Beauty. Fashion. Lifestyle.
Archive for March, 2014
The Furry Friend Tag
6It’s been quite a while since I last posted a tag post, but when I saw Claire had shared this Furry Friend Tag on her blog, I just had to do it. After all, I never pass up the chance to talk about my beloved ratties! Plus it means I get to add a few recent photos that I’ve been meaning to share with you all.
So, without further ado, here are my two female rats, who are now over one year old, and have lived with me for eleven months!
1. What are your pets’ names?
My two rats are called Miggley and Mog.
2. When did you get Miggley and Mog?
I got Miggley and Mog on 27th April 2013, when they were just seven weeks old.
3. What is something that Miggley and Mog do that annoys you?
I’ve had quite a few rats in my time and out of all of them, Miggley and Mog are definitely the most adventurous. Especially Miggley, who likes to escape onto the floor and hide under my bed! Her antics used to annoy me a little bit, but they don’t any more. I just think it’s cute… rats will be rats! But what does annoy me is when she fights with Mog. Rats love to play fight, but Miggley can get quite rough and aggressive and sometimes hurts her sister, so I have to separate them for a while 
4. What type of breeds are Miggley and Mog?
Miggley is a brown and white hooded rat, and Mog is a black silvered Berkshire, but she has rusted a bit over time so she now looks brown. Both have top ears, black eyes and standard coats.
5. Has Miggley or Mog ever had a near death experience?
No, I don’t think so – and I hope it stays that way!
6. Do Miggley and Mog know any tricks?
Both of them will chase paper and string, and they also know how to run an assault course around the living room. They even jump across the gap between the armchair and the sofa.
7. Do Miggley and Mog like to snuggle?
Miggley prefers to run around on the bed or the floor and get up to mischief, whilst Mog will happily sit inside my sleeve or cardigan. Both of them like to snuggle at night though, and they both sleep inside my dressing gown for a few hours before I go to bed.
8. Where did you get Miggley and Mog?
I wanted to buy from a reputable breeder but I couldn’t find one nearby, so I settled for a local independent pet shop instead. Luckily they are both healthy and have nice temperaments, but in the future I’ll definitely look again for a breeder. I hope to breed rats myself one day too.
9. Do Miggley and Mog get along with other rats?
Well they get along with each other, and they were housed with two other rats when I bought them, so yes. Once I have my own house I hope to get them a couple of friends.
10. Do Miggley and Mog get along with strangers?
Yes! They both love it when my family visit or there are new people in the house. They like to show off and perform their tricks, and will always accept fuss and treats from strangers.
11. How much do Miggley and Mog weigh?
I weighed them a few days ago and Miggley weighs 345g, and Mog weighs 330g. Mog used to weigh more than Miggley but she’s overtaken her now. They’re both a healthy weight though.
12. Do you ever dress Miggley and Mog up?
No, never.
13. Have Miggley and Mog ever tried to run away?
Whenever they’re on my bed they’re constantly trying to get onto the floor, especially Miggley, but I don’t think they’d ever genuinely run away. They don’t even escape when I leave their cage door open.
14. How did you come up with their names?
My dad used to tell me made up bedtime stories when I was a child about a frog called Miggley Mog. I have fond memories of those stories and wanted to carry on the name!
15. How much do Miggley and Mog mean to you on a scale of 1-10?
10! Without a doubt.
Feel free to carry on the tag if you wish! Please let me know if you do as I’d love to read about your lovely pets.
Naomi x
Heavy Spike Bracelet from Accessories Boutique
2
4 years
I was recently contacted by the lovely Julie of independent jewellery retailer Accessories Boutique, who very kindly offered me the chance to choose a piece from her online store to review. Accessories Boutique is a veritable, virtual treasure trove of individual pieces that have been specially chosen to suit all styles, and they stock everything from necklaces and bracelets, to scarves and bags. There are hundreds of beautiful pieces available, so much so that it took me a while to choose one, but I eventually settled on this stunning Heavy Spike Bracelet, which retails for £18.00.
I’ve always had a thing for studs and spikes on accessories, and used to wear a lot of them during my ‘Goth’ teen years, but unlike the cheap, tacky stuff I had back then, this bracelet is classy, eye-catching, and a bit more ‘grown up’. It consists of five rows of high-shine metal spikes, which are blunted so they won’t snag on clothes, and are securely joined at the back and strung onto robust elastic. As its name suggests, it is also quite heavy, but not to the point that it’s uncomfortable to wear. Everything about this bracelet, especially the weightiness, oozes quality, and it is incredibly well made. It fits really well too as it’s slightly curved, so has an elegant shape and sits neatly against the wrist.
This is undoubtedly a statement piece which is perfect for the current Gothic and Biker trends, and it is also very versatile. I usually wear a lot of thin bracelets stacked on top of each other, but this is so big and bold I can get away with wearing it on its own, with whatever I’m wearing that day, and it always grabs people’s attention. In fact, I love it so much that I plan on featuring it in a few up and coming outfit posts, so check back soon for those.
You can get your own Heavy Spike Bracelet, and loads of other gorgeous pieces, online at Accessories Boutique, and if you spend £20 delivery is free.
Happy shopping!
Naomi x
*This Heavy Spike Bracelet was sent to me by Accessories Boutique for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
Sport Relief 3 Miles
3
4 years
This morning, my fiancé and I took part in the local Sport Relief event, and ran not one, but three miles! The Sport Relief Games aim to bring the nation together to run, swim or cycle to raise money for charity, which will be spent by Comic Relief to change the lives of people living in the UK and abroad. My fiancé and I ran as a team, and together we managed to raise more than our fundraising target, which I’m very pleased about!
The run was hard work, and I did have to slow to a walk a few times (I blame my complete lack of training), and the weather was unpredictable to say the least (rain and hail followed by hot sun), but it was actually a lot of fun. In fact, the course we ran was about 3.6 miles in length, so we definitely worked hard for our sponsorship!
This was my fifth charity run and I hope to do an even longer one next time – better get training! Did you take part in a Sport Relief event this year?
Naomi x
Healthy Nails Professional Crystal Nail File
2
4 years
Having had trouble with weak, splitting nails in the past, I now like to take great care of my nails to ensure that they’re healthy and neat. A key part of my nail care routine is filing, but I’ve found that emery boards and metal files are rather counter productive. Their abrasive surfaces might do the job quickly, but they don’t exactly create a smooth finish, and they can actually tear nails and cause them to break. So, I now use this Healthy Nails Professional Crystal Nail File instead, and my nails are in far better condition.
The file has a crystal finish which is far kinder on the nail, and rather than harshly filing the nail down, it gently buffs the edge away to a fine dust. The whole filing process is a lot smoother with a crystal file, but just as easy as using an emery board, and the look and feel the file gives is very professional – sleekly shaped and perfectly even.
I also really like the aesthetic of the Healthy Nails file. It’s slimline and lightweight with a practical pointed end, so the entire nail can be filed with minimum effort. The file comes with an attractive, protective metal carry case, so it can withstand the impact of the other bits and bobs in your handbag, and it’s presented in a sleek white pillow box, so would make a great gift.
The Healthy Nails Professional Crystal Nail File usually retails for £16.99, but is currently available on Amazon for £12.99. That may seem like a lot, but the surface never wears out and apparently works just as well after ten years, so you definitely get your money’s worth! It’s also hygienic as the solid surface prevents moisture being absorbed so bacteria can’t multiply, and it can even be sterilised or disinfected without being damaged.
You can purchase the Healthy Nails Professional Crystal Nail File on Amazon here, and if you’re unsure about it, the company have a ‘no quibble refund’ policy if you’re not 100% satisfied, so why not give it a go? Your nails will thank you.
Naomi x
*This Healthy Nails Professional Crystal Nail File was sent to me for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
Thrifty Finds No.3: Topshop Leather Bag
3
5 years
Yesterday was a lovely sunny day in Leicester, and it saw the start of the car boot season! I’m a sucker for a good car boot, so I forewent my Sunday lie-in and headed to Measham car boot, with a purse full of change, to see what treasures I could find. As I expected, it was VERY busy, and though there were hundreds of stalls I only came away with a few bits and pieces. In fact, all I bought was some pins and a tape measure for my sewing projects, which I’m pleased about as I needed them and they were an absolute bargain, and the best bargain of all… a real leather Topshop bag, which cost the princely sum of just £1!
Admittedly, the bag is showing a few signs of use (a couple of studs are missing and the lining has been stitched in one place), but the leather is beautifully soft and in excellent condition, and it still has plenty of wear left in it. I love the slightly slouchy style too. I’d been looking for a generously sized plain black leather shoulder bag for months, and this is ideal. It’s really roomy, with a large main compartment and smaller side and internal pockets – perfect for work or a shopping trip.
Will you be going car booting this year? What do you hope to find?
Naomi x
David Emanuel Spot Peplum Dress
1
5 years
by Naomi in Fashion
Up until recently I would never have even considered shopping in Bonmarché. I’d been in there a few times with my mum and grandma, but everything was just a bit too… ‘mature’ for my style. But then I was offered the chance to choose an item from the Bonmarché website to review, and suddenly my opinion was changed. The item I chose is this gorgeous black and white polka dot dress from the new David Emanuel collection. David Emanuel was the designer who created Princess Diana’s internationally loved wedding dress, and since then he has dressed countless female celebrities, and has sold collections in the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
I absolutely love polka dots so it seemed only natural to go for this dress, and I’m glad I did. The print is bold, but the cut of the dress is very sophisticated, so you can make a statement whilst still looking chic. The front of the dress has a mock wrap effect, and a pretty peplum detail that sits just over the hip; both of which are extremely flattering, and the fabric is soft and stretchy for ultimate comfort.
In terms of sizing, the dress is pretty generous. I’m usually a size 10-12 and opted for a 12 in this style, but it is slightly roomy at the back so I should probably have gone for a 10. This particular dress is available in sizes 10 to 24, and retails for £28 in all sizes.
I perhaps wouldn’t wear this dress casually as it’s a bit too smart for kicking around town in, but it would be absolutely perfect for the office or, as Bonmarché state, an ‘elegant occasion’. It definitely looks the business teamed with a pair of elegant black heels!
Though the majority of Bonmarché’s stock is perhaps not very ‘me’, I’ve definitely learnt that you shouldn’t dismiss a shop based on prejudgments. Even the most unlikely of places can have some hidden gems lurking on the rails, so it’s always worth having a browse to see what you can find!
If you like the look of this dress, or want to see the rest of David Emanuel’s Bonmarché collection, click here.
Naomi x
*This David Emanuel Spot Peplum Dress was sent to me by Bonmarché for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
