tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23836326555677274862024-03-27T06:38:00.662+00:00Strangeness & CharmHayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.comBlogger807125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-36169084271536326082015-02-01T18:23:00.002+00:002015-02-01T18:23:59.067+00:00Lifestyle: January 2015<center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 16px;"><b>I have been buying</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;">… lots of Disney and Harry Potter things from Primark and quite a bit of makeup.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><b>I have been eating at</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;">… TGI's and Frankie and Benny's</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I have visited</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">… apart from my usual trips to Birmingham, I've also been to Winchester.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best Bargain</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">a Clinique giftset for only £8 which was worth well over £30!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I have achieved</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">… I've been trying to lose some weight and have stopped eating so much crap.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I've been listening to</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">... Sivu, Emmy the Great and Morrissey.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Next month I’m looking forward to…</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> London Fashion Week!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Next month I hope to splash some cash on</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">… I've already spent enough, so I need to chill out a bit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I've been reading</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">... <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LMBWBZS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00LMBWBZS&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=N7EYBJ6P3337YNY2">Yes Please by Amy Poehler</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0084FB8OU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0084FB8OU&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=HEPMXNF6IECCXZVS">Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JDQEEF4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00JDQEEF4&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=2T5IPNIBVSDGTOOC">Landline by Rainbow Rowell</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00JDQEEF4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-74192835219910388702015-01-27T10:09:00.000+00:002015-01-27T10:09:00.064+00:00Fashion: Almost Famous SS15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In November I went along to the <a href="http://aflondon.com/" target="_blank">Almost Famous</a> press day at their flagship Fitzrovia store. Almost Famous is a womenswear brand famous for their dresses which have been worn by the likes of Pippa Middleton and Sarah Jessica Parker. Each season, they bring out an eclectic 160 piece collection and I was excited to see what they had planned for SS15.</div>
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I was not disappointed when I arrived, I'm a lover of statement pieces and don't like sticking to all one colour. As you can see from the photos above, Almost famous are all about the brights and the florals for SS15. They have something for everyone, from pretty pastel dresses suitable for a summer wedding, to the brightly coloured denim which is just perfect for a casual summer look. My favourite piece from the whole collection was the dark floral skirt shown in the last photo; I just fell in love with it as soon as I walked into the room. I'd wear this with a coloured vest when it's warmer and add tights and a cardigan for the colder months.</div>
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What's your favourite piece from the Almost Famous SS15 collection?</div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-61837545808344438892015-01-26T21:12:00.000+00:002015-01-27T11:06:05.979+00:00Travel: Best cities for Hen Weekends in the UK <center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations, you’ve landed yourself the maid of honour gig. How exciting! Get ready, as you have a lot of planning to do. One of your main responsibilities is to make sure the bride-to-be has a hen party or hen weekend to remember. In order to plan an unforgettable ‘hen do’, the destination you choose to host it can play a large factor to ensure a successful event. Below is a list of the best cities known for great hen weekends within the UK. Bear in mind that every bride-to-be is different, and therefore has different tastes. Some brides want to go to the bar with their girlfriends and party the night away. While other brides want to be <a href="http://www.spabreaks.com/hen_nights" target="_blank">pampered in an exclusive spa</a>, and have a late lunch, it’s your responsibility to figure out what the bride-to-be wants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip:</span><span style="line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Think carefully about the destination. Where did she grow up? Is there somewhere she always </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">talks about but she’s never been (it may have been a subtle hint)? Where is the best man holding the stag do? – you don’t want to end up at the same place!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Newcastle</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.15;">You can expect the ‘Tyne of your life’ with a <a href="http://www.ukbreakaways.com/destination-guide/newcastle" target="_blank"> trip to Newcastle</a>. You may have heard about the stereotype of girls in Newcastle on a night out. They wear massive shoes, are super-tanned, wear short dresses and are always standing with a fancy drink in their hand such as a cocktail, with the main intention to enjoy themselves. This stereotype is SO true. Newcastle is proud to be one of the best cities for nights out on the town. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and certainly will make the bride feel special. There will most likely be a load of other hen and stag parties for you to run around the streets with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">London</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">London; the capital of the UK that is full of possibilities. There is a sense of anticipation in the air in London that anything could happen. Whatever you are planning for the hen night or weekend, <a href="http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/tourist-attraction/hen-weekends-in-london-top-10-ideas" target="_blank">London will most likely offer it</a>, and it will most likely be the biggest and the best.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.15;">Whether it’s shopping, cocktails, spas, bars, restaurants, clubs, the world is your oyster in London, and it’s yours for the taking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dublin </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.15;">Prepare yourself, the bride and the girls to be seduced with Dublin’s wicked Irish charm. Dublin boasts cobbled roads, traditional Irish pubs and clubs and even the odd street entertainment. Dublin is the perfect city to unwind and forget about the stress of everyday life (such as organising the big day).</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cardiff</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.15;">Believed to be the Welsh London, expect a lot smaller, Cardiff is a friendly city that where you can find many students, sporting and pop celebrities and even drag acts. If your bride-to-be enjoys a tipple too, and likes to dance like no one is watching or if she’s the type who appreciates a fine restaurant and snazzy bars, then Cardiff is perfect for her hen night.</span></div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-40855101205457126572015-01-25T23:53:00.002+00:002015-01-26T00:08:03.373+00:00Travel: Three things I love about Paris<center style="text-align: left;">
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Although I love travelling, I haven't actually been to many places so far - I've been to most of the major cities in the UK and a few in France and Belgium. I tend to revisit those that I love the most and because of this, I feel like I know my favourite cities like the back of my hand.</center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first trip to the French capital in 2001 when I was 11 years old</td></tr>
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Today I'm going to talk about one of those cities, Paris which is somewhere that is on most people's lists of places to visit. I've been lucky enough to have been five times so far although I've only been able to properly explore the city twice. After spending so much time in the city, I've managed to do almost all of the major tourist attractions and I've also been able to check out some great places that are not as well known. Here are three things that I love about Paris.</center>
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<b>1. The food</b></center>
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You can't talk about Paris without talking about the food. Seriously, there's nothing like a proper French croissant in the morning or a Croque Monsieur for your lunch. Paris is home to thousands of amazing little brasseries and cafes, it's not all about frogs legs and snails y'know! When I went to Paris in October 2013 with <a href="http://cocktailsinteacups.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a>, we ate some fantastic food and it was all at a great price. People seem to think that Paris is expensive but it's just like any other city. Of course there's going to be the places around the major tourist attractions that up their prices but you can always find somewhere nice at a good price and have a decent meal - you don't need to go to McDo despite it being a hundred times better than the UK's McDonalds! If you're feeling flush you can always stop off at Ladureé and have a €7 coffee eclair like I did. One of my favourite meals was at a place called <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187147-d1638284-Reviews-Le_Ronsard_Cafe-Paris_Ile_de_France.html" target="_blank">Le Ronsard</a> just opposite Sacre Coeur.</center>
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<b>2. The history</b></center>
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I'm a massive history nerd (I have a degree in Archaeology!) and Paris is just brimming with history. Everywhere you go has a different tale to tell, from the storming of the Bastille to the execution of King Louis XVI to the erection of the Eiffel Tower. I just love finding out more about the history and the culture of the city whenever I go. The photos above show the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe and the view from one of the towers of Notre Dame which I believe is the best view of Paris. On my next visit, I hope to take a trip to Versailles and finally visit the <a href="http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/" target="_blank">Catacombs</a> too.</center>
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Paris is famous for its museums and art galleries. I wish I could say I'd been to each one but there's just too many! Did you know that if you stopped and looked at everything on display in the Louvre for 30 seconds each, it would take you 100 days to see everything? And that's without a break! My favourite museum (that I've been to so far!) is Musee d'Orsay. I'm a big fan of Impressionism and I got to see one of my favourite paintings, Starry Night Over the Rhone by Vincent Van Gogh. I would love to go back and see it again, the museum itself is beautiful too - it's a converted railway station which you can see in the above photo. One place I would love to visit next time is the <a href="http://goparis.about.com/od/parismuseums/p/Centre_Pompidou.htm" target="_blank">Centre Pompidou</a> - a Moden Art museum. You may have heard of it or seen photos - it's a crazy inside out building which looks fantastic. I've walked past it but have never been in.</center>
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So those are my three favourite things about Paris - I could go on and on for hours but I think I should leave it at that! I'll just quickly mention my other favourite places that you NEED to visit when you're in Paris - <a href="http://www.lecafedeschats.fr/" target="_blank">Café des Chats</a> (a cat cafe!), <a href="http://www.galerieslafayette.com/" target="_blank">Galeries Lafayette </a>(the Parisian version of Harrods but a thousand times prettier and there's macarons around every corner), Montmartre (home of Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge and the infamous Red Light District - it's also great for cheap souvenirs) and of course Disneyland! If you want to see all of my other Paris related posts, just <a href="http://www.strangenessandcharm.co.uk/search/label/Paris" target="_blank">click here.</a></center>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is an entry into the <a href="http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/content/tale-of-3-cities.shtml" target="_blank">Accor #3Cities</a> competition</span></i></center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-30031079650332951652015-01-23T16:41:00.000+00:002015-01-23T16:41:00.252+00:00Fashion: Clothes Show Live 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in December (better late than never, eh?) I popped over to Birmingham's NEC with <a href="http://rachel-nicole.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rach</a> to check out the Clothes Show Live. This was my third year going with a press pass, so I knew what to expect. I generally avoid any of the clothes stalls although it was less like a cheap market place this time around and usually head over to the beauty section.</div>
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I treated myself to some Models Own polishes (3 for £10 with a goody bag that was mostly crap) and some Ciate polishes (£10 for a set of 5 minis, with another 3 minis and a neon set) and also bought some toothpase from Beverley Hills. I was thrilled to find a <a href="http://www.flamingocandles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Flamingo Candles</a> stall as I've wanted to try them out for so long but I don't like to buy candles unless I can smell them first. I ended up with two candles (Parma Violets and Macaroon and Almond) and five of the wax tarts. I can't wait to try them all out, they're still sat unused in my candle drawer!</div>
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As usual, the Fashion Theatre was the highlight of the day. This year it was New York themed and both the outfits and choreography were amazing! There were a lot of almost naked men which everyone seemed to love (it's not my cup of tea - I prefer them with a bit of chub and a hairy chest!) and there was a surprise appearance from Peter Andre. We also got a performance from Jetta which was fantastic.</div>
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I'm really looking forward to next year already, although I think I'm going to book the day off work and go on the last day for all of the bargains! </div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-36363856194398050132015-01-23T08:20:00.000+00:002015-01-23T08:20:00.312+00:00Lifestyle: How are you doing with your New Year Resolutions?<center>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 is well under way, and people are already planning their next holiday and thinking about what sale items to buy to save for next Christmas! But amidst the bargain hunting and brochure browsing, take time to reflect and consider whether you are keeping to those New Year's resolutions that you made. Here are some tips to keep you on the right tracks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;">Are you sticking to your no-smoking resolution?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may have started back at work and with that disappears that nice, relaxing break you were having. The New Year rush may come with associated stress and you may want to nip out on a break and satisfy those cravings you have to smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To help you along, </span><a href="http://www.vapouriz.co.uk/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">electronic cigarettes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are a great alternative that will keep you smoke-free. Other available alternatives include nicotine inhalers, patches and specially formulated chewing gum. As your cravings become less frequent, you can substitute the above nicotine products for similar objects, such as simulating inhalation using a straw, or chewing standard gum. Remember, quitting smoking is not a quick and easy process, but by using these options and maintaining your willpower, you can stick to that resolution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;">Did you buy some new trainers? How long until that marathon you decided to run? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s that time of year where gym memberships increase, as people vow to get healthier and run further than they have ever ran before. Are you determined to get fit, but the cold January weather is putting you off? Don’t let it beat you!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the outdoors aren’t your thing, a gym can offer all kinds of weight and cardio exercises, as well as fitness classes. You can also stream many fitness videos online, and even undertake exercise while sitting down, by lifting your legs or crunching your stomach. The possibilities are endless to keep to your resolution – just think next time you have to go to the shop, could you walk instead of driving? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;">Have you vowed to change your diet?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">With all the rich and calorific foods available over the festive period, have you vowed to change your diet, and try healthier alternatives? Don’t succumb to temptation; instead, try some of these handy hints to keep the diet on schedule.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spice up your knife: if you think that lower calorie foods are dull and unappealing, then think again! A teaspoon of ginger, garlic, paprika, pepper, and almost any other spice contains less than 10 calories, so you can add a tasty twist on your healthier options, without drowning them in grease or fat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;">Is 2015 the year you get out of debt?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">After splurging on presents and other gifts in December, many people may be realising they were spending more than their budget permitted. It’s an easy mistake to make but fortunately, one that’s also easy to resolve. Itemise all of your income and outgoings side by side. Then consider your outgoings; do you really need to spend on all of them? Be harsh but realistic.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can you swap where you shop? If you think cheaper food is not as good, check the ingredients, as you may realise they are almost identical. Set yourself a budget and stick to it. You could even find that you save more than expected!</span></div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-54353708903986940872015-01-22T22:59:00.000+00:002015-01-23T01:25:31.668+00:00Lifestyle: Are you planning a wedding?<center>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can learn a lot about people's lives on Facebook; some friends are buying homes, others are having babies and more still are succeeding in their careers as well as social life. It isn’t surprising that falling in love is a strong theme with sparkling gems and wedding dates set in place. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although planning a wedding is something I’m not currently thinking about, a lot of my close friends have recently got engaged and some have even set a date for their wedding - my friend Lisa has asked me to be her bridesmaid!. It is all really exciting and I can't wait to be a part of their special day but I can't even begin to imagine just how stressful planning a wedding actually is. I intend to show them </span><a href="http://www.weddingsite.co.uk/">http://www.weddingsite.co.uk/</a></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to help organise their thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/theweddingsite.jpg" height="339px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3X-Pxh2ImGryy9ufc-tCJOMusOlTYLs_08uGt0jy4Ja9c6X5SqLTN9grwNN5oduVM5gaN29vi7T3tz7i_Zih4yR86b8xYYeJLu4155SSZ-It5d-8_spcal2S6i9U9A1OvpoFR1H3JU" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="593px;" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a whole lot more to think about than what date you are going to get married on, where you are going to say your vows and what pretty (but horrifyingly expensive) dress you are going to wear. You also have to decide who you are going to invite, from both families, what your budget is going to be (and you need to make sure you don't go over it as much as you can), what your colour scheme or theme is going to be and who is going to sit where to name just a few things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This stress can be absolutely soul-destroying for the couple, and their loved ones that surround them. Your usual placid and kind-natured friend may suddenly turn into the monster only known as </span><a href="http://www.closeronline.co.uk/2014/03/bridezilla-alert-ten-horrifying-accounts-of-real-life-bridezillas">‘Bridezilla’</a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, right before your eyes! But what are the best ways to organise your thoughts and keep your sanity in tack in the process?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is going to be a whole lot of lists happening in the build up to your big day and there is going to be a lot for you to keep track of, that </span><a href="http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/cheaper-weddings">pesky budget</a> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">being one of them, so it's nice to have somewhere where you can keep a note of what you've got to do, what you've already done and who has replied to your invitations already. Traditionally, most people tend to use note books or if they are lucky enough to be able to afford it, they hire a wedding planner. With the beloved internet, those days are over and there are many free online tools to guide your way. </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/plantheperfectwedding.jpg" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/rh1p9M4gLaLdfd1dTzo_Wd0TVkNq797Mkj_0e518NEvHXNMGYribs4SbLIMzscuVX_R_YB842E6HGHPSaZ9mjihkIyYokm724aFwmeizfDkm6qUA5B6x9addf1NZ-NFwbNypBMn42TQ" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="476" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Allowing you to keep a track of all of the to-do lists that you have got and who you've invited to the big day, the best planner have to be the seating planner and budget tool. Keeping on track with your budget is so important, you can easily let it spiral out of control. For my friends’ weddings, I’m definitely going to tell them to download the tracker to save them a small fortune.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also use the website to arrange your seating plan for the reception so you can make sure that Aunt Marge and Uncle Brian are kept apart after the fiasco at the last family wedding. This is a factor often forgotten in the run-up to the Big Day. Having this online makes matters SO much easier. </span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As well as the tools, there is a full and comprehensive list of UK suppliers from florists to chefs that are tailored to suit your wedding. You can do all the hard work from the comfort of your sofa. Another nice touch, is the little wedding countdown on the website so that you know just how many days you have got left until the big event. </span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will definitely be recommending an online planner to all of my friends who have got weddings coming up and maybe when the time is right, I might find myself using it too! </span></span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>This post was written in collaboration with the brand</i></span></span></div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-72397195269542675012015-01-20T11:41:00.000+00:002015-01-20T11:41:00.132+00:00Beauty: Birchbox January 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month, <a href="http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=50479" target="_blank">Birchbox</a> have teamed up with the women's fitness magazine Women's Health to bring us the 'Hit Refresh' box; a box full of products to help us keep energised and kick start 2015 after the Christmas excitement is over. </div>
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<b>Heal Gel Intensive</b>, <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/healgel-intensive/MUK200010006.html" target="_blank">availalable here</a></div>
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This tiny tube contains a multi-purpose skin rescue gel, designed to soothe, restore and protect your skin. It can also be used as a primer under make up. I'm going to be keeping this safe until I have another bad break out as it sounds like it works wonders!</div>
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<b>ActivBod Cooling Finish Lotion,</b> <a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/activbod-cooling-finish-lotion" target="_blank">available here</a></div>
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This menthol packed lotion is designed to help bring your temperature down, soothe your skin and moisturise all at once. It's the perfect product to use after a gym session and the fragrance which is a mixture of eucalyptus, pepper and lemon is so uplifting.</div>
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<b>Caudalie Vinoperfect serum</b>, <a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/caudalie-vinoperfect-radiance-serum-30ml/10306558.html" target="_blank">available here</a></div>
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This sample size is worth £15 alone which is more that I paid for the box. I love it when that happens! This serum is for applying before a moisturiser and helps to keep the moisture locked into your skin while also boosting your complexion and giving you a radiant glow. I've used a Caudalie serum before and it was fantastic so I'm looking forward to trying this one.</div>
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<b>Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner</b>, <a href="http://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/philip-kingsley-body-building-conditioner.html" target="_blank">available here</a></div>
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This conditioner is actually for fine, limp hair which is the complete opposite of my hair type. However, I'm sure I'll use it as I always like swapping my conditioners around. It promises to control flyaways and add shine without weighing the hair down.</div>
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<b>Stila Lip Glaze</b>, <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Stila-Lip-Glaze_1220989/" target="_blank">available here</a></div>
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This is the one full sized product in the box and is worth £15. I'm not a big lover of lipgloss, I hardly ever wear it but I've found myself liking this one. It's a nude, almost clear shade with very fine glitter which looks great over a matte nude lipstick to add a bit of dimension. It's not too sticky or gloopy either!</div>
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<b>Embrace Matcha green tea</b>, <a href="http://www.embracematcha.com/green-tea-10-x-1g-sachets-free-uk-delivery/" target="_blank">available here</a></div>
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This sachet of matcha green tea is really not cup of tea (ha ha!) but I'm going to give it a go! Matcha is known for it's antioxidants and is said to boost your metabolism so it's worth a try. This one sachet is worth £1 so it's not cheap!</div>
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<b>Women's Health pilates band</b></div>
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The lifestyle extra in this months box is a pilates band which I won't get any use out of - it would be great for those that have taken pilates up as a new year's resolution though!</div>
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I'm definitely pleased with this month's offering, I'll use everything but the band and my skincare could do with a bit of a refresh, so the serum is a welcome addition. If you want to sign up too, you can do so by <a href="http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=50479" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</center>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-20649061085945845762015-01-19T23:55:00.000+00:002015-01-19T23:55:44.001+00:00Lifestyle: Why do you stay in a job you hate?<center>
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<span class="s1">Picture this. It’s Monday morning – I’d assume around 7am, or similar. Your alarm clock has gone off, and for the millionth week in a row, you feel like screaming and you’d rather be chained to your bed than go to work again. Just where did your weekend go?! </span><br />
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<span class="s1">I see a lot of people moaning about their job, but when they really, really hate it, I don’t understand why they don’t just look for something else. Perhaps I’m being simplistic. <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dont-just-call-young-people-4205233"><span class="s2">It’s still quite a tough environment for job seekers, especially young ones</span></a>, and of course, jobs don’t grow on trees. A lot of people think it’s better to stay somewhere they’re a bit miserable, at the risk of making themselves even more miserable if they don’t. Nobody wants to be unemployed and out of money - it’s a catch 22. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It’s January now though, and for many of us, it’s the perfect time to look for a new job. Although technically, <a href="http://www.halesgroup.co.uk/blog/2015/01/news/whens-the-best-time-of-year-to-start-a-new-job/"><span class="s2">it’s impossible to say when the right time for a job search actually is</span></a>, now really is as good a time as any. Equally, though, if you’re reading this in May, or September, or any other month, it’s never too late. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">There are a few ways you can think about what you really want, but it’s important to sit down and take the time to focus on you…</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Make a list of the pros and cons of your current workplace. It’s unlikely that every single little detail will be perfect, but it’s not a lot to ask to feel happy and not dread when you think about heading in! If the ‘bad’ column is long and unlikely to change, put yourself first. (Unless the ‘good’ column has something amazing, like a private jet or something, ha!).</span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you think something can be changed about where you work – that’s great! Broach the issue professionally and with respect. Take note of how much respect you’re granted in return when being influenced for a decision. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Start looking for a new job way in advance of when you want to leave. I wouldn’t personally recommend putting in your notice until you at least have some sort of plan! Obviously, some notice periods are longer than others, so take this into consideration, too.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Don’t just look on job sites. Look on Twitter, LinkedIn, ask friends and family – you never know who knows who. That old saying comes into play here: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Focus on your continued professional development so that job hunting will be a breeze. Take advantage of training courses, take a night class, or even volunteer to boost your CV. It might also be worth getting a hobby that isn’t just “getting drunk on the weekends”. Sure, that’s a lot of fun, but an employer wants to see some personality and substance about you! The good news? If you blog, this can actually look fab on your CV, providing you sell it right. Commitment, organization, communication skills? Tick, tick, tick – and perfect for most career choices.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Always remember, there are some things more important than money – your health and happiness! If you feel trapped now, it will get better. Hopefully, at the start of 2016, you’ll look back and see this year as the one you finally changed your life. Good luck!</span></div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-75302607555692355742015-01-16T01:53:00.001+00:002015-01-16T01:53:18.033+00:00Fashion: Rosalina Nacken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Technology and Fashion are two of the most dominant industries in the world today. We all try to define ourselves through our unique style, labels, brands and trends. Similarly, we have mobile devices that allow us to share our styles and tastes with the world via the greatest invention of all time i.e. The Internet!<br />
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Everywhere you go, millions of people are glued to their iPhones, iPads, tablets and tech gadgets. The world of technology is constantly evolving – phones that are disguised as watches are becoming the norm! Remember when you would see them in movies and think it was futuristic - a gadget only secret agents would be lucky enough to possess! Not anymore – children as young as 12 are now carrying the latest iPhone in their pockets.<br />
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Luxury handbag designer <a href="https://rosalinanacken.com/">Rosalina Nacken</a> has embraced the evolution of technology. She has created a beautifully chic handbag with a built in designer iPad case that can transform into a chic clutch. The idea behind her brand is to bridge the masculine world of technology with the feminine world of fashion. Her innovation is making waves in the fashion industry as more and more designers are expected to follow suit.<br />
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Men are no longer ruling the world of business. Women are pursuing successful careers, changing the traditional business moulds and making sure their voices are heard. We no longer have to choose between style and practicality – brands are now combining both so we don’t have to compromise.
Do you have any favourite tech accessories to share? What do you think of Rosalina Nacken’s innovative creation?
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-34396145194251719612015-01-15T16:12:00.000+00:002015-01-29T01:47:18.958+00:00Midweek Wishlist #11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/xhjw119/midweekwishlistfreshtrends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/xhjw119/midweekwishlistfreshtrends.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/long-sleeve-ribbed-funnel-neck-top-4033759?bi=1&ps=20" target="_blank">Striped long sleeve ribbed top</a> - <a href="http://www.freshtrends.com/cgi-bin/item/ca-1397-1404" target="_blank">Heart daith jewellery</a> - <a href="http://thelibraryoffragrance.com/products/thunderstorm" target="_blank">Library of Fragrance Thunderstorm</a> - <a href="http://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/dr-martens-kensington-flora-chelsea-burgundy-boots/1446543220/" target="_blank">Dr Marten Chelsea Boots</a></center>
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The weather is so rubbish at the moment that I just can't bring myself to traipse around the shops. Even though I can't afford to go shopping until payday, I've been eyeing up loads of things and counting down the days (15 to go!) until I can get my hands on them.</center>
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First up, I absolutely love this long sleeved stripey top. It's cropped, so I'd have to wear it with something high waisted to avoid exposing my spare tyre. It looks great for layering and would be especially good in this snow!</center>
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I had my daith pierced when I was down in Winchester in November and I'm just itching to change the jewellery in it. I love this heart jewellery, I think daith hearts look really nice and they're a bargain from FreshTrends as well. I don't think my daith is quite ready for the switch just yet, but I'm going to order one anyway.</center>
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I love the unusual scents that Library of Fragrance have on offer. Unfortunately, these aren't in my local Boots but I did get to have a sniff of them when I was in Berwick visiting Amy. I have a list as long as my arm of the ones I want to try - there's even more on the website than there is in store! Thunderstorm smells amazing but I'm also really intrigued by Playdoh and Paperbacks.</center>
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Finally, everyone knows I can't resist a pair of Dr Martens and I've had my eye on these Chelsea boots for ages. I just can't decide whether to buy them or not - I already have five pairs of DMs. It's a hard choice!</center>
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There's also a few more things I fancy but haven't chosen yet, like new bedsheets and a rug for my bedroom and I'm also on the look out for a <a href="http://www.watches2u.com/" target="_blank">rose gold watch</a>.</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-1060074486258765342015-01-12T10:41:00.002+00:002015-01-12T10:41:39.186+00:00Lifestyle: The Problem with Being Immobile<center>
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<span class="s1">It may not seem like the most important thing to some people, however, as a 20-something in the modern world, it's tough not being able to drive. Having to rely on friends for a lift anywhere that's beyond a 10-mile radius (that's even if you're willing to bike that far) is slightly depressing and highly restricting.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">However, the decision to venture out into the world of mirrors, signals and manoeuvres isn't one that should be taken lightly. Aside from the potential threats to your health, owning and driving a car is a costly business. Of course, like all good products, a car will give you back as much as you put into it. But when things go wrong (sometimes when they don't go wrong), it can cost you a lot of money to run a car on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>The Cost vs. Mobility Debate</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Don't get me wrong, if you want to be mobile it's going to cost you. But before you grab a set of keys it's important to take note of your average costs. According to The Daily Mail, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2514297/3-500-year-makes-Britain-expensive-place-run-car.html"><span class="s2">running a petrol car in the UK costs, on average, £1,000 more than its equivalent in the US and Australia</span></a>. Following a mass study into the cost of running a car in 2013, the British newspaper summarised the results garnered by WeBuyAnyCar.com.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Taking into account the cost of petrol, tax, insurance and MOTs across 21 countries, the UK came out on top as the most expensive place to drive a car. On average, the annual cost for running a car in the UK was £3,453.66. In contrast, the cost of doing the same in the US is £2,425.36 and in Australia it's £2,128.24. Sitting at the bottom of the cost table is Saudi Arabia with an average annual running cost of £237.22.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So, what's a 20-something to do if they want to become independent and drive? Save. If you're planning on taking your driving test and buying a car then make sure you <a href="http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/savings-accounts-best-interest"><span class="s2">set up a savings account and starting putting cash aside before you even contemplate getting behind the wheel</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>The Safety Concerns</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/samsaunders/"><span class="s2"> samsaundersleeds</span></a><a href="http://www.imagecodr.org/"><span class="s2"> </span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s3">Aside from <a href="http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/running_costs/"><span class="s4">the cost</span></a>, it's also important to think about your safety when you drive. Taking control of a one ton machine without having <a href="http://toptests.co.uk/"><span class="s4">an understanding of driving theory</span></a> or how to stay safe is a recipe for disaster. Cutting corners and trying to find the easiest way to pass your test should be the furthest thing from your mind if you're looking to become a proficient driver. Intensive courses are great for getting you through your test in a short amount of time, but they fail to give you the experience of driving on busy roads.</span></div>
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<span class="s3">Just like everyone else, I yearned to be mobile, but before I took to the road I made sure that I'd done my homework. Planning for every eventuality isn't easy, but if you can run through the average costs, the main safety concerns and the best places to gain experience, you should be as safe as possible behind the wheel. The problem with being immobile is that it limits you in a variety of ways. However, if you don't take into account the full cost of driving then you could find that being mobile is more restrictive than you thought.</span></div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-33130337012917028622015-01-08T12:20:00.000+00:002015-01-29T01:49:49.229+00:00Midweek Wishlist #10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CELINE-PARIS-TOP-QUALITY-TUMBLR-HIPSTER-SWEATSHIRT-JUMPER-UNISEX-CELINE-SWEAT-/221555734663?pt=UK_Men_s_Hoodies_Sweats&var=&hash=item3395c03887" target="_blank">Celine sweatshirt</a> - <a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/english-laundry-spray-for-women" target="_blank">English Laundry perfume</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0089SWZDU/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0DXMSBDJMH97KTHZ8GQM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294" target="_blank">Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 lens</a> - <a href="http://www.fiorelli.com/petra-backpack.html" target="_blank">Fiorelli Petra backpack</a> - <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Burberry-Sheer-Eyeshadow_1627459/" target="_blank">Burberry sheer eyeshadow</a></span></div>
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Even though Christmas was only a couple of weeks ago and I still have three weeks until payday, my wishlist is massive at the moment. I've managed to narrow it down to these five things which are at the very top of that long list.</div>
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The sweatshirt is something that I've been eyeing up for a while but in tshirt form. It's bloody chilly at the moment though and any tshirts that I've been wearing have been completely hidden by a jumper of some sort so I thought I'd seek out a warmer version. This is just over a tenner from eBay, what a bargain!</div>
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I received a sample of this perfume in my <a href="http://www.strangenessandcharm.co.uk/2014/11/beauty-birchbox-november-2014.html" target="_blank">November Birchbox</a> and I absolutely adore it. It's the kinda scent that sticks around all day (or days if I spray it in my hair), it's a gorgeous woody, spicy, floral combination and I just NEED the full size. I've almost got £40 on my Birchbox account so I'll definitely be purchasing this soon!</div>
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I've had my camera for almost a year now and I think it's about time I invest in a new lens. I love this one because it's small and compact and it's great for outdoors shots. As I'm doing quite a bit of travelling this year, it sounds ideal!</div>
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I don't think you can ever have enough bags and I definitely need a new backpack in my life. This Fiorelli one is gorgeous and also comes in tan. Now I just need to choose which colour I'm going to go for.</div>
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Finally, did you know that <a href="http://www.vouchacodes.co.uk/stores/boots" target="_blank">Boots</a> are now stocking Burberry makeup? I'm so excited, I've been dying to try some more Burberry products since I got the <a href="http://www.strangenessandcharm.co.uk/2012/10/burberry-lip-cover-no-04-rosewood.html" target="_blank">Burberry Lip Cover in Rosewood</a> a couple of years ago, but it's not sold anywhere near me. I really want to try out one of their eyeshadows next, they sound amazing. I'm keeping my eye out on <a href="http://www.vouchacodes.co.uk/" target="_blank">VouchaCodes.co.uk</a> for any vouchers that become available!</div>
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I've also got my eye on some earrings from <a href="http://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chisolm Hunter</a> but can't narrow it down!</div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-55593821164717929402015-01-06T14:35:00.000+00:002015-01-06T14:35:00.266+00:00Lifestyle: 2014 in booksI don't know if you already know this about me but I'm a huge bookworm. Ever since I started reading when I was just three and a half, I've been obsessed with books. I even worked in a bookshop for most of last year which was like a dream come true. I don't think I've ever mention books on my blog before so I thought it was time to start sharing what I've been reading.<br />
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Most of the books that I read are on my kindle or using the kindle app on my iPad/iPhone. I love how I can buy a book off the Amazon Kindle Store and have it delivered to my devices within seconds. There's no waiting around for the post, I can just jump straight in to my next book.<br />
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In 2013, I signed up to a fantastic site called Goodreads which lets you record the books you've read and write reviews on them and share them with your friends. There's also part of the site which lets you take part in an annual reading challenge and you can decide just how many books you'd like to read. In 2014, I chose 40 books which was quite adventurous as I only read 26 the year before. Luckily, I managed to complete the challenge and read 40 books. I'm not going to talk about all of the books I read as I'll be here forever and I didn't enjoy all of them, but I am going to let you know about a few of my favourites.<br />
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<b>The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith</b><br />
Everyone now knows that this is written by J K Rowling which is what spurred me on to buy it. A lot of people compare this to the Harry Potter series but they're two completely different things. The Cuckoo's Calling is a crime fiction novel based in London and was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I can't wait to read the second offering from the series, The Silkworm.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0091LLCTM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0091LLCTM&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=TGKODMJG6THZA7BC">Buy The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike Book 1) here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0091LLCTM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler</b><br />
I hadn't read the blurb before I bought this, it had just been recommended to me so I wasn't sure what to expect. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves follows the story of Rosemary Cooke who wants to find out what happened to her brother Lowell who took off and her sister Fern who was taken away when they were younger. This was the kind of book that really made me think and had me thinking about it long after I'd finished it.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EZTLN62/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00EZTLN62&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=PAYHHPDLXQKTXOMG">Buy We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00EZTLN62" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg</b><br />
I bought this book because it was recommended to me based on my past purchase of The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window and Disappeared. There's no real similarity in the two books apart from the fact that they're both by Swedish authors, however I absolutely loved it. It's about five elderly people who have had enough of living in a strict care home so they take off and have their own fun. It was hilarious and there's a sequel that's just been released which I've already purchased and can't wait to read!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FG38BK2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00FG38BK2&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=IG7ERWISLPMVVGW7">Buy The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00FG38BK2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>The Book Thief by Markus Zusak</b><br />
This book was actually released as a film this year, which I didn't realise until I'd finished the book. By then it was on its last week at the cinema and I'd enjoyed the book so much that I just had to go and see it. The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany and is the story of nine year old Liesel Merminger, whose mother is taken away. She's taken in by her two new foster parents, Hans and Rosa and soon discovers a love of books.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0031R5K72/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0031R5K72&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=ESPDQES6FWJX3FTT">Buy The Book Thief here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0031R5K72" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt</b><br />
This was my very last book of 2014, I finished it on New Year's Eve. The Goldfinch begins with the main character, Theo Decker's much loved mother being killed in a bombing at a New York museum in which he 'rescues' a painting. We then go on to learn about how he copes with his mother's death and continues with his life with this valuable painting in tow.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C74SHRK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00C74SHRK&linkCode=as2&tag=strcha-21&linkId=Q2CK4IR7VSQ5T6KU">Buy The Goldfinch here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=strcha-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00C74SHRK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/3082-2015-reading-challenge" style="font-family: georgia,serif; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;">2015 Reading Challenge</a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16792692-hayley">Hayley</a> has
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-83416243374452613762015-01-05T12:36:00.000+00:002015-01-05T12:36:00.079+00:00Music Monday - Best of 2014<center style="text-align: left;">
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<b>Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence</b></center>
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I'd been waiting for new music from Lana since she released Born To Die: The Paradise Edition. Ultraviolence is a different sound to Born To Die but it's an album that I can listen to continuously and non-stop without getting sick of it. I also loved watching the live coverage at Glastonbury where she performed some of her new tracks. I was gutted she didn't do a UK tour for this album.</center>
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<i>Stand out tracks - Fucked My Way Up To The Top and Money Power Glory</i></center>
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<b>Foxes - Glorious</b></center>
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After seeing Foxes for the first time in 2012, I was desperate for her debut album to be released and I was not disappointed. Although most of the songs weren't new to me after hearing them live a few times and from buying them as singles/demos, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Glorious. It's the best pop album that's been released for a while.</center>
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<i>Stand out track - Night Owls Early Birds</i></center>
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<b>Manic Street Preachers - Futurology</b></center>
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The Manics only released an album (Rewind The Film) in 2013 so I was surprised bit excited to find out about the release of Futurology. This definitely sounds more Manics than the last album but also manages to be so much different than any of the others.</div>
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<i>Stand out track - Black Square</i><br />
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<a href="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/xhjw114/thenationalo2arenalondontroublewillfindmefinaldate26thnovember2014mattberninger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd20/xhjw/xhjw114/thenationalo2arenalondontroublewillfindmefinaldate26thnovember2014mattberninger.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I didn't go to as many gigs as I had hoped I would. I started off the year seeing Miley Cyrus which wasn't someone I would choose to see (although I did choose it, there weren't many other options!) but was quite an experience. I then saw Foxes twice, once at Birmingham Pride and then again at her own gig. In July I spent three days at Wireless Festival where I saw the likes of Bruno Mars, Tinie Tempah, Foxes, Outkast, Ellie Goulding, Iggy Azalea, Sean Paul and Pharrell. The best gig of 2014 was definitely the last one I went to which was The National at the O2 Arena, London. I'd been wanting to see The National for years and this was the last date in their Trouble Will Find Me tour so it was extra special. I managed to get myself to the front, by the barrier and had the best night ever.</center>
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Although I only discovered him late in 2014, I think Sivu is definitely going to be big in 2015. I came across him from iTunes single of the week where they were offering "Miracle" for free. Shortly after downloading it and having a listen, I went back on for the whole album. I'm going to see him live in Birmingham in February and I can't wait!</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-15579216246998277412015-01-04T18:44:00.003+00:002015-01-04T18:44:46.238+00:00Travel: Edinburgh at Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of weeks ago I got on a National Express coach for the nine hour journey up to Scotland's capital, arriving at 7:30am. As with my other two trips to Edinburgh, the plan was to spend the day in Edinburgh with <a href="http://cocktailsinteacups.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a> and then go back to her house in Berwick for a couple of days before another epic coach journey back to Birmingham.</div>
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I absolutely love Edinburgh anyway for the brilliant architecture, history and atmosphere but at Christmas time, it's just magical! During the day, we went round the market and went on a couple of rides as Amy had got Little Miss with her so it was an excuse to go on the kids Santa train and the carousel. We then went for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe which was amazing. I went for the most delicious shredded chicken sandwich with jalepenos and monterey jack cheese. Mmm.. I could eat it all again!</div>
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I didn't take many photos on that day, I waited until I returned a couple of days later as I wanted to practice shooting in the dark. I'd done a bit of research as my <a href="http://www.strangenessandcharm.co.uk/2014/04/a-trip-to-edinburgh.html" target="_blank">last lot of photos</a> of Edinburgh at night from March weren't that great and I'm really pleased with the way these came out. I also treated myself to a ride on the big wheel which was expensive at £9 but worth doing!</div>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-34100692871095788922015-01-03T11:39:00.000+00:002015-01-03T11:39:00.437+00:00Beauty: Party season must haves<center style="text-align: left;">
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<b>The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser</b>*, <a href="http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/tea-tree/tea-tree-pore-minimiser.aspx" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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When you're going out for a long time, you want your makeup to last and the key to this is to start with a good primer. This Pore Minimiser from The Body Shop really smoothes my skin out making a great base for my foundation. The tea tree in it also helps to keep blemishes at bay, I've noticed a massive difference since I started using it.</center>
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<b>Superdrug Glycolic Overnight Peel</b>, <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Skincare-Offers/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Glycolic-Overnight-Peel-30ml/p/953857#.VKdHy4qsUYc" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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After wearing so much make up, it's important to make sure your skin is well looked after with a good skin care routine. I recently purchased this Glycolic Peel which I apply at night before any moisturisers/serums and I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin's texture since I started using it. My skin is a lot smoother, more even in tone and I've had a lot less blemishes.</center>
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<b>Models Own Velvet Goth polish in Obsidian</b>, <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Models-Own-Velvet-Goth/c/bs-modelsown-goth#.VKdIAoqsUYc" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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There's nothing like glittery nails at Christmas time! It's almost unacceptable to not be adorning glittery talons at this time of year. I love this one as it's black with both big and small particles of glitter - it almost looks like a night sky on my nails.</center>
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<b>Yves Rocher Flowerparty By Night perfume</b>*, <a href="http://www.yves-rocher.co.uk/control/product/~category_id=3000/~product_id=45212" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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I have different perfumes for day and night and this is definitely a night fragrance. With notes of licorice and vanilla, it's a deep but sweet fragrance without being too masculine. I've found that the scent sticks around for hours too.</center>
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Rimmel Provocalips</b>, <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Provocalips-Lip-Colour_1526327/" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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Long lasting lip colours are essential when you're going out, you want something that's not going to smear all over your face when you take a sip of champagne or sneak a kiss under the mistletoe. These latest offerings from Rimmel are fantastic and last at least 8 hours through drinking and eating. I have three of the eight available colours but will definitely be picking up more!</center>
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<b>The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream</b>, <a href="http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/tea-tree/tea-tree-flawless-bb-cream.aspx" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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I picked this up after falling in love with the Pore Minimiser. This BB cream is so good for the party season as it gives a flawless base (as the name suggests) but isn't too heavy. It lasts all day and the tea tree in it means it's great for blemish prone skin.</center>
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The Body Shop Chamomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover</b>*, <a href="http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/camomile/camomile-gentle-eye-make-up-remover.aspx" target="_blank">available here</a></center>
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I tend to wear a lot of eyeliner and mascara when I'm going out which can often be hard to remove, this is where a good eye makeup remover comes in handy. This one from The Body Shop really shifts even the most stubborn of mascaras yet is so gentle and doesn't irritate the eyes at all.</center>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-12764988879948730172014-12-28T18:56:00.001+00:002014-12-28T18:56:05.659+00:00Strangeness & Charm is 4 today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm super excited to announce that today is my blog's FOURTH BIRTHDAY. When I made my first post back in 2010, I had no idea that I would still be writing it in four years time. Heck, I didn't think I would still be writing it after a couple of weeks!</center>
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What first started off as a hobby and a distraction from university work has now turned into something more, a way of making money and a way of connecting with people who have similar interests. If it wasn't for my blog, I wouldn't have made the wonderful friends I have now all over the country and I wouldn't have half as much confidence as I do today. </center>
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This year has been my best blogging year yet, I've had so many fantastic opportunities and met so many great people including new blogging friends <a href="http://www.rachelnicole.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rachel</a> and <a href="http://www.paigespreferences.com/" target="_blank">Paige</a>. The highlights of the year have definitely been London Fashion Week and getting a press pass for Crufts, something I've always wanted to attend. Getting to see all the dogs and be there when they picked the best in show was amazing and I hope I can do it all over again next year.</center>
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I've also worked with some fantastic brands including New Look, Yves Rocher, Uggs, Bobbi Brown, House of Fraser, The Body Shop and many many more.</center>
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Thank you for sticking with me for yet another year, I can't wait to see what 2015 will bring!</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-59717977852034209042014-12-27T11:10:00.000+00:002014-12-27T11:10:00.616+00:00Travel: Winchester at Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you know me, you'll know that I have a soft spot for Winchester. I spent three years down there doing my degree and I fell in love with the place. I'm dying to move back and I can't wait until the day I finally get a job there. I still have a couple of friends down there and I went down at the end of November to see them.</center>
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While I was there, I stayed with my friend Alex and we spent the Saturday morning getting piercings (her nose and my daith) before having a wander around the Christmas market. Winchester's Christmas market is on a lot smaller scale than the one in Birmingham and is a mixture of European and local stall holders. The market is on for a total of four weeks but after the first two, they switch the stalls over.</center>
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Visiting the market really got me in the Christmas spirit! Although I didn't buy anything, it was nice just to have a look around and take in the sights and smells of Christmas. It was also so lovely to see my favourite city lit up.</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-61005501773091765112014-12-26T11:01:00.000+00:002014-12-26T22:50:52.326+00:00Lifestyle: Planning my dream bedroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even though I don't have my own house yet and I'm pretty far off owning one, it doesn't mean that I'm not completely obsessed with planning my dream home. At the moment, I've been pinning away like mad on Pinterest, just getting inspiration from other people and creating a board of some amazing ideas.</center>
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I try to make my room at my parent's house as personalised and as 'me' as I can. I didn't have a say on the colour of the walls or carpet but apart from that, I've chosen everything else in the room. Top of my wishlist right now though is a new bed, mine is so old - I took it from my last house at uni and I have no idea how many other people have used it before me. It squeaks when I turn over in it and it's pretty unstable. I've picked this pretty white one from IKEA and I'm hoping someone will give me a lift over there soon so I can pick it up. I'd also love a memory foam mattress to go with it, especially after staying in <a href="http://cocktailsinteacups.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a>'s bed last week which was so comfy. </center>
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I love to have a lot of light in my room and choose to do this with lamps and candles although my window lets in a lot of natural light in the afternoon. Ideally, I would love to have sun tunnels from <a href="http://www.velux.co.uk/" target="_blank">VELUX</a> in my ceiling which would bring in so much more natural light and would also save on having to use a lamp in the morning. My favourite candles at the moment are from Flamingo Candles and they smell absolutely amazing!</center>
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On my walls I have lots of different things from shelves, to photos, to framed prints. I would love some more prints, especially of my favourite quotes and I've found that you can get a lot of these on Etsy which are fantastic value. Some of them you can even print at home! The frames I use are just over £1 from Wilkos so it's a great way to decorate your room on the cheap. Mirrors are also a great way to make a room look bigger and lighter.</center>
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Now I just have to start saving up for my own home!</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-5812075780845725132014-12-23T19:41:00.000+00:002014-12-24T00:41:28.159+00:00ICE Christmas Project Competition<center>
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A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by <a href="https://www.iceplc.com/" target="_blank">ICE (International Currency Exchange) </a>and asked if I would like to enter a competition to win a holiday by writing about a certain country's Christmas traditions.<br />
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The country I chose was Germany, this was an easy choice for me as I'm a massive fan of the Frankfurt Christmas Market that comes to Birmingham each year. We were given some money and were told to buy things that represent our chosen country's Christmas traditions.<br />
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I went along to the German Market over the weekend with my mom to fully indulge in the Christmas atmosphere and all of the amazing food on offer. I also visited Edinburgh's Christmas market the weekend before.<br />
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Germany is famous for its picturesque Christmas markets and hundreds of thousands of tourists flock there each year to experience them and soak up the atmosphere. However, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market is the biggest one outside of Germany and just so happens to be my favourite. Wandering around the market, I treated myself to a nutella crepe (there's also a large selection of waffles and poffertjes which are like small fluffy pancakes on offer too if you fancy something different) and also my very first Baileys hot chocolate. Every year I wander round the market and fancy a hot chocolate in one of the market's special mugs but always end up in Starbucks instead. I must say that the German hot chocolate was amazing, so thick and chocolatey without being sickly. The Baileys and the cream on top was just a bonus - it was definitely worth the £7.50 (ouch!) I paid.<br />
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There's always a lot of Christmas decorations and candles on offer on the German markets. The markets are famous for their glass ornaments and there definitely wasn't a shortage in Birmingham! We came away with quite a few bits but my favourite was one of the candles that I've pictured above. Everything is lovingly handmade and really special.<br />
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I couldn't leave the German market without a bag of nuts, they're my favourite part of the market each year and I usually live on them for the few weeks it's open. This year though, I left it until the day before the market closed to visit so I made the most of it and bough two bags - one bag of roasted cashews and one bag of a mixture of amaretto almonds and Baileys almonds - delicious!<br />
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<br />Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-16470583590735847602014-12-22T23:37:00.000+00:002014-12-23T23:37:38.153+00:00Ebay Wishlist - The DISNEY edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271695923676?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Aladdin print leggings </a>- <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161458084450?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=460495659943&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Mickey hands jumper</a> - <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111552156504?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=410542792396&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Beauty and the Beast stained glass dress</a> - <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Disney-Couture-Gold-Plated-Tinkerbell-Believing-is-Just-the-Beginning-Necklace-/111436640961?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_WomensJewellery_Rings_SR&hash=item19f22432c1" target="_blank">'Believing is just the beginning' Disney couture necklace</a> - <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271401920950?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=570270260579&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Ariel and Prince Eric hoodie</a> - <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231229812649?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=530451771360&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Beauty and the Beast vest </a>- <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-arrival-women-T-shirt-skirt-suit-mouse-print-sweat-bubble-pleated-mini-dress-/221393383735?pt=UK_Women_s_Suits_Tailoring&var=&hash=item338c12f137" target="_blank">Minnie jumper</a> (part of a two piece) - <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281516413601?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=580544098571&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" target="_blank">Ariel iPhone case</a></span></center>
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This eBay wishlist is purely Disney items as I wanted to celebrate the fact that next year I will be going to Disneyland Paris not once, but <i>twice</i>! I'm going for the day in April with my three best friends from Sixth Form as part of a four day break to Paris and then I'm going to be spending FIVE DAYS there in October with a couple of bloggers. Excited is an understatement.</center>
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I've already started planning and I've been looking into getting some more Disney inspired clothing (totally blaming Amy for that one). I already own the phone case but I'm thinking of ordering a custom made iPhone case as well with a Disney design on. I'm definitely going to be getting the Beauty and the Beast stained glass dress, that will give me some motivation to lose a few pounds after Christmas!</center>
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Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-86107570028726880482014-12-18T19:47:00.000+00:002014-12-18T22:48:14.474+00:00Fashion: Christmas day dresses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/blue-vanilla-black-lace-trim-skater-dress_336928201" target="_blank">Black and gold skater dress</a> - <a href="http://www.esprit.co.uk/christmas/festive-looks/women/dresses-skirts/beautiful-fine-lace-dress-104EO1E046_502" target="_blank">Purple lace dress </a>- <a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/dresses-442/going-out-party-dresses-3233926/flocked-floral-skater-dress-3746758?refinements=category~%5b223017%7c208523%5d&bi=1&ps=200" target="_blank">Flocked skater dress</a> - <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/coral-lace-sweatheart-neck-skater-dress_313692283" target="_blank">Coral skater dress</a> - <a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/sale-offers-3422804/view-all-sale-1724247/dresses-203689/petite-green-lace-pencil-dress-3305050?refinements=Colour%7b1%7d~%5bgreen%5d%5ecategory~%5b291044%7c291043%5d&bi=1&ps=20" target="_blank">Green lace dress</a></span></center>
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I don't know about you, but it's some sort of tradition for me to have a new dress to wear on Christmas day. I don't leave the house, we just have a family Christmas dinner and I usually have a nap or two but I just love having something new to wear for the special day. This year I haven't managed to choose a dress yet. I'm kind of waiting for Christmas Eve as that's when the sales start so I can pop out in my lunch break (yes, our office is open 24/7 and I have to work Christmas Eve - I'm used to it after years of retail though) and have a nosey in New Look and Dorothy Perkins. I'm not sure what sort of style I'm after this year, hopefully something that's not too tight and will skim over my turkey (and tiramisu) belly. </center>
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I really like the purple lace one I found from <a href="http://esprit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Esprit</a>, it's the perfect style for Christmas and also the gorgeous coral lace number from New Look. These are definitely in my top two and I think that lace is definitely the way to go. Then there's the more glamorous option of this black and gold skater style dress from Blue Vanilla at New Look which would also be perfect for New Years Eve as well so I could kill two birds with one stone. Although, I have to think about how easy it would be to get gravy out of it - when there's loads of people round the table you never know what's going to happen! Then there's the dark green lace dress from Dorothy Perkins which is such a good colour for Christmas and can be accessorised with some gold jewellery. Finally, there's the flock skater dress from Topshop which is another one that would be great for New Years Eve.</center>
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Have you got a Christmas outfit sorted yet? What do you do on the big day?</center>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-546533011447635402014-12-18T11:21:00.000+00:002014-12-19T17:12:13.686+00:00Infographic: Bingo through the ages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always thought that bingo was more of an old lady's pastime, my grandma certainly loves it! I didn't realise that so many young people actually played it as well. I suppose I can see why, it's a game of chance really and is all about being lucky, you don't need to have any skills. There's also so many different types of bingo around so you can try your luck at a few and see which one you win on. You don't even have to leave the house to play - if bingo halls aren't your thing you can have a go at playing online. There's still cash prizes to be won! Click <a href="http://bingo.paddypower.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to have a look at what's on offer, you never know how lucky you can be!</div>
Hayleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445950929978985304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383632655567727486.post-10891374810888111712014-12-16T14:32:00.001+00:002014-12-16T14:33:45.635+00:00Lifestyle: The lottery that offers you the greatest chance of winning<center>
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<span class="s1">Playing the lottery, the odds are always stacked against you hitting the jackpot. But there’s one annual lottery in the world that offers the participants far better odds of landing a winning ticket.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The odds of winning the jackpot prize in the Spanish Christmas lottery are an incredible 1 in 100,000. That’s a far greater chance than you’d have in the Powerball lottery in the States (1 in 175 million) or even with the UK National Lottery (1 in 13 million). And aside from the main jackpot – known as El Gordo (the Fat One), you might win one of the 1,794 smaller prizes which are worth £850 each or one of the 10,000 other prizes which are worth between £35 and £170. When you buy a Spanish lotto ticket, you have a 15% chance of winning a prize of some description. In some years, <a href="http://www.christmaslottery.co/spanish-lotto-prizes.html"><span class="s2">Spanish Lottery winners share 3 billion</span></a> in prize money, so it’s not surprising that the whole nation looks forward to the annual event.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The Spanish Christmas lottery has been an annual tradition since 1812 and it’s one that almost every Spaniard joins in. They might not buy a whole ticket, but instead a share of the ticket – often a tenth (a décimos). Families or work colleagues will often buy tickets as syndicates so when they get a win there’s a real sense of sharing the luck. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Now it’s possible for non-Spaniards to take part in this pre-Christmas bonanza by buying tickets or shares of tickets online at sites such as Lottoland. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Part of the tradition of this event which takes place on 22 December each year is the way in which the winning numbers are called out. Numbers are picked from one ball container while the associated prize value is drawn from another ball container. The numbers are sung out loud in a televised show by the school children from the San Ildefonso school and is repeated for every one of the thousands of prize tiers in the draw. The draw can take four hours to complete and the kids take turns in shift to sing the numbers!</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/06/spains-el-nino-lottery_n_2420762.html">The Christmas lottery</a></span><span class="s1"> is such a big event in Spain that people will gather to watch the draw together, and partying goes on long into the night after the draw is completed. You might bring a bit of extra pre-Christmas to your family if you get one and it happens to have a prize attached to it.</span></div>
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