follow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Who remembers that Uncle Kracker classic by the way?! Absolute blast from the past)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-72220466162555081652013-07-19T11:23:00.001-07:002013-07-20T08:35:50.655-07:00What to eat/drink/do in London this weekend <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:3Q1ndYRb1L9gZdhMjirW0S" width="250"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I follow a ridiculous number of PR companies, pop-up aficionados and random bars and restaurants on Twitter, that my feed is usually awash with exciting sounding things to do in London. So much so that it can be overwhelming. So, here is my hit-list of things to try out in the capital this weekend:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-zMt54Y1nhZ_BxPwur3ZGPaZNcnUFGjzr2MAXGtxknA3Pf_KQjSq1q2aK2L-MMx8P8tnnrPwbesdNuhEDMuhUfIVNIYsb-1nNuUjYS9W7a3nn2UpCFQHAOdJXK1w8ZisLV-B9QpcnnE/s1600/Street-Feast-London.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-zMt54Y1nhZ_BxPwur3ZGPaZNcnUFGjzr2MAXGtxknA3Pf_KQjSq1q2aK2L-MMx8P8tnnrPwbesdNuhEDMuhUfIVNIYsb-1nNuUjYS9W7a3nn2UpCFQHAOdJXK1w8ZisLV-B9QpcnnE/s400/Street-Feast-London.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.streetfeastlondon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Street Feast London</span></a> - Having tried out the <a href="http://takemetocali.blogspot.com.es/2013/07/review-truck-stop-london.html" target="_blank">food trucks</a> at London Truck Stop already, I'm excited to see what the Dalston Yard sister event has to offer. Opening tonight, and continuing every weekend throughout the summer, this array of street food will be available each Friday and Saturday until midnight. And it looks good! Ranging from the standard (yet delicious looking) fare of hotdogs and tacos, through to the more exotic options of gyoza and dosa wraps (and the infamous Anna-Mae's mac'n'cheese from Truck Stop!), there is something for everyone. What's more, with entertainment on offer for adults (DJs and cocktail masterclasses) and children (workshops) alike AND the amazing weather, Street Feast London feels like a fail-safe option this weekend. @StreetFeastLDN</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/PingPopPong" target="_blank">Pop up Ping Pong</a> </span>- Having grown over the past few months into an incredibly popular event, the PUPP team are taking their fun filled night to the lofty heights of the 29th floor of Millbank Tower (home to Altitude 360). With catering from the 'pop up slider bar' #BRGR and a free cocktail included in the £7 ticket you'd be hard pressed to find something not to like about this night. Ping pong, burgers and booze, oh my! @PingPopPong</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Hangover Club</span></a> - In this weather, any excuse to be outside is a good one as long as it contains food and drink and no physical activity, obvz. Enter The Hangover Club, a few minutes walk from Tower Bridge - offering up everything you could want after a big night out, whether you're one for hearty breakfast burritos, healthier egg white omelettes, or hair of the dog Bloody Marys. And the Shakshuka sounds AMAZING. Make sure to book a seat if you're keen! @grub_club</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bobslobster.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">B.O.B's Lobster</span></a> - having visited Burger and Lobster as a pescatarian who didn't think they liked lobster, I was reluctantly drawn to the lobster roll and was an IMMEDIATE convert. So, what better than a roving camper van (although for ease, it is setting up shop this weekend at Borough Market) serving lobster rolls, lobster mac'n'cheese and lobster bisque?? Nothing. Nothing is the answer. @BOBs_Lobster</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-48879817178587352582013-07-19T03:04:00.000-07:002013-07-19T03:04:55.062-07:00Crate&Barrel lust-haves<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:0P1uVFhdZsNkMPbEgtNj5q" width="250"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think one of my favourite things about visiting America is shopping in the 'stores' that we don't have over here. Admittedly, they are slowly migrating over to this side of the pond (Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic, and soon J.Crew (yay!)), but there is one shop that I secretly absolutely love and wish would set up shop in the UK: Crate&Barrel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know, my flat is a mess and I'm useless in the kitchen, but I am slightly obsessed with kitchen/tableware. We do have shops like Lakeland and John Lewis over here, but these just don't quite compare to the amazing Crate&Barrel; they seriously have the most ridiculously perfect things that you never knew you needed until you saw them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For instance:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/crate_barrel_servewear/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90030446" target="_blank"><img alt="Crate & Barrel servewear" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/UJTnfjPcY98XXg9xugoJ9w/cid/90030446/id/ZOLXXhz7Ss_NERP9yaLARA/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Crate & Barrel servewear" width="600" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean, seriously, a platter for devilled eggs and a rack for tacos?? So OTT and yet perfect at the same time. And for somebody with a massive 'dip' addiction, that serving dish would be amazing, as would the pretty cocktail dispensers - imagine just setting that up and having mojitos on tap...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/crate_barrel_servewear/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90030624" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Crate & Barrel servewear 2" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/6Mzjx1X4EGmHaTfjHlEg/cid/90030624/id/TKmI93sPS_a7cv0xJgZh-Q/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Crate & Barrel servewear 2" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously though... one gadget to take the top off a boiled egg, one to strip corn of its kernels, a honey dispenser, speech bubble cheese markers, and a little board with a hole for a wine glass so you don't have to worry about carrying it while enjoying canapés...these things should not exist!! But I am incredibly happy that they do... If only there was a Crate&Barrel in London. Boo.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-27893316451990329082013-07-18T08:32:00.002-07:002013-07-18T08:32:14.394-07:00Birthday wish list<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:1CuEEiZwbcoGLwe0TKAcvH" width="250"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's my birthday next month (bleugh), and usually there isn't anything I particularly want, but since moving into my new flat and realising that 1) I can't just bob into my mum's room when I run out of makeup/toiletries/perfume or go shopping with her on a regular basis and 2) things are EXPENSIVE and I have to spend my money on really boring things like bills/food/transport, I have managed to rack up quite the list of treats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There seem to be 3 main areas: things I use every day and am now running out of, things for my flat and things that are entirely excessive, but I can dream...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_makeup/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90008767" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Birthday makeup" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/nUQclCqov0wNy7Buj6GwQ/cid/90008767/id/Ez55H6saRKC2hNOAI5HNtQ/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Birthday makeup" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<small><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_makeup/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90008767" target="_blank">Birthday makeup</a> by <a href="http://lucyjcross.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">lucyjcross</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mac_cosmetics_makeup/shop?brand=MAC+Cosmetics&category_id=93" target="_blank">mac cosmetics</a></span></small></div>
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Quite simply, I'm coming to the end of a lot of my makeup and I'm trying to hold out so that I don't have to buy them myself. I figure it's helping out as my brothers like to be told what to buy and they can't really go wrong with this stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_home/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90014476" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Birthday home" border="0" height="640" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Im6QD3cKCLBretSS7M0uuw/cid/90014476/id/MBgLDcFeR1q9MTQFtegpEQ/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Birthday home" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<small><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_home/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90014476" target="_blank">Birthday home</a> by <a href="http://lucyjcross.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">lucyjcross</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/molton_brown/shop?brand=Molton+Brown" target="_blank">molton brown</a></span></small></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My flat is lovely, but it isn't particularly home-y, so it definitely needs some scatter cushions to break up the incredibly uncomfortable boring black leather sofas. I also bought some prints online for the walls, but made the mistake of thinking they were framed and then when they did arrive, they were the most bizarre shapes for which, it seems, no frame has ever been made to fit. Therefore, I need to do some fancy mounting apparently. And then I just love Jo Malone and Molton Brown for a bit of everyday indulgence. And finally, my kitchen skills are seriously lacking, and so would like a little help/inspiration from the KitchenAid and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_wish_list/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90018498" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Birthday wish list" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/6fwJbcI5saJkXrHe7fXYw/cid/90018498/id/SkSHo2pPTTWMsK2SAHRXEA/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Birthday wish list" width="600" /></span></a></div>
<small><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_wish_list/set?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste&id=90018498" target="_blank">Birthday wish list</a> by <a href="http://lucyjcross.polyvore.com/?.embedder=6306248&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">lucyjcross</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pointy-toe_high_heels/shop?query=pointy-toe+high+heels" target="_blank">pointy-toe high heels</a></span></small></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the list for if any of my family/friends wins the lottery between now and the end of August...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, if you're reading this and wondering what to get me, feel free to pick from any of the above - thaaaanks!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-21464027464890455952013-07-08T14:17:00.001-07:002013-07-08T14:17:17.753-07:00Review: Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:1n8NKQRg8LVHy7oUhUgbFF" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today. Was. Amazing. I went to Warner Bros Studio for the Harry Potter tour and it was SO FUN. I will warn you now that this is about the nerdiest thing I will ever admit to, but just look at the excitement:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT_FIZldbMTC0wWTFXrZFaJuEkopzEu5U1wGE5BPCLMZP7cDcVDkP94qsOvu3R1A-dr3s50Q8Q3O1VO2veL8s6b0Uv-aQ5Sooek3ZolGk3FsbyynSVBWkqxmfYJHnRYzOwyJzH6e8Y2k/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT_FIZldbMTC0wWTFXrZFaJuEkopzEu5U1wGE5BPCLMZP7cDcVDkP94qsOvu3R1A-dr3s50Q8Q3O1VO2veL8s6b0Uv-aQ5Sooek3ZolGk3FsbyynSVBWkqxmfYJHnRYzOwyJzH6e8Y2k/s400/IMG_1932.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I could fill this whole page with pictures I took of all the things on offer, but I feel like that would bore the pants off you all (and unleash far too much of my inner nerd). Instead, here are a few of the 'best bits':</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt3NPJma26kgkLxS7no-ycCZfeVXjoqqQqmrQPHhiMeHwYrJkr5O2CPzvYTybXM0OBqUkpMAqZPQNf1wrWUfCP9OgXHAInBydMNm6kDCGKZHYwGZpRGxwt1HNPjZnLCm54Vb4_T5YeZs/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt3NPJma26kgkLxS7no-ycCZfeVXjoqqQqmrQPHhiMeHwYrJkr5O2CPzvYTybXM0OBqUkpMAqZPQNf1wrWUfCP9OgXHAInBydMNm6kDCGKZHYwGZpRGxwt1HNPjZnLCm54Vb4_T5YeZs/s400/IMG_1929.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Hogwarts Great Hall, Hagrid, Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore's Office)</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmAlweQk4v3s73_rjC2h_7W6Ivc-SwolV06CuM9348sCRMui8x8nLQ-UIEHQLANvZ05JAQd_UI080s2uS72cFgBepik5wklgvtBcScKbKgTAArudW1Wynv3Glx2j6w6c9IDMirkQBeb8/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmAlweQk4v3s73_rjC2h_7W6Ivc-SwolV06CuM9348sCRMui8x8nLQ-UIEHQLANvZ05JAQd_UI080s2uS72cFgBepik5wklgvtBcScKbKgTAArudW1Wynv3Glx2j6w6c9IDMirkQBeb8/s400/IMG_1930.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Ministry of Magic Floo network, Knight Bus, 4 Privet Drive, The Burrow)</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-lQ2bV33qmmEjrhYUauyMfDAT5Xe0W8J7FS7cScgSdD52YbVBSt9_Jz21vvgsn2Cga4vqFodrh7JwgRxNthQbsSWkdzhV-s1RTiESo3B1C0X0W_VrHCrslylGQH_Ehj9dh4frt3yl1k/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-lQ2bV33qmmEjrhYUauyMfDAT5Xe0W8J7FS7cScgSdD52YbVBSt9_Jz21vvgsn2Cga4vqFodrh7JwgRxNthQbsSWkdzhV-s1RTiESo3B1C0X0W_VrHCrslylGQH_Ehj9dh4frt3yl1k/s400/IMG_1931.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Zonko's Joke Shop, Hogwarts model, Diagon Alley, Ollivander's)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It really does make for a great day out; plenty to see - particularly the Great Hall and Diagon Alley -, well organised, not too busy (although we may have been lucky with a weekday out of school holidays...) and even if you're not that big of a Harry Potter fan (my sister's knowledge was seriously lacking) it's a great experience to see actual movie sets/props/behind the scenes if you're a bit obsessed with films, like myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tickets are £29 for an adult and obviously they try and get you to spend money left, right and centre (I definitely didn't buy a photo of myself riding a broomstick...), but considering you can spend as long as you like wandering around the place, it really does seem good value for money. And you get to ride broomsticks in robes. There's also a chance to try Butterbeer (and a number of Starbucks outlets and a £5 hotdog on offer) and you can live out pretty much any Harry Potter fantasy you like in the ridiculously large gift shop at the end - I cannot imagine anywhere else in the world with more owl memorabilia - so you can really let your nerd flag fly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, I would definitely recommend the Harry Potter tour at Warner Bros. Studio and I'd be more than willing to tag along again.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-68757498592532596942013-07-05T07:03:00.000-07:002013-07-05T07:03:02.182-07:00Review: Truck Stop London<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:3lOAn221rkkeOgPR6zctPm" width="250"></iframe><br />
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As a self-confessed Americanophile (pretty sure that's not a word, but I couldn't find a Franco/Anglophile alternative...), I couldn't just sit in on '4th of July', and so I decided to try one of the options from my <a href="http://takemetocali.blogspot.com.es/2013/07/party-in-usa.html" target="_blank">list</a>. As it is a monthly event and, having never experienced the food truck phenomenon, I opted for Truck Stop London at Canary Wharf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I've never been to a food truck site before, I think it's safe to say that the centre of London's financial district is a far cry from the concept's origins. However, the choice of Wood Wharf, a manmade island with a very green feel to it, actually worked pretty well and, if you can ignore all the city guys in suits, you could soon forget where you actually were.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxx2kSxfEJSGXj5WfWVAaTvMi4LcyIskGN0PBr4wQATkBrKvb1DGP_ofVEJ7ta-JFAvfoOFMSQ_AWnDSesJcCuK3cT4ytZ6WBVrHFd2X2L9yCoMMetWlngfrqMH5Tw9p0qnIE7bUdq2M/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxx2kSxfEJSGXj5WfWVAaTvMi4LcyIskGN0PBr4wQATkBrKvb1DGP_ofVEJ7ta-JFAvfoOFMSQ_AWnDSesJcCuK3cT4ytZ6WBVrHFd2X2L9yCoMMetWlngfrqMH5Tw9p0qnIE7bUdq2M/s400/IMG_1778.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were some of the first people to arrive and, although that meant that we were the ones to face the few teething problems of the evening (we were feeling indecisive so asked for a description of every drink on offer at the bar until settling on wine and making the poor bar guy search everywhere for a corkscrew), it did also mean that we didn't have to queue for a single truck and didn't have to worry about anything running out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing as how I massively pigged out and had a carb overload, I won't go into great detail about what I had (vegetarian balls (lol) from The Bowler, mint and courgette arancini and Pimms lemonade from Cheeky Italian, classic mac'n'cheese from Anna-Mae's, and mango frozen yoghurt from The Little Mixing Station), but overall it was pretty good. I do feel like I failed as I had wanted to try out the star of the night, Mother Clucker, and the Taco Shack, but I very much overdid it early on and just had to give up (pretty sure I went into a food coma when I got home...).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0mVdAnSoi1Y3bmYR2YMUgEw5LDds-qQtamfOSHBOtSVeiLbwo0_aYsvA8nAQKe1yl5pKStzlrlcIuKIRBmxqvB0frN7JrsQO1SYPpyOeoVzDpoiVJBfa8EKwluwwlyqipDk3UWpQvhw/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0mVdAnSoi1Y3bmYR2YMUgEw5LDds-qQtamfOSHBOtSVeiLbwo0_aYsvA8nAQKe1yl5pKStzlrlcIuKIRBmxqvB0frN7JrsQO1SYPpyOeoVzDpoiVJBfa8EKwluwwlyqipDk3UWpQvhw/s400/IMG_1777.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although it doesn't look too appetising, the veggie ball (with marinara sauce, rice, and sides of coleslaw and crispy onions) was really good but so much food! The arancini balls were great too (very minty!) but I did add red pepper sauce to them, which I think they definitely needed. As for the mac'n'cheese, it was definitely very popular (the queue was huge by about 7pm), and it did taste good, but for such a massive bowl, I once again had to add some sauce, this time of the hot variety. I think that this would have been amazing had I chosen a different version with toppings, but it wasn't the most veggie-friendly menu, so this was my only real option. If I ever cross paths with this food truck again though, I will be sure to ask if I can do a 'create your own'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desserts were a little bit disappointing, but as they're not really the star attraction of the event, I think this can be forgiven. Both the jelly and the fro yo were ok taste-wise, it was just the consistency that made it a bit difficult as the first was more like a puree and the other was a bit too lumpy, due to the mango bits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, it was a really fun event that I'm sure will only get better as time goes on and I would be really keen to visit again next month so that I can try the trucks I wasn't hardcore enough to get to!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-20001588978979893602013-07-04T06:57:00.001-07:002013-07-05T03:24:36.617-07:00Video CV<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:0vLwL4xuJ3s7SeaCdvMqkY" width="250"></iframe>
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I have been somewhat AWOL this week due to a project that I have been working on. For anyone who knows me/has read my 101 list closely, it is common knowledge that I do NOT have a job. However, this is something that I have desperately been trying to remedy. I've sent out a lot of CVs and also signed up for recruitment websites, but nothing has really worked out for me. Therefore, I decided that I would try something a little bit different, rather than just sending out speculative applications to companies I really wanted to work for and it just sitting in "jobs@nevergettingread.com" inboxes.<br />
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So, I decided to make a video CV in which I went out onto the streets of London and tried my best to persuade absolute strangers to hold my board and let me film them. The quality is pretty awful, as is the editing (apart from the fancy stuff that my friend, Will, did), but I think you get the picture.<br />
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So, without further ado, here is the masterpiece:<br />
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Also, a MASSIVE thank you to my friend, <a href="http://kizzleandellie.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kizzle</a> (who is a teacher so has to use her online alias) for traipsing round London with me and helping me convince strangers to get involved!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-53263619054732488452013-07-03T14:42:00.000-07:002013-07-04T00:38:38.269-07:00Party in the U.S.A.<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4TZZvblv2yzLIBk2JwJ6Un" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As it's almost 4th July, this seems like the perfect time for this post. As is hinted at in the title of this blog, and the silly number of entries in my 101 list dedicated to visiting there, I am pretty obsessed with the USA. I'm not really sure what it is - most probably it has something to do with the ridiculous hours I have wasted watching (mostly trashy) American TV shows and films: Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Saved by the Bell, Clueless, Seinfeld (redeems the list a tiny bit), The Hills, Sex and the City, Man vs. Food - you name it, I've watched it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I've been to America a fair few times, it has mainly been tourist-centric areas like Disney World, Las Vegas, New York..., and so not what you could call 'truly American' I don't think. I've just read <i><a href="http://lucyjcross.tumblr.com/post/54509734250/number-2-read-20-books-2-20" target="_blank">Stephen Fry in America</a> </i>and, although I wouldn't necessarily recommend the book, it has definitely sparked my desire to pack up and see all 50 states. Like, now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, as that isn't really an option at the moment, I'm very happy that my obsession is not particularly niche and it seems that every week a new US-inspired bar, event, restaurant or shop appears in London or we're simply graced with a brand that has previously been reserved for our Yankee counterparts (Victoria's Secret, anyone?!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This summer, I'm particularly excited for these things to get my fix...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.truckstoplondon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Truck Stop London</span></a> - The food truck market seems to be massive in America right now (again, I am basing this on TV/films that have told me this), and the mixture of lots of great US delicacies like Mac'n'Cheese, BBQ, Southern fried chicken, a classic diner and lots of alcohol seems too good to be true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.shakeshack.com/location/london-covent-garden/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Shake Shack</span></a> - The New York 'roadside' burger has finally reached London and, having walked past the huge queue in Covent Garden, it seems like I'm not the only person who's excited. As a pescatarian, I realise this is a weird thing to be excited about, but, hey, I'm a sucker for American brands!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thesportscafe.com/london/whatsOnDetail.aspx?event_id=10573" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Beer-pong tournament</span></a> - The best thing about the 'Frat Party' at Sports Cafe, Soho, has to be the heady mixture of red solo cups, beer and ping pong balls that seems to epitomise every American college film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com/king-ladies-man-tags/king-ladies-man" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The King of Ladies Man</span></a> - Although the speakeasy market is pretty saturated right now, having already visited the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town and (as far as I can remember...) having a pretty good time, I'm keen to see how the Battersea <i>'</i>The Breakfast Club' compares with the Shoreditch version...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If anyone has a</span>ny other recommendations of how to live out my American dreams in London, lemme know! </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-24371661228447049152013-07-01T08:49:00.000-07:002013-07-01T08:50:37.713-07:00Tumblr<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:3VZQshi4COChhXaz7cLP02" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guys, I've started a Tumblr blog... At first, I wasn't really sure what the point of Tumblr was (in all honesty, I'm still not sure I do now), but I've decided to start one as a quick way of documenting my progress in my 101 in 1001 challenge, rather than writing a post on here every time - 'I started working out with a personal trainer' is hardly very exciting, and would consist of nothing more than: it is painful and somewhat embarrassing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, here is the masterpiece:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lucyjcross.tumblr.com/">lucyjcross.tumblr.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, to quote that ever-favourite classic, the Supermarket Sweep theme tune: check it out, check it out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Erm, how was this ever a thing?!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-66482832577503095052013-06-28T19:17:00.004-07:002013-06-28T19:19:11.086-07:00Review: You Me Sushi<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4VmmNHz5nigftA0B3GR0M5" width="250"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I live disgustingly close to four different supermarkets; I'm talking 2 minute walk to each of them... But yesterday evening, I was far too lazy to make this trip to any of them, so instead decided to order some sushi. A quick google search sent me to <i>You Me Sushi</i> and, seeming to be pretty standard stuff, I decided to try it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41q4l_7ze-QsvknngpgPM4s-K-enCzdtpWdnX5p5mOmzO7IC8w4uimdbs1KwWubzNAm0HKt0EKI-aFWxSfI1x49mSR3yQ7F5Pep5p2plzhDezhLcMTsANKOsGGpazk2x_DkZ0PKdQBaU/s208/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41q4l_7ze-QsvknngpgPM4s-K-enCzdtpWdnX5p5mOmzO7IC8w4uimdbs1KwWubzNAm0HKt0EKI-aFWxSfI1x49mSR3yQ7F5Pep5p2plzhDezhLcMTsANKOsGGpazk2x_DkZ0PKdQBaU/s400/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a bit rubbish with sushi and never know how much to order. Needless to say, I ordered WAY too much - so much so that they brought two sets of chopsticks and soy sauce, assuming it was for two people (fatty) - and so I am planning on making a lunch out of it today as well (I'm not entirely sure that this is the best idea, but the supermarket is just soooooo far).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu4Po2DibFKbEDprU27PmnQdWJZ0TO64sbuyVbjKZvqJ5-V5uMbYIH0FNX74d64K37l5i0zW-BmFxq35GMhWGxEbEQOe8bx3y-zJ8jlUAAxdy4N7qe5nQZ6MM2D7qQLtdNKNnm02h7sA/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu4Po2DibFKbEDprU27PmnQdWJZ0TO64sbuyVbjKZvqJ5-V5uMbYIH0FNX74d64K37l5i0zW-BmFxq35GMhWGxEbEQOe8bx3y-zJ8jlUAAxdy4N7qe5nQZ6MM2D7qQLtdNKNnm02h7sA/s400/IMG_1581.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sushi was OK, although it had become a bit warm as my order included gyoza as well. They had thought ahead and kept them in two separate bags, but the proximity had made them go a bit 'sweaty'... They were also not very uniform at all, and fell apart pretty quickly (probably as a result of the sweatiness), but the spicy mayo that comes with certain sushis (is that the plural?!) is reeeeally good. My main issue though: there was NO wasabi - I didn't even think that was possible - so be sure to ask for some when ordering to avoid such bitter disappointment. As for the service, the site was easy to use, but the delivery was about twenty minutes late - not a great problem, but just be aware if you are about to eat your own arm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This wasn't the worst sushi I've ever had, but it also wasn't the best, so if I were looking to get some delivered again, I'd probably try somewhere different before going here for the second time (or I'd just get off my ass and go to the supermarket). There are a LOT of branches of <i>You Me Sushi</i> across London though, so potentially I was just unlucky with my order/branch, so all in all, a pretty useless review...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104792053199146766.post-67858355645231103052013-06-26T03:23:00.001-07:002013-06-26T15:53:45.569-07:00L'été Papillon de Chanel - Summer 2013 makeup collection<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:6ft9PAgNOjmZ2kFVP7LGqb" width="250"></iframe><br />
While perusing the local <i>El Corte Ingles</i> on a cloudy day in Palma, the latest Chanel makeup collection really caught my eye. I've already snapped up the <a href="http://takemetocali.blogspot.com.es/2013/06/chanel-lo.html" target="_blank">Bel-Argus vernis</a> from the <i>L'été Papillon de Chanel</i> Summer 2013 collection but on this trip the 'Stylo Eyeshadow' really caught my eye. I've never seen eyeshadow in pencil form, and I'm a sucker for packaging, so I had to try this.<br />
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I picked up the shadow in Black Stream as, although the collection is all about mixing bright, vibrant colours, I'm not quite brave enough for a yellow mascara, and something tells me that my attempts won't quite end up like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirr2H4OuBBRCpCKmZPivbkpSnE7dznWe8AivcxECY7i2TS6g_CnWqTDLGWtzS667apQFIAfQPXz1yno_qArwFZ7uCN5CaHPHBsfXpvnOT8ZtdCcAnt1E7VKFNtA9I9G58zDGP8Q8NCmk/s1600/Chanel-Summer-2013-Lete-Papillon-de-Chanel-Collection-Promo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirr2H4OuBBRCpCKmZPivbkpSnE7dznWe8AivcxECY7i2TS6g_CnWqTDLGWtzS667apQFIAfQPXz1yno_qArwFZ7uCN5CaHPHBsfXpvnOT8ZtdCcAnt1E7VKFNtA9I9G58zDGP8Q8NCmk/s400/Chanel-Summer-2013-Lete-Papillon-de-Chanel-Collection-Promo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, anyway, this is how the 'pencil looks:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGyiPmTWm9nFHO9XPBGfFMgkawNe7yx9DELGBooP-zUTzLujfzdWivEdxFNhB_qhZhtWNEywaMa6nFdfzf1rbyCOybwv8Huzf39Q7q5E_i_iFj6N9GgBHwYnhASc6N0R4_bF22NpJn50/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGyiPmTWm9nFHO9XPBGfFMgkawNe7yx9DELGBooP-zUTzLujfzdWivEdxFNhB_qhZhtWNEywaMa6nFdfzf1rbyCOybwv8Huzf39Q7q5E_i_iFj6N9GgBHwYnhASc6N0R4_bF22NpJn50/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTro3pYDt1aTTkazaQPw7FJdxB-7TpgM7Id2mf8CLuWACQ0VmYMcsAtwRvKLMP75I4OYY1j5AjC1j1eEhyphenhyphen5fDCoU3TN7SKfO9lJfMA7y2b2k23JTTtN_H3rQa3ff8IvGgqJVhJhrk_c4/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTro3pYDt1aTTkazaQPw7FJdxB-7TpgM7Id2mf8CLuWACQ0VmYMcsAtwRvKLMP75I4OYY1j5AjC1j1eEhyphenhyphen5fDCoU3TN7SKfO9lJfMA7y2b2k23JTTtN_H3rQa3ff8IvGgqJVhJhrk_c4/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this is how my efforts turned out. And, I know what you're thinking, "wow, are you the model from the campaign?!"... On the brighter side though, it was very easy to use. It is advisable, however, to smudge the shadow with a brush, as it has a tendency to rub off onto other parts of the eyelid and give you those horrible specks of makeup around the eye that nobody tells you about all day...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8adQFwhRWvZ__bq2AlzxY_sAGHVKw1TRzdKwcYJtWVovDWxMi0ARhk8jNViangbMx7n0a_tUMF5r0ny9Bab6SMaTDRuvaCoiQpXMyity65-fucj_v2zl1BozaRey6r1i2sIP-NZDiWc/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8adQFwhRWvZ__bq2AlzxY_sAGHVKw1TRzdKwcYJtWVovDWxMi0ARhk8jNViangbMx7n0a_tUMF5r0ny9Bab6SMaTDRuvaCoiQpXMyity65-fucj_v2zl1BozaRey6r1i2sIP-NZDiWc/s400/IMG_1634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Also in second image: <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dior+Diorshow+Black+Out+Spectacular+Volume/D151814,default,pd.html" target="_blank">mascara</a> / <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/Shop-Make-up-colour/Eyes/Eyeliner/Artliner-liquid-eyeliner_340-84010339-ARTLINER/?cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-PlusBox-_-Lancome&_$ja=cgid:5189056654%7Ctsid:35948%7Ccid:116283454%7Clid:24800246374%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:19879381294%7Crnd:5221886581332960766%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:1o1&gclid=CPyf3I_S_bcCFVMRtAodgSQApg" target="_blank">liquid eyeliner</a> / <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/151/1347/Products/Eyes/Liner/Technakohl-Liner/index.tmpl" target="_blank">pencil eyeliner</a> in Graphblack</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(It is SO hard to take a selfie of your eyes and not be cross-eyed. I just embraced it in the end...)</i></span></div>
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One thing to note is that this is exactly the same product as was brought out last year, although in a different form. I bought the potted form of this eyeshadow in a few different colours and absolutely loved it as the colours were great and would stay on for days (which I definitely didn't find out after my 21st birthday party...). However, it was a little bit difficult to apply, especially using the mini brush provided (I DESTROYED my cream bedroom carpet with the black one), and the shadow went very dry after a few months. I know, technically, you're supposed to throw out makeup after a couple of months, but I'm pretty sure nobody actually does that, unless it's a clumpy mascara or something. Anyway, so far, the new form of shadow is already winning for its easy application and I'm hoping that the pencil version will last longer too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDc4YLtldlZQ4d2ChuAtmvDWytYt07fzak7n3w7ligxa0-bBVloOONJpQBANS-bvjaUKmE9bo58qWm1-aNCxuWUQ-G6pthPPlHHZJxJTBk6h1ziD86hK5PVLc3G1jFJv4X1_1WtjuxLQ/s1600/IMG_1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDc4YLtldlZQ4d2ChuAtmvDWytYt07fzak7n3w7ligxa0-bBVloOONJpQBANS-bvjaUKmE9bo58qWm1-aNCxuWUQ-G6pthPPlHHZJxJTBk6h1ziD86hK5PVLc3G1jFJv4X1_1WtjuxLQ/s400/IMG_1633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fact still remains that I am awful at applying eyeshadow- I have way too much of a fear of looking like a drag queen (it troubles me daily). But maybe I just have to get a bit braver so that I can try some of the other shades, because nobody can look like a drag queen in yellow and green eyeshadow, right!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-cy6l7iEzJnPnPQZ5RW-vObAeIfzDlC4KT0Dq9ym-qKNR21RJlJh75cLWN5_AU9aXkWcUcbG4Oruexph_93TWMKZ7nCopimRSjunJv6HkRxjV7IYXIy2KFDwgngZ56wGSRrhwA7tB0Q/s1600/Chanel-Summer-2013-Lete-Papillon-de-Chanel-Collection-Promo7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-cy6l7iEzJnPnPQZ5RW-vObAeIfzDlC4KT0Dq9ym-qKNR21RJlJh75cLWN5_AU9aXkWcUcbG4Oruexph_93TWMKZ7nCopimRSjunJv6HkRxjV7IYXIy2KFDwgngZ56wGSRrhwA7tB0Q/s400/Chanel-Summer-2013-Lete-Papillon-de-Chanel-Collection-Promo7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Any tips on eyeshadow application would be greatly received - unless your name is Tanya Hyde or Chi Chi LaRue - I already know all your tricks.</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851437403657603868noreply@blogger.com0