Author Archives: Abi

It’s Fancy Dress Season!

Posted on by Abi

 

There seems to be loads of opportunities for kids to dress up at this time of year, whether it’s for a school play, nativity, party or event. Finding decent costumes at an affordable price can be somewhat challenging, so I’ve put together a few of my favourites.

Fancy Dress Costume Stores

aliceThe obvious choice is to search your local costume or party shop but this sometimes attracts a premium for the convenience, particularly when costumes are in demand. However there are plenty of stores online which offer cheaper alternatives, just make sure you order in plenty of time to allow for size exchanges etc. I found this cute Alice in Wonderland Costume from Elliot’s Fancy Dress. At £10 it seems fairly reasonable and being a literary character you could perhaps reuse it as one of your book week fancy dress costumes.

untitled (3)Ebay

The incredibly popular online auction site, eBay is often an economical way to pick up brand new or used costumes at a fraction of the retail price.

IMG_6927Make Your Own

Potentially this is either an extremely cheap or horrendously expensive idea. Sewing patterns, fabric and sundries can quickly add up, plus the time a costume takes to make. However if you’re making something very simple (basic shapes for shepherds etc) picking up fabric online or at a market can make this a really good option. The pic above is of my son in his homemade pirate coat.

IMG_7192Customise Clothing

I like this option most of all! Start with a plain tshirt, jumper or dress and then use fabric paint or sew on small bits and pieces. A basic white or silver dress can become an angel with the addition of wings. A hooded jumper becomes a superhero with an emblem and basic cape (you already have the hood).

In the pic above I turned my daughter into Alice with the addition of a bunny badge and headband, it can really be that simple. I’ll also be customising some other clothes over the next couple of weeks and I’ll post up pics to show what I did.

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Oriflame Review

Posted on by Abi

Oriflame ReviewI met the folks from Oriflame back at the Mumpreneur conference and they very kindly gave me a few products to try out at home. I have to admit that I’d never heard of the brand before but apparently they have been going since 1967 albeit not in the UK for all of that time.

I have very dry and sensitive skin and often suffer from allergic reactions, therefore I try new products with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Overall I’ve been very impressed by the few products I have tried and thought I’d share my initial impressions of Oriflame.

Optimals Skin Youth Day Cream

Optimals Skin Youth Day Cream

‘Light day cream that helps smoothen complexion, prevent visibility of first lines and enlarged pores. Contains smoothening microspheres and patented antioxidant technology Lingon 50:50™ to prevent skin ageing. SPF 10.’

This moisturiser has the texture of double cream and by that I mean the stuff you eat. After one month of use I haven’t had any adverse reactions and my skin feels moisturised and comfortable. This cream has an anti ageing formula but as I don’t really suffer from wrinkles yet I can’t comment on whether this cream would help cure or prevent them. Overall it had a lovely texture and I would be happy to continue using it, with the added bonus that it’s a very reasonable price.

Pure Nature Organic White Tea Extract Moisturizing Gel Mask

Pure Nature Organic White Tea Extract Moisturizing Gel Mask

‘Moisturizing gel mask with white tea extract. Rich in anti-oxidants to revitalize your skin. For all skin types.’

I first used this mask one morning when I felt absolutely terrible! My youngest had been suffering with asthma, the dog had a tummy ache and I only got about four hours sleep (how did I ever survive newborn twins if a night like this seems so hard). I popped the mask on for ten minutes during which time my skin didn’t feel tight or pulled and then I washed it off. I think this little beauty saved my poor tired skin, it really made me feel a lot better and significantly more moisturized. I can’t wait to try it out on cold winter days when my skin feels at its driest.

Amber Elixir Eau de ParfumAmber Elixir Eau de Parfum

‘Inspired by the mysterious beauty of amber, Amber Elixir exudes an enticing aura of sensuality and tranquility. Warm lingering notes of blackcurrant and mandarin embrace alluring heliotrope, mystical amber and sensual musk as you are consumed by its seductive amber glow.’

All sounds wonderful doesn’t it, but I’m one of those women who has a signature scent…. Except it’s rather expensive on a daily basis. Finding a daily perfume that I am happy with is no easy task, but I’ve become quite attached to Amber Elixir. It has an expensive quality to the scent and the bottle is beautiful.

Overall

I’m always sceptical of cosmetic brands that I’m unfamiliar with, I tend to stick with a brand when I know it works for me. However I’ve been very impressed with Oriflame so far, I’d love to try out some of their makeup and I think they’re definitely worth investigating further.

Details

To check out more items from the Oriflame range or buy online visit www.oriflame4me.co.uk.

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I’m feeling cold!

Posted on by Abi

Is anyone else feeling really cold yet? Considering some of the snow ridden winters we’ve experienced in recent years I feel a bit silly complaining of a chill when the temperature hits 5C, that’s practically balmy in comparison!

Plus I keep hearing things about a mega winter on the way, the worst on record and snow the likes of which we’ve never known. Of course this is all meteorological speculation at this point but I can’t say it doesn’t worry me. There’s certainly no speculating that Gas prices are at record highs and the prospect of having my heating on all day brings out the Scrooge in me. I’ll have us all wrapped up in polar fleece and sheepskin if I get my way 😛

Unfortunately heating is something of a necessity especially as I don’t have a roaring open fire or log burner. We’ve got the chimneys for them but some kind soul shortened them in the past so it wouldn’t just be a case of reopening them, they’d need building back up and relining and lots of other expensive nonsense.

CarronBalmoralHighlight250So instead I’ve decided to look for a new fireplace or gas fire baskets. I quite like some of these, especially the cast iron ones, they look sturdy and made to last. Of course I’d probably need a new fire surround as well, maybe an antique one to match the age of our home. I could see this becoming quite the shopping expedition.

I think I feel vaguely warmer just thinking about buying a new fire 😛 if that isn’t economising then I don’t know what is. Although I’m not too sure that logic will work when I tell the husband about my plan, but you never know unless you try.

However if it’s cosy toes you’re after then I may be able to help, pop over and enter the current competition for some luxury Canterbury Sheepskin Slippers!

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