Dunelm Living Room Wishlist

There's no doubt about it, I'm obsessed with homeware and always on the look out for items to improve it. I've lived in my house just over 3 years and was getting bored of the colour scheme and style that I had originally opted for - although in true Kate style, I haven't just got bored with one room, I'm wanting to change 3 rooms in our house at present, and being one of those people that want everything yesterday, I was beginning to find it all a little overwhelming. My head was spinning with ideas on colour schemes and styles for all 3 rooms to the point where I couldn't even go to the shops to have a look for new items because I just didn't know where to start.

I'm hoping this moodboard that I've created will give me some guidance, and I've decided to start with my living room.

My living room was once a teal/grey/back colour scheme, however in the early summer I was tired of the wallpaper - I felt the style had become too popular to the point of being tacky so I stripped it, re-wallpapered and opted for a light duck egg blue paint to brighten things up. I have a love for shabby chic so I'm slowly replacing all black glass furniture with white wooden shabby chic style furniture. I only have only more piece to replace which is the TV stand, and then we're pretty much done. Today I managed to get rid of my teal curtains and replaced them with some nice cream ones that my mum had hanging around, luckily they were the perfect fit!

When we first moved in the previous owners had a gorgeous thick cream carpet down which was almost new. Obviously re wind 3 years and I had my own vision of teal and grey in my head so I pulled this poor carpet up and stuck it in the garage. Needless to say now I'm completely regretting that, I'm not sure if I can save it from all those cobwebs and spiders that have festered in it over the 3 years in the garage.. yuck!

Here are my top 10 items that I'm in love with and would look perfect in my living room.
I already have the chandelier lampshade in my hallway and I love it that much that I'm thinking about having the same one in my living room!
I've had my eye on the canvas for over a month now, I'm just hoping it'll come down in the sales soon!
I LOVE the lace cushion effect. We have a grey couch with huge scatter cushions, however because of the colour, I need to somehow incorporate the creams/whites/blues to detract from the fact that my couch no longer matches!
I thought the hanging birdcage frames were unusual yet cute, and the sheepskin rug would look perfect in front of the fire, again, detracting from the charcoal grey carpet!
Now I have something visual to refer to, hopefully I can crack on with some home décor shopping!
 
Which is your favourite item?

Keep your eyes peeled for some 'before' and 'after' pictures coming soon!

October's Birchbox - 'Work It!'

Can I just start by saying I was majorly impressed with this box. I don't know if it was the whole pink theme, or the cute fabric zip bag which they don't usually do, or even the cute pen, whatever it was, it has scored top marks in my book.

This month's theme is highlighting breast cancer awareness, and has joined up with CoppaFeel which emphasizes how important it is to 'coppa feel' of your breasts, checking for any abnormalities. I don't think us girlies check as much as we should.. so before I go on any further.. coppa feel please!

Firstly.. the cute fabric canvas style zip bag. Honestly - why can't all months be like this, and replace those pesky drawstring bags that really struggle to find a use for! I actually think I'm gonna start using this to throw in my handbag for work as I'm always carrying make-up items around with me, but never seem to have a suitable size cosmetics bag. I'm counting this as a second lifestyle item in this months box, even though it's not listed down as one!

Lets take a closer look...

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm - 'Ripe Raspberry' (Full Size Product) - £8
I'm a daily user of lip balm because (for some unknown reason) I get really sore lips if I have nothing on them (all year round). If I have no lip balm on, I have to put lipstick on, simply to ease my lips. This one smells delish, the packaging is cute and it is apparently a buildable colour, which is always handy.

Cindy Crawford Glowing Serum (Full size Product £30.95)
This is a radiance enhancing anti - ageing serum that is applied before moisturizer. This is a fairly expensive serum so I'm intrigued of the results, although being in my late twenties, I probably wont see a benefit from the anti-ageing factor!

Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm (Full Size - £20)
This is a natural nourishing cleanser with exfoliating oatmeal powder.. Intriguing! I can't wait to try this tonight! I really want to find a good daily facial cleanser that becomes a cult product in my routine for many years..

KMS Hair Play Dry Wax (Full size - £15)
A spray that adds second day texture to the hair with a matte finish. It smells good but I'm not massive on hair products so I may pass this onto my boyfriend (before giving it a bash myself, of course!).

The Cool Fix Gel Lotion (Full size - £11)
This lotions targets ingrown hairs, razor bumps/burns and redness. It smells nice and fresh.. lets see if it works!

Lifestyle Choice - Birchbox Lipstick Pen (£2.50)
I've had one lipstick pen before in red and it was encrusted with red diamantes, and I loved it! Unfortunately I lost it so this has just replaced that hole! I love stationary, and there's nothing cuter than writing with pink pens... lipstick ones at that!

I'm going to get full use out of pretty much all of these products (except the hair wax spray). Really impressed.. and Birchbox, if you're reading.... please replace those drawstring bags with these!

What did you think of this months Birchbox?

#CurrysMovieNight

A lot of us have a nostalgic film that we were obsessed with as kids, and no matter how 'childish' it may seem to us as we grow older, it always has a special place in our heart, and it never fails to entertain us throughout our years.

That film for me is Disney's Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Mary Poppins is the biggest fantasy film of them all with horses hopping off carousels, people jumping into paintings, and a magical nanny that flies with an umbrella. It's quite apt because I dislike most modern day fantasy films now, I'm more of a realist girl, however because I grew up with this film, the magic behind it all I'm used to and have grown to love it.

I can't recall this moment, but my mum tells me at 4 years old I used to steal her sweeping brush and dance along with the chimney sweepers in the living room when they came on the TV screen.. I wish she took a photo!

I know pretty much every word to the film (and yes, I'm one of those annoying people that cannot refrain from saying the odd (several hundred) lines out loud as I'm watching it, so don't sit next to me!)

Taken in Magic Kingdom, Florida, last year (and no, none of those are me stood with Pops, unfortunately!)

I love the soundtrack to the film as well, almost every song is such a feel good pick-me-up song that lingers for hours afterwards (much to the annoyance of my boyfriend!). What makes it worse - I have them on CD as part of a Disney soundtrack that I play in the car. The poor soul can't escape them! I've several times over the years acted the songs out whilst I'm in the kitchen cooking tea, actions n' all!

I couldn't even choose a favourite soundtrack if you paid me (well... ok.. maybe!). I really do love them all. My most common favourite outbursts are usually 'It's a Jolly Holiday', 'The Perfect Nanny' or 'Lets go Fly a Kite' - ahh - so many! The majority of the songs are all really upbeat tracks full of positivity, independency and encouragement that emphasis how important it is to reach for your dreams and never give up.  Although 'The Perfect Nanny' isn't necessarily upbeat, I just love the rhyming words that are included, with a little bit of humour in there for good measure; 'if you wont scold and, dominate us, we will never give you cause to hate us' 'We won't hide your spectacles so you can't see, put toads in your bed, or pepper in your tea'. It highlights how mischievous children of that age can be!
I like Uncle Albert's 'I Love to Laugh' scene whereby he is 'sitting' on the ceiling and bursts into this song, which highlights how important it is to laugh in life; "The more I laugh, the more I'm a merrier me" - so true. They then continue to have a tea party.. yes.. on the ceiling. I think laughing in general is a feel-good factor that lifts everyone's spirits.

What I love about this musical is that all of the main characters in the film each have their own personality and contribute with a song to match this, unlike some other musicals where it always appears to be the same character's singing, which can get a little tiresome. I like variation!

The whole soundtrack is something I can sing along too, reminisce about my own childhood, and the songs are easy enough to teach to my own children one day.



I'm currently teaching my 4 year old niece the words to the famous 'Supercalifragalisticexpialidocious,' a word to say when you don't know what to say! I'm determined to keep my love for it in the family, and until I have children of my own, my niece is my next best option! I must film her trying to sing it sometime.. it's so sweet!

I was so sad when I realized Mary Poppins was touring in the West End and I'd missed all the dates... when I discovered this she was making her way through Broadway in New York. Unfortunately I didn't quite persuade my boyfriend to take me to New York, no matter how many times I fluttered my eyelashes at him... maybe next time! ;-)

And just for the sake of this blog post, I may, just may, stick the DVD on right now, just talking about it has got me all giddy!

I'm always intrigued to know (but never will find out!) - If I was to watch Mary Poppins now for the first time, at the age of 29, would I like it? Hmmm... who knows!

Mary Poppins, Practically Perfect in Everyway.

This is my competition entry to #currysmovienight with Currys PC world. Find details here about the competition, but hurry, the deadline is midnight on 12th October!

Loro Parque, Tenerife

For those of you who read my previous post you will know I have recently come back from Tenerife.

It was a last minute getaway for us, so unlike normal, not a lot of planning/research went into our trip, we did however decide one thing, and that was to visit Loro Parque. None of us are animal lovers by a long shot, but the area we were staying in was really quiet with not a great deal to do, so this helped break the week up.

We got talked into buying VIP passes which entitled us to priority seating at all shows,  lunch as well as a behind the scenes tour with a guide.

Upon entering (after having standard photo taken with 2 parrots that you could later buy.. the photo that is.. not the parrots!) we walked round the park and began to notice how well kept the park was... all grass lawns looked perfect, cleaners were inside animal areas cleaning the glass, there were staff watering plants everywhere.. it just felt like it was really looked after which is always nice to know.

Because we were VIPs (its not often I can say that!) we were given a recommended schedule on which shows to watch at certain times.. we stuck to this because it was just easier. We took a slow stroll round the park, seeing a huge range of animals. The monkeys were my favourites as always - one older monkey came up to the glass (we were the only ones viewing them at this time) and he had a huge staring match with us, then picked up some mud and threw it at the glass right where we were stood. Safe to say if it wasn't for that glass, we would have been a little dirty! It was funny nonetheless.

Guy in question!

Our first show was the Dolphins, and they were so cute. Very intelligent too. My favourite moment was when a little girl was in a boat and the dolphin pulled the boat round the pool with some string, giving the girl a ride. We then went straight to the Orca show which I really enjoyed too.. the entertainment beforehand was really good as well.

After this was lunch time. Our package consisted of a 3 course meal. Luckily none of the courses were that big, so I managed to eat it all! We then had to go and find our tour guide for the next hour. She was really informative and I learnt loads that afternoon. We got to go behind the scenes into rooms which 'normal' tourists haven't got access to. We even got to go see the Orca's from underwater - they got so close to the window that you could see every detail on their skin. I'm no animal lover but I was pretty impressed! Down here was were the trainers hung out between shifts too. We got to see what they fed the monkeys each day, and also their bedrooms.. they're all so well looked after!

I know animal based parks create a lot of controversy but the tour guide stated how a lot of the animals that come here, because of their natural habitats and the way the climate is, as well as lack of food etc, wouldn't have survived long. However coming to Loro Parque has prolonged their lives by many years... They often do release many back into the wild too, but was adament that they get better treat there than probably most of us do!

After the tour we saw our last show of the day, the sealions. These didn't appease me as much as the other 2 but I still enjoyed it.

All in all, a very good day. It's classed as the No 1 attraction on Tripadvisor in Puerto De La Cruz, and I can see why.

This post is not paid or sponsored. All opinions are my own, as always. 

On My Travels: Tenerife

I've very recently returned from a week away in Tenerife and luckily the holiday blues are still yet to set in.. maybe when I return to work!

If I'm honest, Tenerife wasn't my first choice when booking this holiday. It was a last minute deal with Thomas Cook (a real last minute, I'm talking 3 days prior!). The holiday was mainly to chill out and relax and take things easy, and this we definitely did! I loved knowing we never had to get up early for something (as like my last 2 main holidays in Florida & Vegas!). Everything was really laid back but I really enjoyed the change of scenery.

We stayed at the 'Best Semiramis' Spa Hotel in Puerto De La Cruz. This is meant to be a 5* hotel (although I'd rate it a little lower). Either way, we were told that this was once the best hotel in the area up until a couple of years ago when another one was built. Ours then took second place.. it was nice knowing we were staying in a bit of luxury though!



Clockwise from top left - View from balcony. Cute little house (can I live here please?). Sunset. Waffle and icecream!

Staying on a B&B basis, most days were spent strolling down for breakfast at 9.30ish, and having a huge array of breakfast foods to choose from. To save money, we made sure we stocked our bellies up on food with the hope that it'd see us through till tea time! Most days it did, with maybe a naughty mid-afternoon snack from the shop in between! After this we'd spend an hour or 2 on the internet in the lobby overlooking the sea (there was no wi-fi in the rooms, how annoying!). I know using the internet on holiday is controversial, but it gave me the time to do things I like, usually time that I haven't got back home. Then we'd walk up the road, taking a slow stroll round the shops, maybe stopping off for a drink in a quiet café. We'd then come back to the hotel room and play games on the balcony (the view was to die for!). At tea time we'd take a stroll into the centre where we'd find more restaurants, stopping off for tea at one of them. After tea we'd take a stroll round all the shops (there's something about shopping in the evening that I really love!). Occasionally we'd find a bench overlooking the beach and just people watch as the sun set. One of the days we went to Loro Parque which is a huge animal park with dolphin/sea lion shows etc. Its rated as the No1 attraction in Tenerife so we were lucky to be so close to it. It didn't disappoint but I'll keep that for another post.

Clockwise from Top Left - Loro Parque Orca Show, Sunset, Street Side Italian Restaurant, Beach.

All in all, although we never did much, I kinda liked the laidback feel of not feeling rushed and committed to doing anything. I've returned feeling really refreshed from it, and for once in a long time, I've returned from a holiday not feeling shattered and in need of constant sleep (it did help that there was no time difference too!).

Have you been on any relaxing breaks recently?

Review: September's Degustabox

I received my degustabox last week but only returned from my holiday last night so have only just had chance to open it! (needless to say it was a lovely package to look forward to on my return!).

For those that are new to Degustabox, it is a monthly food subscription box delivered to your door every month. There are 2 boxes to choose from, an alcohol and non-alcohol version. Doing a review I got the opportunity to sample all items from both boxes.

Lets take a closer look...

Snacks

Pick Up! - (5 pack - £1.69)
I can honestly say I've never seen these in the shops before but I've just sampled the milk chocolate one and they are yummy! Perfect to stick in your handbag for on the go, or in your lunch box!

Elizabeth Shaw Mint Thins (£2.50)

I remember receiving something similar in my first ever Degustabox - these are very alike but mint infused.. I have yet to try these but can imagine them being like Mint Matchsticks - Either way, its chocolate so no doubt I'll love it! Elizabeth Shaw products always seem to be a winner.

Burts Lentil Waves (69p per pack)

When I first saw these and read 'lentil' I thought they were actual lentils! I was obviously so wrong! These are healthy alternatives to crisps, with only 99kcals per pack (perfect for that upcoming diet of mine!). With the 3 flavours provided (Thai Sweet Chilli, Sour Cream & Chive, and Lightly Salted) I can't wait to try these out!

Drinks

Once again Degustabox have offered us to try another cold tea variant. This time a brand called 'Little Miracles' (£1.59 per bottle). I've already tried the Lemongrass Tea and it was a really light refreshing taste, if a bit misleading! The smell of ginger is quite overpowering, but upon drinking it the taste just lingers in the background and is no way as powerful as the scent makes you believe! I'm not a huge fan of flavoured teas, however I am always open to new things so the remaining flavor (Green Tea) I will take to work with me on Monday and sip at my desk. Its nice knowing your drinking a bottle of goodness instead of some carbonated sugar filled gassy drink.

Crabbies Lemonade (£1.20 per bottle) - I really like the vintage look to this bottle... I may be sad and keep it! I have yet to try this but not many people can go wrong with Lemonade, and I'm expecting good things from Crabbies!

Crabbies Alcoholic Fruits (Zesty Lemon - 4%. £1.50 per bottle)
I'm not a huge alcohol drinker at all but I do love lemon flavoured things, of all varieties, so I may just have to give this a bash! The good thing is with its low alcohol percentage, this could even be enjoyed on a work night (should I push the boat out!).

Breakfast

I was mightily impressed when I saw Jordan's Granola in the box (RRP - £2.69). I often buy Jordan's cereals, and I love granola too, so this was a win-win for me. This granola has a hint of honey which sounds intriguing! I usually add yogurt and fruit to mine to add more flavor. I for sure know what I'm having for breakfast this coming week!

La Vieja Fabrica Marmalade (£1.59). There's not many things I dislike food wise, but marmalade is one of them. We received a hamper last Christmas with some marmalade in, and I'm afraid to say it's still sat in the cupboard unopened, so before I build on my collection, I'm going to pass this on to my mum as I know she occasionally enjoys it on toast.

Cooking Ingredients

Nestle - Carnation Cook with it! These fit perfectly into my cooking skills - I often make dishes that require cream (i.e. curries and carbonara's). I'm really naughty and usually buy full fat cream so the fact that these are 1/2 the amount of fat is a complete bonus for me as I usually feel really guilty after eating those meals! I'm actually cooking a carbonara tonight so I will definitely be using one of these!

Righteous - These are taster pots of full size versions of salad dressings (225ml - £2.49 per bottle). The flavours sound yummy. We have a lot of salads so I'll definitely get some use from these!

As always, Degustabox always take care when packing their items, glass items are always individually wrapped with extra bubble wrap to protect against any breakages. I was really impressed with this months box, and apart from the marmalade I think I will get regular use out of all of these food items. For £12.99 (inc delivery) why not treat yourself... although a little warning, they become addictive!