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. 

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. 

Christmas At Poundland!

I have to admit I cannot walk past a Poundland shop without having a little wander in, just to see what bargains there may be in store. I always, always find something and yes all those pounds do add up, but I do find some really pretty treats. Well Poundland kind of cottoned on to this and asked if I would like to be one of their Ambassadors ? 

"Oh yes I would" said I. 

As an Ambassador I get to try out a selection of items from their seasonal ranges, and basically check quality, functionality etc. As we are nearing Christmas they asked me to check out their Christmas range - I already had my eyes on their 'Enchanted' theme so knew I would love to decorate using some items from there as it's so pretty. I was gifted a £30 code to purchase the products online and which was great for me, all cosy and warm at home. The items arrived a few days later and here is how I got my home into the Christmas mood using some Poundland pretties..

First up is this amazing Sabichi 12 piece dinner set at only £8 though has an rrp of £21. I wanted to create a very snowy, winter white atmosphere in the dining area, with a little hint of pink and this set is just perfect. It is great quality and I love that it creates a blank backdrop for all the accessories. 

Next some silver charger plates. These have a really lovely glittery effect and I got four as we are planning just to have us here for Christmas lunch, and then we'll venture out to visit family. 

Now some pretty baubles to decorate the table - I always like to find alternative uses for things and these baubles are great value for money so I got four packs.

And some little heart shaped ones, again for the table.

Who can resist a little sweet treat after lunch, and oh my I just love these vintage Flying Saucers. I think they look very expensive in their pretty Christmas themed packaging and for only a pound a pack, well I had to get two packs didn't I.

And sticking with my white/silver theme, some white chocolate coins.

I am really getting into the Christmas spirit and love listening to Christmas songs at home, I can't wait to play this. So many songs for just £1.

Some silvery tinsel for the shelf.

I love the paper snowflakes Poundland do and had some left over from last year, I thought they would fit nicely into my theme. I also grabbed a couple of packs from in store. 

I had to have the tinsel tree too, such a real bargain for £1. 

And with my love of pink, I'm sure these pretties shall come in very useful on Christmas Day. I think the range of makeup/beauty products from Poundland is great, in fact one of my most favourite lipsticks is from there. 

So, with the items selected, this is how I have incorporated some Poundland pretties into my Christmas décor.

The heart shaped baubles look really cute tucked into the garland for the table, especially with some 'Merry Christmas' lights draped along there too.

I think the baubles make a lovely centre piece piled high in the big glass vase. 

And the tinsel tree taking pride of place on the tall chest of drawers I painted and distressed.

So, I hope you'll agree, you really don't have to spend a small fortune at Christmas to decorate your home, I am always thankful Poundland offer up some wonderful seasonal items and Christmas is no exception. I shall be back popping in there soon, and I'm sure I'll find something pretty to bring back with me. 

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Disclosure: I received a gift card to purchase seasonal items from Poundland for the purposes of this blog post. All words and opinions are my own. 

Flamingo Gifts

As it is fast approaching that time of year again, I like to start think about gift giving. One online store I just love and that offer some really pretty and unique gift ideas is Flamingo Gifts After collaborating with Flamingo gifts before and being so impressed, I went on to purchase items from there and I have to say they have now become one of my favourite go to websites when it comes to shopping for pretties.

Their items are so up my street, and I have been sent three items to review in time for Christmas. One of my favourite brands is Wu & Wu and I adore this deer cushion it is SO cute! The quality is excellent and a real show stopper. The bright colours really jump out at you and it's kitsch design gives it a wonderful sentimental feel.

I am very tempted to purchase the jewellery box as a gift for someone I know, they would just love it.

Another brand that brings a smile to my face is the very girly Disaster Designs and this 'Songbird' Mini Satchel is a real beauty. 

It's such a useful little bag with a long adjustable strap, buckle clasp, zipped closure and a little key zip pull. 

The back is just as pretty.

It comes with a little postcard label, how pretty.

And of course being from Disaster Designs 'Songbird' range the lining of the bag features a wonderful musical score theme. 

Now one could think opening up a tin of plasters on Christmas day may not quite be a highlight, but when they are these beautiful and pretty Ouch! Daisy plasters I think even I would hope for a little scraped knee ;) They are possibly the prettiest plasters I have ever seen. 

As well as a lovely Daisy and Sunflower design, there is an 'Oops A Daisy' and pink stripe design, just lovely. So some really great present ideas at Flamingo Gifts. I'm looking forward to putting my feet up with a creamy hot chocolate and having a good browse, I doubt very much I'll come away without some pretty gifts ending up in my cyber basket :)

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Disclosure: I was sent three items for review for the purposes of this blog post. All words and opinions are my own.