Nov 18, 2012

The Joys of Cat Ownership

I was never really a ‘cat person’. I grew up with dogs – big, hairy, smelly dogs that bounded around the house and came everywhere with us. We were dog lovers through and through. Cats were for wimps.

When I moved into my own place, I missed the companionship of a pet. From fish to hamsters to guinea pigs to the aforementioned canines, I’d always had a pet by my side… but working full time meant a dog was out of the question. Still under the impression I was definitely not a cat person, I spent a few years pet-free.

Then, I started freelancing and working from home. I was toying with the idea of bringing in a dog to keep me company during the day, when an email from an ex-colleague popped into my inbox. Her cat had kittens, and they’d all been adopted except one. She attached a slightly blurry photo of this ball of black fluff, and I was sold. Rob needed no convincing – he’s had cats forever and it was love at first sight.

Travis came to live with us in early September 2011. He was a tiny, timid bundle of nerves in our big living room. But he soon settled in, and now he’s the king of the house.

He’s a funny fella with a real personality, strutting about with his tail in the air or sitting on the wall outside our house, charming passersby with his croaky meow and big yellow eyes. He definitely rules the roost – we don’t have a cat flap so have to let him in and out at his every whim, he sleeps on our bed (sometimes on the pillow above my head) and if we’re returning from a day out, he’ll meow loudly from his perch on the wall as if we’ve been away too long.

I’d never realised just how much love and affection cats can give. They’ve got a reputation as standoffish types who don’t need human attention, thank you very much – but they’re far from it. Travis brings so much joy to our house, and I can’t imagine our little family without him.

ETA: A few people mentioned they’d love a cat but couldn’t have one because of pet restrictions in rented properties. I live in a rented house and when Rob and I moved in, we were told pets weren’t allowed. When the opportunity to home Travis came up, I emailed our letting agency and explained the situation. I politely asked if it’d be possible to have him with reassurances that furniture would be protected and the house would be thoroughly cleaned, and the request was passed on to our landlord. He was reluctant but wanted to keep good tenants, so agreed. We have 6-monthly inspections and Travis charms the pants off them every time 😉

Are you a cat person? Tell me your kitty tales!

My Skincare Routine (Oily and Combination Skin)

Posted in Beauty.

Recently I’ve had a few emails and tweets requesting a post on my skincare routine. I’ve mentioned before that I’m quite fanatical about my skin, and so my routine is quite… long. But I’ve seen such a huge improvement since I became so stringent (not literally) with my skincare, so I think it’s worth it. After a few glasses of red wine I may change my mind on this, but for now – here it is. The full and unabridged version of my current skincare routine.

(Before we start, it’s worth noting I have generally oily skin with no dry patches. I think this routine would work for combination skin too, but those who suffer with dryness will need more moisture, and if you have sensitive skin this may be a bit much for you.)

Origins Never a Dull Moment Cleanser | Dr Jart Tight Effect Toner | Caudalié Beauty Elixir | Origins Zero Oil Moisturiser

I always start my day with a shower, and use Origins Never a Dull Moment Cleanser to wash my face. I discovered Origins via Kate at gh0stparties and although admitting it makes me a total blogger cliché, I absolutely adore their products. I was using the Zero Oil Cleanser but wanted to try this to brighten my skin during the dull winter months, and it really works. I prefer to cleanse with something that foams (I know, I know, foaming is bad… but it makes me feel so CLEAN) and this is perfect.

Out of the shower I sweep Dr Jart’s Tight Effect Toner (which sounds quite disgustingly rude, I think) over my face with a cotton wool pad, and follow it up with a spritz of the Caudalié Beauty Elixir. When it comes to toner, I’m not really loyal to any brand and will try whatever’s on offer/on the blogs at the time. Generally I don’t think there’s much difference between high end and high street toners, and only bought this one because it was on offer. It does the job and keeps my skin shine free for a few hours, so it can stay for now. The Beauty Elixir really wakes me up and gives my skin a bit of pep first thing in the morning.

It’s a common myth (and one I subscribed to for many years) that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. It really does – otherwise it’ll just produce more oil to make up for it – but it’s so easy to overload. Origins Zero Oil Moisturiser is my go-to – I apply a little bit before my makeup to keep my skin supple and oil at bay. It’s light and non-scented, it doesn’t clog my pores and so I love it.

I’m fastidious about nighttime cleansing – it’s a very serious business. I start by removing my eye makeup using cotton wool pads and the Bioderma cleanser. Another cult product I bought into based on beauty blogs, but this is actually wonderful for dissolving tough eye makeup and sweeping it away. I bought my bottle from eBay (different link – the shop I bought from no longer sells) but just be careful of fakes – if you’re ever in France, pop into a pharmacy for the real deal at a ridiculously cheap price!

Next I remove the bulk of my makeup with my Origins cleanser, but it’s the REN clay product that really does the hard work here. I apply it to damp skin and wipe away with a hot cloth to remove all traces of makeup and daily grime. It’s this extra step that’s really helped improve my skin, as there’s never anything left behind. I prefer to use this calming lavender tone by Elemis just before bed – the smell is so relaxing and it’s nice and gentle, too.

With all my makeup gone, it’s time to put some moisture back into my skin. Until a few weeks ago, I’d never considered using a different moisturiser at night, but after reading Kate’s glowing review of the Origins Make a Difference Plus range I thought I’d try something more nourishing for overnight when shiny skin doesn’t matter. This luxurious face cream sinks in like a dream and still feels light on my skin.

My last step for bedtime is an eye cream. I have very dark under eye circles so need something quite tough to bust them – the No. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense range is aimed at 35-45 year olds but I’m getting on really well with this eye cream, which targets dark shadows as well as fine lines and pigmentation (all of which I have, unluckily). Like toners, I’m not particularly loyal to any eye cream and have tried them all in the past. I think the effect is more placebo than anything, but I’m a sucker for anything that’s ‘new and improved’.

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask | REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask | Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream | Origins Super Spot Remover

I have a few products I grab when my skin’s looking a bit lacklustre. REN’s Radiance Renewal Mask is a new purchase – I’d avoided this as £30 for a mask seems a bit steep, but when I spotted a 20% off GLOSSYBOX code on Twitter last week I snapped it up. I’ve only used it once but I can already see the difference – straight after using my skin was smooth, soft and sparkling. I think this could become a real wonder product.

In my REN order were a couple of samples, one being their Invisible Pores Detox Mask. I love anything that works on pores, as I have a few enlarged ones on my cheeks. I’ve used this a couple of times and could really feel it working – a good sign in my books.

Although my skin is much better than it was during my teenage years, I still suffer from the odd spot and past insecurities mean I fret about them whenever they appear. I despise even the smallest blemish, so the Super Spot Remover gel by Origins is fantastic. I apply it after moisturising, leave it to work overnight (again, you can feel it doing its job which gives me an odd satisfaction) and by morning spots have disappeared or shrunk to nothingness. Love.

My final treatment product is Elizabeth Arden’s classic Eight Hour Cream. I’ve had this pot for about a year (I bought it from TK Maxx for half the usual price) and have barely made a dent in it – I use it very infrequently but when I do, it works beautifully. I have a recurring patch of dry skin on my wrist that I’ve tried everything to shift – Hydrocortisone cream, steroids, E45, Lush’s Dream Cream, anything formulated for eczema – and it just keeps coming back. So until I find a cure, Eight Hour Cream clears it up within the hour.

And that’s it! My current skincare routine, done. Have you used any of these products? What did you think? And what skincare products are YOU loving right now?

How To Find Pound Shop Bargains

Posted in Second Hand Shopping.

Last week I watched a brilliant programme on BBC One – Pound Shop Wars (find it on iPlayer here). I’ve been a fan of pound shops for many years so it was fascinating to get a sneak peek behind the scenes and see how things work.

While watching, I tweeted my love for pound shops and received a wave of replies asking how I ever found anything decent in pound shops. After reading these tweets and speaking to some of my friends, it seems many people are totally unaware of just how good the stock in pound shops can be. So I thought I’d put together a quick post on my favourite pound shop bargains and how (and where) to find them.

Shopping tips
The key to successful pound shop purchasing is focus. Yes, the shops are messy. And busy. And cluttered. There’s no visual merchandising (unless you count a Spam tin pyramid, which I don’t) and cardboard boxes are often used over shelving. But the goods sold in pound shops aren’t fake, or damaged, or ready to give you a bout of food poisoning. So don’t be a snob – just focus on the bargains.

There are three main pound shop chains – Poundland, a Midlands company which was taken over by a US mega brand and has the most stores across the UK, Pound World, which is Yorkshire-based but growing fast, and 99p Stores, which I have a hard time taking seriously because their logo is written in Comic Sans. Here are some quick tips:

Head for the bigger stores – if you can. City centre shops have a wider range of products and more stock, so there’s a better chance of bagging a bargain. But don’t discount the smaller stores – fewer shoppers can mean more left over.
Avoid Saturdays – it’s always more difficult to shop when the place is packed. I love lunchtime visits and Sunday mornings for optimum space and tidier displays.
Hit up all three – the three main chains do often carry the same stock but it’s definitely worth checking them all if you’re searching for something particular, or if your first visit was less than impressive.
Look out for brands – I am constantly amazed by the array of top branded products sold in pound shops. From Revlon to Stilla and Coca Cola to Cadbury’s, there are plenty of genuine, quality names to be found.
… And look out for non-brands, too. Particularly in the essential beauty category, where I’ve picked up non-branded Bio Oil, Petroleum Jelly and E45 cream.
Go back often – I try to pop in to my favourite Poundland (at Crown Point, Leeds) and Pound World (off Kirkstall Road, Leeds) every couple of weeks to see what’s new. There’s a high turnover of stock and things come in and sell out all the time, so it’s worth becoming a regular!
Don’t buy for the sake of it. I really struggle with this one, but there’s no point spending £1 on TV remote control caddy if you won’t use it… even if it is Sony and originally cost £30. Don’t clutter your house with useless pound shop purchases!

Best buys
Walking into a pound shop can be completely overwhelming, but there are certain areas that hold more bargains than others. Here are my favourite finds…

Beauty. Stila makeup pan, Batise mini dry shampoo, cute nail art kits, Brylcreem (I used to buy 10 pots a visit for Rob), hen do party bag fillers.
Household. Flash surface wipes, Febreeze, Glade plug-ins, Mr Muscle drain unblocker (this stuff costs nearly £5 in the supermarket!), branded pet food, pretty baking accessories.
Party. Stick-on moustaches, feather boas, gift bags, wrapping paper, bunting, plastic cups, sky lanterns, party poppers (I could go on and on with this category).
Office. Padded envelopes, mail bags, Sellotape, Blu Tac, stationary kits, box files, sticky labels.
DIY. Lightbulbs, screws, batteries, gardening gear (if you’re that way inclined), tools, things for the car (bought with the best intentions but never used, if you’re like me).

Do you shop in pound shops? Share your bargain hunting tips and best buys below!

How to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

Posted in Daily Outfits, Fashion.

Over-the-knee boots have a bad rep. I blame Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman for their association with prostitution. I mean, that DVD cover is iconic. Quite frankly, I think those boots were the ‘big mistake. Huge’ in that film.

For many, over-the-knee boots are thigh-high, in shiny patent plastic with a spike heel, teamed with questionable attire. They’re a bit tacky and not very classy, bought on market stalls where they hang clipped together at the top, swinging in a November breeze.

It’s a sartorial stereotype that needs stamping out, because over-the-knee boots are actually rather lovely, and totally practical for winter. See here…

The lovely folks at Bertie sent me these over-the-knee boots earlier this week and they’ve barely been off my feet since. They. Are. Gorgeous. Black leather (no hi-shine materials here), flat and slightly slouchy, they’re perfect for pounding the pavements in all weathers. Plus, the longer length means there’s more leather to cover your legs, keeping them nice and warm when the wind’s blowing.

I think the key to successfully styling over-the-knee boots is to keep things casual. With a bodycon dress and no tights, even this casual version will look OTT, so stick to daytime attire. Here are a few ideas:

Dress them down – wear with cute tea dresses or classic denims and a snuggly jumper for serious style points
Don’t flash the flesh – wear with tights, leggings or trousers for a laidback look
Find your fit – any boots that cover the calves can be tricky to fit, but you really don’t want to cut off the circulation to your thighs. The ones I’m wearing have a handy adjustable buckle at the back to give you more or less room up top
Go for higher hems – make sure the hem of your dress or skirt sits mid-thigh rather than on the knee, and wear with thick tights

What do you think of over-the-knee boots? Would you wear them?

A Guide to Winter Woollies

Posted in Daily Outfits.

Like bags and shoes, knitwear is something I’m happy to invest in. Winter is a cold, unforgiving mistress, and a cosy jumper is a much-needed comfort when the wind’s whipping.

There are plenty of winter woollies to be found on the high street, but it’s worth checking the label before you buy. £35 may seem like a decent price to pay for a seasonal knit from Zara… but it’s probably 100% polyester. And unless you want to be sweaty, static-charged and covered in bobbles, polyester is not the one when it comes to knitwear.

I really struggled to find any good quality, stylish jumpers in the usual suspects – Topshop, H&M, Zara – so took my search further afield. Here’s a quick guide to essential winter woollies and what they’re made of…

The Chunky One
Everyone needs a great, big, hug of a jumper to see them through the dark days. At the bottom of the pile is the American Apparel Fisherman’s Pullover. It’s a thick waffle knit in 100% cotton – warm without being sweaty or stifling. I bought mine from ASOS using a discount code to bring down the (rather steep) £66 price tag, but after wearing this almost constantly since I got it, I can vouch for the quality.

The Cashmere One
Cashmere has a bit of a reputation for being very expensive. The clue is in the name. But, there a few high street retailers doing great deals on cashmere knits, including Uniqlo. I bought a Cashmere V Neck Sweater in navy for £52.50 (ish), down from £79.90. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these deals (Gap do some good ones too), as cashmere jumpers are supremely cosy without being bulky.

The Stripy One
I bought this stripy sweater in the French Connection sale back in July and have worn it so often. It’s a great basic for any season, made from fine cashmere so it’s lightweight enough for warm weather but loose enough to layer up when it’s cold. At the moment I’m wearing it with a Uniqlo HEATTECH long sleeve tee – it’s the perfect alternative to block colours.

The Fine Knit
When you’re jumping on and off trains, going in and out of shops and moving from a boiling office (central heating wars are rife from October onwards) to a freezing street, all while wearing this season’s stylish but utterly sweltering coat, a fine knit is key. Uniqlo come to the rescue again with their Extra Fine Merino jumpers, which don’t feel bulky under a heavy coat and can be layered up for extra warmth. And for less than 20 quid, I bought a few.

The Medium Knit
A little bit thicker than a fine knit. Obviously. My favourite knit of the moment is this Leather Patch Jumper from Cos – made from super soft lambswool, it’s warm enough to wear with just a vest underneath and not at all scratchy. I’m totally loving the knitwear selection in Cos, and the prices aren’t too bad either – this was £55.

The Fun One
Knitwear is a serious business, but there’s always room for a little fun. If you’re far too sophisticated for a Christmas jumper (what do you mean, Santa’s not stylish?), check out the amazing range of patterned knits in TK Maxx. I picked up this Antoni & Alison angora jumper for £29.99 – it has a cute snowflake print, making it perfect for Christmas Day. If you have the patience to dig through the rails, TK Maxx is excellent for high quality knitwear at bargain prices.

Do you have a favourite winter woolly? What are your tips for buying knitwear?

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