What A Weesse Wants. What A Weesse Needs.

 A new year encourages you to think of your hopes, dreams and aspirations for the next 12 months and possibly further. In early January, the year ahead to me feels like this long and winding road where life potentially could change entirely from beginning to end....and I guess in reality it could and often does and you make big plans to ensure that road is as exciting and interesting as it can possibly be. But in contrast,  I often feel in December that the year has passed me by. Sounds a bit negative and I don't mean it to. I'm a super busy person who I'm sure friends and family wouldn't label remotely lazy or unambitious....I do like to cram a fair amount in to a year it has to be said. But I always feel I've let myself down a bit at the end of the year, like I could've tried harder at life or let myself go a bit. There's some deep-down psychological shenanigans going on there for sure, eh?! My report cards at school would have NEVER read, "Lisa must try harder" and I guess once a swat, always a goody-two-shoes and so it may be that's why it's always 
'I could've done more or that I WILL do this year'...

 And something's gotta be done about making that so......

 In turn, I aim to list (as they come to mind and not in one fell swoop) and go about achieving any goals I set for myself this year, however small or large, monumental or seemingly insignificant. The phrase 'Life's too short. Buy the Shoes' springs to mind. I'm a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to treating myself. I see things I like and instantly begin to mull over the pros and cons of committing to a purchase, before making the final decision which I then in turn furthermore agonise over, regardless of whether it was a YAY or NAY. I think it stems from being self-employed and the uncertainty of the next pay cheque. I'm pretty sure I used to buy way more stuff for myself when I wasn't one's own boss....although I still agonised over the purchase just as much!!  Anywho, that aside, don't know about you but I continually see beauty products, fashiony bits and just random nice stuff that I rrrrreeeeally wanna try/buy but for some reason or other I just don't get round to. It would seem that in 2015 Weesse is gonna be that girl buying those shoes.....trying not stress about it afterwards!!

 I've made myself a lil' wish list of 'must have/try' bits 'n' bobs that, over the course of the year, I'll aim to road test or make a long-term investment in. Of course, I'll be adding & scoring off items as the year goes on but along the way I'll be sure to review & feature many items on here for your perusal. 

 I really want to invest in a decent pair of black heels/stilettos. There's those shoes we were just talking about! I feel that years of continually opting for cheaper weekend/going-out footwear (guilt-free shopping perhaps??) may becoming a thing of the past pour moi. I just don't get the longevity in terms of the quality and durability that I want and it's often false economy, as you end up having to repurchase more regularly, hence spending what you would have on one quality pair of shoes. I want a pair of black leather pointed-toe heels with very little detailing that will go with everything! First mission of 2015 I feel! I will chant the mantra that is 'Life's too short. Buy the shoes. Life's too short. Buy the shoes' as I go!!

 I literally boycotted books post-university for several years. I did an English Degree (and Spanish lit for a while too) and with devouring (at lightening-speed!) umpteen books a week for 4 years solid I just found that after graduating I had no real desire to make the time for reading at all. It had become a chore rather than a pleasure (despite enjoying my course and the literature immensely). I was well-read in more ways than one. There's well-read and then over cooked!  My interest was sparked once again a few years down the line but I found that I had no real stamina and never completed any books on a regular basis. 

 More recently though I've gotten back in to it. Nothing heavy. Just some light reads that for various reasons have taken my fancy and so thus far,  the book list for 2015 looks like this....and yes, I'm a little late to the party on these particular selections.... 

'Not That Kind of Girl' by Lena Dunham

  'It' by Alexa Chung

'How To Be Parisian'  by Anne Berest and Audrey Diwan

'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn

This list ain't a 'New Year Resolutions' list but more a 'Let's Get Sh*t Done in 2015' affair. There's already a few things I'm thinking I'd like to try/achieve/keep doing/be better at and I better start now as I'm confident that each month the list will have many additions. 

Sing More

Generally in everyday life but also performing. Singing with others too (again in everyday life would be nice!)

Try New Things

Whether it be food, restaurants, activities, clothing styles, ways of walking downstairs....Anything new I wanna be down on the list for!

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

Emphasis on the 'worry' part and definitely the 'don't' of that. I'm a wee stress-head worry-wart and although I'm chillin'-out a little more in my old age, I think there's still room for improvement in the Worrying vs Not stakes.

 For instance, I no longer worry if the plug is out of the socket.....not now that I just take a photo of it before I leave the house. Winning life right there peeps! 

Become a Successful Blogger

And you my friends hold the key! 

Read, like, share, comment and Tweet! The more the merrier to this one thanks. I'm finding this blogging malarkey  really good fun and actually super relaxing. It's a nice way to take stock and reflect on certain aspects of your life and after also giving up writing (other than appointments in my diary) after uni, it's lovely to be putting pen to paper once again (well finger to keyboard to be exact....but you knew what I meant!). Good for the soul this stuff! 

That'll do for now me thinks. 

Gives you lot the time to go away and make that last one a reality! That way I can tick it off the list, you know?! 

Right off you go.... Share, Tweet, Like away my friends! 

Over and out 

W x

 

The Pursuit of Happiness...and JLo and Dirty Patios

 I spotted on Facebook that ITV's This Morning are doing a week-long feature on what makes you happy. They're asking folks to Tweet and tag them in Instagram pics and so it naturally got me to thinking about what makes me happy. If I were to send one photo to the show, what would it be of? 

 Encouragingly I'm having a hard time to pin it down to just one! I have so many things and of course, people in my life that bring me so much joy that it would be a near impossible task to select the one thing/person/scenario that beats all others.....without offending folks too I guess. I also get so much pleasure in being kind to others and trying to be the best the person I can be. We could be here all week folks.  However, my nearest and dearest aside and forgetting all the 'being a good person' malarkey, I thought it important/interesting to look outside the box a tad (negating the obvious like, dance, dogs and beautiful sunsets...blah blah blah) and focus in on the simple things in life that make me happy....even if it's only for a moment. Unlike Pharrell, I don't require a room without a roof. I ain't no diva,  my daily rider merely specifies just a few little things that are guaranteed to brighten up my day. Forget the 7 Deadly Sins, I have seven ways to make one Weesse very happy. 

 They're in no particular order....just as they came to mind.

1. Colour schemes

Yup! Love a good colour scheme me! I emphasize the word good as I see many decorating situations on social media daily, where I would say the choice in colour collaborations ain't to my liking sadly. Each to their own and all that. Rob and I were in the 'pound shop' (not sure of it's exact name-there's that bloomin' many of them!) only just the other week, waiting in the queue to be served, when I remarked on the collective colour scheme of their display of 2015 diaries at the tills. On sight, the pistachios, muted corals and dark beiges instantly pleased me to the point of, well....happiness!. I can trawl Pinterest for hours just looking at colour swatches and combinations. Rock and Roll!

2. Coffee

 Adore the stuff. I drink waaaaay too much of it and do not discriminate when it comes to blend, brand or condiments. If you say it's coffee....I'll have it thanks! Of course I do have a few faves but I ain't too fussy and will take whatever's on the go really. Everything about it makes me happy-the smell, the taste, the look, the warm, fuzzy feeling.....this is getting a bit weird, eh?! Anywho, I love it more than tea (sorry tea jennies) and drink it every day in life and I have no intention of giving it up in any way, shape or form. It's my only vice and it makes me reeeeeeeeally happy. Got it??!!!!!!!(Oh, maybe I need a cup right now??!)  

3. An Unread Magazine

 Don't you just love it when you have a brand-new, untouched magazine sitting on the coffee/bedside table awaiting your attention?! The pages are pristine and the spine unbroken.... actual perfection. It's all glossy and smooth and new....and yes, I'm the person who'll take the one at the back of the pile to ensure these requirements are met before purchasing. 

  If we're then moving on to what doesn't make Weessa happy, it's when folks pick up said magazine you've bought and flick through it before you. They don't even commit to reading anything or stop to inspect a particular article or item of clothing, they're merely flick and flippantly return the now partially spoiled magazine to it's resting place, where you then have to look like that situation didn't just boil your blood and make you have a mild inner panic attack! Yup, take note, don't touch my unread magazine. That my friends, would make me happy!

 On the same line, I like new diaries, notebooks etc. They're so pretty and new and lovely! Sadly I don't have particularly neat or nice handwriting, so the minute I have to start inputting info in to a new pad, the happiness rapidly depletes. I instantly (even if I'm trying my damnedest not to) make a mistake and have to score it out or write over the top of it...basically just eradicating the joy in one fell swoop. Real-life problems peeps!  

4.  Photos of JLo

Putting it out there folks. I love me some JLo time. She is my ultimate girl crush and there's nothing I like doing more than Pinteresting pics of the Latino goddess (between colour schemes obvs!) and appreciating her insane good looks and awesome body. There, I said it! It comes from a burning desire to want to be JLo but that ain't happening any day soon, so I take it on the chin and do my weekly research (aka stalking) in the hope that one day (when I'm 45....she is 45! What the actual?!?) when I grow up, I'll look like her. Better make a start on the abs work and facial surgery now, eh?! 

 Don't you be dissing JLo...I love her music, films, book (hubby bought me it for Crimbo) and I don't care what you say, she is dabomb.com  and you'll all eat your words when I'm running around, age 45, looking like all sorts of JLo-ness. Until then, photos of her will continue to make me unapologetically, blissfully happy. 

5. Crumpets.......and Breakfast in general.

As you'll already know from my post 'My Name is Weesse and I'm Addicted to....' ( and if you don't, why haven't you read it?! Call yourself a mate?!!) I have a love affair with crumpets. Can't get enough of them but really, I just love breakfasty things and breakfast time in general. My all-time faves include crumpets with hot, mashed banana and cinnamon; pancakes; Eggs Benedict; smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and croque monsieur. All of course served with cwaaffeee! Whether I'm preparing it or dining out,  I just love so many of the potential dishes open to me (using my basic culinary skill set) and the scope for having, not one, but a selection of different things....fruit, juice, coffee, eggs, toast, yogurt etc. Hotel breakfasts are the shizz! I'm not your fry-up kinda gal but I do like me some mushrooms and scrambled eggs with a slice of wholemeal toast. Yum! The pastries and the continental options float my boat big time and I get a tad excited at the prospect of what a new hotel will have on offer. 

 It's the first thing I think about when I wake up everyday and if I'm not getting my bahookie out of bed and heading straight for the kitchen, then there's something seriously wrong with me. Call the doctor! Breakfast is my favourite meal....there was once a time when I lived on Fruit n Fibre (true story!) and although I'm not currently a big cereal fan, I'll take anything breakfasty really. It is my most important meal of the day and as I write this I'm already excited about tomorrow's. Happy is a plate of toasted, buttered crumpets.

6.  New Pants 

 And bra....matching ones that is. I adore new underwear. I honestly think wearing a matching set (especially if it's brand new) lifts the spirit. I am guilty of not always (and by that I mean, almost never...) wearing matching underwear. Feel like I'm starting to over-share here but I'm hoping many of you gals out there will identify with this and appreciate my honesty. Underwear shopping hasn't always been my favourite of tasks to be fair (it's up there with trying on trousers....avoided at all costs!) but in saying that, when I do find the perfect set there is an excitement and sense of occasion when I wear it for the first time. Maybe I should aim to buy and wear more matching undies in 2015...that way I'll be continually happy. Boom, done! If you meet me in the street though and I seem pretty chirpy, please don't ask if I'm wearing matching underwear as that's just plain awkward. 

7. Seeing the Dirt Come Out of Things

Hubby will chuckle on reading this as he has first-hand knowledge of the sheer joy that is felt when I witness the dirt come out/off of any item. This has in the past included, the patio being jet-washed; the leather couch being steam cleaned; shampooing carpets; using Oven Pride. Sounds like our house is bogging. I assure you it ain't. These were all separate incidences where we decided to give these items a good old clean and the results for me were stupendously satisfying. I mean I'm not a clean/neat freak or anything, going around scrubbing everything in sight but I just love that moment when you've decided to give something a proper deep clean and you can see it working beautifully. Shiny, squeaky cleanness.  
  Hubby has also fallen victim to this on a number of occasions  when I have persuaded him to let me give him a facial after a hard day's graft. If you've got the day's dirt on your skin, I'm more than happy to clean it off for you. Just sayin'. 

 So to summarise, HAPPY for me is....

 Jennifer Lopez bringing me crumpets and mashed banana in my beautifully colour coordinated room, as I admire my untouched copy of Grazia, sipping coffee and wearing my new new undies, as hubby (in sight) jet-washes the patio. 

Note how I said hubby jet-washing the patio! I don't need to actually be the one doing the cleaning per say, just witnessing it is enough.

I'm pretty sure the above scenario (as weird and slightly perverse as it sounds) is relatively achievable.......

Although, Grazia ain't out til next week..... bummer! 

Over and out,

W x

Playing Dress-Up: Does it Get Easier?

Dressing for the weather. Dressing for your shape. Dressing for your age. Dressing for your job. Dressing for your partner. Dressing to conform.

But dressing for you....when does that start? 

We all have a personal style that we endeavour daily to inject in to all of the above scenarios, to in some way, shape or form to express our individuality & personal taste. Even if you're forced to wear some ungodly uniform at work that you positively detest  (I remember my McD's days well. That 'Lobby-jobby' outfit was so fetch!), you find (sometimes unconsciously) a way of making it more you, putting out your message to the world. Roll up the sleeves, tuck in the shirt, wear the trousers low slung, accessorise...if 'the man' makes you where a suit when you ain't a suit kinda dude, you make it work for you. Point is if we were all to put on the exact same outfit, we'd be sure to wear it differently, purposely or without even thinking about it . So when we get to choose what we wear, it gets a whole lot more complicated....well for me anyway! 

Working out what your personal style is (what I'm now discovering) a lifelong quest. My style has evolved so much from the first days of being allowed to dress myself, selecting outfits from my wardrobe & to then later being given the opportunity to shop for clothes by myself. My personal styling has gone through so many transitions. Moments of the good, the bad & the ugly! 

Going back to my opening statements, I think that many of these are really about what we think others expect of us.  I won't wear that dress as it's 'too young for me'. Who says?!?! When we reach around 12 years old clothes no longer are sized in relation to our age but our clothing size, so who then decides what's too young & indeed too old for us to wear?!? Shouldn't it be, if you want to wear the dress just go for it?! 'Yes of course!' I hear you say....but then, do you dress like that? Toss any concerns for what society might think of you & wear exactly what you want to? Hats off to you if you genuinely don't give a monkey's..but I reckon, like myself,  many of us, consciously and even unconsciously, dress with others in mind. 

Miss Monroe famously said 'Give a girl the right shoes & she'll conquer the world'. Which ones though?  Is it the flat, comfy ones we can walk in all day that ain't nowt to shout about  in the style department or is it those 'killer' heels that actually do kill after 20 mins but  knock 'em dead everywhere you go?! Conquering the world may require you to wear both actually....at the same time perhaps? One on each foot it is then?!  At the ripe old age of 32, I'm having a bit of a style overhaul that came unexpectedly. My clothing choices have taken a bit of a U-turn recently & I can't quite work out why   frustratingly. I can't figure out if what I'm opting for looks good on me or whether I'm choosing more for comfort & practicality. If both bases are being covered then great! Can I look AND feel good at the same time? I have more staple pieces in my wardrobe now that I rotate & pair up with each other in various random combos. I'm totally over buying 'in trend' and just want to own more of a capsule wardrobe that will see me through the seasons effortlessly. I ADORE fashion but don't particularly enjoy shopping for myself (I'd love to shop for others) so I now realise (after years of buying tonnes of stuff on a whim & then not wearing it) that I need to be super selective with what goes in that on-line shopping basket. I also think it's a sign of the times where a disposable income is a thing of the distant past for many of us and you choose far more carefully about what you're buying as you'd rather it costed a bit more but lasted you way longer than the £10 top that you'll wear once and then see it banished to the back of your wardrobe or the charity shop. I guess if you're looking to conquer the world as Marilyn so eloquently pointed out, whether you opt for the flats or the heels, you'd be best to choose the more classic pair that will last you a long while.....as you continue on you path for world domination.

I don't think I've always been one to dress with others in mind, it may just be something that has derived from being in a long-term relationship. As a teenager I didn't rebel or reject the trends of the time more so than I just tended to wear what I liked, despite it being so far removed from what was 'cool'. Long gypsy skirts, Doc Martins and other bohemian attire was my go-to style and then on to my uni days, it was bell bottom jeans, fitted shirts and tees....again it was what I wanted to wear over what I thought I should to fit in.  As I then went out in to the working world as a dance teacher, in my down time I tended to dress up more, as I felt I was spending my life in joggers and baggies. I actually remember hubby (before he was my hubby)saying to me that I didn't need to be so dressy when I came to visit him...but to me making an effort was something I was doing more for myself than him....or at least I think it was. He was happy to see me in what he thought I'd be more comfortable in but really I was looking to enjoy that process of getting dressed-up and feeling girly and sexy. Of course if your partner compliments you in something then you may wear it when you know you'll be spending time together...their opinion matters to you and it's nice when they say they like you in something. I know that nowadays I frequently dress with hubby in mind, hoping he'll like my outfit. Deep down I actually do know that if I'm wearing what I like and what I feel comfortable and confident in then that's what he's going to prefer me in but somehow I often still think of what his opinion will be about my choice. I mean I'd never expect him to wear a 3 piece suit on the weekends to impress me when I know he'd hate every minute of it and I know he's the same with me but it doesn't stop me thinking of what he'll find me attractive in. Funny eh? Our brains are often programmed in this modern-day society to be concerned with others' perception of us over satisfying our own inner desires and comfort zones. I'm just grateful that more often than not I've really only got myself and hubby in mind when I'm dressing .....not society as well! 

       

So with personal style, although it evolves overtime and you may at points be 'on trend' and other times be totally 'uncool' in your selections, I think what's most important is that you aim to dress happily. Happy dressing should be made compulsory and this idea of wearing 'what's in' or what someone your age should be wearing must be phased out. After all, Oscar de la Renta and Karl Lagerfeld get to design exactly what they like. They don't create dresses that they hate but know are 'cool' for that year. They let their own creative juices flow and have garments made that evoke their personal style and taste. So in turn we as consumers in society should have free reign to wear what we want free from judgement. It's hard enough figuring out what your personal style is never mind then having to worry if other people will like it or think that it's too young, short, frumpy, fancy etc etc for you. Just wear what you want goddamnit!  I wish I could say this to every young girl and boy I come across who is feverishly trying to keep up with the 'in-crowd' and the latest fashion trend. I see a lot of them wearing stuff that I bet they don't even like that much but are buying it (or pleading with mum or dad to buy it!) because they 'have to have it' . I love fashion and religiously buy fashion magazines but I buy them for inspiration, to spark my imagination not to look at the Spring/Summer collections and worry that I'm not wearing anything like it. Yes, I'm still over here scratching my head, figuring out what my personal style actually is but at least I'm not too concerned about whether Joe Bloggs likes it or not!  

Over and out, 

W x

My name is Weesse and I'm addicted to..............

Happy 2015 to you all!

 It's a new year & like many, you may be looking to fashion a new you. News flash-you're fabulous the way you are! Be done with that resolution & carry on just being your wonderful self.  Boom done! End of blog. My work here is done. 

 Hold up. If it simply comes down to altering your diet ever-so slightly or overhauling it entirely in a bid to make you feel better on the inside & out, then I'm all for it! Making good food choices to give you more energy, to boost some weight loss (that little bit of fluff you've gained over Crimbo) or to give you a new focus on becoming a happier you can be a daunting task so any hints, tips & suggestions can help us all through those early transition stages. 

 Healthy eating sounds great & yeah it tastes good too but hey, so does chocolate, steak pie, gravy & pouring cream (obviously not all together! That's just weird.)! Can I get an amen?! So I appreciate that the thought of sidestepping the sweetie tin isn't filling you with much joy but remember, we can merely sidestep & then shuffle back on over whenever we feel we need a little pick-me-up. We ain't getting rid of no sweetie tin entirely. Balance is the key peeps. 

 I have to say I personally didn't overindulge too ridiculously over the festive season (boring I know!) apart from Christmas & Boxing Day. I didn't eat normally though.  My body clock's all over the place with late nights & late rises & mixed-up meal times so it's all caught up with me in the shape of 4lbs. I ain't too fussed over it. Pre-Christmas I'd dropped 6lbs with being ill (suffering from sciatica!) & having not much of an appetite so I was at my lowest weight in a long time. This in effect means that my 4lbs gain has brought me back to around where I was prior to falling ill. I now aim to try & shift it nevertheless but I'm not pressurising myself with what's on the scales. I'm more so looking to get my eating back to where it was. Balanced. Healthy. Yummy.

 I posted a while back about my weight loss journey in 2014 as hubby & I became fully paid up members of Weight Watchers, both of us opting for the app over classes.  A 2 stone weight loss for me was unexpected to be honest (was aiming for 1 stone) but I'm currently happy with my shape....couldn't care less what the scales say or what the labels in my clothes read, I'm just happier in my clothes & in my own skin. I've also reached a happy place in my day to day eating where I no longer continually consult the app for ProPoint calculations. I tend to eat the same things week in week out & know the point values of most foods so can eat healthy, balanced meals & snack on fruit & the likes, still reaching for the occasional treat free from any guilt. And really, regardless of which healthy eating programme you decide to follow, I feel that that's the key. Balance, that is. 

Ready Steady Brekkie......

 We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day & I loves me some brekkie. My name is Lisa and I'm addicted to CRUMPETS! Honestly, Mr Warbuton must be sitting at home looking at his profit margins wondering what the hell happened last year. In fact he's sitting at home, staring at his new Ferrari I bought him wondering who bought all his crumpets! I bloomin' love 'em! It's my go-to brekkie now (snack too) & it takes a mean contender to make me me stray. Hubby is convinced I'll wake up one morning to find I've turned in to a fully fledged crumpet. I'd be interested to know how many crumpets I've consumed since June 2014. Many, I feel...possibly hunners! 

 Two lightly toasted crumpets, topped with a mashed-up heated banana (1 min in the microwave) with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. Voila! Actually want to go make one as I type these words to you at 1.14am (Late, I know! Sciatic pain woes!).  Yummy, hot & filling! All you could want from a winter's brekkie. These are only 2 ProPoints each on WW (I get 32 ProPoints per day) so it's a filling option that isn't high in salt, fat or sugars. Add blueberries, strawberries for more sweetness (they're lovely heated also). Guarantee you'll be hooked once you try 'em. Just make sure you leave enough for me in Tesco's.

 Another brekkie option I love is Overnight Oats. Dry porridge oats, fruits of your choice, natural yoghurt (or flavoured low fat yoghurt if you'd prefer) & milk. I recommend you use a clip top jar (see photo & links below) as it makes it way easier than a bowl to assemble & store.

Photo courtesy of ikea.com

 All you need to do is layer up your ingredients in a repetitive manner-

a sprinkle of oats

a topping of yogurt 

some fruit   

Repeat the above 

 When the jar is nearly full pour in your milk to soften through the several layers, pop the jar in the fridge overnight & by morning you'll have a scrumptious, filling breakfast which you can even take with you on the go. Result! And no cooking involved! Double result! 

 Mimi is all about preparing in advance so she'll boil an egg the night before & have it with some gluten-free toast in the morning. Eggs are a great source of protein & I always find a boiled egg more filling than I expect it to be. We both love scrambled eggs & smoked salmon too which makes for a quick but more civilised of breakfasts on the weekend. Eggs rock! They roll too! Get it?!? 

 Mimi has just this week started using her slow cooker for the first time ever, in an attempt to cook when she AIN'T at home, so no doubt there'll be a post about her kitchen adventures soon. Ever the Girl Guide Mimi. Be prepared & all that. 

 I bid you farewell for now & wish you all the best in your efforts to be a healthier you in 2015. Sometimes all it takes is one suggestion of a meal or snack to break you out of the monotony of your daily/weekly food routine. Hell, if you comment below with some brekkie ideas I may even swap my crumpets (albeit momentarily) for something new! Wonders will never cease.

Wait!

Maybe my 2015 resolution should be to eat less crumpets?!?!

Mr Warburton & Mr Kingsmill would disapprove I feel. 

Over and out.

W x

The Links

Crumpets 

http://www.warburtons.co.uk/breakfast/product/crumpets

http://www.kingsmillbread.com/our-range/bakery-favourites/crumpets/6-crumpets/

Clip Jars

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70213545/

http://www.tesco.com/direct/bormioli-rocco-clip-glass-storage-small-jar/653-7506.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=653-7506

http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/kilner-0.5-litres-clip-top-glass-jar-109496

Weight loss Post

http://mimiandweesse.blogspot.co.uk/2014_10_01_archive.html

Weesse's Christmas Gift Guide Part 2

  So if you're anything like me, you're still frantically surfing the interweb desperately trying to find the perfect pressies that are within budget for the remaining recipients on that long list that you've been working on for weeks that actually seems to be growing. Sound familiar? Problem is, I've struggled with ideas this year so have been aimlessly scrolling through sites hoping that things will just pop out at me. So I thought I'd share some of my findings with you in the hope that they are of some use to you guys. I kept finding things that would suit folks I'd already bought for...typical! 

Fit for a Princess

Photo from H&M website

Photo from H&M website 

 These crown hairbands are adorable from H&M! I want one!! Perfect stocking fillers or a little extra to go with a gift. Affordable and super cute. Available in gold, silver and pink. 

Charge on the Go

Photo from www.amazon.co.uk 

 Hubby Rob discovered this genius portable Pebble phone charger that would be perfect for someone who is forever on the go and always on their phone. Nothing worse than your phone dying when you're out and about. Credit card sized and lightweight, an ideal gift that will definitely be appreciated. We love a good gadget! Loads on the market but I thought this one was pretty reasonable from Amazon. 

Hey Mr DJ

Photo from www.amazon.co.uk

I actually treated myself to a Crosley Record Player this year and I freakin' LOVE IT! Dug out all my old records (including Joey Lawrence's (yes, from Blossom!)single Nothin' My Love Can't Fix) and have had many a lazy morning pottering around the house listening to some serious choons. Great sound quality, lightweight and looks super cool. Ideal gift for any music lover and this one from Amazon is really reasonably priced. There are various colours available and Urban Outfitters stock the range too. 

A Wise Choice

Photo from Wikipedia 

Last year I bought Rob a bird of prey experience at World of Wing's, Cumbernauld for the both of us to do together and it was soooo good. I managed to get it on a Groupon deal at the time(so it's worthwhile looking out for any offers that may come up) but there's plenty of options on their website to suit most budgets. The staff are so knowledgeable and we found it fascinating to learn about all the different birds they care for. We got to handle an owl and an African eagle. You certainly don't need to be a bird enthusiast to enjoy this. Very informative and a great experience to get up close with these amazing animals.   

Use Yer Loaf

  Another experience-themed pressie for a group of friends, colleagues or family members would be a visit to Escape Glasgow.  Guys this is AWESOME!!!! My dancer friends and I visited the Glasgow-based live escape game last week as our Christmas Night-out treat and it was the most fun ever! Seriously, we are still raving about it. 
  Basically, you're locked in a room for 60 mins and have to solve various puzzles to find the key that lets you out of the room within the hour. You're against the clock and in our case, we were against each other as we'd split the group in to two and were through the wall in identical rooms solving the same clues to escape. It's all about problem solving and working efficiently as a team. We escaped in the nick of time, within a minute of each other. panic stations at the end as we frantically faffed with the last padlock. It's like the Crystal Maze without the weird bald dude commentating. Cannot recommend this experience enough! We're already planning another visit as the game is set to change in January. Do it! Just book it for yourself! It's too good to miss! 




That'll be all for you just now guys. Think the above suggestions are certainly my faves and I can definitely recommend the two experiences as pressies with a difference that anyone would appreciate.

Happy shopping. I'm off to trawl another gizillion websites for onesies and other exciting gifts....naht!

W x

Weesse's November Faves

Hey there 

 So as the year fast approaches it's crescendo (can't believe it's December!!) 

I seem to have been opting for uber cozy attire despite the mild weather we've been experiencing. Yes this has meant that I've been left sweltering in my chunky knits on a number of occasions but have been determined to embrace Autumnal/Winter fashion trends regardless. I'll be a sweaty (but happy) mess over here, don't you worry bout me! 

 As well as my woollies, I've had a fair few faves this month.....

Photo from www.hm.com

 I've purchased a few staple pieces lately in the hope that I'll be able to put together a few different looks from a limited number of items. My aim for this Winter was to find a pair of ankle boots that go with everything but don't kill....that is the bank balance AND my feet! I like loads of styles on the shelf but have had great difficulty in the past finding  a pair that I actually like on my feet. I felt dumpy in many of the flat soled designs but was determined not to end up with a skyscraper pair that I couldn't walk in. Been there. Done that.  

 These H&M beauties ticked all the boxes really. High enough but with a sturdy chunky heel that doesn't leave you wobbling and aching within an hour.  Genuine leather and super comfy, they're smart but not fancy & look good with skinny jeans! At only £40 these are a bargain, as so many other stores had faux leather versions at the same price. A firm fave for this month! 

Photo from www.burtsbees.co.uk

 Anyone who knows me knows I have mega dry hands. When I say dry, I mean arid. Desert-like even. My husband Rob is constantly mocking me, pretending his hand in tatters from holding mine(funny, not!).   The other issue is that I don't like the sensation of cream on my hands. I apply it but immediately feel the urge to wipe it off. So wading through countless bottles, tubes and containers alike of various hand creams, I rarely come across one that I'll happily apply regularly.

 However, hallelujah, this month I discovered Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Creme. It does exactly what it says on the tin- "melts into skin to moisturise and soften without a greasy after-feel", smells  

A-MAZING and helps to smooth even the scaliest of hands. Highly recommend! I've ran out already (travel sized) and plan to purchase more.

 If you wanna try it before committing to the full-size product have a peek at the miniature versions in their Tips and Toes Kit (featured on my Christmas Gift Guide Part 1 blog).

  My super curly locks pretty much take care of themselves, in that they don't require much faff or styling products to looks half decent. Suits me down to the ground as I don't have the patience for coiffuring on a daily basis. Bit a lazy butt when it comes to my barnet. However I do welcome a little something to help define the curls if it's only a matter of spritzing some product through the hair when wet. Zero effort that's what I'm all about peeps. 

 I recently discovered TRESemme's Texture Style Tousled Wave Spray and I'm really impressed. Although the product's not actually aimed at styling curly hair, it seems to be doing the trick for me, defining my curls and giving them some hold. My hair is currently really long and often my curl is loosened with the weight but this gel-like spray is helping to keep them looking healthy and frizz-free. Better still, it's cheap! Only £1.99 for 200 ml from Semi Chem. Result!  

Photo from www.lush.co.uk

I love a good shower gel me but tend to buy the same ones time and time again. So when I received a LUSH gift box for my birthday in September (which I subsequently forgot about and excitedly came across it a few weeks back!), I was chuffed to find their popular The Olive Branch Shower Gel inside. So many bloggers adore it! A lot runnier than your usual shower gel, I'd recommend pouring it on to a shower scrunchie (after you've shook the bottle to mix the oil back in) so as not to use too much. It contains mandarin, lemon, orange flower, bergamont oil and of course, olive oil  (all naturally sourced)and the scent is to die for! Honestly, it's divine! A new firm fave that I'd be likely to re-purchase. To be honest I've never been that fussed about LUSH products. LOVED the aroma as you pass by the store but I'm never enticed in, however I may now be more likely to venture in to see what other yummy treats are on offer.

At £4.75 for 100g it ain't super cheap but if you use the shower scrunchie as I suggested, it's bound to last a while and is just so delish you won't mind the affordable splurge on such an everyday product.  

Photo from www.amazon.co.uk

 Lastly, my crappy end to November (sciatica sucks....big time!) was made decidedly better with a surprise early Crimbo pressie from hubby. Wait for it.....

 Jennifer Lopez's NEW BOOK 'True Love'!!!!

 What.The.Actual?!!! 

 My love for JLo knows no boundaries. Her music, her perfumes (wore 'Glow' by JLo on my wedding day, her style (endless hours lost on Pinterest searching her. No that's not weird at all!) and her films (who didn't love 'Maid in Manhattan'?!!! And don't get me started on 'The Wedding Planner'!!!). I just love her and everything she does and if I could look like her, even remotely, well, my actual life would be complete. FACT!

 Am I loving the book? Eh, duh, silly question...it's about JLo by JLo.. what's not to like?! I'm only first chapter in but I feel closer to her already. By the end of the book, we'll be besties! We're destined to be. Obvs. 

 You can buy the book too if you like. You won't be best mates like Jen and I but you'll enjoy it just the same I guess.  Here's the link.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Love-Jennifer-Lopez/dp/0451468686

 So I'll sign off here peeps. Got a date with Jen. See ya.

Weesse x