Currently | November 2018

It's been a few months since I last sat down and wrote a 'currently' post about what I've been doing and enjoying lately, so I think it's about time I rectified that with a fresh post.

Let's start with what I've been reading lately...

Reading

Over the last few months, I've really found my reading mojo again, and have been devouring books like there's no tomorrow. During September and October, I managed to read seven books, which may not seem like a lot to some people, but it was a lot for me; I can't even remember the last time I read so many books in that space of time- probably more than a decade! To compare, last year, I only managed to read that many books during the whole year! I've read some fantastic books this Autumn, including Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Light of the Fireflies by Paul Pen, and The Extinction Trials, and The Extinction Trials: Exile by S. M. Wilson. Surprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them, especially The Day of the Triffids and The Light of the Fireflies, which have to be two of the best books I've ever read. Would anyone like me to blog reviews of any of them? 

I haven't read much at all this month as I've been so busy and uninspired, but I've just finished reading Desert Flowers by Paul Pen, and it was another one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Watching

I haven't watched a lot of new movies or TV shows lately, as I've been in one of those funks where I just can't concentrate on anything new. I've been enjoying the new series of The Big Bang Theory, and The Secret Life of the Zoo, but apart from watching a few episodes of Vanity Fair, that's about it for TV. I've mostly just been watching reruns of old favourites, and enjoying some of my favourite Autumn and Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus, Scream, War of the Worlds, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and Practical Magic. I also recently watched the new Jurassic World movie for the first time, and loved it, although it broke my heart when the brachiosaurus was left behind to die in the ash cloud. I don't think my heart will ever recover. I also now need a baby velociraptor! (How cute was baby Blue?!)

Listening

I don't know what's wrong with me at the moment, but I haven't been listening to a lot of music, either. I've listened to a little Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park, as per use, and have played a few Christmas tunes while I've been building some new festive playlists, but I really haven't listened to a lot else. I did purchase Boyzone's new and last ever album 'Thank You and Goodnight' about ten days ago, because I've been a big fan of them since I was nine, and old habits die hard, (hey, don't judge!) but I'm actually really underwhelmed with the album, and don't know what to think about it. They've changed their sound to something akin to R&B and I'm just not feeling it. I'm just not a fan of R&B and modern pop music. Don't get me wrong, there are some great songs on there, but it's just not wowing me. Maybe it'll grow on me?

Stitching

This Autumn, I've been working on another fun, colourful mandala cross stitch from The World in Stitches, and I'm currently over half way through- apart from the black outlines, which I've left for now because I can't decide whether to change them to a different colour. I had to put it aside about a month ago so I could start working on some Christmas designs, but I'm planning to pick it up again in the new year.

Over the last few weeks, I've stitched and finished a small retro fifties deer cross stitch, a Christmas tree ornament, and a Christmas card but you'll have to wait until December to get a look at my festive makes. (Unless you've already seen the deer on my Insta Stories!)

Crafting

I've already made a start on my Christmas crafting, and recently made a Christmas pudding pom pom wreath for the first time. I'll be sharing a tutorial for it next month during Blogmas, so keep your eyes peeled for that! I've also painted a wooden house-shaped shelf unit that I'm going to decorate with Christmas paper / fabric for the holidays, and started working on some felt Christmas wreaths, which I'm hoping to bring to the blog next month, too, but we'll have to wait and see how they turn out first.

Carving

On Halloween, I decided to have a go at carving a sugar skull pumpkin, instead of making a simple Jack o' lantern like I always do. I drew free-hand on to the pumpkin with a picture as a guide, and spent an hour and a half carving this monstrosity, with a lot of difficulty. It turns out that carving pumpkins now aggravates the arthritis in my hands, and wielding a knife just turns my hands in to painful twisted claws. (Think Phoebe Buffay teaching Joey guitar chords, and that's how my hands looked). I couldn't grip the knife properly and made a complete mess of the pumpkin, but at least I tried, right? (I think it would've been better if I hadn't! Haha!) The worst part was I couldn't use my right hand for ten days afterwards as my hand was so painful and contorted, so I guess I'll be adding pumpkin carving to the list of things I can no longer do. How will the world will cope without my 'artistry'?

Buying

With Christmas presents to pay for, I haven't had much cash spare to spend on myself, but I have treated myself to a couple of little things whenever I've earned some extra cash participating in surveys. Over the Black Friday weekend, I treated myself to a couple of Christmas cross stitch kits from The Make Arcade (this one and this one), some fifties-style Christmas bedding from ASDA, and a retro deer Christmas decoration from Paperchase. Over the last few months, I've also bought some Erstwilder Christmas brooches (reviewed here), some new notebooks from Cath Kidston and The Disney Store, and some of The Body Shop's new Peppermint Candy Cane collection, which smells amazing and I can't wait to review it for you next month, I'll be showing you all the festive things I've bought in a Christmas haul post really soon, too.

Receiving

My sister, Marie, came home for a visit at the start of the month bearing gifts from the American air force base she lives at in Germany. This time, she gave me some Halloween Peeps and Pez dispensers, a big bag of 3 Muskateers chocolate bars (they're kind of like Milky Ways), and The Balm Nude Beach eyeshadow palette. She originally gave me this palette for my birthday in July, but we had to return it as it turned out to be a used tester. Sadly, at the time it was out of stock, so I got the equally gorgeous Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette instead. She really didn't owe me another palette, so it was such a lovely surprise and a really kind and thoughtful gesture. The palette is gorgeous! I have the best sisters.

Winning

I've been a really lucky lady lately, and have won a few giveaways over the last couple of months. I won a stationery bundle from Emma of A Cornish Geek, which included a set of pastel highlighters, a rainbow notebook, a folder, and a cloud-shaped pencil case. I'm a bit of a stationery addict, so this was the perfect prize. I then won some gorgeous high-end make up from Rosie Loves Life, including the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics eyeshadow palette, an Urban Decay After Glow Highlighter, and a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Pillow Talk. I'd never tried any of those products before, so I'm still absolutely thrilled with them. I've also just found out that I've won a Selfridges beauty Advent calendar from a Twitter comp ran by Navabi, and I couldn't be more excited! It's something I could never afford to treat myself to, so the news has really made my Christmas. I'm looking forward to counting down to Christmas even more now! I'll do my best to review it for you once it arrives, and will be revealing what product I get each day of Advent on Instagram, along with the contents of my OPI calendar from the 1st, so make sure you give me a follow on Instagram if you want to follow along!

Wanting

All the amazing Christmas jewellery and dresses that are everywhere right now, this retro deer Christmas decoration, the NARS and Ciaté beauty Advent calendars, the Breathe magazine journals, lots of new books, a lotto win, all the gig tickets, and a big slice of chocolate cake.

Needing

Some money so I can afford Christmas, some new ankle boots, some new clothes, a new tub of my favourite The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturiser, new white fairy lights for this year's Christmas tree, a solution for my tachycardia and the painful arthritis in my hands, a holiday, and some hair dye so I can touch up my atrocious roots.

Wishing

I had more hours in the day to prepare for Christmas and Blogmas. Time is moving too fast!

Loving

The new Peppermint Candy Cane collection from The Body Shop- it smells soooo good! You guys need to try it!

Hating

the short hours of daylight, and dark dreary days we've been getting lately. There's not been any decent daylight for taking blog photos for weeks, and some days it's barely felt like we've had any daylight at all. Roll on spring!

Enjoying

Spending the dark, dismal days and evenings working on lots of crafts and blog posts.

Eating

All the American Candy Corn, and Malteaser Buttons.

Drinking

When my sister was visiting a few weeks ago, we finally discovered a Hotel Chocolat cafe in Milton Keynes and stopped off for the most amazing hot chocolate. I'm lactose intolerant, so I couldn't add it to mine, but the cream they put on top is some divine chocolate concoction that tasted like the chocolate icing on a Patisserie Valerie cake. (I obviously had to taste-test Marie's). Even without cream it was probably the best hot chocolate I've ever had. 

Looking

forward to Christmas and enjoying lots of festivities with my family during December. I can't wait to start decorating the tree and my home for Christmas, give my family their gifts, watch lots of Christmas movies, and eat my body weight in roast potatoes and cake! Christmas is the best.

Preparing

I've been busy planning and preparing lots of festive content for Blogmas, and taking festive photos for many of them whenever there's been some decent daylight, so I'm feeling fairly organised for a change. I still have so much work to do and more photos to take, but I can't wait to share what I've been working on with you guys. There'll be a few crafts, a little fashion, some beauty, homeware, books, helpful tips and ideas, and so much more. Not long to go now!

What have you been enjoying lately?

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Fiorella Strawberry and Pink Vida Moda Scarf Review

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win a scarf in a Vida Moda giveaway hosted by Hollie of Pretty Big Butterflies. 

The lovely Johanna from Vida Moda invited me to choose a scarf from their current selection, and  a few days later it arrived on my doorstep. It was boxed and wrapped in the most cheerful, sunshine orange tissue paper, and unwrapping the parcel brought a much needed smile to my face that day. It felt like Christmas.

Inside was the most beautiful coral scarf and my first impression was of how soft the fabric felt between my fingers and of how great the quality of the fabric was. 

I chose the Fiorella scarf in Strawberry and Pink; a scarf in graduating shades of coral and peach with fringed edging. The colours are so pretty, and scream "summer!" to me, but it deserves to be worn all year round. I personally think the colours go well with burgundy, cerise, and plum for Winter. 

The fabric is made from the softest viscose I've ever felt, and although it's light-weight, it's reasonably thick and surprisingly warm.  I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this scarf; it's so reasonably priced at just £16.95 and to me it feels far more expensive. I've bought scarves that have cost far more that haven't had even a fraction of this quality.

The fringed edging gives the scarf a relaxed feel, making it the perfect casual scarf to wear with everything from jeans and a tee, to day dresses. I'll most likely be wearing it over my favourite dresses on a regular basis! 

Here I am wearing it and making it work for Winter with shades of purple and pink on a drizzly grey March afternoon...

I love it! (Excuse the bruise on my nose).

Unfortunately the scarf is out of stock at the moment. I don't know if it will be restocked, but it could be worth checking back at a later date just in case. It also came in a beautiful indigo and blue. You can find Vida Moda's selection of scarves here, which I'd also recommend checking out.

Thank you to Hollie and Vida Moda for the giveaway, and sending me this beautiful scarf! I'm smitten with it and know I'll be giving it plenty of wear this Spring and Summer.

Incoming Mail

Before Christmas, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway hosted by the lovely Dani of the blog DIY Fatshion, and a few weeks ago, a box turned up on my door step all the way from Texas, USA.

Being the girl who loves to take too many photos, my first thought was to take photos of the beautifully wrapped gifts before I opened them. I was far too excited to wait until morning to open everything (in good daylight), so I'm afraid a couple of the photos were taken at night with too much flash.

Everything was so beautifully wrapped in tissue and ribbon, and surrounded by colourful confetti.
.

I wasn't expecting to be sent so much! Opening them all felt just like Christmas!

In the giveaway I won a gorgeous purple and blue cotton scarf which was hand made in Southern India through a fair trade company called Handmade Expressions using traditional Batik art. This is a wax-resist dyeing technique. The American based organisation partners with artisans in India, and teaches women and people with disabilities new skills so they can earn a fair and dignified living. Fantastic right? 

The scarf is so beautiful, and I love the unique print of the fabric, and of course those gorgeous colours! It's very well made, and the cotton is thick yet light. It'll be perfect for taking the chill away on a Spring day. I can't wait to wear it when it gets a little warmer!

Dani also sent me lots of other lovely things, including five nail polishes, some notecards, and a set of pretty bow earrings...

...and also a gorgeous beaded statement necklace, and an ELF Lip Exfoliator. I can't tell you just how excited I was to receive something by ELF; I've wanted to try their products for ages as their make up is raved about all over the blogosphere. I've already given the exfoliator so much use, and it's amazing! I don't know how I ever did without it.

Dani knew I loved painting my nails, so she sent me this lovely lot. I'd never tried any of these nail polish brands before. I was particularly excited by the OPI nail polish, and it didn't disappoint! I also really love the bold green polish, and can't wait to try the others.

I love bows and these earrings are so pretty. I already have an outfit in mind for the mint pair for when Spring rolls around!

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say another big thank you to Dani for sending me all these lovely goodies. I'm so grateful, and feel very spoilt by your generosity! Everything is very much loved and appreciated! Thank you, Dani! xx

I don't know if many of you know this, but Dani's blog was actually one of the very first fatshion blogs I discovered when I stumbled up on the world of fatshion and body positivity blogs on Tumblr about two and a half years ago! Until then, I had no idea that such a world existed, but seeing normal ladies like Dani looking confident in their own skin and rocking fashionable outfits with their heads held high helped me to see myself in a new light. They helped me to accept myself for who I am and gradually aided me further and further along that yellow brick road to self-acceptance with each passing day. And thanks to Dani and many other fabulous bloggers that I discovered along that road, I'm closer to the Emerald City than I've ever been before. 

If you're on your own journey to self acceptance or just love reading great fashion blogs, I'd recommend checking out Dani's blog. I'm confident she will inspire you! Why not pop on over and say hello?! 

Have you won anything recently, or been surprised with something lovely?

What's the best prize or gift you've ever been given?

It's Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies

I was hoping to have an outfit post for you by Thursday this week, but sometimes I forget I can't plan anything in advance with disc pain controlling my every action. My pain levels can be unpredictable from one day to the next; some days are better than average, and other days are incredibly worse. On those days, the pain engulfs me like a flood, swallowing every last ounce of my strength and energy until even every rise and fall of my chest adds to my pain. On those days, I barely have the mobility to turn over in bed. 

This week, I've had six of those days in succession.

On Monday I had my fifth group physiotherapy session at the hospital. I was struggling before I'd left home, and had to push myself through the stretches. The physiotherapists who lead these classes always say that if we're grimacing, we're pushing ourselves too much, and should ease off or stop that exercise. They say they don't want us to push ourselves to a point which leaves us physically set back and immobile for the rest of the week. This week I felt like the male physiotherapist we had was pushing me far too much, and instead of stopping when I knew I'd reached my limit, I did as he suggested. Big mistake. I pretty much crawled out of the hospital at the end of the forty-five minutes, and have been confined to bed  feeling like I've been hit by a bus, ever since. Thus explaining my absence the last couple of days. The pain has hit me hard, much harder than usual, and it's taken the life out of me.

I had no choice but to pop in to town to pay a bill yesterday afternoon, which was exhausting and so painful I've actually worsened the pain. I did, however, quickly snap a few photos of my outfit before I crawled back in to bed. And I'm sure you'd rather see them then read my musings above. So, here you go...

Firstly, sorry for the quality of the photos. As soon as I grabbed my camera grey clouds decided to race across the sky to conceal the lovely blue sky and sunshine. And would you believe, once I'd finished they dissipated!

Anyway, I'm wearing a Dorothy Perkins pinafore dress which I got for my birthday last month. I realised I was lacking casual dresses in my wardrobe, and I thought this one fitted the gap perfectly. It's black with a white bow print all over the front and back, and it's made from a thick stretchy cotton. The waist is fitted, but it has some stretch, so it's so comfortable! It also has a pockets, which I think more dresses should have!

I will say that it's a dress best suited to cooler days, especially if like me you become easily overheated during Spring and Summer, as the fabric is quite heavy. 

I ordered this dress not expecting to like it, but it turns out I really love this dress. And not just because I think the square neckline is flattering on my broad shoulders (which I'm still learning- and failing- to love).

This dress was just £18.00, and I think I used a couple of discount codes, too, which brought it down further. DPBDAY will get you 15% off Dorothy Perkins dresses, and it seems to have unlimited use as I've used it many times over the last couple of years. This dress is only available in a couple of small sizes now online (here), but it also comes in plain cobalt blue, green, and heart print (which I also own).

I wore this dress with a pair of plain black New Look leggings, my Lovedrobe off-white shrug, and a double cameo necklace, which are all pieces I've featured recently in my outfit posts. I just needed a comfortable, casual outfit to run a couple of errands, and I think I found it. I forgot to keep them on for the photos, but I also wore a pair of gold flat sandals, and accessorised with my red heart print Zatchels barrel bag.

Outfit Details

Dress-Dorothy Perkins // Shrug-Lovedrobe // Leggings-New Look // Necklace-From Rachel's giveaway.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Under the Green Umbrella Trees

Hey there, lovelies,

I've got a quick casual outfit to share with you this morning, which I wore to the hospital to be lectured and patronized by my physiotherapist yesterday morning. I'd go in to what happened, but I'd only start to rant about what she said.

The dress which I am wearing in this post is one of two frocks I purchased last week with a New Look voucher I won from Becky and Betty's joint blog giveaways. It was a lovely surprise to find out I'd won, and I was obviously excited to spend it as it's been a while since I've been able to afford new clothes for myself. So, thank you so much ladies! I purchased a cobalt blue chiffon dress, and this lovely denim number...

This lovely light-wash denim dress is so effortlessly wearable. It is the perfect dress to be worn casually in the day time for running errands, going to hospital appointments, and perhaps doing a spot of shopping. I think it could also work down the pub in the evening, at festivals and concerts, and perhaps even for nights out if the right accessories are used.

I was drawn to the dress online due to the pretty crochet collar detail which is shaped like sunflowers, but I also knew it would be the perfect casual piece to add to my rather dressy wardrobe. I don't have many casual pieces I can just throw on for a hospital appointment or for nipping to the supermarket. This dress certainly solves that problem perfectly.

The dress is made from a decent denim which isn't too heavy or too thin (although my leggings can be seen through the fabric). It'll be ideal for wearing all year round. I originally thought this was a prom dress style, but it actually has a modest asymmetric hem; although I really love that about it. (I'm still loving asymmetric skirts.) I did however, size up as I thought it had a fitted waist, but it turns out it's elasticated so it's rather loose on me- especially around the boobs... (However, this dress should be able to accommodate you ladies with ample chests). I cinched in the waist tightly at the back with the matching denim belt, which solves most of the over-sizing, and a cardigan disguises most of the looseness around the girls. I presume the denim isn't pre-shrunk, so I imagine it'll probably shrink a little in the wash, anyway, as I wear it. I just couldn't be bothered to return and reorder.

I'm smitten with this dress, and I'm so pleased I purchased it. It was a bargain at just £24.99, and I know it will be getting regular wear from now on. My only bug bear about it, is that it creases so easily, but that's a common issue with light-weight denim...

So, yesterday, I wore it with my basic purple Evans leggings, and a scalloped off white shrug by Lovedrobe. I wore my blue Havaianas flip flops as my toes are still recovering from operations and can't be enclosed, and used my pin stripe River Island satchel. I accessorised with a few pieces of jewellery which I'll show you below.

Here you can get a glimpse of the dress not hidden beneath a cardigan.

I love this beautiful neckline.

This is one of my favourite bags from my collection. I find the combination of colours, patterns, and textures interesting and aesthetically pleasing. It came from River Island about a year and a half ago, and it looks great with the dress.

I can't help but smile when I see daisies, and they're scattered all across our lawns now Summer has arrived.

And these are the accessories which I also wore. I won the double cameo necklace and the pearl bracelet with the flower charm from Rachel's blog giveaway a month or so ago, and I've barely taken them off since. I have a soft side for cameos and pearls, and I don't think I could love these two pieces more! I'm particularly crazy about the double necklace.The other two pearl bracelets are by Matalan, and the daisy earrings are a current line from River Island.

Outfit Details

Dress-New Look Inspire // Leggings-Evans // Shrug-Lovedrobe // Flip Flops-Havaianas // 
Satchel-River Island (ebay here)  // Daisy Earrings- River Island // Plain Pearl Bracelets-Matalan // Floral Charm Pearl Bracelet-Won in Rachel's giveaway // 
Cameo Necklace-Won in Rachel's giveaway //

This dress is definitely a winner, and I recommend it to all you denim loving ladies. It's available in sizes 18-28 on the New Look website, and if you're thinking of purchasing one, you should be fine with your normal size. Trust me, ladies, you need this dress. I'm certain you won't regret the purchase!

Do you like denim dresses? How would you style this dress?

I'm personally planning to restyle it with tan and brown accessories, along with a few thin braids in my hair.

Cupcake Cuties

A few weeks ago, Marisa of Viva Voluptuous sent me a lovely email to tell me I had won her Cupcake Cuties give away!

I was, of course, absolutely thrilled as I never win anything; (well, apart from the time I won a meet and greet with my favourite musical Irishmen, but that's another story altogether).

 The giveaway was launched to celebrate nearing 200 followers on her lovely blog; giving readers the chance to win cupcake earrings or charms in their favourite design and colour preference. You can read more about the give-away here. I chose the lovely swirl icing cupcake earrings and asked for green and pink so I could embrace the pastel trend.

These lovely earrings were handmade in Canada by Marisa's bestie, and came through my door today, putting a much needed smile on my face.

Marisa also sent me a lovely note with the earrings.

The card is just fantastic. I love the iconic Marilyn Monroe prints by Andy Warhol! Such a nice touch. The message was really sweet, too. :)

The other side of her business card has a great quote by Sophia Loren on it. "Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical". I completely believe that.

Her list of trades on the other side made me smile, but as it shows all her contact information, I won't share it as I don't want to invade her privacy.

Now for lots of close ups of the lovely earrings...

These earrings are just the most adorable earrings I've ever owned. They're made from clay, and coloured in delicate shades of green and pink, with toffee coloured cake (or cases)? They're not too heavy; so I shouldn't have any problem with sore lobes at the end of the day! They're so cute and quirky, which is perfect for me because the quirkiness suits my personality.

Please ignore the dusty blue-green drop earrings beside them. I promise not to lead the cupcakes to the same fate!

Thank you so much, Marisa, for the gorgeous earrings! I love them, and promise to take care of them well. Please pass on my thanks to your bestie, and let her know how talented I think she is! I'll post photos of me wearing them as soon as I can.

Go check out Marisa's blog http://vivavoluptuous.blogspot.co.uk/ and give her a follow if you haven't already!