Roller Blind Review

As the summer months are now coming to an end, and school is well and truly back with all it's busy-ness, getting a good night's sleep is ever important. We were given the opportunity to try out a made to measure Blackout Thermal Roller Blind  and as I really liked the look of the blinds in terms of quality and cost, I also ordered an extra one as we have another window in the same size that is in need of a suitable window dressing. I love the fact that they are made to measure, especially as the two windows I was wanting these blinds for are quite wide and many ready-made blinds just aren't available in such a wide measurement. The website clearly explains how to go about measuring up your window to ensure the best fit possible.

After placing the order it wasn't long before the two blinds arrived and I got busy working out the fitting instructions which were straightforward to follow. Colour wise I thought I couldn't go wrong with the 'Ivory' option which describes itself as "Just past off-white but not quite cream so works perfectly in most decorating schemes as a neutral undertone that will last for years to come".

                                                  (Photograph courtesy of website)

I decided to get the blind for the bedroom fitted first, and currently I have my scrumptious Ikea Rosali curtains dressing the window. These obviously don't stop the light coming through in the mornings and especially on weekends it's nice to have a bit of darkness in there for a little cheeky lie-in! 

The Ivory colour makes a perfect neutral backdrop for the floral curtains, and the sidewinder chain mechanism is really easy to use. The blind is also supplied with a child safety clip which of course is a very important feature. We all need an occasional wind down in the daytime and once the blind has been pulled down the blackout effect is really effective. It practically feels like night time in the bedroom at one o'clock in the afternoon! 

Sometimes blackout blinds can have a very stark white look to the back of them, but these have a lovely natural coordinating backing, and even pulled down look just as good from the outside. 

Next it was time to get the other blind up in the lounge and like the bedroom it fitted perfectly. It looks lovely against the neutral curtains, creating a very simple, non-fussy look. As I went for fitting the blind in the recess there is still ample room for photographs etc on the windowsill. 

I have been really impressed with the blinds and as we have another three windows that I would like roller blinds for, I am definitely going to go back to www.orderblinds.co.uk for more. I have had no issues with the quality and I think they have indeed proved to be a perfect backdrop. With the added blackout feature they have also enabled me to have a few extra Zzzzzz on occasion...
Edit: I did indeed go back and purchased extra blinds which I have been really happy with! 

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Disclosure: We were provided with a blackout roller blind for the purposes of this blogpost, with discount off a further blind. All words and opinions my own. 

Iconic Lights: Floor Lamp Review

Well hello lovelies!

Gosh where has the time gone, I have no idea. My blogging mojo is back in full force and I look forward to sharing lots of lovely posts now the holidays are approaching. First up, and as part of my blogger ambassador role with Iconic Lights, I have a new and very lovely light to share with you. As usual Iconic Lights offer up so many unique lights and this is no exception. It is the 3 Legged Wooden Table Floor Light which is one of the best designed lights I have ever seen.

I decided to choose the cream option for the shade as having quite a neutral background at home, thought it would blend into any room. I just love the way the lampshade arrives gently folded, which not only saves on packaging but is also a great idea. 

It really is so easy to set the shade up and was done in seconds.

The table base and legs were also a doddle to assemble and I knew straight away that I loved this light. 

The addition of the little table is really unique and I don't think I have ever seen a light with this feature. It's such a quirky and useful design, perfect for popping on those little things you need next to you, whilst watching the TV, or just having a little relaxation time.  

Having rather a generous array of knick-knacks, there will always be something I can pop on the little table.  

I like a generous glow of light, enough to light up the space but not too glaring and this light creates a very ambient atmosphere as darkness approaches.

It really is one the best floor lamps I have ever seen, and fits in beautifully with the decor. I thought it may take up quite a big space but it is actually rather compact, and slots in the corner wonderfully. 

Head over to Iconic Lights if you'd like to check out for yourself the many lights available :)

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Disclosure:  I was sent the above light for the purposes of this review blog post, all words and opinions are my own. 

Are You Thready?

My crafting mojo has finally come back, and yippee, just in time to get going on a lovely craft project from White Stuff. The Are You Thready campaign invites White Stuff customers to get creative and help raise a goal of £16,000 via the White Stuff Foundation which supports local community charities. They are asking all crafty (and non crafty) folks to design a fabric patch and hand it back in store or you have the option of posting it. For every patch received online or in store White Stuff will donate £5 to the shops local charity. 

You can either design one of their pre-cut patches, or be inventive and make your own. What is particularly inspiring is that up for grabs is a wonderful crafting holiday for two in Italy and which I think sounds utterly divine and right up my street. Also up my street is this gorgeous personalised apron White Stuff sent as a surprise, wearing it certainly got me in the mood for crafting :)

The patch I was given to decorate was lovely just as it was with the dramatic owls and cute design, I had to think really hard to decide how to decorate it.

If you happen to need supplies, for every sewing kit sold, White Stuff will donate all the profits from each sale to help the foundation reach its goal. 

They really are the cutest kits, and so, so pretty!

Finished patches are to be handed in by the 10th March, where each store will hold a lovely tea party (I'll be there) whilst store staff do a little judging of entries. A store winner will be announced and that winner shall receive a £50 White Stuff voucher. All winning patches will then be judged at White Stuff HQ for an overall winner who shall get to fly to Tuscany for a fantastic 6 night luxury artistic retreat Having never been to Italy, but so wanting to, also loving textiles and creativity, I of course was eager to get my entry in. 

Firstly I gathered some of my fabrics.

Then I thought of a design for the patch, I knew it had to be something inspiring, that would bring a smile to my face and pretty, oh yes, it has to be pretty. 

   Soon I started cutting out my little inspiring shapes for the patch. Then I cut some more. 

I soon realised this was actually quite a fiddly job, but was enjoying every second.

What is so lovely about this campaign is that every single patch entered will be used in either a cushion or quilt, and which will then be donated to each of the 104 charities White Stuff support. I think that this is the real magical part of the project and am so happy the patches will go on to be used in this way. 

So here's a little peek at my finished patch which has a definite 'Home Sweet Home' vibe to it.

I shall look forward to handing it in, and am also looking forward to that little tea party - good luck if you join in and get thready with your patch! 

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Iconic Lights - Retro Telephone Lamp

I'm veering away from the very pink, girly look I post about so much and offering up something a little bit different from me today. As part of the home interiors ambassador programme at Iconic Lights I get to preview their new lighting designs, trends and, even on occasion, get to try out one or two of their stylish lights at home. 

Of course, there will always be a vintage, retro vibe to anything that makes it's way through my front door, and this table lamp is no exception. I am testing out the fantastically cool Retro Style Telephone Table Lamp and I have to say it looks stunning! In fact I think it's the first black table lamp that I have ever had at home, and it works really well against my white brick effect background. 

It arrived with the large black lampshade rolled up and you simply velcro the two plastic hoops provided onto the flattened out shade, remove the self-adhesive strip and stick the end of the shade in place. 

It was so simple to do, and perfect for home delivery as because the shade is rolled up there is very little chance of it arriving with any dents etc. Here is a photograph of one of the hoops being rolled onto the shade.

The black telephone base is so authentic and creates a very quirky vibe to the room.

Next, it was time to attach the lampshade to the base. As this is a vintage/retro style lamp, I really wanted to have a vintage style bulb too. I found this one when I was out and about and thought it perfect for the lamp.

The bulb, with it's squirrel cage filament, is really big and works so well with the table tamp, almost like they were made for each other.

I found the perfect spot for it in the corner of the dining room, I have already had lots of comments from visitors how lovely it is. Its quite an oversized lamp so a real statement piece!

I think it stands out really well on the drawer unit I painted, and with our "Just remember: As far as anyone knows we are a nice, normal family" hanging sign on one of the drawers - how I love that sign!

 When the light is switched on in the evening, it creates a lovely warm glow against the black shade.

I love this black and white image I took of it - very film noir.

Iconic Lights really do offer some amazing and quirky lights that are perfect for both vintage and contemporary interiors so if you're looking for new lighting, or some inspiration, I'd say their website is well worth a look.

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Disclosure: As I am part of the Iconic Lighting brand ambassador programme, I was sent the Retro Telephone Lamp for the purposes of this blog post. All words and opinions my own.  

Trespass 'Ladna' Long Jacket - Review

As this cold weather has me well and truly reaching for my hat, scarf and gloves, I was more than happy to offer a review of a very cosy looking long jacket from Trespass The jacket in question is a faux fur trim down jacket and is from the Ladna collection. It comes in Wildberry, Black, Khaki and Parchment colour ways. I thought the Parchment a little different and a nice fresh colour to choose this season so I chose that colour. The jacket has many features, including an adjustable zip off hood, removable faux fur trim, two zip pockets (with one internal pocket) and a two-way zip. 

When the jacket arrived it was a very cold day and I couldn't wait to wear it on my next venture out into the world. As soon as I tried it on, firstly I noticed the fit, neither too big, nor too small but true to my size. I'm a small 10 and the size small fitted me perfectly. The quilted design creates a very luxurious touch and I really felt like I was walking around wearing a mini duvet, it felt so cosy. Teamed with a casual pair of jeans and a light jumper, even with it unzipped, I still felt so warm.

For me, I love the longer length, I'm around 5'4" and the coat reaches just past my knees. On wearing it you really can feel the difference from wearing a shorter style coat. I thought I may have felt a bit constrained, or hemmed in with it being a longer style but I didn't have that feeling at all, especially with the two zip function. There is plenty of space to move around and my legs definitely felt warm and protected. Also, as it is water resistant if I'm caught out in a shower wearing it, then lucky me as the longer length keeps most of my body nice and dry.

With its array of features it really does become quite an adaptable coat, perfect for those cold wintry walks in the country and then when the weather has warmed up a little, you can start to peel layers off the jacket. 

Firstly, the faux fur trim can be unzipped off.

Then, when the weather warms up even more you can unzip the actual hood off altogether.

I have to also mention the quality of the coat. In my opinion the coat is priced very reasonably with it already at a much discounted price. There are some similar high end branded coats and jackets out there, and having tried some of those jackets on myself, I believe this Trespass jacket more than matches, and perhaps even beats the quality of those but for a fraction of the price. It really is very light too, so it never feels heavy or weighted down on me. Also, one thing I notice about hooded coats is often the hood's are quite big for my head though with this jacket the hood is volume adjustable via a toggle at the back of the hood, so I can now see where I'm going. 

Without doubt this is a fantastic coat, not only in terms of the reasonable price but I think the performance is top notch and I can't fault it. I am yet to wash it but pleased to see it is machine washable, so far any little marks on it I have just been able to wipe clean which has worked out fine. As someone who feels the cold, when I wear this jacket I can honestly say I have never owned a coat that has made me feel so warm wearing it. With the cold snap in store I have a feeling this jacket is going to get rather well used....

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Disclosure: I was provided with the Trespass Jacket for the purposes of this review post. All words and opinions are my own. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! (Prezzies Galore)

Hello lovelies xxxx

Well, I've had a very relaxing Christmas and New Year break and I hope you did too, with good health and mucho happiness. I have to say it's quite refreshing to get back into a routine after lots of slobbing about in pj's, watching Christmas movies and eating copious amounts of chocolates, and which we did a lot of over the break. I can't believe that here we are, already nearly in the middle of January.

I can't quite pack away the Christmas bedding I got from Asda, just one more wash I keep saying to myself, then on the bed it goes again. Its a pretty one, very Cath Kidson-esque :) 

There are often some great bargains to be had not long before Christmas, and I found a lovely little selection of discounted treats to help me get in the Christmas mood and ready for the party season. I hadn't purchased any new make up for a little while and as a fan of Benefit, I couldn't wait to snap up this little selection box that was on offer.

Their eyebrow zings found its way into my cart too, oops a daisy... But oh my, after trying so many different eyebrow pencils and shadows to define my eyebrows, this has to be the best eyebrow kit I have ever tried. It is a little pricey, but when you add up all those little pencils....;) 

Next up I found some perfume that was reduced, I was a big fan of CK ONE back in the day, and couldn't wait to try CK IN2U. Its a lovely light and refreshing scent, perfect for every day wear.

I'm all for a little highlighting and also love rose gold accessories. When I saw this YSL limited edition Touche Éclat Or Rose highlighter at half price, I fell in love with it straight away. It's a rose gold version of its former self and the highlighter works great to add a little radiance and sparkle on the cheekbones, temples and brow bone. 

One item I had ummed and ahhed about for a little while was a personalised Claireabella jute bag. I just didn't know if was 'me' or not. However every time I went back on the website and had another browse, another think, I yearned for one more and more. Before Christmas they had a £10 off promotion on their 'Selfie' Jute bags. Well I had to go for it and got busy personalising it.

Ha ha I love it and so glad I took the plunge. It's very tongue-in-cheek, very sparkly and very pink! It's also a great size and perfect for days out and weekends away. I had originally picked a light pink which although still looked great, I really love a bubblegum pink so I just topped it up with a bit of an acrylic paint I already had and it turned out fine.

I was more than happy with my little pre-Christmas haul and as ever, I do believe Christmas is all about the presence and not the presents....but who doesn't love a little surprise or two under the Christmas tree and Santa I have to say was very kind. 

 I felt very spoilt having some extra prezzies to open up on Christmas day! One prezzie that really floated my boat and I was considering purchasing myself was some much needed Lancome face cream. Yes, sounds a bit boring but when you get to my age....well, you know what I mean ;) I had tried a sample of the night cream and I had just loved it. It felt suited to my skin but more than anything was like silk going on. Think this shall be my forever cream and I have my mum to thank for that lovely prezzie! 

She also treated me to some lovely candles, and vintage style rose melts for the bath. 

As I have mentioned above I am really enjoying this rose gold phase and it doesn't seem to be disappearing any time soon. I was delighted to open up this little package from the husband! 

It really is pretty, a Michael Kors crystal circle pendant. I have found I can wear the sparkly side for evenings and the plain rose gold side for day wear. I love it. 

It goes beautifully with some of my rose gold inspired pretties...

Here are some other lovely Christmas treats that came my way...

My brother got me the cute hottie pug, it comes with a microwaveable soothing lavender sachet inside and I've used it lots already. The lavender scent is just lovely and relaxing. He said he got it as he thought it looked a bit like our border terrier, Bertie.

 I'm not sure Bertie agrees ;) 

I have been a big fan of Lily-Flame for many years, in fact I don't think there is ever I time at home where we don't have a least one Lily-Flame candle burning. I just love their individual, pretty scents. My Daisy Dip was nearly all gone and one of my favourites, what a lovely surprise to have a replacement. 

The Mindfulness book, also from the bro is very funny. Penguin released a set of 8 books with the same old fashioned illustrations but rather more modern subjects! The vintage style scrap book/photo album is another much loved gift.

Talking of that lovely Lily-Flame candle I found a lovely mini set just before Christmas, its called the Girly (Pink) Mini Set. So me and these are delicious just to look at.

Well, you can never have enough candles can you...

As for little treasured items I think this is my favourite, from the children.

And most useful gift I received...

Buying for teenagers can be quite difficult, but I knew that Miss. Poppins would love this retro styled Polaroid Camera. Oh dear, I couldn't help but get the pink, luckily she didn't mind..I hope she'll share it ;) 

So, some lovely Christmas treats came my way. I do like a sale or two as well and as I had some money/vouchers I thought I'd have a little browse at the sales and see if there was anything I could find. Well as I was enjoying the lovely night cream my mum gave me I couldn't resist getting this set that included not only the day version of my night cream, but some little extras too. In the sale, and cheaper than it would have been to just get the cream on its own. Perfect buy and as is the night cream, the day cream is just as nice. 

Now then, I am a woman who loves slippers, cosy, comfortable pretty slippers. My Ruby & Ed velvet bow ballerina slippers are my all time luxury slipper. They even had their own blog post here and shall we say are quite well worn.

Ok, *very well worn.

*Ashamed face

I fell in love with them at first sight and have worn, and worn, and worn them. Can you tell, ha ha. I did have a little look online to see if I could get some new ones but as I had purchased these in a sale previously I couldn't really justify the expense, especially for just slippers. They do look and feel so luxurious though. 

Well, well, well. Look what I found in the sale at half price from The Lovely Room 

Oh aren't they lovely. My new cosy slippers, and I really like the plum shade. The underneath look all new and everything.

 (Note to self - do NOT go outside in said slippers)

So a Happy New Year to you and I'll leave you with a Home Bargains pretty I picked up, a lovely little desktop 2016 calender. Perfect to inspire me and a bargain at only 99p.

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