Staying in, heading out for a swanky dinner or belting out a banger or ten at the local karaoke with the girls?
However you’re celebrating the Palentine’s / Valentine’s hybrid holiday this year, chances are you’re already eyeballing a new ensemble to mark the occasion.
We’re dedicating our Weekly Wants to cute-as-hell outfits, fit to take us from the desk to the jukebox. Heart prints – check, ruffles – check, a slinky af dress the colour of Dorothy’s homeward-bound slippers – CHECK.
And, because it wouldn’t be Galentine’s Day without jeans and a nice top, you betcha we’ve included some of that too.
Here’s what we’re adding to our lust-list!
Holly
I’ve got a drinks and board games valentines evening planned with my girlfriend and 2 more couples. So I’ll more than likely be in some comfy but nice clothes. I have to incorporate some hearts and red somewhere so I’ll pop on a nice red top with black jeans and then do some fancy shmancy red makeup. Red ip (Obvs) and probably a scrunchy with hearts on it.
When I was browsing the internet, I stumbled on this gorgeous skirt first from Anthropologie and loved that it was paired with a heart jumper, so to keep within the valentines/palentines theme, I found a red version to pair with it on ASOS. I’d probably wear this with some black boots and LOVED the cute bag from Topshop too. Then just as something a little extra, if you’re off out on a date night or an evening with the girls and you just want to feel good, I picked out a pretty bra too!
My outfit is a versatile Valentines /Palentines outfit, depending on what you are up to this year! I had to go for something red and lacy, because what else do you wear on valentines?! I’ve chosen this lovely red lace bodysuit from Wolf and Whistle, paired it with some black editor jeans and some simple strap black heels. Finish the outfit off with a black blazer and you are good to go!
Whilst I don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend so far, I’m thinking dinner (preferably a huge pile of pasta), some overpriced drinks and binging something on Netflix is probably how the night will go. I’ve kept things sophisticated with an all black look, adding in a pop of colour with accessories, and of course a novelty pair of earrings.
I based my outfit around this jacket from & Other Stories because I really love it and maybe my fiance will too, or maybe he won’t, I can’t say I’m that bothered! This outfit can be worn for a multitude of sins, perfect desk to drinks vibe and believe me, there will be drinks. I’m always a jeans and tee kind of gal and I’ve stopped fighting it, jackets like this are perfect to chuck on with mu ‘uniform’ and make me a fee a little bit cool. I’ll probably add lots of gold jewellery and if it wasn’t V-Day I’d add a red lip, but you know… kissing!
If you can’t wear a sexy lil’ red dress on Val/Palentine’s Day, when can you?! I’m loving this Reformation dress which you could easily wear to a dinner with the girls or your partner, dressing it up with matching heels or even with some pumps if you’re having a casual evening. Throw on a pretty strapless bra and you’ll be all good to go!
True to form I’ll be going beige for the occasion! I’ll team it up with a red lip for a bit of a nod to the most romantic day of the year but other than that, I’ll be sticking to what I know: beige, beige and more beige! Don’t @ me.
First Valentines as a married woman… and when my lovely husband does take me for the bells and whistles evening I have in mind, i will be wearing something suitably fabulous. Did i just transport to the 50s? Who am i kidding?! But maybe if i buy the dress then the date will have to follow…and this dress couldn’t be more me if it tried! Pop on some cool heeled boots (we’re not dead yet!), a statement necklace, slick of eyeliner and you’re good to go.
Easy Overnight Oats: The Ultimate Lazy Girl Breakfast
Looking for a quick and easy brekkie to start your day? Something that tastes good but doesn't take 200 years to make. Look no further than these easy overnight oats!
OO = the holy grail of lazy girl breakfasts. Easy to throw together in five minutes flat, high in fibre and comforting on a gloomy Winter’s morning, it’s the perfect comfort food or post-workout fuel.
Catch a few more Zs and save time in the morning
Catch a few more Zs and save time in the morning by making a big batch ahead of your week and store in the fridge for a convenient on-the-go breakfast to enjoy every day.
Nourishing Apple & Blueberry Overnight Oats
SERVES
PREP:
10 MINS COOK:
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
200g porridge oats
4 apples grated
½ tsp of ground cinnamon
500ml apple juice
200g blueberries
Combine the oats and cinnamon in a large bowl. Gradually add in the apple juice along with the grated apple. Leave to stand for a few minutes and top with juicy blueberries. Cover and leave in the fridge to enjoy the next morning.
Vegan Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Dessert for breakfast? We’re all ears. This guilt-free OO recipe is bound to put a spring in your step.
In a bowl, combine the oats and milk together and stir in the maple syrup. Layer with the shredded carrot and chia seeds and sprinkle with cinnamon and mixed spice.
Divide the cake-flavoured oats between a couple of mason jars or containers and refrigerate, ideally overnight.
Let is sit for at least 2-3 hours to give the oats enough time to soften and soak up all the flavour of the spices. When you’re ready to have them, give them a quick stir and add a splash more milk if needed to loosen the mixture.
Top with crunchy coconut flakes and chopped walnuts for extra crunch and away you go!
For this month's Book Club, we're reviewing Kiley Reid's debut novel, 'Such A Fun Age'. Dubbed the most provocative page-turner of 2020, we can't wait to get stuck in!
When Emira is apprehended at a supermarket for ‘kidnapping’ the white child she’s actually babysitting, it sets off an explosive chain of events. Her employer Alix, a feminist blogger with the best of intentions, resolves to make things right.
But Emira herself is aimless, broke and wary of Alix’s desire to help. When a surprising connection emerges between the two women, it sends them on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know – about themselves, each other, and the messy dynamics of privilege.
January Book Club 2020: My Sister The Serial Killer
We've inhaled the pages of Oyinkan Braithwaite's debut novel, 'My Sister The Serial Killer' and with a title like that, you can see why!
When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This will be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first.
Until that is, Ayoola starts dating the fit doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…
Find out if this crime thriller had us on the edge of our seats…
Lareese
After hearing so many great things about this book, I was pumped to get stuck in. I loved that Oyinkan Braithwaite chose to centre the plot on two sisters with a sinister secret and despite the titillating name, it’s less interested in becoming the crime thriller of the decade. The opening chapters set it up to be a suspenseful and disturbing read but perhaps that would be all too predictable, instead Braithwaite hones in on sibling rivalry, loyalty, abuse and sexism. I don’t think it’s for everyone and personally, I prefer a thriller with a BIG old sting but if you love fast-paced chapters, dry sardonic humour with a bit of blood thrown in for good measure, pick it up!
Rating: 3/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read again? No
Zoe
I actually read this last year after seeing so many rave reviews. I love me a thriller so opened the first page with excitement and bated breath expecting something really gritty with added humour. Although I DID enjoy this book, I wanted a little more. I think my imagination and love of horror and crime documentaries meant my thought process always went that little bit extra than the actual storyline and it fell a little flat for me. I did however love the dark humour, the characters, the overall plot and the fact that the story is very fast paced, I prefer when a book gets straight to the point. I also like that Oyinkan Braithwaite makes us question certain topics like social media and sisterhood. How far would you go for your sibling? Overall, I did enjoy this book, but it fell a little flat for me in the “thriller” sense and wanted something a little more twisted and dark but If you prefer your crime reads to be a little less scary, then you will LOVE THIS.
Rating: 3.5/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read again? Yes
Lauren
I really enjoyed how the story of Korede and her sister was told, it pulls you in with these small insights into their daily life and how Ayoola’s actions have almost become the norm. It’s a really interesting look at relationships and the complexities of what is morally right and how much you can overlook because of family ties. Whilst the ending may not be the crescendo most would hope for, I think it’s expected and still a fitting end to this story.
Rating 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read it again? No
Darcey
I really enjoyed reading this book, I found I got through it quickly and wanted to keep picking it up which is always a sign of a good book. This book is a snapshot in time, so if you are someone who likes a book with a firm ‘beginning, middle and end’, you might not be the biggest fan of this one. I however really enjoyed the style of writing, after reading you are left wanting to know more and can only imagine what ‘could have’ happened. The book made me really feel for both Korede and her sister, that their childhood traumas have really effected them in later life, which showed why their bond was so unbreakable. I do wish the ending had a bit more oomph to it, but I guess again it goes back to the sisterly bond they have, Korede was always going to stick by her sister.
Rating 4/5
Would you recommend? Deffo
Would you read it again? Potentially
Charlotte
I really enjoyed this book and found it super easy to get into. I was intrigued by the storyline from the get-go so it was definitely a page turner in that sense, and the fact it was relatively short meant it wasn’t an overwhelming one to pick up on your lunch break like some more hefty novels.
I really enjoyed that the story was set in Lagos and it’s prompted me to look for more books that are set outside of the UK or USA, which seems to be the theme of my other recent reads. I enjoyed hearing the story from the protagonist’s perspective but found she was one of the only likeable characters which did make for a frustrating read. The ending could definitely have been more dramatic and continued to share the aftermath of the events rather than finishing the way it did, but equally I understand the writers decision to close the story in that way as it confirmed the suspicions of the reader and characters unwillingness to change. Overall it was an enjoyable read but not one I’d pick back up again in a hurry!
Rating: 3/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read again? No
Danielle
I really enjoyed the way this was written, I liked the short chapters pushing the narrative forward quickly, there was also some really lovely descriptive parts without them dominating the book. I LOVED picturing modern Lagos with YouTube tutorials and Instagram influencers especially juxtaposed with the crime and corruption that is still so rife there. I felt sorry for Korede and really related to her having such a beautiful sister with a fab body, except my sister is amazing and also doesn’t kill people (Love you April!) My heart always aches for characters who don’t really have anyone to confide in and talk to, I wish she would have found more of a life long friend in Mutar. I agree with the others on the ending but I also think her actions were realistic, she was in too deep! I don’t think Korede truly understood quite how manipulative and dangerous her sister was as it seemed like she had started to believe her lies by the end.
Rating 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Yes, please read it!
Would you read again? I listened to this one but I could see myself picking it up to read on a holiday
Maddie
This book is chopped up into tiny bite sized chapters that flip between the past and present day lives of two sisters who live in Lagos, Nigeria. With each childhood flash-back you start to understand that the violence and oppression they endured from their father was part of normal everyday life for them growing up. With that comes greater context into their personalities, behaviours and in particular their relationships with men as adult women. Obvious serial killer storyline aside, the resounding theme of the book that stood out most to me is that the sisters, in their own way, through thick and thin, are always there for each other. It’s an incredibly quick read and it’s probably not a book I would have picked up myself so it was a nice change of pace from my usual go to. Would recommend.
Rating 3.5/5
Holly
I honestly couldn’t tell you if I enjoyed this book or not, I’m so conflicted. I loved that the two main protagonists are women and that it’s set in Nigeria. I thought Oyinkan Braithwaite did a great job of setting the scene and I got very engrossed quickly. But as soon as I had painted a vivid picture in my head, the chapter would end. Frustrating! I also would have loved to know more about the first murders. About 2/3 of the way in I got in the flow and the short chapters didn’t bother me but then the ending was so anticlimactic. Surely there has to be a second book?!
A great book for someone that’s not an avid reader or has a short attention span but if you love getting stuck in, this might not be the one for you.
Rating: 2.5/5
Would you recommend? Unsure (depends on who to)
Would I read again? No
Did you read along with us? We’d love to hear what you made of it!
Introducing “The Magpie Society – One For Sorrow”, a new YA Gothic Thriller fiction series by Zoe & Amy, to be released on the 29th October 2020!
It opens as tragedy strikes when the body of a student is discovered at their exclusive summer party – on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie
One for Sorrow takes place at Illumen Hall, an elite boarding school. It opens as tragedy strikes when the body of a student is discovered at their exclusive summer party – on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie. When new girl Audrey arrives the following term, running from her own secrets back home in America, she is thrown into solving the case. Despite her best efforts to avoid any drama, her new roommate Ivy was close to the murdered girl, and the two of them can’t help but get pulled in.
The two can’t stand each other, but as they are drawn deeper into the mystery of this strange and terrible murder, they will discover that something dangerous is at the heart of their superficially perfect school.
Welcome to The Magpie Society.
One for Sorrow will be told via the alternating first person perspectives of the lead characters Audrey – written by Amy – and Ivy – written by Zoe – with the narrative being jointly plotted by both authors.
My love of thrillers, true crime and a good old fashioned “who done it?” Is being channelled into something that I really hope you enjoy too.
“It feels so strange finally being able to openly share and talk about the idea that Amy & I started talking about five years ago! My love of thrillers, true crime and a good old fashioned “who done it?” Is being channelled into something that I really hope you enjoy too.
Although we’re only part of the way into the process of writing, it’s already been so much fun to work on, and there is genuinely nobody else I’d rather be doing it alongside than Amy. We’re always on the same page with ideas, plot points and characters and even though I knew it would be fun to collaborate and write alongside her, the fact that we work so well together has already made this one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in a really long time!
If you’ve not seen the video in which we talk about the process, what the book is about and how excited we are, check it out below and don’t forget to pre-order! :)” – Zoe
Possibly our cutest takeover yet! Raystede is an animal welfare organisation and charity based in East Sussex.
Tell us about Raystede and how you started!
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare was founded by the late Miss M Raymonde-Hawkins. She was originally a teacher but she left the education sector to build Raystede as an animal charity in 1952, it all began from the back garden of her cottage, we now use her old house as offices. Miss Raymonde-Hawkins wanted to provide facilities that were better than existing animal rescue centres. Her campaign focused on giving unwanted and abandoned animals a better life. Our site has now expanded across 43 acres of land and continues to be at the forefront of animal welfare.
How many different types of animals do you currently care for?
We care for a range of animals at Raystede. We rehome dogs, cats and small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and more. We also care for alpaca, donkeys, goats, sheep, horses, ponies, hens, ducks and geese. We are one of the most diverse rescue centres in the country due to the number of different species we have.
What’s the usual amount of time an animal who is to be adopted stays at Raystede?
They are rehomed within a month. If
any of the animals need extra training or veterinary treatment, we will keep
them with us as until they are ready to be adopted. If necessary, we will put
them in a foster home to help prepare them for their new home.
What animals have the most character?
Every animal is an individual and they all have lots of character! We character assess every animal that will be rehomed so that we can match each animal with their potential owner to make sure it will be a good fit.
We have animals that are elderly or have ongoing health issues who live with us permanently. Many of these animals can be sponsored for as little as £3 a month. Sweetpea is one of our very cheeky goats and she is a popular lady to sponsor. To find out more about sponsoring an animal please click here.
Tell us about one of your ponies!
Purdie is one of our little ponies. She is very friendly and has become a real favourite with our visitors and volunteers because she absolutely loves attention. She is a little unsteady when she walks because she has a clubbed foot on one of her front hooves and also one of the reasons why she was unwanted. Despite this, Purdie doesn’t let her disability get the better of her, as she can be particularly speedy when there might be food involved.
How can people help raise money for Raystede?
Fundraising is so important to us because we rely solely on donations and we couldn’t continue helping animals without our fantastic fundraisers. It costs £8000 a day to run Raystede and care for all the animals, so raising funds is an absolute must for us. Here are some ideas below:
Take part in a challenge event – running, cycling, climbing, abseiling | Cake sales | Wine tasting evening | Sponsored dog walk | Car boot sale | Plan and create your own event | Pop in to Raystede and give cash donations | Pay money onto a JustGiving page | Become a fundraising volunteer
You can find more information about fundraising here.
What’s the best thing about working for Raystede?
Working with animals is a huge
privilege, we get just as much from them as they do from us. It’s remarkable to
see a scared, shut down, nervous animals come to us and then with lots of love,
patience and care they come out of their shell and become very playful and
confident. There is nothing ore rewarding than seeing one of our animals trot
off to a new home with a big smile on their face. We also help people who are
in impossible situations and can’t keep their pets. It’s a very difficult
decisions to give up a much-loved pet but we are here to ensure that animal is
safe and will find a new home where they will be happy. This is also why it’s so important not to
advertise pets online, you don’t know who will take them or where they will end
up.
What kind of people do you tend to employ?
Raystede has over 85 employees we have people who work in our café and charity shop, a vet and a veterinary nurse, animal care staff, a fundraising department and a talented maintenance team who build and maintain all the animal housing and tend to the site every day to make sure it’s safe and functional for our animals, staff, volunteers and visitors. We look for passionate, talented, personable and hardworking people who love animals and want to help the charity succeed. Our staff always go the extra mile for the animals.
Tell us something people might not know about Raystede
We were featured on Channel 4 for a whole week in August 2019. ‘Animal Rescue Live’ hosted by Noel Fitzpatrick, Steve Jones and Kate Quilton filmed the program from Raystede and featured many of our animals, staff and volunteers to help us rehome more animals and raise much-needed funds too.
Tell us about your charity
Raystede is a rescue centre and
animal charity based in East Sussex that relies solely on donations to operate.
We rescue, rehome, rehabilitate and provide sanctuary (lifelong homes) for over
2000 animals a year. We have over 100
volunteers and 85 staff who all work tirelessly to give unwanted animals a
better life.
Do you do any work with schools and education?
Raystede has a dedicated education team who visit local schools and community groups to teach the next generation of pet owners about responsible pet ownership. We also welcome a wide range of school and community groups to visit us at Raystede and take part in learning activities with some of the animals we have on-site. Last year we visited almost 3000 young people and welcomed a further 1500 to our centre. For more information about our education programmes click here.
How can people become an animal carer?
We invite our younger visitors to join the Raystede team and become an ‘animal carer for a day’. They pay a fee of £50 to become a senior carer (13-17-year-olds) and £35 to become a junior carer (9-12-year-olds). Both groups will be involved in a range of fun activities throughout their day at Raystede. These events allow animal lovers to learn about what it takes to care for our animals and to help us with the daily routine. For more information on becoming an animal carer for the day click here.
Can people go and visit Raystede?
Raystede is open from 10am to 4pm seven days a week, apart from Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year’s Day. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. We also have free parking. Dogs on leads are also welcome here. Visitors can go and see our animals, as well as go shopping in our Raystede shop. We also have a café for those looking for some lunch, a cold/hot drink and our amazing homemade cakes. In addition, we have a pet goods store where we stock a range of products to make your pets feel at home. Lastly, we do different events and activities for our visitors to take part in.
A slip dress is such a versatile piece and a real wardrobe staple all year round. Worn alone or layered over a shirt or plain tee, the styling options are endless!
Zoe | Everyday Look
I love this trend, but always feel like they’re more of a sophisticated evening outfit only meant for swanky heels and a sleek clutch bag, however, that is not the case and for a more everyday look, I’d pair it with a big baggy cardigan in a slouchy style. I also love these western-style boots and think they would look great with it & then topping it off with a black headband! Click each item below to shop!*
Darcey | Casual Look
I’ve gone for a casual look, styling the slip dress with a baggy high neck jumper, this one from & Other Stories is perfect! I would finish the outfit off with a black pair of converse (as always) and if you are wanting an extra edge to the outfit, a belt always looks great around the waist with the jumper slightly tucked in! Click each item below to shop!*
Danielle | Holiday Evening
I’m about to go on a cruise so apologies if my outfit selection is a bit ‘high summer’! I’m pairing the slip dress with this sexy sheer overshirt, I’d wear it open or loosely tied. I’d pop on these super cool clear mules, they’re very Kim K and will probably go with lots of things making them a solid holiday shoe choice. I’d finish off the look with some gold hoops and a red lip! Click each item below to shop!*
Charlotte | Tonal Dressing
Tonal dressing to the max! I’m always into a colourful outfit and purple seems to be my go-to shade at the moment. I’ve decided to layer a lightweight jersey under the slip dress to make it winter appropriate, and continue my lilac theme with some sassy AF knee highs and a velvet headband. Can you tell I like an ‘extra’ outfit? Click each item below to shop!*
Lareese | Modern 90’s
I’d pair it with something masculine like an oversized belted trench coat, heeled boots and a fedora hat for a modern spin on the 90s trend. Click each item below to shop!*
Lauren | Chilly Date
This is my first foray into slip dresses, and I think it would slip (wahey) right into my wardrobe by sizing it up to wear with a top underneath. I’ve gone for a turtleneck here as it’s still chilly out, and paired with tights and some boots it’ll be a really easy chic look to throw on for coffee, a date, or work! Click each item below to shop!*
This week, we're shopping for the must-have accessories to pair with our outfits and we won't lie to ya Gwen, this lot are TIDY.
We’re talking gemstone rings, headbands to disguise a bad hair day and monogrammed baguette bags, the gang’s all here and they have our full undivided attention.
Be still our beating hearts – these are the pieces we’re adding to our wish list (our Monzo account just doesn’t know it yet).
Lareese
I’ll never been a huge accessories enthusiast, I’m more inclined to buy a dress or knitwear over the bag or the jewellery but I do love a simple gold ring here and there. The Daphine Oli ring is right up my street so that’s on my wish list this month.
I’m still not over bucket hats, despite the fact I look like Vera whenever I try to pull one off – one more stab at the trend can’t hurt, can it? If in doubt, I’ll opt for a headband instead. The knotted / padded ones are great for disguising a bad hair day.
I’ve never been much of a jewellery girl. I have a few staple necklaces/earrings I wear on a daily basis but I am all about the hair accessories. I wear some kind of clip or scrunchie on a daily basis and even though I have been told I look like a 5 year old, I love them. I would wear hats but I’m yet to find one that comfortably fits my head.
I’m also not that adventurous with shoes/bags. I have a few staples that I’ll occasionally switch up but you can’t beat classic vans and a multi-purpose backpack to contain all my hair accessories.
My must have accessories are quite basic, I’m not a massive jewellery fanatic and never go for anything to out there. I love sticking to dainty chain bracelets, I normally wear a mix of gold and silver bracelets (controversial I know). I have recently been loving hi top converse, they just look so good with everything. Lastly, another accessory must have for me is a little black cross body bag, perfect for any outfit or occasion.
When it comes to accessories, I’m definitely a delicate jewellery girl. I love stacking, whether that’s rings or necklaces, the more the merrier I say. These are the brands I wear most of, and some of these I actually already own and wear a lot already so felt it was worth popping them in here! There are also a few i’ve got my beady eye on. When it comes to jewellery, I tend to spend a bit more money on something I know will last me a lot longer and feel more special!
I LOVE accessories and Jewellery (who doesn’t!?) but i’m terrible at remembering to add them to an outfit. I’m convinced this is because I haven’t figured out a clever way of storing what I do own so I never really see any of it to change things up. This means I pretty much just wear the same 4 rings and 2 necklaces every single day. That being said, one thing that I have gravitated towards and experimented a bit more over the last 6 months is headbands, I love them so much i actually wore one on my wedding day. Whether they’re chunky and statement or delicate and dainty i think they can really complete a look, plus on a bad hair day they disguise a multitude of sins!
I’m such a big jewellery gal I’ve decided to dedicate my accessories must have to lots of delicate and beautiful pieces from Carrie Elizabeth. I LOVE this brand, even my engagement ring is CE. I’ve gone for this little moon and stars vibe for a necklace and a bracelet with a couple of rings that I think would look fab. If you’re looking to invest in some lovely bits or need to buy a gift for a friend I can’t recommend Carrie Elizabeth enough!
Accessories for me are everything. Give me a statement boot or earring any day of the week and that’s me sorted. For some reason my picks are very green this week- pistachio is particularly in at the moment so that may have something to do with it. Missoma is my go-to for lust worthy jewellery- I only have one necklace from them but if money was no object I’d have a collection of gold jewels enough to attract magpies far and wide.
For bags, sunnies and boots I’ve stuck to the Shrek theme, and to be honest I’m loving how coordinated my ASOS saved basket is at the moment.
I’m typically a low-key accessories gal, and like to buy pieces from ethical brands so I know the materials have been sustainably sourced or have benefitted the makers livelihoods. I usually wear dainty earrings day-to-day, and these Moon and Star earrings have been on my wish list for a long time after buying some for a friend. I also love some comfy trainers, and this VEJA pair has a chunkier sole than my other pair which is great for height and a bouncy step in your walk!
Bravo everyone, we bloody did it! We survived the Christmas comedown otherwise known as dry January and we're excited to move on with our lives and the rest of 2020 now.
Pancake Day, Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day, February is lining up to be quite the catch. There’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into but should you find yourself at a loose end, we’ve got a whole list of things to do, book, drink, buy, and eat right here.
1. Drink way too much prosecco, ‘cos it’s a fundamental right on Galentine’s Day
2. Treat yourself for getting through the longest month of the year. Huzzah!
3. Buy your first bunch of cheap and cheerful daffodils
4. Write a love letter, to yourself, your bestie or your partner
5. Have a good Spring clean and switch up the bedding
6. Have a board games day
7. Try to find a Valentine’s Day card that nails the love message but also has a SOH. It needs to say hey, you might drive me up the wall when you throw your beard stubble around like confetti but I can’t picture life without ya
8. Find a new Spring walk to go on with your beau
9. Book a romantic mini getaway
10. Actually wear your pretty matching undies (even just for one day)
11. Give someone a pack of love hearts
12. Get down on bended knee. It’s a leap year after all!
13. Re-enact the scene from Lady & The Tramp with the spaghetti with your S.O. while fellow horrified diners look on
14. Do something for Random Acts of Kindness Day
15. Listen to some sophisticated love tracks like Marvin Gaye when you really just want to listen to Little Things by One Direction
16. Snaffle a disgusting amount of pancakes. Make your ma proud!
17. Restart your failed NY resolutions. We go again – new month, new me…
18. Snap up an M&S dine for two deal. Thrifty romance!
19. Have a bouncy blow-dry with your bezzie
20. Shake your head at the early arrival of Easter snacks in supermarkets while simultaneously adding hot cross buns and Crème Eggs to your basket. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!
What will you be getting up to in February? Let us know in the comments below!