Tuesday 21 May 2013

Turkey Turkey Turkey

When I had my last daughter, Ayla, I found it hard to lose my baby weight. I consulted a nutritionist who gave me a fantastic diet plan. My issue was too many carbs and not enough protein. He introduced me to turkey! 
Before then, I didn't realise how good turkey was. I just associated it with Christmas dinner. My nutritionist gave me lots of recipes but a lot of them were 'messy' and time consuming. I started to develop my own recipes, here's a quick and easy one with my cupboard/freezer staples....

Turkey and Med Veg Pasta

1. Add a portion (100g) of fresh turkey to a frying pan with a teaspoon of oil and cook until white. Add a portion (100g) of Mediterranean Vegetables to a frying pan with a teaspoon of oil and simmer. (I always have a packet of frozen Mediterranean veg in my freezer as I use them with a lot of meals just because they give a plain meal so much taste!)
2. While these simmer cook a small portion of Wholemeal pasta (50g) using the guidelines given on the packet. 
3. When the pasta is cooked, drain and add to the turkey and veg mix for one minute. Toss with turkey and veg to get all flavours together. 

Serve in a bowl and add grated Parmesan for extra flavour.


 This post is an entry for BritMums’ Summer Turkey Recipe Challenge


www.leanonturkey.co.uk







Sunday 19 May 2013

Glamping....or not so much!

This weekend, my fabulous family and I went to Scarborough. We've spent the past two nights in a caravan! We stayed at Cayton Bay and I can't recommend it enough! The kids loved it, the hubby loved it and so did I! (Can I also just add that the sun was only to be seen on our route home.)
We visited the John Bull Factory, cycled to the beach (during the only two dry hours), 'Star Treking' in the Bay View Show Bar and went to the Sea Life Centre (previous home to Paul the 'World Cup' Octopus). 
Once again, I under packed! I do it every time we go away as a family. The girls have everything for every possible weather outcome. My husband (I also pack most of his stuff too!) had 2 coats and 6 pairs of underpants (we only went for 2 nights). But me, I never think of myself when it comes to packing. I never put enough thought into what I take. 
I don't have a 'camping' style wardrobe. The only item I have that fits the necessary criteria is my Purple Hunters. I have maxi's, shirts, peep toes and flip flops. I needed a hoody. I needed a raincoat. I needed jeans other than skinny! I think I've given into the fact that these things must be added to my wardrobe. It won't be the last time we 'Glamp', given the amount of fun we had, so these staples will be added to my collection. 




Raincoat - www.newlook.com
Hoody - www.hollisterco.com
Jeans - www.riverisland.com

Tuesday 14 May 2013

I love Tuesdays!!

In our house, Tuesday is magazine day. If my daughter is well behaved, I treat her to one too. So today I bought Grazia and Look, as I normally do. Sometimes I'll get the iPad version, but mainly I like the feel of a magazine. And luckily enough today, after a trip to a local Farm Park and Play Barn, I'd worn the girls out enough to warrant them an hours sleep at 2pm, so I could get a coffee and a lifestyle fix! 
I love my magazine fixes. I appreciate them so much more now that the children are here. Don't get me wrong, I love them to bits and I love spending time with them, but I need some me time.
Reading those magazines gives me a little bit of myself back. I have always loved fashion and retail (I've worked in retail since I was 15, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse and H&M). Its nice to see whats new, whats old and not just fashion but beauty, books, films and other various bits and pieces. It's nice to have a bit of me time and to feel like my old self. I'd like to think I don't drift into my old self, but just my new self with a different perspective. However, I will always have an outlook and an eye on fashion! I wouldn't be me otherwise and if and hour with my head in a magazine can do that - bring on the afternoon nap ha! 




Wednesday 8 May 2013

Slogan tees or 'insult' tees

My favourite tee at the minute has 'Brat' plastered across the front! I love it! 



I'm sure we've all seen them in various retail outlets across the UK. My husband had a 'Geek' tee, chosen wisely by my sister as a Christmas gift ha! (We don't wear them on the same day of course).
I've seen 'Nerd', 'Swat', and 'Dweeb', all fabulous! A great (and mostly cheap) way to add a fresh extra to your wardrobe that can be dressed up or down. Me, today, khaki jeggins, 'Brat' and skinny converse to do the nursery and school run. Or alternatively, skater skirt, 'Brat' and wedges for an evening at the cinema. (Photo to follow - when the husband eventually takes me out!) 
Have fun fellow Dweebs!!
('Brat' tee from topshop.com)

Thursday 2 May 2013

Trend: Tribal

One of the main S/S trends this year is Tribal. Think African colours, oranges, khakis, bright pops of red and yellow. Also animal print and Aztec patterns. I've put together some key pieces from River Island and Topshop, the strongest in this trend on the high street, or so I think. All items can be dressed up or down.
1.Bright Tribal Dress £28 2.Aztec Print Tapered Trousers £28 3.Khaki Vest with Embellishment £20
4.Tribal Mini £34 5.Tan Sandal with Metal Plate £30 6.Tan Wedge with Ankle strap £50 
7.Black Tribal Maxi £35 8.Blue Tribal Shorts £20
( 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at www.topshop.com and 2 and 4 at www.riverisland.com)

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Cheating!

You may have noticed that I haven't blogged for nearly a week! Well, I have a reason, a poor one, but a reason all the same. I've been cheating! I've been cheating on fashion with homeware!
Everyone has a budget, even millionaires have a budget. Unfortunately mine has been blown on bricks and mortor as we're extending our house. So no new 'pretty' material purchases this week and I doubt there will be next week.
On the positive side, I have taken advantage of items I already have, old favourites if you like. Given I've been at home with the girls this week, I'll be honest, I've been in leggings and jeggings everyday (except Sunday when I was brave and wore a maxi and a crop with flip flops, as the husband treated me to lunch).
The greatest thing to be 'recycled' trend wise was leggings! And in turn, the 'jeggin' introduced. I don't do colourful leggings, only black, but jeggings, I'm quite adventurous. I have purple, khaki and acid wash (very much in this S/S). They are the perfect wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down. I like a pocket on my jeggings, they make the bum look smaller. Also if a jeggin has pockets, a paired top can be short length instead of long. If leggings, then the top MUST cover the bum.
Today I've worn black leggings with a maroon t-shirt dress from Topshop with a leopard print skinny belt from H&M, black studded pumps from Office and my trusty leather jacket from Miss S circa 2005! (Staple).

Tuesday 23 April 2013

What's your number?

I know I shouldn't ask this question as its supposedly deemed rude, but what size are you? In UK sizes, I am an honest size 12. I say honest as I tell people I am that size and I actually am that size. When I go in a shop, I pick up size 12's. I have curves and wobbly bits, although I'd like more curves and less wobbly bits. If an item of clothing doesn't fit I have no problem picking up a 14 (or a 16 if necessary), or in the same turn a 10 (this doesn't happen that often). I would rather something fit me properly than try squeezing into something and it possibly look and feel uncomfortable. Do you do the same? Would you rather pick up a size bigger and look better or a size smaller just to say it is a size smaller??
Personally, I don't think size matters, I think it's how you look and feel that does.




Sunday 21 April 2013

Leeds Trinity

Today I visited the new shopping centre in Leeds, the Trinity. The main entrance is from Briggate with flagships Topshop and River Island. Floor to ceiling glass fronts inviting you to spend those few left over pounds you've worked so hard for.
I can honestly say I was not disappointed. I've worked in retail development for 8 years and shop fitting in particular. I think a shop environment is key to your choice in buying an item or walking straight past something. The lighting, the fitting rooms, the visual merchandising. Given the choice and the 'fight' on the high street, a retailer has to be spot on in order to keep their customer returning. Yes, the product has to be right as does the customer service, which I'll come to in a moment, but a store has to be inviting, intriguing and to an extent entertaining. I was a happy shopper today and I will be returning. I didn't spend a fortune, but I enjoyed the experience.
I went in various shops and bought something in 5 of those. Out of the 5 I bought from, 3 of those sales advisors asked me if I'd found everything I was looking for (nothing in particular), added an extra sales question (would I like a gift card) and when the transaction was finalised, they said "Enjoy the rest of your day." And frankly, thats exactly what I did. With a smile on my face and a carrier bag in my hand, I was fulfilled.
Every woman/girl wants to enjoy shopping, or so I think anyway and to do that you need to be in the right shop, the right environment and find the right item (with help if needed - Spot on shopper).

Thursday 18 April 2013

Tacky trainers....or not

I'm sure we've all seen items that we absolutely love, but could not make that leap of faith to purchase, given that we know we just can't pull it off. Better to have loved and lost than to make a fashion faux pa!
Well today I did just that. I stared in wonder at the cobalt (my favourite colour, of course) and red New Balance trainers and in my heart I thought, "Those would make me feel pretty inside, even in trainers." Unfortunately my head disagreed and the 'play it safe Linzi' said "Get the white Converse."
Am I happy with my choice? Very. Am I disappointed in myself for not taking the leap? Kind of. Will I walk past those trainers every time I go to the shop with regret? Watch this space.
At least the fashion world has been kind to us this summer. Yes, flip flops are pretty, comfy and cheap but given our wonderful British weather, it's nice to know the option of a bright and bold trainer is still on trend! New Balance, Nike or Converse have some fabulous option this S/S. Or, if you are a 'play it safe' kinda girl sometimes, as I was today, a pair of bright white pumps are perfect!
So jog on or shop on, whichever suits.

Sunday 14 April 2013

Monochrome

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of a couple of hours at the White Rose Centre in Leeds. With only one child in tow in a pushchair to help with the bags :) I set off with the intention of buying bottoms to accompany a shirt I already own. I left £££'s later with a whole new outfit for myself plus a dress for next week and an outfit for each child! Regardless to say, my husband had the dreaded frown on my return.
Most of my purchases, even the children's, were made at River Island. Can i just say, I HEART River Island! Their monochrome trend with pops of red and cobalt is to die for. Personally cobalt blue is my favourite colour for clothing. It's my go to colour when all else fails me. I have various staples in my wardrobe in this colour, skater skirt, sleeveless shirt, I could go on. I will be mixing my blues in with the monochrome items.
My choice yesterday was cigarette pants in a black and white small polka dot fabric, which I paired with a black leather look cropped tee with chiffon back. I wore my favourite pointed stiletto shoe boots, I was good to go.
Everyone has black and white in their wardrobe, but its the fabrics and patterns and how you mix it up the makes an outfit. And of course the look and feel of confidence in whatever you're wearing.

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Rare time to myself

It's a rare occasion that I find myself in the company of retail fashion with out my 3 children in tow. I fit in fashion at anytime of day, odd coffee break with Look or Grazia, Saturday morning breakfast when Glamour and Marie Claire are delivered or on a Tuesday evening when my husband arrives home and I'm able to got Tesco alone to do the weeks shop. Yes, Tesco.
F&F and Cherokee have an amazing selection at the minute. You've heard me rave about denim this season, well their choice is fab. I've purchased this denim shirt, stonewash with pearlised popstuds. I intend to wear as a jacket and shirt this S/S and at £20, you should know I love a bargain when I see one.  Wear with darker shade jeggings/skinnies and statement tee or tone down a floral dress with ankle boots. Perfect!

Sunday 7 April 2013

Television Inspiration

Ever look at something in your wardrobe and think why did I buy that? I often do. Through the years of investing in my wardrobe, I've had various casualties and triumphs along the way. 

I've just finished watching Rock of Ages, the film with Tom Cruise and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and given that its set in 1987, I still couldn't help but wish I had 'Sherrie's' cowboy boots and denim cut offs. 
I can remember seeing Footloose for the first time, I wanted cowboy boots from that film too, the red one's that Ariel wears, against her Dads wishes of course. Although I never purchased the red cowboy boots. 
I did buy a twinset once, a la Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen from their Two of a Kind days, well my mum did as I was only 12! The thought of a twinset now makes me cringe :/. I have a few cringeworthy moments now I think back...
I'm sure we all want a Devil wears Prada life, Chanel boots, Dolce coat etc, but in reality it's not always, or rarely is, achievable. 
I love to take inspiration from films and tv programmes, as much as I do Glamour and Look. I think it defines a persons style and your style should reflect your life...you learn from your mistakes and joys in life, as you should your wardrobe.

Friday 5 April 2013

Spring Nails

Winter is for black and leather. Spring is for pastels and paisley. The sky is teasing us with sun but no heat. In my head I see sun and blue sky and immediately head for the lighter end of my wardrobe, I'm thinking floaty mini's and vests but in reality it's still jeggings and shirts. The one thing I can change that isn't dependent on the weather, is my nails! Winter nails are Rock Royalty and Poison, Spring nails are Rose bud and Pastel Mint. So until the weather warms up, I will be living in spring in my head and through my nails...Happy April people!

Thursday 4 April 2013

Denim and Lace

Who would have thought? Denim and lace - everywhere!! If its worn right, fabulous! I've just purchased my first of the season. Sleeveless denim shirt dress with elasticated waistband and lace shoulders. Love it! It came with a string belt :/  however, it will not be worn with the string belt, it will be replaced with a faux leather plaited belt. Primark is great, but sometimes, less is more folks! And for £15, who would argue?! Note to self - buy cream lace ankle socks to accompany previously purchased tan ankle boots! Perfect! Picture to follow...

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Life begins at 27?!

So it's 6am and I've finally decided on some pretty important details after being laid awake for the past two hours...I now have a name, well a business name, or should I say potential business. The idea from homage to a previous life. Lets hope it serves me as well as its predecessor, so to speak.

The Spot on Shopper begins. Short and sweet or long and fabulous, I'll soon find out.

Wish me luck...