Wednesday 31.12.

I seem to be wearing a lot of cardigans at the moment. I did not realise that I had been doing this until I was looking at previous posts this morning! I think I just want to be cosy and comfy!
I have another 3 hours of work left for this year - that is such a nice feeling!! I have decided to close at 3pm today and not re-open until Monday 5th January. I get very few chances to close the shop so I have decided to take this one and just chill out at home with the ones that I love!

We are having a very chilled out Hogmanay this year, we are celebrating at home with my bf's sister, her husband and their son. We have said to a few friends that we are having drinks and nibbles at home so they may also join us! We are just too tired to battle the crowds in the bars and clubs this year - and I did not feel like holding a big "DO".
What is everyone else doing to bring in the New Year??

Today's outfit is:

Skinny Jeans - Vila
Striped t-shirt - H&M
Black long cardigan - Vila
Cardy black boots - Ugg

I hope that everyone has a great night whatever you are all doing! I hope, too, that 2009 brings all that you wish for!

Tuesday 30.12.

A full day in the shop for me today, I am feeling better but I still have a little discomfort and a bit of pain when I am eating. But in general I am feeling much better than I was over the weekend.
It has turned very cold here again and we have had a hard frost for a few days. So this morning my main concern when dressing was warmth. I am pleased to say that my choice was a good one - I have been lovely and cosy all day!

Today's outfit is:

Straight leg jeans - Vila
Cream v-neck sweater - Primark
Cream & orange cardigan - Vila
Orange scarf - eBay
Tan cowboy boots - Topshop

Monday 29.12.

I am in the shop today but I am still not feeling my best, so thankfully my mum is letting me go home at lunchtime to get back to my spot on the sofa!
I have never had a tooth out before yesterday and I found the entire experience a bit traumatic. Thankfully I am now in no pain, but I do feel quite bruised and battered (the tooth was an upper molar and it took a bit of work to get it free).

The shop (so far) has been really quiet and I am taking this as a bit of blessing. As much as I hate to be quiet, I do not think that I could comfortably make conversation to strangers.
Oh well not too long now until home time!

Today's outfit is:

Skinny Jeans - Vila
White cami - Primark
Tartan shirt - Hollister (Christmas Gift)
Red ballet flats - Tod's

Saturday 27.12.

Saturday was not a good day for me at all. It was the first day of my winter sale and I was really suffering with toothache! It got so bad that I was being sick and had to close up the shop early to go home to bed. The rest of my weekend was then spent in bed, on the sofa under a duvet or in the Hospital where I had to get an emergency appointment to see the on call dentist and have the tooth pulled. All in all not fun at all! (Sorry for the bad pictures but I am still not feeling the best).

Saturday is now a bit of blur to me - I honestly do not remember taking my picture for the blog, but it is here on the camera!!

Saturday's outfit was:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Charcoal cardigan - River Island (Christmas gift)
Black Cardy boots - Ugg (Christmas gift)

Merry Christmas!!

I have just been having a read through all of my favorite blogs and came across a lovely post by Shoegal, she was saying how happy she was to have met such nice friends this year through the blog world. I too seem to have turned to mush this holiday period as I was so touched by her post that I felt that I too should say a few words.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that reads my posts (ramblings) and to all that take the time to comment and say such kind things. My first year in the blog world has been a fab one and I am so glad that I have made and met such ladies. I do not know what I did with my lunch hour before I blogged and read all of the others that I do each day!!

I hope that you all keep on blogging and that everyone has a fantastic 2009!

Tuesday 23.12.

First of all I have to state that I had not even noticed that I have worn the same colour combinations for the last two days!!

It is my very good friend's birthday today and I hope that she has a lovely day! Her birthday always makes me so thankful that my birthday is right smack bang in the middle of June - I would hate to have a Christmas Birthday. I always try to make a special effort for her birthday and whatever plans she makes, she gets lots of "one present for both birthday and Christmas" and even more people canceling on her for drinks or dinner to celebrate her birthday.

Anyway, today's outfit is:

Black leggings - Vila
Purple tunic - Blendshe
Black patent jewelled ballet flats - Nine West

I love it when a plan comes together......

On Saturday's post I mentioned that I was going to attempt to make bread for the first time. Well I did, it worked and it tasted amazing (even if I do say so myself). I simply typed " easy bread recipe" into my friend Google and it gave me this.

So Saturday night I went home at 5pm and got started on making this bread. We have no bread maker - and this recipe is for making by hand anyway - these two facts together meant that I lasted about 5 minutes before I shouted for my bf to help as my arms were just killing me.

So now that I know how good this bread is, and I have had my trial run, I am going to bake fresh bread on Christmas day to have with our soup starter. YUMMY!!!
I also had a trial run at my Christmas Cookies before I start giving them out as gifts to grandparents and aunties etc.

Here is what I baked over this weekend!

Monday 22.12.

Yesterday went in so fast that I did not even realise that I had not posted! The shop is open up to and including Christmas eve, but I was honestly not expecting this week to be busy - but thankfully it so far has been.

The top and shoes that I have on are both new from when we were in Orlando. I wore this outfit on Saturday night when we had friends round for dinner, I was so happy with it that I decided to wear it again.
I am finally organised (thank goodness) for Christmas, I spent Sunday late afternoon wrapping presents and getting them under the tree. My bf then announced on Sunday evening (late) that he had not got anything for his baby nephew. So Monday morning I was in town before 8.45am and got the last gift.

Monday's outfit was:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black cami - Primark
Purple chiffon blouse - Charlotte Russe
Purple patent shoes - Forever 21
Necklaces - H&M

Saturday 20.12.

I can not wait to get home tonight - it has been such a long day! I am having friends over for some dinner this evening and I am going home to try and make bread for the very first time - wish me luck!!

Today's outfit is:

Grey & purple dress - Mina UK

Purple tights - SkunkFunk

Grey shoe boots - Armani Exchange

Purple arcrylic braclets - Forever 21

Friday 19.12.

I am still suffering with my cold - I now have a cough which I am praying stays throaty and does not head down into my chest. But, I decided that the comfy cosy dressing was not doing anything to help lift me up, so I looked one of my favourite dresses to wear today. I am so glad that I did as I feel that I look so much better (even if I do not feel it).

My friend came round for a few hours last night and we had a lovely catch up, we even managed to get another arranged for when we are both off in the new year. This evening after work my bf and I are are going swimming and I then plan to try and get all of the Christmas gifts wrapped up. I am wanting to keep Sunday free to have some baking trial runs!! I am making half of the Christmas dinner (my mum is doing the other) and I want to make my own bread to have with the soup - I have never made bread but have found a recipe that claims to be EASY. I am also hoping to make a chocolate tart.

Today's outfit is:

Tribal print dress - Vila
Grey tights - Primark
Black cropped cardigan - Primark
Black necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Pewter shoes - Nine West

Thursday 18.12

Whatever possessed me to say that I was feeling much better yesterday??? I have been awake most of the night coughing and blowing my (sore) nose! I feel terrible again today, but I am focused on the fact that I have a week to get better in time for my days off of the holiday period!!

Thankfully I had already selected this outfit before going to bed last night, and therefore did not have to think too much about what I was going to do this morning. The chiffon blouse is sleeveless and is now just too cold to wear alone so I thought this cardigan might work with it. The cardigan is really light and a very fine knit and in my opinion makes for a nice addition to this look!

Today's outfit is:

Wide leg jeans - American Eagle
Grey vest - Topshop
Grey Chiffon ruffle blouse - Primark
Grey long cardigan - Vila
Multi colour beads - Ann Taylor Loft
Grey boots - Topshop

Wednesday 17.12.

I am feeling a lot better today, but I am suffering with a cold (but not so much that I am unable to work - it would be lovely to be at home underneath the duvet). I slept all afternoon yesterday and then had a nice hot bath and back to bed early last night and feel far more human today. I know that I feel so much better for just doing my hair today!!

Got my walk with my friend tonight - I was going to cancel but I think that I will just wrap up very warm and hope that the fresh air helps to rid me of germs!

Today's outfit is:

Polka dot tunic - Blendshe
Grey cami - American eagle
Black leggings - Forever 21
Black knee high boots - Nine West
Black belt - New look

Tuesday 16.12.

I went home sick yesterday but had taken an outfit picture before I did. However, there was very little thought to the outfit and I had done nothing to my hair.

The outfit was:

Knitted tunic - Blendshe
Black leggings - Forever 21
Black riding boots - Bakers

The Weekend and Monday.

Early Sunday morning my bf and I got up and made our way to Manchester. We walked to the bus stop and caught the express bus to Glasgow where we were getting the train to Manchester. We were pretty early so after we had collected our tickets, bought some newspapers and magazines we went into Costa Coffee to heat up! The train journey down was fine - a little slow (there was work being done on the lines in a few areas).

We arrived just after lunch time and headed straight to Bella Italia to eat as we had a coupon for a buy one get one free deal. After filling up we checked into the hotel (very central and excellent value) quickly unpacked and headed out to the shops etc.
We pretty much gave the shops a wide berth as they were so, so busy with Christmas shoppers, instead we got all wrapped up and wandered around the various Christmas markets that were taking place. We also stumbled upon a jewellery exhibition and spent some time there.

In the evening we were booked into The Grill on the Alley for dinner and it was fantastic. The service was great, the food was amazing and the surroundings were lovely. Afterwards we headed to a few nearby bars for a few drinks and some people watching.

On the Monday I had an appointment with a supplier so I did that and my bf hung around the shops and the gaming test area of the shopping centre. We then had some lunch and headed for our train home.
Although it was only a over night stay it was great to get away.

I did not take any outfit pictures but these pretty much show what I wore both days and when we went out for dinner!

Saturday 13.12.

I love the dress that I have on today - they came into the shop when I was off on holiday, I quickly took one for myself when I got back last week. However, not one had sold, despite them being displayed in the window, so I put mine on today to let customers see what they look like in real life!
RESULT!! I have sold 5 of them so far today (it comes in 2 other colours).

Today's outfit is:

Vintage style lace dress - Vila
Black tights - SkunkFunk
Cream & black shoes - New Look
Faux Pearls - eBay
Ring - Charlottle Russe
Bangle - Primark

Friday 12.12.

It is Friday again YAY! However, not quite as quick a working week as I had last week!
I have had a pretty quiet day, the weather again is awful - we are now back to wet and cold with a bit of wind thrown in for good measure! Not the ideal shopping weather at all!

Today's outfit is:

Check shorts - H&M
Black t-shirt - American eagle
Black cardigan - Vila
Scarf* - Blendshe
Black wedges - Faith
Tights - Tesco
Necklaces - H&M

* I almost had a nasty accident with the scarf earlier!! I was coming out of the stock room, I closed the door and started going down the stairs (arms full) only to feel my scarf getting tighter and tighter around my neck!!! I had closed the end of it in the door!!

Totally not fashion related - a little picture of my lovely tree that I decorated last night!

Thursday 11.12.

It is so cold here today, it has taken me until now to really get some heat into the shop and myself and it is just not a nice feeling. I also hate the feeling that I have to apologise to customers if they wish to use the fitting room - I would not be taking any of my clothing off in here at the moment!!
I knew in advance that it was going to be cold, it dropped to minus 3 through the night, so I made sure that I had lots of layers and woolens in my planned outfit, but even they are not helping me too much!

I spent almost an hour last night hand washing delicate/hand wash only items - this is a job that I do not enjoy and always put off for as long as I can. However, in the pile was a dress that I want to take to Manchester and a jumper that my bf wants to take so I just got on and did the entire pile. It was still a rubbish job that I did not enjoy, but I feel so much better as those things are no longer sitting in the bottom of my laundry basket!

We are putting our Christmas Tree up tonight and I am very excited. As soon as my bf gets home we are going to go out and get a fresh one and then after dinner (and once it has all settled into place) we are going to decorate it!

Today's outfit is:

Grey leggings - Vila
Grey & cream striped jumper dress - American Eagle
Cream cami - Primark
Necklace - Guess
Grey cardigan - Blendshe
Grey scarf - H&M
Grey/silver beret - River Island
Cream boots - River Island
Boots - Ugg

Wednesday 10.12.

Wednesday?? So soon?? This week is flying in for me so far - which is a good thing as I am off my little overnight trip to Manchester (with the bf) on Sunday morning.

I was unsure of what outfit I wanted to wear today, when I was planning it last night, but I saw this (my favorite) skirt and that was it decision made! Again it has not disappointed me, I love to wear this item. At the moment it is one of my very favorite items in my wardrobe!

I had my first Weight Watchers meeting this morning and I feel so great about actually doing something about a thing that was/is bothering me. I have dinner for this evening all prepared already and I am going out my weekly walk with my friend - I think I will then be having a nice early night!

Today's outfit is:

Skirt - French Connection
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Black cardigan - Vila
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Black wedges - Faith
Multi colour necklace - Bakers
Coral scarf - Next

For Ally @ Cute on the Cheap!!

TOMATO, RED PEPPER AND RICE SOUP (WEIGHT WATCHERS)

1 ONION, CHOPPED
2 GARLIC CLOVES, CRUSHED
1 SMALL RED PEPPER, DE-SEEDED AND CHOPPED
2 TEASPOONS OF OLIVE OIL
400G (14OZ) CANNED CHOPPED TOMATOES
½ TEASPOON DRIED MARJORAM
2 PINTS VEGETABLE STOCK OR WATER
40G (1 ½ OZ) LONG-GRAIN RICE
1-2 TABLESPOONS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
1 TEASPOON SUGAR (OPTIONAL)
SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

MIX THE ONION, GARLIC AND RED PEPPER WITH THE OIL AND 2 TABLESPOONS OF WATER IN A SAUCEPAN. HEAT UNTIL SIZZLING AND THEN COVER AND COOK GENTLY FOR 10 MINUTES, WITHOUT LIFTING THE LID. SHAKE THE PAN FROM TIME TO TIME DURING THE COOKING.

WHEN THE VEGETABLES ARE SOFT, ADD THE TOMATOES AND MARJORAM AND COOK FOR A FURTHER 2 MINUTES. THEN POUR IN THE STOCK OR WATER, RICE, SAUCE, SUGAR (IF USING) AND SEASONING.

BRING TO THE BOIL, STIRING ONCE OR TWICE AND THEN COVER AND SIMMER FOR 15 MINUTES. SERVE HOT.

I did not have the marjoram, so left it out and it was still lovely!

Tuesday 09.12.

Spotted these boots lying under the bed (shame on me) at the weekend and dug them out as I have not worn them for so long. I usually wear flat boots when I wear tunic length styles (I am not sure why) so I thought it would be nice to give heels a try - and I am happy with the look.

These boots are so comfy and they have been such a good buy. I got them 3 years ago from Aldo, at the time I was not sure about the rounded toe, but they are super comfy on my broad feet. They also have a sturdy heel which makes them even more kind, as well as rubber grip pads on the sole for wet/icy/frosty days.

Today's outfit is:

Mustard tunic - Mina UK
Brown Leggings - Oasis
Black cami (Not seen) - Primark
Brown bead jewellery - Plume
Brown boots - Aldo
Cream cardigan - River Island

Feeling very positive.

I am feeling great today, the shop has had a steady stream of customers in all morning and my little till has been ringing nicely. I slept really well last night and I think this helps.
While we were away my bf and I made a decision to be more active, eat healthier, lose some weight and try and not put things off.

Last night we met at home at 5.45pm and went to our local swimming pool for some exercise. We swam for 30 minutes then headed home to have dinner (the left over lamb - which was just as good on the second day). After dinner my bf washed up the dishes while I made a big pot of weight watchers tomato, red pepper and rice soup for us to take for our lunches this week. I also made a pot of chilli for us to have for dinner tonight (we will be in and out at different times so this was the easiest thing to make).

We then sorted out some washing between us and then settled down to watch some TV. It was such a nice feeling to have achieved so much in such a short time. It was also nice to have a simple lunch to prepare this morning - I even washed up the breakfast dishes before heading to work!

I have just eaten lunch and the soup was very tasty and warming (very needed today). This evening after all the running around is done we are going to head out for a 30 minute walk. I really hope that we do manage to keep all this good healthy behaviour up!!

Monday 08.12.

I have been having a bit of a quiet one today - I think the horrible weather has kept everyone indoors! It has not even got properly light today!

I have been doing a bit of online window shopping today and have managed to get gifts for my sisters (so that was actual shopping and not window). I now am feeling a little better about the gift situation and all in all I am feeling much more festive.

We have decided to put our tree up on Thursday night (I would usually do it at the weekend but we are away this weekend) and I am very excited!
Tonight after dinner I am going to get he house all cleaned in preparation for the decorations, I am going to give all of the windows a good clean as I have some nice little ornaments and a light thing for the front of the house!

I love the smell of Christmas! Pine, cinnamon and that smell that the decorations have from being packed away!

The top that I have on today came into stock when I was on holidays and I am loving them. I feel so warm and comfy!

Today's outfit is:

Skinny jeans - Vila
White long sleeved t-shirt - Forever 21
Poncho/jumper thing - Vila
Boots - Faith
I also have my leopard print beret and my beige suede bomber jacket.

The Weekend.

As always the weekend was too short but we managed to pack quite a lot in!
Saturday night was a fab night of lounging around and eating comfort foods (it was so cold and horrible outside). We watched the X Factor ( i am so happy with the results!!) and caught up on some of the shows that we had Sky + while we were away.

Sunday I got up nice and early sorted out some washing and then made a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs and lovely thick toast. We then went out to the supermarket to stock up on the essentials for the coming week. I talked my bf in to going to B&Q on the way home to look at their selection of fresh Christmas trees!

After lunch we decided to go to a local park to feed the Ducks! It was lovely and there were lots to be fed, they were all on the banking and on the path as the pond was 75% frozen! We then went into the tearoom to heat up and treat ourselves to a toasted scone and home made jam! YUM!

My main achievement on the weekend was cooking Braised 5 hour lamb (from the Jamie Oliver-The return of the naked chef Book) it was delicious (we are having the left overs for tea tonight and I can not wait).

The rest of the evening was spent getting ready for this week and making a start on the Christmas cards!

ARRGGHH!!!

Why is finding gifts for Christmas so hard??

Well, it is not really the finding them that is the hard part, it is finding ones that fit into my very, very tight budget and now tight time frame!!
I am never this un-organised and I do not like it one little bit!

Saturday 06.12.

Ah, it feels so nice to only work a 2 day week - I could get used to this!!!! Yeah right, like that will ever happen!

It is very, very cold today, there was a thick frost this morning that has not really lifted. So, I decided to stick with jeans but try and smarten the look up. I am so happy with the way this outfit turned out. The shirt and the boots are all new purchases from my trip, as is the jewellery! I love wearing new clothes.

I have very little planned for the rest of the weekend, tonight is a light dinner then a nice walk along the beach (I love to walk along the beach in the dark and cold) and back in time to watch the X Factor - it's getting exciting!
Sunday if the weather stays dry, I think we will try and spend sometime outside probably another walk somewhere.

Today's outfit is:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black t-shirt - H&M
Tartan shirt - Gap
Shoe boots - Armani Exchange*
Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Ring - Charlotte Russe
Bangle - Primark

* The shoe boots (or Shoots as I like to call them) are the biggest bargain I have had in a long time! They were originally over $100 (maybe around $149) they were reduced to $49 for Black Friday - Bargain. I was not in the store on Black Friday (it was crazy) but I was on Monday and there was a further 20% off! So I got them in grey too!

Friday 05.12.

I'M BAAACK!!!

Why do holidays go so, so fast??
The break was excellent, very needed and totally enjoyed. We did almost nothing. Sat in the sun a bit, read a lot, shopped a bit (quite a bit!!), ate a lot (weight watchers here I come), slept a lot (it was very needed for me and the bf) and we did some DIY and running repairs to the house.

But, today it is back to business as usual. I have had a busy morning answering emails, paying bills, re-stocking and clearing up the shop. I did not have many customers this morning (which was just as well as I made a huge mess getting things sorted out) but this afternoon has been better and it kind of feels good to be back in the swing of things.

I am feeling very positive about the shop and life in general. My main concern at the moment is getting organised for Christmas of the very tight budget that I have. Oh and keeping my little sun tan for as long as possible (it is helping with the positive feeling).

Today's outfit is:

Skinny jeans - Vila
White long sleeved t-shirt - Forever 21
Grey hooded cardigan - American Eagle (new)
Boots - Ugg