Happy Things #4

Healthy baking. I baked these delicious gluten-free pistachio cookies. They were delicious and my family loved them. I've really missed baking because I've been trying hard to be healthier but I've since learnt that baking can be good for you! You just need to find the right recipe and the right ingredients!

Getting fit. I've been stepping up the fitness regime these last few months as it's one of many things that really lifts my spirits. It's amazing what a little bit of exercise can do for your mind and body. I absolutely love this top from Boohoo with the "fit" strap running down the open back, as well as my gorgeous capri pants from the F&F Active range. 

Making the most of festive food and drink. Boxing Day was the first day this year that I've had a Christmas drink! I ended up going to Costa for a gingerbread latte and a festive toastie, both of which were delicious.

This is probably my last post of 2015 so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year and I hope that this year will be ending on a high for everyone. I'd also like to thank those of you who are still reading my blog today, as I know that my posting schedule has been somewhat sporadic this year but I still love this little space on the web so keep your eyes peeled for more posts in 2016.

Let me know what has made you happy this year!

Happy New Year! 

Review: Heat Holders - Wellington Socks

With the days getting colder, my go-to brand for providing warmth and comfort is always Heat Holders. If it's a cold night, I've usually got my purple snugover thrown over whatever it is that I'm wearing, or if it's a cold morning then I'll simply pop on my neck warmer and go about my daily tasks. 

I am so excited to have been sent another addition to my Heat Holders collection, the Wellington Socks*. I wear boots a lot during Autumn/Winter to keep my legs warm but these are on another level. They are super thick and soft, and they keep in the warmth really well. Bear in mind that if your boots are tight, you probably won't be able to wear these socks as they'll be too thick, 

If you're familiar with Heat Holders socks, you'll know how warm these are and these come with added length for even more warmth, plus a fluffy fold-over cuff at the top. Who says you can't be warm and stylish? I've been folding the cuffs over the top of my boots to add a tiny splash of colour to my footwear, and my legs have been so cosy and warm. I've also been wearing these around the house as they are so much more cosy than a standard pair of slipper socks. 

These would make such a fantastic Christmas gift either for yourself or for someone else. I've already ordered a few Heat Holders products for family & friends this year!

Go on, give the gift of warmth and cosiness this festive season!

Happy Things #3

Autumn walks. It's no secret that I am a massive fan of Autumn. I can snuggle up in layers, feel more stylish, and breathe in the crisp and cold air on a morning's walk. Something about the sun coupled with the coldness in the beautiful outdoors makes me feel solemn, relaxed, and so grateful for everything that I have.

Afternoon tea. I just can't get enough of afternoon tea at the moment. It's the most perfect and elegant way to catch up with my friends, and who can resist some sweet treats?

Breakfast at Starbucks. There's something quite "cool" about waking up early and heading to a cafe for breakfast. The Starbucks breakfast buns are delicious and I love their coconut milk lattes.

Graze. Last, but definitely by no means, least, I received this lovely bundle of goodies from the people at Graze. I have adored Graze since they first launched, their snacks are healthy and full of nutrition. Most importantly, they all taste amazing too. Click here to try your first box for free.

What has made you happy recently?

A Happy Sunday

I love having good Sundays. It makes me feel like my week is complete and it ends the week on a high. It also prepares me for the week ahead and fills me with positivity. 

Today, I took a long drive into the city for a delicious lunch. The scrumptious scones above were just a fraction of the amazing afternoon tea that I enjoyed and it was worth every penny. 

Delicious food, great company, and an enjoyable day out somewhere new. I've definitely had a beautiful Sunday and I can't wait to do some more exploring before the year ends.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Time Out

I am a busy bee and a self-confessed workaholic at times. I get restless when I'm not busy and my mind does somersaults when my diary is not full. If there are extra hours and extra work to be done in the office, I will be the first one to offer my time. If I'm sat at home on a weekend, I go out of my mind trying to find things to do. I wake up at the crack of dawn every morning and I work out after work every evening. Any spare time I do have is usually used to look up potential places to go, organising lunches and days out with my friends, and planning for the future. It's safe to say that I am at my happiest when every minute of my time is being used up.

A couple of weeks ago, it suddenly hit me that I was shattered and exhausted. I became so obsessed with keeping a busy lifestyle that I forgot to take time out to rest and relax. I forgot the importance of simply lying back and doing nothing. I forgot how nice is was to simply go out for a walk.

I finally managed to get away for a couple of days recently and, honestly, I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated. Even something simple such as having my favourite drink from Starbucks in the morning was just so lovely to experience, prior to heading out for a day of walking around a beautiful city. 

We all need a bit of time out. I hope you've all had an amazing week.

Happy Things #2

Macarons. I can not count the amount of times I've walked past the macaron counter in Selfridges Food Hall and been so tempted by the colourful array of goodies. Well I finally gave in and bought myself a selection. They were even tastier than I imagined they'd be and I highly recommend the Salted Caramel one as well as the Jasmine & Lychee one. I could easily devour a box of them every day.

Plans for the rest of the year. Most people have had their glorious holidays over the summer but, for me, the fun starts next month. I have so many little trips planned before the end of the year and I can't wait. I may very well be blogging about some of them too...

Hair grips. Why is it that I could buy a whole pack of these yet not be able to find a single one? They seem to slowly disappear as the months progress and I finally lost all of mine so I had to get a brand new pack. These ones are from Boots and I love them as they have a rubberised coating which means they don't slip out of my hair so easily. These little grips are like my hairs' best friend.

I hope you've all had a wonderful week!

A New Way To De-Stress

Let's face it, we all get stressed from time to time. I'm forever trying to find new ways to de-stress after a long day and I think I've finally found a good one. Colouring!

Apparently adults all over the UK are turning to colouring books to make their stresses float away and, having loved colouring books as a kid, I knew I had to give it a go again. There are plenty of so-called "grown up" colouring books out there so I spent ages browsing Amazon before I ended up purchasing The Mindfulness Colouring Book which is described as "anti-stress art therapy for busy people" - it sounded perfect for someone like me!

I love how small this book is which means I can take it with me in my bag when I'm going on long journeys or when I have a spare ten minutes here and there. I will definitely be taking this with me when I go away on holiday later this year. I knew I'd enjoy colouring in this book but I didn't realise how much. With my Spotify playlist playing through my iPod, I was colouring in for a whole hour the first time I used this. This was during a Sunday when I had an awful lot on my mind pretty much all day and it was driving me insane thinking about the same thing over and over again. It was amazing how it all just drifted away as I put my pencil crayons to paper....

I only wish I'd started colouring sooner as it really does make my stresses drift away. Some of my friends and family think I'm a little mad for buying a colouring book and a brand new set of pencil crayons, but it works!

How do you de-stress?

Olivia Burton Wonderland Watch

It feels like it's been forever since I've had a good quality watch. My last one was a Seksy by Sekonda watch which has been cherished for many years but, alas, it was time to let go and indulge a little in some new wrist-wear.

After deliberating for weeks between a couple of Michael Kors watches, I eventually turned my attention to Olivia Burton. I decided that I wanted something classy and understated, so Olivia Burton seemed to fit the bill perfectly. 

Cue more deliberation over which of their amazing watches to purchase. Their moulded bee watch is absolutely gorgeous but I eventually settled for this beautiful Wonderland Black & Gold Watch. The intricate gold design of the watch is what drew me in. It's so simple yet so delicate and elegant. The gold contrasts wonderfully with the light face and the dark strap and I think it sits nicely against the tone of my skin.

This is a really versatile watch and it's such a classic that I know I will be wearing this anywhere and everywhere for a very long time.

5 Ways To Simplify Your Life

Life can get hectic, life can feel overwhelming, life can feel like it's going nowhere, or going in too many different directions. I've never been someone who thinks that life is simple. Quite frankly, sometimes life just gets complicated and messy before you even realise it's happening but there are small things you can do to make life that tiny bit easier. So here are 5 ways to simplify your life.

Prioritise. Write a list if you have to. Just work out what it is that's most important and work from there. When you prioritise things in your life, you start to gain more perspective on what's really important. It may also alert you to the fact that all those little things that were winding you up are just that - little. 

Learn to say "no". It's good to say yes to things but sometimes, you end up taking on too much or doing things that you don't want to do just to please others be it working yet another weekend to cover for everyone else or going to that party when you're exhausted. Learning to say no means that you have more space to yes to the things that matter the most to you.

Live for the moment. Life can be short, make the most of every minute. It's great to make plans and I'm someone who loves planning for the future but when you focus on the here and now, life suddenly feels a lot simpler. Keep your mind on what's happening today. Take in everything you see and hear.

Have a digital detox. Take a break from anything with a screen. I think that technology is great, but in moderation. Chasing people's lives on social media makes you forget about living your own. Watching the news channel can alter your attitude to things, make you feel anger, sadness, and it can mould your outlook on life. We should never hide from what's going on in the world but it's nice to take a break away from it even if it's just for a an hour or two each day. Instead, you can read a book, go for a walk, catch up with friends over dinner.

Know when to walk away. It's difficult to walk away from something be it a project, an event, an argument, or another person. Ask yourself, is it worth it? Does it make you happy? Is it adding to your life or taking away from it? Eliminating the bad stuff from your life will take a whole lot of weight off your shoulders.

Simple.

Nude Jewellery - Proposal Rings

Let's get right to it. What exactly is a proposal ring? Well, it does what it says on the tin. I love finding out about new and unique ideas so when Nude Jewellery got in touch with me again, they sent me this beautiful Starflower Proposal Ring*. 

Their Proposal Ring range is designed for the purpose of avoiding that mishap of purchasing the wrong engagement ring whilst ensuring that a ring is still present when you ask those important four words. All their rings cost less than £150 and the best part is, if you then choose to have your engagement ring made by Nude Jewellery, they will deduct the cost of your proposal ring from it!

This Starflower Proposal ring features a gorgeous purple iolite gemstone which glistens beautifully in the light, these photos really do not do it justice. It's simple but classic and it's an extra ring to add to the collection on top of the engagement and wedding ring!

What are your thoughts about proposal rings? Would you buy one? Would you accept one prior to getting your engagement ring? 

Happy Things #1

Welcome to a brand new series! I'm going to bid farewell to my New Things series and say a big hello to my Happy Things series which will still include a few new additions to my life. Hopefully I'll be doing these posts regularly and it also gives me a chance to remind myself of all the things that make me happy. So let's get started!

Scrumptious breakfast. Pancakes with bacon and agave syrup alongside a healthy smoothie. I honestly love Organic Deli. The pancakes are the fluffiest ever and the agave syrup is a healthier option than normal golden syrup. The smoothie I had was a combination of bluerries, dates, and almond milk. Super delicious! What a lovely way to start a morning!

Cocktails with friends. I'm not much of a drinker but when I catch up with old friends, it's always nice to have a cocktail or two whilst chatting the night away. Some of my friends live too far away from me for my liking but, luckily, we always do our best to meet up a couple of times a year.

Beautiful skies. Although I'm not the biggest fan of Summer, I do appreciate the longer days and how beautiful the sky always looks. I could happily spend hours just staring into the clouds as I find it so calming and therapeutic.

New fragrance. It takes me ages to find a fragrance that I truly like hence why I've had the same signature scent for the last 5 years. I've tried a few new ones since then but none of them have quite stood the test of time. A scent can hold so many memories and I've been looking to find something fresh and new for a long time and I think I have finally found "The One". I bought myself a pretty blue Travalo atomiser so I can pop it into my bag.

What has made you happy this week?

Review: Treaclemoon - Marshmallow Hearts Bath & Shower Gel

I love a good pamper session, especially after a long day at work. Nothing rounds off a stressful day better than a nice long soak in a bubble bath to ease into the night, or a long refreshing shower to energise myself again.

I was recently sent this delightful bottle of Treaclemoon Candy Jar Marshmallow Hearts Bath & Shower Gel*. For those who regularly shop at either Tesco or Waitrose, you'll probably have seen this brand hovering around the bath & beauty aisles. For those of you who aren't familiar with treaclemoon, they are an independent UK brand producing deliciously fragranced bath & body products at very affordable prices.

I first spotted this brand months and months ago whilst shopping at Tesco. The happy looking bottles with the imaginative descriptions really caught my eye but this is the first time I've come across the Marshmallow Hearts fragrance. It honestly smells so scrumptious and (almost) good enough to eat. In fact, it's making me crave marshmallows right this minute.....

This shower gel foams up into a very generous lather and completely fills the room with the delicious scent of marshmallows. As a bubble bath, it really is a divine treat and leaves my skin feeling soft and smelling sweet. At only £2,99 a bottle, it gives the high end brands a run for their money!

Treaclemoon holds the motto of "always remember that true beauty begins from the heart" and, in keeping in line with this, they have recently parterned with BulliesOut, a charity to help young people in schools, work, and communities to realise their self-worth and potential. Growing up is a difficult time for young people and I'm glad to see that a fantastic brand is teaming up with a fantastic charity. I can't wait to see and hear more about their partnership and what other great things they will be involved in.

Have you tried any Treaclemoon products?

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Lust List - Bags

People say that you either love shoes or you love bags. A few years ago I would have fitted into neither of those camps but now, I am obsessed with bags. I probably buy more than I should but I can't help it. Bags are just so pretty and so practical and really helps to complete my outfit. So here are the bags that I'm currently lusting after. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway), I will definitely be purchasing at least one of these...

1. Cambridge 11" satchel in Oxblood. I love satchels in general but I've always wanted a genuine leather Cambridge satchel. It just looks so old school and smart, I can't help but fall in love with it. I like dark colours and this Oxblood shade is perfect, especially once Autumn arrives again. Yes, I know it's summer but hasn't this year flown by? At almost £100, it's hard to justify spending that much on a bag but it's currently on sale so maybe just maybe I'll be getting one....

2. Blossom Satchel. Following on from my love of satchels, this colour is perfect for the summer. I think that yellow is a colour that you either love or hate and I just love it. Sunshine springs to mind and this would be great for a day out at the park. 

3. Anchor Rucksack. Up until a few months ago, I would have turned away at the sight of a rucksack or backpack. As far as I was concerned, those are the kind of bags you have when you're in school. However, I have now fully converted. It's amazing how much easier a weekend away becomes when you can carry everything on your back as you try to weave your way through the train station and trek to your hotel.

4. Oriental Print Weekender Bag. I won't be giving up good old holdall bags just yet though. For more stylish weekends away (London, spa trips etc), I prefer to carry a stylish weekend bag just so I look the part when I get there. I love the simple fresh design of this one.

5. Floozie Gingham Tote Bag. Floozie by Frost French has such an adorable range of bags at Debenhams. This is one of my favourites with the classic gingham print and a nice dash of deep plum. A great Saturday shopping bag.

6. Zatchels Two Tone Satchel. You didn't think I'd stop at just two satchels on this post, did you? This is a really nice two tone satchel from Zatchels. They do a range of colour combinations but this navy and cream one is my favourite. Loving navy at the moment as it's still dark but a bit more interesting than black.

7. Smile Bag. A shopper bag is great for folding up and chucking in your handbag when you go out into town on a Saturday morning. Let's face it, most stores don't do the best shopping bags and they're nowhere near as strong as a good canvas bag. 

8. Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Bag. I first saw one of these about a year ago on Niomi Smart's Youtube channel. She has the one in white. I wasn't convinced to be honest and I just didn't see the appeal of it. Fast forward a year and my style and taste seems to have shifted slightly and now I'm lusting after one. They look simple but classy and apparently last for ages. I'm toying between getting one in navy or making like Kate Middleton and getting the black one so any suggestions are very welcome! Are they worth the price? Only time will tell... 

9. Kate Pocket Handheld Bag. I've wanted a new work bag for ages and this seems ideal. I love the deep plum colour of this as well as the compartment at the front. I've bought quite a few work bags recently but they're either been too big or too small so maybe this one might just fit the bill.

What do you think of my lust list?

Any bags catch your eye?

A Little Bit Of Luxury - Origins GinZing Moisturiser

When it comes to skincare, I rate it with high importance as I love taking care of my skin. I've always been more inclined to purchase high street products as there are so many great ones out there. You don't need to spend a fortune on skincare products to get glowing skin.

However, armed with some gift vouchers that have been sitting in my purse for a good year and a half, I decided to treat myself to a little bit of luxury. I ended up settling on this Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser. Having tried out the tester pot, I was sold. 

Origins is a brand I've wanted to try out for so long but couldn't quite justify the price tag of most of their products. They are an environmentally friendly skincare brand who use all natural and organic ingredients alongside doing extensive scientific research to bring us the best products. As someone who has sensitive skin, this was music to my ears.

The product itself smells divine like freshly squeezed oranges. There is a hint of bitterness to it which adds to the natural smell, there is definitely nothing synthetic about this. I'm always a bit apprehensive of putting anything scented on my face but this really lifts my mood and makes me feel happy. 

The consistency is gel-like and glides on with such ease so a little really does go a long way. It sinks in well and contains ingredients such as coffee bean and ginzeng to give your skin a boost. It really is like a drink for your skin.

I bought the limited edition 75ml pot for around £25 in store but you can get it a little cheaper online at John Lewis at the moment. It definitely isn't a cheap moisturiser so I tend to just use it after I cleanse my face before bed so that it can sink in overnight. I always wake up with soft, supple skin which is just the best way to start the day!

This is one of the few luxury products that I have in my skincare stash and it sits with pride on my shelf. Have I now been converted to luxury skincare products? No. I still use my trusted Simple Hydrating Moisturiser in the mornings as I feel as though that's all I need for the day ahead but I now let my skin have a little bit of a treat at night.

Mixing a little bit of luxury with more affordable products is the way to go in my opinion and I would seriously consider repurchasing this once it runs out.

You're Hot Then You're Cold

No, this is not about a boy. This is about the weather in the UK. It was only a few weeks ago that I remember wishing that I hadn't worn such a thick top into the office cause it was like summer had arrived early and, now, it's so cold again! I've spent the last week sitting in the office at work with my coat on for the first part of the morning, looking as though I'm not staying. I've also been figuring out how to use the thermostat in my home.... So it couldn't have come at a better time for me to be kindly sent some Heat Holders products to get me through the remainder of the cold weeks (or months) before summer officially begins.

Heat Holders products use a special yarn to create a high level of insulation to protect you from the cold and hold more warm air inside. You've got to love a bit of science, right?

I really like how these Ultimate Thermal Socks* keep my feet nice and cosy in the evenings. I've never had such thick and warm socks in my life and they're great for pulling on and curling up on the sofa with a hot drink before bed. The bottom of the socks have little grips on them to stop you from slipping when you're walking around the house, perfect if your house has laminated flooring like mine.

I was super excited to be sent this Neck Warmer* as I am someone who has an extremely sensitive neck, hence my obsession with scarves. If my neck is warm, I'm warm. If I am wearing about 10 layers but my neck is exposed, I may as well be in shorts and a t-shirt. Yeah, weird, right?

First of all, I love the colour of this and how the two shades of purple are intertwined in this super flexible yarn. The inner lining is a super soft fur-like material which keeps my neck cosy at all times. This is a product that I'll definitely be keeping by my side until the sun decides to make more of an apperance.

It'll be summer before we know it but, until then, these will be my best friends to get me through the chilly part(s) of the year...

You can also find Heat Holders on Facebook and Twitter.

This Summer

This summer is going to be the best summer yet. I've decided on it it. Ever have one of those days when you wake up and decide to make a change and be more positive than before? Well, a couple of weeks ago, I had mine.

One of the things I want to do is visit more places in the UK. I've lived here all my life and it almost seems silly that there's so many beautiful places in the UK that I have not yet seen, amazing restaurants that I have not yet dined in, bustling cities that I have not yet ventured into, independent cafes that I have not yet tried.

Every time I'm in the city, I visit the same old cafe because I love it. There's nothing wrong with going back somewhere that you know and love but sometimes it's good to see what else is out there. I ended up having the most delicious lunch on Sunday at a fancy restaurant and whilst I'm unsure as to whether I'll go back again, it was definitely worth the one-time visit. With summer fast approaching, it means that I'll be able to experience some al fresco dining too, something that I'm sure I've never properly done before.

I'm also going to blog more because I do love it but it seems to have taken a backseat as my life has got more hectic lately. So expect to start seeing more lifestyle posts on here as I take you with me on my journey, wherever that may be.... (Disclaimer: On some days my journey may only go as far as the kitchen to bake some cakes...)

I'm also going to make more time to see my friends and catch up with them. I've been so busy lately that I've barely had the time to meet up with my friends, particularly those that live a little further afield. A couple of days off work is in order for me to laugh, chat, eat, drink, and chill with all my favourite people.

Come rain or shine, this summer is going to be a good one regardless of what is thrown at me.

Change

"Ain't it funny how you think you've got your whole life planned, just to find out it was never ever in your hands..."

That's a line from one of my favourite Sugababes songs. Change. Isn't it a funny thing? I've never been a believer of fate but sometimes in life, change is out of your control. Over time, I've learnt to embrace it because even though change may initially seem uncomfortable or confusing, most of the time I find that it's for the best. 

Things change. People change. Can you imagine what life would be like if everything stayed the same all the time? You'd never gain new experiences, you'd never let go of bad ones, you'd never invite new people into your life, you'd never get rid of the ones that make you unhappy. 

Change isn't always good but, if you give it a chance, you'll find that most of the time, it'll make your life a whole lot brighter than it was before. 

My life has gone through a whole heap of changes in the past six months and, I'll be entirely honest, not all of those changes have been easy but it's made me a better and happier person. I've worked hard, I've made decisions for the best even though it seemed like it was the wrong choice at the time and, most importantly, I've got a smile on my face.

Choose to make a change for the better and embrace the changes that you can not control. Nothing ever stays the same.

It's Okay To Indulge

As some of you may have seen from my blog posts, I'm making a conscious effort to lead a healthier lifestyle which includes eating healthily. However, I'm not someone who is going to deprive myself from things like cakes etc. 

I admire those who have the willpower to completely eliminate all the "bad stuff" from their diets but for me, I like to indulge once in a while. I want to be fit and healthy but life would be so boring if I could never have a calorific slice of cake ever again, or if I had to avoid most of the delicious menus on offer across the city. 

It's okay to indulge. It's okay to go for the full three course meal rather than the salad and yoghurt. I think it's all about moderation. I am a serious foodie so it's totally out of the question for me to go through life without sampling all the delicious foods on offer, and why should I? I exercise regularly and I eat healthily most of the time. 

I like to set aside a day (or sometimes two... I know, wild right?) each week where I can just eat whatever I want and indulge a little. It doesn't mean I'm going to get to Sunday and get a Mcdonalds breakfast, a lunch buffet, and then a pizza for dinner. It just means I'll have a slice of cake if I want one, and I'll go out for a meal if I feel like it, and I'll have a DVD night with nachos if I want to.

For anyone who is interested, that carrot cake in the photo was absolutely delicious and I savoured every spoonful!

It's okay to indulge.

New Things #9

It's been way too long since I've done one of these posts (September 2014 to be more precise!). These are a few of the lovely gifts I received from family and friends at the end of last year. It is indeed already January but better late than never, right?

Mad About Macarons (link here) - Knowing my love of baking, I found myself unwrapping this amazing book! The recipes in there look so tasty and not too difficult either so I'm really excited to make some of these when I find a spare few hours. 

Laura Ashley 2015 Diary & Ballpoint Pen (link here) - I've always loved the look of Laura Ashley products, everything looks so elegant and sophisticated. Now I have a nice little diary and pen set to get organised for the year ahead and I can do it in style.

Laura Ashley Mug In A Tin (link here) - As if one Laura Ashley gift was not enough, I found myself with this mug in a tin. The mug has a simple polka dot design but I think I love the tin that little bit more. I seem to have developed this obsession with tins and glass jars...

Christmas Socks - Probably one of the most practical presents ever! I can always rely on someone to buy me new socks every year. Is it just me or does it feel exceptionally cosy when you pull on a brand new pair of socks? 

Radox Gift Set (link here). I love fruity smells and I adore the smell of coconut so this was a great gift for me. My favourite part of this set has got to be the colour changing body puff! I have never seen one of these before so I'm super excited to try it out.

Super Soft Throw (link here) - The best thing about the cold weather is being able to snuggle up in anything cosy and fluffy and this definitely ticks those boxes. 

Salt Sugar Smoke (link here) - This book is all about preserving foods and making things such as jam. I am a food enthusiast. Need I say more?

BakerDays Christmas Cake* c/o BakerDays (link here) - Just before Christmas, BakerDays kindly sent me this delicious Christmas cake. A yummy buttercream iced sponge and a layer of fondant icing, perfect for any cake lover. If you're looking for a personalised gift for someone with a sweet tooth then this is so much more exciting to receive through the post than a card. They also do cupcakes too now!

I hope you all enjoyed the return of my New Things series! Happy Weekend!

Getting Active - sportshoes.com

Some people may know that I've been making more of a conscious effort lately to lead a more active lifestyle. I'd like to think that I'm fairly active anyway considering the lack of spare time I have but I'm trying my best to be even more active. I'm still young and there's no better time to start keeping fit. 

Sportswear can be a bit on the pricey side at times but there are so many affordable sportswear retailers out there. One of them, sportsshoes.com, recently got in touch and sent me a couple of items from their Nike range. They specialise in running and fitness clothes/shoes and best of all, they're so affordable! Nike is one of my favourite brands when it comes to sports gear! New year, new sports gear!

First up are these Nike Flex Experience Running Shoes* (£29.99 [RRP: £54.99]) which provide great cushioning and flexibility. The design is perhaps not as great as I imagined when I initially saw it online but they're a great pair of shoes which I have been using indoors on the treadmill. They're so comfortable and a joy to run in. I thought I'd have to break into them a bit but I've had no trouble with them whatsoever. Sizing is spot on.

Next up are these Nike Revolution Running Shoes* (£31.49 [RRP: £44.99]) which I absolutely adore! These are by far the best looking trainers I've owned. The colours work so well together and they look much more expensive than they actually are. These trainers are suitable for beginner runners as they have a cushioned sole for comfort as well as a good grip on the outsole to prevent slipping. These are my outdoor and indoor sports shoes as they're great whatever the weather as well as being super stylish! I'm loving the fluorescent green.

I was also sent these beautiful Nike Tech Thermal Gloves* (£8.99 [RRP: £17.99]) to keep my hands warm this Winter! I went with the Small size which fit my hands perfectly as well as keeping them cosy. The fleece fabric keeps my hands warm whilst keeping off any rain. I love the subtle pink trim which gives it a girly touch without being overbearing. There is also a key pocket in the side of the glove which I think is a simple but genius idea. Often when I run outdoors, I'm left in a dilemma as to where to store my key if I'm not wearing something with pockets. Never mind running though, I  would happily wear these gloves to work! They are also compatible with touchscreens for those of you who can't bear to not have access to your smartphones whilst keeping those fingers warm...

Last but not least are these Nike Cushioned Dynamic Arch Anklet Running Socks* (£4.99 [RRP: £6.99]). With sweat wicking fabric and a compression fit design, these are really comfortable to wear and are perfect for running and playing sports. These are the first socks I've owned where there has been a specific right sock and left sock.. I actually used to wear normal socks when working out but ever since having these, I've suddenly realised how much better it is to invest in running socks. I'll have to order a few more pairs!

What do you think of my selection?

Where do you get your sports gear from?