Kipling bags have lots of pockets !!

I was delighted to find out that not only does Spartoo sell shoes they also sell bags and a delightfully big collection of bags too. I wanted to see if the stocked one of my favourite makes of everyday bags which is Kipling and was so pleased to see that they do.

I am a big fan of Kipling bags, my whole family is actually. I have a few which I always use when I am travelling or going to festivals because they have so many pockets and are really easy to keep clean. The one I have can fit my camera in and has also been used for my university days, trips away and of course travelling. I like that you can pop them into the washing machine and have them clean after a long week in the Glastonbury mud.

I am actually looking for a smaller size Kipling bag to use when I am going to the airport and on day trips alongside another bag. I find that when I use bigger bags I can sometimes find myself spending ages looking for things right at the bottom of my handbag, they just seem to hide. Kipling bags are full of pockets and zips to keep everything safe and also to keep things in order.

There are some fab discounts over at Spartoo on shoes, bags and other accessories. I really want to make sure I treat myself to a new Kipling bag while their sale is on. I haven’t decided which style I need but I think that the HUBEI would be a fab shape and size to keep things organised and at each reach when travelling. The HUBEI is also bright purple which I think is fantastic and as it’s one of my favourite colours it will go with many outfits. Kipling always have very practical colours but whenever I have been looking at their new collections each year there is always a small selection of brightly coloured bags jumping out at me when I least expect it. I think that Kipling really makes an effort to only be very practical but to also offer fun and excitement to their buyers.

Oh I should mention that the bag above was from Tkmaxx a few years back and is still in fab condition.

HUBEI Purple

Do you have any Kipling bags ?

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Posted on the 31st January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 3 Comments ↓

Posted in spartoo

How I find motivation to go running..

If you follow me on Twitter you will know that I have been trying really hard with exercise over the past week. You may remember I said I was going to do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, I have been doing that and much more. I have been running twice a day for 30 – 40 minutes each time and then follow it up with some sit-ups in the evening.

I almost didn’t go for my second run this evening but I added a few cheesy songs to my iPod and put my running clothes on and was good to go. My plan was to just run for 10 minutes but I did my full 30 minutes and ended up running further than I had during my morning run. Once you get out into the fresh air it really gives you time to think and embrace keeping fit and healthy.

One of my bad habits when it comes to running is (was) that I put my Converse on and dash out the front door. Running in Converse is no good and have been told many times by various PT’s. It’s also very bad that I still wear them from time tot time when I have other alternatives, there is really no excuse. I spent the first few days running in Converse and realise my legs were really hurting and once I started running with my running shoes I really had no problems at all and it also made running much easier.

Running is not my favourite sport, some people really enjoy it and are good at it but not me. I love to swim, play squash, badminton and I really enjoy the cross trainer at the gym but running has never been my strong point. I have made a big effort to embrace running as it’s an easy sport to work into your daily life especially as you can do it for free. If you want to take up a sport or add exercise into your life then you must make sure you enjoy it, can learn to enjoy it or have easy access to it. I think having to jump in the car to drive to a gym can be off putting but stepping outside your front door is so easy and there are very few excuses to stop you from leaving for a jog.

I started running when we had a running machine a few years back and also used it at the various gyms I have belonged to. I no longer have a running machine and I don’t have a gym membership so I really make use of running outside for the first time ever. I think I am lucky to live near the sea and the countryside, it means I have lots of scope to enjoy running in pretty areas. If I was in Manchester I wouldn’t be one of these people jogging through the city. I like to be alone and not pass too many people so for now this works best for me, if I was in the city I think I would join a gym.

So far I am on track with trying to loose weight and tone up, I am enjoying my exercise routine and when I feel I am getting bored I change the route of my run. I think I will have to start doing an indoor work out because I hear snow might be coming our way, I have a few exercise videos and have been to enough classes to be able to put a little lesson plan together for myself.

I really do believe that once exercise is part of your routine then it turns into a habit and you will miss it being in your life if you stop.

Do you go running ?

Do you like sport and keeping fit ?

Would you be interested to know what I listen to when I run ? – Warning.. it’s cheesy !

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Posted on the 31st January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 8 Comments ↓

Posted in converse

Ring Storage

Hello everyone, I hope you have all had a fab Monday !

A while back I shared some photos of rings I have and was asked by a reader to show how I store my rings. I have scooted back over my posts and can’t seem to find who asked this but if I find out I shall edit their name into this post.

I thought that sharing how I store my rings would be a good idea because I don’t have a big collection and have only just been given something pretty to store them on. I got this ring holder for Christmas, it was for sale in a local shop which was closing down. My dad spotted it first and asked if I wanted it and then added that he was sick of finding my rings sitting about the house. I of course said yes and have been using it ever since, there is still a few more rings which I have but are knocking about in bags and on shelves so you can’t seem them here.

I adore the idea of wearing rings, I try to keep them on for as long as I can but that never lasts all day. I usually ending putting them into a zip pocket within my bag or placing them nicely down near the piano. I would love to be able to be someone who keeps their rings on all day but that’s not my style. I would never want a very expensive ring either, I wouldn’t wear it…even an engagement ring.. and would never want someone to pick a ring for me as I am just too fussy.

Ebay is a fab place to find rings, I have ordered quite a few for just a few pounds from various sellers. I also like to visit shops on Etsy and Bigcartel for more unique jewellery and to support independent sellers. You could visit the follow shops if you are looking for unique rings:

I only buy jewellery from places like Topshop, UO and other similar stores when it’s in the sale. I really don’t think their jewellery is worth paying full price for because I usually find that it turns me green or it breaks very easily. The ring in the photo below was a few pounds in the Topshop sale and is turning a different colour now but I still quite like it and it’s comfortable to wear so it’s staying in my mini collection.

The round chalkboard ring below is from Wired Jewellery and is one of my favourite rings. It’s fun to have something you can draw onto to make it more unique. The ring below is from Primark quite a while back but they always have fun bits of jewellery in stock.

This funny little ring was one my mum picked up from her travels and is comfortable to wear. I sometimes wear this when I no I don’t have to take coats or jumpers off because otherwise it usually gets stuck. It looks fun with a simple evening dress and isn’t usually what people are expecting to see.

I think that finding jewellery which is eye catching is always a good way to go, if it’s going to be a talking point then that is a good thing especially if it is very colourful. It’s fun to wear interesting things to add something special to your outfit or change that Topshop dress that everyone is wearing into something more unique.

I watched a video by Nia today who talks more about layering jewellery and it may come in handy to some of you, I really enjoyed it.

Do you have any favorite places to buy rings and necklaces ?

Do you wear rings ?

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Posted on the 30th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 11 Comments ↓

Posted in jewellery

Things to Make You Smile on Etsy..

Iota Illustration

Kikichoo

Finger Food Delight

Three fab Etsy sellers with beautiful stock to make you smile, I think I need everything they sell in my life.

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Posted on the 29th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 11 Comments ↓

Posted in things that make me smile

Relax with Baking..

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a lovely weekend and really make the most of your Sunday. I think that Sunday is always a nice day to get the little things done that you don’t have time for during the week. I have quite a few decision to make at the moment, I have one pretty big one actually and it is really taking over my mind. I find that when I feel stressed or am thinking too much about one thing I need to find something to take my mind of things. I am not someone who escapes to have a nap and avoid the thoughts, I still like to keep them in my mind but be doing something else so that it isn’t taking over me.

Yesterday I decided I would bake a Victoria sponge, I used a Delia Smith recipe from her Complete Cookery Course book and have also found it online – How to make all-in-one sponge. It s a very easy recipe to follow and the only downfall to my cake was that I mixed it too much, I have a kMix and totally got carried away with using it. If you noticed you have lots of air bubbles or holes inside your cake then you know you have mixed it for too long, it doesn’t affect the taste but it’s just a tip to avoid doing it next time as it causes the middle to rise quite high.

I did the good old thing of typing into google ‘how to make the best buttercream’ and I came straight to one of my favourite baking websites The Kitchen Magpie and found exactly what I was looking for. I really recommend using Karlynns’s recipe for buttercream, it would be perfect for icing cupcakes.

Adding icing is always a messy job.

Baking is one of my top 5 things to do to relax, would you be interested in seeing more ?
What do you do to relax ?

Oh, I really want to share with you the decision I have to make but I can’t just yet.

xx

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Posted on the 29th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 10 Comments ↓

Posted in Food & Drink

Always buy a hat in the sale..

I buy most of my hats in the sale and usually stock up on them during January. You will find that most hats go into the sale around this time of the year. In England we can usually chuck on a good old bowler hat during the summer as well as autumn, so if you are someone who wears hats you will get lots of use out of them.

I have been browsing the ASOS website to find some hats to add to my collection ( from the sale only ). I have put together a collection of six fantastic hats which I think are worth adding to your collection. I have chosen to share items from ASOS for a second time this month because I love the variety of prices you find as well as the wide range of styles. ASOS really is a one stop shop for everything you need to stock your wardrobe.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Just click on the numbers to take you to where the hat lives. I am really hoping to invest in a few of these this week, I wear hats all through the winter so I never feel as though I am wasting money on them.

Which is your favourite ?

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Posted on the 27th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 10 Comments ↓

Posted in clothes, Clothes, fashion, hats

Pastel Nails..

I am craving sunshine and the pastel colours that summer always brings. There are so many yummy candy coloured clothes knocking about and I can’t wait to have some fun with them in the summer sun. For now I have decided that the best way to start incorporating pastel shades into my outfits is via my nails. I got myself Minty Fresh by No7 with one of those £5.00 vouchers they have in Boots at the moment, I am really glad I went for pastel blue because it goes perfectly with the pink dresses and shirts I have been wearing. I decided to also use Barry M 039 alongside Minty Fresh, I think they go delightfully well together and candy nails really add something fun to your outfit.

Are you starting to incorporate pastel shades into your outfits ?

Minty Fresh : No7, 039 and Topcoat : Barry M

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Posted on the 25th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 12 Comments ↓

Posted in nail polish, nail varnish

Munio Candela : Review

I start using candles around the run up to Christmas, I like to use them to make my house smell festive and usually use the Yankee – Christmas Eve scent or a cheaper version of it. If I am given some for Christmas I will continue using them till they run out but don’t usually head out and buy any myself. I did buy them whilst I was at university because you really have to make an effort to make your room beautiful which is had when you are in halls.

I spotted the new Munio Candela range of candles over at Mypure at the start of this month knew I had to try them. I know that cheap candles can be made with chemicals that really shouldn’t be breathed in by the human body, so I thought I should try out a good make and especially as Munio Candela candles are all natural I knew I was heading in the right direction. I always go straight for anything which contains cinnamon so I decided that this would have to be the first one in the collection I tested. I would like to try the clove scent next time or maybe I will go for something new like the Marigold Flowers.

I was very glad I went for my usual cinnamon scent because it has really done a fantastic job, as soon as I opened the candle and took it out of the box it filled the lounge with a beautiful smell. I didn’t light it till a few days later and even whilst it was sitting on the side everyone noticed the lovely smell it was giving off. I have been burning it for a few nights now and have had the full chance to take in how lovely the scent is. It isn’t overpowering but you are very aware of the smell in the room, it’s a pleasure to be sitting amongst such a wonderful cinnamon smell whilst working on my laptop.

The Munio candles are totally natural and last for 50% longer than other candles their size. I really like that you can see the cinnamon sticks around the candle, it makes you aware that the candle is made very naturally and also makes it look very pretty.

I normally find it hard to spend money on candles, I think they make lovely presents for others and would be very happy to receive a special candle like this as a gift. However, I would buy the Munio Candela candle for myself because I now know how lovely they are. It isn’t something I would be paying out for every month but maybe every other month. I have a feeling this candle will be lasting me much longer than a month, I haven’t had to keep this candle lit all evening because the smell lasts very well throughout the evening. I will keep you updated with how long this Munio Candela candle lasts me and will share photos on my Facebook page.

The candle I picked was 220ml and has a total burning time of 15 hours, I think that’s quite good for £11.00. I don’t think I would spend more than maybe £15.00 on a (large) candle and even then that would be a push. I don’t think I am at a stage in my life where I am earning enough to buy such luxury candles, I think that £11.00 is a nice price to pay for a good quality, natural and long lasting candle.

A candle really makes your home feel cosy, it’s easy to forget this sometimes and I only tend to remember around Christmas time. I want to make more of an effort to use candles this year, I think they can give off a relaxing feeling and help to keep you calm if your mind has been busy at work all day.

I think that the Munio Candela candle range would make a fantastic gift or be a nice way to treat yourself once in a while.

Do you buy candles often ?

How much would you usually spend on a candle ?

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Posted on the 24th January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 5 Comments ↓

Posted in reviews

Music to Listen to in 2012

The Pantomime Villains – Told You So

Hello everyone, it’s been a while since I did a music post on here as I usually send you in the direction of Shell Zenner . Today I am sharing a band with you that I think is worth having a little listen to. It’s been quite some time since I listened to any new music, I just haven’t been feeling much of what’s been about these days but I have really taken to The Pantomime Villains. I have been tweeting about them for the past week as I knew that their first EP – Told You So was out today. I am pretty sure you have seen the link to their Youtube page where you get a sneaky peek at the new tracks form their EP. If you haven’t had chance to listen then click play below and let me know what you think.

You can download Told You So from all the best music stores, just head over to iTunes or Play and hit buy. The EP costs just £1.99 for 5 fab tracks which is less than a skinny latte in Starbucks and lasts much longer too.. so what are you waiting for …?!

The EP is out via Ban The Mindreader Records which is a new indie label based in Kent, you all know how much I love supporting new startups, you can give them a bit of love over on Twitter.

I really like the cover work too, you may recognise it from one of the ads on my blog, it’s by Ben Cameron over at Strange Paul.

Let me know what you think of the tracks and artwork.

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Posted on the 23rd January, 2012 by prettygreentea — 3 Comments ↓

Posted in music

What I Wore: Sunday – 22/01/12 – New Ankle Boots..

Hello everyone, I have lots to tell you about this weekend. I went to London on Saturday to the David Hockney exhibition, but I will tell you more about that tomorrow. Today I want to share with you my outfit, especially my shoes.

Today I went for a walk ( two walks and then one run actually ) down to Southwold Pier. It was quite a windy day and luckily I put my Topshop mac on over my outfit which stopped my skirt flying all over the place. We all had an ice cream on the pier and went walking a little more, ice cream is one of my favourite things. The sun was shining whilst we were on our walk so I was able to forgive the wind for being so dramatic.

I decided to take a few photographs of my outfit when I got home, I should have really done them at the beach but I thought it may have been too windy. I have been using this Topshop bag for most of the week, it is very handy to use as it contains quite a few pockets. The only downside to this bag ( apart from it being a little old ) is that it gets heavy really quickly. I usually have a notebook and my diary with me but because the bottom of the bag isn’t stiff it makes all the weight go to the middle and really pull down on my shoulder. I then have my camera bag wrapped around me too which means I carry even more than just one heavy bag.

Today was the first outing for my new shoes, they joined me on one of my two walks today but not when I went running… obviously. They were very comfy and I didn’t twist my ankle in them which is always a bouns. I think I may need to wear a pair of socks with them next time because they were a tiny bit loose on my heel. I wore my favourite skirt from Gap with my new shoes, the skirt has lovely little birds all over it and is one of my favourite pieces at the moment. This photo shows how much the wind was blowing my skirt around.

I felt the perfect height in these ankle boots, it was nice to have a little extra height for a change. I think the colour of these boots are really fab, it’s not the usual colour I would go for but they are going to be really easy to match up with other outfits. I like how they look with the purple tights I am wearing, I think they will go nicely with other colourful tights and maybe even skin coloured tights in the summer (if I am feeling brave). I also want to try wearing them with some funky socks over a pair of black tights or maybe a pair of frilly socks to give them a cute girly look.

I would like to try more from the Best Mountain range, they have some very lovely cowboy boots in red which I think will look delightful with pretty dresses in the summer. I know it might be cheesy but I would wear the red cowboy boots with a white frilly dress, I really think I need them in my life.

I was so busy taking photographs of my new shoes that I forgot to get a proper shot of the top half of my outfit. I wore a pink gap T-shirt with my grey New Look cardigan to keep me extra warm under my coat. I had to go for a hat which wasn’t going to fly off my head in the windy weather today, this one is from H&M about a year back and goes well with all the different scarves I have. The snood was a good old Primark buy for about £2.00 at some point back in October 2011.

What I wore: Cardigan: New Look, T-shirt and skirt: Gap, Bag: Topshop, Shoes: c/o Spartoo. The bird on my scarf was a gift from my auntie the other year, it was from Nexus in Manchester.

What did you do this weekend ?

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