What's Your Throwback Dress?

Every woman has one in her wardrobe, you know that dress that you've had for years, the one you can't live without. It's the one that gives you that spring in your step, the one that gives you the killer curves, the one you were wearing when you met your partner, the one you got engaged in that brings back the good memories...the throwback dress.

 It's that dress you come back to time and time again.  The little black dress or the flattering fit and flare dress, the cute retro tea dress that has come back into fashion or the wrap around dress that pulls in your waist.

My dress is the little black dress from Coast.  It's that dress that hugs your curves, and you get out for all the occasions, think weddings, anniversaries and romantic meals. It shows a little bit of cleavage but it is still conservative enough for family get togethers. 


Satin black dress by Coast

The photo of this dress doesn't really do it justice, and it's a little snug at the moment, so I'm trying to lose a little weight to get back into it. I'd pair this dress with some black killer heels, some sparkly earrings and a classic white gold diamond set necklace. 

So this got me thinking, I need a new throwback dress, as I can't fit into this one. When New Look contacted me and asked me to review a new dress from their website I thought this was the perfect opportunity to replace my beloved Coast dress.

Firstly I thought about this black fit and flare dress below. The flattering style, and stretchy material skims your curves, whilst the mesh top and spot design adds a hint of character. A perfect dress to keep in your wardrobe for evenings out teamed with strappy heels and some classic earrings. But then I got thinking, it is really me?

black polka dot mesh dress

After some deliberation, I decided to picked the bluebell print teadress as my ultimate throwback dress. What I loved about this dress is that is reminiscent of 1940's style with a flattering cut, and floral prints never really go out of fashion. It's girly and makes me feel pretty, not bad going for a mum in her 40's with a teenager boy! I would wear this with some pretty flower earrings, a silver flower bracelet, ankle strap shoes and a cute cardigan.

 Perfect for days out sightseeing, Sunday lunches and even cocktails with a quick change of accessories.
Bluebell print teadress with black embellished ankle strap shoes, & flower earrings all from New Look

You may be thinking, ok, it's not a little black dress, and it's certainly not in the style of the one I'm replacing but it's fun, flirty and most important wearable. That's the importance of a throwback dress.

Do you have any dresses you love, that have been in your wardrobe for years and that you come back to wearing time and time again? Or do you need a new dress like me as you can't fit into it any more. Why don't you have a look at the New Look website and pick your next throwback dress?

* I was asked to choose my favourite dress by New Look for an honest review.
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Web-Blinds Website Review

I think in this day and age we are always on the look out for quality items at reasonable prices. I don't know anyone that can splash the cash anymore on furniture and furnishings, yet we all still want the best that money can buy. 

 Web-blinds in the sister online site of Hilary Blinds, a name you may have heard of, and a name you can trust. They particularly focus on value for money without scrimping on the quality and are proud of the fact that they offer a 12 month guarantee on all their items.

 Their online site is clearly laid out with easy to read text, and is easy to navigate. 

As you can see from the website, they have brilliant offers, and free delivery on all orders over £99.

 Web-blinds sent me a blind to review for my son's bedroom. We had a Velux window installed a couple of years ago, but have yet to buy a blind to fit, so this was a great opportunity.

 Velux blinds can be really expensive, and although you can buy these at the Web-Blinds store they also offer a cheaper alternative with Velux compatible blinds with over 100 fabric options. The prices on these compatible blinds were very good so I ordered one, and was keen to see the quality of the blind when it arrived.


When the blind arrived I was pleased with the fabric. I ordered a blackout blind in blue to fit in with my son's bedroom and the material was nice and thick. One thing I would say is that it did not come with any instructions. My husband had to use Mr Google to find out how to install it. Once the information was found it was up and installed in only fifteen minutes. I like the blind, and once it is pulled down it blocks out the light in my son's bedroom. It does have a tiny gap at the top of the blind, and bottom but this could be due to the way my husband installed it.



before and after installation

 Would I use Web-Blinds again? I would as I think the prices were good, the quality was excellent and the choice was varied. I think it's important to pay attention to the installation process and then you really can't go wrong.

 * I was sent the blind to keep for an honest review
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Top Cashback For Easter With Hotel Chocolat

We all like saving money don't we? Have you ever used Top Cashback? Top Cashback is a site that pays you to shop.

It's easy to sign up and make money back from your purchases.

  1. Register with Top Cashback.
  2. Browse the great deals.
  3. When you are ready to place your order, click on the Top Cashback special link.
  4. Place your order.
  5. Wait for your commission to be paid!

Some of the deals on offer, (* subject to change)

With many of the major shopping websites listed such as Amazon, Tesco, M and S and Next you won't be disappointed.

I have a special deal for you today. If you are a new to Top Cashback, click on my link HERE to sign up, order the Champagne Egglets, pay for the chocolates and delivery,  and within a week your account will be credited with the cost of the Champagne Egglets (excluding postage).  These chocolates normally retail at £7.50. Would you keep them for yourself or give them as an Easter gift? It's up to you.


Pay for the egglets and get the cashback after tracking (excluding postage)

This deal will run from 00:01 on Monday 7th April 2014 until 23:59 on Sunday 13th April 2014. You can still sign up after this date but you won't get the free chocolate.

What do you think of this offer? Are you a member of Top Cashback? Let me know!
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The Great British Home Quiz

What does having a Great British home mean to you? Is your style modern, classic or vintage? Do you love shabby chic or are you more minimalistic?

 Victoria Plum is asking the nation this question and if you take their quiz you can be entered into a competition too.

When I first moved into my flat, we had limited money, everything was painted in neutral colours except our bedroom which was dark red and white with a feature wall and a four poster. Think romantic and slightly gothic. Recently we have become tired with this, maybe it's my age, so have resorted to white walls, with clean lines and a touch of floral.

 I like traditional wood, but also modern clean lines, I am not a fan of chintz but I like the odd floral print, so I was even more interested in finding out what category I would be in in the Victoria Plum quiz.


Well apparently I am quirky cool, and I would certainly love to live in an airy loft or warehouse apartment :) They have got that point spot on. I am not sure about the vintage gold mirror though, if they said vintage silver mirror maybe!

My bathroom should reflect my original nature apparently and a cool contemporary style would certainly suit me. I found the quiz interesting as I am genuinely looking to have a new bathroom fitted this year.If you fancy checking out the Victoria Plum challenge let me know what the quiz says about you. I would love to know!




* This post is an entry for #GreatBritishHome Challenge sponsored by Victoria Plum, a source of quality bathrooms for every type of home. Take its “What’s Your Celebrity Home Style?” quiz to discover what your home says about you.”
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Degustabox for March

If you haven't heard of Degustabox I will sum it up for you - its a monthly subscription service where you get 10-15 new food products every month, with big savings on the retail price. I like the idea of trying new food and saving money too, so it is a no brainer for me.

 So I waited with anticipation for my first box. When I opened it, it was sealed with a sticker saying eat me! 



When I opened it I was pleasantly surprised by the selection of food.

The box which costs just £12.99 contained the following

  • Shaken Udder Milkshakes - in banana, chocolate and strawberry. These were very nice, and didn't have the artificial flavour some milkshakes can have, as they are all made with natural ingredients. I tried the banana whilst my son tried the chocolate and strawberry. We were both in agreement that the milkshakes were delicious. We also had some vouchers for free milkshakes with this box. 
  • Schwartz Flavour Shots - These little miracle pots have all the flavour in a little shot. I look forward to trying the Spanish Paella and Creamy Herb Tagliatelle pots. 
  • Tyrell's Proper Popcorn - Sweet and Salty - I have tried Tyrell's proper popcorn before so I know that the popcorn is very tasty. My husband managed to pinch the bag before I had a chance, as he pronounced popcorn "one of the best snacks for joggers" . Sweet and salty may not be to everyone's taste but he loved it. 
  • MOMA! Porridge Pots - plain and cranberry and raisin. I have had porridge pots before from a well known bakers, so was keen to try these. I use porridge oats at home and eat porridge at least 2 or 3 times a week. I really enjoyed the cranberry and raisin in particular as it had an added sweetness. These pots are quick and easy to make - easy for a quick breakfast or snack on the go and I will definitely be buying these in the future. 
  • Organico Tomato and Basil sauce - We eat a lot of pasta in our household so I was keen to try this. An authentic tasting sauce with no extra ingredients other than tomatos, olive oil, garlic and basil. A perfect store cupboard staple. Use as a base for lasagne or other tomato based sauces or just on its own with some extra basil. Top with parmesan for the simplest and I think most delicious pasta sauce. All organic ingredients too. 
  • Organico Durum Wheat Pasta - Another organic great product from Organico. What I loved about this pasta is that it only took 8 minutes to cook. You also know you are getting all the goodness as it is made with 100% durum wheat. 
  • Mexican Dave's Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips - Well these went in no time in our house. Sometimes cheese tortilla chips taste too 'cheesy' if you know what I mean, but these was tasty, crispy without the overwhelming cheese taste. I think these would be fab warmed in the oven and covered with thinly sliced chillies, tomato salsa and cheddar cheese. I'd serve this as a taster starter to share with a few friends, especially before a big bowl of chilli con carne with rice.
  • Drink Me Chai - Chocolate chai latte and Earl Grey tea latte sachet - ok I admit it, I am not a fan of Earl Grey tea, I just don't like the flavour but if you do I am sure this mix of Earl Grey tea and frothy milk would be to your taste. Again the spices in the chocolate drink were not to my taste, they have an Indian spiced flavour that I don't think belong in a drink but some people do like it.






So these are the items, a mix of products,  and a big thumbs up to the majority of the food. I think it definitely makes you try new foods and is perfect for the slightly adventurous foodie. I am looking forward to trying the Schwartz flavour pots soon as I love paella and the husband loves pasta.

You can follow Degustabox also on Twitter here.

If you fancy trying this out, readers of my blog can use this code OIM1W to get a £3 discount when registering. 

Have you tried Degustabox? If not what do you think of the idea?

* I was sent this box for an honest review

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Beautiful Bering Boutique In York - Watch Giveaway Ends 30/04/14

Set in beautiful historic York, Bering Boutique have one of those unique shops that you wish you had found before. A destination shop in one of our most interesting cities, the Bering Boutique is known for it's classic designs in watches and jewellery.


The Bering Boutique in York

Designed by Danish adventurer and businessman Rene Kaerskov, his inspiration was the simple white expanse of the Arctic on his exploration trip in 2008. The company base their designs on purity, and simplicity with the elegance that only the Danish know how to produce. Being the first Bering Boutique in the UK, the Bering Boutique in York carries the full range of jewellery and watches from the Bering brand.



Sparkly delights inside the store

Bering Boutique have very kindly sent me a watch and a ring to review on my blog as well as a watch to giveaway to my readers. They must know my readers are a classy bunch and love cool designs don't you think?! 




Chic packaging

The ring from the Arctic Symphony Collection has a novel concept, it has a silver coloured base with interchangeable parts. An interesting design and the beauty is, it's all in the detail - the word Love is engraved on the centre part of the ring and the silver coloured ball discs rotate. The middle disc they sent has a ceramic look and is studded with sparkling stones. The chunky design makes it a statement piece and the fun with this ring, I feel, will be changing the design when the mood takes you. Want a rose gold coloured band? No problem. What about a black inner band? Of course! Something to add to, time and time again.

Arctic Collection Ring and Ceramic Watch

The watch they sent is from the Ceramic collection. The steel case is set with stylish white ceramic links, whilst sapphire glass, and Swarovski crystals embellish the face. I love the understated elegant design of the watch. The strap is adjustable, so it's easy to get a correct fit and the watch strap is thin without the bulk of some watches. I feel this is a very versatile watch due to its simplicity, and it is easy to match to casual or going out outfits due to the white face and strap. Since I have been given the watch to review, I have worn it every day and I have found it is extremely comfortable on.

I would love to visit their shop in York one day, but if like me you are wanting to droll over their range of jewellery and watches, they have a great user friendly website, that shows everything off to its best advantage and offers free express delivery in the UK. All items come impeccably wrapped in branded packaging and it feels like a real treat when you open each one.

On my blog today I am giving away this stunning white watch. Chic, timeless styling ensures it can be worn with everything and it will never go out of fashion. 

You could win the beautiful watch worth £129

To enter pop over to the Bering Boutique website, find your favourite item and then answer the questions below on the Rafflecopter application. If you love this giveaway you can bookmark the page and come back every day for an extra entry by tweeting via Rafflecopter. While you are here don't forget to check out my other competitions I have running.

You can find Bering Boutique on Twitter and Facebook. I am glad I found this design conscious brand, I hope you are too.

Terms and Conditions
My giveaway is open to those 18 + living in the UK only.
Winner picked at random via Rafflecopter
Please allow 28 days for delivery
No automated entries
One entry per person
Giveaway ends midnight on 30/04/2014
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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