Thursday 22.01.

Today is a better day (I still hate January) it is not so dark and grey outside, it is dry (yay) and the wind is not blowing people off of their feet! All this means lots of people out window (and some even actual) shopping!

To help lift the mood even further I got a call yesterday to say that I am now an official French Connection stockist. Well I will be when the styles start to filter through as of February 1st!! This is HUGE news for me and my little shop, I am going to be stocking a well known brand and it is arriving just in time for the doom and gloom of winter to be leaving us.
I can not wait!

The trousers that I have on are new into stock and I thought it would be nice to have some more trousers to wear to work. But these are kind of hard to wear! I thought that grey tones were going to work great, but not so much! There is too much beige in the background, I will need to have a night of trying things on with these trousers.

Today's outfit is:

Hounds Tooth trousers - Vila
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Charcoal cardigan - S'nob
Turquoise pendant - Forever 21
Grey boots - Topshop

Wednesday 21.01.

My loathing of this awful month continues........
Today has been so quiet, I have hardly seen anyone all day. Roll on home time!
It would maybe help me a bit if the media would stop banging on about how bad the financial situation of this country is.......

On a brighter note the bf and I are having a little date night tonight and heading off to the cinema (you have to love Orange Wednesday) to see either "Yes man" or " Role Models". My bf is going to decide before we go - I am not bothered what we see (my suggestion of "Bride Wars" was completely ignored).

Today's outfit is:

Black Chiffon Dress - Vila
Black long Cardigan - Vila
Orange tights - SkunkFunk
Orange scarf - eBay
Black wedges - Faith

Tuesday 20.01.

I HATE January!!

I read in the newspaper that yesterday was the most depressing day of the year! Man did I feel it! I had such a quiet day in the shop, it was wet, windy and cold outside, I am starting to get fed up with the monotony of Weight Watchers and was just generally feeling sorry for myself. In fact last night I could have burst into tears at any given moment!

But, today is a new day - already I have been busier, spoken to more people and been more productive than yesterday. I have also not been thinking about cheating on my diet! Yay! The main reason for my will power returning?? I have seen THE dress that I want to wear to my friend's wedding in April! I know that want is the wrong word but I really, really WANT this dress!!



Today's outfit is:

Brown ribbed leggings - Forever 21
Brown & Blue cowl neck tunic - Forever 21
Brown cardigan - Forever 21
Brown boots - Faith
Necklace - Molten
Earrings - Made by me

Who would????

I mentioned yesterday that I was heading to the Library after work, and that I was excited to see if they had managed to get me in a copy of "Eat, Pray, Love".
I went along handed in the books that I had finished and explained to the lady on the desk that I had requested a copy and that I had not heard if it was in for me yet. She knew nothing about it so she checked to system.......

It turns out the book has been listed as "missing". I asked what that meant? She said that the only copy that my local council has can not be found in any of their libraries - meaning that someone has most likely decided to keep it!

I could actually feel my little face fall with the disappointment, she explained that she would put a request in for a new copy to be bought but the chances of getting it were slim.

Who would do this?? The book is only £4.99 on Play.com!!!!*

*I suppose I better order myself one!

Monday 19.01.

Cosy and casual are the theme of the day, I had a few jobs to do this morning before starting work and I have the library to go to afterwards. The weather is awful here (wet/sleety and very wild and windy) so I did not want to battle with skirts or have trousers that trailed in the rain.
I am looking forward to going to the library as I ordered a copy of "Eat, Pray, Love" and I really hope that they have it there for me.

Tonight is swimming night which I am also looking forward to - I always feel refreshed after swimming. I am also having my hair cut tonight - yippee - I am starting to edge back towards that awful place that is LEGO HEAD.

Today's outfit is:

Skinny Jeans - Vila
White long sleeved t-shirt - Tesco
Brown poncho/jumper - Vila
Brown boots - Faith

Weekend.

It was just far too fast!

I got home at about 4.35pm on Saturday evening and headed straight for the bath. My bf had been out on his bike in the afternoon, so he was already showered and in pj's. After a relaxing 30 minutes with my book and the bubbles I gave myself an all over scrub - using the exfoliating gloves that my mum gave me a Christmas - I then covered myself from head to toe in body cream and got into my pj's. I got dinner ready and then together we cleared up before watching "P.S. I Love You".

I LOVED the book (I read it a few years ago) I enjoyed the film but, to me, it was nothing like the book. Well apart from the bit about her husband...... oh and the letters!
However, I have to say that I did manage to put that to the one side and just watch. It is a lovely little film and it was prefect for a snuggly Saturday evening. But what really made it for me was the FABULOUS wardrobe that Hillary Swank has. The dresses, the hats (amazing hats - that looked so stylish) the coats and the shoes! Oh the shoes.

Sunday was just a perfect day for me, I got up early and headed straight to the supermarket (did not go last week so I needed everything) it was lovely and quiet and I got everything that I wanted. I was home before 10am so my bf helped me unpack and put the food away, I put some laundry in the washing machine and then we had breakfast together.
After a quick clear up we headed out to collect my bf's work van. It was parked at his office (4.5 miles away) but he needed it every early Monday morning and we decided to get out and about while the weather had calmed down a bit. It was a great walk (we did it in an hour) although it was very windy at parts.

The rest of the day was spent heading out with the bf and his new camera when it was dry and lounging, eating and having a go at making some jewellery.

Here is what I did (not too bad for the very first attempt??).

Saturday 17.01.

Thank goodness it if Saturday - I am so ready for some time in the house. The weather forecast is not good for the remainder of the weekend (high winds, low temps and sleet - we never get snow here always the snowy rain mixture) so I am thinking that we will be bundled up in our TV room. I have "P.S. I Love You" (I loved the book and heard a lot of mixed reviews about the movie, but think it is just the kind of thing that will make for a good afternoon) on Sky+ plus some Christmas DVD's that we can work our way through.

We have no plans for this evening and I am pretty pleased about that, I really like to count Saturday evening as some extra time off and when we are heading out or having people round it never feels like a break. So, I am heading home to (hopefully) get out for a walk, make dinner before having a nice hot bath and putting my pj's on!

Today's outfit is:

Satin tunic/dress - Blendshe
Black tights - Primark
Black boots - Nine West
Gold necklace - H&M
Gold Cuff - Banana Republic*

*I spotted this in Banana Republic, when we were in Orlando in November, and could not make up my mind about whether I liked it or not, so I did not buy it. It was a lovely surprise to get it on Christmas morning - I have no idea when my mum snuck back for it!

Friday 16.01.

I changed my jeans at the very last moment this morning and I really wish that I had not. After seeing this picture I am not loving today's look - it is not bad, but just not as good as I had hoped!
Oh well it is not too long until home time and I can get into my yoga pants and a t-shirt - high fashion!!!

Today's outfit is:

Jeans - ASOS
Black t-shirt - Primark
Grey cardigan - River Island
Scarf - Coach
Ballet flats - Nine West

Thursday 15.01.

I was watching "Sex and the city" the movie yesterday and took my outfit inspiration from the combo that Carrie wears when she is answering the emails with her assistant (I could not find a picture and I am not very technical) any fan of the movie should know which part I mean!

The dress that I have on is jersey tunic that got delivered to the shop yesterday, it is from the Vila Spring line and I stuck 2 straight into my bag (a grey one too) thinking I can not wait until it is warmer to wear them. I then had a quiet afternoon, so I dug out my DVD and spied an outfit that I wanted to recreate, so I did. And I am very, very happy with how it has turned out! I only wish I was able to find a picture from the movie :(

It has been very, very quiet here today the drizzle has kept everyone indoors, so I think I may head off a little early. That way I can get to the supermarket before it gets too late.

Today's outfit is:

Black jersey dress/tunic - Vila
Grey long cardigan - Vila
Faux pearls - eBay
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Black suede shoe boots - Armani Exchange

OMG........

I have done a bad thing I have fallen off the Weight Watchers Wagon (I am hoping that my shaming myself on here will draw a line under it and I can move on). I kind of knew that it was coming, I was getting too smug about it all, I am doing well (I think I am - I have lost a total of 6lbs so far from the 14lbs that I wish to lose) and when asked if I am missing anything yet I have been saying "Oh no".

Now this was true, but over the weekend I let myself have dinner out, wine (over 3 nights) birthday cake, cupcakes etc, etc, etc. And now this week my little "diet" lunch is just not cutting it.
Yesterday I just got on with stuff and let my tummy rumble but today was a different matter. I am ashamed to say that I have been up to my stock room rummaging through boxes looking for Foil Wrapped Chocolates that I put out on the counter from time to time. It was no trouble locating them as I had put them away, it was then no trouble what so ever eating 6 yes 6 of them!

I hope that I have got my need for chocolate out of my system now, and that I can stick with the plan for the remainder of the day. I really do not want to get into the habit of carrying the badness on and on!

Confession over.

Wednesday 14.01.

Decided to wear flat shoes today - not sure that I am happy with how the dress looks with flat shoes! I have had this necklace for a while and have never felt that it looks just "right", so I decided to just go with it.

I am starting to get bits and bobs of Spring 2009 pieces delivered which I am so excited about. It all looks so nice and fresh, and the prices, so far, are great.
I am at the stage now where I could throw all of the sale items out of the window - sales are so messy! I really do not understand how people enjoy rummaging through the rails to get a bargain (sorry :)). I like to get a good deal but I do not want to have to work hard to find it!

Today's outfit is:

Green patterned dress - Soo-Lee
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Green glass bead necklace - eBay
Black patent ballet flats - Old Navy

Tuesday 13.01.

A more casual look for today and there are 2 reasons behind this

1. I am very sleepy after all of the walking and fantastic fresh sea air that I got yesterday.
2. The mountain of ironing that has taken up residence in my home.

So, tonight I am getting myself home quick smart so that I can get dinner all prepared and get stuck into the ironing (I have some stuff to catch up on Sky+) I am hoping to get through it all quite quickly! Then I can organise my outfits for the remainder of the week.

Although I am not very "dressy" today I feel great. I love brown tones and always feel good wearing them and on top of that I am confortable and warm today.

My afternoon out for my bf's birthday was a huge success, we had so much fun that I think we are heading back (weather permitting) on Sunday to explore even further. The bf was very, very pleased with his present and has already taken some beautiful pictures. You can see my "snaps" from yesterday here.

Today's outfit is:

Beige knitted tunic - Topshop

Brown leggings - Oasis

Scarf - Forever 21

Boots - Faith

Monday 12.01.

Wow, early post for me! I am only in the shop for 2 hours today - Yippee! It is my lovely bf's birthday and I am taking him out for the afternoon. My mum is coming in at 12pm to let me go home to prepare a picnic for lunch! I am taking him to Culzean Castle for the afternoon and then we are going out for dinner this evening.
I got him a fabby new camera so that is why we are heading to the castle for the afternoon, so that he can play about with his new toys!

I am (I am afraid to say) wearing the same clothes as yesterday, I am going straight home to get into my grubby outside clothes, so I thought that I could get away with this as I love the grey top!

Today's outfit is:

Skinny Jeans - Vila
White long sleeved t-shirt - Forever 21
Grey poncho.Jumper - Monsoon
Black cardy boots - Ugg

Saturday 10.01.

I think the January slump has hit! I could count the customers I have had on one hand - I am beyond bored! I hate feeling like this, but more than that I hate to feel like I am wasting my time being here when I have a millions things to do at home before having people over this evening!

I had forgotten all about this cute little jacket, so it kind of feels like I am wearing something new today. I love the little puff shoulder detail and the half sleeve. It is great for wearing over dresses when heading out for the evening! I am sorry for the strange pose in the picture with the jacket - I do not even realise that I do this weird thing with my legs until I have done it!

Today's outfit is:

Cream lace (vintage look) dress - Vila
Black tights - SkunkFunk
Cream jacket - Primark
Faux pearls - eBay
Bangle - Primark
Ring - Charlotte Russe
Cream and black shoes - New Look

Friday 09.01.

Got up early to make cupcakes before coming to work this morning - it is my bf's birthday on Monday and we are having people round for birthday drinks on Saturday night. I plan to ice them when I get home before going swimming and then heading out for an evening with friends, that is if I do not fall asleep on the sofa - I am feeling very sleepy, I am sure that the brisk walk home will help to wake me!

Nothing very special about this outfit, but it is still way more dressy that I was being. I am glad that I layered this morning as it has stayed really cold and frosty here today.

Today's outfit is:

Plum knitted dress/long cardigan - Vila
Grey cami - American Eagle
Grey argyle tights - Matalan
Grey boots - Topshop
Teal necklace - Primark

Thursday 08.01.

I can not seem to go longer than a few weeks without wearing this skirt - I love it so much, it always makes me feel so good when I wear it!
The last time that I wore this skirt a few of you asked to see the detail of the print, so I have posted some pictures to show you.

My day has been pretty quiet so far which is annoying as I decided to leave my book at home this morning!! Never mind I should have some nice new stock in tomorrow, so I look forward to getting that all organised and displayed!

Today's outfit is:

Patterned skirt - French Connection
Black v-neck t-shirt - H&M
Coral cardigan - J Crew
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Turquoise pendant - Forever 21
Turquoise charm bracelet - Thomas Sabo
Coral ballet flats - Topshop




Sorry for the strange thing that I am doing with my legs!! This picture was the best of a bad bunch!

Quick update.

I went to the Library and joined last night after work. I took out 2 books on gardening (so as well as saving money it is helping with my green fingers) and one that I was undecided about buying from Amazon - Up all night by Carmen Reid.

I then went home and made Chilli stuffed peppers for dinner, using left-over Chilli that I had frozen a few weeks ago. This was both healthy and much less wasteful - making it good for us and budget friendly.
After dinner we went out our evening walk for 30 minutes and then we played stupid games on the Wii - so we managed to squeeze in moving more too.

To top it all I went back to Weight Watchers for the first time since Christmas Eve and I have managed to lose another 2lbs - I am very, very happy.

I just hope that I do not crash and burn with all of this "good" that I am doing!!!

Wednesday 07.01.

Back to being more dressed up today and boy does it feel better. I am standing straighter and smiling more just from having a dress on! I really have been going to jeans just a bit too much lately and the main reason for this is really just lack of planning, so I am going to take an hour on Sunday to prepare for next week.

I wore this dress on Christmas day for the first time and I wore it without the belt. That was fine for a day of sitting around eating, but I felt that it just needed a little something extra for wearing to work. I am very happy with the way it has turned out. However, I think I am going to have a good look on eBay for a grey and possibly a purple belt to add to me collection!

Out of curiosity what look do you prefer?

Which look is better, with belt or without?
	With belt.
	Without belt
pollcode.com free polls

Today's outfit is:

Purple ruffle sleeve dress - Mossimo - Target
Black pattern tights - Tesco
Purple shoes - Forever 21
Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Belt - Next

Last time I wore the shoes a few of you asked for a close up, so here it is.

Tuesday 06.01.

I made a point, yesterday, of dressing smarter as I had not really got dressed up over the Christmas holidays and here I am today back in my jeans. Well there is a reason, I have been removing all trace of Christmas from the shop - taking the decorations down. I thought that I would be sensible and wear clothing that is appropriate for climbing up and down ladders and for being in the window display.

I have never worn a belt with this cardigan but I thought that it just changed things up a little this morning. I have also since added my cream scarf.

Today's outfit is:

Jeans - Vila
Long sleeved grey t-shirt - Forever 21
Grey cardigan - Hollister
Cream belt - Primark
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

A close up picture of today's belt.


I thought that I would share a picture of my Christmas gift picked by my FAB bf! The most beautiful Fendi make-up bag. I love it!
I have never really used a make-up bag inside my handbag (I used to just throw the lipglosses etc in the bottom of the bag) but this one is just the right size to hold the essentials and fit nicely in most of my handbags!

Could I be taking things too far??

As a bit of a follow up from yesterday I thought I would post about something else that I am making a very conscious effort to do.
Live within my means.
My bf and I decided before we went on holiday in November that we fritter and waste too much money. We just do not think of the little day to day things that we buy as spending. So, we have been using a basic spread sheet as our budget planner and it is going pretty well. We mark what goes in and out and on what date etc, etc.

We were also guilty of just going to the nearest place and buying the thing that we wanted - I was not up for looking about and doing price comparison. Not anymore I am the comparison queen now. We were buying a real tree in December to decorate and we spent an entire afternoon going around garden centres to find the best deal. I have switched from Tesco to Asda for our weekly food shop and I have noticed a huge drop in what we spend.

It is my bf's birthday on the 12th January and I have spent almost a month now researching the gift and then getting it at the best possible price. I managed to get it for a fair bit below the RRP and it had some accessories thrown in! I am not going to go into any more detail as I want it to be a surprise.

Me being the kind of person that I am when I make an effort to do a thing I do so whole heartedly. I now can not justify throwing food in the bin I turn veg into soup, left-over dinner into packed lunch. These are all things that are easy to do and that make my budget go even further - as will the Subway that I will be having for my lunch tomorrow, as there is a coupon in tomorrows newspaper (which I buy anyway) for a FREE 6" sub!

But, is joining the library a step too far??
I am finishing at 4.30pm today and I am going to join and make use of the public library along the street. I read so much that I am sure it will free up even more from my budget.
I just hope that I am not going too far!

Lifestyle Changes.

So I mentioned that this year I have not made a New Years resolution - I always break them and then feel bad about it. I do not want the guilt this year, I do not have the time or the space for it in my life!
I have decided to make some simple (well I hope they are) lifestyle changes. My bf is on this with me which I think will help keep me at it!
This is what I have decided:

Eat better.
Not diet, not cut out the things that I like, but eat better. I started at Weight Watchers at the start of December and so far it is going well, I want it to stay that way but I do not want to get bored and cheat.
I have stocked up our fridge and store cupboards with fresh vegetables, fruits (that are in season) and these are going to form the base of our meals, I have also switched to whole wheat's and grains.
We are both taking a packed lunch with us to work to help us stick to this, that way we both know exactly what we are eating (hopefully it will save us some money too).
We are also going to have dinner no later than 7pm.

Move more.
We cancelled our gym membership in the autumn. I have very little free time and I refused to spend what I had in a gym. However, I still need to exercise so we have decided to walk everywhere that we can. Over the holidays the weather here has been very cold but dry and we have been out walking every single day - so far we have done as little as a mile and as much as 8 miles. Sleep quality has improved already. We have also taken up swimming at the local community pool twice a week. To add to this Santa got me a Wii Fit for Christmas and this is giving the muscle work out and yoga tuition.

Make more time together.
We are both self employed. This means when we are not at work we are not making money and therefore not getting paid. Because of this we both work a lot and this year we had only a week off. We are now going to make a real effort to take small amounts of time off to rest and be together. So far we have planned to be off next Monday afternoon, we are having 4 days off in February when we go on a family break and we are trying to arrange a weekend away in March.
Having the break over Christmas has made us really see what we are missing!

Get green fingers.
We have a beautiful big garden and in the 2 years that we have been in the house we have not done anything with it, so this year we are going to try and stamp our mark on it.
We are going to plant some shrubs to fill in spaces and hopefully grow our own plants to fill summer pots for the patio. I will be trying to keep an update with how it goes!

In short I am aiming to make my life healthier and more out-doorsy!

Monday 05.01.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I am so happy that 2009 is here and so far all is well. 2008 did not end up too great in our household so we are very much embracing the new year and a nice fresh start, we have also decided to not make resolutions but make lifestyle changes.

I have really, really enjoyed my break over the festive period and I feel refreshed and raring to go. The time at home with my bf was so precious, we get very little time together so we made the most of it (well we think so anyway). We decided to miss out the sales and the busy shops, we avoided pubs and bars and we suited ourselves instead of trying to accept all invites of parties, drinks and meals.
Instead we slept a lot, we ate a lot (but all home cooked meals like stews and soups - yum!) we spent time with both of our families, we got out and got ourselves lots and lots of fresh air and exercise and then when we were happily worn out and full we got comfy on the sofa and watched loads of movies.

IT WAS BLISS.

As lovely as it was I am very glad to be back to the normal routine today. In a strange way it was nice to get up with an alarm this morning! It is also nice to really put thought into my outfit again. I have spent a LOT of time in old jeans and yoga pants lately.

Today's outfit is:

Grey pinstripe trousers - Blendshe
Plum bib front top - Blendshe
Grey long cardigan - Vila
Necklaces - H&M/Primark
Grey shoe boots - Armani Exchange

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