List of Pleasures

It's the most frugal month of the year.

January seems like the longest month ever. This is probably due in part to being paid a week earlier than usual in December and all the other extra outgoings that creep in.

To treat myself I have made up a list of Small Pleasures that won't cost me a penny but will keep me happy and relaxed.

On my list I have:

Read a book
Browse blogs (I like to use bloglovin')
Shuffle through Pinterest (hours disappear in seconds on this site)
Do my nails.
Go for a walk.
Play a computer game.

Watch a film (go onto YouTube you'll be amazed what you'll find on there).
Mini pamper session (if you don't have any pamper products, head to the kitchen and make a couple).
Listen to a podcast.
Watch a favourite tv show on iplayer/skygo.
Take your digital camera out for a walk.
Learn origami.
Listen to some music.
Change bedding (a bit of a chore, but boy the result pays off later).

Those are just a few from my list of free pleasures and treats

This post has been inspired by Kate Harrison's new book 5:2 Your Life: Get Happy, Get Healthy, Get Slim you can get your copy here from Amazon.

Christmas is Truly Over

Today the masses will be returning to work.

So I thought I'd share what I wore to work on my first day back after the festive period. Like many of us I indulged a little bit too much so most of my work wardrobe was on the uncomfortable to sit down in side of tight.

I found these leggings in the sale on the Yours website... I love them, really long in the leg (they're actually baggy around the ankle - unheard of for me at 5' 101/2 with a 32-33" leg). I'm also loving the addition of an attached skirt detail. It could have done to be a little bit longer, but then as I say I'm tall so you have to take the rough with the smooth, and it's over leggings so my knick-knack paddy whacks aren't going to be on display.

The shirt I have had for a couple of years now, it's a coral check with a bodice tie at the back so you can alter it to fit your shape if you yo-yo like I have a tendency to.

As for my hair, I've gone down the rock-a-billy route which I love for work. I spend a lot of my day looking down at my desk, working with a red pen, so I like to have my hair away from my face. Otherwise, I won't be able to see for my hair! The ponytail does lend to me sticking my pens in it from time to time.

Make up is minimal today, I have my vintage frames on. I'm still loving the MUA Matte Palette, I'm eeking to the end of my Rimmel eyeliner... I reckon there should be about a week of use left in there, and my blush is Barbara Daly in Petal. Base is Tesco Concealer in Fair and my George powder.

December Favourites

Here are a few of my favourite things from December.

There is no theme, just items I've adored through the month. There is also no order to my list.

Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a festive red cup. Far and away my favourite Christmas drink from Starbucks, followed by the Chocolate Orange Mocha - which with the whipped cream is like a meal on its own.

Fushia Fever lipstick by Avon. This is a product not currently on sale in the brochures, I got it during the Summer however it wasn't quite right. Once Winter kicked in it's mosturising nature cut out the need for extra lip balm application.

Penguin earmuffs. I found these on a stall in York when I had the most horrendous ear ache. I pretty much wore them constantly inside and outside for two weeks. So comfy.

My Far and Away Exotic perfume. It is a great blend using Morrocan inspired spices. If you have smelt the original scent this is much less talcy, with notes of cinnamon, cardamom,  cloves and anise. Perfect for winter and Christmas. I wore this everyday in December. It lasted all day without feeling the need to use a spritz to refresh.

Ho Ho Ho glass. This thing is amazing. Perfect for soft drinks and wine alike. Loved it! Now to find a safe place for it until next year.

What I Read: Wish Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley

Another uplifting and heart-warming tale from the queen of Christmas fiction's pen.

In Wish Upon a Star we are introduced to Cally who is deserted by her fiance, only to find out she is pregnant. Stella is born with a complicated heart condition.

The single mum dotes on her precious daughter. Her career as a food writer is booming and her second book is due soon, but as her professional life soars her personal life begins to crumble.

Stella is starting to get sick and needs vital surgery not available in the UK, so to conserve cash Cally moves up to west Lancashire to live with her mother Martha to try and save the much-needed money to pay for the surgery in America. The sale of her home in London is gifted to Stella's Stars; the charity she set up to pay for the surgery.

After an appointment with Stella, Cally pops into a new bakery in Ormskirk and meets baker Jago. She feels an instant connection, and the pair strike up a firm friendship. Jago has his own romantic baggage and when his ex-fiancee turns up after running out on him on the eve of their wedding determined to win him back.

As Stella's surgery draws closer the residents of Sticklepond draw together to help give the child a fighting chance of a normal life.

It's another well-paced story from Trisha Ashley, just enough sweetness and a couple of characters who then cut through so it's didn't become sickly. A great read not for Christmas.

Review: Avon's Line & Lash

I ordered this after seeing it come through for a couple of my customers.

I love a bit of glitter, and I adore silver.

The liner side is a liquid liner with a brush to apply and a mascara wand at the other side.

I love the glitter liner. It's not overly in your face and will lend itself to different coloured liners although I've only used it with black so far, plan to pair it with either a blue or a teal one next.

However, I'm not so keen on the mascara. It does have some good points. It's brush has a good bristle wand to it. I don't like the product's consistency, it's rather thick and doesn't do my short lashes any favours. I need a product that lengthens and thickens, probably why I use 2 mascaras.

Seasonal Flavours: Nescafe Latte Gingerbread

I happened upon this drink one day whilst I was in the office. One of my favourite drinks from Starbucks (yes I said it, I'm a Starbucks person not a Costa one - they need a bit more coffee in their coffee for me) is the gingerbread latte. So much so I have a bottle of the syrup in my kitchen cupboards. This looked to be the perfect addition to my festive treats in the run up to Christmas, and to put a cherry on the top it didn't hurt that Co-Op had them on offer at £2 per box of 8 sachets. 

As far as the instant latte drinks go, this is a good one. A nice amount of coffee taste and a well balanced warmth from the gingerbread flavouring. Be careful if you have a larger than average mug though, if you add over the desired 200ml of hot water it quickly becomes a bit insipid and bland (if you think about it an average cup measurement is 250ml).

But still I have found myself replenishing my supply for at home while I'm on Christmas break from the office. Even the husband has found himself dipping in. That in itself is praise indeed!

So if you see these beauties on the shelf, go ahead and pick them up (and possibly a wintery book to read as you settle in to drink it).

What I Ate Wednesday: New Year's Special

Happy New Year. 

Not the best of photos today, all taken on my Samsung Galaxy Ace. 

It's been a busy old day and I'm back in the office tomorrow. 

Breakfast: A peach & passion fruit split yogurt from Asda & a coffee.

Lunch: (at the mother-in-law's) Gammon, sausage, and mixed vegetables.

 Followed by fruit salad with fruit sauce.

Snack: (while playing cards) Cheese & Ritz crackers.

Orange & mint matchmakers. Not the whole box, a few disappeared into JJ's mug of tea!

Tea: Split pea soup with smoky sausage and a Banana Bread beer.
Very yummy after a rather hefty food day.