tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33428665470563664172024-02-07T13:35:57.625+00:00Birds in BlossomFashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Dogs!Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-25853766170486751452015-03-19T08:30:00.000+00:002015-03-19T08:30:00.364+00:00This Week on Instagram : 19.03.15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENSrmgHCE3urxi8KFERjgWrZMBHTbEMPGKzcXyyZgu-wMbE0GwPjSy_P715jo7OIvXxE_ibBP4JwJR3Pbmj40G4i04Ur78hjorITpQdpOvOOOdItyN4Ny87-ki9dlOFBHVwdMr7dE0abO/s1600/instagram170315.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENSrmgHCE3urxi8KFERjgWrZMBHTbEMPGKzcXyyZgu-wMbE0GwPjSy_P715jo7OIvXxE_ibBP4JwJR3Pbmj40G4i04Ur78hjorITpQdpOvOOOdItyN4Ny87-ki9dlOFBHVwdMr7dE0abO/s1600/instagram170315.png" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have done pretty much nothing this week but work on my dissertation, plain and simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's due to be in tomorrow! Ahhhh!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm just so nervous, I wish I had planned my time better but that's all too little too late, at least it's almost completely done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Anyway, posts have been sparse this week because of this so apologies, they should get better next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Wish me luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>If you want to follow me on Instagram go <a href="http://instagram.com/birdsinblossom" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
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Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-52466375401429415782015-03-15T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-15T07:30:01.812+00:00My Picks : George Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBNnmHMiGfSQo5lz8_gB_zhtGw230zche3i-0uNOW2n8mHYxZOjCJ_EfJ8Lx0zVT5YRq4woUuAhl7F-r9MX6fF7NBv0rpFnmYlA9sNlxtCj_YF0KjyEEZS3zrNW10oGAM566kCuAjV_Mc/s1600/georgehome.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBNnmHMiGfSQo5lz8_gB_zhtGw230zche3i-0uNOW2n8mHYxZOjCJ_EfJ8Lx0zVT5YRq4woUuAhl7F-r9MX6fF7NBv0rpFnmYlA9sNlxtCj_YF0KjyEEZS3zrNW10oGAM566kCuAjV_Mc/s1600/georgehome.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://direct.asda.com/George-Home-Brown-Faux-Antlers-Ornament/001762126,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06S02" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/cream-fabric-hearts/001743149,default,pd.html?cgid=D28M5G01C03S06" target="_blank">2</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Tree-Clock/001752781,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06S06" target="_blank">3</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/George-Home-Dream-Catcher/001764051,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06S02" target="_blank">4</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/rope-glass-hurricane-vase/001741959,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06S05" target="_blank">5</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/George-Home-Grey-Chevron-Micro-Plush-Throw/002038634,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C14" target="_blank">6</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/asda-fox-doorstop/002002661,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06" target="_blank">7</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/George-Home-Pouffe---Grey-Chevron/002037017,default,pd.html" target="_blank">8</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Heart-Frame-3x3in/001751738,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C10" target="_blank">9</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Birds-Door-Hook/001752529,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C06S02" target="_blank">10</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/cream-letter-rack-/-wall-clock/001738662,default,pd.html?cgid=D28M5G01C03S06" target="_blank">11</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/George-Home-Letter-B-Cushion/002036303,default,pd.html" target="_blank">12</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/Wooden-Shed-Mirror/001761027,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M01G01C08" target="_blank">13</a> | <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Grey-Faux-Fur-Heart-Cushion/002030626,default,pd.html" target="_blank">14</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Since Spring is on the way I'm been wanting to have a good <i>spring</i> clean and update my room decor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One store that I always finds has a lot of home stuff that I love is ASDA, well, the <b><span style="color: #666666;">George Home</span></b> section. So I went online and had a look at what they had to offer since sometimes in store they only have a limited selection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The above are my favourite picks, I love rustic and woodland themed things and I like kind of woody, neutral and monochrome tones, so all of these are right up my street and just so, so pretty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>I already own a couple of these items and will be buying more once I've submitted my dissertation and have the time!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Are you planning on sprucing up your space with some new decor this spring?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What do you think of the choices I've made?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thank you for reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-39457084265639810922015-03-13T08:00:00.000+00:002015-03-13T08:00:05.890+00:00This week on Instagram : 13.03.15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m5X1RZcGR3ZdfSOwP3w83p5-mTjXLlJJyovhBh6yf-Cp7nnWkGWvZYUK7WGWmsXyqyl0oCy01yV89EmcalXaqc-6ZP9VRso2r7x9sE8QCpsp-VJc1HOXQEIXulbf-4H6BSsO7ZeElrgn/s1600/instagram110315.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m5X1RZcGR3ZdfSOwP3w83p5-mTjXLlJJyovhBh6yf-Cp7nnWkGWvZYUK7WGWmsXyqyl0oCy01yV89EmcalXaqc-6ZP9VRso2r7x9sE8QCpsp-VJc1HOXQEIXulbf-4H6BSsO7ZeElrgn/s1600/instagram110315.png" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not much to say about this week, it shows by only having 4 photos instead of my usual 9. I have had no time to do anything other than going to work and working on my dissertation. Which is in next friday!! Eep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did make some soaps, candles and bath bombs in my breaks from my computer though for my Mum. I'll be giving her the gift basket on Sunday, I hope she likes it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's all though folks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There may not even be one of these next week because I'm really cracking down on work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you want to follow me on Instagram go <b><a href="https://instagram.com/birdsinblossom/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Though it may be pretty dead this nexk week! Just warning you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-87445118561168070972015-03-12T09:00:00.000+00:002015-03-12T09:00:01.451+00:00Homemade : Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMg5OsrLtHBSPQsMM_HxTB3iJliPooW9zY0sfatEk0xUUkPBde8myut2SIpJpxdrV6olFR-xZUkhGpasxHxx-8IQ6EwC44VwQzLqyUOK15CQWiz-XaBc7TKWn1DP8Iqbz4alxDgcx0qVR/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMg5OsrLtHBSPQsMM_HxTB3iJliPooW9zY0sfatEk0xUUkPBde8myut2SIpJpxdrV6olFR-xZUkhGpasxHxx-8IQ6EwC44VwQzLqyUOK15CQWiz-XaBc7TKWn1DP8Iqbz4alxDgcx0qVR/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you saw the <a href="http://birdsinblossom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/homemade-bath-bombs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>homemade bath bomb post</i></span></a> I did on Tuesday, you'll know I'm making my mum some bits and bobs for mother's day on sunday and today I made the next thing for her little basket of goodies I'm constructing!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Homemade Soap!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Here's what you'll need this time:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Soap base - Hobbycraft £5.39 for 1kg</span></div>
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<span style="color: #381521; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.0400009155273px;">(I wanted a white base but got a clear one because that's all they had)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Surgical Spirit - £1.80 From the local pharmacy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Spray Bottle </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Fragrance/essential oils of your choice </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>(I'm using the same ones that I used for my Bath bombs)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Decoration - Blue Malva Flowers £3.29 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(and the rose buds I used for the Bath Bombs)</span> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. A Soap Mould - I'm just using some ramekins I had in the kitchen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Coloured dye (optional, I'm not using any)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9o1VORcGbiBAn12_eCtp3LkKXTRdQ0ej5o9GxW4lZoniT185Fe70EdTb4Op-dwFf-tP3IiyUXgftnKQmZPYuFWTWQXQ8jZgAKK12VuUzcEW4YFuusPzjnJqK8Z8XaKclji7rxSx5_nO/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9o1VORcGbiBAn12_eCtp3LkKXTRdQ0ej5o9GxW4lZoniT185Fe70EdTb4Op-dwFf-tP3IiyUXgftnKQmZPYuFWTWQXQ8jZgAKK12VuUzcEW4YFuusPzjnJqK8Z8XaKclji7rxSx5_nO/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here's what you do:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Depending on the size of your moulds you're using, cut out some of your soap base with a kitchen knife. Don't worry if you don't cut enough to begin with, you can always add more.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Melt the soap base in the microwave, I do quick 15 seconds bursts and then check on it. Keep doing 15 seconds until the soap has become fully liquid. If you over heat it, it may discolour, so be careful!</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once melted add your fragrance and essential oils. I didn't measure mine, I just added each until I thought it smelled how I wanted it to. Mix thoroughly to spread evenly. This is when you'd add your colour if you wanted to.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Next, I poured a thin layer of soap in the bottom of my mould, I then stuck the rose buds in facing down.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGn-dwPjp_9Kpyv8buFMWZ0j_mTltqZvbvu31S-_o9YVXnVHO3VDYqidblOsJ16SQvbsIK9Oxco8GLSDlJpUGde_pC_S2rYTKJFybNakny45eM6mwLalYInhis5ZArWNIB-RGuIQf2F8S/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGn-dwPjp_9Kpyv8buFMWZ0j_mTltqZvbvu31S-_o9YVXnVHO3VDYqidblOsJ16SQvbsIK9Oxco8GLSDlJpUGde_pC_S2rYTKJFybNakny45eM6mwLalYInhis5ZArWNIB-RGuIQf2F8S/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Once you've fully covered the bottom of the mould with the rose buds, fill the rest of the mould with your soap solution.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now using the spray bottle filled with the surgical spirit, spray the top of the soap. It's to remove any bubbles.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Leave until fully set.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NhrgeQCnjfVa8OVBrPkVVax4YWFvOFVlPGeGF5um6xWJ_2Ea-w8nuopz1oi4uBojBwtKXk2_MJPYYddGZFr6OQbs5rpM1GMdODEmoSlA4YnSmKqV7sz6GbGYVqAhefNIsehZOUjdIAd0/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NhrgeQCnjfVa8OVBrPkVVax4YWFvOFVlPGeGF5um6xWJ_2Ea-w8nuopz1oi4uBojBwtKXk2_MJPYYddGZFr6OQbs5rpM1GMdODEmoSlA4YnSmKqV7sz6GbGYVqAhefNIsehZOUjdIAd0/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once done carefully remove from the mould.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you're not planning on using the soap pretty much immediately I would suggest wrapping it up in cling film or in tupperware so it doesn't get wet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> And you're done!</b><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also did the same thing again but instead of the rose buds used the Malva flowers, these flowers actually dyed the soap blue so I'm not sure whether they will dye your hands slightly if you use it. I'll just have to warn my mum before using this one!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsO9wjEBJNRmIJhVROimMQjgTe596o1kuCGNMRuWlG7f1YISTdqZk1A_DhGyGJzk7lnLxKqek28BmmrPQwPHpqBTGNUCZKm0IoWJPebwIxASpI7VBs1V-q5OBuPuHwmu7J31tbvg5f351/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsO9wjEBJNRmIJhVROimMQjgTe596o1kuCGNMRuWlG7f1YISTdqZk1A_DhGyGJzk7lnLxKqek28BmmrPQwPHpqBTGNUCZKm0IoWJPebwIxASpI7VBs1V-q5OBuPuHwmu7J31tbvg5f351/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's it, simple!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These make really nice, quick, easy and quite cheap gifts! Perfect for the likes of Mother's day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What do you think? Will you be giving this a go?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Do you ever make your own soap?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>As always, Thank you for Reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom</span><span style="color: #999999;"> x</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZNf3ohviWCodKJj7784tUz9T5Yirp5xqMeZnQ7Wy1POTwU2kfOP6u7vmW3F_9oTUXq8GKcwGuuElfaXKAEdCrN62MDgSvK24T4n8f71WIOk6DE8ytl4KdKD7pALSopJi9fKHT4mlhSUY/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZNf3ohviWCodKJj7784tUz9T5Yirp5xqMeZnQ7Wy1POTwU2kfOP6u7vmW3F_9oTUXq8GKcwGuuElfaXKAEdCrN62MDgSvK24T4n8f71WIOk6DE8ytl4KdKD7pALSopJi9fKHT4mlhSUY/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One of the things I'll be giving my Mum this mothers day is some </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">homemade bath items</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">, well some bath bombs and soaps at least.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Today I'm making the bath bombs!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, here's what you'll need to make a <b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Bath Bomb</span></b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">(Oh! before I begin, you can probably get these items cheaper elsewhere but I was pressed for time and wentfor I went for convenience, though I didn't think most of these things were poorly priced at all!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Bicarbonate of Soda - Wilkinson's, £1 for 500g</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Citric Acid - Wilkinson's, £1 for 50g</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Fragrance - </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hobby Craft,</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Rose Fragrance £3.86 for 25ml</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Essential oil - </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wilkinson's, </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lavender Oil £1.25 10ml</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Decoration (optional) - Hobby Craft, Rose Buds £2.96 per pack</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. 1 or 2 mixing bowls</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. Spoon for mixing (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. Water, preferably in a spray bottle</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. Colouring (optional) - eBay, Rosebud Pink mineral pigment powder </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">£2.50 for 5g</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">11. Bath bomb mould - eBay £3.99 for a </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6cm round mould</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNkakp8GReYItJZWdt_arPPToUXMmFtI3XJ_baajEEl3LR6ImHmMtDQY9WXlPQ09pNYsAkDpP47mKA4DfRoHGAu2iWngZmtWx7RsLFeBoFxnv1MjxDRO-JcKSkfsjN8yP1WYMp8VPGt5b/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNkakp8GReYItJZWdt_arPPToUXMmFtI3XJ_baajEEl3LR6ImHmMtDQY9WXlPQ09pNYsAkDpP47mKA4DfRoHGAu2iWngZmtWx7RsLFeBoFxnv1MjxDRO-JcKSkfsjN8yP1WYMp8VPGt5b/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>The mineral colouring powder hasn't arrived yet so today I'm just making white rose scented bath bombs with lavender oil.</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So first, measure out about 75g of the bicarbonate of soda and sift into a bowl, then add about 35g of citric acid and mix using your fingers or a spoon until fully combined.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Next,you can either split the mixture in half and add about 2g of colourant to one half, OR you could colour the whole mixture, OR like me leave it white.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Then, add about 2ml of your rose fragrance, I just squirted a little bit into the mixture until I thought the fragrance was a nice 'strength'. Also add a similar amount of your essential oil, in my case I used lavender to make a really floral scented bath bomb, which relaxing tones.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Here's the tricky bit, you use your spray bottle to add water, little at a time until the mix becomes damp. If you make it too wet the mixture will start to fizz and effervesce, I did this on my first attempt, it was super messy and didn't work. So you want the mix to start to stick together, it will sort of look and feel like fake snow.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now fill one half of your mould with your mixture. You can alternate your coloured mixes to make a stripey pattern if you want, but as mine is all white I just filled the half fully pressing in down so there are no air spaces. Leave a little mound of mix at the top of the half so when you press the two halves together they'll merge. </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I then did pretty much the same to the other half of the mould but before putting the mix in, at the bottom I put about 5 rose buds, so they'll poke out of the bath bomb once complete. Then I joined the two halves together with a little force so they'd set together.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdBwCrxeO8TeFi2Dwh_Y3lcbKadoD4iOwQhBKNWgTZDefdr1H2hHzaunqTlx7_nlNEwz_X4s6zN_1L70CaWTKj-miDKslLctaw8Ihp9WF-TR25HYSZ1f4FrJcqvFi7Yg7MFgNGVnZRJOO/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdBwCrxeO8TeFi2Dwh_Y3lcbKadoD4iOwQhBKNWgTZDefdr1H2hHzaunqTlx7_nlNEwz_X4s6zN_1L70CaWTKj-miDKslLctaw8Ihp9WF-TR25HYSZ1f4FrJcqvFi7Yg7MFgNGVnZRJOO/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I left the filled mould for about 10 minutes so the mix would set (but I leave them overnight before properly handling them). To remove carefully take one half of the mould away, your bath bomb should have formed so only the mould is removed. Then cup the non-mould half of the bath bomb in your hand and carefully lift of the other side of the mould. Your bath bomb is complete!</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5ZpI6-l1WkeRDMM7SEfybLMWIYjRpcDZoz_5PUye7Q_ZRRZScbUxLLMxRxXFcgDFYmumnV9GvRtgul-D3WCM9c02-e2AxbOHPlGE5iB4b6j8cHDI7n-Ef0KpcKzooyuE0A9ZL7hymSd7/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5ZpI6-l1WkeRDMM7SEfybLMWIYjRpcDZoz_5PUye7Q_ZRRZScbUxLLMxRxXFcgDFYmumnV9GvRtgul-D3WCM9c02-e2AxbOHPlGE5iB4b6j8cHDI7n-Ef0KpcKzooyuE0A9ZL7hymSd7/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" height="308" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I really enjoyed making these, they were super quick and easy to make. I know my Mum will love them!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On Thursday I'll make a homemade soap post!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What do you think? Will you give these a try?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Have you ever made your own bath bombs before?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for Reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-27266566514569856452015-03-08T08:00:00.000+00:002015-03-08T08:00:03.783+00:00Hair Growth Products I'm Using<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC989aZ6cov4u27HAbml_xfM7SCABsyyXWmkMbMPc0OX_Nbf401jj0YM3OQS3iF4homxD3BNUF19mAD8XLX7FFUdyM6NIBs1Q5sEYX-OW2frd_RLRlTbhWhH5fpV0XJeR4CLh2J8IzAz_/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC989aZ6cov4u27HAbml_xfM7SCABsyyXWmkMbMPc0OX_Nbf401jj0YM3OQS3iF4homxD3BNUF19mAD8XLX7FFUdyM6NIBs1Q5sEYX-OW2frd_RLRlTbhWhH5fpV0XJeR4CLh2J8IzAz_/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" height="354" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>If you saw my <a href="http://birdsinblossom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/hair-ideas-2015.html" target="_blank">Hair ideas post</a>, you'll know I want to grow my hair out, and though it is the healthiest it's been in a long time, there's no harm in giving it some extra help!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The things photographed are the products I'm using right now. Most of these I found by just browsing shops but the Sea Kelp food supplement I bought due to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5yRBzbosME" target="_blank">'boxes of foxes' youtube video</a>, she also bought many of the products I have here as well which boosted my confidence in them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I didn't buy all these at once, otherwise I would have cried for my money, or more the lack of money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They aren't all that expensive individually, but together... yowza.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>So my routine goes like this:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I have breakfast I take <a href="http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/aldi-price-comparison/Vitamins_And_Supplements/Activ_Max_Heart_Health_Omega_3_Fish_Oil_1000mg_Capsules_50.html" target="_blank">Cod liver oil (£1.45)</a>, <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/natures-garden-sea-kelp-tablets-15mg-60000628?c=sea%20kelp" target="_blank">Sea Kelp (£5.99)</a> and <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-biotin-tablets-300ug-60002760" target="_blank">Biotin (£5.99)</a> supplements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then I brush my hair with a wide paddle brush (I've had mine for years you can find them for cheap everywhere!), but with tough knots I use my <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Tangle-Teezer_1189452/" target="_blank">Tangle Teezer(£10.99</a>) as I find this causes less breakages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I wash my hair I use the <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/products/new" target="_blank">Lush 'New' Shampoo bar (£5.75</a>, it lasts a lot longer than my normal liquid shampoo), then I use the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Lee-Stafford-Hair-Growth-Treatment-Pink-200ml_854442/" target="_blank">Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment (£8.49</a>) as instructed on the packaging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To condition I use the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Salon-Science-ProAccelerant-2-Conditioner-AnaGain-Organic-Pea-Sprout-250ml_1500636/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">Salon Science ProAccelerant 2: Conditioner (£17.00</a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">) this is the priciest thing I bought and I will not be buying it again because of the price <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I don't actually remember paying that much I swear it was closer to £11 but that's what it says on the website!),</span></i> instead I think I'll buy the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Lee-Stafford-Hair-Growth-Conditioner-200ml_1222184/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">Lee Stafford Hair Growth Conditioner (£6.99)</a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">, the only reason I didn't buy this is because I couldn't find it in Boots in store anywhere. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I may even buy the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Lee-Stafford-Total-Hair-Growth-Bundle_1635450/" target="_blank">Lee Stafford Hair Growth Bundle (£25.00)</a> as you get a lot for your money and I really like the products so far! Lastly once I'm out of the bath I towel dry my hair and use the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Lee-Stafford-Hair-Growth-Leave-In-Treatment-100ml_1330179/" target="_blank">Lee Stafford Hair Growth leave in treatment (£11.99</a>) and let my hair naturally dry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For quick morning washes I use the </span></span></div>
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<span class="pd_productNameSpan" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/OGX-Anti-Breakage-Keratin-Oil-Shampoo-385ml_1498721/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo</a><span style="font-size: small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/OGX-Anti-Breakage-Keratin-Oil-Conditioner-385ml_1498723/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Conditioner (£6.99 each or 2 for £10</a><span style="font-size: small;">)</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">not shown in the photo as I left them in the shower whoops!</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">, and try to let it naturally dry as much as possible before using a hair dryer on a low heat. </span></span></h1>
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<span class="pd_productNameSpan" itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Other than the products, I'm eating much healthier and drinking more water, which I can tell is really improving my hair health. Also, I only very rarely use heat on my hair so that is a big help too in reducing damage and breakages!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'll be posting a before and after results in a few months hopefully! Keep watch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Have you used any of these products? What do you think?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Had any positive results?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Grow hair, GROW!</span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-60998512944598734982015-03-06T08:00:00.000+00:002015-03-06T08:00:02.296+00:00This Week on Instagram : 05.03.15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAj0wCiiTTLrQzc1TiLRiZh4ns7QIGksa2_gIANl9HtJEbrIEGsRfvZLiQVkD-4Pp94Z4kwvnoAyNW3hvKExsTrCHFbRZjPf7cqEL02EDNg9NI_B1m7FeCtu57k55wIm72VlPZE7HfILT/s1600/instagram+4.3.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAj0wCiiTTLrQzc1TiLRiZh4ns7QIGksa2_gIANl9HtJEbrIEGsRfvZLiQVkD-4Pp94Z4kwvnoAyNW3hvKExsTrCHFbRZjPf7cqEL02EDNg9NI_B1m7FeCtu57k55wIm72VlPZE7HfILT/s1600/instagram+4.3.15.png" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Don't be too surprised to hear I haven't been up to much again this week...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You'll be hearing that a lot for the next few weeks, the deadlines are stacked and the pressure is on so most of my life is at a desk working away right now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did make one last batch of cupcakes for a while since I knew I won't have time for baking in the coming weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also have been working on my Mum's mothers day gift!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Other than that there's not much to report!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Oh! I may be doing drawn OOTD if I can get the time and right 'look' to them! Keep a look out!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you want to follow me on Instagram go <a href="https://instagram.com/birdsinblossom/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">x</span></span></b></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-9808407458912521472015-03-05T08:00:00.000+00:002015-03-05T08:00:00.999+00:00Mother's Day Gift Ideas 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJJboDUF32cDoD0gr8dT933RjUf70mBJhEdH7tMoNovV1jk4atNDiEYtvCUV1O_zj4r3czKTEB0APtg-iQzGMnfAfurVyDIEM9zuQg7eTVz4FTwoaD20HKk9D3HRNo1LIkRcHZvNhQLzm/s1600/mothersday15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJJboDUF32cDoD0gr8dT933RjUf70mBJhEdH7tMoNovV1jk4atNDiEYtvCUV1O_zj4r3czKTEB0APtg-iQzGMnfAfurVyDIEM9zuQg7eTVz4FTwoaD20HKk9D3HRNo1LIkRcHZvNhQLzm/s1600/mothersday15.png" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/marc-jacobs-daisy-dream-eau-de-toilette/p1519578" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">1</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | </span><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/olivia-burton-women's-dot-dial-leather-strap-watch/p1817208?colour=Tan%20/%20Gold" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">2</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | </span><a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_332001455806MG00_-1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">3</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | 4 | </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/products/bubble-bars/rose" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">5</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | </span><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/gifts/mother's-day/mothers-day-cards/c8000025902?intcmp=MothersDay_Area_SkinnyBanner_Cards_190215" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">6</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | </span><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-RELAXSTATION-Gift-Set_1569882/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">7</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | 8 | </span><a href="http://www.clothingattesco.com/nightwear+slippers/f+f-polka-dot-dressing-gown/invt/cc512237" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">9</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> | </span><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/holdsworth-truly-scrumptious-marc-de-champagne-truffle-chocolates-125g/p1604133" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">10</a></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">It's <span style="color: #e06666;">Mothers Day</span> on <span style="color: #a64d79;">March 15th</span> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">(in the UK at least!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Consequently I've made a little gift idea selection, it's pretty generic but some people may be completely at a loss and this may just provide the spark they need so. I guess, every little helps!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Number 4 is Homemade bath bombs and soaps! This is what I'll be making for my Mum, I'll be posting a tutorial early next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8 is the most average, but always a winner, mother's day gift, a bouquet of her favourite flowers (my Mum's fave are Lilies).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are all pretty reasonably priced for what they are, obviously things like the perfume and watch are more expensive but a good price for the product!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm making my mum a gift basket, which I'll probably include in the homemade soap/bath bomb post!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This was just quick and simple, not that unique but a good staple!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What are you getting for your Mum? Any other ideas?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for reading, lovely!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-58315658546085824642015-03-04T21:11:00.000+00:002015-03-04T21:54:00.398+00:00THE END IS NEAR! ... (the end of uni that is)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4Gq6TNajgMrWTmAwi6PMzC4J4DzBS1XaUO3NQ6Klhg3Gv0BcwlF42oGC__55KkXla3PHG5Zfwqq5harMiWVSdk2-vNLklYyaXXpKBhLVKbIpzLoa7LKzdNDv5ulelfRiBTdSS9h5V62H/s1600/Uni.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4Gq6TNajgMrWTmAwi6PMzC4J4DzBS1XaUO3NQ6Klhg3Gv0BcwlF42oGC__55KkXla3PHG5Zfwqq5harMiWVSdk2-vNLklYyaXXpKBhLVKbIpzLoa7LKzdNDv5ulelfRiBTdSS9h5V62H/s1600/Uni.png" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I actually went onto twitter and I was only going to write a jokey tweet about how absolutely everyone is asking me what I'm going to after uni... but then I thought... I don't actually know and then some deep thoughts ensued.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's both super scary and so exciting at the same time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I mean I have an idea of what I want to do but nothing is certain and I like that. I like the idea of the freedom and choice I have. I like that I can do whatever I want to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's such a weird feeling being this close to the end, it definitely has yet to sink in, I'm just waiting for the day it does and I have one huge existential crisis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once I'm through that though... my life, like real life, begins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So Freaky!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I mean, I could go straight to employment, set up my own business, go travelling, become a gold-digger and do nothing at all <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(joking obviously)</span>! Seriously though, the possibilities are pretty much endless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Honestly, it is so strange this place I'm at right now, I have crushing deadlines all coming my way in the next few weeks but I see the end, I feel the excitement, I can smell the freedom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>I can not wait!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This wasn't a substantial post but this blog is only an extension of me and just about my life, so my bad if it was boring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thank you for reading though!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b>Goddamn I'm going to miss student discount *cries forever*</b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-48316365166338545072015-02-25T08:00:00.000+00:002015-02-25T08:00:03.788+00:00This Week on Instagram : 25.02.15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jI5vV29HHJE4GQAQhfnYBEZNnBJEnVsVApz6GWjFOsJsDu8pliEeZn2rmpfMSlAhQNzbHkhoTf2EUAvU19HB7VofaJWaus1ruXvy5tWglEViPRpj2zQXz-PSbv4jtIV8m_88ITaeaRT4/s1600/insta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jI5vV29HHJE4GQAQhfnYBEZNnBJEnVsVApz6GWjFOsJsDu8pliEeZn2rmpfMSlAhQNzbHkhoTf2EUAvU19HB7VofaJWaus1ruXvy5tWglEViPRpj2zQXz-PSbv4jtIV8m_88ITaeaRT4/s1600/insta.png" height="632" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This week I've not been up to much, just working on my dissertation mostly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did nip to IKEA and M&S to buy some indoor plants<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the cacti are from Ikea and the Succulent from M&S)</span></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Been thinking about this summer and the holiday destinations I may visit, I've also reminisced about my trip to NYC over Christmas with the boyfriend. I just love traveling so much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One thing I have been pondering is the blog and if it's worth advertising it more on my social sites and that, I'd love more interaction and comments but first you need people to actually find and read your blog... I think that's were I struggle, I don't really like advertising my blog but I want to advertise it, so it's a bit of a rock and a hard place scenario. I do tweet a link occasionally and have posted the picture you see in the middle on instagram, but that's all I do... I will figure something more out eventually. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm not blogging to have a popular blog, I'm just blogging for me so ultimately it's not important but I was just curious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Anyone got any advice?</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The next few weeks are going to be nuts work wise as my dissertation is in next month! Scary stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>If you want to follow me on Instagram? Go <a href="https://instagram.com/birdsinblossom/" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thank you for reading sweetheart!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-20887340073444342172015-02-23T22:42:00.001+00:002015-02-23T22:42:14.781+00:00H&M Wishlist : February '15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUedx2tOgp91narogDv8RQ-0Nf-eBT3tvy-xuRqYFbKbl2KfpX0iQv77I5p-h94oFGhc0SHo-T-sx6dv68aOVJ8VhrKmmVYghG3qEFBAq4bZ9ZN-lIIZEbOAC3rBC7zb0NmNKAPkIkjB8/s1600/HandMFeb2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUedx2tOgp91narogDv8RQ-0Nf-eBT3tvy-xuRqYFbKbl2KfpX0iQv77I5p-h94oFGhc0SHo-T-sx6dv68aOVJ8VhrKmmVYghG3qEFBAq4bZ9ZN-lIIZEbOAC3rBC7zb0NmNKAPkIkjB8/s1600/HandMFeb2015.png" height="340" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/88461?article=88461-B" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/88676?article=88676-C" target="_blank">2</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/87629?article=87629-A" target="_blank">3</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/53851?article=53851-F" target="_blank">4</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/51937?article=51937-A" target="_blank">5</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/13938?article=13938-R" target="_blank">6</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/87485?article=87485-B" target="_blank">7</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/86576?article=86576-A" target="_blank">8</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/87425?article=87425-E#article=87425-E" target="_blank">9</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/87752?article=87752-A" target="_blank">10</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/28743?article=28743-P" target="_blank">11</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/53851?article=53851-I" target="_blank">12</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/15392?article=15392-R" target="_blank">13</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/88801?article=88801-A" target="_blank">14</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/86391?article=86391-A" target="_blank">15</a> | <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/34146?article=34146-A" target="_blank">16</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am doing a HUGE early spring clear out of my wardrobe and I am getting rid of a lot of stuff as I want my style to consist more staples and simple colours, so my overall look would be much more timeless and classic than it is right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Though I am clearing out I am lacking in some basic bits and I always find H&M one of the best stores to get your fashion staples and basics, so I looked through the entire website,<i> which I'm sad to admit is something I do regularly</i> and I thought I'd share my picks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I literally picked everything I would want and it just so happened that it was all <b>monochrome</b>... that was not even planned. It's obviously just my style at the minute and what I'm drawn to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If I was to make this into a capsule wardrobe I would add a pair of black skinny jeans, a pair of white jeans, a white skater skirt and some white and some black pumps. Done!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Do you like any of the picks?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>How about monochrome, is it too overdone or timeless?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Are you planning a wardrobe clear out soon?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Comment below!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-26596425146645495272015-02-20T07:30:00.000+00:002015-02-23T22:45:44.562+00:00This Week's Grumble : Door Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFf0_dweAhCZadKyVi7wCrjnTxJWOVvIBy18TGEguhAkOJ0hq2rSY3rhwcpwFaKdmJWgYVBYEKJ1X4wwyRtnQ9v_-33KNFIdcfkN8ziSvA-ea6xoA-JOHPi8xpW6Y8YSRF09ubHrWe5i/s1600/Grumbledoorno.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFf0_dweAhCZadKyVi7wCrjnTxJWOVvIBy18TGEguhAkOJ0hq2rSY3rhwcpwFaKdmJWgYVBYEKJ1X4wwyRtnQ9v_-33KNFIdcfkN8ziSvA-ea6xoA-JOHPi8xpW6Y8YSRF09ubHrWe5i/s1600/Grumbledoorno.png" height="236" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This week's grumble is Door Numbers.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now this may not be a thing that has ever bothered you, and it may never do so, but it bothers me on a near daily basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is due to me working as a night shift delivery driver for a major pizza delivery (yes, probably the one you're thinking of), its an easy job, flexible hours (perfect for a full time student) and I get great tips. So, I deliver a lot of pizzas to a lot of houses. One thing I have noticed, since starting this job last October, is that many people think it's acceptable to not have a visible door number.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Okay, so this isn't so bad if it's just the one house on the street as you can just look at next door's number and figure it out easy enough. HOWEVER, when the whole street is in on the act, then the struggle becomes real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b>Do you not want your pizza? What is wrong with you!?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The guessing game begins. You can try to count the houses from the beginning of the street, but from experience... it rarely works. It's also doubly hard as I work night shifts, its dark so visibility is low and some of the areas I deliver to are not exactly posh so sometimes I can feel a little uneasy. You just want to deliver the food and get off. But no. That's too easy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">People obviously want you to guess, I suppose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>JUST PUT A NUMBER ON YOUR DOOR... please.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Every delivery driver of every type, including post people, will appreciate it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Though if you have one of these:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj2L8kIF3dLQ7dzsSMFOoKUqem6YbjXkL4y6OOHop-icfYw8eZ_42iPgIqUCt2c-aS7Gjh192edhJCyVihPpizhSJvLNJ1yV2khRTpFFUm9a2zjIWjcb9Us9kp6Gk3KPK_6_VGd6Fxz4M/s1600/61haXcOIIdL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj2L8kIF3dLQ7dzsSMFOoKUqem6YbjXkL4y6OOHop-icfYw8eZ_42iPgIqUCt2c-aS7Gjh192edhJCyVihPpizhSJvLNJ1yV2khRTpFFUm9a2zjIWjcb9Us9kp6Gk3KPK_6_VGd6Fxz4M/s1600/61haXcOIIdL._SY300_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">I thank you. Some streets don't have a clear name post and your sign makes my life easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">And if you have one of these:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh091l42zsXdtPIlrEdxmK17XggJ_sQkS9YZ4cuwxvIju9PZpL8aP8CIBVmDvGRFHcFw3oQgSp5vGkZlZTZPifPOiYxnyCgAHBSVsKjo5mCmQxNgasIIJN9SpsmfRYN6eEZlzjv6bChu3/s1600/LED-House-Number-842x586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh091l42zsXdtPIlrEdxmK17XggJ_sQkS9YZ4cuwxvIju9PZpL8aP8CIBVmDvGRFHcFw3oQgSp5vGkZlZTZPifPOiYxnyCgAHBSVsKjo5mCmQxNgasIIJN9SpsmfRYN6eEZlzjv6bChu3/s1600/LED-House-Number-842x586.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">You are a shining beacon of humanity. I applaud you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">This is like a silver lining in a cloud of darkness, even if its not your home I'm delivering to you help me orientate myself. I love you. Seriously, I LOVE YOU.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">If you have one of these however:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Tnzqx7sH8vjuxMuFof6ps_uCEyjoHTMkpg1_OymW4Of3KGorPVspn-S_XfPHDK66_I3i_ONT3DEj_qQGj7FI7woMuyzup9ibfR0fTJV6SeFsvkAR7kjiJvMh_awVhSN0cj_7LY2ewvv/s1600/blank-door-plate-brass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Tnzqx7sH8vjuxMuFof6ps_uCEyjoHTMkpg1_OymW4Of3KGorPVspn-S_XfPHDK66_I3i_ONT3DEj_qQGj7FI7woMuyzup9ibfR0fTJV6SeFsvkAR7kjiJvMh_awVhSN0cj_7LY2ewvv/s1600/blank-door-plate-brass.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">So close... Yet so, so far. *sighs forever*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sorry if that was boring or weird for you, but alas, it's one of the first world problems I find affects me most, that and when the laptop charger is more than an arm's length away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">x</span></b></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-69151822614002299992015-02-18T10:20:00.001+00:002015-02-18T10:20:35.672+00:00Film Review : 50 Shades Of Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First things first. I've wanted to start reviewing films on here for a while and since revamping my blog, I feel now is the best time... though the choice of the first film isn't ideal as it is not to my taste, it is one that is a huge talking point right now and I wanted to share my opinions on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So <b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">50 Shades of Grey</span>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The reason and </span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">only reason</b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I watched this film is because of the hype about it. I haven't read the books and knew virtually nothing about the plot other than I thought the two main characters hooked up in a sexual way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I didn't really have any intentions to watch this but everyone I knew was talking about it and there are controversies surrounding this film, both of which I wanted to form an opinion on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So I watched it yesterday and... <b>I <i>really</i> did not enjoy it</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was so bland and really poorly written. Also, the characters, particularily the girl made little sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>!! Oh, I better say this now <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">THERE MAY BE SPOILERS!</span></b> Probably no major ones, but some minor plot details may be shared. !!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Anyway, the whole film was so poorly written it felt like something a 14-year old fantasizing girl would write (minus the whole BDSM thing), like some serious fan fiction about a teacher or something. It is so awful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was one of those films were you knew what dialogue was going to go down before it happened, <b>word for word</b>. It was that bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It just felt <i>so</i> unoriginal and boring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Also, I didn't watch the film for the sexy scenes but prior to watching it I imagined it would just be the occasional boob shot and shadowy sexual positions, which I was mostly right about, you see a lot of butt too. So nothing too bad if you find yourself like me wanting to see what the fuss is about but not really wanting to watch a bloomin' soft porn!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As for the characters, I felt <b><span style="color: #666666;">Anastasia Steele</span></b>, the leading lady, her personality made <b>NO SENSE. At all!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Okay, so you get the impression she's this <b>virginal hopeless romantic</b> who is <b>waiting for the right guy</b> to sweep her off her feet but is still an<b> intelligent independent woman</b> who doesn't feel the need for a man, which is unoriginal, but fine for purposes of this story.<b> The problem </b>begins when she meets this Mr. Grey and then her personality goes out the window and on a long holiday. She becomes some <b>super horny seductive tease</b> who is fine with rampant casual sex with a guy she met <i>like 10 minutes ago?!</i> It's not like it's an impossible scenario, it just felt so random when watching it and so badly written (<i>I'm sorry that I keep saying it but it's the truth!</i>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It just doesn't feel natural at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As for this <span style="color: #999999;"><b>Christian Grey</b></span>....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First... for casting<b> A+</b>. Jamie Dornan has a nice face. Good job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But Mr. Grey is just your typically (female) written dominant male who a leading often more timid female pursues. Also throw in the stereotypical main characters dynamic of the dominant male admitting that something he does with the leading female character he has '<i>never done with anyone before, EVER.</i>', <b>YAWN</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He is clearly a character that's only purpose is to be desirable to women. He's super rich, he's hot, of course he plays the piano... blah blah blah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Nothing to keep you truly interested if you ask me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Except Jamie Dornan of course... with his nice face and all that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As for the controversy surrounding the glorification of abuse... I didn't get that vibe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yeah he's 'punishing' her and whatever, but everything in they did was entirely consensual for what I saw and she even told him what she thought wasn't okay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sure there was a little manipulation and bribing with gifts but I don't see that as something that she felt she owed him for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Though I'll admit he was super possessive over her with other men, that was a bit much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Overall it is NOT a film I would ever usually watch and is certainly not one I would recommend you waste your time on. The hype is over absolutely nothing.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>LAST THING!! As I was finishing this post up I checked the 50 shades Wikipedia to see if I missed any points I wanted to make and I saw that this whole series actually started out as a <span style="color: #3d85c6;">TWILIGHT FAN FICTION!?!?!</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>I totally get it now! It's all come together! The awful unoriginal writing all makes sense! We can pack our bags and go home satisfied that the mystery is solved.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well except the mystery of...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>How on earth did this series get so darn popular?!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One of the true mysteries of this modern age.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Anyway...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Have you seen the film or even read the books, any thoughts?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Are the books badly written too or is that just how it's portrayed in the film?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Do you think it glorifies abuse?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom</span><span style="color: #999999;"> x</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">P.S. this was a really weird post to write, never thought I'd actually end up watching that film, never mind writing about it... ever.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukYl_0_b5zAjeUqOZQATAIlvOori-J_K5PDJQhvRXDEiIRRJOj3yM5uWTUoWqex94z4OnUREab0i0TxSguA6cKI0tMkzMsTL5NunefTsK7pitO7iYc0Fm9acxhBJRWdlQ784k47Lvm8Ge/s1600/170215.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukYl_0_b5zAjeUqOZQATAIlvOori-J_K5PDJQhvRXDEiIRRJOj3yM5uWTUoWqex94z4OnUREab0i0TxSguA6cKI0tMkzMsTL5NunefTsK7pitO7iYc0Fm9acxhBJRWdlQ784k47Lvm8Ge/s1600/170215.png" height="630" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This week it was Valentine's Day and Shrove Tuesday, so not a bad week all in all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Also this thursday (I think) is Chinese New Years so Manchester is decorated in celebration of that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Every Valentine's Day I cook myself and my Boyfriend a 3 course meal and this year I made his favourite starter, goats cheese quenelles with a walnut and beetroot salad. It went down pretty darn well with him! (bottom right photo). He bought me some gorgeous tulips (center) and I just can't stop looking at them, they're just so beautiful, he knows me so well. <i><span style="color: #666666;">(he loved his gifts I got him by the way, if you were wondering from <a href="http://birdsinblossom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/valentines-gift-guide-for-him.html" target="_blank">this gift guide I posted</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Look at that ice-cream though... mmmmmmmm, I'm such an ice-cream addict, ask anyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Other than that not much had happened other than working and university working/studying, which will be the status quo for the next few months. Oh the joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Anyway, have you been up to anything interesting this week?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you want to follow me on Instagram click -<b> <a href="http://instagram.com/birdsinblossom/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">HERE</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for reading, my lovely!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
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Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-47967860958705530412015-02-17T06:30:00.000+00:002015-02-17T06:30:00.286+00:00Recipe : No Measurements Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6JLMalLv2DxZ0HCd3MuCVWizu3LpoJy61dhJ4Sb6eTcJfDbEckmNrlRZG6H267T_iDcEIfCUjoga3m2KQ9y85Fcu1D8vHkkthrhMGOxt43hEUryeooAiM5oyTFwfcMGjAdA-nAOoFLYO/s1600/pancake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6JLMalLv2DxZ0HCd3MuCVWizu3LpoJy61dhJ4Sb6eTcJfDbEckmNrlRZG6H267T_iDcEIfCUjoga3m2KQ9y85Fcu1D8vHkkthrhMGOxt43hEUryeooAiM5oyTFwfcMGjAdA-nAOoFLYO/s1600/pancake.png" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> Pancake Day!</span></b> ... or Shrove Tuesday. Either way each year I always make a butt load of Pancakes today and I am always nominated as cheif pancake maker because well... I make the best pancakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I, however, don't use any recipes as I was taught by my Nan how to make pancakes and it was an entirely 'by eye' method, but they always turn out great so I thought I'd share what I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First your <b>ingredients.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUBEQphS_6S_eAf32q3H0MVvo8ber57aIYgsV6WYT_8WMHDr5nrUgYqfnsf-HvzxfQ8tgCbJ_i6EWTMkYqvWU5FsabVD5Uvhe-WzNvDLyqofXViIh_iwkIK7HXNcLDdEI6iJ3wj-biGUv/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUBEQphS_6S_eAf32q3H0MVvo8ber57aIYgsV6WYT_8WMHDr5nrUgYqfnsf-HvzxfQ8tgCbJ_i6EWTMkYqvWU5FsabVD5Uvhe-WzNvDLyqofXViIh_iwkIK7HXNcLDdEI6iJ3wj-biGUv/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" height="548" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Milk, Eggs and Flour (usually plain). Simple.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Ignore the amounts this is just what I used for photos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Most recipes say add flour first, then egg and then milk, I do it differently, how my Nan showed me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1.</b> Beat your eggs together. For this I use usually 3-4 medium eggs if I'm making it for 2-3 people, use less if it's just for you (1-2) and more for lots of people (4+).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2.</b> Add milk. I add the milk until it turns a pale pastel yellow colour. (Shown below)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLaRdE8fAKToCEcKAj0P-jXKr59n2SO3xIQ8PlwnqaNcAD6QUoi0FFHt0xS-7-IxHSWYiSHdzWvdeD9k6xBlHAO_QfdDCxzNG9FdKXoK8tDkAYct3q-c2q_mJ6DvwHeOp_rUCecO2gmz9/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLaRdE8fAKToCEcKAj0P-jXKr59n2SO3xIQ8PlwnqaNcAD6QUoi0FFHt0xS-7-IxHSWYiSHdzWvdeD9k6xBlHAO_QfdDCxzNG9FdKXoK8tDkAYct3q-c2q_mJ6DvwHeOp_rUCecO2gmz9/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3.</b> Now I add flour a little at a time until the mixture is a nice gloopy (<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">or is it spelled gloppy?</span></i>) consistency, so it starts to thicken to the point when you remove your whisk (or whatever you're mixing with) the mixture clings to it a little but is still liquid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>4. </b>You want to mix this until there are no lumps at all and a thin layer of bubbles that do not pop form on the top of the mixture. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv35tVW7pmUFOQ_OcYgLOm6DqStjhr_qnxffW5M9EKmqooeXg2oTld8GdGBqgBCsxforonsPZSfYKjq3Ci21Zj9pqYc5G0rTgbgjoTUy_uiS06nZqWpC7_TCSlY08rRFHyDfyuz7s4No_J/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv35tVW7pmUFOQ_OcYgLOm6DqStjhr_qnxffW5M9EKmqooeXg2oTld8GdGBqgBCsxforonsPZSfYKjq3Ci21Zj9pqYc5G0rTgbgjoTUy_uiS06nZqWpC7_TCSlY08rRFHyDfyuz7s4No_J/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" height="308" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>5.</b> Now you leave the mixture (my Nan leaves it overnight, but I'm not that patient) and get your frying pan ready. Turn your hob on to full heat, put your pan on the hob and add a tablespoon or so of vegetable oil. Once it's starting to heat move the pan around so it spreads the oil around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>6.</b> The pan needs to be super hot so leave it for a little while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>7.</b> Now you pour in a little bit of mixture, I make a big blob in the center of the pan and then swirl it around by moving the pan in the same way I did to spread the oil. I do this until the mixture is evenly and thinly spread over the whole base of the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>8.</b> Leave it to cook until there is no wet mixture left, then using a wooden or plastic-type spatula lift a tiny bit of the edge of the pancake and go around the perimeter, lifting all the edge of the pancake off the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>9.</b> Check to see if it's turning golden underneath, if it is, it's ready to be turned over; if not, leave for a little while longer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>10.</b> To turn the pancake over just slide your spatula to the center of the pancake and insure it is not stuck to the pan anywhere, then flip it quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>11. </b>Leave the pancake to cook until it turns golden underneath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>12. </b>That's it the pancake is done and you're ready to add your toppings once you have transferred it to a plate! You may want to add a little more oil to the pan between pancake if your pan is non-stick or a little old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Okay so I forgot to take photos of my finished pancakes but they usually come out pretty much the same as this... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5tLs5JYU-mtKJT-DWMgGy9njiDjYljLQ8U1EPAth7z7I8JanOG6CM3thfzXbfrJGaRtjqqtPKUOKVKn1BMhJVLksIV9YPSUD5tss-BAkk5iNKPPb9secveYlqoKag3VV-LLyRfNWtf5G/s1600/Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5tLs5JYU-mtKJT-DWMgGy9njiDjYljLQ8U1EPAth7z7I8JanOG6CM3thfzXbfrJGaRtjqqtPKUOKVKn1BMhJVLksIV9YPSUD5tss-BAkk5iNKPPb9secveYlqoKag3VV-LLyRfNWtf5G/s1600/Pancakes.jpg" height="298" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now if you prefer your pancakes thinner than this, just add a little extra milk to your mixture until it doesn't stick to your whisk. Alternatively if you like them thicker, more scotch/american style, add more flour until it's just a bit thicker and is slow to form back together when stirred, OR use self raising flour instead of plain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you find your pancakes are coming out a little pale, add an extra egg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">With the amounts of ingredients I used, so 3 eggs as a base, I made 6 pancakes in a 24cm non-stick frying pan. To give you an idea of how much stuff you'll want to use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This may be useless to you, but it's what I do and I've never made a bad batch. It's also really flexible, if I fancy thinner pancakes that's fine, if I want thick ones, that's peachy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Does anyone else use a similar recipe? Did this make sense to you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>If you're stuck or something doesn't make sense comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom</span><span style="color: #999999;"> x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-35631147600782002532015-02-13T08:30:00.000+00:002015-02-13T08:30:01.457+00:00Models Own : Colour Chrome Nail Polishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3cAGWXWj6wWYXiNq0X7iRD3LX1sXzdyEjDQwP6wBrrmWXt_qcaIZ-KcBKFPulA_6pQIOw205h4p4I704OSuUB5Ani-FBEPLcEvUBXhZBfPfAMdWIjnbMoM0SrtusBumQR6MKccXJNmlP/s1600/MOnailblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3cAGWXWj6wWYXiNq0X7iRD3LX1sXzdyEjDQwP6wBrrmWXt_qcaIZ-KcBKFPulA_6pQIOw205h4p4I704OSuUB5Ani-FBEPLcEvUBXhZBfPfAMdWIjnbMoM0SrtusBumQR6MKccXJNmlP/s1600/MOnailblog.png" height="322" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Models Own released a new line of nail polishes which I think are exclusive to their site and </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Superdrug on Wednesday (don't quote me). The collection is called <b>Colour Chrome</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are super metallic almost mirror like colours and they look stunning. I rarely get excited by nail polish but I can't wait to get hold of these.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAzktgXK_Rjh-3idT0DqOCdXkRGl1t1mPdi1CtrSajMTQvnu-lJfkZI57ilooUDjmxMoycjc7RiajUgamVlvSPNbVVKS7ZIuFZjI6TmMZebpdLSNS9O25KbJ8bB3SxaYdGHim50HrMN_l/s1600/colour-chrome-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAzktgXK_Rjh-3idT0DqOCdXkRGl1t1mPdi1CtrSajMTQvnu-lJfkZI57ilooUDjmxMoycjc7RiajUgamVlvSPNbVVKS7ZIuFZjI6TmMZebpdLSNS9O25KbJ8bB3SxaYdGHim50HrMN_l/s1600/colour-chrome-2015.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did go into Manchester city center yesterday to try to get hold of some of these but they had yet to get stock. Talk about super dissapointed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was lusting after the Rose one the most and also the Silver one. I'll just have to wait a little while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphFbO2h6NBTStpxraUXd4gMWFuyvjUHsGczzPO3aTniYhoz4zrLyX39bC4Zw8ubGywRRUKFMJF6v_DLBDu8vkFl7gEwCFoVlHySGUSwhyphenhyphenYGRnWctVR8xLRtToEhHIbnpe6pVGLPWfk-47/s1600/485_silver.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGsvJQMT2azIWFNJfkroPznkFyPUtKQFry5atQ7BIUeqqO2vL7ZNKmqLBj43iA3DjKxCSk96mGwj_9o6Z9Kz0WWuW1s7hb1fBvMOsDzFTuBKJCebBouH_e65niJWVqoqQkdjeFXgvYuc8/s1600/485_rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGsvJQMT2azIWFNJfkroPznkFyPUtKQFry5atQ7BIUeqqO2vL7ZNKmqLBj43iA3DjKxCSk96mGwj_9o6Z9Kz0WWuW1s7hb1fBvMOsDzFTuBKJCebBouH_e65niJWVqoqQkdjeFXgvYuc8/s1600/485_rose.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just look at them! Mmmm!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You can get them <b><a href="http://www.modelsownit.com/products/nails/colour-chrome-collection.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> they retail for £4.99 which I think is a fair enough price for nail polish, I can't recommend them yet though as I have yet to try them, but I have used Models Own products in the past and been pleased, so fingers crossed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What do you think of these?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Have you bought them yet? Any good?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for reading, my lovely!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Ugh!....</i> I get like this every couple of months, I get the <b>need</b> to change my hair and this involves a lot of umming and ahhing which usually results to nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Alas, it's happening again and this time I really do want change as my hair is just so dull and flat and blah. Y'know?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Right now, I have mid length flat medium brown hair that's just between the shoulders and boob area and a long grown out side fringe thingy going on, so it's about 4 inches shorter than the rest of my hair and it does nothing, it's so dull.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My query this time is whether to change it by cutting it shorter or dyeing it or just looking into new styles to try out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thing is, I want to grow it out and have been trying to for so long, meaning cutting it isn't preferable and my dream hairstyle is long and wavy, and to achieve that I just have to wait and grow it. But some longer bobs just look so darn cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As for dyeing it... a few years ago I dyed my hair very bright ginger and then once I got bored of that to get rid of it took a lot of effort and it's only recently in the last 6 months gone back to my naturally colour and fully healthy. The only thing I would do to my hair now in regards to dyeing it is ombre... but that feels too overdone, like everyone and their cat has ombre, I absolutely love it but I hate seeming like I'm jumping on a bandwagon or following a trend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So to new styles. I have a few celeb style icons I look to for hair styles who have a hair type and style similar to mine, like Lily Collins (uh, talk about a celeb crush!) and Jenna Coleman, and by just looking at them I get loads of ideas, but it's the time and effort to style, especially curl and wave my naturally VERY straight hair.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7mhz0yF26KqHnklLRTKtToqD-nVIkkTl922wY5T5VNw27F0CPxg-s6ZFM7pdDnGGXZIcxTh_TdyI_GeL00UbczLIyFLglYQw190Zuy1DtMO7rYhxrLhSxf8Z0eLzcX2-ndOXZq_UT5cE/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7mhz0yF26KqHnklLRTKtToqD-nVIkkTl922wY5T5VNw27F0CPxg-s6ZFM7pdDnGGXZIcxTh_TdyI_GeL00UbczLIyFLglYQw190Zuy1DtMO7rYhxrLhSxf8Z0eLzcX2-ndOXZq_UT5cE/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ultimately I don't think I'm going to cut it, as my hair is just starting to grow properly. I may ombre it but very subtly so a ash blonde to light brown rather than bright or light blonde. I am definitely going to try new styles on the hair I have now though... maybe that's all it needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Sigh* I'm so indecisive when it comes to hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'll just sit and look at my dream hairstyles and weep.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EHup51ZKj3uHX4cfKe4L6TrkuzxNy6-i8IEzr9ECljrLmz37oCS4Ld0BUpH-KfbDidCxMWaCe1nRNAWCbOzDjL8WPMjYTYNNOJQ1M0sEFWRMHeBrirGifjlCEVjWihw0iQkgZq_IZevo/s1600/dreamhairyesplease.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EHup51ZKj3uHX4cfKe4L6TrkuzxNy6-i8IEzr9ECljrLmz37oCS4Ld0BUpH-KfbDidCxMWaCe1nRNAWCbOzDjL8WPMjYTYNNOJQ1M0sEFWRMHeBrirGifjlCEVjWihw0iQkgZq_IZevo/s1600/dreamhairyesplease.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">*drools*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ohh... maybe a wavy perm!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">I need to stop.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Anybody else thinking about changing their hair? Do you go through these hair boredom phases?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading as always!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-81835539037711726902015-02-11T08:00:00.001+00:002015-02-11T09:35:10.379+00:00This Week's Grumble: Twitter Locked My Account<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Okay, so if you are unaware, to grumble is to complain... and I am someone who dabbles in complaining. Quite often.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>So to self counsel myself I'll blog the thing that has bothered me most that particular week, to get it off my chest. It may not be a every week thing, I don't <i>always</i> have something to complain about, but when I do, I will.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>This week's Grumble... Twitter Locking my Account.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So yeah I tried to tweet out my blog post on university, but no, apparently it violated twitters rules by seeming automated?! Psssh.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5f7HA16PT0vTF_UsC8MYs27KZ5R35ZCrOs4I8Qo32Nq2zhRlLaYvMq50n-S4f_KwKwjc8cUhqsXA3Za6wqz9A7udEzvE4SAlbUNJmbhTy06os5MY5A8lqDE67Q-BEqUasZvG-dAOJJ7F/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+10022015+233802.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5f7HA16PT0vTF_UsC8MYs27KZ5R35ZCrOs4I8Qo32Nq2zhRlLaYvMq50n-S4f_KwKwjc8cUhqsXA3Za6wqz9A7udEzvE4SAlbUNJmbhTy06os5MY5A8lqDE67Q-BEqUasZvG-dAOJJ7F/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+10022015+233802.bmp.jpg" height="322" width="640"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Okay, whatever, I could deal with that, if it means less spam for me in the long run I don't mind having to deal with things like this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wouldn't have minded it, yet when I clicked the 'unlock my account' button, it takes you to a screen where you put in your mobile number to get a verification code, I did this, got the code and typed it in... and the account unlocked! BUT wait, I try to tweet a normal text tweet, no links or even hashtags, and<b> BAM!</b> I get the Your account has been locked message again and it wants my phone number again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now this same scenario happens a few times and then it tells me I have exceeded the amount of times I can recieve a verification code. Brilliant, a twitter black out for me then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All I was trying to do was advertise my blog on my own feed a little, Jeez.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Maybe I just needed to wait for the unlocking to be officiated, but surely once you have verified it that should be enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think I have managed to get fully unlocked but it took hours! It should definitely be an automatic thing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Anyone else experienced this? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for reading my little rant!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #999999;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-29726600303376799612015-02-11T08:00:00.000+00:002015-02-11T08:00:16.242+00:00Losing Weight and Getting into Shape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For a two years now I've really wanted to <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">get into shape</span></b>, as over college and university I have put on some extra weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last year I tried and failed. This year though something has changed I feel more motivated than ever before, mostly because I've started to feel uncomfortable in my own clothes and found myself having fewer and fewer days were I felt okay about how I looked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also want to eat healthier for several reasons. One because it means better health in general obviously, but I've been trying to grow my hair out for a while too and struggling a little so I researched some things to do to improve it and a better diet is often top on the list!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So since the middle of January I turned my whole routine around. I'm going to share with you what I've changed in case you were in the same boat as me and need some inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First things first I <b>evaluated the situation</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAamWEcrCqyvzSZYMXb7rO7l_e-eWEw8ozFK2_ec38bsYW_vgsjh6b6MB4W1CwBGeYe2CUDCjArFR911Se6MclTje32p_x4wS0PZBvIBFFye9Sx_wP8HygBMyy9JzbZ95yh7Pz687dB3j/s1600/$_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAamWEcrCqyvzSZYMXb7rO7l_e-eWEw8ozFK2_ec38bsYW_vgsjh6b6MB4W1CwBGeYe2CUDCjArFR911Se6MclTje32p_x4wS0PZBvIBFFye9Sx_wP8HygBMyy9JzbZ95yh7Pz687dB3j/s1600/$_32.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This meant I measured myself. So my weight on an accurate set of scales. Used a tape measure to measure my thighs, hips, waist, bust, upper arms (they are all the areas I want to change). I then worked out my BMI.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">NOTE: I'm not going to share any of my progress photos or weight/measurements yet I'll explain in a minute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Next under the microscope was what I was eating. I am a snacker, sometimes I don't even realise it and my worst offence is boredom eating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also went for convience over health, fast food, ready meals, crisps, sweets; Things that were quick and had little preparation involved. Often they are calorific and high in things like fats and salts, but lack in protein.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lastly I looked at my exercise routine... this didn't take long as it was practically non-existent. I did walk the dog everyday, occasionally went on a bike ride, and work could be a little strenuous at times (but in no form a workout!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Before setting my new routine, I set myself some<b> GOALS.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHKqauTJmPK8adBrdjmWlroRl8iMglnOHb2liqTPRFR8mBVJHzDMjXpJzDEeBOGtxeLSi8GRiH0cezaW7WNnnFgCdhMVuyY1MAHnjblHpXM1Uf6YZrBCdE70Caw_JQ1SZEVeRwjE2RXIh/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHKqauTJmPK8adBrdjmWlroRl8iMglnOHb2liqTPRFR8mBVJHzDMjXpJzDEeBOGtxeLSi8GRiH0cezaW7WNnnFgCdhMVuyY1MAHnjblHpXM1Uf6YZrBCdE70Caw_JQ1SZEVeRwjE2RXIh/s1600/Desktop.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I made myself a mood board, I don't want the exact bodies shown above but each has an aspect I like. I am also going to print a copy of this and put it on the wall where I work out, for the times when I'm slacking a little and need a reason to push on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Next I worked out a<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <b>GOAL WEIGHT.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I worked this out by using the BMI system to gaining a healthy weight for my height. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWYxiJYsgohY1vmSLpogMYEUBYMsBFE6KEge0NGBIAUdwAFmt6x9huNNkk-ckYT3gOWjs6n8PkOkovlVKx6FlxdBiOlD-tUd30ijLfSQ5m995ilNhnFdX1SW8jWE_gtg-cFo_tE3xJYrA/s1600/Standard-BMI-chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWYxiJYsgohY1vmSLpogMYEUBYMsBFE6KEge0NGBIAUdwAFmt6x9huNNkk-ckYT3gOWjs6n8PkOkovlVKx6FlxdBiOlD-tUd30ijLfSQ5m995ilNhnFdX1SW8jWE_gtg-cFo_tE3xJYrA/s1600/Standard-BMI-chart.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm 5 foot 7 and my ideal would be to be in the middle to lower range of healthy weight so I aimed for a BMI of 19-21 so that translates to about 61.4-56.8kg (though I would rather be closer to around 58kg/9stone).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">However this doesn't factor in the weight of muscle mass, as muscles weigh more than fat and if I build my muscles up I may be higher than what I expected (body-builders have some of the highest BMIs out there!). So for the most part I want a toned look throughout my body, so my body part measurements will assist in tracking weight loss as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Next I changed my diet.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3NtxNEPjKbgkewh548rvS1GfLPs7XmOHEgBxJJphNvET78SyuRjDxpJKlkBuP67Pyi6sIUtfQS958DrILxs-JgwMgTbFKPNXaO40GiS8b1zdJoOCwzlO2guhV7ph6CimYxsyP1YAGo9i/s1600/Muscle-and-Fitness-World-Fitness-First-Good-Health-and-Fitness-Getting-Fit-Health-Fitness-Healthy-Lifestyle-Healthy-Diets-Beverly-Hills-Magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3NtxNEPjKbgkewh548rvS1GfLPs7XmOHEgBxJJphNvET78SyuRjDxpJKlkBuP67Pyi6sIUtfQS958DrILxs-JgwMgTbFKPNXaO40GiS8b1zdJoOCwzlO2guhV7ph6CimYxsyP1YAGo9i/s1600/Muscle-and-Fitness-World-Fitness-First-Good-Health-and-Fitness-Getting-Fit-Health-Fitness-Healthy-Lifestyle-Healthy-Diets-Beverly-Hills-Magazine.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A whole lot of people will tell you to lose weight you need to cut out carbohydrates. So that large section on the left of the image above that includes breads, potatoes, pastas... the good stuff. I do not agree with that. After all my main goal is to eat healthy not starve and I have found in the past when I restrict myself too much it ALWAYS backfires, no exceptions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So I have <b>cut out all junk food and sweets</b>, I still drink zero sugar fizzy drinks, but less than before, I use them mostly to silence my sugar cravings. As for bread and pasta I <b>only eat wholemeal/wholegrain</b>, these are often higher in fibre and lower in sugars and calories than the alternatives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've decreased my consumption of fats and cheeses, and <b>increased my consumption of vegetables, fruits, proteins like chicken and low fat milk </b>(this is good for bones, hair and nails). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Also I've <b>switched to drinking water </b>from about 20% of my overall drink intake to about 85%, the other 15% is low fat milk or zero sugar fizzy drinks now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do count calories, but I'm not obsessed I try to aim for around 1200 calories a day to aid in weight loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Basically I now do a heck of a <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">lot more exercise</span></b> than I did before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Every Monday night I go to an aerobics class at a local fitness center, I also plan to go to the one they hold on Thursday too but I need to organise my work life a little more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also researched into home workouts and have found most people think High interval workout have shown the best results. This makes sense as it raises the heart rate on multiple occasions meaning maximum calorie burning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have got a copy of the Insanity workout from a friend and bought myself the Charlotte's 3 minute belly blitz (I got it for about £13, I'll put up a full review later). They both use this High interval training method.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They are both hard work and for both of them I couldn't complete the whole thing the first few times I tried them. Don't be worried that you don't complete them, if you push yourself too much you may cause yourself some damage and pain, definitely don't want that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have also started wearing wrist and ankle weights in some workouts in order to burn maximum calories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I try to go on three 30 minute bike rides a week but it can be hard due to my work and university taking up a lot of time and obviously British weather can always get in the way!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">FINALLY...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm only doing this for myself and my health, that is the only reason you should ever do this, not for anyone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I want to lose weight and get healthy for my own happiness and self-confidence and that is my ultimate goal, to be happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you are happy with your body shape, no matter what size, that is perfect and you shouldn't change that, no matter what anyone else says.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Believe me from experience I know you can <b>NEVER </b>please everyone, whether you're slim, curvy, overweight, underweight or a perfect weight, <b>there is always hate</b> because people are insecure in themselves and feel the need to comment on others to make themselves feel better about themselves. Ignore it, whether it's online or in real life, whoever it is cut them out of your life or ignore them. If you feel threatened by what they are saying tell someone. If they are really threatening or harassing you to the point were you feel unsafe they may be breaking the law and you can report them to the police.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You may have noticed I haven't mentioned my own weight or measurements currently. I have all my measurements and even photos of my current shape, but I don't feel ready in myself to share these publically, if I hit my goal weight and I am happy with myself, I may put a before and after post, but this will be months away at the very least!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I hope I've been able to help in some way, or that you've at least found this interesting and not just a ramble!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Usually I ask a question, but feel free to comment on any thoughts you've had about this post or its contents!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Birds in Blossom</span><span style="color: #cccccc;"> x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-38178519509608771892015-02-10T22:08:00.000+00:002015-02-10T22:08:15.874+00:00University... Is it worth it?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">DISCLAIMER: EVERYTHING IN THIS POST IS JUST MY OWN OPINIONS I HAVE GAINED FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I CLAIM NO EXPERTISE IN THIS MATTER BUT I WILL HELP ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ADVISE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Okay I wasn't sure whether or not to write this post because, well, for some reason to me it feels like a controversial issue, when it's not really. However at the minute it's the question that iS playing on my mind, especially with me being in my final semester of my final year at university.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you've read my blog before you may know that I'm currently a final year student in Manchester studying Animal Behaviour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ever since I was little I've always thought education was key to getting a job, so you go through high school, then college, then university, so I didn't really think to question it when applying to uni, I just did it, even though when I read around about my prospective career, a lot of people in the business said it wasn't necessary to go to university but it did give a good basis to start you off and people hiring you in the future always like you to have a degree, so I thought it was the obvious choice. Now I'm beginning to question it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I chose a university far from home at first because I thought that's what I wanted when I applied during college- independence and a complete new start, but then during the summer I got a boyfriend and it meant I had a reason to stay local because he was going to a local university. However I got into that uni that was further away, which was the University of Lincoln which is just over a 2 and a half hour drive from my home. At first it was not much of an issue but as time went by and I was heading home every weekend to see family and my boyfriend, the costs rose and I thought about transferring to a local university, so I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So for my second year I started at Manchester Metropolitan university. I had looked at other local unis that did my course but this one had the best modules for me and had the most benefits in regards to what I was after.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Anyway back to the point, is university worth it?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My opinion so far for myself and what I want to do is <b>NO, not really.</b> I have enjoyed uni so far and what I've learned is useful at times and very interesting, but then 85% of what I'm taught is so irrelevant and feels like a waste of time and effort. I could have used the money put towards uni to going on specific training courses and do diplomas, and my time could have been spent gaining experience in my field of work rather than in useless lectures and labs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are pros and there are cons with both going to uni and not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>PROS FOR UNI</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- A degree </span><i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">almost</i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> always helps with employment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- You meet people who are interested in similar things to you as they are on the same course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- Living out can be really fun and a great life experience, it may even be your first chance at real independence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- You can learn some really useful, interesting and important things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- The pressure you feel towards work and deadlines can help prepare you for the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- Some of the tutors you meet may be a great resource for the future if you develop a good enough relationship. You may need them for future job references, making a relationship could be a very useful thing to do (and it can help if you're struggling with a deadline!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>CONS AGAINST UNI</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- The cost. £9000 a year for most people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- The time, its usually an extra 3 years of education when you could be out gaining experience and even earning money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- <i>(This may not bother you but it does bother me)</i> There is, in most universities, a HUGE drug and drink culture and its seen as the good thing to do, if like me, that's definitely not your scene, it could mean you lose out on making some friends or are seen as strange or uptight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- Not everything you learn is relevant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- Lots of deadlines means lots of pressure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">- It is a LOT of hard work. This doesn't bother me too much but you do find yourself having to tell friends no to going out a LOT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>So it is a difficult one.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It all simmers down to two things in my opinion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>What do you want to do ultimately for a career?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Is there another way for you to achieve your career?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So if you want to be a doctor or dentist or something along the lines where a degree is pretty much a necessity, university is usually a clear no brainer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In jobs like mechanics, behaviourists and many other jobs, a degree isn't always necessary or in some cases it may not even be an advantage, some places hold experience much higher than a degree. Some of these careers offer apprenticeships or you could start at the 'bottom of the ladder' in the career and work your way up. You can even, like I considered, do diplomas or find specific training courses, if you look around you can find independent courses for almost anything. Though there is almost always a cost, some even more pricey than the average cost of a semester at uni!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you are considering going to uni or are not sure what to do, all I can advise is to really research anything you're considering. If you have a career in mind, see the paths that can be taken to get there and make pros and cons lists for all options, look at costs, work loads, the experience you may gain, what employers want, employment rates etc. Do your homework!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you aren't so sure of what you want to do, that's your first priority think about what job will make you want to work, what will get you up in the morning, what will make you happiest? Uni can be delayed a few years, but once you're there it is a commitment, you can leave uni but it may be at a cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you finally decide on something you think you want to do, <b>don't go apply to uni straight away</b>, try to get some insight into the career first, if you can volunteer or get a part time job where you will get insight <b>DO IT</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b><span style="color: #666666;">I had wanted to be a vet for most of my life, I then volunteered at a veterinary practice every weekend for TWO YEARS and at the end of it I decided it was in NO WAY what I wanted to do for the rest of my life </span><span style="color: #e06666;">(if you want to know why comment below and I might make a quick post explaining, it may help anyone in a similar position decide)</span><span style="color: #666666;">. However working there did really confirm my passion for animals and helping them but I realised it was an animal's behaviour that really interested me, not cutting them open and whatnot. So I looked up other animal careers and that's how I ended up here.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A final thing, NEVER EVER let anyone else try to tell you what to do, take advice, listen to opinions, sure. BUT DO NOT let anyone try to pressure you into going to uni because that's where they're going or where they went, blah blah. Don't worry about letting your parents down if you choose not to go, if your parents are supportive they will just want you to be happy and if not going to uni means your happiness, even if they're unsure or displeased at first they will soon realise it is the best choice FOR YOU. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>It's an important decision, take you time.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>If you need any help or advice, leave a comment below, I will answer any comments in as good a way as I can, I am not an expert though and if you're really having trouble also try talking to your parents or a tutor at school/college.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Do you have any advise to offer?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Have I missed any really important points you think I should include?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Please comment below!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thanks for reading, I hope I could help!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
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Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-11287442031182776272015-02-09T19:00:00.000+00:002015-02-10T00:48:46.126+00:00First Look : Primark SS15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjAaxzJtoPnJag8tq4c51tCOMIXpdiy-As8jnbBl-eGr2CTpqizSFKUSyud8N07kjKYtsDkHxORy66taz5Ud2YGom-gMjIv9Nn2l8xdlEsq4qRlfglGrCzlh4e97hlnuCAp97H2NfNJnk/s1600/primarkss15post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjAaxzJtoPnJag8tq4c51tCOMIXpdiy-As8jnbBl-eGr2CTpqizSFKUSyud8N07kjKYtsDkHxORy66taz5Ud2YGom-gMjIv9Nn2l8xdlEsq4qRlfglGrCzlh4e97hlnuCAp97H2NfNJnk/s1600/primarkss15post.png" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">About a month ago <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Primark</span></b> released a first look at some of the pieces from their Spring/Summer collection. I checked them out and singled out some of the ones that caught my eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Firstly though, there are certain aspects I look for in spring clothing. In colour I like pastels and monochrome, you may remember I mentioned that theme last year in <a href="http://birdsinblossom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/spring-pastel-love-at-topshop.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> and <a href="http://birdsinblossom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/h-wish-list.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post. As for style, I like light, floaty, loose fitting clothes mostly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> For summer I prefer fitted and cut-out styles, white and bright colours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I look to flowers and nature for colouration inspiration and textures for spring clothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Below is a little colour palette I created looking at flowers that I just love for spring! For a new collection to catch my eye for spring they need to have these tones as a main theme for me. Primark seem to be doing just that from what I can tell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are my picks from the items they have released (not all have prices yet):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"> 1</span>. </b><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-tencil-maxi-mac-25" target="_blank">Tencil Maxi Mac £25</a> <b><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">2</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-floral-culottes-14" target="_blank">Floral Culottes, £14</a> </span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">3</span>. </b><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-floral-canvas-rucksack-8" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Floral Canvas Rucksack, £8</a> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">4</span>. </b></span><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-white-lace-platform-espadrilles" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White Lace Platform Espadrilles </span></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-white-lace-platform-espadrilles" target="_blank">(price N/A)</a> <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">5</span>. </b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-blue-mini-double-gusset-bag-8" target="_blank">Blue Mini Double Gusset Bag, £8</a> </span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">6</span>. <a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-ss15-collection-17" target="_blank">No name or price for this yet</a> <span style="color: #e06666;">7</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-floral-cut-out-crop-top-10" target="_blank">Floral Cut Out Crop Top, £10</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">8</span>. </b><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-stripe-co-ord-top-12" target="_blank">Stripe Co-Ord Top, £12</a> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">9</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-pink-bonded-scuba-mac-23" target="_blank">Primark Pink Bonded Scuba Mac, £23</a> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">10</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-burnout-lace-prom-dress-15" target="_blank">Burnout Lace Prom Dress, £15</a> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">11</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-jaquard-peplum-crop-top-8" target="_blank">Jaquard Peplum Crop Top, £8</a> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">12</span>. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/primark-ss15-collection-your-first-look/primark-crochet-midi-skirt-12" target="_blank">Crochet Midi Skirt, £12</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">No. 1 is not a colour I'd usually choose for Spring/Summer, more Autumn but I love the shape of it. No.2 I love the pattern but I am not a fan of cutlottes, though paired with the matching co-ord top No.7 I think it will look amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What do you think of this collection so far?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for Reading!<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">x</span></span></b></span></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-55910454112384016572015-02-09T10:35:00.000+00:002015-02-09T10:35:02.026+00:00Valentines Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For a little gift for my boyfriend this <span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentines day</span> I decided to make him some cupcakes. There are two ways you could go about this, making the cupcakes from scratch or box cupcakes. Usually I'd go from scratch but as there was an offer on the <span style="color: #e06666;">Betty Crocker </span>boxes I bought two of them: The <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=279767534" target="_blank">Vanilla Cupcakes</a> and <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=279767477" target="_blank">Red Velvet</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So these boxes I think were 2 for £4, so in my mind that was easier than buying in all the ingredients from fresh as I didn't have everything I needed in the kitchen (i.e flour, baking powder, icing sugar and a load of butter I only had half a tub left).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Additional ingredients needed than these boxes are, <span style="color: #1d1d1b; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.25em;">30ml vegetable oil (2 tbsp), </span><span style="color: #1d1d1b; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.25em;">60ml water (4 tbsp), </span><span style="color: #1d1d1b; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.25em;">2 medium free range eggs. Then for the icing you will need 60g of soft butter and 2 tsp of water (10ml).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then for my decoration I bought <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=259547405" target="_blank">Love Hearts sweets</a>(4 for £1), <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=285131938" target="_blank">raspberry flavoured fudge</a> (95p) and <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=273325244" target="_blank">premade icing flowers </a>(£1.95), all from Tesco as that's the local supermarket, there may be cheaper options elsewhere though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So you need to preheat your oven to around <span style="color: #1d1d1b; line-height: 16px;">180°C (160°C for fan assisted ovens) or Gas Mark 4, my oven is gas but I find it always need to be one setting higher than the suggestion on the box (so Gas mark 5).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First you mix all the ingredients for your cupcakes in a bowl, doing each type of cupcake in a separate bowl of course! You then divide the mixture evenly between your cupcake cases. The box says it makes 9 but I didn;t use the cases that came in the box as they were a bit thin and floppy. I had some better muffin cases at home already so I used them instead. Because they are bigger I could only make 6 cupakes, with the mixture being just under halfway on the case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Then bake for 15-17 minutes. I put them on for 17 mins and found the Red Velvet cakes mixture was more watery at the start than the Vanilla ones, and they needed an extra 2 minutes at the end. That may be due to my oven though so just keep an eye on them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While they were cooling I sorted out the Love Hearts sweets for the ones with the nicest message I wanted. So ones like 'I love you', 'True love' etc. rather than the ones like 'Hello' 'Just say no' and 'Cool Dude'... this took a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then I prepared the other decorations, the Betty Crocker boxes came with chocolate sprinkles. I made the love heart stencils by cutting it out of the box the cake mix came in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once cool, I prepared the butter cream icing for both cupcake mixes. Just add the butter and the water to the icing sugar and mix lightly at first and then more vigorously when the powder was mixed in so it gets light and fluffy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Note: The pink icing is far paler than on the box so if the colour you want is the one on the box you may want to get some red food colouring and add one or two drops to darken it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now it's time to decorate! You could just spoon the buttercream onto the cupcakes but I used a piping bag I had in the cupboard, I snipped of the end so it was a wide opening and put the buttercream on in a large swirl that ended in the center it creates a nice even finish. If you refrigerate the buttercream it will be more defined once piped, if you do it straight away like I did, it 'melts' a little.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I put a large icing flower or a love heart in the middle of each cupcake, or I used both in some cases! Then I added the little flowers for detail, sprinkled a few raspberry fudge pieces to each cake and lastly I sprinkled the chocolate sprinkles on the Red Velvet cupcakes and the white chocolate sprinkles on all of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then we're done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm just displaying them on a <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=285750312" target="_blank">heart napkin</a> (£1) to make it look even more festive for Valentines Day and sprinkled some <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=285750326" target="_blank">heart confetti</a> (£1) around, both again from Tesco.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qiFLAgom7N6zD07QwmR687Y7V3JeFbFYhkmwAoCPldD7HAKjtSuo5iQhX9JpRKAGYtu5bcO_N_tqDucXvwnv1DFWFdlBlguoeyG9DD4ROzOh9l0tB51_huDAXqXcb92g1S6a2rmDKQ9S/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qiFLAgom7N6zD07QwmR687Y7V3JeFbFYhkmwAoCPldD7HAKjtSuo5iQhX9JpRKAGYtu5bcO_N_tqDucXvwnv1DFWFdlBlguoeyG9DD4ROzOh9l0tB51_huDAXqXcb92g1S6a2rmDKQ9S/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1b; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am really impressed with the flavour of these cupcakes, I've never used Betty Crocker cupcake mixes before but I must say I am pleasantly surprised!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1b; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I actually would recommend them, they made a lot less mess than from scratch and were delicious, everyone who tried one loved them, though if I wanted to make a lot of cupcakes I would definitely rather do it from scratch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So what do you think of them? Is using a box recipe a cop out? Are you baking your other half anything for Valentines?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As always, Thank you for Reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9eRnjsN5yQXqvFqGO_7VImHlM3nPhIfXl0IhvN3LaJtpp2pcmQRSUYXGeL_9u-ckmv-r2aDZ5_M4jx9wcRQlJUndN1MmF5jY6s70kqu2k9qoN-0pQvGVieu_4MVLwkES4h0WlH5Encaj/s1600/Weekoninsta1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9eRnjsN5yQXqvFqGO_7VImHlM3nPhIfXl0IhvN3LaJtpp2pcmQRSUYXGeL_9u-ckmv-r2aDZ5_M4jx9wcRQlJUndN1MmF5jY6s70kqu2k9qoN-0pQvGVieu_4MVLwkES4h0WlH5Encaj/s1600/Weekoninsta1.png" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I thought I'd start summarising my week on Instagram on here, mainly to reflect and also to share my favourite photos of the week on my blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This week I've not really been up to much, had a few university deadlines, been to a few lectures, dealt with a bit of snow. Once the work was done I had a bit of a doodle (the baby elephant pic) and as a well done for completing the coursework for the deadlines I treated myself to something I have wanted for over a year now, the Fujifilm instax camera 8 (I'll have a review up about it soon, once I've had enough of a play about with it!) its pricey but I have been saving up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been working out alot recently and I've found the 3 minute belly blitz DVD to be a great workout (though I don't know who the woman on the front is really!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think I'll try to make this a weekly thing, most likely on a Sunday, but I don't always post much on Instagram so that's not a set in stone thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you want to follow me on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/birdsinblossom" target="_blank">click HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom </span><span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-21700853086027975132015-02-08T10:37:00.000+00:002015-02-08T20:28:07.697+00:00Valentines Gift Guide for Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4676lGI6NGRM9zPgDuYyGN_QWJOQDMPMWYN47gnJssylADfHzolelhcwNjzZulC5PzHAYLC_kTP4ZFRu05dF8Dwe2-VeA6N4aCy1-csAUkGIrraLSk8aFQhXdv0pG8u3jh_bUFzNBCcw/s1600/blogpostimagevalentinesforhim.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4676lGI6NGRM9zPgDuYyGN_QWJOQDMPMWYN47gnJssylADfHzolelhcwNjzZulC5PzHAYLC_kTP4ZFRu05dF8Dwe2-VeA6N4aCy1-csAUkGIrraLSk8aFQhXdv0pG8u3jh_bUFzNBCcw/s1600/blogpostimagevalentinesforhim.png" height="400" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Unless you are currently residing under a rock you have probably noticed that its<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Valentines Day</span></i></b> next week. Yep that fun Hallmark holiday that makes couples feel pressured to show their love for each through cards and gifts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Don't let that cynical tone fool you though, I do get my boyfriend a little something, it's just the idea of a day to celebrate your love for your partner seems dumb because if you have someone you love, everyday should be like that (to an extent of course!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Anyway I often have a little trouble buying a gift for the other half but this year I've done pretty well, if I do say so myself! So I thought I'd share what I've bought along with some other ideas I have had, just in case like me normally, you're struggling. Some of the suggestions are a little costly, others however are practically free!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVR3jZkrcLpFuD-dIqNP3wO3HIPqjKae2JmkRRT7Qk5bSqxvNCEaYgTG7wp4plsWvQl-5SBAF3ux71ZZ1mz7-oHHpCMB8KLhajP7-rspHVN5CSGWvmUyg6spZlR4Krx5cHU4fBeReQzQd/s1600/Mens+valentines+gift+guide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVR3jZkrcLpFuD-dIqNP3wO3HIPqjKae2JmkRRT7Qk5bSqxvNCEaYgTG7wp4plsWvQl-5SBAF3ux71ZZ1mz7-oHHpCMB8KLhajP7-rspHVN5CSGWvmUyg6spZlR4Krx5cHU4fBeReQzQd/s1600/Mens+valentines+gift+guide.png" height="440" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/x559528s4#805536x55" target="_blank">Next - Black Leather Popper Wallet £16</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.menkind.co.uk/head-to-head-massager" target="_blank">Head to Head Massager £3.99</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3.<a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/luckies/product/scratch-map-poster" style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;" target="_blank">Luckies</a> - <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/luckies/product/scratch-map-poster" style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">ScratchOff World Map Poster £15.95</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are general little gifts, I have bought my boyfriend the wallet and the scratch travel map, because his wallet is in scraps and recently we've been travelling a lot and he mentioned one of these a while back so I thought I'd get him one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>4. <span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/x553512s3" target="_blank">BlackThinsulate Touch Screen Gloves £10</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>5. <span style="background-color: white; color: #040404; line-height: 30px;"><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1017470.htm" target="_blank">Acoustic Solutions Speaker Dock (Wood) £39.99</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My boyfriend likes his gadgets but he has a load already, touch screen gloves however, he has yet to own and since its still winter they're perfect for him, especially since he goes to the football almost every week! Also phone docks are really good gifts, they play your music and charge your phone, perfect (I got the bf one for Christmas, but if I didn't I would have gotten him one now!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>6. Lush goods -<a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/products/valentines-day/lonely-heart" target="_blank">Lonely Heart £3.50</a>, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/products/valentines-day/heart-throb" target="_blank">Heart Throb £3.65</a>, Love Locket</b> <b>£6.95</b><span style="color: #999999;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(No online link but available in stores!)</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>7. Face Masks - <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Montagne-Jeunesse-Creamy-Coconut-Water-Shea-Butter-15ml_1454140/" target="_blank">Coconut & Shea Butter</a>, <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Montagne-Jeunesse-Black-Seaweed-Peel-Off-Masque-Ultra-deep-cleansing-straight-from-the-sea-_1461288/" target="_blank">Black Seaweed</a> £1.00</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, here's a little secret, men absolutely love to be pampered. I'm not talking aftershave and what not. I mean full blown girly spa-like things. Lush, face-masks, massages... They love it. So I go him a couple of Lush bath bombs and I'll give him a back rub or something after his bath!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>8. Love Coupon Booklet - Free! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>9. Cupcakes - Make them for low cost!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are great gift ideas, especially if you don't want to spend that much or even if you've both agreed that you're not really going to get each other anything. Though they can be time consuming. The booklet you can find free printable templates online, and cupcakes you can make yourself.<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm actually going to post a valentines day cupcake post either Tomorrow!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. <span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.mymms.co.uk/" target="_blank">Personalised M&Ms Gift box £34.50</a></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>11. <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/therusticdish/product/personalised-tree-carved-heart-cheese-board/" target="_blank">The Rustic Dish - Personalised Carved Heart Cheese Board £25</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lastly nothing is more unique than a personalised gift. I've bought both of these things for my boyfriend, the M&Ms are very expensive for what they are but I used a groupon voucher (<a href="http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/manchester/my-m-ms-2-5/55417576" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>) to make it a bit cheaper and a discount code I found just by googling 'M&M discounts' which was 15% off. I have them already and they actually look amazing. As for the cheeseboard I want to just display it in the room as it is just so super cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What do you think of my suggestions? Do you have any other ideas?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom</span><span style="color: #444444;"> x</span></b></span></div>
Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342866547056366417.post-31056675298647768762015-02-06T19:00:00.000+00:002015-02-06T19:00:00.493+00:00Home Trends : Copper Accents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So you may have noticed like me the new trend hitting homes recently: <i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Copper</b></span></i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bloggers like <a href="http://www.zoella.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Zoella</span></i></a> and <a href="http://www.gh0stparties.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Ghost Parties</span></i></a> are some really good examples people who have made the decision of adding copper accented pieces to their homes to really make them pop. It's a beautiful metal that instantly adds warmth to a room. I just love it, especially in kitchens and living rooms! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So I've looked around a bit and compiled a very small selection of some pieces I've seen and liked. The price range is very varied though, from the little bargains to the 'save-up <i>forever</i>' pieces! </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Take a look!:</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZrgnNfZTka6tEBlRCb0mRcBQh82KWLnmZmRU1FDBXY-XvgogFEDR4EeJkFba_kn9W8lOMpzJxrq5yq8-SkJ1V-M_5EIvdw9rgHU38jYvQNNQP2FeeViLOKkcKR08djrwbHbrUyGS3WkG/s1600/CopperHomeware.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZrgnNfZTka6tEBlRCb0mRcBQh82KWLnmZmRU1FDBXY-XvgogFEDR4EeJkFba_kn9W8lOMpzJxrq5yq8-SkJ1V-M_5EIvdw9rgHU38jYvQNNQP2FeeViLOKkcKR08djrwbHbrUyGS3WkG/s1600/CopperHomeware.png" height="354" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/60386?article=60386-C&cm_vc=SEARCH" target="_blank">H&M - Small wire basket £7.99</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/21406?article=21406-F&cm_vc=SEARCH#article=21406-F" target="_blank">H&M - Cake stand £4.99</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. <a href="http://www2.next.co.uk/x551164s6#740424x55" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">NEXT - Set Of 2 Copper Effect Lanterns £44</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www2.next.co.uk/x555178s1#944656x55" target="_blank">NEXT - Malmo 7 Light Ceiling Pendant £100</a> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Pricey but Pretty!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/tom-dixon-hex-small-copper-bowl-18cm_258-3002088-HEB01C/" target="_blank">Tom Dixon - Hex small copper bowl £45.00</a> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Too costly for me, but it's gorgeous)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. <a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/furniture/wall-storage-2-shelf-30942" target="_blank">Oliver Bonas - Grid Two Shelf Wall Storage £45</a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Ghost Parties Inspired!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. <a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/colour-pop-matt-bamboo-bowl-2057" target="_blank">Oliver Bonas - Colour Pop Matt Bamboo Bowl Medium £9.50</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. <a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/copper-alphabet-letter-29071?option=29086" target="_blank">Oliver Bonas - Copper Alphabet Letter £10</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www2.next.co.uk/x551164s5#676974x55" target="_blank">NEXT - Set Of 3 Textured Ceramic Orbs £12</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/nkuku-kiko-copper-glass-picture-frame-8x10-_370-2001678-KF1006/" target="_blank">Nkuku Kiko - copper glass picture frame £22.50</a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Zoella Inspired!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">11. <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.habitat.co.uk/copper-large-copper-vase///fcp-product/190556" target="_blank">Habitat - Large Copper Vase £25</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There isn't the best collection of items here but they are ones that really caught my eye! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What are your opinions on this trend? Are you a fan?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanks for reading as always!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Birds in Blossom</span> <span style="color: #666666;">x</span></b></span></div>
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Becky Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01754393999555348278noreply@blogger.com12