The Monday Piece - Light Up Christmas Jumper

This week's Monday Piece is on this light up Christmas jumper! Cheesy Christmas jumpers is THE place to get over the top, amazing Christmas jumpers - they are tonnes of fun and look and feel awesome! They are mega eye catching and you do attract a little attention when wearing them, but I love it and think that's what a decent Christmas jumper is all about.

The festive jumper website is just what you need to get you in the mood for all of the festivities, they have a selection of silly, eye catching styles, including a jumper that fits two people inside! I chose this insane light up style with bobbles and bright colours, there's a discreet hidden button within the jumper so you can turn it on and off as you like! It's just ace and a real talking point, I can't wait to wear it in the run up to the 25th!

Size wise Cheesy Christmas Jumpers are true to size, I went for a medium as I like a baggy fit, and it's ideal because it fits Nick a treat too! There'll definitely be a fight as to who gets to wear it on Christmas Day!
X

*c/o Cheesy Christmas jumpers light up jumper, here*

Tailored Coat

I picked up this coat as a Birthday/Christmas gift from me to me...i think it's important to treat yourself especially when you work hard so i'm using that as another excuse! All Saints again lured me in and i got a few amazing, simple, classic pieces. I've been looking for a winter coat for a while and have struggled to find something tailored and chic, but came across this one and it was love at first sight! It's sleek and all black, with a split up the back, single button fastening, and horse hair high collar - there's enough detail for it to be interesting, but simple enough to wear with everything, hooray!
X

*All Saints coat*
*TK Maxx t-shirt*
*Zara jeans*
*Topshop boots*
*Prada bag*
*Michael Kors pompom*
*Necklace, Rome*
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Christmas Stocking Fillers

This week's Monday Piece is on Christmas Stocking Fillers! The country has gone Christmas mad again and everyone seems to have started getting things organised for the festive season and started their Christmas shopping, so i'm getting involved with picking a selection of awesome fun bits from festive site Stocking Fillers. It is an absolute treasure trove for cool bits and bobs - Christmas should be fun, and i always love picking up a few fun filled gifts for my pals and loved ones, seeing someone smile opening their prezzies is the best feeling, and even better when they only cost you a little!

Cuddly toys, little gadgets and nostalgic gifts are always a winner at Christmas, whether you're buying for a little person or a grown up you'll be spoiled for choice shopping on the Stocking Fillers website. If you're unsure of what to get or are after something last minute and readily wrapped, there are also a selection of ready-made Christmas stockings that are ideal for saving time and money! Some of their best sellers include a grow your own venus fly trap, bath gems and sweet treats like jelly beans - awesome top up gifts that make the day that little bit more special.

The website is great for budgeting too as there are lots of cheap stocking fillers as well as a priced sections for gifts. They also have 10% off all orders until the 1st December with the code TINSEL, and free delivery for all orders over £40, so now is the time to get those fillers sorted!
X

Rush Hair Birmingham Review

A few weeks ago i attended the opening of the new Rush Hair salon in central Birmingham, my hair was long overdue a tidy up so i was keen to get in and get it done! The salon is located just opposite House of Fraser in the centre of the city so it's easy to find and get to whether you're getting the train or driving. It's SO sleek and looks awesome, everything is high shine and feels luxurious and almost spa like. I was given a nice hot cup of tea and some chocolates whilst i was waiting, then Head Stylist David came over to say hello and get me seated ready for my trim.

Their customer service levels were absolutely amazing, often in hairdressers you find that they're trying to rush you, or that they don't really listen to what you say - we've all been there when you ask for a certain style and leave with a cut and finish you really didn't what, and one you're not happy with - so it was great to be made to feel comfortable and relaxed. David listened to everything i had to say, and was mega attentive and really helpful, he first washed my hair using Kerastase products - i'd not used this brand before but had heard a lot about it and wasn't disappointed, my hair was softer and shinier and looked so much better just after the first wash!

After being washed my tresses were ready for their trim, i only wanted a little bit off the length and a general tidy up, and usually go into panic mode when i see a big pair of scissors coming at me and my locks, but David knew exactly what i wanted and took his time, carefully and slowly snipping away. I was relieved to be honest, it rages me when hairdressers snip snip snip too quickly as you can't see how much is being taken off, but this wasn't like that at all! My hair was then blow dried and styled into a sleek, tidy and clean look, it looked great compared to before and even though i only had a little off it made a huge difference. I then had a chat with David about the products he used, and what he thought would be best for my hair, which was helpful and interesting - it's definitely made me think twice about using any type of product!

It was such a pleasure to get my hair done at Rush, and it's a salon i'll definitely be using again, i thoroughly recommend it and as they've just opened there are some fab new client offers, check them all out here. They're open seven days a week too so there's sure to be an appointment to suit your lifestyle!
X

Address
Unit S10, (72 Corporation Street), Martineau Place
Birmingham
West Midlands
B2 4UQ

Opening Hours
Mon to Wed: 9am – 8pm
Thurs & Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 9am to 6pm
Sun: 10am to 5pm

*c/o Rush hair cut and blow dry*

All Saints Jumper

All Saints is one of my favourite lust worthy shops, the muted and monochrome colours and simple, timeless styles get me every time! There's an outlet at Gloucester Quays that i like to pop to occasionally as they have tonnes of bargains and styles that i love. I picked up this wool jumper from their recently and have been wearing it with all of my other favourite autumn pieces. I recommend Gloucester Quays too if you live locally, it's been regenerated during the last few years and is fab for a day out shopping and eating as they have lots of yummy eateries and high street outlet shops - including Nike, Calvin Klein and home wear things too like Le Creuset which is so posh! Their fitness shops are ace and ideal for when i'm looking for new gym stuff, especially as i've been trying to get into a better workout routine during the last few months. There's so much pretty gym gear about though, my favourite for yoga inspo at the moment is Lole Women, their yoga pants are calling me! I've been meaning to get myself booked in for a Pilates class for a while and i definitely think these trews would make me more motivated to do so :).
X

*All Saints jumper*
*J Brand jeans*
*Phillip Lim Pashli bag*
*Dune boots, here*
*Necklace, Rome,
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Men's Gift Ideas

This week's Monday Piece is on Men's gift ideas! Christmas is on it's way and i've just about started to get into the swing of doing my Christmas shopping and figuring out what i want to get my loved ones. I think Christmas should be fun and i like to pick fun, simple gifts, though i find it super easy to shop for the girls and women in my life, i find it more tricky when choosing for the chaps - maybe because they're more fussy...or because they're less easily pleased!

I've been browsing sites, checking out the latest gifts for men, including classic things and stocking fillers, and have found so much on toy/gadget/fun website Hawkin's Bazaar  as they sell a wide variety of things ideal for opening up on Christmas morning! Boys love their toys, whether young or old most guys love a cool gadget or grown up toy - beanie hats with integrated headphones, selfie sticks, and a desk vacuum cleaner make good fun, practical and ace gifts. Definitely check out their site for some inspiration, plus it's at bargain prices which is always nice :).

I think whoever you're looking to treat this Christmas, there's something for everyone as Hawkin's Bazaar, especially if you're after unusual gifts or something a little quirky like a lollipop with a scorpion inside...tasty! I've selected some men's gift ideas below, the remote control helicopters, Star Wars Origami and Downton Abbey game are sure to be a real crowd pleaser on the day!
X

Joules Check Scarf

I wanted to get up a quick out and about outfit post so here it is! It's officially cold weather time so I've been getting wrapped up and am cracking out the layers! I picked up this check scarf in Joules last weekend whilst shopping in Hereford, It's mega soft and pretty big so great for snuggling up in and wearing with jumpers and coats. Can't take off my Topshop sock boots at the moment, they seem to go with everything and are so comfy!
X

*c/o Joules scarf, here*
*Boohoo jumper*
*Topshop jeans, boots*
*Necklace, Rome*
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Dry-U Waterproof Bags

This week's Monday Piece is on Dry-U waterproof bags! I love handbags, and like to treat myself and wear new styles, however i'm the first to admit that my choices aren't always the most 'practical' or 'useful'. I mean, for days out shopping, going for coffee, or running errands, they're ideal and look great, but living in the countryside i also enjoy long walks and exploring the area - this is when i do need something practical and useful! Dry-U got in touch asking if i'd like to review one of their all weather bags so thought i'd give them a go and test them out!

Dry-U bags are designed to be 100% waterproof and weatherproof, meaning you can keep gadgets, clothing and belongings dry and clean no matter what the circumstances - whether you're skiing, walking, swimming or at the beach or a festival, you can rest assured knowing that you're things are safe. The bags come in different sizes and a selection of eye-catching bright colours - i chose the 5 litre bag in pink and have been using it as my gym bag, i walk everywhere in all weather so need something sturdy, waterproof and of course pretty to look at, so it's absolutely ideal and has been coming with me everywhere! It's a great size to fit my gym kit and lunch in, and then a couple of small things too like my phone and make-up bag. I've also been using the blue bag in 10 litres which is bigger and fits a towel, clothing, toiletries and again a few more bits, this would be great for taking to the beach or a festival to keep your clothes in.

Dry-U have been true to their word and the bags have been keeping my belongings dry and safe, it's also important to mention that they're well made and sturdy, with an adjustable arm strap and clasp, they're wipe clean too which is handy if you're prone to getting things dirty or using them to go camping as the mud will just wipe off! They're so useful and i'm going to continue using mine for the gym, camping, holiday and exploring! See the full range here.
X

*c/o Dry-U bag, here*

Bell Sleeved Top

There's a fair bit of 70's style knocking around lately, so i'm getting involved with this bell sleeved top from Glamorous! It's black with coloured speckles, has fringing at the bottom and big bell sleeves! Worn with my ripped skinnies and a tiny handbag :).
X

*Glamorous top, here*
*Topshop jeans, boots*
*Prada bag*
*Michael Kors pom pom*
*H&M belt*
*Necklace, Rome*
*Bracelet, gift*

The Monday Piece - Premier Inn Secret Shopping Event

This week's Monday Piece is on the Premier Inn Secret Shopping event! A few weeks ago i was invited with a few other Midlands based bloggers to take part in a secret shopping event hosted by Megs from Wonderful You and Premier Inn hotels - Meg has compiled a city guide of her favourite places to eat, shop and venture in Birmingham, and us bloggers got on board to test out the places she had picked!

We all got settled into our mega comfy rooms at the Premier Inn on Waterloo Street in the centre of town, before meeting up for dinner at The Lost and Found hosted by The Front Row Society - we sipped champagne and cocktails, and ate lots of yummy food (i had the fillet steak with triple cooked chips), and chatted about how we loved Birmingham, where we like to hang out and of course other girly things too! It was fab to meet some new bloggers and get to know them and their blogs. We finished fairly late so i was ready after a busy day to slouch into a big bed and get cosy - i'd never stayed in a Premier Inn before so wasn't sure what to expect though first impressions were so good and continued throughout my stay. The room was a decent size and the bed was SO comfortable, it was also fresh and spotlessly clean which is super important for me when staying away. I expected it to be noisy as Birmingham is quite the party place, especially on a Friday evening, however the sound proofing was excellent and i wasn't disturbed by other guests at all!

After recharging our batteries we all met for breakfast to talk about the day ahead and where we were going shopping in Birmingham. I let the waiter know i was coeliac and they were so helpful bringing me out an allergen menu and gluten free toast, most of the hot food is gluten free so i got to have a big full English to set me up for the day ahead - it was tasty too, and as it was self serve you could help yourself to seconds so hooray to that!

Off we then went on a shopping trip, exploring places we already knew and popping into different places too, Birmingham is epic for shopping as you have the Bull Ring which is massive, as well as the high streets and back lanes full of niche, designer and high street shops, and with Grand Central just opening there's even more places to explore, shop and eat! I bought a couple of things whilst shopping, including some boots and a pompom bag charm from Michael Kors, there really is something for everyone in Birmingham - i recommend it for a fun filled weekend, eating, shopping and relaxing, click here to see the full list of Birmingham hotels Premier Inn have to offer.

I had such a fun time at the event, we definitely ate well, slept well and shopped well! To see all of Megs favourite places to shop click here!
X

*c/o Premier Inn event and stay*