tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52283397384067747382024-03-06T00:53:40.317+00:00teawithonesugarpleaseteawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.comBlogger563125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-24069717565603048842018-06-13T10:51:00.000+01:002018-06-13T10:53:07.023+01:00Le Weekend fun<div dir="auto">We had another glorious sunny weekend and spent it at the Southbank. My favourite place to hang out with the kids - along side the River Thames it's grown as a destination in itself for visitors from around the world. But forever my former childhood hangout where I used to ride my bike up and down (was called Jubilee Walk). </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The 'beach' was re-opened - it's really a large sandpit, and I was organised enough to bring spades. I'm so very glad the children still like digging holes and making castles (well more of a mound) it's the simple pleasures that count! The appearing rooms were also back. A series of water jets that shoot up from the floor to make 'rooms' by artist Jeppe Hein. Interactive Art that brings true joy judging by the screeching from the very cold water. They have been a regular feature since 2007 and always a delight to run about in and get wet on a hot day.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">But the icing on the cake from the weekend was the bonus of seeing the Royal Fly by for the Trooping of the Colour. A Chinook, spitfire and the red arrows flew low down over the River Thames. An amazing sight to see - the red, white and blue smoke leaving a fluffy trail across the blue sky. Another memory made :-) </div><div dir="auto"><br><div dir="auto"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXabp_EQCfTu1_9SOhRm7MByoshg-3agN0T4qC09XrTRNd1Mpz09wcLayZO50LuK26g54TaV0VuEooRrkOKrhoFP5Z1owV4lFPebcCARAO98dMXVR7nVA1VPIV59lTpiGgt2eLBiVRf8/s1600/IMG_3458-787054.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXabp_EQCfTu1_9SOhRm7MByoshg-3agN0T4qC09XrTRNd1Mpz09wcLayZO50LuK26g54TaV0VuEooRrkOKrhoFP5Z1owV4lFPebcCARAO98dMXVR7nVA1VPIV59lTpiGgt2eLBiVRf8/s320/IMG_3458-787054.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6566505007047246674" /></a></div></div> teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-22654253662797631722018-06-03T22:37:00.001+01:002018-06-04T20:28:26.998+01:00Flower Power - Richard Quinn<div dir="auto">
I have no weddings to go to this year (Royal invite went missing) not even a Christening so I can't get dressed up in my glad rags and snazzy head gear. But I still ordered this amazing dress from Debenhams by <a href="https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008020370726_-1" target="_blank">Richard Quinn</a>.</div>
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It screams EVENT and I don't care if I shall look over-dressed at sports day or the family BBQ this summer. I'm going to get my mileage out of it! Maybe I should try and go to Ascot? I do love horse racing, the sport of kings and used to go to the Epsom Derby. Her Madj QII goes to it and does a drive round to wave at the crowds. </div>
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The pink dress is already sold out, not sure how many dresses Debenhams have made but this is already showing low stock in the size 10. The sleeves look a touch too impractical but I can easily detach and use the excess fabric to make a matching bag or go a step further and make some sort of head piece. I did study millinery ages ago during my fashion student days. I remember wood glue was used a lot to help stiffen the fabric.</div>
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Maybe watching all the footage from the New York Met Gala has got my creative juices going again. Back in my student days I used to pick up some fabric from Shepherds Bush market and whizz up an outfit to wear for weekend clubbing. I even used to do the thrifting thing of hunting vintage silk square scarves at Westbourne Grove /Portobello and with a few bits of sewing turn it into a halter top which was perfect to dance the night away... those were the carefree days and the added bonus of only being a 32A. So no added support needed.<br />
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**UPDATE** The dress has arrived today, tried it on, the size 10 fits but is longer on me than on the pictured model - the yellow roses print is more of an acid yellow. But a very good elegant length and shape and I have already taken off the frilled end of the sleeves as it looked too much and swamped me. Plus I would sweep off all the wine glasses knowing what I'm like at social gatherings... The is so much fabric in those leftover frils I could make a matching evening bag, headband, scrunchie etc. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkHMJ_tmX2WX9Vjm-AvyKkzLrI0fLxq_5W-MHLI2YxtR89QWMJZHDQbNHavGc-WzKFZMM9jXE-5n41BxQR4x4MtFmGWg8FxIpS1Yg_iYZPEwOjDlStGlU9f9owFCMkUt1_yfvFbN3W7k/s1600/IMG_3299-771106.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6562975763967371554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkHMJ_tmX2WX9Vjm-AvyKkzLrI0fLxq_5W-MHLI2YxtR89QWMJZHDQbNHavGc-WzKFZMM9jXE-5n41BxQR4x4MtFmGWg8FxIpS1Yg_iYZPEwOjDlStGlU9f9owFCMkUt1_yfvFbN3W7k/s320/IMG_3299-771106.jpg" /></a></div>
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teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-20225234375253709822018-06-01T21:52:00.001+01:002018-06-01T21:52:44.934+01:00I’ve been to Chelsea<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2IdL549v_BSc3DY6p-5vs_-tga8-7qJasTT5UzqrWG1JGPRzOCnSbEMrdcGBIozFZu-nOXPqAjKoHR7NrDK1ezYBAILtI6hmXMd87n4KOCEwguFzPvS7c4Ev4tcogne1ISbu89ET6LY/s1600/IMG_3145-764935.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2IdL549v_BSc3DY6p-5vs_-tga8-7qJasTT5UzqrWG1JGPRzOCnSbEMrdcGBIozFZu-nOXPqAjKoHR7NrDK1ezYBAILtI6hmXMd87n4KOCEwguFzPvS7c4Ev4tcogne1ISbu89ET6LY/s320/IMG_3145-764935.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6562221970087063842" /></a></div><div dir="auto">After many, many years of wanting to go to the Chelsea Flower show but never getting round to buying a ticket let alone become a member of the RHS, I finally got to go #workperk Thank you for the spare ticket and what an amazing transformation of the Old Royal Hospital grounds . I managed to push my way past the evening crowds to get a good look at the People's Choice winning garden by Mark Gregory. Inspired by Yorkshire it really was a pleasure to see it transplanted in Chelsea. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I loved the mossy balls in the Japanese Artisan garden by Kazuyuki Ichihara and and the Grand Pavilion was full to bursting with blooms. Very impressive Alliums, what a shame I can never grow them in my own back yard. Slugs get them as soon as they push up - they eat everything :-( </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">My sister sent me several textes to try and track down Sarah Raven to get hold of some wallflower seeds but it's such a big site it was hard to navigate to find her stand. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I really should have bought those Ikebana Japanese sissors and also the French secateurs but I was carrying a tiny clutch bag since it was a champagne and canapé evening event I had bagged an invite for. I didn't have to go in at the crowded main gates, but got to bypass the hoi polloi and go into a VIP area when I flashed them my swing tag. Nice </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I have to admit I did loiter around the BBC area to see if I could photo bomb Monty Don from Gardeners World but I must have missed them filming (stuffing face with tiny food) #sorrynotsorry </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I re-wore my midi blue floral dress from the Royal Wedding paired with a lightweight cropped jacket I had bought the day before from New Look - currently on sale. </div><div dir="auto"><br><div dir="auto"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/jackets-coats/pale-blue-cropped-lightweight-blazer/p/566863745?comp=Search">http://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/jackets-coats/pale-blue-cropped-lightweight-blazer/p/566863745?comp=Search</a></div><div dir="auto"><br></div></div><div dir="auto">I loved how the other ladies all wore floral dresses at Chelsea. You've got to run with a theme there! </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">By the end of the evening my feet were aching even from wearing mid heeled sensible shoes. London is always AMAZING when it pulls out all the stops for a floral show. I can see why the Queen loves going every year and how all the horticulturalists , gardeners etc keep exhibiting to show off their finest plants . It's all so very British - did you know the only time Chelsea Flower Show did not happen was during WWII ?? For obvious reason of course ! </div><div dir="auto">Twosp </div><div dir="auto">Xxxx </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br></div> teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-58127888597844317862018-05-20T18:51:00.000+01:002018-05-20T18:52:03.706+01:00Harry heart Megan #royalwedding<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGJ-QbCykeBQwKeMvClrVOhzjwNJ0F2ENSqTWoRptpOVQ2JtKlTlLUhWJUyy0MU6nfLCMJWKKzIUI-O2D-NSXXtUWN0gurgItusxbLBROz0XMYXhAfdNeHzmAqpdP6A4mDRGJAz8rK5g/s1600/IMG_2945-723738.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGJ-QbCykeBQwKeMvClrVOhzjwNJ0F2ENSqTWoRptpOVQ2JtKlTlLUhWJUyy0MU6nfLCMJWKKzIUI-O2D-NSXXtUWN0gurgItusxbLBROz0XMYXhAfdNeHzmAqpdP6A4mDRGJAz8rK5g/s320/IMG_2945-723738.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6557722389972303170" /></a></div></div><div dir="auto">What a glorious day yesterday, I do think most of the U.K. watched the Royal Wedding and wasn't it a lovely ceremony? I watched it at a garden party held inside the Chelsea Physics Garden. I dressed the kids in red, white and blue outfits (the whole point of have 3 kids is being able to theme them) I found myself convincing the twins to wear their checked shirts 'like a shacket' worn open and over a t-shirt, as they hate being formal and looking 'posh' (Posh being a buttoned up shirt!) . I wore a blue floral blossom print dress by Uniqlo. Perfect for sitting on a lawn , picnicking, didn't crease and was a good length so no flashing of knickers! I even wore a facinator and a lot of other people dressed up for the royal occasion with big hats and tiaras too. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We all watched a not very big screen, with not much sound and was just able to make out the vows as a helicopter buzzed overhead. The sun was streaming causing a lot of glare and the TV was eventually moved to under a shade of a tree... but it didn't matter, it was still magical to watch and a few of the audience streamed from their mobiles so I was able to follow - a slight sound delay meant it you could hear it in triplicate echoing. We all oohed and ahhed together and I even shed a little tear as it really was the look of love between Megan and Harry. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I really wish the very best for them, seeing as both were only able to have one parent watch their joyful union. I just loved the pomp and ceremony and it was such a lovely idea to be in a beautiful garden to watch the wedding and toast the happy couple. A lot of corks were popped :-) </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Wasn't the rendition of 'stand by me' just stunning? Those 7 year old page boys did an amazing jobs. I know my twins couldn't be trusted to walk up stairs without falling over let alone hold a beautiful 5 metre veil. Sometimes this country can just throw out a beautiful blue sky and warm sunny weather it was such a treat being able to sit outside all day in a stunning floral setting.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Twosp x </div><div dir="auto"><br></div> teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-34628853284567780052018-05-04T17:00:00.000+01:002018-05-04T17:00:10.705+01:00ahh Aromatherapy<div class="MsoNormal">
When I used to have my
own office (looked like a glass wardrobe but it was my own space and I
did not have to share it) I loved to regularly spritz myself with
Honeysuckle or Fig Leaf cologne by The Library of
Fragrance (sadly discontinued so I have to hunt out bottles in TK
Maxx). That small fragrant hit was such a mood enhancer but I haven’t
had much opportunity to do it in my new workplace. Since I am sat in the
middle of the open plan office surrounded by mostly
men in suits. I feel even a bit inconspicuous powdering my nose and
re-applying lipstick at my desk as I face directly another male
colleague. </div>
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I don’t want people to think I am vain but it’s these little
things to keep everything in check and well presented
or well preserved as I normally say as a joke. My interests in smells
and oils have been re-awoken during my time off work. I had studied
Aromatherapy and practiced it a short while back in the 1990’s until I
realised how manual it was giving massage treatments
with my own blended oils. It was hard going physically and standing on your feet all day doling out massages in an exclusive practice in Knightbridge. What I truly loved is the action of alchemy of
putting a few drops here and a few drops there of pure essential oils to create a bespoke blend. I
purchased some interesting oils and am making blends to help the curly
haired beauty with her moods. </div>
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Puberty had
struck her early (pimples) and she and I were not prepared for how
quickly her emotions dramatically change. Tears are triggered if the
right cereal is not available or if the hair is not looking right. The
battles over social media or lack of access to it
is also a touchy subject. Luckily a pupil at the school had their
WhatsApp account hacked so kids were spammed with messages - so that’s
now knocked it on the head for now and she doesn’t feel the pressure to
be in the WhatsApp group anymore and experience
FOMO. I told my daughter we can review social media again next year in
March 2019 once she has settled into her new school and made some
friends that she can rely on. It’s all so hard to navigate and I know at
some point technology will overtake my own knowledge
and my children will become far more advanced. </div>
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But back onto oils – pure
essential oils, the good stuff, not the oils you can buy in Holland and
Barrett or Boots (although OK to chuck into a bath or a diffuser but
not superior for skincare) I have managed to
track down Blue Tansy (Tanacetum Annuum) which you may have seen as an active ingredient in the
exclusive skincare range by <a href="https://www.maylindstrom.com/products/the-blue-cocoon/" target="_blank">May Lindstrom</a>, <a href="https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/collections/all/products/lapis-facial-oil-1" target="_blank">Herbivore Botanicals </a>and <a href="https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sunday-riley-luna-sleeping-night-oil.html" target="_blank">Sunday Riley </a>.
It’s blue in colour and has a fresh light herbal scent almost like
chamomile (hay smell). The therapeutic properties
seems almost too good to be true, anti-inflammatory, mood enhancing it
just ticks all the boxes for myself and daughter. Using a carrier oil
base of Rosehip seed oil, which alone is beneficial in reducing red
marks, pigmentation. A drop of Ylang Ylang and Lavender and a dash of jojoba oil.
A soothing concoction to inhale deeply and apply to the skin and
massage gently over the cheeks and brows and add in a few lymphatic
drainage movements to complete the treatment. I can feel myself calming
down just by typing these words. </div>
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As with anything this potent its important to be careful to store away the oils from sunlight and heat and treat with respect and caution. Never apply neat to the skin and always check for any contraindications to your/others health. Certain oils should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. As a trained aromatherapist (but CPD has lasped and no insurance to practice on clients) I know what I am doing when using my blends on myself and family. </div>
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Its all too easy nowadays to do a internet search and proclaim yourself an expert after reading a few Sunday supplements. I remember at a party and in a conversation with another women who proclaimed essential oils ruined her skin so she avoid any products that contain them. When I got to the bottom of the cause; she had applied neat camomile essential oil direct around her eye area. In her mistaken self diagnosis thinking camomile was good for eye infections! </div>
teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-59550450419229769662018-05-03T19:51:00.000+01:002018-05-03T19:51:39.898+01:00March winds, April Showers make for May flowers<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;">I had thought I would
have plenty of time to blog in-between work contracts but Nope life did
not work out that way. Children’s school holidays and other commitments
meant I wasn’t on-line. I have even deleted
my Twitter/Facebook App and unsubscribed from a whole bunch of
newsletters that had been clogging my in box. Quite cathartic as I also
tackled my Pension paperwork (who knew I had 7 work pensions scattered
about) and managed to try and get them all into one
place so in my doddery old age I will have some pennies to live on!</span></span></div>
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I spent the time off to
do a little bit of spring cleaning – not as much as I would like and
although I re-read Marie Kondo’s ‘Spark Joy’ book – only one drawer is
immaculately folded with colour coordinated tops
and I donated/threw out several bin bags of clothes. I admit I have far
too many clothes and need to simplfy. I tackled the kitchen cupboards
and took out all the gadgets/plate ware that were never use; so some of
it will be hitting eBay and the rest were
given to charity. Look out for a bright pink Magimix (only used a few
times back in 2007)</div>
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t’husband had a bit of
adjustment having me more about the home – think I got on his nerves at
one point. But it was nice to go out on a few lunch dates
<i>sans enfants</i>. I also attempted to go blonder (again) and realised
that my hair ambition was that of a teen K-Pop star…!!! I haven’t
ruined the condition (yet) and thankfully have Philipp Kingsley super
king size bottle of Elasticzer to plaster on every
week to keep it from looking strawlike. </div>
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I even managed to read
several books – proper ones not something I downloaded for the Kindle
99p store. I had so missed the turning of pages and folding down corners
to ‘keep the page’. There is something so tactile
about doing this simple act. I try and encourage all my children to
follow suit but they think I am mad to suggest it. They memorise where
they left off or stick in any object as a temp bookmark. Nearby is a
great independent bookshop which stocks lots of
different titles and have useful postcard size reviews to tempt you to
read them. I’m all for supporting local businesses and I did enjoy the
chats with the staff and their recommendations. Then I had a terrifying
thought that during my non-work period, I
was becoming one of those lonely people who took up shop assistants
time. Usually witnessed in supermarkets and normally by OAP’s holding up
queues to talk about the weather etc. * Yikes * </div>
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I am now back in the
workforce and working in the City which is a whole new ball game. Who
knew women still did that Working Girl thing of wearing trainers for the
commute before swapping out for heeled court shoes?
I need to dig out my vintage Ferragammo’s so I can blend in with the
crowd. I have to say I am finding it tricky on the whole ‘what to wear
to work’ dilemma. I had dry cleaned and pressed all my suitable clothing
and I just look at it and think BORING. Tones
of whites, grey, navy and black stare back out at me. </div>
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I did wear a red crepe
Goat dress on that one hot sunny April heatwave day we recently had. It
was noted that I looked ‘bright and summery’. On another day I wore a
peony pink silk blouse with navy tailored trousers
and again the comment was ‘that’s a bright colour’. I think the word
‘bright’ means something negative in the world of banking here….Oh dear I
miss being able to rock up to the office in a striped Breton t-shirt,
leather skirt and pink trainers. Yes I did
work with a bunch of Millennials and now I really miss those sartorial
fun days :-( maybe I should have held out for the job with the
entertainment company and took a pay cut but it was a decisive decision
to move away from Media and into the world of Finance
to maximise my earnings as I’m now middle aged and try and need to fill
my pension pot. I finally feel like an Adult and now look like one too –
all dowdy in a tucked in blouse and pencil skirt. The other morning I
asked t’husband how do I look and his immediate
response was ‘you look like you work in a bank’. Haw haw how we all
laughed at that remark but sob, sob how true! </div>
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My only small but style
details are my earrings, I now have two piecing’s in each ear lobe. My
Pinterest board was full of Maria Tash sparkles and I just thought why
the hell not rock up to Claire’s Accessories
and get my ears done. Mid-week there was no queue during school hours
and a lovely assistant, with the longest nails but still dexterous
wearing latex gloves; punched the holes evenly spaced alongside my old
piecing. I am seriously thinking of getting the
conch part done too but I have to say the pain was more stingy this
time and I have to sleep a flat on my back to avoid squashing my ears as
they have remained surprisingly sore for a while. I got some Pilgrim
huggies hoop earrings which pair well with my
Dinny Hall bamboo gold hoops. I would love to get a tiny row of
diamonds studs stretching all the way up but I don’t have even sized
ears. One lobe is a tiny bit fleshier than the other and although it
hasn’t happened to me yet I know gravity and ageing can
give you saggy wrinkled ear lobes – what joy another thing to look
forward too. </div>
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teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-63573743460850245922018-03-28T09:30:00.001+01:002018-03-28T09:30:30.683+01:00Today's thoughtsAs I sit here to write this blog post the weather outside has turned wetter and wetter. I feel I should launch a boat so I can get about (or swim!). With the Easter four day weekend looming ahead, of course it would be rainy one! This is why the British are known for talking about the weather, its so changeable and a real conversation starter...ahem I shall try and turn this into a more interesting topic.<br />
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Five years ago it was warm enough for us all to venture to the Sunny Sands a proper sandy beach in Kent. Fish and chips and the portable potty (ah those were the days) which made it into every single photo! Thanks FB for the timeline reminder. I am truly debating if I should delete my FB account sooner rather than later with all the unsavoury investigations that are coming out. What had started as a platform for me to keep in touch with relatives around the world and share the progress of the family as it grows and expand. It is no longer something I want to be part of. Will it go the way of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_Reunited" target="_blank">Friends Reunited </a>- remember them?<br />
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I am always mindful on what I share concerning the children and have a closed list so their photos are private. But of course any hacker could try and put the content out onto the open wide web. Seriously do they need to see what everyone ate for Sunday lunch?<br />
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None of my children have access to social media but I have already been teaching them the dangers of over sharing and being careful of what is posted and commenting. The school had run classes on staying safe on-line but the kids knowledge and the fast pace of technology means Educators can never keep up with the next and the new. Curly Haired Beauty is desparate to have access and is already suffering from FOMO. As most of her friends have Snapchat and WhatsApp already. They are only 10/11!! She has to wait until next year to gain access to that and be at least 13 for Instagram. I am secretly hoping something else will be replace all of the above by 2020!<br />
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How come we are not all on hover skate boards - the future promised in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future" target="_blank">'Back to the Future' movie</a><br />
Although staying that ,at the time I was working for the the parent company that re-released it 2010 for the 25th anniversary and I never felt so old working amongst the young uns. And I was still in my 30's back then...now I'm in my late 40's I have a more don't give a s*** attitude. That's the pre-menopausal in me I think. <br />
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<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-65695067640044934792018-03-23T11:17:00.000+00:002018-03-23T11:17:06.995+00:00Rites of passageSo another high street store might bite the dust and sadly Claire's Accessories USA stores have filed for bankruptcy and go the way of Toys R Us. No news if this will affect UK stores but there is a chance this will roll out as the high street are stuggling to compete with on-line retailers.<br />
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Claire's has great affection in our household, its where pocket money can be spent on plastic tat, novelty phone cases and of course get your ears pierced; its a rite of passage for all. Even one of the Beckham kids got their ears done first time in Claire's.<br />
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Curly Haired Beauty got her ears done at 9 and a half, it was a comprimise as I had wanted her to wait until aged 10 (double numbers) but may have promised her she could get them done on her 9th birthday much to her father's horror. So we reached a middle ground. Now I know some parents get their babies ear's pierced and culturally it was said to help ward of the devil by punching two holes in their tender ears....but I had wanted to wait and let her make her own decision and really, really wanted to wear earrings and the care and maintenance that comes with it. *Wails* why do kids have to grow up? Stay little and innocent and enjoy the simple things in life, have fun in the park, feed the ducks etc. She's now a tweenager and asking for instagram and whatapp (both a BIG FAT NO from me). <br />
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Currently she is happy wearing the many, many differnt earrings she has been gifted from Claire's - a favourite are some <a href="https://www.claires.com/glitter-unicorn-and-treat-stud-earrings-852.html?cgid=unicorn-dreams&lang=en_GB#prefn1=5&sz=36&start=48&prefv1=Jewellery&lang=en_GB" target="_blank">unicorn earrings </a> . Somehow escaping the notice of the school teacher! She has a pair, recently sent from a great-aunt in HK, a huge doozy cherry pair to be worn this weekend for a party. Dangly as a description comes to mind and Carmen Miranda :-) I might hot foot it over to Claire's just to get another piercing done before they close for good. <br />
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As I drift into nostalgia and recall all the past high street stores of my youth where I used to hang out, Tower Records in Piccadilly, Virgin Mega Store in Tottenham Court Road (now a Primark), C&A in Marble Arch (also a Primark) , Woolworths for pick and mix - where I purchased my first lipstick Heather Shimmer by Rimmel (they still make this, I saw it in Superdrugs). The whole high street landscape have changed greatly over the last 30 years. It makes me feel old to think and compare what used to be there and what we have now. It's all charity shops and Vape Stores. Does anyone remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Rentals" target="_blank">Radio Rentals</a>? Where you could lease a piece of white goods like a washing machine or a TV set to have in your home. It still running in Australia but physical stores long vanished in the UK.<br />
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twosp x <br />
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<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-20178468571340733152018-03-19T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-19T10:00:35.768+00:00Meat Free Monday'sI'm always looking for new recipies for meals to make for myself and the family. We've been eating a lot less meat and I have become one of 'those' people who buys sprilized butternut squash. I have never been able to chop and prepare a butternut squash without the mishap of loosing a finger!<br />
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Thanks to Waitrose and Tesco who now stock it all ready prepared. I like to quickly cook it in a pan of boiling water, drain and toss it with a couple of spoonfuls of pesto. It makes a great side dish to steamed fish. I came across some other ideas on this website for <a href="https://helloglow.co/vegetarian-weeknight-dinners/slide/1" target="_blank">vegetarian weeknight dinners </a>which I am going to try out. As I know the kids love fajitas and quesidillas and using their hands to eat with rather than use cutlery...<br />
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Also I have finally cracked cooking tofu with actual flavour rather than it turning into mush when I cook it. <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/The-Tofoo-Co-Naked-Organic-Extra-Firm-Tofu/349669011?from=search&tags=%7C20000&param=tofu&parentContainer=SEARCHtofu" target="_blank">Tofoo Co Naked Organic Extra Firm Tofu </a>cut into cubes and marinade for as long as you can in satay sauce (I just buy a ready made jar by <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Blue-Dragon-Satay-Cooking-Sauce/83867011?from=search&tags=%7C20000&param=satay&parentContainer=SEARCHsatay" target="_blank">Blue Dragon </a>than make it myself for ease). Slide the tofu cubes onto bamboo skewers and grill under a moderate to hot grill. Turn a few times so it cooks evenly. You can serve as a starter but I like to use it as a filling to put inside pitta pockets and load up with crunchy lettuce and cucumbers.<br />
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My Weekend fallback is making sushi maki rolls and get the kids involved
in helping out. We like to fill the middles with avocado or cucumbers
and occasional smoked salmon if I have it in the fridge. Here's a
tutorial on how on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swGJ2dIu9XE" target="_blank">sushi making video </a><br />
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Do you have any veggie recipies to share?<br />
twosp x teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-21258610631816005662018-03-17T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-17T10:00:01.684+00:00It's all about volume sleevesAfter my little rant about high street clothes stores yesterday I still have great affection for them. Since the mid season sales are still on (this seems to be now a regular thing) I've had a look around to see what you can buy and wear now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrVH-tn8oM8eIvvsitx195JvFanexmjfenfX5f837n-Mzcqfdc6txuxx8-hzxlIrnFLQbb6z87eD9ob1aWUCpziVD2qmZmio1hQlezqHrANVjEwHODcgZxdV0_9eFwQab51wnsBsm-N4/s1600/whistles-stripe-bell-cuff-poplin-top-multicolour_medium_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrVH-tn8oM8eIvvsitx195JvFanexmjfenfX5f837n-Mzcqfdc6txuxx8-hzxlIrnFLQbb6z87eD9ob1aWUCpziVD2qmZmio1hQlezqHrANVjEwHODcgZxdV0_9eFwQab51wnsBsm-N4/s320/whistles-stripe-bell-cuff-poplin-top-multicolour_medium_02.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Whistles <a href="http://www.whistles.com/women/sale/tops/stripe-bell-cuff-poplin-top-26858.html?dwvar_stripe-bell-cuff-poplin-top-26858_color=Multicolour&cgid=Tops_Sale_WW#start=0" target="_blank">Stripe Bell Cuff Poplin Top </a>55 GBP<br />
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& Another Stories <a href="https://www.stories.com/gb/Sale/All_sale/Billow_Sleeve_Sweater/590757-0631864002.2" target="_blank">Billow Sleeve Sweater</a> 30 GBP<br />
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H&M <a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0555946006.html" target="_blank">Frilled Blouse </a>13.99 GBP<br />
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What they all have in common are puffy sleeve and cuff details which will add a bit of newness to upgrade any outfit. As someone who has 5 white shirts - in my past deluded this is my staple wardrobe look 'so getting dressed in the mornings will be a no-brainer' , a big fat fail. Along with my 'I only need to wear a Goat crepe wool dress to look polished for work' - 2 x black, 2 x navy and 1 x red dress, another big fat fail.... at least I have stopped stalking The Outnet for Goat dresses.<br />
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I think because I had worked around different industries, you wear what fits into your surroundings. So I have picked up an extensive working wardrobe. God help me as I move into Banking and Finance next month! I recently gave away all my work suits to my 15 year neice. She wanted clothes suitable for 6th form and her school has very stritch rules on what they can wear.<br />
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My daughter will be attending the same school in September and I am already shocked at the prices of her uniform. The regulation mandatory blazer is 70 GBP and the checked skirt is 30 GBP. Yikes - as someone used to shopping in Tesco and Asda for the kids school uniforms this is a real shock. <br />
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<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-79230551437651473942018-03-16T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-17T11:13:11.177+00:00Retailer's need to sort their act outThis is a bit of a rant - I just wish the high street clothes stores will get their act together and stop their old business model. If you go in now; the stores are full of Spring / summer wear, straw baskets, swimwear - WHY? We want jumpers, waterproof coats, gloves and cosy scarves still.<br />
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If you try and buy a bikini in July - then good luck trying to find one in store in your size. That's why internet shopping is doing so well and the high street is dying. Only Uniqlo still sell their beloved <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/innerwear-and-loungewear/heattech" target="_blank">Heatech , thermals to the older generation, in store.</a><br />
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When I used to work in Fashion publishing, we would be shooting high Summer wear round about now. I would have to ring all the PR's to call in samples and make sure that what they sent to me would be available for when we published the summer wear photos. You wouldn't believe the amount of irate readers who would call up the fashion dept to complain about a dress that was featured which wasn't in store for them to buy (pre-internet days!).<br />
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Fashion is so fast now - what comes out off the catwalk from the couture and ready to wear shows will then make an appearance on the red carpet for an award show. Instant gratification for the Insta generation. Couture, the beautiful craft of custom fitted clothes takes months to make. Which is why the Autumn/Winter collection is shown in Feb/March - for the wealthy elite to pick and choose their wardrobe selection for the following season. Ateliers will spend the time crafting and fitting the clothes to their wearers.<br />
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I know that is not how the real world lives and shop. But if High Street clothes stores want to stay in business they need to stock the right clothes for the right time and weather. <br />
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Supermarkets look ahead to check the weather - if the forecast is cold, they stock up on the soups, pies and other warming foods. If a sunny and warm weekend is coming then they ensure the BBQ goodies are out ready for the shoppers. Although they do go a bit overboard on the confectionary - my local big superstore had at one point; Christmas , Valentines and Easter chocs all out in December. Which was a bit confusing for consumers (especially kids). teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-27350002678296462252018-03-15T11:28:00.000+00:002018-03-15T11:28:04.505+00:00Spring? Delayed againAfter the snowy & chilly weather; things seem to be heading back to more normal (ie rainy/wet) but I hear there is going to be another cold front heading to the UK this weekend :-(<br />
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Some panic internet shopping to ensure we are all suited and booted with appropriate cold/wet weather gear...fleece lined tacksuit pants for me, winter walking boots for the twins. It's a pleasant surprise to find the high street stores have their mid season sales on (again?). I thought it would be rude not to get this lovely Duvet coat from Whistles with a lightening bolt print all over.<br />
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Marked down to 125 GBP - I bought it in store at Harvey Nichols their Whistles concession but its sold out on their <a href="https://www.whistles.com/women/sale/limited/lightning-print-puffer-jacket-26725.html?dwvar_lightning-print-puffer-jacket-26725_color=Black%2FMulti" target="_blank">website </a>. I had a voucher to spend from my lovely work collegues (Thanks guys). It's very warm when on but light weight with a detachable hood, the only bug bear I have with it, it's not rainproof!<br />
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I found out the hard way after being in a downpour and after 20 minutes deluge, the raid was seeping in from the shoulders seams and soaked into my sweatshirt underneath. I have the same problem with my Barbour Anya Hindmarch Minx coat from 2010. I had previously blogged about it after waiting twice on the waiting list for it.<br />
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I wish I could find a proper winter coat that was also rain proof. I have a Jack Wolfskin light quilted coat and a Lululemon rain jacket which keeps the water out but are not warm enough so I have to layer up with a Uniqlo Ultra light down <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-ultra-light-down-compact-jacket-403040.html?dwvar_403040_color=COL34&dwvar_403040_size=SMA002&cgid=" target="_blank">compact jacket</a> underneath. Which normally works but sometimes I just don't want to layer up I just want to put on 1 coat and leave in the morning. This is probably why I have so many coats as one does not tick all the boxes. I need a smarter one to wear to the office and puffy style ones don't scream smart (but they are warm). Suggestions welcomed if you have found winter warm coat that is waterproof but smart...<br />
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twosp x <br />
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<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-35189345599236829182018-02-28T13:28:00.000+00:002018-02-28T13:28:20.371+00:00Winter White Out #snowday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The daffodils in the garden were just starting to bloom this week but have now been covered up in a blanket of snow! I guess Spring is going to be pushed back for a bit longer and Mother Nature will have to wait while the Polar Vortex blows itself out #beastfromtheeast.<br />
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I've never known Mr Fashion to be dressed and out the door so quick to get outside to play in the garden (on a school day) can you see how happy he looks?<br />
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More snow in and around the neighbourhood</div>
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Surprisingly in Central London the white stuff had settled. Photo of the steps of St Martins in the Fields church, Nelsons column and in the background Canada House</div>
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Seven Dials in Covent Garden and beautiful clear blue skies...which did not last long</div>
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Now I can't see the London Eye or the Shard from the 7th floor office window :-( </div>
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Stay warm and safe everyone</div>
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<br />star bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-47895352477837368522018-02-27T10:00:00.000+00:002018-02-27T10:00:35.050+00:00My Bircher Muesli I'm a little late in getting the memo about Bircher Muesli being a foodie thing , I know it was developed around 1900 by a Swiss physician called Maximilian Bircher-Brenner.<br />
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Here's my version of it and I have to say mornings have been a lot easier knowing I have this prepared and it really does help stave off mid morning hunger pains so I'm not snacking anymore.<br />
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I use a clean glass jar (which used to hold pasta sauce) and add 4 tablespoons of rolled oats, then grate a small apple (including the skin) and add into the jar. Top with half a cup of milk (can be a non-diary alternative). Put the lid on and give it a good shake. Leave over night in the fridge and eat in the morning - if its a bit thick, just thin out with more milk. You can add any other extras to switch up the flavours. Currently I like to add 2 teaspoons of <a href="http://www.boots.com/fountain-the-hyaluronic-molecule-240ml-10164807" target="_blank">Fountain Hyaluronic </a> which has a ginger flavour and <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Buchanans-Desiccated-Coconut/69327011?from=search&tags=%7C20000&param=coconut&parentContainer=SEARCHcoconut" target="_blank">Buchanans desiccated coconut </a>for an exotic taste. For the kids I add in chopped <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Noberasco-Soft-Pitted-Apricots/308631011?from=search&tags=%7C20000&param=apricot&parentContainer=SEARCHapricot" target="_blank">Noberasco apricots</a> they are really soft and squidgy and don't taste artificial or look obviously like a plot by me to get their bowels more regular.... teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-30742862688540977012018-02-26T15:16:00.000+00:002018-02-26T15:16:08.891+00:00Recent Eats in LondonThis month seems to be racing away and I am finally coming out of the food coma that was the Chinese New Years celebration. I was so busy preparing, cooking and eating I didn't take a single photo of the spread of food on the table! Oh nevermind there is always next year.<br />
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During the kids half term break we managed to scoff some lovely food. For Pancake day we headed to <a href="http://www.myolddutch.com/Contact/Holborn.aspx" target="_blank">My Old Dutch</a> for proper pancakes. There was a bit of a queue when we arrived early in the afternoon but it was worth the short wait. The staff were all super busy so we ordered all the same things for ease. Classic sweet pancake with vanilla ice cream and Nutella. The kids were very impressed with the size of the pancakes<br />
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The leftovers that defeated us - note the four plates are so big they hang over the table! </div>
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If you are ever in the South Bank area I can heartily recommend the <a href="https://www.mulberrybushpub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mulberry Bush Pub</a> , it serves seasonal British food and has a really good kids menu. The Gourmand approved of his baby back ribs and fries but was unsure of it being served on a wooded chopping board. </div>
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At the back of the pub is a table where you can help yourself to some board games to while away a wet afternoon. We even attempted to play Trivia Pursuit (the adult version) before settling on the Simpsons board game. It just made a nice change from the usual Pizza Express, Prezzo, Zizzi meals. </div>
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An invitation to Sunday lunch in Barnes came up and despite the lack of trains due to engineering works and a replacement bus service with a grumpy driver I made it over to A's new home. She certainly put on a great spread. </div>
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Nibbles on a slate! Main attraction the Lemon and Mango roast chicken:-) </div>
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The actual highlight of the day is not documented; as on the way home I had to walk further to find the replacement bus service towards Putney ....and got to walk past Simon Le Bon's home and local curry house. As a Duran Duran fan this was a big deal :-D it would have been rude to have taken a photo and well it was quite dark by then! My friend A had interviewed him at his home a while back (lucky her!) so pointed it out to me....tee hee </div>
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<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-66930465278001517502018-02-19T14:58:00.003+00:002018-02-19T14:58:47.046+00:00Hair Toil Part 3 My hair is now in a Bob style, chopped off a lot of length (only 3 people at the office noticed!) and for the last fortnight I have been treating it with <a href="https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/philip-kingsley-elasticizer.html" target="_blank">Philip Kingsley Elasticizer</a> to get it in super good condition for the assault of bleach and dyes to transition to grey. If it's good enough for Audrey Hepburn its good enough for me! The aim was to gain some silver lights to help blend in the white hairs when I stopped dyeing my hair black.<br />
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Well it did not go according to plan ... my stubborn white hairs did not take the grey metallic dye and the bleach process did not lift the black colour out enough (even though I did it twice) and was left with ginger hair! Maybe I should have used a more powerful bleach rather than the kit by <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Colorista/Colorista-Effect-Ombre-Hair/p/723175" target="_blank">L'Oreal Colorista Effects Ombre kit</a> . The first attempt left my hair red even though I left the developer on for the full 45 minutes and followed the instructions really carefully. Look at me giving the evil eye lol<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEdfhS6i76AaiLqFNeUqeoJwDauujK3m12NI62o8qpgwZ2GFUcBOOFiHdRO_wipaVd82Sz7fg6fj8IESMZnuMEBd52shFlPWlLdLul0i-GZbZEG_9TKhXiDrF0kwL_f7xK9I4xh3Uw-Y/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEdfhS6i76AaiLqFNeUqeoJwDauujK3m12NI62o8qpgwZ2GFUcBOOFiHdRO_wipaVd82Sz7fg6fj8IESMZnuMEBd52shFlPWlLdLul0i-GZbZEG_9TKhXiDrF0kwL_f7xK9I4xh3Uw-Y/s200/IMG_1321.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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So I attempted to repeat the process again but this time added in a sachet of ColourpHlex which helps to rebuild the hairshaft and avoid your hair breaking and snapping off from the harsh bleach treatment. You can buy it <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colorphlex-Hair-Color-Strengthening/dp/B00YNKGP02" target="_blank">here </a>and its a dupe for <a href="https://olaplex.com/" target="_blank">Olaplex</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aUbn3WrvpVW5ei28s8nXkKIf3tr0enihQGCD45SsobiMvP8j3X_bvTUgRjwhqEY2HPGn28TJPNFq3DMT6WVW5pL62t-Darp6XqGvX7TqX-GJpxAj2-DLG_lahFVXl2CT9837gdP3nEI/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aUbn3WrvpVW5ei28s8nXkKIf3tr0enihQGCD45SsobiMvP8j3X_bvTUgRjwhqEY2HPGn28TJPNFq3DMT6WVW5pL62t-Darp6XqGvX7TqX-GJpxAj2-DLG_lahFVXl2CT9837gdP3nEI/s200/IMG_1333.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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My hair did feel very soft and manageable afterwards but still not enough of the black was stripped away - I have done this before in a salon where they got a lot of the colour out and was left with canary yellow. </div>
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Can you spot the pesky wiry white hairs here? So attempt 2 did not work and I am left with a lot of patchy orange hair looking like tiger stripes. Luckily for me this is underneath so I was able to re-part my hair and hide it. I re-washed my hair with a violet shampoo to see if this would take away the brassiness and tone it down, then I waited a day to give my hair a chance to recover. <i>I have never felt more like Ginger Spice 'Spice up your life nah nah nah nah etc.'</i></div>
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Next day I applied <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/New-Year%2C-New-Colour/Colour-Freedom-Metallic-Glory-Stone-Grey-417/p/624165" target="_blank">Colour Freedom Metallic Glory</a> Stone grey and waited for the full 25 mins for it to develop. You can see in the photo above the ginger still coming through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpjY1QJoUuPoAne1OKywl4pH_yYT2t46IkU0W28b1qxkQYUS0oLq6wQqURyFcZbIb-QURVzGpkWUcTWhFHZzq2pu1ayTZ2k0oli0bTyGg9cnRo-LjQgSruGUQZk2Jl9tc3dBvWC60HcQ/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpjY1QJoUuPoAne1OKywl4pH_yYT2t46IkU0W28b1qxkQYUS0oLq6wQqURyFcZbIb-QURVzGpkWUcTWhFHZzq2pu1ayTZ2k0oli0bTyGg9cnRo-LjQgSruGUQZk2Jl9tc3dBvWC60HcQ/s200/IMG_1348.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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After washing it out and adding the conditioner I dried my hair to see the results. The colour had darkened down but yep still ginger and the white hairs did not grab any of the grey colour and stayed white! </div>
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At first I thought maybe the harsh bathroom light made it seem brighter so I went to check out my reflection in the hallway. Nope still ginger poking through...</div>
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Back I went into the bathroom as the light had changed - does it look metallic grey??? Just shinier looking! No one at the office has mentioned my hair colour, either they are just too polite to mention the colour disaster or not very observant :-) </div>
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Oh well lesson learnt here - if you want to go from Black to Ginger I can recommend Ombre kit. First attempt did not fry my hair and left it in a soft condition. </div>
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<br />star bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-46612627683839488422018-02-14T15:09:00.000+00:002018-02-14T15:41:43.240+00:00A tale of two pantsI am still have a mental block for blog post titles. So forgive me here as I try and assemble my thoughts. Fashion retailer Cos and H&M are owned by the same parent company and although they target different shoppers and price points I'm a fan of both stores and like to dip in and out to check out their products.<br />
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Recently I bought a pair of wide trousers from <a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0592986003.html" target="_blank">H&M</a> , a really nice heavy weight jersey fabric, great drape and no cling. Looks wonderful worn with a crisp white cotton shirt. I was inspired to go voluminous after seeing the couture footage from the <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2018-couture/valentino" target="_blank">Valentino </a>Paris collections. Which will be a big trend later this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5aZRIjsU9St4JQsXgN3pinEy-qKsnNi_3l3hXLqvtAaw_LklTv_x4O_rxrGDWHvpYhWbxEYVjxH-HGVdVV2Tzo-ulowir05eJPqQ4fBDWVToDRs_TW3vapLdXNEUYciWw1Ud3hI9980/s1600/_ARC2308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5aZRIjsU9St4JQsXgN3pinEy-qKsnNi_3l3hXLqvtAaw_LklTv_x4O_rxrGDWHvpYhWbxEYVjxH-HGVdVV2Tzo-ulowir05eJPqQ4fBDWVToDRs_TW3vapLdXNEUYciWw1Ud3hI9980/s200/_ARC2308.jpg" width="133" /></a> Photo from <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2018-couture/valentino/slideshow/collection#8" target="_blank">Vogue </a></div>
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Earlier this week I checked out Cos and lo and behold a very similar pair of <a href="https://www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Trousers/Belted_high-waist_trousers/46887-87400148.1#c-24479" target="_blank">Wide trousers </a>were for sale. Its the same fabric and length the only difference is the belt detail where this pair has belt loops and a £44.01 price difference. If I had bought the Cos pair first, I would be very annoyed seeing the same pair retailing for much less in H&M.<br />
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It feels like this story could be featured on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diet_prada/?hl=en" target="_blank">Diet Panda</a> , although they focus on Designers ripping off /influenced/inspired by/ other Designers. For a retailer with a major High Street presence, its seems silly to cannibalize your own markets. Maybe the Buyer was having an off day and wouldn't think anyone would notice or Head Office doesn't have anyone in charge to look over the overall collections to avoid duplication?<br />
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Have you ever come across a high street retailer knocking off another?<br />
twosp xstar bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-38147761882457831482018-02-05T17:10:00.001+00:002018-02-05T17:10:41.293+00:00Skin Saver Dr Jart As Winter progresses here, I am slathering on a new serum to keep my skin hydrated and soft. Yes another product :-) my daily skincare routine is getting obscenely long. But I am very keen not to over exfoliate and compromise the skin mantle so I am slapping on a very good Korean product by Dr Jart called Ceramidin Liquid that got rave reviews by <a href="https://www.carolinehirons.com/2017/07/dr-jart-ceramidin-liquid.html" target="_blank">Caroline Hirons</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qAxyKwLKTlrPQ8M7rZnKo8S6XgKtCEY8YiLsA1AkgwkmLVVBrtWgraOazoA_pYUHL00AwrR62fsmC6hap5nwBMETTfkrfa57up-wLG-DipPhUf87rotwuuAzfhlOxxQ75xNGLb3N5sU/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qAxyKwLKTlrPQ8M7rZnKo8S6XgKtCEY8YiLsA1AkgwkmLVVBrtWgraOazoA_pYUHL00AwrR62fsmC6hap5nwBMETTfkrfa57up-wLG-DipPhUf87rotwuuAzfhlOxxQ75xNGLb3N5sU/s200/IMG_1052.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
It's very light and smells similar to Weleda products - herbal can't quite put your finger on it scent. Not offensive and fragrance does not linger on the skin.<br />
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It comes in a very big bottle (150ml when most serums are under 30ml in size) and you only need a few drops which I palm and pat into the skin after I have cleansed and used Acids (to gently exfoliate) in the evenings before applying The Ordinary serums, Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial and then sleeping pack by Korres . For the day I apply before moisturiser and it seems to make the skin feel a whole lot softer. Does not pill under all the other layers of products I use. Sinks in very quickly, has prevented flaky skin on the forehead and nose my usual winter hot spots , no breakouts despite the inclusion of Alchol Denat but my skin is not sensitive to alcohol. Lucky old me.<br />
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Phew look at what's inside it, you need a science degree to understand it! But the upshot is, it contains ceramides which is something your skin has but depreciates with age (so unfair) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFzxraQjOZk9X-KPmIY0LK6yNTNHBsrIKtWHJjSZHW5G8hpAHmZ0icXMu3GqbPSsoEqzzOcbIC3KcbfE9my5FlAoslAInFIrNlE09ijJ9f93IgUeJWAhDtoxsLzqkoy3rW9h9gOTy3nU/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFzxraQjOZk9X-KPmIY0LK6yNTNHBsrIKtWHJjSZHW5G8hpAHmZ0icXMu3GqbPSsoEqzzOcbIC3KcbfE9my5FlAoslAInFIrNlE09ijJ9f93IgUeJWAhDtoxsLzqkoy3rW9h9gOTy3nU/s200/IMG_1054.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Lol - Plumps and seals Dull Dry Skin , yep that's winter skin for your! I got mine in Selfridges but Sephora also sells this on-line if you are in the US. I didn't get the Ceramidin Cream as I haven't finished with current moisturiser, I just wanted an extra hydration boost </div>
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star bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-71801439340739819362018-02-03T10:00:00.000+00:002018-02-03T10:00:53.624+00:00What to wear on a plane<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't think of a snappier title for this post :-) It was that or Travelling Pants</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">I was following a tweet thread; crowd sourcing ideas on what to wear when travelling on a plane. The Millennial
consensus was to opt for a hoody and sweatpants combo. Keeping it casual and
comfy. However if were getting onto a plane for work it’s always better to look
a bit smarter among your work colleagues. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">From </span><a href="http://www.warehouse.co.uk/gb/clothing/trousers/pintuck-culottes/029144.html?cgid=trousers&position=22&dwvar_029144_color=77#&start=22&categoryID=trousers" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Warehouse Culottes</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they are going to be a big trend this year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS7k_9yr-yh2ZDwk3YsHv1TGdnuLX_AC-n9alH1SMQ3oZ8QiI0TiJvajGyQVQip19cVcNPnYAhZHhtF01fjWjyvSYwKxL_sMpHtgCxzUbyPzRRkuHXmWPKO6WDs3LT7koiKrXVB5MX0Y/s1600/warehouse_02914477_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS7k_9yr-yh2ZDwk3YsHv1TGdnuLX_AC-n9alH1SMQ3oZ8QiI0TiJvajGyQVQip19cVcNPnYAhZHhtF01fjWjyvSYwKxL_sMpHtgCxzUbyPzRRkuHXmWPKO6WDs3LT7koiKrXVB5MX0Y/s200/warehouse_02914477_2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">If you were worried about cold ankles, wear a pair of knee
high socks underneath and ankle boots. Pair with a</span> <a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/balloon-sleeve-striped-blouse-7388907?bi=0&ps=20&Ntt=balloon%20sleeve" target="_blank">Top Shop Striped Top</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ-q9DNAr8nSM9poKKC4quowGJCE-KtTmdQtqNykaN0H5ckuvtQrL2XxEvlbOcHtuXfLeMYcVD5OxiwUVXSixqFXmKVkJrJwvIKazyUTNsa09aAwoF-LsYC927GD0Kd-znLJ9TgRyV5E/s1600/TS13P11MMON_Zoom_M_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1020" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ-q9DNAr8nSM9poKKC4quowGJCE-KtTmdQtqNykaN0H5ckuvtQrL2XxEvlbOcHtuXfLeMYcVD5OxiwUVXSixqFXmKVkJrJwvIKazyUTNsa09aAwoF-LsYC927GD0Kd-znLJ9TgRyV5E/s200/TS13P11MMON_Zoom_M_1.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Layer over a denim shirt or knitwear for extra warmth as
planes do get chilly inside. Alternatively try these </span><a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/full-length-plisse-trousers-7216756?bi=0&ps=20&Ntt=plisse" target="_blank">Top Shop Plisse Trousers </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB5GoZOijj4FxDW7OMWMwchcvMs5AJG1cprWa10xDZt_ntolBO8w2wQg2AsKTW_GS14rWY8gaZWg1wLlJ9tDm2THdnJ68L6yHKm3A1U7B9272mjkQyEorLtXDllXyYRY6Yf2dCVPUEwg/s1600/TS30R08MBLK_Large_F_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="495" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB5GoZOijj4FxDW7OMWMwchcvMs5AJG1cprWa10xDZt_ntolBO8w2wQg2AsKTW_GS14rWY8gaZWg1wLlJ9tDm2THdnJ68L6yHKm3A1U7B9272mjkQyEorLtXDllXyYRY6Yf2dCVPUEwg/s200/TS30R08MBLK_Large_F_1.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have several similar trousers in the plisse fabric – you may
freak that’s it’s polyester but the fabric is very comfortable next to your
skin. No sweatiness as the construction of the pleated fabric means it does not
stick to your skin. If I had the income I would be dressed head to toe in Issey
Miyake’s <a href="https://store.isseymiyake.com/fs/isseymiyake/c/pl_all_all" target="_blank">Pleats Please</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it’s good enough for talented Pianist </span><a href="http://www.mitsukouchida.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Mitsuko Kouchida </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to wear on stage,
it’s good enough for me. A terrific musician who I have seen live at the Barbican.
Such vigour and passion in her playing.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or if your trip is for a holiday then this </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ASOS Oversized Sweat Dress with Balloon sleeve </span><a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-oversized-sweat-dress-with-balloon-sleeve/prd/8496103?clr=green&SearchQuery=balloon%20sleeve&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=15&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=140" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">ASOS Sweat Dress</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as the tweet thread was very specific about having a longer top to cover bottoms (???)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPQjgwoT7Z644dvcK6iiNIZAwlocp_qAYGzC6kji3473KwGRohh5nFWbJxw68YWwe1L0uIrmNQfUbX7yVXx__kCYmRNaZvhL-Lh9FZXjEtpwaVOlclZ7h2G1eBI6VEuGeFFzJaMvUdEU/s1600/8496103-1-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPQjgwoT7Z644dvcK6iiNIZAwlocp_qAYGzC6kji3473KwGRohh5nFWbJxw68YWwe1L0uIrmNQfUbX7yVXx__kCYmRNaZvhL-Lh9FZXjEtpwaVOlclZ7h2G1eBI6VEuGeFFzJaMvUdEU/s200/8496103-1-green.jpg" width="156" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Paired with <a href="https://www.lululemon.co.uk/c/women-pants/_/N-7tk?mnid=mn;en-GB;women;bottoms;pants" target="_blank">Lululemon </a>or</span> <a href="http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothing/all-bottoms/" target="_blank">Sweaty Betty </a>activity leggings this would be the ultimate comfort
choice. Activity leggings have a lot of stretch and special sweat wicking fibres
to keep you cool. Both these brands, although pricey (I only shop them when
on sale) are really good quality and wash and wear so well. Why buy
anything new if you can shop from your wardrobe? </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">& don’t forget the sunnies! </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australian brand Le Specs started out on Bondi Beach, so I’m
really envious it’s the Summer down under. I cannot remember the feeling of hot
sunshine on my skin , it’s been like forever…. I am loving these pink tinted glasses
and the affordable funky range is stocked by <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/Shop/Search?keywords=le+spec" target="_blank">Net-a-Porter </a>and Selfridges. </span></div>
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have also seen the odd pair in TK Maxx so do go and hunt down a pair. My favorite lunchtime activity! </span></div>
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star bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-38247443395662872412018-02-02T11:50:00.000+00:002018-02-02T11:50:07.217+00:00Hair Toil Part 2Here a few things I found on the web to keep me motivated and inspired on ditching the dye and going natural. If only I was blonder and lived in California it would all be so much more easier!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.highlandfashionista.com/2012/04/gray-area-agony-and-ecstasy-of-going.html">http://www.highlandfashionista.com/2012/04/gray-area-agony-and-ecstasy-of-going.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.rubann.com/transitioning-to-gray-hair/">http://www.rubann.com/transitioning-to-gray-hair/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a46081/transitioning-from-color-to-gray-hair/">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a46081/transitioning-from-color-to-gray-hair/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://recoveringshopaholic.com/2016/11/18/gray-hair-transition-seven-months/#more-5894">https://recoveringshopaholic.com/2016/11/18/gray-hair-transition-seven-months/#more-5894</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://greyisok.blogspot.co.uk/">http://greyisok.blogspot.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.gritandglamour.com/2017/06/15/vlog-growing-out-grey-update/">http://www.gritandglamour.com/2017/06/15/vlog-growing-out-grey-update/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://amidprivilege.com/2016/03/growing-out-and-taking-care-of-gray-hair/">http://amidprivilege.com/2016/03/growing-out-and-taking-care-of-gray-hair/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.chatelaine.com/style/beauty/gorgeous-grey-hairstyles/image/18/">http://www.chatelaine.com/style/beauty/gorgeous-grey-hairstyles/image/18/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I'm going to get my hair cut much shorter next week, currently it's past shoulder length and doing that annoying getting caught in bag shoulder straps which I hate. The other day D tried to put his arm around me whilst sat on the sofa going for a cuddle. He timed it wrong and it got caught in my messy bun and yanked my head up which really hurt! So right now I am ready for the chop and go back to the default chic bob. Even though I had told my hairdresser never cut it off, even if I beg you as it's all hormones and I will regret it. </div>
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*I did that thing 11 years ago after reading lots of maternity books to cut you hair short before having a baby so it is easier to maintain when you have a little one. Well I always regretted doing that and I spent a lot of time and effort growing my hair long and wanting swishy swinging hair again before 40 hit. Now fast forward several years and I spend most of the time with my hair up to keep it out of the way; what with the wet weather, wind etc. Which is the worse thing to do if your hair is thinning as it puts a strain on the hair follicle roots. Tsk so unfair and complicated. </div>
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I'm going to start stockpiling violet shampoos, toners, intense hair masks in preparation.</div>
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Wish me luck</div>
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twosp </div>
teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-20074681386690089972018-01-31T17:31:00.000+00:002018-02-01T11:54:58.403+00:00Hair Toil Part 1<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back in the day and I mean when I was between 11-15, I used to have a bobbed hair cut. It wasn’t a style I choose but more imposed on me as the hairdresser did not know how to cut my poker straight hair.
It was easy to look after, I mean all I did was shampoo it twice a week with whatever was in the bathroom – usually Johnsons baby shampoo, use conditioner if I could remember too and brush it whist wet and left it pretty much alone. The parting would stay put, nothing stuck up or frizzed and it was pretty perfect (looking back at those photos) virgin hair, never been touched by bleach or colorants :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward a few decades (plural!) and now I have to wash with special co-washing shampoo/conditioner, spray on a thickening lotion, add a styling balm to the ends to avoid frizz and blow dry with a paddle brush to get it to sit straight and smooth. I know age changes the texture of your hair, but I am doing so many steps to just make it look healthy. Yes, I do colour my hair and due to the supplements, I find I must touch up my sparkles nearly every 4 weeks as my hair grows really fast. Its all starting to become a chore and I am rethinking what I should do next. I cannot keep hiding out in the bathroom everyone month telling the kids not to come in as I am ‘deep conditioning my hair’ (we only have one bathroom - so if I want to spend 20 mins on my own I have to ensure everyone has been to have a pee before I can use it). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Do I bite the bullet and stop colouring my hair and embrace the pesky sparkles? I had D check the back of my head to see how grey I was. It’s not too bad maybe 30-40 white hairs he could count, spread evenly. But the main bit is where my hair parts and the front middle of my hair is almost 40% white. It’s going to look hideous if I just stop colouring! But I don’t want to still be a slave to my roots approaching my 50’s. I wish I knew what the best route would be to take. As everything I have looked up only seemed applicable to those who are blonde or can highlight to ‘blend’ the greys in until everything grows out. Well for someone who has jet black hair it’s not an option. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mum is totally white haired – she kind of stopped dyeing her hair when she became a grandmother, had it all cut off short and yes she does look like a Nanna :-) she told us that her time to enter Miss World has been and gone so why bother anymore!!!
I’m not ready for that step yet but looking for an in-between stage. I thought I would continue to just dye the front middle and parting (roots only) and leave everything else to grow out; possibly cut my hair into a longer length graduated bob and hope for the best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know my hairdresser will be appalled. As a mere youth in his 20’s. he is in the business to cut and colour and make everyone look young, but I will have to convince him that to go natural is better for my health and the environment.
I have looked at some kits by <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Hair/Hair-Colourants/Permanent-Hair-Dye/Bleach-London-Fade-to-Grey-Kit/p/744512" target="_blank">Bleach London </a>where you can colour your hair silver – I’m not sure if it will work on my hair colour but another idea was to get the lightening kit and do a reverse baylage so its silver grey from the roots and black at the ends. I saw it on a model I think on the ASOS website (I have been stalking and adding items to my wish list until pay day!) It looked great on her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I know I should probably go and get it done properly at the hairdressers but after the trauma getting it dip dyed at Charles Worthington and spending a lot of time and money to get it rectified I simply have an aversion to the professionals. The idiot colourist used krazy colour and of course first sign of rain all the dye ran onto my neck and skin. Not a good look! I blogged about it a while back but cannot be arsed to find the page linky lol </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> There’s been a few dark haired <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/hair/go-grey-gracefully/" target="_blank">fashion </a>and beauty <a href="https://www.the-pool.com/life/life-honestly/2017/48/Sali-Hughes-on-going-grey" target="_blank">beauty </a> writers who have posted their thoughts on going au natural and I will be following their journey with great interest.
</span>star bubblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14628574375945350275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-55239958723133179012018-01-28T09:48:00.001+00:002018-01-29T14:58:22.586+00:00Winter LightsAnother late night out to see the Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf. It's very surreal walking about skyscrapers that are empty of office workers. The rain stayed away for just enough time to walk about to see the huge light installations. My favourite was the Urban Patterns , which looked like glowing fluorescent strings that you could strum and ping. The over head UV lights made anything nearby glow an unnatural green - including teeth! Which was very amusing as you could see where D had a cap :-D<br />
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The entire area of Canary Wharf is very weird, no obvious road signs and street names to navigate around. The maps that were provided by Winter Lights were not very clear so in the end we just drifted about following the crowds. The outdoor lights were a lot more impressive than the in door ones. I'm sure it was to entice people to shop inside the high end mall! But if I was planning to blow a lot of cash I would rather spend it in Bond St for a better shopping experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXK5Sr_-Py52fLol3I5cVEbvQqpjEGgAiPoeVXAQdDg_EhDVWTiCFB1i8hw-bXW6HGtLvF3qMYzeDo6n9n47krxuKIwV_vjFvENfGyx-uu9qYNtV0qtUwHmV74Fi4hrIAYFT3iW3lf8Q/s1600/IMG_0880-735072.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516036339708924386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXK5Sr_-Py52fLol3I5cVEbvQqpjEGgAiPoeVXAQdDg_EhDVWTiCFB1i8hw-bXW6HGtLvF3qMYzeDo6n9n47krxuKIwV_vjFvENfGyx-uu9qYNtV0qtUwHmV74Fi4hrIAYFT3iW3lf8Q/s320/IMG_0880-735072.JPG" /></a></div>
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Outside the Rueters Building</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85GcCw2kSFce2_avfZsbjw5xJy5DdnjABGS8AnN_DZKi5qm_DGJJORBoAnj9d94Mw7UgtmPAESPr4W1N8LwH-PvQuQTRoF2tLRrFu1BOoczbl5ESQSYU93jZeYpdqR_Dsy0CXpd3ZtY4/s1600/IMG_0915-736870.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516036349805313106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85GcCw2kSFce2_avfZsbjw5xJy5DdnjABGS8AnN_DZKi5qm_DGJJORBoAnj9d94Mw7UgtmPAESPr4W1N8LwH-PvQuQTRoF2tLRrFu1BOoczbl5ESQSYU93jZeYpdqR_Dsy0CXpd3ZtY4/s320/IMG_0915-736870.JPG" /></a></div>
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This was amazing - a real -'how do they do this' moment. Water drops falling down spelling different words.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTmg7LIZhKZIAEV4KI7SWDN0-T4qhD_-xlUvkoFEBobNJBBXOIyfcn6pKjG-PtleG_uUE5CbK-E3pM7ZXHvBTklM7hGsxzXe9xDHxaG_1EZPaLc5FifOaHfLKLai6L2te5dYzJo6R6Gk/s1600/IMG_0922-737836.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516036355609170962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTmg7LIZhKZIAEV4KI7SWDN0-T4qhD_-xlUvkoFEBobNJBBXOIyfcn6pKjG-PtleG_uUE5CbK-E3pM7ZXHvBTklM7hGsxzXe9xDHxaG_1EZPaLc5FifOaHfLKLai6L2te5dYzJo6R6Gk/s320/IMG_0922-737836.JPG" /></a></div>
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The Cube - I didn't get the best angle for the photo but is I moved over then it would have looked like a cuboid with the water reflection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7OpAkqNQH84jgbAd9rlLxG_TlCZLrVlW56hAXCW5Gybrx_lmzlsuX4J1xmaoZceS55uIo_Jz2PsGXMMme1kKEW9Qz2BoY8l-aoDz6_1E9K81HvzKxLWQbPPbKJ-t_Xpr6DmSRkeRzls/s1600/IMG_0929-738939.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516036359505442754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7OpAkqNQH84jgbAd9rlLxG_TlCZLrVlW56hAXCW5Gybrx_lmzlsuX4J1xmaoZceS55uIo_Jz2PsGXMMme1kKEW9Qz2BoY8l-aoDz6_1E9K81HvzKxLWQbPPbKJ-t_Xpr6DmSRkeRzls/s320/IMG_0929-738939.JPG" /></a></div>
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Another light installation using the water reflection to double the effect</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWQkWIyBXE4cMrdDv4-xWdx4yYH5moLIg4xr9l1aNcKG9kL9lOwWmiNIevI60QzueFHNh7NBI4VFn7_smgQ9jsqWavfLuGwkuDQ4hWNTrhn-yc8Pp47sHypSvBk0s7zwFVjldVrwvz_A/s1600/IMG_0961-740387.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6516036364084656306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWQkWIyBXE4cMrdDv4-xWdx4yYH5moLIg4xr9l1aNcKG9kL9lOwWmiNIevI60QzueFHNh7NBI4VFn7_smgQ9jsqWavfLuGwkuDQ4hWNTrhn-yc8Pp47sHypSvBk0s7zwFVjldVrwvz_A/s320/IMG_0961-740387.JPG" /></a></div>
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I had thought this was made from glitter perspex but it was the rain drops made it look glittery! </div>
<br />teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-13854255220550583442018-01-26T15:03:00.000+00:002018-01-26T15:03:07.270+00:00Thinking of Summer<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If like me, you spend too much time creating Pinterest
boards to while away a rainy afternoon – goodness knows we have had a few of
those recently! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">I had an unhealthy obsession with Jane Birkin and her straw
baskets. There was just something so gloriously simple and summery about her
look in the 60’s. She was famous for toting her straw basket around Paris until her partner, Serge Gainsborough, ran over it with a car (he hated her basket). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Finally there is now a UK stockist who sell her lookalike </span><a href="https://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/collections/baskets/products/moroccan-grape-basket-with-lid" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">lidded basket</a> .</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> .</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ0fPEYLuY4VwmuxZsoUNh9s4TMtv_9ZgJXumSb-9VzyH-2d7y-QE2aNo48L_tuYS-gYEbSyP0e7jU_f-9lZYucqTHoS5zYj_DpVv2XF_Yw2q6MZBl35R1xqxJj15aEvAQ6SYxaY2RjM/s1600/Bohemia-Basket-Grape-Small-With-Lid-2_640x.progressive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ0fPEYLuY4VwmuxZsoUNh9s4TMtv_9ZgJXumSb-9VzyH-2d7y-QE2aNo48L_tuYS-gYEbSyP0e7jU_f-9lZYucqTHoS5zYj_DpVv2XF_Yw2q6MZBl35R1xqxJj15aEvAQ6SYxaY2RjM/s320/Bohemia-Basket-Grape-Small-With-Lid-2_640x.progressive.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know the quality
will be fantastic as I have previously bought two other straw baskets last year
from Bohemia Design which I used a lot, to carry EVERYTHING. They are pretty
tough and deceptively cavernous. I love the stores ethical ethos using artisan
producers and building a meaningful relationship with them to support their craft.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The <a href="https://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/collections/pom-pom-baskets/products/market-pom-pom-baskets" target="_blank">Pom pom basket</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">was so attractive to Mr. Fashion, he loved to sidle up and squeeze
them without me seeing him. The are pretty plush and squeezable but it did mean me
telling him ‘don’t squeeze my pom poms’ another thing I never thought I would
say! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And the <a href="https://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/collections/shopper/products/sienna-shopper-basket-tan" target="_blank">Sienna Basket </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">could hold a lot of shopping including a packet of cereal. Which really amazed
the woman at the check out counter in Tescos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I could use some Summer cheers as this Winter drags on and
on. I know I shouldn’t complain but as a Brit, I feel I can moan about the
weather! I’m planning on getting the smaller size basket and edit down my daily
gear. I've already booked a few summer breaks to give me something to look forward too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">twosp x </span></div>
teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-81165707699172204912018-01-24T10:00:00.000+00:002018-01-24T10:00:17.294+00:00Cuppa cha?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been drinking matcha green tea by
Bloom that was in the </span></span><a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/bloom-absolute-matcha-green-tea-powder-60030154?skuid=030154" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Holland & Barrett</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">penny sale </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I am finding this brew very refreshing with
a hint of sweetness. A Japanese friend once showed me how to brew the tea
properly with lots of whisking of the powdered green tea to form a thick foam
as part of the traditional tea ceremony. I don’t have much time to do all this
myself for a daily brew. I add half a small teaspoon into a cup, splash a bit
of hot water to make a paste, then add in the rest of the hot water and give it
a good stir which makes a satisfying hot beverage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The benefits of green tea are well known.
Matcha tea has more antioxidants as you ingest the whole tea rather than most
of it sits in a tea bag as with regular green tea. Antioxidants are your own
body’s natural defense agents which can help prevent ageing, infections and
disease. You can read more about it <a href="http://matchasource.com/health-benefits-of-matcha-tea/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m not drinking this in a bid to lose weight
or to reduce the risk of breast cancer. I just really like the taste of it and
was looking for an alternative to other herbal teas. I had to stop drinking
peppermint tea as it was staining my teeth too much. I know that’s very random
but I went to great lengths to find out along with my dentist the cause of the black
staining on my teeth enamel. On the plus side I don’t suffer very much with tartar
so I thankfully have less of the dental scraping ordeal to deal with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/BLOOM-Absolute-Matcha/296024011?from=search&tags=%7C20000&param=bloom+matcha&parentContainer=SEARCHbloom+matcha" target="_blank">Bloom Matcha Tea </a> is also half price on the Ocado
website if you wanted to try it for yourself. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven’t given up my beloved PG tips in the
morning and Earl Grey in the afternoon habit. That would be a step too far! Variety
is the spice of life :-)</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However if you wanted a little bit more indulgent winter drink then you could try <a href="http://www.planetorganic.com/aduna-supercacao-premium-blend-powder-100g/24712/" target="_blank">Super Cacao by Aduna</a>. I guess it's called Super Cacao as it contains twice as many flavonols which can help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. Although looking at the side of the tin, you need to consume 200g daily and the tin is only 100g big lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The taste reminds me very much of Green and Blacks cocoa but minus the sweetness. I guess you could add sugar if your taste buds miss it but that would defeat the intention to choose a healthier beverage option. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOtB-65yzF0JX2VLnzEMuEnrts-80mwSsoM-8cVjeLbQEd1zNxawXg5qLUCAC3mWsnZ3U5y3pVkFNYdTO-KCGaQZO_hN7rH9vOAn89SZYdtWoaokhka9nadZZF4V1nflyNlB9O71lK84/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOtB-65yzF0JX2VLnzEMuEnrts-80mwSsoM-8cVjeLbQEd1zNxawXg5qLUCAC3mWsnZ3U5y3pVkFNYdTO-KCGaQZO_hN7rH9vOAn89SZYdtWoaokhka9nadZZF4V1nflyNlB9O71lK84/s320/IMG_0850.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't get a good photo of the matcha tea before the foam all disappeared! So here is one of the Cacao instead </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NB all purchased with my own money - not a sponsored post</span></div>
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teawithonesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14292930575661758751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228339738406774738.post-46361765036239711012018-01-22T18:00:00.000+00:002018-01-23T10:47:40.575+00:00Kaffee & Kuchen time<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prior to visiting the Lumier London Light Festival in Kings
Cross – I took the kids to the <a href="http://www.germangymnasium.com/about/">German Gymnasium </a> to fortify ourselves against the cold with hot drinks and cakes. They have a delightful selection here and we ordered the
Sachertorte with Chantilly cream, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52nej89_27aukWS4NgZGY2kgt6sSRW4hy3xMga7L3bgLzD7mNu77YWfxLO-divRhrCy-43gtfcbCctlmGDNnLFUlM785JCItz7ygRyYszTN_o5IMVPm3C7ZBkI364m9R31qrgSvEYSXs/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52nej89_27aukWS4NgZGY2kgt6sSRW4hy3xMga7L3bgLzD7mNu77YWfxLO-divRhrCy-43gtfcbCctlmGDNnLFUlM785JCItz7ygRyYszTN_o5IMVPm3C7ZBkI364m9R31qrgSvEYSXs/s320/IMG_0727.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Black Forest gateau, </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHH5U_mQ2efQ0u16GMLBxQ3TrX2xchfg_0JCueOvPnJuTN0TrDXW7PMjS17ruj51zixurWn9H88PURHiV_lZ3Cb7zD5B2Bd_o9G33po4VTqoAXw-wMT3RBKzWB9jF1tw3-FU8R2Axe4A/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHH5U_mQ2efQ0u16GMLBxQ3TrX2xchfg_0JCueOvPnJuTN0TrDXW7PMjS17ruj51zixurWn9H88PURHiV_lZ3Cb7zD5B2Bd_o9G33po4VTqoAXw-wMT3RBKzWB9jF1tw3-FU8R2Axe4A/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apple strudel with vanilla sauce </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF52zrMqkdW_ivv9uYDAZI9_Ns6MfIId9T4clP99kdFYAj85Ex-GEAMIEugQs00taHpN2H3Oqbb68yhQNrpsVV1GjPUrkQGmFEOlgZvNN5mEqDmOX4XnmrhGpoDXS1LvMWceSQ2T8IicE/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF52zrMqkdW_ivv9uYDAZI9_Ns6MfIId9T4clP99kdFYAj85Ex-GEAMIEugQs00taHpN2H3Oqbb68yhQNrpsVV1GjPUrkQGmFEOlgZvNN5mEqDmOX4XnmrhGpoDXS1LvMWceSQ2T8IicE/s320/IMG_0743.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and Apricot crumble. Which had to be my favorite out of the 4. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The apricot had a lovely tartness which went well with the mascapone cream.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-NmxXUQ0Gzz6aCAvOXVJnOAUvMzIsKtQa0pOmRdvxlRTcvIcZc9uzoQIj3JzwgraJTOta6H6fl1kk15tGJh-nwjQG7ZFJq5O5pFSVzVAPZzjrQs09n9698vhfqv-pe4ahyphenhyphenGIevwvt3E/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-NmxXUQ0Gzz6aCAvOXVJnOAUvMzIsKtQa0pOmRdvxlRTcvIcZc9uzoQIj3JzwgraJTOta6H6fl1kk15tGJh-nwjQG7ZFJq5O5pFSVzVAPZzjrQs09n9698vhfqv-pe4ahyphenhyphenGIevwvt3E/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The kids chose a GG Hot chocolate filled with whipped cream and I had a pot of Earl Grey tea. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My little bug bear is the tea served in the silver pot was
too hot to pick up to pour and I had to use the edge of my napkin. At other
places where I have had afternoon tea, they thoughtfully provide a little tied
napkin onto the handle to prevent burnt fingers. All the sweet treats were hearty
portions and to my delight gave me the opportunity to sample everyone’s plates –
yum!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHScFruJmrMpg24dSjfaivAvi6XcVFEh9ATmEqprn_Xf62CRbyRbE8jVJGql5T-PkmP2QBmAipD9KKmU6YTYcK4AxVhY-O8o0-L_a_EL2mdu_DajfCemJtFVxmGtiUQbtWVRZC_pJSKbU/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHScFruJmrMpg24dSjfaivAvi6XcVFEh9ATmEqprn_Xf62CRbyRbE8jVJGql5T-PkmP2QBmAipD9KKmU6YTYcK4AxVhY-O8o0-L_a_EL2mdu_DajfCemJtFVxmGtiUQbtWVRZC_pJSKbU/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The venue is pretty cavernous being a former gym (hence the
name) so the acoustics is very noisy. I wouldn’t come here if I was trying to
woo a sweetheart as it doesn’t give off a romantic intimate vibe. But for
groups and for kids who like their cakes I can recommend it. The staff were friendly
and did not mind a napkin waving child to attract attention for the bill (I
told him to do a ‘Michael Winner’…readers of a certain age will know I am referring
to the former film director/restaurant critic). </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rest of the menu is filled with hearty German and Austrian
fare with the enormous Schnitzel being a popular dish as we were sat near the
kitchen pass and saw plenty of plates fly past us. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dv6uQBqb1_-x6syTS-qguGiO4GufOhf0YExOECADuSP1iee_QRgyTrg9NsiWtblZufJEGbdzrXkY7WcSOT1FrKBYW7fe-tmUmedF9dciXuafzXwSW2I_XUjvX-qSk8IwJ_tQ1c2Y_sI/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dv6uQBqb1_-x6syTS-qguGiO4GufOhf0YExOECADuSP1iee_QRgyTrg9NsiWtblZufJEGbdzrXkY7WcSOT1FrKBYW7fe-tmUmedF9dciXuafzXwSW2I_XUjvX-qSk8IwJ_tQ1c2Y_sI/s320/IMG_0735.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wouldn’t hesitate to come back for brunch and I plan to when
the weather improves so I can visit the <a href="http://www.houseofillustration.org.uk/">House of Illustrations </a> nearby as we are all such fans of Quentin Blake. I still take great delight in
reading <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrick-Quentin-Blake/dp/184941047X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516636467&sr=8-1&keywords=patrick+quentin+blake">Patrick</a> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as I love the pictures of the food growing from the trees. I
cannot bear to part with the children’s illustrated books even though they have
outgrown them and are now reading </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Dad-David-Walliams-ebook/dp/B07281FHBR/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516636513&sr=1-1&keywords=david+walliams" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Walliams</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alex-Rider-Collection-Anthony-Horowitz/dp/1406364835/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516636492&sr=1-1&keywords=alex+rider">Alex Rider</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">books or anything
with Minecraft and Terreria.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqR4FLdGZqzFIcYDZjqpagLMDQn4tDZ99UZMcSfuwsvUKr19yeTK8b2_Fxs2UfDeoKTwFEv6NpCNKf0i58qlOHFk8cgmNQ7RV0Y2ZqkUSHPOKErZ5nLc2a6B-PiOPDs_BnnnoltmaK18/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqR4FLdGZqzFIcYDZjqpagLMDQn4tDZ99UZMcSfuwsvUKr19yeTK8b2_Fxs2UfDeoKTwFEv6NpCNKf0i58qlOHFk8cgmNQ7RV0Y2ZqkUSHPOKErZ5nLc2a6B-PiOPDs_BnnnoltmaK18/s320/IMG_0752.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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(inside the ladies loos)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Giant-Sandwich-Lord-Vernon-Board/dp/B00HK3PNKC/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516636535&sr=1-4&keywords=the+giant+jam+sandwich">The Giant Sandwich</a> </span>is another book from my childhood that I had passed onto
the kids. I loved books featuring food and it’s probably why I love reading
cook books now for leisure. The Gourmond is following in my footsteps and is an
avid reader of The Twisted Cook Book (whose recipes we have tested since Christmas) and strangely the Lakeland catalogue and in fact any pamphlet’s
– Argos, Hotel Chocolate, M&S Foods and the magazine you pick up from Wing
Yip Supermarket. There are occasions I have to yell at him to stop reading as
we are trying to get out the house as he is easily distracted.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who knew that would be something I would say as a mother! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twosp x </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
onesugarpleasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324767612029153728noreply@blogger.com0