Review: TAJ Foods Aloe Vera Juice

I love a fruit juice, smoothie or shake. There's a lot to be said for a zingy refreshing drink on a sunny day... and as I peeled back the curtains this morning and was met with the warm air that had been gathering like a cloud behind the window, I thought Yes, today is the day!

A while ago I was asked to review an Aloe Vera based drink from TAJ Foods, and they have been nestled nicely in the fridge until today. I received a 500ml bottle of Original Aloe Vera flavour and a 500ml bottle of  Strawberry flavour.

I must admit that the pulp floating around didn't look too appealing to me, and I was really hoping I couldn't feel it in my throat. It's in little squares, and is very slimy, and in fact it keep straining through my teeth so that I was left with a mouthful. Not too keen, but better than I expected.

The original flavour was my favourite, although it was definately too sweet for my taste. It was much more fruity than I imagined, I think I was expecting it to taste green if that makes sense?! It's very smooth and would probably be great on holiday of your partial to a sweet drink by the pool. Overall too sweet for me, but my boyfriend really enjoyed it and would have it again, comparing it to "tiny fruit cocktail in a drink".

The strawberry flavour was even sweeter still, and it reminded me of a melted strawberry ice lolly. It was a true strawberry flavour, however just so so sweet and sickly. My notoriously sweet-toothed boyfriend couldn't even manage it.

Both flavours claim to contain 46% of Aloe Vera (30% June and 16% pulp) and to contain low sugar, to aid digestion, boost immunity and energize. Obviously I can't review these claims on the strength of 2 bottles, but I certainly didn't feel any worse for having drank it.

Just click here to view the full selection of aloe vera juices. All of which contain the 46% of Aloe Vera. It should be noted that these juices aren't suitable for pregnant and breast feeding women, as well as children under 3.

You can view the rest of the TAJ Foods website here. They offer a large range of  "Ethnic Foods" on their website, and supply a huge number of supermarkets and independent retailers. I'm pretty sure you'll find something new that you're desperate to try, and even though the juices weren't to my taste, there's plenty of other items I can't wait to try!

Katy x

The Great Pasta Disaster

I shouldn't really tell you this, but I pride myself on my brutal honesty, so here goes...

My snazzy pasta machine

My middle sister got me a pasta machine for my birthday- fancy attachments and all- and I've been dying to use it. I googled countless recipes, asked a multitude of friends/family for ideas and then finally settled on a basic Jamie Oliver pasta dough recipe.

Dough a la Jamie 

Now let me tell you, despite his often cringeworthy exterior, I'm a big Jamie fan. I like the ease of most of his recipes and his chilled out make-do attitude. However... I have never had such a culinary disaster in my entire life. I'm no Nigella, but I pride myself on my cooking skills. I can make a mean almost anything (except cakes) and I have a bit of a creative streak when it comes to the kitchen. My family and boyfriend love my food- or they at least tell me they do- and I can be a bit boastful if I think I've created a masterpiece. 

All this just made the "Pasta Disaster" worse! I'd been talking about it since Friday- I rang my mum whose on holiday just to tell her my marvellous plan, I told my colleagues at work and an old school friend. I made a 30 mile round trip for the £18 worth of pissing ingredients, and worst of all I could already imagine what it was going to taste and look like. I'd pretty much written a majorly big-headed post about how gorgeous it was and how fabulous I am.

I should have known really shouldn't I... 

It should have been prawn and smoked salmon tortellini with a lemon cream sauce. 

Poor, wasted prawns

HA! It wasn't! What is was, was a lovely creamy, fishy filling, encased in a flabby mass of chewey white... rubber, that took two and a half hours to make. You know in zombie films, those pieces of "flesh" that adorn all the extras to make them look more dead and falling apart? Well it would have been amazing for that! Or when a paddling pool gets an annoying tear that renders it useless, TA-DA, I've invented a fantastic paddling pool repair kit. And the best, most helpful use of my new invention? A hammock! I'm pretty sure if it had been long enough it would have held my weight and been pretty comfy. Durable bloody stuff it was!

The only real blessing in the whole saga, is that I hadn't made the lemon cream sauce yet. Which means there is currently a tub of cream sat nicely in the fridge! I was so disheartened last night that I nearly downed the lot, but it'll be a wonderful addition to this weeks coffees, naughty.

Please let me know if you've had any similar disasters, I can honestly tell you that sharing the shame helps, even the man in the takeaway at 10.30 last night was sympathetic!

Katy x

A Girl Got Issues

Okay, so I'm exaggerating. But there is a little something that's bothering me, it begins with W and ends in ORK. I know almost everyone would rather not work, but seriously it is having a negative impact on nearly every aspect of my life! I've been working at my current job for nearly three years, Monday to Friday nine till five, and I'm already ready to retire! My biggest issues are...

Sleep- if it wasn't for work I'd do more of it and in return be a nicer person. The 7.40 alarm is becoming the bane my life, and I don't know how much longer I'll man it before I end up hurting my phone.

Eat- I'm obviously not starving, I get enough food daily, but I'd love to be able to cook more! Normally by the time I've finished work I just plain can't be arsed to do anything fancier than a chilli... Pathetic.

Blog- Having been to work all day, after cooking and eating the afore mentioned chilli then washing the pots I'm normally just a bit fed up! My creativity is at it's daily low and I just KNOW I'd make a better job of the blog if I had all day in bed to think about it... HA!

Craft- I'm grumpy enough after doing everything else, but the thought of having to tidy up the mess I'll inevitably make is enough to tip me over the edge and resign myself to Celebrity Big Brother for another night.

Shop- okay, this ones hugely contradictory of itself. If I didn't work then there'd be no shopping at all! But that kind of makes my point, yes working/having a job is necessary, we all need money. But when the money rolls in at the cost of almost everything you love in your life... There's a bit of an in-balance.

I don't yet have an answer. Maybe part time work, whilst putting my hobbies to good use to make me some dollar on the side, but then if it was that easy wouldn't we all be doing it?

Gahhh, I don't know. What do you think?I'm gonna have a glass of wine and forget about it for now, it's the freakin' weekend after all!

Katy x

Get To Know Me part 5- THE FINAL CHAPTER

So you think you know it all? You don't. This is the final chapter of my Get To Know Me series and after this, you'll know almost everything that's worth knowing about me! Lucky you...

 

17. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

Cooking- It's creative, I'm very much in charge and of course you get a meal at the end of it! 

Nail Art- On other people (I bite my nails, shock horror) Again, it lets my creative juices flow, but it's also a bit more challenging than just painting a picture.

 

Reading- Because my over-active mind can really turn-off when I read a book. It makes burying my head in the sand a little more possible.

Making Cards- I like to give things to people I love, and there's nothing more special than a hand-made gift or card.

Bad TV- If a hobby is something you do to relax, then I'd be lying if I didn't include TV, particularly bad TV. I like it because you can just watch, you don't have to concentrate, or invest into it emotionally, just watch...

 

18. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be & what would you eat?

Okay, so I probably wouldn't have dinner with this person, and strictly speaking he isn't yet part of history... But it'd be interesting if I did... Kim Jong Un, the current North Korean leader.

I know, I know, you expected me to say Marilyn Monroe or Mother Theresa, but that's boring and I'd like my little jaunt into history to have a bit more meaning. You see, having lived in South Korea for a while, the whole North Korea thing fascinates me. I genuinely think I could make a difference! Kim Jong Un was educated at a prestigious European independent school -as was I- which means that we probably have some common ground (laughable, no?) that I could win him over with, not to mention his fine (and ridiculously hypocritical) taste in European wine and cheese. Secondly, any man with such a huge bloody chip on their shoulder probably just wants a bit of attention and a proper good telling off. I could do that. Not to sympathise you must understand, just to work my way in. You see, for some reason many Asian people (in my experience) love a Western friend. Our accent, our 'big' eyes and our funny smell (sour milk) all win them over, and given Kim's secret love for all things Western, I don't see why I would be any different! In fact, given that there is already a Spanish fella by the name of Alejandro Cao de Benos, in Kim's inner circle, I'm pretty sure he'd like me. And now comes the fun bit, after dining on a feast of South Korean Bulgogi (he'd love that) and worming my way in, I would go on to tell him the hard facts about his beloved countries sickening ideals, and their dire consequences. I know it might not make a difference, I know he might not care, I also know he might enjoy knowing the suffering that he and his deplorable family have caused 'their' people. But I genuinely believe his head is so far up his own arse, that no-one will have ever actually told him before!

Dear Kim Jong Un, if you are reading this, please know that you are the worst kind of human. You are in no way divine, just as your father and grandfather weren't. Your hypocrisy is hilarious and your chubby little face even funnier. There is NOTHING Democratic about the DPRK, if you like I can send you the definition, I'm guessing they didn't teach you that in Switzerland? Your people are slowly gathering a connective hatred against you, and soon- within my lifetime- you will have an almighty revolution on your hands that you will do well to survive. They have radios, DVDs and cellphones, but most importantly they have courage and a newly realised right to free-will. If I was you (God forbid) then I'd be scared. It isn't too late to be a hero, because unlike those before you, you DO know better! Oh, and before I forget... your shit stinks just like everybody elses. 

(If you are interested in North Korea, PLEASE PLEASE let me know, I'm slightly obsessed and desperate to do something for those poor people. If you aren't interested, that's fine, but know that between 1995 and 1998, as we were all learning how to use the internet and getting mobile phones, approx. 2.4million North Koreans died of starvation, and many more are still dying to this day. This isn't a problem like Africa, where environmental factors make growing enough food impossible, this is due to the abhorrent mis-use of power) 

 

19. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

God it's deep today! I think it's becoming less and less 'popular', but the fact that so many people are still offended by homosexuality really pushes my buttons. Firstly, what a person chooses to do in their own bedroom has NOTHING to do with you, absolutely nothing! Secondly, why are you even interested you perverts! Being gay doesn't make a person less of a person, in fact it doesn't change them in any way, other than who they are likely to fall in love with- it doesn't make them a bad person. Whereas judging people on their sexuality does make you a bad person. It makes you a bitter, ignorant and backward individual that would probably make great friends with my old fave (NOT) King Jon Un.

 

20. What is your favourite part of your body and why?

Ahhh, back to pure BBlogger territory. It's my eyes. They never have bad days, they don't wobble and without them I'd be pretty lost... literally.

 

Well that turned out deeper than I thought.

 

So that's your lot lovely people. I hope it's been insightful and at least interesting in parts. If you know me in Real Life and you learnt anything you didn't already know, then tell me what! And for my blogging friends, have I surprised you with anything?

 

Thanks for reading peoples,

 

Katy x

Playing Makeup (for no particular reason)

Arghhh, I HATE Sundays!

I'm not being dramatic, I do hate them. I think its my nervey sub-conscience preparing me for the fight or flight of a Monday morning. Whatever the reason, I am normally miserable and bad tempered most Sundays, and often still in bed come lunchtime.

 

Today was no different, I couldn't shake the impending (sense of)doom. I watched baking programmes AND nature/travel docs (my fave) all morning to no avail. So I decided I'd get up and crack on with a beef and chorizo stew for tea, and then play my favourite game until my face couldn't hack it anymore...

 

MAKEUP!!!

 

This is me... Fresh(!?) and makeup-less

 

I hope you enjoyed the leopard/granny scarf combo. It's a look I think works best on a rainy Sunday.

And then this, well this is an overly dramatic version of my favoured "night-time" look.

The major black shadow is one of my favourite products at the moment. It came in a recent Glossybox and I love it. Its so pigmented (black) and for such a dark shade it makes surprisingly little mess. You know the dust that goes all over your cheeks, right where you'd put highlighter, well this doesn't do that. It is this (no, I don't know either) The lipstick, strictly speaking is SEVENTEEN Stay Pout in Rule Breaker, however I lined my lips with a cheap black eyeliner and smudged it inwards before applying the lipstick, and then highlighted the chubby bits (I should know the name for these) with a gold powder.

My little piggy eyes ended up looking quite smokey! I would do this for real life, but without the lips. Unless I suddenly find myself on a red carpet or the likes... and the same for the lips, but without the eyes.

This was just for fun. Believe it or not I don't own a black lippy (yet) however I have a purple one on the way. I used the same black eyeshadow and liner as above to colour my lips in, and again highlighted with the gold. My eyes (bless them) had taken a bit of a pasting in round one, so I just lined my top lid thickly with the wondrously silky Soap and Glory black Smoulder Kohl.

I like it! I may pull it out for a fancy dress party (someone please have one)!?

Ahhh, my humble little pouters have had quite the afternoon.

Let me know what you think, I wont be offended, honest!

Katy x

Get To Know Me part 4!

Calm down all of you, it's here, Get To Know Me part 4!

 

I've been thinking about doing this post since lunchtime, but since I got home two hours ago all I've actually managed to do is put my fleecy Christmas pyjamas on, watch nature documentaries and eat liquorice. Perfect night, if a little lazy.

 

13. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I'd live in lots of places, but particularly the Algarve in Portugal. I know its mainly a holiday place, but the way of life is so relaxed, the food is gorge and you're never too far from a gorgeous hidden beach.

 

14. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

Funnily enough, I don't even feel like my 'childhood' was that long ago!

This isn't so much a single memory, but my dad used to work away when I was little- he still does in fact- so every 2 weeks my mum and I would go to the train station to met him. Standing on the platform waiting for him to pass me in one of the windows and then running along to meet him as he got off, for a HUGE cuddle. I still think of that every time I get a train.

Secondly, a game we used to play in primary school. Its almost embarrassing, but the point of the game was to throw your TY Beanie Baby as high as you could and try to get it stuck in a tree... I think we rather genius-ly named in "Beanies in a Tree" it was just so fun, and its so vivid in my memory!

The third one is the day my first nephew was born. I was 9, nearly 10. My dad met me at the bus stop after school, and we were holding hands walking the 300 metres home. We got to the crossing, crossed the road and were almost at our garden when he said "Lisa's had her baby, do you want to go and see him?" I don't know what I said, but we set off running and jumped a massive bush that separated the path from the garden. It probably wasn't huge, but it was awesome, and I was SOO excited I could have probably jumped the house! He's 13 now my oldest nephew, and too bloody tall and handsome!

 

(I'm still eating liquorice by the way)

 

15. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

Gosh I'm being greedy, contemplating inventing a power that will give me an endless supply of money at the same time as endless holidays from work... But until someone gives that a name, then I will probably settle for teleportation, because I'm pretty impatient.

 

16. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

I hate this question! I wish I'd chopped it out, you'd have never known.

I don't like to set goals to achieve in a certain amount of time, because I'm a worrier and hate the impending sense of doom when things linger over you. In fifteen years I hope to have lived somewhere new, got married to my Martin and had 2 chubby little curly-haired babies. No career goals, because I just don't know yet okay!!! (sorry, its the pressure again) and no timescale. Just those things, within 15 years.

 

Only 1 part left now, I bloody hope that bit has better questions, this has made me think I should have at least some goals, and I really don't want any! I'm sure I've told you before that I wished I was more carefree, well this is an extension of that, how can you be carefree with goals?!? GO WITH THE FLOW BITCHEZZZ...

 

Katy x 

Liebster Award

The Liebster Award is a way to help new bloggers discover others in the blogging community- particularly those of us with less than 200 followers- by passing on questions and links to other bloggers you feel should be part of the action.

The Rules

You must link back to the person that nominated you.

You must answer the 11 questions given by the nominee before you.

You pick nominees with under 200 followers to answer your questions.

You can not nominate the person who nominated you.

You must tell the nominees that they have been nominated by you.

 

 

I have been kindly nominated by lookinglovelyyy , and her questions for me are... (for my blog virgins, click on that name and you can see her blog)

 

1.What is your favourite magazine?

I don't tend to buy them anymore, as I never get round to reading them. But I used to love more, because the featured products are actually affordable, high street items. I don't see the point pouring over designer items when I know they are beyond my means.

 2. Does anyone know you blog?
This is a good question. I planned on keeping it secret from friends and family until it was a bit more established. However, I tell my family pretty much everything so I only kept the secret for 2 days! My friends, family and boyfriend ALL know, and they are SO supportive. As I was unlocking my front door the other day I heard "LOVING YOUR BLOG KATY, KEEP GOING!" and turned around to see my friend Becci at the other side of the road, hollering! Thanks Becs.

3. What do you most like to read on other peoples blogs?
I prefer make-up tutorials/tips to product reviews, and I love a blog where you feel you're getting to know the blogger. Its so much easier to believe in what someone is saying when you know a bit about them. I love a good dose of sarcasm too. My blogging idol is Ebony at ELN Fashion, check her out and you'll see why.

4. What do you like to watch on telly?
I love to get stuck into a big series! My boyfriend and I are waiting for Hannibal and The Walking Dead to restart, and we can' t wait. I'll admit that I love a bit of X Factor and Big Brother too though, I'm no TV snob.

5. Do you support any sports team?
Hmmm... I guess I have a vested interest in Manchester United. My boyfriend is fanatical, therefore it is much better for me if they win, because then my day will be brighter!

6. How often do you blog?
I don't have a plan or structure. I want my blog to just happen rather than being forced because then it'd just become another chore. If I'm feeling interesting then I'll blog, if I'm feeling lazy then I won't. Easy as that.

7. What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
Oh goodness, is it bad that I'm having to think so hard? I was proud to get into Uni- hilarious because it turned out to be a nightmare. Gahhh, I don't know! I've told you before about my memory... Haven't I?

8. Do you have any pets?
Nope. I'm a massive fairy and scared of most animals up close, particularly cats. They're too unpredictable for my anxious self. I also think they just don't care about you, which isn't a good trait in a pet. I'd like a dog when we have kids, cause it's cute for them to grow up together. (What a sap)

9. If you could change one thing about your self what would it be?
I'd be more care-free. A go-with-the-flow kind of girl, rather than a negative Nancy.

10. Favourite make up brand?
I'm such a disloyal customer. I buy whatever I can afford at the time. Make-Up for me isn't about having the best money can buy, its just about feeling better about myself and being creative, so while I can do that on a shoestring I will!

11. Do you prefer a bath or shower?
Shower!! A bath is an effort. Running it, being too hot, getting bored and then having to wash the bloody leg hairs out. No thanks...

There we have it.

Now for my nominees...

http://isitjustmeme.blogspot.co.uk
http://photo-jenn-ic.blogspot.co.uk
http://Fayeyasmin.blogspot.co.uk
http://crazyblondegal.com
http://ampersandcastlesglasgow.blogspot.com

And their questions

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. Do any of your Real Life friends read your blog?
3. Night in or night out?
4. Where was your best ever holiday?
5. Do you know any other bloggers in Real Life?
6. Sunday dinner or spicy curry?
7. Do you wear make-up everyday?
8. What 3 items would you take to a desert island?
9. Are you glass half full or half empty kind of girl?
10. Biggest achievement?
11. What word so you say the most?

So that's my Liebster Award post done. Hope you enjoyed it. I can't wait to read my lovely nominees posts!

Katy x



 

Lumps, Bumps and Boobies- BigCupLittleCup Lumps & Bumps Series

I don't know if this is a Done Thing in blogging, but I don't care to be honest, I am doing it anyway...
A blog post about a blog post.

My real life friends Sian and Charley over at bigcuplittlecup have just started a really important and informative post series about lumps and bumps in your boobies.

Sian and Charley

The thing is, we all know what to do if we find a lump- some of you will have already- but you never really hear about what happens next. Wonderful Charley unfortunately has some experience in this field, and after a few quick Google searches she realised that most of what is out there on the net is forum after forum of terrifying scare mongering. So, being the babe she is, she has put together this post for all of us young (and maybe some not so young) ladies.

Not only is it a helpful and touching story, she has a fantastically honest writing style and I challenge you to read it without feeling a twinge of sadness for her.

Good luck with your op Charley!!

Katy x

Prairie Charms Mystery Box Review

It arrived. My mystery box from Prairie Charms. I wasn't 100% sure what to expect, having never bought from them before so I didn't have too high expectations. I'll be very honest in this review, but not mean as I'm having a good day!

The parcel itself was cute. Shiny and bright pink, right up my street. Anything that's not packaged in a Jiffy bag excites me, so that was a good start.

I opened the parcel and there were 4 individually wrapped items inside. I like this, it shows care, adds to the excitement and stops the items getting damaged in the post.

The fist item was a thin black headband with a bright pink glittery bow on it. 

It's well made and the bow is big enough to be seen and is really well attached so that's no problem. I'm going to have to keep trying it on in different ways to make my mind up fully, but admittedly it's not really my style. I do know a little girl who will absolutely love it though, so no problems there.

The next item was an odd one. I'm either missing the point, or it really is a bit of a disappointment.

To me it seems to be some black and purple elastic, tied in a knot, to be used as bobbles. I won't scoff at them, because who doesn't need extra bobbles, but had I paid more than £5 for the box, I'd be quite annoyed. Someone please tell me if I am missing something... A nice lady from Prairie Charms has contacted me to let me know that these are a 'thing' that haven't taken off in the UK yet. They're supposed to stop that tell-tale bobble kink. So now I know, I will can let you know if they work.

Next up was this clip in fabric bow

This is more me, and definately wearable. It's a slightly odd shape (bottom pic), but I'm pretty sure that's just because it's so sturdy and well made, and it will 'drop' a little over time. I love the colour and size, so this is a winner for me.

The final item is my favourite. It's grown on me so much that I keep just putting it on for no reason...

It's a vintage floral pattern tie headband. The knot does come undone, which doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is! I've bought too many of these that I've had to hack at just to fit them on my big swede (head). So that was a good start. The headband has some kind of form to it, rather than just being a thin piece of fabric. This means you can almost mold it to get a better fit without having to tie it so tight you stop your circulation. The fabric is very me too, I would have definately bought this on its own.

So that was my Prairie Charms mystery box. It cost £5 and was supposed to contain items to the value of £30+ although I would have been upset if I had paid £30. (I should check the prices on the website I suppose (I just had a look, and the items did total £30+, I understand that hand-made items costs more as I do stalls myself, however the plain knot bobbles cost £7.50 I am rather shocked.) Saying that, the items are great quality, really well made! The lady who processed my order was also extremely lovely, and I have only positive things to say about Prairie Charms as a business. I think it's just a matter of taste regarding what was in my box, and it was definitely worth what I paid for it.

I'll definately buy from them again, but only picking out individual items I think.

If you want to check them out- I think you should- then you can do here.

 

What do you think? Am I being harsh? I hope not...

 

Katy x

Get To Know Me part 3

Part three is here. If you're still around after my recent revelations, then thank you!!

 

If you missed the beginning, then you can find part 1 here and part 2 here.

 

9. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

 

I am a worrier. I worry about work, about my family... most things really.

 

I cry quite often. Films, books, TV, songs, the news. Again, most things really.

 

I am not 100% organised.

 

Cheese. Okay so this hasn't had an adverse effect yet, but I could probably be bribed with cheese.

 

Terrible memory. Lists are my friend, without them, I am nothing.

 

 

10. Describe 5 strengths you have.

 

Confident. I'm not shy to make my point.

 

I'm tall. I can reach high things!

 

I'm creative. Which I think helps with general problem solving, as well as just arty stuff.

 

Open-minded. I'm not shocked too easily. Most things are fine by me, so long as no one gets hurt!

 

I am hilarious. Maybe not conventionally, and maybe you don't agree. But I find me funny!

 

 

11. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

 

I've genuinely never answered this question. It's quite a tough one actually, because despite hating the sea to swim in, it is bloody beautiful and I adore the Blue Planet series. So I could easily be a dolphin. But in the same breath a lion is pretty damn cool! Swanning about not having to worry about anything but lunch sounds good to me.

 

12. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

 

Oh goodness. I wish I was better at being more care-free. I'd love to be able to jump into things feet first without having over-analysed everything. If I book a holiday, I spend the next few months worrying that I've forgotten something, dreading that its going to be rubbish, and then making an emergency plan in case it is rubbish. And the truth is, its never been rubbish yet, so I should probably just get on with stuff and deal with any problems as they arrive... I'll let you know how that goes...

Enjoy!

Katy x

Get to Know Me part 2

I hope you're ready for this...

5. What is your dream job, and why?

I would love to have a small shop that sells my own handmade crafts alongside a deli, serving homemade food and condiments. I adore cooking and crafting, I'd do both 24/7 but I am genuinely deterred by the endless tidying up that goes alongside. (That tells you a LOT about me)

6. What are 5 passions you have?

Travelling... Holidaying, whatever you want to call it. Seeing different places and buildings, and eating new food.

My family- As I've got older I've realised just how different other peoples families are! You presume that everyone puts family first in their life, but sadly that just isn't true for some people, which makes me appreciate mine even more!

Food- You know this. I know you know this. But I can't exactly not put it can I? 

Creativity- sometimes I'm almost overwhelmed, not so much with ideas, just the need to make something. I hope I always feel like this.

Women's Rights- I'm not an expert. I'm not a feminist and I try not to take anything to the extreme. I just think that it is wrong that women still have no right to rights in too many places around the world, particularly the Middle East. 

7. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

What I'm about to tell you isn't that bad. I'm sure we've all done much worse things, but the fact this has stuck with me for so long must mean something...

My Year 4 class each had to write three "Goals for the Year" and put them into envelopes to be opened before we started Year 5. I don't remember what I wrote, but I was chuffed that we got to personalise our envelopes with smelly gel pens and Crayola stamps. I drew a hand. A hand that I thought looked like it was trying to sneakily open the envelope. And in big letters KEEP OUT!

As the year went on we all forgot about the Goals until Mr. Harrison began handing them out. I was keen to see if I'd achieved mine, and was getting impatient as he seemed to hand out everyone's but mine.

"And who's is this one?" He shouted from the front, holding my envelope in the air. Everybody started laughing, and I knew straight away why...

After a year of growing up and becoming more streetwise, I realised my attempt at the sneaky creeping hand now looked a hell of a lot more like a hand tossing the rods, next to a big red KEEP OUT.

Mr Harrison obviously knew it was mine (which I failed to realise) but my classmates didn't know, so I decided I would adamantly deny all knowledge.

"But it must be yours Katy, everybody else has an envelope but you!" He was saying, and I genuinely thought that if I kept denying it then he'd believe me and everyone would stop laughing...

It turns out that teachers care more when you lie to them, than they do if you accidentally draw a swearing hand on your Goals for the Year. I got lines for not admitting it, and everyone still knew it was mine!

8. Describe 5 pet peeves you have.

I hate it when toilet roll is in the holder the WRONG way round, i.e it's rolling down almost touching the wall.

When I go out of my way to hold a door open for someone, and they stroll right through without even a nod in my direction!

Shops that don't put prices on. Why make it harder for me to buy something?!?

Bad Sunday Lunches. I'd rather have rice and cheese (quite nice actually) than dry meat and soggy veg.

Hinting. One of my nephews used to do it all the time as a little'un, but I've almost taught him how annoying it is, cutie. "Hmmm that looks nice aunty Kate, I've never tried them..." GRR

That's it for now. I hope you don't lose sleep over my embarrassing story, I'm sure I'll get over it soon...

Katy x

Get to Know Me part 1

1. List 5 random facts about yourself.  
   
   
   I love pickled eggs. There, I said it.
   
   
   I have lived in South Korea.
   
   
   I have 2 nephews, 2 nieces and another mystery one on the way!
   
   
   My favourite colour is purple.
   
   
   I am 23... In the morning...
   
   
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
   
   
   Snakes- I can't tell you how or why. It's not a secret, there just isn't a reason that I know of. I remember being in a Year 7 geography lesson, watching a video (yes, an actual VHS) and just getting completely panicked to the point of tears and having to get my feet off the floor.
   
   
   Swimming in the Sea- it's the fish! Not so much the sharks, but the little slippery fellas that might touch me. Picture this... Summer holidays 2004ish, I'm a know it all 13 year old make-up wearing tom boy in Mallorca with my parents and friend. My superman dad suggests jumping off some rocks into the sea and swimming across the bay. JUST as we leap into the water, a huge school of piddly silver fish stops dead right were we are about to land! I know it's too late to back out, I've already jumped But I DO NOT want to land...
   I landed. Screamed. Cried. I don't know if that was the order, but my dad had to drag me to safety and that was that!
   
   
   Dark Alleys- have you ever watched TV... A film maybe? Read a book? Well that's my answer.
   
   
3. List 5 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could...
   
   
   There's no hurry, CHILL OUT!
   
   
   You're in control of your own life, every action and decision has a consequence.
   
   
   You will always be you, get used to it and enjoy it!
   
   
   Don't live, dress or act for anyone else, be what you want to be.
   
   
   It gets better.
   
   
4. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
   
   
   My family.
   A good meal.
   Disney Blu-Rays.
   Dreaming of holidays.
   It's my birthday tomorrow and I have Friday off work, very happy!
   
   
   So there we have it, part 1 done. I hope I've not forgotten anything too life changing...
   
   
   Goodnight
   Katy x

Get to Know Me in Twenty Questions

It's taken me an age to find this list, and to be honest I don't even like it. However the prospect of writing a long descriptions of myself to a bunch of (lovely) strangers makes me feel a bit uneasy... I'm a nice person and everything, but I'm not sure I warrant a full paragraph of positive adjectives and worn-out put me downs (to keep the balance). 

So I decided to do a questionnaire...

 

1. List 5 random facts about yourself.  
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. List 5 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could  
4. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
5. What is your dream job, and why?
6. What are 5 passions you have?
7. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
8. Describe 5 pet peeves you have.
9. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
10. Describe 5 strengths you have.
11. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
12. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
13. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
14. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
15. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
16. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
17. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
18. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be & what would you eat?
19. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
20. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

 

So those are the questions- I'll be honest, I hacked away at the soppy ones like 'What is your family dynamic?' because I just don't see the relevance- and what I plan to do is answer 4 per day.

This way you'll be treated to a well thought out answer that has come from my heart (bork!) rather than a list of answers that don't really tell you anything about me.

 

I'll start tonight, I hope you're all ready for some revelations! If you have any questions of your own, just ask away in the comments box below.

 

Katy x

The Big Blog Sale

I've done it! It's gone live!

It took longer than I expected-mainly because I forgot I'd have to clean everything before photographing- but my first blog sale has gone live, featuring little gems like this...

At the moment it's a mix of unused, barely used and unwanted make-up, but I plan to constantly update it so eventually there will be jewellery, clothes, shoes and the rest.

Apart from the photos (which are always a nightmare to edit and resize on my phone) it was actually way simpler than I'd been expecting, which is always a bonus. So rest assured I'll be updating all the time!

Please take a look, just click the "Blog Sale" tab below the header at the top of the home page. (Some of you will be cursing my almost patronising instructions, BUT a lot of lovely ladies from my family are just getting into the world of blogs for the first time, so for now the instructions will be staying!)

Thanks for reading and I hope you find something you want/need/love!

Katy x

The Chilli Jam Man

I've neglected the bread part. Ironic really, seeing as all I've done so far this year is eat. But I need to share this with you...

His name is The Chilli Jam Man, and he is fast becoming the go to guy for all chilli related purchases. You can read more about him here and he is also on twitter @thechillijamman

For now all you need to know is that he creates amazing jams, pastes, snacks and other lovelies in a range of heat strengths, so if you know a chilli lover you will definately find the perfect gift!

I've bumped into him at a few local food events- as he is also based in North Yorkshire- and everybody that I've introduced to the products has been won over. 

My boyfriend got me these for Christmas. Plus a packet of The Chilli Jam Man SQUEALERS Hot & Spicy Pork Scratchings, but they got eaten before I took the picture. WOW they were hotter than expected, but I like that with chilli. I like the almost uncomfortable feeling (and the sense of warped achievement)

The chocolate is delicious too. 70% dark Belgian chocolate with chilli. I am very late to the whole chilli-chocolate thing, but I can confirm to all the doubters that is works. To begin with you get a luxurious bittersweet dark choc taste, and then all of a sudden WHAM, your mouth is warm and your throat is tingling. It's almost indescribable, but worth it so please check it out.

I'm still to try the Bhutney (mango chutney with Bhut Jolokia chilli) but I have no doubts that I'll love it!

Happy Eating!

Katy 

Bread and Beauty X

Happy New Year Everybody!

I'm still in bed. I've made lunch and had a shower, but still in bed! Maybe not the freshest start to 2014 however I don't really feel all that fresh.

I hope you all had a great night last night (I'd love to hear what you did as the clock struck 12)? I certainly did, drinks flowed and the glad rags were donned, and in doing so I ticked of 2 of my New Years Resolutions (which you can read here!)

Firstly I wore heels, my beautiful black suede Moda In Pelle ankle boots. And secondly I loved my outfit and make-up so I took a ton of pictures before heading out, in appreciation of having an "on-day"!

My make up by the way, was my first use of the gorgeous Benefit Primping With The Stars kit that my awesome boyfriend got me for Christmas. I must say it is fantastic, and the little tips and tricks it comes with are fab! I'll do a post on it in the future, but I'm definately hooked already!

I didn't realise though until this morning that my full length pictures were ALL blurry. Typical! So for now you'll have to make do with my top half, and trust that I wore a black quilted leather A-line mini and the boots I mentioned above.

I really hope that 2014 is a happy and healthy year for all of you, and that at least one of your wishes comes true. I'm also looking forward to keeping the posts coming, and can't wait to find some of your lovely blogs to get stuck into. Please leave links in the comments and I'll definitely have a look!

Happy New Year

Katy 

Bread and Beauty X