Merry Christmas

Merry merry Christmas to all. I can this year say I am in the full traditional swing of Christmas without snow:) I have shopped Oxford Street, seen the lights, been to Harrods and sung carols at the St Paula Cathedral's Christmas Carol Service and enjoyed a lovely Church service. Now for the big day tomorrow, my presents are wrapped and under the tree, the turkey is in the fridge waiting. So I would say I'm ready. A few hints to tackle the problems that generally crop up on Christmas day though. Firstly wash the dishes as you go and cleaning up won't take so long. Get everyone there involved in the process kids and all, even if they're not yours rope them in and make a game of it. If any disputes arise politely decline to fight smile and change the topic. If you are driving don't drink. When the gifts are open have a rubbish bag readyfor the paper. Most importantly be thankful for whatever you get and don't forget the true meaning of Christmas, its the day we celebrate Jesus's birth and not about how many presents get. So smile, love and enjoy and may you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas. ......

Firm up, Shop & Save Enough Said

My new sale shoe boots £20.00 from Barrats, these are going to look great with black tights or in the spring with a work dress.  They even look great with jeans and because they're low cut the jeans fit over nicely.  I added the ribbon to smarten them up a bit, might still change to black ribbon. 

Yep that's right we are going to shop, save and firm up all at the same time.  Even though most of my Christmas shopping was done months ago I still had a few things to get and it seems, times they are a changing.  There have been so many pre-Christmas sales this year due to the bad economy that one is almost spoilt for choice.  Today Boots had a huge Soap-Glory-Big-Splendour gift for £25.00 down from £60.00! Needless to say they are already sold out on line.  So next year I might relax my Christmas middle of the year sale buying shopping to just birthday presents and do my Christmas shopping in December, its well worth it.  I have made a number of need be purchases this week and all have been in a sale, so I've saved lots of money and am a very happy camper.  But finding those bargains is not always easy.  So comfy boots on and I walked Oxford and Regent street, early mind you before the mad rush while clenching my bum cheeks, walking tall and tightening my thighs as I went.  I looked very posh walking tall I must say while been all wrapped up for winter.  If I bent down I made sure to bend my knees and stretch my legs, if I reached up I tightened my arms and stretched my back.  By the time I got home, I'd got all I needed to get and done a toning work out. Walking up the escalators at Bond Street and down while clenching your cheeks really is hard work.  Plus I saved money.  I also managed to get my bust measured while underwear shopping and ladies if you haven't done this yet, do.  There really is a lot of truth in that a lot of us are wearing the wrong bra's.  So next chance you have go get measured! Wrapping paper and bows all sorted from the pound shop and some stocking fillers too!

Looking fab for Christmas

Busy, busy, busy that's all I seem to be lately.  One thing I've realised from been so busy though, between working, sewing, blogging, Internet searching for various things is that I'm not eating junk at all:)  So the trick is to keep busy.  So busy in fact that I forgot to mention the wonderful design sewing class I went to two weeks ago at Miss Libby Rose. A big thank you to Libby for teach me how to measure and make my own dress from scratch, see the pic on my sewing page. 

Another thing sure to keep us all busy is the endless amount of work Christmas parties this time of year and other than worry about fitting into our dresses we need to make sure we keep fitting in to them.  Well I hope you've taken some of my advice and have been body brushing, creaming top to toe, lunging and exercising while brushing your teeth, every little bit helps.  If so you should be looking extra fab in the Christmas outfits.  Now to ensure we keep looking extra fab in the next outfit don't overdo it at the Christmas parties.  Have a big glass of water before you go and for every drink you have, have another glass of water.  The alcohol won't hit you so bad and your body will thank you.  As for the eating go slow, especially on the nibbles the water will really help here.  Keep the meals small and you'll feel great the next day and not as if you've overeaten.  And remember if your want to perk your bum up a bit, do the bum exercises I mentioned before in my bums of steel blog.  Do as many as you can as many nights as you can.  Balance on your balance ball, squeeze your legs at the top, do some crunches.  To lift your breasts do some Pushtu's.  Sadly remember no pain no gain. 

So here's to having a fab Christmas party time without feeling like you've overdone it the next day

Christmas is coming:)

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming, they say its not Christmas until you hear the Coca Cola Christmas Ad and even though I haven't heard it yet this year and maybe I'm just not watching enough TV but I've seen plenty of references to it on Face Book.  So the question is are you ready for Christmas.? Well I am though I'm not in the Christmas mood yet at all, we bought our tree yesterday but I have yet to go to Christmas market so that's my plan for next week-end.  But tonight I have had my Christmas gift box out, the box that I use for the whole year to store my Christmas gifts in that I buy through out the year in the lovely London sales.  One good thing about the recession if one can say there is anything good is there are lots of sales.  So in short my Christmas shopping is done and don't get me wrong it still took me hours through out the year and going from shop to shop to find the right gift for all those special friends but I didn't have to run out at the last minute or get crushed in the Christmas rush; mine is done.  Plus the money I've been saving every month in my little shoe piggy bank which I tell myself I can't spend as its for Christmas presents can now be used on me:) For my own Christmas gift.  So do yourself a favour for next year, buy in the Christmas sales ensuring you always have birthday gifts through out the year and in the sales through out the year will ensure Christmas next year will be sorted.  Don't forget the Boots Christmas gifts will still be 3 for 2 as they are now after Christmas sometimes at half the price.  If you have children after Christmas is the time to shop but as I said one thing we can be grateful for in England is the sales and this year they have started early because of the economic climate.  Now don't get me wrong I'm all for buying on the Internet and shopping around for a bargain but because of the economic climate the high street is suffering so I've deiced this year if I can afford it and it costs me a pound or two extra I'm going to buy a few things from my local high street, every little bit helps doesn't it at the end of the day. 

And if you're looking around for a new outfit for the Christmas party and budget is tight try this new website I have been introduced to call Swishing....it allows you to instantly swish online using virtual money credits.  You swap clothes with other swishes, its free, you can specify what you what, even if it must be brand new.  You swap your clothes you don't wear for credits and start swishing.  Swishing sends you your first free post bag whish you post back to them with your unwanted items in, you get virtual money credits for those items and all you pay for is the postage of your new item.  So get swishing and if asked who recommended you please say I did, I get some credits:)

So start your 2012 Christmas shopping early, miss the crowds and remember to keep saving a bit every month towards Christmas and then you get a nice surprise like I did tonight when its actually all done!. 
Merry Christmas. 

10 brill winter ideas and yes a cold rememdy too.

I have realised that it takes me all of 2 minutes if not less to finish a whole slab of cadbury's chocolate.  Now yes I know this is not good for my body at all and even though I tell myself I run it off, a slab a day is not good for the budget either!!!  So my solution included a slab of chocolate and corn flakes. I remembered that when I was younger we always helped my mom make cornflake chocolate clusters as a treat.  So idea number one.
1.  Make chocolate last longer, I can now make a whole bar last a week with cornflake clusters.  Melt the chocolate on the stove over a boiling water and be careful, pour over a lot of cornflakes, mix and place in cupcake holders, pop in the fridge and there you go.
2.  If you have little ones this will keep them busy and no doubt they will keep asking if they are set yet, so put them in the freezer.
3.  As winter is on the way I have a new cold remedy thanks to my lovely cousin Marian and for me it works.  As soon as I feel a cold coming on or wake up feeling a bit flu'ie I have this: Cold and Flu Relief Echinacea, Vitamins C & Zinc (in my experience the chewy one from Bassets are nicer) a good multi vitamin and my addition to the remedy is Vicks First Defence, remember to follow the directions, not to overdue and check with your pharmacist first.  Oh and Marian has odourless garlic vitamins too:) 
4. As England lacks a bit of rain of late and my hair has been incredibly static, solution, hair mouse not a lot just tip your head upside down and rub some in, works, wonders.
5.  If your office is cold solution, hot water bottle and don't laugh at least you'll be warm. 
6.  Not sure what to do for lunch for the winter, get a flask and make some super full of goodness veggie soup, lunch sorted.
7.  Don't want your bin to smell, put the smelly things in a plastic bag, tie it and pop in the freezer until rubbish day.
8.  Spread your vegetables cuttings over your garden even though its winter, they're great for the soil, it helps to turf them over though a bit and come spring your soil will be rich and ready. 
9.  Drinking too much coffee....can't stand the taste of green tea though you know its better for you, try rooibos green tea or get some fruity caffeine free antioxidant tea and combine the two.
10.  If you are a slave to coffee, limit it to one bought cup a  day or better yet every few days, saving the pennies and don't forget to only go to the stores with reward cards, after 10 your next one is free:)
Keep snug and warm and don't give up on the fitness, it will also help keep the colds and flu at bay.  So happy exercising:)

Old Coats = New Coats; Old Boots = New Boots

Well yesterday morning standing outside Euston for the Armistice service was a sure reminder that it is now getting cold, this coupled with all the nice warm coats, boots, hats and all round winter woollies in the shops just makes me want to go out and shop, new coat, new boots, new gloves.....the list could go on.  But do I really need new ones.  Looking in my cupboard I have 2 good formal winter coats a black and grey one I bought in the Debenhams sale when I first moved to London about 3 years ago, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and a lovely red one also nothing wrong with it.  Then I have the brown leather jacket which is about 40 years old or so it was my mom's and I redid the seam in that last year so that is going strong again.  There is also the light cream leather jacket I bought just before I left South Africa oh and don't forget the lovely black jacket/coat I bought last year when I happened to go to work not dressed warm enough and it started snowing.  So actually NO I don't need any more winter coats I have more than enough.  That's 2 formal ones, 2 casual ones and a black one that can go for both!  What my cupboard looked like before I went to the charity shop, goodness knows.  Anyway I decided to spruce them up a bit because not only do I clearly not need a new one but I can make the old ones look new with a few buttons or removing buttons as I did tonight.  To jazz up those old winter woollies instead of buying new ones, (we are on a budget of course)  I delved into my Nan's button box and its old, very old,  have a looksie in your grans or mum's they're sure to have one. 



This is the warm black coat/jacket I bought last year and I think it looks a bit too casual with the duffel's on so...scroll down.



The back of the coat is tapered in, making it look smart from the back especially with a nice pair of boots.



For the more snug look add a woolen scarf, this is normally my Sunday walk round the park wear.

And for the more smarter look, a dressier scarf, of course this will be wrapped around my neck, but you get the point.




Well I removed the duffel buttons and now I'm happy that it can be warn smart or casual:)

Now not forgetting the all important footwear.  Get last years boots re-heeled and polished they'll look as good as new.  And if you are needing new ones wait for the sales, mind you a lot of them have started already and invest in a good leather pair that you can re-heel and will last you for years, taking good care of them with sprays and polishes:) 
So all in all, I think its safe to say we are all set for Winter, I hope.


I guess I won't be spending more money on winter warmers this winter and was pretty good in managing to get all of this in sales over the years:) So yes a great wardrobe on a budget with good high quality is possible!!! And it's how you wear it that counts, its all in the confidence, remember that and each one of us can hold our heads high and walk tall...just don't forget your Scholl insoles.



Winter is comming

Good evening, well this has been a busy week-end.  Blackheath Guy Fawkes last night were amazing, I can’t believe that this time last year was freezing.  This year not so cold but today was a stark reminder that its getting colder and soon it will be winter and cold.  So time to get ready!!!  First what to wear.....I’ve got lots of ideas that won’t cost you a fortune.  Its time to start wearing all those items in your cupboard you don’t wear because you don’t have anything to wear them with.  Spruce up your boots from last year with some good polish and re-heeling.  Yes I did get my Soft Wear boots from Clarks but what a disappointment they didn’t work comfort wise as they were supposed to.  The balls of my feet were killing me so I returned them for a refund and decided I’d save my money and invest in the good leather ones I have.  On my search to ease the pain in the balls of my feet while wearing high heel boots I discovered in Boots that Scholl have brought out a new inner for highheels called Scholl Orthaheel Slimfit.  They fit in to narrow higheel shoes and don’t squish your toes.  You can return these to Scholl within 30 days for a refund if they don’t work, so I figured they should work but at a price of £23.00 my eyes almost popped out.  I decided a google search was called for and I found them on eBay for £16.00 including postage.  So far so good and I’m walking in ease in all of my highheel boots to work, around and back.  Well worth it and saved me a few 100 quid on new boots.  I love my little outfit I pulled together last week, the lace is the trick and it doesn’t have to be anything fancy even if it’s just cream, cream and black go really well together and look very smart.  The black skirt is one I made and the blouse is from Edgars in SA so quite a few years old and in order not to get my stay ups snagged I always wear long socks over the stay up’s underneath my boots.  I like these ones the little bit of cream lace sticks out and compliments the blouse. 



Nice lace stay ups, long lace socks to protect the stay ups, the cream lace matching the victorian lace blouse, black skirt = new work outfit.



Next your home this winter.  We all know that cold is not our friend and we need to get those bills down while keeping warm.  Now in SA we have no central heating, ran out of electricity one year and still managed to keep warm.  An extra warm jumper, socks, slippers, blanket and hot water bottle do the job if you are staying in one or two rooms.  So you don’t have to have the heating on boiling the whole time.  Remember that it is also better to have it on longer at a lower temperature than short bursts at high temperatures.  Check out this website for tips on insulating your home.  Another thing that is not your homes friend this winter is condensation and damp.  When we first moved into our flat we had terrible condensation, fortunately we were able to manage to change our windows and install double glazing with vents.   It made a huge difference our flat was warmer, bills down, and the humidity problem we had from the condensation drastically improved.  Remember water in the air is not good, so don’t dry your clothes on the radiator, don’t leave water lying around because that evaporation has to go somewhere and it goes into your walls.  On the week-ends air your home out opening the doors and windows.  If you do have condensation on the windows wipe it off straight away.  Another big help is a dehumidifier but these can be pricey so for the long term double glazing with an environmental energy certificate is probably the best way to go.  We have invested in a few  Unibond Stop Humidity, Humidity Absorber as well and these really help.  Next blog, how to spruce up your winter coats so they look new and different.

For all the lovely new mommies out there

It seems in the last three months or so 1 out of every 2 woman I know has had a baby, in one week I knew of 7 babies born!!! Really good news if you ask me.  Though I do think their lives have now changed and so to have their routines.  In the last few weeks I've had a few friends ask about tips to tone up and loose the baby weight.  Now as I have never had a child and am not a dietitian who would know what you should be getting in if you are breastfeeding to keep the little one in tip top shape I would suggest checking the diet with your doctor or a dietitian.  I can give you some good tips though which applies to all of us really and does help keep you on the go when you are feeling tired all round.  I might not know tiredness from being kept up late all night but I do know tiredness from getting up early to run or gym, doing housework, going to work, coming home sewing and going to sleep.  Like I said not the same tiredness but I need energy all the same.  Anyway I have worked out if I have a banana or tomato or both first thing in the morning especially before I going running, my energy levels are all go for the day...yey which means at 10.00 I'm not falling asleep at my desk.  I've also discovered if I do feel like I'm falling asleep fresh air and rooibos tea does wonders to wake you up.  Right, back to the eating plan if you are not breastfeeding.  The first thing you have to remember is that you have to burn more calories than you are eating.  So lots of fruit and veg and no rubbish eating.  I would suggest a banana first thing when you have to wake up, then breakfast being All Bran not special K, All Bran with semi skimmed milk, you need the calcium for your bones and skimmed milk doesn't have enough.  Next time your feeling hungry have a glass of water first if your still hungry after that have some fruit or a cracker and cheese.  Make a healthy chicken salad and nibble on that through the day have yogurt, anything that is good for you, no sweets and no biscuits.  Its winter so have some healthy soup for lunch and follow the same rules as the morning if you get hungry in the afternoon.  For dinner have a healthy piece of meat with veggies, brown rice, wholeweat pasta no sauces and no ready meals.  I replace the sauce with cottage cheese on my food.  Get a good cellulite busting cream as well, remember to body brush.  Try the Avon Anew Cellulite I think you can use this while breastfeeing but please double check with your Avon Agent first!!  Or if you are not breastfeeding then try Annique Decrease Cellulite Cream warning however this is strong and it works but DO NOT USE IF BREASTFEEDING. There is also their Annique Body Sculpt . Rember that the creams only work combined with good eating patterns and exercise. 
Right now you have to exercise and no excuses.  Put your lovely baby in the pram and get walking.  Find a hill and to start off with once every 2 days push the pram up the hill keeping your back straight.  Then start doing it every day or twice a day. If you get 5 minutes do my bum exercise from my previous blog, bums of steal take 2.  Get yourself a gym ball and when ever you sit, sit on the gym ball toning your inner muscles bounce baby up and down on it to put them to sleep, roll from side to side with your stomach muscles while sitting.  The things you can do are many.  Want to perk up your breasts a bit, push ups.
I have also had a google and found out that there are some great classes for new mom with baby and pram. Hopefully there is one in your area if not get together with other new mom's in your area and start your own walking group.

http://www.pushymothers.com/
http://www.mummiesandbuggies.co.uk/
http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/diet/150171/New-mums--workout
http://www.beez-kneez.co.uk/
http://www.fitnessformummies.co.uk/
http://www.pampers.co.uk/en_GB/Me
http://www.netmums.com/barnet/local/view/classes-for-you/exercise-classes/buggyfit-class

For those of you who would like a good DVD I found this pilates dvd comes highly recommended. 
As with any exercise the main thing to remember is its all in your head, there is no such thing as "I can't"...just ask my sister that I made her run up the hill she kept saying "I can't Lisa Janey".  And now she runs up it no problems freely by herself. The other thing to remember is no excuses, excuses is laziness if you want to do it you will.  There you go ladies and I hope this helps don't forget drink lots of water and always check first that its okay to do while breastfeeding because like I said I've never had a baby. 

Another spot buster = beautiful skin

I don't know if you can remember or not but a while ago I blogged about how to get rid of spots with   Boots-Tea-Tree-and-Witch-Hazel-Spot-Wand and this week I made another profound find with their Boots-Tea-Tree-Witch-Hazel-Night-Gel.  I found after using it that I didn't have to use the wand every morning as I had no spots sprouting up over night to say a big good morning when I looked in the mirror when I woke up.  As we have had such a weird season change this autumn with it been hotter than it was in summer one day and extremally humid to the next day been fine then hot again, well I feel like I have skin that I should of had in my teens, so I have to admit with not wanting to pay a fortune finding something that worked and keeping to the budget meant the teenage route and Freederm cleansing wipes is what I have been using to cleanse my face with lately and so far so good!!! But I'm also hoping that nature will now play its part with the weather seeming to settle that things will go back to normal:)

I've updated my sewing page as I've finally taking some pictures but below is a dress that cost me £3.00 to make, yep £3.00 and on the 12th of November I've decided to go to a dress making class in Greenwich at Miss Libby Rose so see what else I can do.  Really £3.00 now I just have to find somewhere to go to so that I can wear it out to, good job I've been doing my bum exercices, I hope you still are!





This is from Simplicity pattern 2927 and is the second dress I've made from this pattern, different colours different dress.



I also have some handy DIY advice for your home if you want to save space in a room and the door is in the way looking at getting some folding doors at B&Q or Homebase, they don't cost a fortune look great and create space.  Also if you have any loose wires lying around tidy them up with little nail tacs they are amazingly easy to put in I found out or if you go to the electronics department in the harware store they sell all sorts of little gizmo's these days to keep all those loose wire neatly tide up and out of the way. 

And if you're interested in a Kindle I see the new one is out at Amazon for only £89.00 as I already have one I haven't tried it yet but I hear its brilliant and much cheaper than the orginial one.  I'll find someone who has one, have a go and update you all soon.  But do check it out. 

Bums Take 2 and shoes, glorious shoes.

Right ladies, I realised last week the dreaded sag, you know that feeling when you put your favourite dress on look in the mirror and your bum looks like its sagging, so you take off the dress and stare at your bum in the mirror wondering if you have become bum obsessed, is it really sagging or is it all in your head???? Well I decided that it wasn't in my head, so I took my own bums of steel advice and spiced it up a bit.  Every night this week I have taken one of the techniques and done one leg to one whole song so in total about 400 lifts and yes I think its working and I feel better.  What exactly did I do....well on all fours with one leg straight out behind me I lifted this leg up and down, up and down for about 400 counts and burned like a red hot chili, then I did the other leg.  The next night on all fours again, MTV blaring, kindle on the floor in front of me on all fours I got again and this time did the leg push ups, so leg at 90 degrees and I pushed up for 400 counts each, I also read a chapter in Game of Thrones Book 3.b to which I think I am addicted.  And so I went on the whole week.  This morning I did my bums of steel routine and now if this has gotten easier for you I have another add on, once you've done the leg push up at 90 degrees hold your leg there and turn it out at a right angle (this is commonly known as the dog peeing position) and lower it down, then up and flex the leg completely out bring back in down, up out for a count of 25.  Remember to limit the not so good for you food and stick to wholewheat.  And get on your gym ball, rock your baby (if you have a lovely one, most of my friends do, hence the mention) to sleep while bouncing up and down and working your abs at the same time. 

A dear friend of mine has mentioned Nia Classes that she attends in Bahrain.  So if you're up for trying something new and different give it a go.  I haven't yet but if you do, leave a comment and give your thoughts on it. 

Now I know I haven't updated my sewing pages lately but I've had a bit of a bad run, with things not working out but the good news is I managed to make a dress today with no hiccups, so I'm back.  I'll need to take some pictures and upload them all.  Watch this space.

Well I have being on the look out for new winter boots, I was very good and saved up some pennies:)  I've been looking at the Clark's SoftWear Range they do not look like old lady boots and are so comfy to walk in, I've found the older I get the less the balls of my feet can take walking in my beloved high heels, but I've heard this could also have a lot to do with all the running I do.  So Soft Wear it shall be, the name says it all.   There is also Foot Glove and Insolia from Marks and Spencer's, though I've only seen one pair of shoe boots in the collection that I'm thinking of getting.  But if the weather is getting cool fast and I only need a knee length pair, I'll wait for the sale before getting the shoe boot pair, if I don't really need them now.  Always a savvy shopper, I can't say it enough if you don't need it don't buy it, save the money for something your really need. 

Bums of steel

We would all like bums of steel or at least a more toned bottom that isn't sagging.  Honestly I think a toned round bottom is way better than a tiny sagging one.  So how do you tone your bottom so that it works? 

Right get out that exercise mat and whether it is in front of the TV or with the music in, if you're well balance you can even read a book or magazine at the same time. 

Right let’s start, lay down on your side keep your body straight resting your head on your arm.  For a count of 25 lift your top leg up pulling your leg taunt and keeping your tummy muscles tight, the bottom leg should be straight but if you need help balancing hold your bottom leg at a 90 degrees right angle.  When you move the leg up and down do this slowly going up as high as you can so that the tummy is muscles work and pinching the butt at the same time.  Once you have done 25 don't put your leg down keep it up and pulse for 25 in the mid air then go back to doing another 25 up and down slowly.  Finished DON'T PUT THE LEG DOWN, hold it half way and do 25 mid air circles forward and then 25 mid air circles backwards, the bum should be starting to pinch about now but we're not finished. Next with the same leg we're going to do extended leg curls lying in the same position with the same leg do a leg curl but move your leg upwards as in the first exercising for counts of 4 leg curls.  When you are finished turn over and do the same on the other side. Remember to keep your body taunt, don't fling your legs and don't lean forward!

When you have finished that get on all fours and extend your leg straight backwards and keeping the body taunt, lift it up and down for a count of 25 then same as previously pulse mid air for 25 and then return to doing 25 slowly up and down.  When you have finished keep the leg in the air and do leg curls for 25 slowly when you have done the 25 keep the leg up holding it the foot parallel to the ceiling, your leg at 90 degrees and push upwards. Imagine a plank above you and you have to hit it with the flat of your foot, do 25 and by now your bum should be burning.  Remember to go slowly. 

When you have finished that do 25 counts per each leg of static lunches and then do 25 counts on each leg of lunches keeping one leg static and the other leg moving forward, then swap legs. 

You will probably be cursing me now but your bum will be saying thank you. 

Do this at least 3 times a week and you will see a difference I did, my bottom use to sag but after all the lunges and leg exercises it doesn't anymore. 

Remember when you walk shoulders back tummies in chest out and bum taunt.  It really will work your bum and if you want to boost the work out above find a steep hill and walk taunt up the hill and down, try alternating do the walk one day and the exercises the next day, a toned flat bum can be yours.  Remember to cut back on the junk and sweets, eating healthier food and away you go. 

Another thing to try is looking for walks in your area, especially as its autumn in the North of the World and spring in the South of the world.  Google walking trails, take a friend, take the family make a day of it but get outside and get walking. 

If the bum starts to hurt and pull then it’s working....good luck. 

Pretty faces

Well as we are currently basking in 29°C heat in London at the moment and South Africa is going into summer I hope you haven’t forgot about your sunscreen.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to put on sunscreen all over.  Put it on when you put on your moisturiser in the morning and it should be at least an SPF30.  Nivea has a new one out that supports  your skins natural tanning abilities while still protecting it from harmful damaging rays.  And don’t forget to make sure your moisturiser has an SPF in it of at least 15, preferably 25.  If it doesn’t then try Simple’s face range of Sun Sensitive Protecting Facial Lotion, in an SPF25 or SPF50.  I know £10 is quiet a bit but you only use a little dollap and it goes very far.  The best thing is that it isn’t oily so your skin doesn’t break out in spotsJ 

While on about the sun been out though I am looking forward to winter and wearing my winter woollies the sun is still strangely out at the moment and I know we all want a tanned body but please remember sun beds are not the way to go.  They are highly dangerous and though you might not see the negative effects now in years to come you will.  Ever wondered why all those older sun kissed ladies look like they have perhaps one two many wrinkles or their skin is a little bit thin...too much sun is the answer.  Now I know orange is not a good look either but the self tanners you get in the shops these days aren’t at all bad don’t turn you orange and don’t smell bad.  I use the self tanners that you put on straight away, you can see where you have left a gap and it washes off straight away and apply just lightly to my legs when I need it.  It would look funny after all if I was all of a sudden tanned all over as I’m naturally fair and yes I’m proud to be so fair. 

Now while I’m not a fan of wearing foundation myself because I think if you don’t need to wear it don’t your skin will be better for it but if you do wear foundation a lot I came across an article in the Stylist tube mag last week and though I just had to share which might be old news to some of you but is newish to me.  Make up now also repairs, improves and provides anti ageing agents tooJ 

There is Clinique’s Repair Wear Laser Focus all-smooth Makeup SPF15 selling at about £27.00

Revlon Age Defying Cream make-up with DNA Vantage SPR20 selling at about £13.99

And one I found while searching all of these: Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick  doesn’t just colour but contains a blend of shea, avocado and antioxidant rich white tea extract....think I might look at getting me some of that but I’ll wait until they have a free gift or 3 for 2J

And for the most delicate skin that we have the eyes there is:

Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-hour eye Colour for £ only available from 1 November.

Revlon Grow Luscious lash Liner treats lids to vitamin E, ale and chamomile as it colours.

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express the colossal Cat Eyes Mascara for £7.99 is a collagen and jojoba enriched mascara that promotes lash growth and is not clumpy.

Now remember don’t buy for the sake of it rather safe the money and look out for great 3 for 2 offers, most stores already have their Christmas goodies in. 

 A little tip I picked up the other week which is has nothing to do with makeup but I just thouhgt' I'd share is when you next have a picnic and don't want the blanket to get all dirty buy a cheap shower curtain for £1 from the pound shop and put it underneath the blanket.

Thanks for reading ladies please feel free to click following on the left so I know who I’m blogging to and if you add by email you’ll get an email every time I update. 

 Next time some more tummy exercises. 

Don't forget the feet.

Right ladies, last weekend,  I completed the Great North Run 21km or 13miles.  It was amazing, thank you for all the support.  Though I think I'm going to send in a comment asking them to mark km more frequently I kept on trying to convert the miles to km in my head.  But at the end of the day I'd done something I set out to do and I can honestly say it is all in the head, if you think you can do it....yes you can do it. 

I really do hope you are all keeping up with the body brushing and buffing to combat the cellulite, not forgetting the squats and lunges while brushing your teeth, believe me they really do help.  I can now also touch my toes so much more easily after practicing while drying my hair upside down.  Don't forget to pull your shoulders back though.  

As from this today I have decided to go chocolate and sweet free:)  Don't know how long that will last for but I'm going to give it a go.  I think that if I do at least two weeks with nothing bad, I might be able to run faster.  So set yourself your own little competition and see how long you can go for, infact leave a comment and we can all spur each other on.  How about that. 

Right after that run and with starting to wear my favourite foot wear boots my feet have been well a bit worse for wear so let me show you the best 3 things you can have for your feet, the foot buffer, the foot shaver and the pedi egg:) If you only go for one I would highly suggest the pedi egg, it shaves a lot of dry skin and ensure the balls of your feet are soft and smooth and cracked heels really are a thing of the past. 




Foot files, the foot shaver and pedi egg




The shave of the pedi egg....really brilliant.


Now what I've found is that sometimes its easier to use the foot files straight after a bath and its easier to use the foot shaver and pedi egg when the skin is a little bit harder but not too hard.  Then when I'm done, Vaseline or moisturising lotion, pop some plastic bags over your feet put on your socks and super soft feet await you.  Give it a go. 

Don't forget to check out my sewing hobby page I've just updated it. 

And thanks for following ladies and if you're reading this and aren't following please click to follow and sign up for email updates.

Right I'm off to soften my feet. 

A nifty little make for plastic bags

I don't know about you but I find the plastic bags you get at the local grocery store handy, I don't misuse them and have them lie around the countryside and I don't take what I don't need.  I use them for the rubbish and the recycling so they get recycle.  I also make sure they can be recycled or de-compose.  This saves me money on using bin liners for everything.  But I did hear today that for good quality bin liners, Aldi for £1.00.  Much better quality than £2 ones from other grocery stores. 

Now where to keep them is another question.....well the solution.....these nifty bag holders I made.  My mom made some years ago.  I asked for the pattern and she said no need, just cut out a piece of material in a rectangle/square,  put a seam down the middle, hem at the top and hem at the bottom, that you feed some elastic into and tada......



3 bag holders in a row, Small, Medium, Large





And out pops the bag.



DIY...why didn't I think of that

Well I've had a bit of a sewing nightmare, hence my absence, but all sorted now I hope and will publish pics once the dress is finisshed.

Now on to some DIY to make your home simple, smart and saving pennies. 

Our wall rack in the kitchen.

My sister and I last year moved into our 2 bedroom flat.  But we have a small kitchen and not enough storage space....our problem solver we got a sideboard from Sainsbury's believe it or not, we got 75% off and it is solid wood, never be afraid to shop for furniture in Sainbury's, Argos or Tesco's except for lounge suits, they're quite small.  We also have a rack on the wall in the kitchen which at first glance we thought ahm, no this won't look nice but actually, it does.  We have our spices and tea, coffee sugar on there but we've spruced it up a bit with some bright tins and the teapot. 





Our solid Indian wood sideboard double used as a TV stand filled with our extra kitchen goodies.



Now in our lounge come dinning area is our funky pink chair.  So to seperate the lounge and dining a bit I added these photo's.  I got the frames for a few pounds from Matalan and printed the photo's myself.  I decided to drain the colour a bit on fotoflexer and make them green and pink to to bring out the pink on the chair and they all blend in.  We also got the mirror to lighten up the room also from Matalan.   Result is the room looks a bit bigger, sophisticated yet funky and all without costing a bomb.  I also like these faux leather boxes (I've posted a link to the whole page, if you can't see them scroll down a bit) which you can get at most stores, I got mine from Matalan, they can doule as a coffee table while hiding things inside, mine is full of my weights....wouldn't be able to have those lying around the lounge it might look like a cross between a bachelor pad and funky girly. 



At the end of the pictures is our chair, so the start of the lounge, see below.



the funky pink chair



Now another tip when decorating, always see if you can do it yourself its always a lot cheaper and you learn a new skill, we had to put up our blinds after we had the windows done, first time we used a drill completelly by ourselves and they're still up.  And if ever in doubt search it on youtube there are so many self help DIY video's.

Now what if you are limited on space or the doors are in the way?  My friend has this problem, they just got a lovely new house but the bathroom with the shower in is in an off suite off the attic room, not a problem to get to but as the bed has to be in the centre the bathroom door can't open properly....my soloution to her problem was these folding doors. They look neat and tidy and give you more space in a room.  I'm thinking of buying one every few months to slowly redo our doors and give us some added space. 





Bye bye spotty spot spot and bikini bottoms.

Yep you read the title correct and yes I seem to of acquired a few spots on my face:(  Now I don't know if this is from the seasons change and the humidity or the Optimum face cream I was using that didn't agree with my face.  The good thing is my breast and neck are really soft from the Optimum face cream because that's where I'm using it now.  So now I'm tackling the spots.  But before I get there, let me say I used to always suffer from spots and I was trying everything from laser treatment to toothpaste (toothpaste does work) until I stumbled upon my first Clinique Samples 1; 2; 3 now my skin type is type no 3 and a moisturiser that suits my face...mine can be a bit oily.  So get some samples girls and give it a try first because it's expensive you don't want to waist your money.  Go to any Clinique counter ask for a skin test and some samples to have a try first. At the moment I've found Amazon the cheapest except for the cream.  Boots does have an offer on where you get extra points or google and see which shops have it on offer.  And don't forget the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish  cheapest at Boots at the moment.  Now once I had my spots under control, I started using other creams.  Yes I did try the Optimum which went a bit wrong but this could also be with the season change.  Good news is it has come right with the L'Oreal Revitalift 10 and to keep the present spots under control I recommend it up right up there with Clinique for less than half of the price, currently £3.56 you have to try:  Boots-Tea-Tree-and-Witch-Hazel-Spot-Wand with a day and night it really works.  Remember you can always mix and match and just because its expensive doesn't mean it works.  I know the Clinique is expensive but its one thing I didn't regret spending money on because it sorted my spots out.

Don't forget to wash properly every morning and evening then tone and moisturise.  Read my post Beautiful and Perky for a good routine and remember the eyes, necks and decolletage area.  NB!NB! don't forget the SPF and sunscreen, I never go out with out it and that's how I look younger. No sun and minimum makeup.  I haven't been in the sun for 10 years now...I learnt my lesson hard in the South African sun, blood red from neck to ankles and all I had to show was freckles.  STAY OUT OF THE SUN ladies and always use sunscreen and a hat, you'll be thankful. 

Now if you are going out into the sun as you are now having summer and you don't feel like showing your bum off but would still like to wear a bikini try one of these:  The Bikini Skirt Brief or the skirtini's below are from BHS but unless you can find one in store they are sold out on their website I'm afraid.  But have a google you will be surprised what online stores there are selling all kinds of underwear and swimwear to cater for different shapes, sizes and needs that you don't always find in store. 

Now don't forget the sun screen. 

Till next time ladies and I'm thinking some DIY that doesn't cost a fortune, we can all have nice homes that look exquisite on a budget.

(P.S if you are only following by email please add yourself as a follower as well, then I have sort of an idea who I'm talking to.  And thank you for reading:)

Gadgets that work!!!

Right ladies, I'm sure you're wondering what to spend those pennies on you are saving.  Maybe a holiday a nice handbag or coat the list in endless.  But I thought I'd reviews some gadgets that really work and are well worth saving up for. 

Two years ago I got my Laser Hair Removal Machine and yes it does work.  When I bought it I got it on a special for £240.00.  Now I am very faired  skinned so it works like a dream on me.  Remember the darker your skin the higher the chances it won't work as your skin will absorb the light instead of reflecting it off.  It takes longer to do than going the professional route but is a lot cheaper.  I did it once  a week on my bikini area for about 9-12 months and now I do it once every month or so.  Its a lot cheaper than having it done professionally, the hair growing back and having to go back to a professional clinic and pay again and yes your hair will eventually grow back.   Clever me however forgot to do under my arms so now I'm doing it once a week again under my arms.  I have to bear in mind though that I waxed my bikini line for a long time so the hair was already a bit thinner.  What I did was I stopped waxing, lasered the hair and then shaved it off.  4 weeks later I did that again and slowly but surely the hair stopped growing back or would fall out. But I would alternate and some times shave first and laser and some times laser and then shave.  Now however there are so many more choices on the market for laser removers that are really good.  Do your research however and don't forget to search for the best price.  Here are few I would recommend, the new boots one or the Philip's new one at Amazon there is also the Remington one from Amazon.

My other great buy is my Kindle.  Now I normally only have time to read when I am travelling and a book really does weigh your handbag down and this is REALLY VERY BAD FOR YOUR BACK!!! Now I'm very traditional and really do like the feel of the book.  Also I didn't want to damage my eyes which is what happens when you read a book off of your phone or computer screen.  So Kindle it was and I love it.  Its light and can hold of 3000 books.  60% of the time they are cheaper too and you get so many free books on Amazon too:)  I try to buy my books through my Nectar account and get points still however.  You can do this through the Kindle though as well.  I went for the cheaper option and just go the normal WiFi option .  The difference between the 3G and the WifFi is that with the 3G you can download a book and go on the Internet anywhere but don't forget this has to be linked to your phone or service provider and you will get charged for this.  WiFi you can only connect in a WiFi area or with your own WiFi at home but then there are no surprises when your bill comes unless you have unlimited data on your mobile. I bought my Kindle on the 8th of July I've read a 800 page book and am 36% (according to my Kindle) through the 3rd book of the Game of Thrones series also about 800 pages and I've charged it twice, when I bought it and about 2 weeks ago.  The Kindle only uses power when you down load books, search the Internet and turn the page.  The great thing about the design is that when you are standing and been swayed on the train or tube you can change the page with one hand. I no longer fall onto people when I try to change the book. 
To keep it light I decided not to get one of the heavy covers but got this pouch instead.  I thought that these silicone skins would be like the silicone covers for phones but they are really just stickers but they identify it and it looks really funky.  They would be void if I had one of the traditional covers however.  So my Kindle looks fab:)

At the moment the latest Samsung Smart phone is top of the market. I'm not a big Apple  fan so I did my research and I bought the HTC desire last year April at the time it had the fastest Internet browser.  I would like to look into getting a tablet this year.  I personally think the HTC Flyer is a bit expensive but the plain wifi option is considerably cheaper.  It depends what you are going to use it for.   If you want to keep your Internet usage in control, if like me you have unlimited data on your mobile contract just put your mobile sim card in the 3G version.  The new Samsung Galaxy Tablet P101 is a bit wide for my liking I prefer the orginal size of the Samsung P1000 Galaxy tab but from the reviews I've read they are both great.  And a friend has the original P1000 which he got for a bargain of eBay with a separate key board and its great.  The main difference I think between the iPhone and the Android phones are the apps.  The other tablet I'm keeping my eye out for is the new Sony Tablet S .  I've been told by my IT friend to wait for Christmas.  There will be a lot more on the market then and the prices will drop.  For what I want it for though I think I will be quiet happy with the Samsung P1000 Galaxy tab and will probably go for the 3G option so that if I go away and take it with I can use my O2 data allowance for my mobile. 

Speaking of mobiles and contracts.  Do your homework to get  a cheaper contract.  A lot of companies offer you a discount that you can use at O2 or Orange.  I got a discount with work through O2 and I took out the simplicity contract, I think I got a £100.00 credit on the contract if I took out a 12 month contract.   On the Simplicity Sim only I get 300 minutes and unlimited texts for £10.00 for an additional £5.00 I got unlimited data (this add on is no longer available and I refuse to change my contract now because of this)and for another additional £10.00 I get 3000 international minutes to 3 land lines that I have to specify but can change once a month.  So for £26.00 plus vat I'm sorted but I didn't get my phone with my contract I bought that separately because in the long run of 24 months it worked out cheaper.  Always work out if its cheaper to do the Simplicity Sim only contract and buy the phone separately or whether its cheaper to get a contract with the phone.  If my phone breaks and I look at getting a contract with a new phone it will only be next year or the year after but I will approach O2 and ask them what they can offer me otherwise I'll go to another service provider, hek I've got nothing to loose. 

If you're looking for a new laptop and don't know what to look for, I look for weight, I don't like heavy things and the processor to go for these days is the Intel Core i3 or up depending on your need.  Not sure ask an IT friend or your IT Mr Fix it at work. 

My other little gadget I use that doesn't cost a fortune is my peeler.  Yes my veggie peeler, why because a tip I learnt in Holland, use to cut cheese into fine slices:)

Right I'm off for my run, I'm doing the great North Run next week-end.  So happy gadget searching.  I hope you are still doing your lunges and squats, putting on your creams and body buffing.  My exercise tip for the day is when you brush your teeth do calf lifts for 50 counts on your bottom teeth for the top teeth turn your feet out heels together and do another 50 keeping your muscles taunt and your bum tight:) 

Save, save, save all of those pennies music to my ears

Today I registered at Buyometric. This website is fab, firstly it has its own blog updating you on all the latest discount website coming up.  Secondly it searches through all the deals out there be they at; Groupon , Goodypass, KGBDeals and many others.
For dining I like bookatable and don’t forget top table TopTable

Now I know I've mentioned some of the tips below but in case you forgot I've mentioned them again. 

For those great designer goodies at amazing prices try the Sample Sales website.  Register at this site and they will send you emails about the sample sales when and where they are and you can search the calendar.   BrandyAlley and  SecretSales are also great, just be careful when buying shoes….lesson learnt by myself.  Brand Alley were great though and refunded me with the delivery charges.  And if you haven’t discovered  ASOS  yet, take a peek and their sales are full of great bargains.   Always ask yourself though before you buy any clothes from online stores, is it cheaper in a store or a department store like Debenhams, House of Fraser or John Lewis. 

Do yourself a favour and get yourself a
Nectar Card from SainsburyI love my Nectar Card because you can earn points just about anywhere with it.  I fill up with petrol at BP, I check the prices of 3 local BP’s around me and find the cheapest then I compare this to one or two other petrol stations, so far BP has actually been the cheapest. I shop on Amazon and do all my online shopping through the nectar website http://www.nectar.com/NectarHome.nectar as I get Nectar points.  I have the search toolbar on my Internet browser and every time I do an Internet search I get a point, I prefer Google to the MSN search but heyo I’m earning points which accumulate and with the American Express Credit card from Nectar I now get double points from Sainbury's.  I do all my DIY shopping at Homebase which also gets me points and I have the app on my phone for extra points.  These points accumulate and you can use them on line or for a shop..  You can also earn points on insurance, insurance searches, British Gas etc.  Just remember that you can only spend 500 points (£2.50) at a time so if your shopping comes to £7.00 you can use 100 points but will still have to pay £2.00.  Its an easy way to round it off I suppose.  My grocery shopping next month should be paid for by my points

Tesco Club Card.
The Tesco Club Card is also great.  Swipe your card at any Tesco and earn points the only thing is that these points are sent to you in a voucher format that have to be used in a certain date.  Personally I prefer the Nectar Card from Sainsbury's though as there is more opportunities to gain points.  You can also earn points with a Tesco Credit card and through their insurance etc as at Sainsbury's.

Boots cardThe Boots card is simple, swipe your card every time you make a purchase and points get added to your card which you can use at any time at Boots as long as you have sufficient points.  Like I said before great for the end of the month when pennies are tight or you simply don’t want to break that £20 note. 

Costa, Nero, Nando’sMost of the big coffee shops have loyalty cards get a stamp every time you buy something and after so many stamps the next one is free.  Costa how ever works on the amount of money that you spend and you have a card registered to your name and you can log in online and keep track of your points.

Please remember though if you aren’t good with money and tend to over spend and not manage it well….stay away from credit cards!!!!  I always make sure when I make a purchase on my credit card I take the money out of my current account put it in a separate savings account and then at the end of the month I have the money there.  I actually budget a £100.00 to spend on the credit card when I get paid…no nasty surprises for me. 

Shop at Poundland for items. Do a monthly shop rather than a weekly shop.  I do a pretend shop on line, so I can see roughly how much I’m going to spend before I go to the supermarket.  When you register your Tesco card online and use it at the till, it registers your products to your profile so you can go online and see how much you are spending on what over a period. 

Want to go out for the day but don’t want to spend a lot or anything at all.  Pack a picnic and head out in London for the day, though it is getting a bit chilly for a picnic there is still lots you can do in London in fact the whole of England for free.  Very privileged we are actually, because in most countries you have to pay for everything. 

Regularly go through your finances and don’t spend money on what you don’t need!!! Keep all your receipts and keep a running list of what you are spending money in, you might be surprised at how much you actually waste that you could save...hmmm next week I'm defiantly going to devote a page to those nice little or big things you could buy with all those pennies you are saving. 

Exercise tip for the day. 
Do a set of 10 crunches, stand up and bend your knee’s a tiny bit, then pull it all tight with your arms up in defensive position and work your ab’s by turning from side to side for 20 reps.  Then get back on the floor and do another 10 crunches.  Up again and get in the same position but this time sway to sides going half back, then forward and to the other side as if you are doing a half hula hoop action.  Then on the floor and do 10 crunches again.   The best ab exercise you can do is the bicycle.  So after you've had a bit of a rest aim to do do 20 reps on each side do them slowly and then 20 fast.  Oh in case you don't know the bicycle exercise is what you use to do in school when you were younger; lie flat on your back hands behind your head arms forming a triangle.  Then pretend you are riding a bike with your legs and bring your elbows up to your knees, left elbow to right knee and right elbow to left knee...Happy cycling.
For more good exercises try Ivilliage.

P.s don't forget to apply moisturieser to your neck and decolletage too.

(Ladies if you are reading this and even if you are following by email please click on the join this site link or click here if you would like to follow, then at least I know sort of whose reading:)

Whites are whiter

Some more tips           
Getting your whites whiter. 
Right this is one of my latest favourite dresses.  You can just imagine my horror when I washed it and the black ran into the white.  I did a google and raced to Sainsbury’s at 8pm to buy some Dr Beckmann Colour Run Remover which gives you 2 sachets in a box.  As per the instructions I put the 2 sachets in the washer with the dress but did not put it on for long enough so at 9pm raced back to Sainsbury’s and this time bought 2 boxes and the Dr Beckmann Colour & Dirt Collector Sheets .  Got home put the dress on with 2 sachets for a really long wash and next morning the white was still purple.  Down to my last box so out came the bucket put in some water with a sachet of the colour run remover, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda and again one of the colour catcher sheets.  It looked better but still wasn’t white.  So I figured what have I got to loose, last sachet in the water, vinegar, bicarb and some domestos and I left it for the day.  Got home and tada it was white.  Needless to say ever since I have washed it by hand but I think its almost about ready to try a proper wash again. 

Now we have to look after your tootsies.
I don't know about any of you but I always feel good when my hair is clean, my toe nails are painted and my fingernails are neat and tidy...no chipped nail varnish for me!!! I believe your hands and feet should like your face always be taken care of.
I always have my toe nails painted and my finger nails buffed and shiny or painted.    But I recently learnt that your toenails need to breath as do your fingernails.  Now as I don’t wear varnish on my finger nails all the time I won’t have a problem there.  But my toes…well….that’s another story.  So what I do now is get out of the bath slap on the Vaseline, plastic bags, socks and get the feet all moisturised, take off the varnish and then push the cuticles back and let the toes breath for the night, if it was summer I’d paint the nails the next day but considering winter might of arrived early in London this year I’ll paint them tomorrow night and give them time to breath. 

For your fitness exercise tonight stand in front of the TV and with your legs apart forming a narrow V shape and pretend there is a ball between your thighs and you have to squeeze it really hard while resisting with your thighs.  This will really work your thighs, don't forget to do a few push ups as well to get your boobs a bit perkier. 

Tomorrow some DIY tips.  But here's one now if like me you live in a flat and don't have window in the bathroom and its gets really steamed up.  Safely light 2 candles, the fire eats up the oxygen and the room won't be so steamy, so the chance of getting mould and damp is low:) Plus you get to have a candlelit bath or shower every night