Daisy Dayz

New Year New You Giveaway - Myleene Klass Nails

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000Z

Last but 1 New Year, New You Giveaway and this time you could get your hands on 2 of the brand new sets of Myleene Klass Nails from JML Direct.

The new patterns are black and red with a heart pattern! So cute!

I got to try out the B&W polka dots pattern and found them so easy to use, and that they actually lasted well. Just over a week and that was with my pub job which batters my hands and nail varnish on a regular basis.

So on to the giveaway!

The winner will be chosen at random and will win both of the heart sets above.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite set of Myleene Klass Nails is.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow JML Direct on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 16th February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

Recipe - Slow Cooker Jamaican Chicken - Kinda!

2012-02-08T09:00:00.006Z

Haven't had a recipe post up for a while although I have been cooking quite a lot recently, so thought I would put last nights dinner up.

Now I am a bit of a make-it-up-as-I-go-along cook and this was a very make shift meal as I just wanted to use what I had in the cupboard and fridge. I did a quick search on My Fridge Food (great recipe site!) and got the general gist of a sweet and sour chicken and a jamaican chicken. Then I just kinda made the rest up - but as usual luckily - it was a huge yummy success. And I served it with Tesco's Lemon and Thyme Couscous.

This is a super easy and cheap recipe and low in calories (I think it works out as around 230-270 calories for the chicken, then however many extra for the couscous. The brand we use is around 230 if you share 1 pack between 2)

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts (cut into chunks)

Small tin of Pineapple chunks plus the juice

Tin of chopped tomatoes

Small tin of baby carrots

1 Yellow Pepper (cut into chunks)

2 garlic cloves or tsp of lazy garlic

2tsp clear honey

2tsp soy sauce

Couscous or rice to serve

Then all you have to do is chuck all the ingredients accept the tinned carrots into the slow cooker and put it on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. You can add salt and pepper to taste, although I don't use any in my cooking usually. Then just add the tinned carrots about 45mins before you intend to serve the food (or I am pretty sure they will just turn to mush!) and give it all a good stir.

Serve over rice or couscous.

You could add any number of veg to the dish or maybe some beans or potatoes to bulk it out a bit if you wanted.

Hope you enjoy - and leave me a comment if you try it out.

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Crabtree and Evelyn Citron Gift Set

2012-02-07T17:58:00.005Z

Ok ladies we are down to the final 3 giveaways that I have lined up for the new year. (Then you will have to wait till the Spring Fashionista Giveaway in March!)

Today is gonna be a quick post. Up for grabs the is the Crabtree and Evelyn Citron, Honey and Coriander Gift Set - it smells amazing as always!!

So on to the giveaway!

The winner will be chosen at random and will win the Citron Gift Set above.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite skin care product.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Crabtree Cardiff on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This is open internationally!

This competition will only run for 1 week and will end at midnight GBT on the 14th February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Stonebridge Hair

2012-02-01T19:55:00.006Z

Yes another giveaway aren't you ladies lucky. This time I am bringing you a prize to adorn your hair from Stonebridge Hair Accessories.

The amazing Melissa Hill who owns the company and runs the website sent me this Three Velvet Rose Hair band in the shiraz red colour and I am happy to say that it is absolutely beautiful in person. And made to such a high quality that I understand why their items are a little on the expensive side. Each petal is individually hand made and stitched on and the item looks so eye catching. I think they would be great for bridesmaids too.

Expect some outfit pictures soon featuring this hair band.

Up for grabs for one of you lucky ladies is one of these beautiful Portofino Crystal Barrettes worth £44 in your choice of colour. These are made with Swarovski Crystals in a number of beautiful jewel tones. As someone who wears her hair up a lot, especially for work, I love having beautiful barrette clips to help make more of a feature of a simple pony tail.

And below are some my other favourite items from the site.

So on to the giveaway!

The winner will be chosen at random and will win a Portifino Crystal Barrette in their choice of colour.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite item from Stone Bridge.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Stone Bridge Hair Advice blogspot (1 entry)

Subscribe to Stone Bridge UK You Tube (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

Plus as an extra special thank you for entering, everyone who blogs about the giveaway linking to Stone Bridge will get a £20 voucher to spend on the site! Just leave me the link to the post here.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 15th February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

A/Wear Spring12 Collection

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

Here is the New Spring Collection from one of my sponsors A/Wear.

They have some great simple key pieces on offer that will help bring your wardrobe up to trend quick and easy. With a selection of bold prints and bright colours they are bang on trend for this season.

This skirt and blouse combo is my favourite. Its so girly but sophisticated and could be dressed up or down with some great accessories.

Loving the palazzos!

And that printed pussy bow is perfect

What do you think ladies?

See something you fancy? Then nip over to the website for a peek at the prices and everything else they have on offer.

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - Vivienne of Holloway Dress

2012-01-31T09:00:00.003Z

Here is an outfit post from my girly night out last week. I finally got to wear my Christmas/completing my year of no shopping dress. It is a beautiful Black and Red Polka Dot Dress from Vivienne of Holloway - and the first thing I bought after my year shopping ban was a crinoline skirt to wear underneath this dress.

I paired it with my Apple Bag from Ollie and Nic and my red shoes from Faith - both of which I got for Christmas.

Dress: Vivienne of Holloway

Shoes: Faith

Tights/over knee stockings: Baci

Crinoline: Queen of Holloway

Bag: Ollie and Nic

Necklace: Vintage

Lashes: Baci

I bought myself a set of lashes for New Years Eve in the pub so thought this would be a good occasion to wear them again. They are a actually purple with a slight glitter to them, although these photos don't show that. I think I have finally gotten the knack of putting them on properly too!

Look how long they are!

And here are all the girlies!

Anna, Alex (Miss A Style), Emma, Me, Tove and Biz

So do you like my 50's style dress? Does anyone else have a Vivienne of Holloway dress? I think they are all so amazing and my crinoline just made it perfect, will be buying another when they have a sale I think.

Daisymay X

M&S SS12 Collection Preview

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000Z

Just thought you might all like a SS12 Collection Preview from M&S

I think they have come a long way fashion wise in the past few years and they have really started hitting some major trends in recent years. This season I am loving all their wide leg pants and the bright and bold prints they are using. I think they are trying desperately to bring in a younger clientele to help keep them at the forefront of the high street. No longer are they a store simply for the 50+ ladies (and to get school uniform) they are now targeting our generation by bringing in some great exciting stylish pieces.

So here is some of the new collection

I want these trousers badly!

Oh and these ones!

The 50's wiggle dress looks stunning in this bright splatter fabric

Loving the bold retro 60's print and style

Great bold trousers

So what do you think?

Would you think of wearing any of it? Is there anything that you may be purchasing?

What do you think of M&S? Are they becoming more stylish? Are they starting to target a younger audience? And do you think they are succeeding?

Daisymay X

Crabtree and Evelyn - Avocado, Olive and Basil Collection Launch

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000Z

This week saw the launch of a new line by Crabtree and Evelyn, and apart from a select few members of the press in London, I was amongst a group of specially invited bloggers to be introduced, test out and purchase the new line. I believe I was technically the first customer in the UK to buy the new line!! And boy am I glad I did.

The new scent is Avocado, Olive and Basil (a re-invention/re-launch of the original scent a number of years ago) and it smells amazing. Plus as with all their lines the products are of the highest quality and really do work wonders on your skin. Especially their hand therapy creams which I got to try out at the launch and purchase for myself!

Originally I was a little sceptical about the combination of ingredients, it sounded more like a salad than a beauty product, but I was proven very wrong as they work so well together and give a clean fresh smell. And no doubt the individual ingredients help bring special properties that help with nourishing, hydrating and conditioning the skin.

I was lucky enough to be treated to a hand treatment demonstration by the amazing store manger Rob. Where he exfoliated my hands with the Gardeners Hand Scrub, then treated them with the Gardeners Hand Remedy and finally moisturised with the new Avocado, Olive and Basil Hand Therapy, and I must say my hands felt so silky smooth after and have kept that for the last 2 days!

The line (at present) contains Hand Therapy Cream, Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Butter - but they expect other items to be added over time.

Plus we got to indulge in some amazing treats made by Fresh and all based around the ingredients of Avocado, Olive and Basil (clever people!) They were all so yummy. Those little canapé things at the top were toasted/crispy bread topped with tomato, mozzarella, avocado, basil leaf, olive oil drizzle and a sliver of some sort of smoked ham! So blinking good I want out straight after for all the ingredients to make it for lunch the next day, lol!

Find the new range and more info about the products here

Do you fancy using this product? Would you buy it?

Have you come across any other unusual beauty products?

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - A vintage blouse!

2012-01-23T09:00:00.002Z

Well after all those giveaways I thought it was about time I gave you all a new outfit post! So me and Jon went for a wander around the local area to see what fun backdrops we could find, and to try out my new little digi camera.

But first a quick update that some of you had been asking about. You may have noticed that my 'Year long shopping ban' clock has started counting the other way?! Well that's because I finished my ban! Successfully!! A whole year without buying anything fashion related! I am amazed I managed it, but so happy with myself for doing it. So a few of you were wondering what I might have bought since my ban was lifted...well this awesome ring was my very first purchase (along with a moustache ring!) I got them from the very friendly Dita who runs Yellow Pony Online

You like? I also went thrifting last week and got a few other items, including half todays outfit, but I'll show you the rest another time.

Trousers: Hennes (via Pre-Fab Clothing - NEW)

T-shirt: Rodart for Target (via swap)

Blouse: Vintage (via Ty Hafan Charity shop - NEW)

Boots: Firetrap (off Jon for Xmas, via TKMaxx)

Necklace: It's a Lovely Cake

Ring: Yellow Pony Online

Jacket: Designers at Debenhams

Hair clip: Vintage from my aunt

Bangles: Vintage from Blind Lemon Vintage Fair

Satchel: Primark

Check out how long my hair has gotten!!

And my mega awesome, mega comfy shoes!!

Ok so the trousers and blouse are also new, bought last week in charity shops so I have yet to go out on the high street shopping and in all honesty not sure I will bother at the moment.

What do think? I am loving blouses at the mo (bought 2 others with this one!), this vintage one is very elegant and classy but how would you dress it?

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - SBC and Pevonia

2012-01-21T19:23:00.008Z

Hello again! Today I have 2 giveaways for you. First up for grabs is a gift set from Simply Beautiful Collection and secondly is a spa-at-home Essentials set from Pevonia Botanica

I was lucky enough to test out these products so here is what I thought of them.

The SBC set has such a strong fruity aroma it smells good enough to eat! The scrub has nice small granules so it was easier to work it in to the skin, and didn't leave my skin raw or sore which I find some do.The body butter is soft and luxurious and left my skin silky smooth after exfoliating. It is very thick though so I found it didn't rub in to the skin very quickly but it did go a long way!

The Spa-at-Home Pevonia kit is great. It contains a body scrub, anti-stree shower gel and moisturiser.

The Anti Stress shower gel is made with aromatherapy oils and has a great lavender scent to help relax you - great after a long day at work!The Body Scrub is made with Natural Jojoba granules, Rose Essential Oil, Chamomile and Soapwort. The granules are so tiny that I'm not that sure they actually did much to exfoliate my skin and I didn't really love the scent sadly as it reminded me a lot of my grandmothers soaps. this goes for the moisturiser too! The scent is very similar, a bit too soapy for me. But it was very creamy and smooth, rubbed into my skin quickly and left me instantly soft and silky.

Onto the giveaway bit!

Two winner will be chosen at random and one will receive a Simple Beautiful Super Fruits Body Scrub and Body Butter and another will win a Spa-at-Home Essentials Set from Pevonia Botanica

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite beauty treatment.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Following Pevonia on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Pevonia on Twitter (1 entry)

Following SBC on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 4th February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Help: Revitalise my Skin

2012-01-18T20:45:00.005Z

Hello, today I am bringing you something a little bit different. Help: Revitalise my Skin beauty supplement. This is a new product to launch in the UK which is meant to help revitalise and rehydrate your skin by simply taking a gel supplement daily.

Here's what they have to say.

Eat your way to radiant, younger looking skin with new

CoQ10 and Aloe Vera beauty gel supplement

help: revitalise my skin is available exclusively at Boots and Waitrose

Innovative UK brand Works with Water Nutraceuticals has launched a new yummy ready-to-eat gel supplement that looks and tastes like an indulgent treat, but is specifically formulated to help you achieve a glowing, healthy complexion from the inside out.

Aptly named help: revitalise my skin (RRP £9.99), the product is now available across Boots and Waitrose stores nationwide.

You can pick up a box of help: revitalise my skin from the supplements aisle, as well as from the toiletries section in selected Boots stores, which is the first time ever a beauty supplement has been positioned next to traditional skincare products in the UK’s most popular chemist.

The delicious apple flavoured help: revitalise my skin gel supplement keeps skin in tip top condition with skin boosting ingredients CoEnzymeQ10, a proven anti-ageing agent[1], and Aloe Vera, which aids skin regeneration. The handy gel sticks will fit in any size handbag and can be eaten on the go – perfect for those who are looking for a guilt free snack!

The key ingredient CoEnzymeQ10 can be found in many topical anti-ageing creams as it has both energising and anti-oxidative properties[2]. Scientific research has proven this ingredient is also very effective when taken as an oral supplement[3].

Aloe Vera has been used for years to calm, nourish and regenerate the skin. Its detoxifying properties help to strengthen skin cells, which results in a younger looking, healthy complexion.[4]

help: revitalise my skin is free from artificial colours and flavours, suitable for vegetarians, diabetics, coeliacs and anyone on a calorie controlled diet.

For optimal results, take just one help: revitalise my skin gel stick per day. One box contains seven gel sticks.

Here is what I have to say

Well I can't really tell you how well this stuff works yet as I have only been taking the supplement for a week (but I will update you all after my month trial is up) what I can say is that in response to the flavour etc it has a subtle apple taste. Although I can't exactly say it is a nice taste, it's not a bad taste either. A bit like a weak apple jelly, that also goes for the texture as well. A slightly watery jelly. But it is very easy to eat (or swallow) which is great in my books as I hate medical stuff that tastes bad, I physically can't take bad tasting medicine but this is quite easy to take. And as they come in easy single plastic tubes, you can shove them in your bag to take with your lunch at work or just on the go, and you know you are always taking the right amount.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a 3x4 week supply of the Help: Revitalise my Skin supplement

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what's your best beauty secret.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Following Works with Water on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Works with Water on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 2nd February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Huiyi Tan

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002Z

So ladies I bring you another amazing giveaway from another amazing Etsy seller. Todays sponsor is Huiyi Tan a jewellery designer originally from China but now residing in Cornwall!

An up for grabs a cute pair of pencil earrings in your choice of colour

So here is a quick interview with Huiyi so we can get to know her a little better.

Whats your name and where do you come from?

My name is Huiyi Tan. I grew up in Guangzhou, China. I was was first trained to be an interior designer for my bachelor degree in Guangzhou Universiy, China, and gained my MA in Jewelry Design at School of Jewellery, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (UK). After graduation, I lived in Fairfax, and Alexandira, Virginia State, America for about 4 years. Since June 2010, I have been active in Etsy as an independent jewelry designer and maker. I live in Cornwall, UK now.

Tell us a bit about the real you?

I'm a very lazy person, haha! I love sleeping, eating (not cooking though, because I'm lazy!). I love plants, traveling, and trying different food.

Is there a story behind the name of your store?

It's just my full name. I'm not very good at naming things

How long have you been making your designs?

Since 2003 when I first studied jewelry making in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Do you have any formal qualifications for your craft or is it just a hobby?

I have my Master of Art degree in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products from School of Jewellery in Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (UK) and Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma from GIA in California, USA.

What is your favourite material to work with?

Sterling silver, 18ct gold and colourful gemstones. I love them! Their colours are so stunning! I also like wood and glass enamel!

Of your items, which is your favourite and best seller

My favourite: Bunny Rabbit Ring

Best Seller: Snowflake Studs

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everyday objects, books I read, places I travelled and people I met.

Do you have any favourite etsy stores?

I love so many Etsy stores, more than 200. There are so many talented people in etsy!

What are your plans for 2012? Any New Years resolutions?

I have lots of ideas that I want to develop and make them to be actual items. So, I plan for 2012 is to make as many new jewellery as possible and list them online. Also, I am planning to have more jewellery in 18ct yellow gold

What’s your favourite flower?

White rose.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive one pair of pencil earrings in the colour of their choice

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me your favourite item from Huiyi Tan

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Behind the Showcase on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Huiyi Tan on Twitter (1 entry)

Heart Huiyi Tan on Etsy (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 27th January.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Don't forget my other giveaways

Boux Avenue Pink Taffeta Gift Set - Ends 14th January

Jar of Handmade Hearts Customised Make-up Bag - Ends 18th January

Burt's Bees Giftset - Ends 21st January

Delicate Pink Carved Shell Ring from Pure Dichotomy - Ends 23rd January

Vintage Lace hair bow from Fox'n Lily - Ends 24th January

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Fox'n Lily

2012-01-10T09:00:00.005Z

Yet another give-away! Aren't you lucky ladies! (I have a few more still to come too)

Today's is sponsored by the brilliantly talented Fox'n Lily, which I stumbled upon on Etsy a few weeks back when looking for Leather and Lace items.

And up for grabs is this beautifully delicate Ivory Lace Hair Bow. You all know I am a big fan of bows so I totally swooned when I saw this!

What is your name and where do you come from?

My name is Ella and I live in Pasadena, CA.

Is there a story behind the name of your store?

The inspiration for my store name came from the pub names in the UK.

How long have you been making your designs?

I've been designing and making children's special occasion clothing and accessories since 2004. I sell my designs online at www.foxnlily.com and created a profile on the Etsy website in 2010. My Etsy store is less formal and features mostly experimental, one-of-a-kind creations.

Do you have any formal qualifications for your craft or is it just a hobby?

I graduated from a European college in fashion design. Prior to starting my business in 2004, I worked in a bespoke clothing studio sketching designs based on customer requests, creating patterns and conducting fittings.

What is your favorite material to work with?

I like working with wool and vintage lace, but at the moment I mostly work with natural silks and linens.

Of your items, which is your favorite item and best seller?

On my Etsy site, my most popular item is the Olga design flower girl dress.

My favorite item is usualy the one that I'm working on at the moment. Currently I'm working on a small collection of unique ring pillows using 19th century lace scraps and tea-stained linens.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration mainly from antique stores, fashion magazines, travel photography, and my travels.

Do you have any favorite Etsy stores?

Just a few!

Jewelry - http://www.etsy.com/shop/EderaJewelry?ref=seller_info

Perfume - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForStrangeWomen?ref=pr_shop_more

Teddy Bears - http://www.etsy.com/shop/theoldpincushion

Mood - http://www.etsy.com/shop/RawHemline?ref=seller_info

What are your plans for 2012? Any New Year's resolutions?

For 2012, I'd like to experiment with different vintage-inspired designs!

What's your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is the peony.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive one of Fox'n Lily's beautiful Ivory lace hair bows.

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me your favourite item from Fox'n Lily.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Fox'n Lily Blog (1 entry)

Heart Fox'n Lily on Etsy (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 24th January.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Pure Dichotomy

2012-01-09T09:00:00.003Z

Today I have a great new giveaway from an amazing Etsy seller - Wendy Wetherbee of Pure Dichotomy

And she has been generous enough to donate this amazing Delicate Pink Carved Shell Ring to my 'New Year, New You' giveaway.

So here is a little about Wendy and her store so we can all get to know here a bit better.

Whats your name and where do you come from?

Wendy Wetherbee, from the incredibly wilderness rich state of New Hampshire in the United States.

Tell us a bit about the real you?

Wow, that's a loaded question. I am an artist and designer who is inspired and fascinated by nature and wildlife. The creatures and places in Northern New England feature prominently in my work because it is my own personal habitat, and a large part of who I am.

I am a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts and a fine artist at the core, working in a variety of media including photography, painting (both acrylic and watercolor), and metalsmithing (generally sterling and fine silver jewelry).

By day I am founder and partner of Wetherbee Creative & Web (creativeandweb.com), a full service design and marketing studio that helps businesses and non-profits promote themselves and be successful. And by night, I listen to the call of the coyotes and great horned owls and create work that I hope inspires others to value, understand and embrace the importance of the circle of life that we are all as humans, merely a part of.

Is there a story behind the name of your store?

Actually yes. I consider myself a walking dichotomy (the merging of two completely different things). I am extremely lucky to have a incredible family that merged two different lifestyles. My mother is from "country", rural Western Pennsylvania, and my father is from the "city", just outside of New York City. Both cultures meshed and I learned a great deal from both, and having experiences in both cultures (and others in between) and formed me into the person that I am. I also love the concept of the word "dichotomy" its literal astrological meaning is used to describe the moon when it is exactly "half full". "pure" in my shop name stems from the concept of using pure silver in much of my work as well as other natural materials.

How long have you been making your designs?

I have always been an artist, and have "made" things for a long time. My grandfather taught me to solder silver many years ago, and I just took to it. I guess if you add up the years I've worked in the medium of silver for well over 25 years, however I took a break about ten years ago to concentrate on painting and photography and picked metalwork back up again recently.

Do you have any formal qualifications for your craft or is it just a hobby?

I studied fine art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, it was a fantastic college experience. I learned some silversmithing there, but my focus was on antique process photography. So, other than some inspirational lessons in silversmithing from my grandfather, I am mostly self taught. I recently studied Metal Clay techniques with Michela Verani an amazing artist here in New Hampshire. Although I am an artist through and through, I consider my Etsy shop a hobby. I have limited time to make art unfortunately, so for now its very secondary to the rest of my life – running my own design and marketing studio (http://www.creativeandweb.com) and raising my son takes most of my time these days, but some day I'd like to focus more on it.

What is your favourite material to work with?

Well, talking jewelry, I'd have to say silver and semi-precious gemstones. I love turquoise and labradorite, but I'm a stone junkie and get inspired for a lot of my work just by falling in love with a wonderfully cut cabochon.

Of your items, which is your favourite and you best seller

My shop is pretty sparse right now – some of my favorite pieces belong to other people now, but here is one that is definitely one of my favorites - http://www.etsy.com/listing/66703060/silver-branch-and-oak-leaf-pendant-with

My best seller is actually this ring – I've made a number of them for people, one woman ordered two, one for herself and one for her best friend. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67757310/spiderweb-turquoise-sterling-silver-ring

Where do you get your inspiration?

Nature, plain and simple.

Do you have any favourite etsy stores?

Yes several – I love the soaps from Wicked Soaps - http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedSoaps?ref=ss_profile

Im completely in awe of this man's work - http://www.etsy.com/shop/jasontennant?ref=pr_shop_more

And overall, I love to look at the variety and quality of art and handcrafted items up on Etsy. There are so many jewelers that I follow the list is immense. So many wonderful items being made and offered. The talent and inspiration is endless.

What are your plans for 2012? Any New Years resolutions?

Normally I stay away from resolutions because they cause guilt when I can't live up to them. but this year, I am going to try to market both my design studio and my artwork in more effective ways. Make more (and better) use of social media, and possibly star an art blog!

What’s your favourite flower?

As an avid gardener this is a tough question – usually I would answer this question by saying – whatever is in bloom!

But I love native wildflowers the most – orange hawkweed is one of the ones I couldn't have enough of.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive one of the Delicate Pink Carved Shell Ring above.

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite item from Pure Dichotomy.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Pure Dichotomy on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Pure Dichotomy on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 23rd January.

Good luck!

And why not enter one of my other giveaways - if you haven't already

Win a Jar of Handmade Hearts customised Make-up Bag

Win a Boux Avenue Gift Set

Win a Burt' Bees Gift Set

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Burt's Bees

2012-01-07T09:00:00.001Z

Burt's Bees is now a well known natural beauty brand that has become loved by many, and is a special hit with the blogging community. I was lucky enough to be able to test out a selection of their great products and now so will one of you lucky ladies!

Here's what they say: "Burt's Bees is an "Earth Friendly, Natural Personal Care Company." We create natural, Earth-friendly personal care products formulated to help you maximize your well-being and that of the world around you"

And here are the products I got to test and what I think about them.

Tinted Lip Balm - In Red Dahlia £5.99

This is a very smooth soft balm and even though the Red Dahlia colour is the darkest of all of they're colours it is still only a subtle tint, not a heavy colour. I have been using it for a few days and it has left my lips quite soft and stopped them chapping in the cold wind. Their is no scent or taste to it, which is fine in my books as it's not really important to me.

Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion £9.99

This is a rich creamy lotion and a little goes a long way so this is going to last me a while I think. The smell of this one is very subtle, a slight hint of vanilla is all I can really pick up, but it smells very clean and fresh. Which I rather over a floral or heavily scented cream. Although it doesn't leave my skin silky smooth it is nice and soft after a few applications.

Mango and Orange Energizing Body Bar £4.99

Ok in all honesty I haven't had time to try this one out yet - so expect another review at a later date. What I will say is this smells great even in the box!

Mango & Orange Body Butter £12.99

I used this after the sugar scrub and it left me all soft, silky and smooth which was great. I also used it on its own as my general day to day moisturiser and it really is great. I'm not usually a fan of heavily scented creams but the fresh, zingy smell of the orange in this is really nice.

Mango & Orange Sugar Scrub £12.99

This is a little bit oily for my liking but it helps work the sugar in to the skin more easily. Plus the sugar granules are very small making them much easier to work with and really rub into the rough patches. It left my skin a bit oily after washing off but then I used the moisturiser and this solved that problem.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive all the items below in a cute Burts Bees Cotton Wash Bag.

Shea Butter & Vitamin E Body Lotion £9.99
Honey and Shea Sugar Scrub £12.99
Honey & Shea Conditioning Body Bar £4.99
Honey & Shea Body Butter £12.99

Tinted Lip Balm - In Pink Blossom £5.99

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite scent.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Telling me your favourite item from Burts Bees (1 entry)

Follow Burts Bees on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Burts Bees on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 21st January.

Good luck!

And why not enter one of my other giveaways - if you haven't already

Win a Jar of Handmade Hearts customised Make-up Bag

Win a Boux Avenue Gift Set

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Jar of Handmade Hearts

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001Z

So hands up if you got new make up for Christmas?

Me too, so that's why todays giveaway is so well timed. Todays giveaway is sponsored by Jar of Handmade Hearts who has offered up a personalised make-up bag. You get to chose the fabric from their wide range on offer and the name to be put on it.

So here is a little bit about the shop and it's great owner Hailing.

Whats your name and where do you come from?

My name is Hailing. I’m a Northern lass but live in London!

Tell us a bit about the real you?

I’m a wife to my first love and a mother to our gorgeous little boy called Henry. I’m lucky enough to bake and sew for a living. I’m very crafty and have had a go at pretty much everything from crochet and card making to painting pottery and fimo modeling but I always come back to my sewing machine.

Is there a story behind the name of your store?

I was inspired by a Jar of handmade hearts on my craft shelf. I keep meaning to decorate the house with them but they look so pretty just in the jar.

How long have you been making your designs?

I’ve always made gifts over the years and recently decided to bite the bullet and set up an online shop, which has only been open for 6 weeks. I’ve been making most the items I sell for as long as I can remember but technology inspires some of the newer additions like the kindle and Ipad covers.

Do you have any formal qualifications for your craft or is it just a hobby?

No formal qualifications, just years of practice and you know what they say practice makes. (Although I must confess I’m far from perfect. I still have moments where I want to throw my machine out the window!)

What is your favourite material to work with?

It has to be fabric. There’s nothing nicer than a shiny, new fat quarter just waiting to be made into something beautiful.

Of your items, which is your favourite and which is your best seller?

This is a tough one... I’d say my favourite item to make would be the personalised baby cubes because they look so pretty when finished and I know a tiny human will be receiving it!

I was lucky enough to have my personalised cosmetic bag featured in The Sun newspapers Christmas gift guide so this has been the best seller so far with the personalised kindle covers and mini hot water bottles not far off!

Where do you get your inspiration?

My son inspires my baby products. He can be surrounded with toys but will opt for flicking any labels / tags he can find so needless to say he loves the baby cube and the mini blankie toy. My family and friends inspire my other designs – purses, kindle covers etc – all made after requests!

Do you have any favourite etsy stores?

I do indeed! I have lots earmarked for a purchases in the New Year, especially from http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweettreatsbakery and http://www.etsy.com/shop/FusionSweets. Plus I’d like to give a shout out to my sister, Meiling, who makes fabulous hat and scarf sets – http://www.etsy.com/shop/cutsiepoo

What are your plans for 2012? Any New Years resolutions?

I always make resolutions but never seem to be able to keep them. This year I’m writing them all in a little book which I plan to keep in my handbag. Top of the list so far are to exercise, eat more healthily and hand-make all my gifts from now on. I’m really going to try and keep them this time. Honestly.

What’s your favourite flower?

I have two – my nieces Lillie- Mei and Poppie-Sue! In terms of the garden variety I’ve always loved peony roses but have recently discovered how amazing gladioli are, they look gorgeous are really inexpensive too.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a personalised make-up bag.

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what fabric you would chose.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Telling me your favourite item from a Jar of Handmade Hearts (1 entry)

Following Jar of Handmade Hearts on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Jar of Handmade Hearts on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Mrs Creative Blog (1 entry)

Heart Jar of Handmade Hearts on Etsy (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 18th January.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

Argos - Women's Clothing range

2012-01-03T09:00:00.002Z

Argos has now taken the step again to branch into the clothing market, but this time they are stocking a few selected brands instead of a huge catalogues worth like they did with Additions. I took a quick browse through their womens clothing section and was pleasantly surprised to see a great selection of women's graphic print t-shirts.

Most of the items they stock at the moment are sports wear or basics items for everyday wear. These are just a few of the t-shirts they currently stock for women and they are also great value for money with prices ranging from just £5.99 to £11.99. Plus at the moment buy any 2 for £15!

Would you consider buying from Argos? Are retro print t-shirts going to be a basic staple for your summer wear? I think they are the kind of item they will always be about in everyones wardrobe.

Daisymay X

This is a sponsored post by Argos

New Year New You Giveaway - Boux Avenue

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Yes it is! I know! How fast did that last year disappear!

No doubt all of us will have made some new years resolutions to change something about ourselves or our home. Whether it be lose weight, stop smoking, paint the bedroom, sort the garden, we will all be trying to improve or change something. So with this in mind, throughout January I am going to be running a 'New Year, New You' giveaway series!

I have been lucky enough to score you, my lovely readers some great prizes. And today is the start of them.

My first lovely giveaway sponsor is Boux Avenue

Although usually known for its beautiful lingerie the giveaway prize up for grabs today is actually a 'Pink Taffeta' Gift set containing: a hand wash, body butter and 'rose petal' lip balm.

I was lucky enough to be able to try out all these goodies for myself so here is my review on them.

Pink Taffeta Hand Wash

We now keep this by the kitchen sink! Everyone in the house loves the smell and how much it lathers - even the boys. Pink Taffeta smells of roses mainly although the description also lists amber and peony as ingredients. The floral sent isn't too overpowering or strong though it's just subtle enough. As I said the lathering is great so a little goes a long way.

Pink Taffeta Body Butter

So smooth and soft this cream is really luxurious but not at a high cost £12 usually but £6 on sale at the moment! I would really advise you to buy some. Again the smell is floral but not too strong and it really does leave your skin silky smooth. I felt I had to use a fair bit of it though as it sunk in to the skin very fast so didn't stretch very far. I feel it would probably be for special occasions rather than a daily moisturiser.

Rose Petal Lip Balm

Simply the smell of this stuff will make you swoon, possibly the best smelling lip balm I have come across in a while, and I have tried many! Made with real rose petal essential oil you can really smell the difference between this and the factory made scents you often get in lip balms. This gives a great shine to you lips, but on the down side doesn't actually moisturise them at all, or protect from the harsh weather like vaseline would, it's also a little oily but I guess this is due to the essential oil which make it smell so good. I suppose you can't have everything. I still love it though and usually use it in work and to go out in the evenings.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a gift set containing all 3 items from Boux Avenue.

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what your New Years resolution is.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Telling me your favourite item from Boux Avenue (1 entry)

Following Boux Avenue on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Boux Avenue on Twitter (1 entry)

Subscribing to Boux Avenues You Tube (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 14th January.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

Christmas Presents

2011-12-30T14:51:00.010Z

Hello, hello, hello!! I am back. Sorry for my little break I just had to get Christmas out of the way as it gets stupid busy in the pub, but now its over and I thought I would bring you a little post about just how lucky I was this Xmas (i.e. all my prezzies!!)

So here is the general gist of what I got.

My favourite Stranglings print from my parents. Now to find a frame and wall space!

Firetrap boots from my parents

And another pair from my hubby!

Ollie and Nic Apple bag from Jon

Some make up and beauty stuff

A ton of recipe and fashion books!

A few CD's!

A new George! As mine broke just before xmas

A Vivienne of Holloway dress (currently too big so will need altering sadly!)

A Fever London Dress

And my big present off Jon a great new digital camera! Yay!

Plus all the usual stuff! Lol

So what did everyone else get? Any fun surprises?

Daisymay X

Christmas Gift Guide - The girl (or guy) who's all about beauty

2011-12-15T09:00:00.001Z

This gift guide is for the girl (or guy) who loves their beauty products, but with a bit more class than what you get in your local supermarket!

La Source Essentials gift set £35 from Crabtree & Evelyn

This is my favourite scent from Crabtree & Evelyn even though it is probably the least scented, its clean and fresh!

Spoilt Rotten Coco de Mer Collection £9 from Naked Beauty

Again my favourite of all the Naked Beauty ranges

Body Butter £12 from Boux Avenue

This stuff leaves the skin seriously silky

Mango and Orange Body Butter £12.99 from Burt's Bees

As does this one! But this one has an amazing fruity scent.

Tinted Lip Balm £5.99 from Burt's Bees

This helps keep the lips soft and supple but with just a hint of colour

Lip Balm £4 from La Senza

A lightly tinted lip balm in a cute little tin

Blue Beards Revenge Shaving Cream £9.99 from Blue Beards Revenge

And one for the boys! My husband loves this stuff it makes shaving super smooth and leaves the skin really soft.

Hope these gift ideas help you find something special for the beauty fan in your life.

Will you be purchasing any beauty products this year? Can you think of someone these items wil suit?

Daisymay X

Christmas Gift Guide - For the Domesticated House Lover

2011-12-14T09:00:00.003Z

No doubt you have that friend or parent who is incredibly house proud, who loves their home and loves to add their own individual touches. Perhaps one of these great gifts will suit them down to the ground and be a perfect addition to their home.

Accessories Stand £59 from Your-Showcase

Moomin Tray £19.95 from Cloudberry Living

Suck UK Book Rest Lamps £40 from Urban Outfitters

(Also suitable for a book lover)

Deer Tea Cozy £30 from Chloe Owens

Wall Decals from £3 at Vinylize it

Iconic Skyline Cushions £55 from Lily and Lime

ISAK Landsby Bread Board £24 from Cloudberry Living

Dolly Parton Quote Screen Print Poster £29 Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous

Hope this has helped you find a gift for the 'House Lover' you know.

Daisymay X

Christmas Gift Guide - For the guy who loves to stay trendy! (and warm!)

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000Z

Your bound to have a trendy bloke amongst the people you need to buy for, whether its your boyfriend, husband, brother, friend or even your dad. Finding a cool piece of clothing that isn't pulled straight off the high street can be hard, I recently found Street Casuals who stock some cool edgy tee's and great fun basic items, these are my favourites

All items are available via Street Casuals, check it out for these great finds and lots more cool things for your trendy man.

Obey Trademark tee £30

Diamond Supply Co Player tee £32

Actual Pain Immortal Mouse tee £30

Obey Cedar Creek Flannel Shirt £69

Penfield Beanie £20

Happy Socks all £8 coz every man need socks for christmas

Hope you find something for the trendy man in your life!

Daisymay X

And Little Mix take the XFactor Title!!

2011-12-12T09:00:00.001Z

Well Little Mix took the XFactor title last night, and with it broke the curse of bands on the XFactor!! I do like them but personally they weren't my fav act, but I wish them the best of luck, I think they will be great!

And this was probably my favourite performance of theirs! And it's from the final!

Little Mix performing Don't Let Go! They do nail this song!

So that means Marcus came in second. I think certain songs suited his voice so well and he was amazing! Then other times he didn't quite live up to the song. Now my favourite performance of his was "She's so Fine" but sadly I can't show you that video on here as XFactor You Tube has disabled the embed code (click here to see it) but here is my second fav of his performances.

Marcus Collins sings Higher and Higher

Amelia Lily sadly took 3rd place although she was incredibly gracious about it all! I was backing her to win so was a little gutted when she went out, but I think there may have been many screams of a fix if she had won, due to her coming back and HMV pre sale slip ups! But ah well! I think (and hope) she will still score a nice recording contract next year and we won't see the end of her (or marcus! Oh or Misha B!!)

But personally I think this was the best, most professional and flawless performance of the whole season (and it's one of my fav songs ever!).

Kelly and Amelia Lily sing River Deep, Mountain High - Enjoy!

So who were you backing to win the XFactor?

Are you happy Little Mix won? Will you be buying the single?

Now just see the XFactor US final! Gutted Drew is gone!! And the beautiful Leroy! (60 and still hot ladies!) Think it's gonna be Melanie and Josh for the final, love them both!

Anyone else a US XFactor fan too??

Daisymay X

Christmas Gift Guide - For the Gardener

2011-12-11T09:00:00.001Z

Although it may be winter and Christmas time, and gardens don't tend to look their best at this time of year a true gardener will be thinking about Spring time and all the new bulbs to be planted, seeds to be sown and general tidying that will have to be done when winter passes. So if you need a gift for a gardener take a peek at the great gift ideas I have found that will make perfect Christmas presents this year.

Apple Bird Feeder £7.98 B&Q

Floral Garden Accessories £9.99 from Home Sense

Country Living Kneeler £15 from John Lewis

Kitchen Garden Boxset £8 from Garden Trading

Gardenders Mini 60 Second Hand Cream Fix Kit £8 from Crabtree and Evelyn

Daisymay X

Christmas Gift Guide - For the girl who loves fun jewellery!

2011-12-10T09:00:00.001Z

Over the next few days I will be posting up lots of fun last minutes gift guides for every person in your life. No doubt you will be buying gifts for all sorts of people in your life and everyone one of them very different from the others. So my guides will not be for a specific person but for peoples personalities and interests.

First up - The girl who loves fun jewellery (maybe your sister, best friend or girlfriend?)

These are just my favourite picks from these great shops, check out each store for even more amazing fun finds.

Bubble Blower Necklace £25 from Fairytales and Hidden Notes

Double Face Pocket Watch £16 from Hannah Makes Things

"Bright Eyes" Rabbit Ring £25 from Me and Zena

Toadstool and Butterfly Necklace £86 from Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous

Weather Forecast Earrings £18 a pair from Huiyi Tan on Etsy

Hope you like my picks, will you be buying them for anyone in your life

Daisymay X

It's a White Stuff Christmas

2011-12-09T09:00:00.002Z

White Stuff, the fashion lifestyle brand opened a Christmas Grotto in Cardiff last weekend and will again be opening its snowy doors on Saturday the 10th and 17th. The Grotto will be host to Father Christmas and his elves between 12-4pm. All children who visit the Grotto will receive a Christmas gift and parents can enjoy the hot chocolate an mince pies on offer in the shop.

Shoppers are also welcome to make a donation to the shop’s local charity, Valley Kids, which helps disadvantaged children in rural South Wales.

Want to know what great gifts you could get while in store for under £20.

Well here are my favourite picks:

Stripe Heart Fairisle Flip Mit- £17.50

Stripe Heart Fairisle Beret- £19.95

Space plaited skinny belt- £17.50

Raymond Sock- £4.00

Little Rose Socks- £4.00

Hearts & Stripes Ballerinas- £19.95

Feather Trim Bracelet- £12.50

Chirpy Make Up Bag- £19.95

Carl Cable Hat - £17.50

Can't make it to the store? Shop online!

Happy Christmas Shopping!

Daisymay X

My Capsule Collection

2011-12-06T15:18:00.002Z

Hello just a quick post to say check out page 10 - 11 in this issue of Cardiff Now for my capsule collection guide. I found some great picks and you can get them all on the highstreet and for under £200

Enjoy!

Mani of the day: Tate from Nails Inc

2011-12-04T22:46:00.001Z

Ok this is a test post technically! My first post from my phone?!?! I'm just seeing how and if it works.

So that said this is the mani I just did. Wanted to try out the free Nails Inc polish I got with this months Glamour magazine. I got the Tate one as its a really nice almost deep cherry red and I thought it would be great for the Christmas period. As with all nails inc it goes on great and the coverage is pretty great with just one coat but I decided to go with 2 to make sure the colour was even. Then one coat of Collection 2000 Lasting Colour varnish in Ice Cube which gives it a great shine and lasts ages without chipping. I live this topcoat as the brush is really wide and literally just needs one or 2 strokes to cover the whole nail.
Now just to see how long it lasts.

Fingers crossed this posts ok! If so I might be blogging on the go some more, lol.

Anyone else got a free Nails Inc this month?
Plus anyone else tried blogging on their iPhone?

Daisymay x

Outfit Post - A touch of leopard

2011-12-02T15:30:00.002Z

Just a quick outfit post for you all today. I'm sorry for being AWOL for so long, been mega busy recently. So I thought I would come back with a 'Touch of Leopard' outfit which I wore this week to run some errands. Its getting majorly cold here now so layering is high on the priority list when getting dressed. I had never throughout of layering this Leopard polo back before but I think it worked quite well under my simple black dress

Top: Topshop

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Tights: Primark

Pumps: Peacocks

Bangles: Primark and Ebay

Necklace: Accessorize and a random gift

My hair had just started to fade in these pictures but it has been keeping pretty well and I have just re-dyed so its all bright blue again now.

Any one up to anything exciting this week? I have quite a few local event to attend so I'll hopefully have a few interesting posts up soon

Daisymay X

Press - My Wedding Article

2011-11-28T13:45:00.003Z

Open publication - Free publishing - More south wales

Here is this months Vale Life Magazine and an article on my wedding, I wrote as part of my internship. What do you think ladies?

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - My Heine Print Dress and New Hair

2011-11-18T09:00:00.002Z

Hello! So I said I would show you my new hair a few days ago and I finally got around to taking some pictures this week after seeing Cirque Eloize at the Wales Millenium Centre, which by the way was brilliant!

So without further a do, here is the new hair!

What do you think? I've been wanting to dip dye my hair for ages and I finally took the plunge 2 weeks ago. It was done by Yana at CF24 Salon on Albany Road, but she had a real hard time bleaching my natural colour first. I was there for over 4 hours as the bleaching took 2 and a half! Mad! The colour is holding really well though so I haven't even had to re-dye it yet! I was just going to ombre it but I thought blue would be more fun!

Now on to the outfit: What do you think of my great new dress courtesy of Kaleidoscope? This Heine Print dress just called to me when I was scrolling through the site. I don't know whether it was the journalist in me that was attracted to that newspaper print sections or just the fact that the dress looked different to anything else I have seen on the high street recently.

I have had it about 3 weeks now and have been wearing it quite a lot. The jersey fabric is just so soft and cozy (and washes really well, in case your interested!) so I have thrown it on on a number of occasions and I always end up feeling smart and well dressed, without quite so much effort.

On this occasion I wore it with my big thick afghan coat (as it is freezing down the bay at the moment), thick tights and my beloved brogues! A perfect monochrome outfit!

Coat: Kit

Dress: c/o Kaleidoscope

Shoes: New Look

I've also tried wearing this with a waist cinched sequinned belt, blazer and heels, so cute and great for an evening out.

Kaleidoscope often has the connotations of being a middle aged catalogue but I was very surprised to find so many interesting pieces and many on trend items. They have tons of well prices occasion wear dresses for women of all ages and a great accessories range. Definitely worth a look next time you are doing some online shopping.

This is my current favourite item on the site.

Apart Blouse £55

I am having a total blouse thing at the moment, and am crushing on this sexy silky number

Daisymay X

Ladies clothes at Kaleidoscope

Versace for H&M

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000Z

So today was the launch of the Versace for H&M collection, and yet again most people have been going made over the idea of a high end designer at a high street store at (slightly) more reasonable prices. Cardiff was no different as the St David's store was one of those chosen to host the collection.

I was part of a discussion last year of whether 'designer for high street' is really worth it and whether these types of collaborations actually end up devaluing the designer brand by allowing it to be accessible to all, rather than the brand we look up to and strive towards. In all honesty I don't particularly like Versace generally and this collection hasn't done much to change my mind. It's not that wearable really or on trend for this season and the prices aren't really close to that which you would expect to pay at H&M. Plus I am seriously dreading seeing certain types of girls trying to carry off the floral leggings (especially worn as trouser!!!) because they think they are cool and trendy!

Im not saying I don't like any of the collection, I love the leather dress (but £180 is a bit much!) The skirt with the roman-esque trim and their LBD's are really cute. But I'm not gonna go queue for 2 hours and push and shove through a throng of giggling teenagers who's parents are willing to buy anything and wannabe cookie cutter fashionistas who think just because it has a designer label its fashionable, it's not that special.

And like I said in the discussion last year (which was actually started because of the Rodart for Target collection in America) I actually do think 'designer for high street' devalues the high end brand a little, plus the quality of the garment you get will be that of the high street stores not the designer labels. I like the idea of a designer label being something special, something elite, is that not what makes it what it is? Versace wouldn't be a designer label if it always sold like this on the high street.

Ok so little rant over, what are your thought?

Are you gonna be queuing this morning? Have you already queued?

Do you think 'designer for high street' is a good idea or not?

Here is some of the lookbook for you to make up your own minds

I like these pieces

Love this dress, boots and bag

This dress is great for a night out

So, opinions?

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - The Fearne Cotton for Very Cape

2011-11-15T09:00:00.001Z

You may remember a few weeks back that I had a chance to chose a Very.com piece to review. Initially I was going with the Rocket Dog boots, but eventually decided to go with the Fearne Cotton Cape as I figured I would get loads of wear out of it.

Well I have now had a few weeks and I absolutely love it! It is so versatile and I have been wearing it literally every other day. It is great to throw over anything and is surprisingly warm and cozy. I quite often tuck my arms in if it is cold! lol!

I really love the colour and tartan pattern as it is really on trend for this season and the little lace collar adds a great feminine touch. I get so many comments on it when I am wearing it, everyone asks where it is from, you can get it here for £59 now as it is in the sale!

My only issue has been carrying a shoulder bag as it slips off but I have realised I can wear it underneath, which is safer too I suppose. You can also pop the buttons on the arm slits too if you need a bit more moving room.

Cape: c/o Fearne Cotton for Very.com

Dress: Lipsy

Shoes: Random hand me down from my mum

Necklace: Random from Scope Charity shop

Tights: H&M

Earrings and Bangle: A bridesmaid gift from Lindsey

Ring: Miso at Republic

Ok now I know I promised a surprise new hair do too, but these pictures are actually a few weeks old, so I didn't have my new hair and have yet to get photos of it, but I promise I will soon!

Any one else tried a piece of the new Fearne Cotton for Very.com range?

Daisymay X

Some seriously sexy underwear

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000Z

I am loving some of the new underwear sets at La Senza this christmas. I am a fan of balconette bra's as I think they give my smaller chest a bit of a boost without the need of huge amounts of padding, and the new collection just so happens to have some beautiful baconettes!

These are my favourites

Both of above: Rouched Silk lace, Bra £28 Thong £12

Rita, £26

Flirt Cream and Black, Bra £14 Thong £6

Claudia Pleat Red, Bra £26 Thong £12

Listen up all you guys out there, this is the type of underwear real women like! It would make a great xmas gift!

Or maybe us ladies can just treat ourselves to some as an xmas surprise for the men in our lives, or just to make us feel super sexy.

Which set are you loving? I think the Rita is possibly my favourite!

Plus expect some more sexy underwear this week!

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - Everybody Everywear - Coloured Tights

2011-11-08T09:00:00.002Z

So I thought I should jump on board with another EBEW post. And this months theme is Coloured Tights! Most of you know I am a big fan of coloured tights (actually tights of any form really) So technically I had plenty to choose from, but here's the snag...I had lots of tights but no actual time! Seeing as we only had a few days to get together and photograph this outfit I just haven't had the time as I spent the whole weekend in my pub work gear, and then bombed it home to my parents for a dentist appointment (root canal! Boo!) and a brief meeting before returning home this morning and going straight back to work at the pub.

So I figured I could cheat a little and delve into the outfit photo archive and pull out my fav coloured tights outfits

What I found - turns out I really like purple tights! lol.

Here are my top coloured tights outfits!

So which outfit do you like best?

I clearly like purple tights but which colour tights are your favourites at the moment?

I have green ones I really need to style again so maybe they will be up in a post very soon.

Check out all the other ladies on EBEW

Plus I have a surprise for you all in my next outfit post, will try get it up this week hopefully! Put it this way, I finally made it to the hairdressers!!

Daisymay X

Preview - Anna Sui for Hush Puppies

2011-11-07T09:00:00.002Z

I have fallen in love with the Anna Sui collection for Hush Puppies. This awesome little press preview dropped into my mail box last week and I have been swooning over them ever since!! They won't be released until next May (sadly!!) and will only be available from Hush Puppies stores and Hush puppies online, but I think I am going to start saving now!!

You all know I have a massive crush on brogues so when I saw the first 3 styles in the collection I was hooked.

I mean seriously how amazing are this first pair!! These are the ones I want! But I would really take any of them!

These will all be retailing for around £90

These are the others in the collection, some really cute fruity and fishy sandals!

These will range in price from around £75-£100

So ladies what do you think? Which pair will you be lusting over?

Daisymay X

Events - Oxfam Boutique Catwalk Show

2011-11-06T08:00:00.006Z

Again I'm a little late putting this up, but better late than never I suppose!

Oxfam Boutique held it's annual fashion show a few weeks back in the Morgan Arcade in Cardiff. It helped to show off what the store had to offer, both vintage and designer garments and it was a great chance to catch up with some of the other blogging girls.

The Models

Mia of Fashion.Life by Mia and Emily of Sugar and Spice

A lovely fashion illustrator I met called Kit

Carmen of My Room on the Third Floor

Did anyone else attend the event? Or any other events recently?

How's you weekend going?

Daisymay X

Friend Friday - It's all in what you read

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001Z

I finally have time to get in on another FBFF post. This one is hosted by our founder Katy over at Modly Chic, so nip over there if you want to see what everyone else is reading.

This weeks theme is totally un-fashion based, which is cool for a bit of a change. We are actually discussing what we are reading/have read. So here are the last 5 books I have read/am currently reading.

Mini Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

Just started this, but it's a super easy read. I have read the rest of the Shopaholic collection and I can say this one is just as good.

Jilted Generation: How Britain has bankrupted its youth - Ed Howker & Shiv Malik

This is an on going read as I only read a little at a time, but it is a very interesting and informative book, even though some of the stats freak me out and make me angry. Worth a read if you are part of the Jilted Generation (post 1979)

City of Bones (Book 1: The Mortal Instruments) - Cassandra Clare

Another Vampire/Fantasy series. The first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy, I did enjoy it, but it was a little slow, so I have taken a break before I read the next book in the collection.

The Cry of the Go-Away Bird - Andrea Eames

As I know Andrea via the blog world (A Cat of Impossible Colour) I thought it was about time I read her debut book. And truthfully I loved it. Definitely a good read, easy going but still quite deep in parts.

Shame - Jasvinder Sanghera

I had been bought the 'Daughters of Shame' a while ago and final got around to reading it a few months back. I didn't know it was the second book from this author until I started reading it, so once finished I got my hands on the first book 'Shame' which is a brilliant book. Haunting and shockingly real (as its a biography) it is a smack of reality and so touching.

Read any good books recently?

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - The Bunny Dress

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000Z

It was my best friends 25th birthday a few weeks ago and we all went out for dinner. I wore my bunny dress!

Dress: Pussycat of London via NewLook

Shoes: Office

Tights: Primark

Hairband: China

Bangles: Ebay

Necklace: Bought in Canada

Earrings: Claire's

What do you think?

Anyone got any big birthday's coming up?

Daisymay X

Morgan Fashion Show

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000Z

Sorry I have been away for a few days ladies, been super busy with work and other boring stuff. I am super late at posting about this event as it happened a few weeks back but I thought I could share it with you anyway.

Morgan is an independently run store in the Morgan Arcade in Cardiff. And I was lucky enough to be invited to their bi-annual fashion preview of their A/W collections. With clothing from a number of individual high end designers the event was a mix of cotton tops and dresses and piles of knitted scarves, capes and jackets. It's not the type of fashion I usually go for, but they have an avid following of more mature ladies who all turned up to see the clothes on show.

I am won over by their boots and jewellery though.

Here are just a few images of the event for you to see what went down.

Has anyone else attended any fashion events recently?

Daisymay X

And another winner...

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000+01:00

This time up the winner of the bloggers meet goody bag!

And the winner is Rachel of Life of a Sweetaholic

So congrats Rachel, the bag and all the goodies will be winging it's way out to you shortly. I hope you enjoy it!

Daisymay X

And the winner is.....

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

So first I want to thank everyone who entered my Fall Fashionista Giveaway last week, all 100 odd of you!

But I thought it was about time I announced a winner (sorry I hadn't done it earlier I've been sick all weekend!)

And that winner is the very lucky and very stylish Florrie of Intrinsically Florrie

She is the winner of a £50 Voucher for Very.co.uk

Daisymay x