Supermarket sweep - the jumper edition

Is there anything more tempting than those hidden clothing sections in the supermarkets? Especially when you're trying to count pennies before Christmas. Surely a couple of jumpers popped into the trolley along with the Quality Sweet isn't going to break the bank - is it?

Disclaimer - yes it can! But as long as you shop wisely and remember budgets, there are some gems to be found in our supermarkets. Here's a couple of jumpers I picked up recently at Tesco and Asda.

This first striped number is from George at Asda. I picked my normal size 20/22 and there's plenty of room so maybe size down if you want it more fitted.

The second jumper is from F&F at Tesco. I have a bit of a love/hate thing with F&F clothing. I don't always think they're that cheap for supermarket clothing, their sizing is a bit hit and miss and you can't order their clothing online anymore. But even after all that, this was a love at first sight jumper.

I'm wearing a 22 here and I think it's pretty true to size. Both jumpers are soft and snuggly and very comfortable - which at the end of the day is pretty much my number one priority!

Can I also mention my coat? This was also a purchase from George at Asda and is nearly 5 years old. There's so much 'fast fashion' around nowadays (and as a blogger I know there are times when we add to the problem with monthly hauls, purchases etc). It still fits, makes me feel good so why replace it? Even if it is tempting to buy a new coat every season, anything we can do to re-use and recycle has to be good for the environment and our purses.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

New bedding makeover with JD Williams*

It’s that time of year when you really want to be snuggly, warm and cosy.

The only problem is, our bedroom is blue. Not blue in the sad sense, but blue in colour, and I mean blue everywhere! It was one of those projects we just never got around to sorting. So when the lovely folk at JD Williams got in touch to review some homeware, in particular bedding sets and throws, I realised this was the perfect time to inject some colour and warmth into the bedroom.

First up, I chose the red fern reversible duvet set because I think it looks like Christmas bedding, without actually being Christmas bedding. Which is great, because let’s face it, a Santa duvet in June never feels quite the same! It looks perfect teamed with red sheets and pillow cases to give it extra warmth, but a classic white set would look lovely as well.

The second duvet set was the Logan check reversible flannelette duvet cover set. It’s brushed cotton and I don’t think I’ve had any flannelette bedding since I was a child, but oh my goodness, what have I been missing out on! It’s so warm and snuggly. Definitely heavier than your standard duvet cover but this extra weight just helps to keep you warmer. This set was a real winner as my other half was convinced he didn’t like brushed cotton – although now I think I’ll have a problem getting him to like anything else!

Both duvet sets have button fastenings (is there anything more annoying than hearing the ‘pop’ of a bottom edge coming undone in the night…?) so these were ideal. And with both sets being reversible it helps you mix it up depending on how you feel.

Finally, this beautiful fleece throw from Boden completed the warm red cosy feeling I was trying to achieve. It gives a real Scandinavian feel, but would also be perfect for a Valentine themed bedroom (and let’s be honest, the decs were barely down this year before the first Valentine cards were in the shop).

However it’s destined not just to stay in the bedroom, it’s a perfect throw for a warm ‘duvet’ day on the sofa! Double sided with a cream fleece on one side and red and grey hearts on the other - I suspect I’ll be fighting the cat for ownership of this.

So a big thank you to the folks at JD Williams – our bedroom no longer feels quite so cold and arctic! There’s plenty of choice so have a look to see how you could brighten up your home this year.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

*Items sent for review - words and opinions all my own

Jumping into Winter

Hello there,

I'm not quite sure where I am with the weather at the moment - it got cold - I bought a few new jumpers and hats - now it's warm again. Grr!

Anyway, despite the unseasonably warm weather, I have a new selection of knitwear to show you. Which is just as well really as I got a bit too enthusiastic sorting out clothes for charity and gave away loads - does anyone else do that?

First up hats. I have a problem with hats - I love them. I seem to have hats in every colour and shape. These ones are all from Primark and at £2 - £3.50 each, it doesn't feel like too much of a bad obsession....

Then the jumpers, first up is a daisy print one from George at Asda. Not especially seasonal but oh so comfy! It's quite lightweight so will be a good one for early Spring wear as well.

The next jumper - I have to admit was bought months ago in the Marks & Spencer sale. I had almost forgotten about it. Very warm - but a bit awkward when eating (those cuffs!).

I love stars, I seem to have a ridiculous amount of tops with stars on, so why not get one more? This one is from Simply Be.

Finally in the this mega jumper haul, two goodies from Primark. I saw this jumper in grey first and then a few weeks later in a plum colour. It seemed a shame not to have both.

There you have it, new jumpers for Winter.

And remember - everything looks better with a hat on!

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Glasgow getaway - part 1

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

As I publish this, it's Sunday evening and for a lot of people - they'll be having that sinking 'back to work' feeling. I know that feeling only too well! So big hugs for anyone feeling like that and forgive me spending a few minutes looking back at what I got up between Christmas and New Year.

It's become a bit of a tradition for myself and my mother to go away for a few days at Christmas. It's a different time every year depending on hotel deals, money and work commitments. This year, we flew up to Glasgow in Scotland on the 29th December. As amazing as New Year in Scotland is, I really wanted to be back home so we planned to come back on the 31st so I could see the New Year in with friends.

So here's a few piccies of what it all looked like. I'm lucky enough to live very close to Southampton Airport so Glasgow and many other places really only feel like a hop away - as long as I'm quick enough to get the cheap deals!!

I booked a rental car - something small and very very cheap. Luckily for me - our flight was delayed because of fog and this was all they had left!!

 

 

I nearly had kittens driving it to start with, but soon got used to it. It's the closest I'll ever come to owning a luxury car!

 

 

The hotel we stayed at is in the background here - The Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. It's a beautiful hotel with lovely staff. I just wish I could go back next week! 

 



View from across the River Clyde with the SECC (armadillo!) next to the hotel.

The coat is a bit of a oldie, I bought it in the sale last year from Simply Be - but it seemed a very suitable pattern to be wearing around Scotland. Plus it really is the warmest coat I have ever owned! I just didn't realise my gloves looked so green.....

Relaxing in the hotel bar and looking very pink :-)

We took a trip up to the Village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. A beautiful little village that is so quiet in the winter. I suspect it's anything but quiet in the summer though looking at the size of the carpark.

Now those that know me will know how much I love hot chocolate. And as hot chocolates go - this was one of the best. It was very hard to resist ordering a second one.

 I bought this top in Next before Christmas and saved it for this trip. It's a 22 and despite my reservations, washes really well and hasn't lost any sequins (yet). I haven't dared check to see if it's in the sale - it wasn't cheap but I just fell in love with it xx

Hope you enjoyed my piccies of Scotland - I suspect there may be more once I get hold of my mothers photos

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Tartan madness

So this may be a bit late - but hopefully someone may get a bargain.

I loved the tartan trend this winter, so much so that I splashed out and spent a (huge, for me) amount on a fab tartan coat from the Timeout range at Simply Be




It's now in the sale reduced from £90 to £18!! Arghhhhhh!!

But then, had I waited on the off chance that it would be reduced, I wouldn't have worn it over Christmas up in Scotland - and felt amazing!!

 Coat from Simply Be (22), Jeans (22) and boots from Marks & Spencer, Robin umbrella from Next (old, very old!)

 

 

So I guess the moral of this story is if you love something enough buy it....and don't look for it in the sales!!! I do love this coat though and can see it being a staple part of my wardrobe for many years.

 

 

Thanks for reading

 

 

Cathy

xx