A Little Sparkle From Joshua James

I was recently given the opportunity to choose some jewellery* to review from +Joshua James Jewellery

My tastes in jewellery are quite specific.  My go to pieces are usually necklaces, something that I know that I won't bump into someone else wearing.  I love handmade pieces, anything vintage and I regularly have a look in charity shops to see what bargains can be done.  Some of my favourite pieces have been found this way.

When buying from a jewellery store I always have a good look around for something that speaks to me and I have a particular penchant for anything with a vintage feel.  I decided that the best option for me would be to choose a necklace and a charm and having narrowed down my selections I decided to go with something from the Thomas Sabo Collection.

I have chosen the Pink Satin Silk Ribbon Charm Carrier and to go with it the Rose Quartz Heart Charm 

I love the pale pink tones of the pink quartz whilst giving off a superb sparkle.  This necklace will go well with either a little black dress to add a touch of glamour or alternatively will fit in nice with pattern.  I wore this necklace today with my black, pink and orange butterfly dress and it looked great.

I will definately be keeping an eye out on the other charms available in the collection as they are easily interchangeable with a simple lobster claw clasp to unhook from the necklace.

What sort of jewellery do you love to wear?


* This item was gifted to me however all opinions are my own

Winter is Coming

As I have been mentioned before on this blog, the thought of winter and the snow that follows has always filled me with dread.  

Last year I wrote about some ice cleats that I had bought which have definitely made winter a little easier for me.  

The NHS have created some top tips for getting through the winter:

• Avoid going out in bad weather but if you do wrap up warm in plenty of layers, and wear a hat, scarf, gloves and shoes with a good grip on the sole.
  
• Try to be active during the day. Visit a local leisure centre or shopping centre if you can. If you can’t get out then get up and move, as light exercise will help to keep you warm.
  
• Make sure your heating, radiators and boilers are serviced to reduce the risk of breakdown in cold weather.
  
• Use a room thermometer. Your main sitting room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F).
  
• Have at least one warm meal each day and drink warm drinks.
  
• Sweep the chimneys, in preparation for winter.
  
• Set heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed.
  
• Get snug in bed with fleecy onesies, socks, thermal underwear and a hat. 
  
• Take care of elderly friends and neighbours. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and they have supplies of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
  

When you are young and have family around you, it is easier to think of just oneself when it comes to surviving winter but what your neighbours?

My street has many elderly people, my parents included, who all make the effort in winter to help out each other, but what about those who are more isolated?  My mum was talking to an 83 year old lady on the bus the other day who told her that her neighbours never speak to her or offer any assistance and she was worried about the winter ahead.  

It is important when winter arrives that we do not just think of ourselves.  Clearing an elderly neighbour's drive of snow or offering to get some items for them in your weekly shop isn't a big encumbrance to you but can make all the difference to someone who is elderly and alone.

I will be actively doing this when the snow comes.  If my mum lived alone I would hope that somebody would do the same for her.  When the temperatures drop and the ground gets icy, we all need to take a little extra care and if that can be extended to the people around you, maybe the winter won't seem to long after all.

2 Truths, 1 Lie

I have been tagged by the lovely Gillian of Ready Steady File to do a fun little post called "Two Truths & A Lie".

I have completed some of these getting to you know type quizzes before but this is more fun as it gets you guessing as to which is the truth and which is the lie.

Here are my two truths and one lie.  Can you tell which one I am fibbing on?  Guess in the comments (if you wish of course!!)

           1. When I was 21 I decided on a whim to move to Ireland and lived there for seven months.

2. When I was a child I used to do competitive ball room dancing.

3. I cannot ride a bicycle.

I nominate:

Nikki from www.NattyNikki.com
Leah from www.JustMeLeah.co.uk
Becky from www.DoesMyBlogMakeMeLookFat.com 

High Waisted Jeans

Whilst I am a dress girl at heart, lately I have been looking around at the season's latest offerings and have seen some beautiful tops, for both daytime and evening, which I would love to wear.  

My separates collection is very small indeed and I find myself searching for the perfect fitting pair of high waisted jeans that I can pair with some of the beautiful tops I have seen.

I have recently been provided with an infographic from Fashion World in which they have provided tips and suggestions about the 4 essential types of trousers that every woman needs in their wardrobe. 

Having asked me which my preference was they requested that I give them some styling tips.  They have created the below graphic for me where you can see what I have chosen and my comments!

* Written in collaboration with Fashion World