My Kind of Competition

Do I even need to tell you how much this competition excited me? Coffee and Popcorn are two of my very favourite things so you can bet I already have my entry in!
If you've become addicted to Metcalfe's Skinny Topcorn or are yet to try it for yourself (in whicih case, DO IT ASAP) then pop along here and try your luck!

xxx

P.S. If you win and I don't...please share!

toned down

I thought I'd try a different approach to casual dressing on Sunday, realising I'd not actually worn these New Look trousers yet (I think I'd earmarked them as workwear). Teamed with the perfect cream jumper snapped up for £17 in the Mango sale and my trusty converse from Sarenza I think I've found a whole new level of out of work dressing.

Day off today, as yet I have no idea what I'll end up wearing, this cold snap we're having throws any outfit plans out the window and I feel uninspired to the max. Still, apart from a lunchtime work meeting and chasing up my missing wages, it should be quite a nice day actually...with a much needed hair cut booked in for later.

Do you have clothes that you don't wear because they don't seem to fit either "work" or "play". My mission for February is going to be to try and mix things up a bit more.

xxx

Book Review: What I Wore Today

I was so excited when I was sent the press release for Gemma Correll's latest venture "What I Wore Today". Due to be released in March at a RRP of £9.99 this super sweet journal style book gives you the chance to doodle yourself in to a style icon. I was also offered the chance to review a copy of the book, and whilst I'm not going to reveal my lack of artistic talent by showing my doodles, I WILL give you a preview of what to expect!

I do apologise for the awful photos, for some reason I find it really hard to photograph books decently (maybe one day I'll invest in a decent camera and learn how to use it!)

This really is a lovely book, and as well as giving you a chance to document outfits, there are hints and tips for dressing for the seasons and lots of places to unleash your inner fashion designer.

And for those who don't know much about Gemma and her work, here's a little bio:

"Gemma Correll is a freelance illustrator, coffee drinker and sometime ukulele player, based in deepest, darkest England.

Gemma has exhibited her work in galleries and shop windows around the world and her artwork has been reproduced on everything from placemats to t-shirts to umbrellas.

She has also had her work published in various books, annuals and magazines and has undertaken commissions to paint murals on the walls of pubs and shops in the UK and the USA.

Gemma’s artwork has been described as ‘the perfect combination of ugly and cute’, which she takes as a compliment!"

As well as all this Gemma also maintains a blog:

What I Wore Today…in Drawings
(http://whatiworedrawings.blogspot.com/)
is a Flikr pool and blog with over 2,200 members and growing. It has been covered in Grazia, Uppercase and Neet magazines, as well as numerous fashion blogs.

Is this a book that'll be winging it's way on to your Amazon wishlist? Will you be placing a cheeky pre-order?

I really think you should!

Style SOS

The ASOS style advisor team are back and here for one night only to offer you a speedy shopping session, heads-up to new product, trends and most importantly style advice. This Wednesday from  8-11pm GMT, log on and fire your fashion queries to our style team.

For more information and to book your private session with our style advisor please click here.

Live chat

Our advisors will be chatting to you via Skype IM. If you’re successful, have your account details handy, don’t have an account? Read on.

Skype

Don’t worry if you’re not a Skype user, simply sign up here to create a free account: www.skype.com

Live feeds

If you’re not taking part, you can check our live Facebook and Twitter updates where we reveal the night’s top style tips and outfit ideas.

This is an exclusive first come, first served event, terms and conditions apply.

Sarenza A-Z: Emma Go

Nothing like some shoes to get a Monday off to a good start, and letter E in my Sarenza A-Z is hot brand Emma Go, who've I seen numerous bloggers swoon over.

1. Stella: These have been on my wishlist since I first became aware of Sarenza; every month I umm and aah over them and decide against them, wondering what on earth I'd wear them with. I might take the plunge yet...opinions?

2. Betty. I don't spend a lot on flats, and they never last me. At £115 these are a leap to the other extreme of the price range for me, but they are just so pretty I couldn't help but feature them!

3. Millea. Ditto the above really, although these are a little cheaper. Not traditionally colours I gravitate toward but with spring's trend for all things pastel these just seem to fit the bill for what I fancy.

4. Peggy. This week's marmite pick...I should probably hate these, and I am slightly ashamed for loving them as much as I do...what do we think?

How do Emma Go sizes run? That's a total deal breaker for me if I'm going to invest in flats. What pair would you pick if money were no object?



xxx

fading out

Zara floral dress, New Look tights, Boots via Spartoo.

Worn for a fairly pointless Saturday really, I really should learn to plan better as I had potential to get so much done and yet watched the hours pass by on the clock. I'll be glad to see the back of January on Tuesday, I'm sure the name of the month itself brings about a disposition to feel down in the dumps.

How has your weekend turned out so far?

xxx

What Katie Drew

So, by now you've all seen my new header, right? It was created by the wonderful Katie who In her own words says:

"I'm an illustrator & designer based in NE England.  I was born in Edinburgh and studied animation before choosing to focus on illustration. I'm currently in my third and final year of Illustration & Design at Sunderland University and i'm looking forward to graduating and getting out into the big wide world"

Her work includes these stunning animal creations, including the cutest kitty pet portrait (when we get a new cat, I'm totally commissioning her)

Katie's talents don't stop there though...she created these gorgeous pictures for my blog as well as my new header, which I challenged her to do with very vague ideas of what I actually wanted!

This sketch is by Katie's equally talented friend, Jamie.

 

Fancy some artwork of your own? Katie has an etsy shop; although currently it is fairly empty, this is going to change, soon!

You can also drop her an e-mail on katiedraws.hello(at)gmail.com with specific requests...she's really very friendly so don't be shy!

What do you think? I've never been drawn before so it was surreal to see myself in a 2D form. A massive thank you to Katie; I promise not to pester you too much!

xxx

((if you have a talent you'd like to see up on the blog, drop me an e-mail- adaisychaindream(at)googlemail.com))

cranberry crush

Dress- A Wear, Tights- Boots, Shoes- Poetic License via TK Maxx, Necklace- EssBeeVee's etsy


Over the last couple of months I have gone from owning nothing in pink to loads in pink...finally I'm turning in to a girl, or something like that.
Actually, the label proclaims this dress "Cranberry" but with a price tag of £5 a couple of days before the A Wear shop in Bristol closed down, I wasn't going to argue that it looked more pink to me.

How cute is this necklace? Made by the gorgeous Sarah, you can get your own in her Etsy shop, I bought one for a friend and she very kindly sent me one too....Sarah, have I told you lately that I love you?

What do we think of the new header? A lovely girl named Katie created it for me, but I won't say any more than that right now as there is a blog post dedicated to her coming up in the very near future; we go way back!

Friday is finally here. Have a Crunchie and get ready for the weekend.

((if you don't get the Crunchie thing then we can't be friends, sorry))

xxx

cake for breakfast?

It's common knowledge that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and yet so many people skip it; personally I wouldn't make it past the front door without some porridge and toast and I always make time for it, but not everyone has that luxury and as a nation we have become used to not breaking the fast until mid-morning or later.

Well,
What if I told you that you can have breakfast on the go...and it involves cake? Or rather, muffins? Would that change your mind? I made these at the weekend for my Dad who decided he wanted to give breakfast a go but needed something he could take to work and eat at his desk...

Apple and Date Breakfast Muffins:
You'll need:

50g Butter
100g Wholemeal Flour
40g Muscovado Sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
120g dried, chopped dates (un-sweeted is preferable)
1tsp mixed spice
1 eating apple
1 egg, beaten
100ml skimmed milk
Zest of half an orange

The steps:

Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/gas mark 4.

Line 8 holes of a muffin tin with muffin cases or greaseproof paper. In a bowl, gently rub the butter into the flour to make fine crumbs. Add the sugar. Stir in the baking powder, chopped dates and spice.

In a separate bowl, grate the apple, including the peel, down to the core and combine it with the beaten egg, milk and orange zest.

Tip the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, but don't over mix.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tins and bake for 25 to 30 mins until golden on top and cooked through. Test they're cooked by inserting a skewer and checking it comes out clean.

Serve warm or cold.    


Each Muffin contains 135 calories and 6.5g Fat.

Recipe from here

A batch was also made for my Grandad who loves dates and he declared them "the best muffins". Don't be put off by the dates though, when baked they take on a toffee like flavour!

Are you a breakfast skipper, or are you like me and need it for the most basic of functioning?

Do you have any portable breakfast recipes to share? I'm in the mood for experimentation!

xxx

knock me down with a feather

I have so many dresses competing for spot as my favourite right now. Motel Heidi feather print dress* is one of them, and quite possibly the top contender! Sent c/o Motel this is the first piece I have owned from the brand (aside from a pink and red striped rugby top when I was about 14!). I'd never bought from Motel before, convinced that the dresses were all bodycon and far too short; but this fit and flare style has won me over...it's flattering, floaty and one of those pieces that you can't help but feel good in.

I teamed it with my latest Sarenza aquisition; Georgia Rose Lalia Boots* currently in the sale at £60.60. I thought these might have been too pointed on my big feet, and maybe a little ugly, but in real life they are AMAZING. A little bit punky, beautifully comfortable and very versatile. Potentially a new favourite pair of boots.

Back at work today, I lose my lunch break to life support and defib training too. It's going to be a long 'un!

Looking on the brightside...it's already Wednesday, so ALMOST the weekend!

xxx

pink to make the boys wink

Next dress, Tesco tights, New Look boots.


You know you are growing up when Next is the first shop you head to when you need work clothes! Everything I've had from there has been top quality and a damn good fit...they have some gorgeous stuff in stock right now, I have a wish list as long as my legs.

I wore this to survive an absolutely manic Monday at work; the very reason I have Tuesday as my day off! Today is my beloved Grandad's birthday so today will be spent baking (another batch of the muffins I made Sunday, recipe to come) and spending time with him.

Where is your go-to shop for affordable workwear? This dress was £32 which I deem reasonable for a classic!

xxx

Sarenza A-Z: Dune

Week four of the Sarenza* A-Z and this week my chosen brand is Dune; a brand that has vaguely been on my radar for a couple of years, mainly thanks to my over-consumption of fashion magazines and yet, until I became a Sarenza Ambassador, I didn't pay it an awful lot of attention. If you are a bit like I was and are yet to take a closer look at Dune then let my favourites help you along...

*Please note that these shoes are all in the sale and therefore sizes available are limited*

1. Hockey, £45...how perfect will these be for Spring when it gets here? A gorgeous splash of colour to brighten up these gloomy days.

2. Whirl, £42.50. If they have your size in stock I recommend snapping these babies up. I own a pair and wore them to my work Christmas party, they are insanely sparkly, very comfortable and attracted a LOT of compliments.

3. Bellini, £32.50...sequins for every day wear...YES PLEASE.

4. Mercury, £148.50, a bit of an eye-watering price but these are a classic that will never date. The brown version are cheaper, but I love the boldness of the black.

5. Hilly, £69.30 because this girl loves her animal print I couldn't not include this pair.

Have any of these caught your eye? Let me know if you snag a pair in your size!

xxx

somebunny loves you

Bunny dress from H&M, Tesco tights, Jeffrey Campbell boots c/o Sarenza*

I bought this dress a couple of weeks ago (actually believing it to be a top until I finally tried it on!) for the bargain price of £12.99. Originally I had gone in search of the peter pan collar rabbit blouse that so many bloggers have, and I covet...but when I saw it in store I realised it just wasn't going to be long enough on me to be versatile, so opted for this instead.

Wearing it as a dress is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets. Whilst not strictly body-con, it's the closest I have got in, well, ever and I still don't think it's for me. Shortly after I snapped these photos I added a midi skirt over the top and called that my outfit for the day. I don't know if I'm a coward, or saving the general public from something terrible...one day perhaps I will overcome this phobia of all things fitted, I see people on a daily basis rock it and think that they all look incredible.

Anyway, enough rambling. How was your weekend been? It's been blissfully chilled out here; I spent Saturday evening on a friend's sofa watching Take me Out and Casualty...staying in is the new going out, right?

xxx

Lalike

Launched in December 2011, Lalike is an innovative and truly international online fashion experience. Boasting high profile editors, affiliations with the world’s best brands and online stores and its very own fashion based social network, Lalike is set to transform the way we consume fashion on the net.

Devised by Laura Hofmann, a tech savvy fashion expert and young entrepreneur, the Lalike concept was developed to bridge the gap between blogs, online magazines, shopping sites and facebook, taking online fashion to another more international level. Combining e-commerce, trends, shoots and catwalk reports, Lalike will host everything a fashion lover needs, all in one place.

As Hofmann states: "I started Lalike because I wanted to create a community for fashion admirers, allow brands and customers to communicate with each other, and combine the world’s finest fashion on one website.”

With a team of in-house fashion insiders and writers, Lalike covers the world's top catwalks, and reports on the newest trends and the most exciting fashion news. An easy to use portal, the site enables its users to shop via a variety of methods. Links can be found to products from more than 500 designers and partnerships with e-commerce sites like Matches, net-a-porter, Mytheresa and Browns fashion, along with direct relationships with high street brands such as Miss Selfridge, Warehouse and Monsoon, means members are spoilt for choice.

Online shopping will be linked directly to each brand’s own dedicated e-commerce site, or sites such as net-a-porter. Having built a concrete relationship with some of the finest new designers and household brand names, Lalike will offer its members exclusive offers and up to date information.

Lalike’s opening brands include Acne, Lanvin, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Proenza Schouler and Miu
Miu to name but a few.


I really like this idea, and although I've not had a chance to use/browse Lalike as much as I'd like to, I know I will be exploring it more and more, especially over this weekend!
What impresses me most is Laura's dedication and enthusiasm for this website ... that and her incredible style!

photo from here

Have you used Lalike yet? What are your thoughts?

xxx

hair heroes

My hair and I have a love/hate relationship. I love the colour...but that's about as far as it goes, or at least, it did. This year (although only a few weeks in) I seem to have finally found some miracle products and tools that really work for my thick, wavy and often frizzy locks...and finally I'm starting to enjoy taking care of my hair and feeling satisfied with how it looks.

1. Osis by Schwarzkopf hair body style and care spray was promptly stolen by my Mum who has done nothing but rave about it since. A woman obsessed when it comes to her hair, she usually uses multiple products to get the effect she wants. Since using this she's stopped that, this, she says is all that she needs, and after pinching it back one morning, I'd be tempted to agree. It's non-sticky and helped tame my hair in to submission without it getting frazzled or totally flattened.

2. Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Oil Miracle Oil Finishing Treatment is quite possibly my hair saviour. I've only used it twice and already my hair is much, much softer to touch and straightens much better. I have an oil aversion, it's a standing joke with people who know me, so I was hesitant to say the least to give this product a chance...but sometimes it pays to take a chance, I wouldn't be without this now, and even the price tag (£15.99 on Amazon) won't put me off.

Both of the above products were sent to me for review, but this hasn't affected what I've written. I'm not one to easily give praise to hair products; especially as many don't make a difference to my locks, so please believe me when I say these are EPIC!

Stockist wise, you won't find these in Boots or Superdrug, but a bit of google searching will find you the full range with varying prices.

3. Hair straighteners. Before these Corioliss C1 pro irons came in to my life at Christmas I fully believed that only GHDs would work on my hair, and I wasn't prepared to spend that kind of money on the part of myself that I hated most! My Mum had a pair of these back in October and raved, so I caved in and let her get me some. CONVERT! No more spending an hour trying to get semi-straight hair. Ten minutes and I am fully presentable if I want my hair tied up...a little bit longer and I can rock my hair down without looking like a mad professor. Anyone looking for a GHD alternative would do well to get these. We got mine from here which seemed to offer the best price.

What are your hair miracle products? Does anyone else share my general hair hatred or have you learnt to love what you have?
xxx

Food Files; Lord Poppington

If by now you don't know how obsessed I am with popcorn then I despair! I was delighted when the wonderful Kurt at Savoury & Sweet got in touch some weeks ago now telling me about his company and offering me samples of some of Lord Poppington's finest.

Lord Peter Poppington is the proud purveyor of perfectly popped popcorn – self-styled as not quite
Lord Sugar, not quite Lord Strathclyde (no, we didn’t know who he is either, you’ll have to look him up!
), he is however undoubtedly a Lord to the core, wearing his top-hat at all times – even in the bath, or
so it’s rumoured, but we won’t be checking that out in a hurry!

A huge fan of alliteration as you’ll see on his packaging, Facebook pages, Twitter feed and website,
Lord P, as we’re sometimes permitted to call him, currently has four great flavours in his great quality
popcorn range –

Sweet and Salty Golden Barbados sugar from The West Indies Sugar & Trading Company blended with Cornish Sea Salt Co salt to deliver a unique interpretation of this all-time favourite. 128 calories per pack.

Lightly Salted
Cornish Sea Salt Co salt simply folded into crunchy mushroom popcorn for a fresh and light flavour. 96
calories per pack.

Chilli and Lime
All-natural lime and red chilli seasoning creates a flavour combination that’s both zesty and warming.
94 calories per pack.

Four Cheeses
A natural seasoning blend of Cheddar, Red Leicester, Camembert and Mozzarella cheeses combine to
replicate one of the UK’s favourite pizzas. 94 calories per pack.

All four flavours were truly delicious but the real winner for us (my family got involved in the tasting) was the Four Cheeses. We've tried several cheese popcorns now and this one was the clear winner...the perfect blend, without being over-powering.

Sweet and Salt was always going to be a winner; it's one of my all time favourite combinations, and you'd be hard pushed to go wrong with plain sea salted.
The Chilli and Lime flavour was a revelation. It was the flavour I hesitated most over, but really suprised me in the best possible way.

If you have any great ideas for new flavours or would like to become a Poppington’s Tasting Partner,
you can pass your details on to Lord P in the following ways:

Website: lordpoppington.co.uk
Twitter: @lordpoppington
Facebook: facebook.com/lordpoppington

In the words of a wise young chap...

"Love popcorn. Winners eat popcorn"
Archie Stonehouse, aged 13

What would your dream popcorn flavour be?

xxx