Showing posts with label weekend style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekend style. Show all posts

Health & Lifestyle: Get Healthy Together - How to Become a Fit Couple #AD

Sunday, 1 December 2019

As we couple up, we tend to put our gym routines and morning runs on hold and enjoy the comfortable company of our partners. However, we should all strive to be healthy and strong, no matter what. Unfortunately, if you or your partner isn’t on board with exercising and getting fit, things can get even harder. But, there are many ways you can hit the gym together and make exercising a fun activity that will allow both parties to reap some health benefits. Here’s how to become a fit couple and get healthy together.


Find something you both like 

This is the first and most important part of exercising with a partner, finding something you both like to do. If one of you isn’t enjoying what you’re doing, you can basically forget about reaching your fitness goals as a couple. If your partner loves to hit the weights but you don’t, there’s no point in forcing yourself to do it. You will end up resenting both them and exercising. On the other hand, if you know you both love spending time outdoors, you can grab some mountain bikes and have a vigorous ride in nature. This way, you’ll both feel great after and be able to support each other on your journey. 

Try partner exercises 

While there are plenty of exercises and activities you can do separately, it would be super fun to try some moves that require teamwork. Sure, your SO can spot you while you lift or be a cool chatting partner as you ride bikes, but you can also try some tandem exercises like partner heal taps or partner press and row. Your partner can also help you with stretching or you can finish your workout with a light yoga flow for two. If you love to laugh together, there are various couple’s yoga positions you can try out. 

Be on the same page with nutrition 

If you come home and grab a protein shake while your partner digs into some ham sandwiches and Snickers bars, you’re not going to have a good time. Nutrition is an integral part of getting fit, so don’t let it stand between you and your goals. Make sure you’re both in line when it comes to your daily meals, otherwise, you’re probably going to fall off the wagon and lose all your progress. Make a weekly meal plan you both like and stick to it. 

Treat it like a date 

You can have many date nights at the gym, running at the park or hiking the trail. Instead of bringing your phone, use your workout as an opportunity to catch up, have fun and laugh together. If you’re still in the early stages of your relationship, you might want to take better care of your sweaty feet so that you’re not so embarrassed on your date. But, later on, you’ll both laugh at just how sweaty you got and have a great bonding experience. 

Be open-minded 

While it’s very important to enjoy the activity you’re doing, you also might want to have an open mind. For instance, if you’re into Crossfit and your partner wants to try yoga, make sure not to dismiss it right away. You might really enjoy it, plus compromise is always sexy! 

Don’t compete 

There’s a huge possibility that the male partner will be able to do more push-ups or that the female partner is more flexible, but make sure not to compete and try to keep up. No one has the exact same fitness levels, so if you go too hard, you can end up hurting yourself and putting your fitness plans on hold. 

Be supportive 

Remember that you’re on this journey together and you need to be each other’s cheerleader. If your partner is struggling, don’t tease them. Support your SO and it will make both of you more motivated. Also, if your partner is willing enough to try something new, don’t constantly correct their form and show what they need to do and how—it’s annoying. Instead, try your best to be supportive and they will get the most of their workout even if they are beginners. 

Hopefully, these tips will inspire you to pursue your couple fitness goals and you’ll grow to love your workouts for two. Stay motivated and soon you’ll be the best looking couple on the block!


[This is a sponsored post - stock image from Form Fitness]

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The Weekend Post: 6 Items You Need To Look Classy This Winter #AD

Sunday, 24 November 2019

Ladies, it is no secret that most of us are more focused on our fashion choices during the summer days. We spend more time than we want to admit in front of a mirror, trying to create a perfect outfit for a sunny afternoon or night of dancing underneath the stars. However, things change when the winter comes, and staying warm and comfortable becomes far more important than looking stylish. Luckily, you can still look completely fabulous and classy this winter without having to sacrifice your comfort. Include these following items into your wardrobe and you will easily pull off a classic, timeless look. 

A little black dress 

Regardless of what time of year it is, this evergreen item never goes out of style and can help you get ready in a minute for any type of event. It doesn’t matter whether you are going to a classy party or having a cup of coffee with your friends, in this versatile piece of clothing you will always look your best. You can wear it with a pair of black pumps, a sexy pair of stilettos or even over a white button-down shirt, depending on where you are going. 

An interesting piece of jewellery 

We can all agree that the right piece of jewellery can elevate any outfit. During the winter when most of your body is covered with layers and layers of clothes, opt for a necklace with an interesting pendant or a great-looking pair of earrings with moonstone like those from Moon Magic. A classy piece of jewellery and a bold lip colour are always a good combo, so dare to attract some attention. 

Classic cardigan 

Just as the little black dress, a nice cardigan can be styled to look any way you want. If you are aiming for a more hipster look, baggy grandpa cardigan paired with skinny jeans is the way to go. In case you want to look classy and sophisticated, wear a cardigan instead of a hoodie when going to a concert or a football game. 

Brown knee-high boots 

There are so many ways you can wear brown boots, and for some reason, they always look a little bit classier than the black ones. Since you will wear them during the winter, make sure you don’t opt for a heel that is taller than two inches, or you won’t feel comfortable, especially when walking in the snow. You can wear these boots with skinny jeans, skirts, leggings, and dresses and not make a mistake, so find a combination that looks best on you. 

Dark-wash boot-cut jeans 

Yes, skinny jeans and boyfriend jeans are more modern, but a classic pair of boot-cut jeans never goes out of style and is perfect for those cold winter days. Whether you are going to dinner, getting ready for work or simply going for a walk, you can always rely on these jeans to make you look good. Choose a pair without any fading or embellishments if you are going for the classy look and make sure to have them hemmed to perfectly hit the bottom of your heel. You can wear these jeans with black pumps and a white dress shirt, or take it up a notch with a back blazer and a fabulous scarf. 

A brightly-coloured scarf 

Don’t be afraid to add some colour to those gloomy winter days! It is amazing how with just one brightly-coloured scarf an outfit can look more classy, stylish, and complete. This simple piece of clothing will keep your neck warm as well as help you pull off a fancy look without trying too hard. 

With these items, you will be able to great the following season looking classy and gorgeous without sacrificing your comfort.


[This is a sponsored post - stock image from PixelBay]

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The Weekend Post: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work #AD

Saturday, 2 November 2019

Doing a little bit of cleaning here and there on a regular basis, is a lot less stressful than trying to tackle the enormous challenge of cleaning the whole house when family or friends arrive unannounced, or you have that all-important landlord check to pass. To make things even easier, here are my top 5 eco-friendly cleaning hacks that actually work - so you can get the job done without harming the environment in the process - win, win!

Hack 1 - Use White Vinegar & Water to Clean Windows & Mirrors
Lots of mainstream window cleaners contain butoxyethanol which can cause a sore throat if inhaled and can really irritate the lungs of asthma sufferers, so make your own natural window cleaner by simply mixing white vinegar and plain water (50/50 ratio) in a spray bottle. Spritz onto any window and mirrored surface to remove dirt and grease marks, and then buff to a beautiful shine with a reusable cloth.

Hack 2 - Get Rid Of Bad Cooking Odours With Essential Oils
Opened your oven or microwave and got a whiff of something nasty? You don't need to resort to using bleach-based products to get rid of those bad post-cooking smells. Instead, add a few drops of essential oils (citrus, eucalyptus or vanilla all work nicely) to a bowl of water and pop it into the oven or microwave on a medium heat setting. Allow the water to steam the inside surfaces until almost evaporated, then remove, switch off and wipe a cloth over the surfaces. It will smell so much better!

Hack 3 - Remove Tough Grime And Stains With Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used for so many different purposes and it works particularly well for removing those tough, built up stains on oven doors, as well as general daily dirt and grime in both bathroom and kitchen areas. Make a thick paste by combining baking soda with a little water, spread it onto the dirt/stains and allow it to do its thing for 15 minutes before removing with a damp cloth.

Hack 4 - Put Lemons In The Oven, Microwave And Dishwasher
It may sound strange at first, but lemons have natural antibacterial properties which can help to degrease ovens, microwaves and dishwashers. To use in the oven or microwave, cut them in half and rub directly onto the inside surfaces. Leave for 20 minutes and then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove grease and stains. You can also use lemons in the dishwasher to degrease and refresh - simply cut them in half and put them inside the top rack face down, then run the dishwasher on an eco wash. Compost the lemons after use and enjoy a sparkling clean and fresh dishwasher.

Hack 5 - Re-Use Your Old Toothbrushes For Cleaning Hard To Reach Areas
Save your old toothbrushes for cleaning those hard to reach/tricky areas around the house. The smaller brush heads allow you to angle into all sorts of nooks and crannies and remove dirt and grime found around taps, in between grouting tiles and at the back of washing machine drawers. 

Need some more cleaning hacks? 
Check out these cheap and easy DIY eco-cleaning methods from Pattersons below! Pattersons offer both commercial and household eco-friendly cleaning product ranges, so why not discover their eco cleaning products today?



[This is a sponsored post]

What are your favourite eco-cleaning hacks?

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The Weekend Post: A Daytrip To Manchester - Where To Shop, Eat & Drink #VisitManchester

Saturday, 31 August 2019

A Daytrip To Manchester
Manchester is by far one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the whole of the UK. With an ever-growing student population, streets of independent shops, artisan cafes and cocktail bars, and a local community that embraces diversity, it's no wonder why it's on the top of many young people's places to visit.

Planning a trip is easy with accessible transport links and countless serviced apartments in Manchester for those who want to stay for a night or weekend, so if you're thinking of visiting, I've compiled a list of some of my favourite 'hidden independent gems' to shop (second hand, on a budget and zero waste), eat and drink.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese manchester
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese manchester
Where To Eat: Northern Soul Grilled Cheese [Manchester Picadilly, Station Approach, M1 2GH & Northern Quarter, Unit 10-11, Church Street, M4 1PN]

Manchester is truly a foodie's dream come true with scores of independent and artisan businesses dishing up every kind of cuisine that you can think of. Cheese lovers should head for Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, which specialises in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, oozing with their special three-blend cheese mix that's toasted on locally sourced Sourdough and filled with additional ingredients such as Mac 'n' Cheese, Pulled Pork, Pastrami and more. Extra sides on offer include Loaded Fries, Mac 'n' Cheese bowls and the popular 'Frickles' - deep-fried pickles.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese - Mac Attack manchester
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese - Mac Attack

Perfect for a hungover brunch with friends, I opted for the 'Mac Attack' which really is cheese heaven thanks to its combination of three different types of cheese melted together with a generous amount of mac 'n' cheese. The grilled cheese sandwiches come with half a chunky pickle and your choice of homemade slaw or crisps, with condiments such as French's Mustard and Encona Hot Pepper Sauce at the table to dip your toastie into.  Mmmmmmm!

Siop Siop Manchester
Where To Eat & Drink Coffee: Siop Siop [53 Tib Street, M4 1LS]

If you're after a cup of high-quality coffee, Manchester is full of independent coffee shops so there's no need to buy your latte or espresso from a chain when you're visiting the city. Siop Siop is a fantastic coffee shop with a small outdoor seating area and communal tables inside for a cosy get together. As well as mouthwatering blends of proper coffee, you'll also find an equally enticing menu of homemade Pancakes, Sandwiches, Salads and Cakes, with vegetarians and vegans catered for.

Siop Siop - Doughnuts
Siop Siop - Rhubarb & Custard, Coffee Glaze, Millionaire's Doughnuts and Chocolate & Coconut Snickerdoodle

You can't visit Siop Siop without trying at least one of their famous handmade doughnuts though, and these are truly something special. The flavours change regularly so it's always exciting to see what's new and if there's no seating available, I would recommend ordering a box to go, you won't regret it.

Where To Shop: Vintage Kilo Sale
Where To Shop: Vintage Kilo Sale
Where To Shop On A Budget: Vintage Kilo Sale [pop-ups throughout the city]

As you may expect from a city that's full of students, vintage clothes are incredibly popular and coveted, so if you're a fan, you'll love the numerous 'pop-ups' that are easily found across the city. In the centre, you'll find several 'kilo sales', stores of vintage clothing where you can spend hours rummaging through the clothes rails. Once you have found your perfect 90s check shirt and 80s denim jacket, you simply take them to the till to be weighed, with most shops charging around £15 per kilo.

Where To Shop On A Budget: Oxfam Emporium
Where To Shop On A Budget: Oxfam Emporium
Where To Shop On A Budget: Oxfam Emporium [8-10 Oldham Street, M1 1JQ]

Charity shops are another place to find second-hand bargains for a cheap price (that also benefits the chosen charity so win-win for everyone!), and one of the best in Manchester is the Oxfam Emporium. This well-organised and tidy shop has a regular amount of newly donated stock coming in so I always seem to find something to take home with me whenever I visit. This time around, I found a nearly new Urban Outfitters Playsuit for £6.99, a vintage button-up denim skirt for £4.99 and a second-hand Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag for £6.99. What a bargain! And of course, if you're local, this is a brilliant place to donate your unwanted clothes, shoes, accessories, books and CDs.

Where To Shop Zero Waste: McCall's Organics
Where To Shop Zero Waste: McCall's Organics
Where To Shop Zero Waste: McCall's Organics
Where To Shop Organic & Zero Waste: McCall's Organics [Unit 6, 7 Church St, M1 1PN]

Eco-friendly and zero waste shoppers can happily support McCall's Organics on Church Street with an easy conscience. This small but expertly curated shop is your one-stop destination for fresh organic fruit and veg, chilled organic dairy, healthy drinks (they have Kombucha on tap!), and of course, it's the perfect place to stock up on your cupboard essentials such as rice, lentils, beans, pasta, dairy-free milks, gluten-free flours, soups, sauces, tea, coffee, canned goods and plenty more.

Customers are encouraged to shop zero waste by bringing their own containers, plus there's a refillable section of eco-friendly laundry products and cruelty-free toiletries. If you get to the shop early, you can take advantage of locally sourced fresh bread and a tasty selection of vegan cakes too.

Where To Drink: A Place Called Common
Where To Drink: A Place Called Common manchester
Where To Drink: A Place Called Common [39-41 Edge Street, M4 1HW]

You'll never be thirsty in Manchester with its plethora of cocktail bars, clubs and pubs on every single street, and I could have written a whole blog post dedicated just to popular drinking spots in the city! However, I decided to focus on A Place Called Common because it has such a cool and friendly vibe, plus it's one of the rare places that does a decent range of Happy Hour cocktails every single day (most don't do HH on Saturdays) from 3-7pm for just £5 each.

A Place Called Common - Bramble Collins, French Martini, Passionfruit Daquri & Espresso Martini

Sitting outside in the sun with a cold drink is one of life's simple pleasures and here there are plenty of tables for you to enjoy a catch up with your friends. It does get incredibly busy though, but there is seating inside and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Whilst it's mainly popular for its delicious cocktails, it's worth mentioning that Common has some brilliant food on offer as well, with a range of burgers, salads and bar sides to soak up all of that booze. There are several vegan options too so everyone's included.

Crazy Pedros Manchester
Crazy Pedros Manchester
Crazy Pedros Manchester
Where To Eat Late: Crazy Pedro's [Short Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1JG & 55-57 Bridge Street, Deansgate, M3 3BQ]

Manchester is a city that doesn't seem to sleep, making it a popular destination for partygoers and students alike. Just like any other city, it has its fair share of kebab shops and local Chinese takeaways, but the place to go for your post-drinks, late-night grub on a Friday or Saturday night is Crazy Pedro's.

Tucked down Short Street in the Northern Quarter, this basement bar is home to the best pizza that you'll find in the whole of Manchester. The quirky colourful ambience of Crazy Pedro's adds a youthful feeling throughout the establishment and with free Beer Pong, pinball machines and more Tequila than you can shake a stick at, you know you're going to have a good time here!

Crazy Pedros Manchester
Crazy Pedro's - Summer B (Vegetarian) and Pepperoni


Back to the pizza and Crazy Pedro's has become famous for its unusual flavours and weird toppings (the Big Mac and Chicken & Waffle pizzas are popular to give just two examples), but you'll still find the tried and tested favourites such as Margherita and Pepperoni, and they even do vegan pizzas with dairy-free cheese and mock meats. A menu at the bar shows that day's slices which are available from £3, or you can order a whole pizza to enjoy now or takeout. Open until 4am, Crazy Pedro's has two venues in Manchester for punters to pick and choose from depending on where their night out is starting or ending ;)

[This is a collaboration post - the spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own]

Have you visited Manchester?


Foodie Friday: Thick & Fluffy American-Style Buckwheat Pancakes With Chopped Dates, Hazelnuts & Maple Syrup (Vegetarian / Gluten-Free recipe)

Friday, 16 August 2019

Thick & Fluffy American Style Buckwheat Pancakes With Chopped Dates, Hazelnuts & Maple Syrup (Vegetarian / Gluten-Free recipe)
American-style Pancakes are not known for being healthy and are usually depicted with masses of greasy fried bacon and glugs of maple syrup. For a more nutritious approach to this breakfast favourite, I have this delicious alternative recipe that you can try this weekend, and don't worry, I've still included some maple syrup!

Thick & Fluffy American Style Buckwheat Pancakes With Chopped Dates, Hazelnuts & Maple Syrup (Vegetarian / Gluten-Free recipe)
One of the easiest ways to instantly make any bread, cake or pancake recipe healthier is to swap the often used refined white flour for a more nutrient-packed wholegrain variant. I love using Buckwheat Flour and it works particularly well to create these moreish American-style Pancakes which have a thick and fluffy texture that makes them perfect for stacking and majorly satisfying to dig into. 

Switching to Buckwheat Flour also makes these Pancakes low-GI and gluten-free, and with the addition of a little Ground Ginger and Cinnamon, they are even more flavourful and interesting than their white flour-based opponents, meaning that you don't need to rely on mountains of sugar to get your tastebuds flowing.

I love having toppings on Pancakes, so I've sprinkled over some chopped Dates and Hazelnuts for even more flavour and micronutrients. Finish with a generous drizzle of Maple Syrup (the best quality that you can find/afford) and you have a brunch made in heaven!

Thick & Fluffy American Style Buckwheat Pancakes With Chopped Dates, Hazelnuts & Maple Syrup (Vegetarian / Gluten-Free recipe)
Ingredients (serves 2-3 people as mini stacks of pancakes)
  • 225g Buckwheat Flour
  • 275ml Rice Milk (or you can use Soy, Almond or regular semi-skimmed)
  • 1 large organic free-range Egg
  • 1 tsp gluten-free Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1-2 tsp of organic Butter
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Handful of pitted Dates, chopped, to serve
  • Handful of Hazelnuts, chopped, to serve
  • Maple Syrup, to serve

Method
  • In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together (Buckwheat Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Ground Cinnamon and Ground Ginger), making a well in the centre.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the Egg and Rice Milk, and then slowly pour into the dry bowl, whisking it in until you have a smooth batter.
  • Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add a knob of Butter. Add the pancake batter mixture (about 2tbsp per pancake) and cook for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and then flip over and cook the other side. 
  • Repeat until you've used up all the pancake batter and serve immediately with the chopped Dates and Walnuts with a drizzle of Maple Syrup over the top. Enjoy!


Do you like making pancakes on the weekends?

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Adulting 101: Finding Enough Money In Your Household Budget For Beauty Products #Collaboration

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Even if you do not use high-end beauty products and makeup, the costs can still add up. The average UK woman spends nearly £500 a year on beauty products. That is a fair amount of money to find every year. Add in what we spend on our hair and beauty salon treatments and you can see why you need to be good at budgeting to be able to afford to look your best. 

So, today, for a change, I have decided to write about keeping your finances in order. If you do not and you end up in debt, sticking to your preferred beauty routine will be a lot harder. 

Keep track of your savings and investments 

If you are older, you will likely already have a savings account that can be dipped into in an emergency and, probably some form of investments, for example, an ISA or two. If that is the case, you could use this investment app to keep track of them and encourage yourself to invest more. 

You need your money to work hard for you, which means getting as good a return on your savings as you can. With interest rates at an all-time low, you will likely end up deciding to invest some of your cash in shares of property. Provided you get proper independent advice before doing so, you can grow your cash reserves at a faster rate than if you just stuck to traditional saving methods. 

Shop around for the best deals 

Regardless of what you are buying, looking around to see if you can buy it for less is an excellent idea. Using comparison sites will enable you to save money on most of your essential services and utilities. 

Before renewing your insurance, get some quotes to see if you can secure yourself a better deal. Often, you will easily be able to do so. 

Ask for a discount 

Whether you are making major or minor purchases shop around. It is also a good idea to ask for a discount. It is surprising how often stallholders, garages and shop owners will say yes if you just ask. If you are not used to doing this, take a look at this article. It outlines techniques you can use. Reading it will help you to work out if you would be comfortable doing this. If you are not, don’t worry just stick to the more traditional ways of saving money on your purchases. 

Look for coupon codes and sales 

It is surprising how easy it is to find discount codes and coupons you can use for everything from food and clothes to tools and home furnishings. If you like shopping with a particular retailer, sign up for their newsletter. When you do this you will usually receive early notification of sales and special offers. 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to save money on day to day items. Putting just a few of the above ideas into action should mean that you can easily get together the cash you need to be able to afford the beauty products you really like.

[*This is a colloborative post - Photo by Element 5 Digital via Unsplash]

Holiday Style: Summer 2019 Trends Wishlist #AD

Monday, 27 May 2019

Shopping for new holiday outfits is almost as fun as booking the holiday itself, so I've put together a wishlist based on some of Summer's biggest fashion trends this year to give you a little shopping inspo on this rainy Bank Holiday Monday. 

(1) The Timeless Straw Bag - Hit the beach with this Classic Straw Shopper Bag (£20, link) which features a vintage-esque straw body and tan handles. Straw bags like this are popular every Summer as they have a wonderful timeless charm about them, so they never really go out of fashion!

(2) The Bold Striped Jumpsuit - Jumpsuits have made a big comeback again and I love the bold pattern of this Multi-Stripe Button Through Jumpsuit (£49, link). Super flattering and easy to wear, just add flip flops for a casual look or dress it up with heels for a dinner date.

(3) The Classic Black Jumpsuit - If you want to keep it simple and still get on in on the jumpsuit trend, opt for an all-black number like this Black Button Through Jumpsuit (£45, link) instead. Like the Straw Bag, this is one of those capsule wardrobe favourites that you'll end up wearing all the time!

(4) The Vegan-Friendly Sandals - Vegan shoes are becoming easier and easier to find nowadays, and these Kendra Toepost Sandals (£10, link) are an absolute bargain for only a tenner! The black faux-leather straps and gold chain detailing will go with every dress you wear this Summer.

(5) The Hot Pink Maxi Dress - I love maxi dresses and this hot Pink Vest Maxi Dress (£20, link) looks particularly flattering on olive, tanned and darker skin tones. The tie-in waist adds a cinched-in structure to your silhouette too.

(6) The Bright Graphic Print Maxi Dress - Inject some extra colour into your holiday wardrobe with a bright Stripe Print Maxi Dress (£29, link) in this on-trend graphic style. Flattering for all your curves, the floaty fabric makes you feel like a million dollars!

(7) The Rose-Tinted Sunglasses - Another key Summer trend this year that has a classic vintage vibe, are these ultra-cool Cat Eye Sunglasses (£12, link) with rose-tinted lenses. The nude-light mocha frames also ensure that they'll perfectly compliment all of your holiday outfits.

Shop online for all of these items and more at JDWilliams.co.uk

What's on your holiday wishlist this year?

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Weekend Style: Men's Non-Leather Winter Shoes for Work and Play #Veganuary

Sunday, 13 January 2019

A new year can often mean new shoes if your current ones have been worn out, so I've enlisted the help of one of my housemates to showcase two pairs of men's non-leather shoes from the online retailer Jacamo, which are perfect for work and play.

Brogue Chelsea Boots
For Work: Brogue Chelsea Boots* (£35, link)

Brogue Chelsea Boots are such a classic style for men's shoes and their mature and sophisticated design lends themselves well to any kind of job that requires a smarter approach with a shirt and tie. That said, they're also popular amongst trendy/hipster circles when worn dressed down with a casual pair of black jeans at the weekend to the pub, making them an even more versatile shoe choice for your wardrobe.

These black Chelsea Boots are made from non-leather materials and feature a textile tan-coloured sole, yet have a comfortable and flexible leather-like look and feel to them, but without the expensive price tag. Affordable and stylish, they're available in men's UK sizes 7-12 with standard and wide fit options.

Dan says: "These boots are very comfortable and they definitely look the part for work - even the manager has complimented them! I'm also surprised by how affordable they are."

Reebok Trainers
Reebok Trainers
Reebok Trainers
For Play: Reebok Trainers* (£55, link)

Over the years, more and more leading brands of popular sportswear have been utilising the versatility of man-made materials for their trainers, and it's now very easy to find non-leather alternatives online. Reebok is one such brand that has an excellent range available which are made from innovative textile-based materials. 

For example, the pair shown above features a shock absorbent EVA midsole cushion and have a rubberised sole grip that lets the user explore their surroundings with a comfortable and secure footing. Ideal for many outdoor activities from walking to beginner hiking, these Reebok Trainers are suited to those who are looking for a style of trainer that's more 'outdoorsy' than what you'd see in the gym, and the blue/grey colourway suits blue and dark blue jeans.

Dan says: I've always bought Reebok trainers because they're good quality and last a fair while. I also really like this particular style and they're incredibly comfortable to wear."

For more men's boots, shop the full range online at Jacamo.co.uk

What are your favourite brands of non-leather shoes?

Weekend Style: Cosy Up on Valentine's Day with Bolsius Candles

Sunday, 11 February 2018

Cosy Up on Valentine's Day with Bolsius Candles
The big loved-up V-Day is just around the corner and if you're on the lookout for some home products to create a cosy evening in, why not pick up some of these beautiful candles from Bolsius?

Candles are one of the easiest ways to create a welcoming and warm environment in your home, and there's something mesmerizing about flickering candlelight- it's almost magical isn't it? I have candles dotted all over my house, and I like to use them to not only offer an inviting fragrance, but to add a pop of colour or style to a room.

I usually opt for scented candles, but when I saw these mid-sized, chunky ones with a pretty metallic detailing from Bolsius, I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to feature them in a Weekend Style post.

Cosy Up on Valentine's Day with Bolsius Candles
Cosy Up on Valentine's Day with Bolsius Candles
Part of Bolsius' Rustic range, these un-fragranced Faded Metallic block candles are available in several different colours to suit a range of home decors and you can pick up different ones to suit the change in seasons. They feel very substantial and good quality, with a graduated metallic finish towards the bottom of the candle that looks very contemporary and stylish.

I was kindly sent a pair in cream and a pair in pink, and I love them! I have a lot of neutral themes throughout my home so the cream ones work in any room as they go with everything, whilst the pale pink pair makes a nice central feature for a subtle hint of colour on a table or windowsill - perfect for Valentine's Day.

Shop the full range of Bolsius Rustic Candles* online here.

Do you have a lot of candles in your home?

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