DIY Christmas Gifts

Hey everyone,

As Christmas is fast approaching I thought I'd share a few cheap gift ideas with you, which are perfect if you want to add a personal touch.

DIY T-shirt Scarf:
The first  idea is one I found over the summer but now that its winter, I think it still make a lovely gift. I really like this idea because you really get creative with the colours and styles you use, with t-shirts you already own!

Picture Credit: Ninth and Bird

For more pictures and details of how to make check out Ninth & Bird 

DIY Inspiration Jar:
The next idea is another DIY, this one is super cheap and simple to make. I think this idea is really special because we could all do with some words sometimes to lift our spirits and to put things into prospective.

The idea is you roll up your favourite quotes onto a piece of paper and each day or whenever needed you can take one out and its like a little pieces of inspiration. Top it off with ribbon or label to make it look pretty and your done.

Picture Credit: Google

Painted Mug:
Last idea is another DIY! Well if you want save cash this is how it has to be! I really like one because you don't need a lot, so doesn't cost a lot. 

Just a plain mug (about a £1 or less), Oil based paint pens, Scrap book stickers (if that is the design your going for) and an Oven. Pinterest has plenty of design ideas if you wanted to get a but more jazzy.

Picture Credit: GoodandMessy.com

Depending on what you have lying around at home all these ideas should be less £5, which is pretty cool considering how customised and unique they can be.

I hope these cheap Christmas gift ideas have helped.

Take Care x

Netflix Horrors For Halloween

Hi everyone,

If you're at a loose end this evening and would rather stay in and ignore the begging trick or treaters at the door, this post just might help you out. 

To get you through the spookiest weekend of the year I've compiled a list of 5 horror flicks that are just sitting on Netflix, waiting to make your skin crawl. I know 13 would have been a 'creepier' number but movies are like a hour and a half each and 'ain't nobody got time for that'.

Anyhoo onto the list:

• V/H/S (2012) - Videos? Remember those?

• Carrie (1976) - Blood, blood, lots of blood

• You're Next (2013) - Kind of dark, kind of funny

• The Exorcist (1973) - possession and vomit

• Drag Me to Hell (2009) - This is one of my favourites a great combo of funny and scary

If worst comes to it try watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer again (this is not currently on Netflix), its actually quite good and has aged surprisingly well.

I hope you enjoyed my little list, enjoy your Halloween and don't have nightmares!

Mwhahahaha!

Baby Shower Gift Idea - Onesie Bouquet

Hey everyone,

I think there comes a point in every women's life when you walk pass the aisle and this feeling of wonder, joy and love washes over you. Baby grow in hand it seems so easy to imagine the frantic kicking of an excitable child. The cute suits, adorable dresses and fluffy hats have suddenly become a black hole that you can't help but say 'Aww' at.

No guys! This is not an announcement post and I'm not just being broody... well I am bit. But I guess I was caught up in the excitement of new life and the tomorrow. Later this year I will be meeting a few new members of the family, so I thought it would be nice to share a few treasures and ideas. Whether your expecting or perhaps you have a Baby Shower to go to, I hope you find this helpful.

If you're in your 20-30's chances are you have friends that are starting to get married and have families. This is an expensive time in our lives because not only are we trying to start lives and families of our own, but we want to give a nice gift to our friends without breaking the bank.

We'd all like to give gifts that are most importantly useful, but also gifts that will not leave us broke (baby stuff is crazy expensive). But at the same time we don't want to be cheap either as these are good friends. So it time to get creative.

I've seen some very elaborate Nappy Cakes but that seems a but long winded, so I opted for a Baby Shower Onesie Bouquet - which is surprisingly simple to make. This video was nice and easy to follow.

All you need are:

• Flower pot
• Approximately 7 onesies and 9 wash cloths (Bibs, hats and socks can also be used)
• Large popsicle sticks 
• Artificial leaves
• Floral tape

Impress your friends and Mum to be with this cute centerpiece.

Good luck x

Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2014

As some of you may know cancer is something I’m quite passionate about and have mentioned a few times on this blog, but today makes the observance of the 10th Annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

There are some things you shouldn’t miss. Yet every day cancer robs someone of these precious moments. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells. These cells cover the outer surface of most of our internal body organs, forming a lining that is sometimes called the mesothelium.

By far the main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When we think of asbestos, we tend to think of old swimming pool centres and old sheds. We tend not to think about what it is or how it can harm us. Your risk is greater if you were exposed to large amounts of it from an early age for a long period of time. However some people say they have no history of an heavy exposure to asbestos.

This year 10,000 Americans will die of asbestos related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma and 200,000 will be living with asbestos. Alarmingly this product is still not banned in the US putting thousands at risk, over something that is preventable.

Mesothelioma commonly sits dormant in the body to 20-50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Up to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

The key to surviving mesothelioma for the longest time possible is to catch the disease when it’s in the earliest stages of onset. You can’t catch it early unless you have a mesothelioma diagnosis. And the only way you can get one of those is if you see a mesothelioma doctor. 

For more information please see http://www.mesothelioma.com/

I hope you have found this post useful and can join me in supporting a fantastic cause.

Take Care x

You Just Made My Day

Hey everyone,

Hope your well and enjoy the sunny weather were having. I was chilling in the park and I got thinking how lucky I am. And how grateful I am to have this slice of happiness in my life.

It doesn't matter what mood I'm in or that I don't spend as much time as I’d like too with him. His there with a wagging tail and plenty of kisses - not in the face though I think that's gross.

It just dawn on me that Kyzer is my best friend and I am just in ore how  much I appreciate every second with him. Over the years from puppy to adult, we had a few health scares and it truly break my heart when his in pain but all worked out in the end - praise God.

The way he would come into the living room, sit down next to me, fart, then leave. I don’t know if you guys have ever had the misfortune of smelling and dog fart. But it is worst thing ever and sometimes I swear the fart smells worst then the poo.

Kyzer is quite a verbal dog and often tries to talk me, I imagine his telling me about his day and how  hot he is because his covered in fur.

His getting older and slowly but surely his developed a cataract in his eyes, so his eyes slight is not so good. He bumps into doors sometimes which I normally chuckle at, because he does it with a smile and his just so happy. Its like a cute old man whose shocked that a door has materialised out of nowhere.

The attitude of a dog is definitely something to be admired, their positivity, enthusiasm, loyalty and love are things that we humans struggle with. I have learnt so might from him and love him so much.

"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

I just wanted to share a bit of what's important to me on here, I know not everyone can relate or isn’t a pet owner. But the attachment you build to your pet is truly amazing, maybe you guys feel similar towards your pets? Let me know if you have a pet and can relate.

Have an awesome week guys x.

House Festival 2014

Hi everyone,

This is a little late, but I wanted to share this with you anyway because it happens every year. To be honest I have ever heard of this event before and I really didn't know what to expect. So when I got the invitation to go, I was a little hesitant... but I am so glad I went. The House Festival is a one day outdoor event taking place at Marble Hill House in Richmond.

I have not been to many festivals but I imagined extortionate prices for food and drinks and any extras, however I was pleasantly surprised to find it was all FREE! Once inside the Festival all your food, drink and entertainment is included. Marble Hill House's grounds were be filled with market stalls offering a summer feast including oysters, lobsters, hog roast and homemade pizzas, and there were be plenty of bars.

Needless to say everyone was in a jolly mood, but they were so fun and friendly - people would just talk to you, just to be nice. The sun were shining and line up was pretty cool, with likes of Dizzee Rascal, Jake Bugg, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith, Kelis and more! 

This festival seemed quite clean and slightly more 'up market' then the muddy skankiness of Glastonbury, even the toilets clean and well presented. There are plenty places is sit, chill and enjoy, so no need to stand around until your feet hurt..

The money raised from the House Festival go towards the English Heritage Foundation which helps with the maintenance and upkeep of Marble Hill. The money also goes to the War Child charity; which helps to support vulnerable children whose lives had been torn apart by war. Tickets for this event tend to sell out rapidly, so keep you eyes peeled for next year.

Couldn't help myself - got to love props!

Take Care.

Cracked Dry and Peeling

Hi everyone,

Can you believe we are in the middle of the year already? The time of year we get foot confident and wear sandals and show off our feet. This is quite a disgusting post so I feel I should warn you I'm going to show a few yucky pictures.

So I'm sure you guys have come across a type of foot mask that promises smooth and baby-like soles after using? I've always thought my feet were in quite good condition in terms of softness but I've always wanted to try. There are various brands out there but the one I decided to use was Exfoliating Foot Mask Papaya & Chamomile Extract - At less then £5 why not?

This product claims It removes all calluses, over time, visibly smoothing your feet within 2 weeks.

Simply apply the mask socks for 60 - 90 minutes and rinse off. If you have things to do around the house my tip would be to cover masks with large socks so they stay on or chill out watching your favourite shows. 

For a while I didn't see a difference, but then on the seventh day.

PEELING OFF!

Once you notice the first signs of peeling, soak your feet in warm water for a minimum of 30 minutes to loosen up the dead skin so that it can be rubbed off easily to reveal baby smooth skin! 

It is very disgusting i know but let me tell you it was also ultimate pleasure peeling off those dead skin i kid you not. I feel a snake, shedding away.

As tempting as it is you cannot pick the loose dangling pieces of skin on your soles, my tip is to soak your feet in warm water (or take a shower!), and then put lots of moisturising lotion, and give it a gentle rub. All the dead skin will come off without you using force.

Overall I have enjoyed this experience and the results have been better then expected, my feet really do feel beautiful and soft. My only regret is that I did not do it in the cooler months as I'm wasting sunny 'sandal' days and the UK they don't come that often!

Thanks for reading, take care.

Saving Money, Saving Shame

Hi everyone,

As some of you may know I love a bargain and saving money anyway I can, so you can imagine my delight when I came across this competition.

It all about sharing money saving tips! Whether its re-gifting unwanted to gifts or watering down the milk, every little really does count. Its so great to see people who share the same scrimping values I do, not to mention some of them are actually quite funny. 

This is the type of thing I would do for fun so the fact that its a prize draw competition and I could potentially win £1000 - Hack yeah!

I like to encourage you all to join in or if not have a peak at the cool tips posted by someone else. The Rules are super simple just;

1. FOLLOW @covered_mag on Twitter. 
2. WRITE your confession on a piece of paper, with your Twitter handle and the hashtag ‘#savingshame’ 
3. TAKE A PICTURE of you holding your confession
4. TWEET it to @covered_mag before 15:00 BST on Friday, 27 June, 2014.

So come on people let save some cash and have fun!

 Good Luck!

If I Could Teleport

Hi everyone,

The days are getting brighter and is slowly warming up... as warm as it get by UK standards anyway. Today I was daydreaming about travel and holidays. I have definitely got the urge to go away to see something new. 

So for a small chunk of November (I know ages ago, but I did say I was daydreaming) I was away on holiday to Kenya ~ yay! I was so excited about this trip as it was my first time in Africa and my first holiday abroad without any member of my family. I don't mean that in a bad way of course, I mean in terms of growing up and finding your own independence. Another reason way I was overly excited was because it was my best friends wedding!

But I just wanted to share pictures we you guys, because I really did have a wonderful and Kenya is a beautiful country.

This is Lake Victoria in Kisumu, often hippopotamuses swim in the lake and walk onshore to have a lay down - I know random.

The locals were really friendly, polite and welcoming. They go out of their way to help you and share anything they have. It makes you look at things in a different light, my problems seem to small I comparison yet I was surrounded by big happy smiles. But in a weird way I felt bad taking pictures with them; I didn't want it to seem like I was exploiting them, like they're some kind of sideshow. Because that is not how I feel at all.

After spending some time in Kisumu we moved to Mombasa which is the more coastal side of Kenya.

As pretty as it was there, it soon became clear there was few issues. Parts of it was treated like a dumping ground, it was truly a shame to see. 

.

These monkeys may look cute but they will try to steal your food, or in my case bite me! I'm not even joking I was actually bitten by a monkey.

Anyhoo its relax time at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa...book, music, chill ~ ahhhh perfect

Eating dinner watching the moon glisten in the sea. It all feels like dream thinking about it now, but reflecting back on Kenya has just made me more enthusiastic to travel. I have no idea where to go though, I've always wanted to go France and as its only around the corner why not? 

If you could teleport to anywhere in the world, where would you travel and why?

Before You Quit

Hi everyone,

 Hope you all been well. We all live busy fast paced lives and plenty to do, however it is difficult to stay motivated when you’re feeling down – especially at work. It’s hard enough to get out of bed some mornings, not to mention wrap my brain around deadlines, blog post or God forbid a presentation. I’ll just completely shut down and desperately look for way to distract myself from my feelings. This is something that I struggle with a lot, but I’d thought I would share a few strategies that have helped. 

• Step back, self-reflect and pray – I found this is a good way of getting the root of my feelings.
•  Listen to music - Music can heal, put you in a better mood, and make you feel less alone, or take you on a mental journey. I really on this heavily.
•  Reach out to someone. I used to bottle up my feelings out of fear that I would be judged if I talked about them. But reaching out to a loving, understanding person really helps. 
• Laugh – Share something with someone who has a good sense of humour or listen to comedy shows through your headphones (Kevin Hart is pretty good). Laughing releases tension and has a natural ability to heal. .
•  Cry. I don’t like crying in front of people, but whenever I have an opportunity to slink away and cry by myself, I always feel better afterwards. Crying releases pain.
•  Take a mental health day. Sometimes we just need to take a day to clear our heads and nurture our souls. My mental health has a history of being a bit erratic, so nurturing it is a priority in my life. If that means talking a ‘sick day’ then *cough, cough* - you know what to do ;-)

It can be hard to find privacy in the work place people are constantly in your face and wanting to know where you are so here is my tip for getting away for a few minutes. 

Tea breaks/ toilets/ cigarette breaks – you do not have to take up the habit of smoking but going outside for 5 minutes every now and then will do you good. Shut your eyes and do breathing exercises. I also find focusing on something in the distance, taking in the sunlight or simply enjoy natural surroundings (I.e Rivers, flowers).

I hope you guys find these tips and suggestions helpful; because these things are really saved me from losing my mind when I've been having a bad or sad day.

Keep it to your Selfie

It wasn't that long ago that the word 'selfie' wouldn't much to many people, but these days it has been pushed, rammed and punched into our faces. But its not all smiles and high angles? Well actually it is, the whole point to say to the world 'Look at me!'

According to Wikipedia: A selfie is a type of self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone. Selfies are often associated with social networking, like Instagram.

(Picture: Daily Mail)

From macaque, to celebrities and even the Politicians are at it essentially just showing off. The reason it really bugs me; apart from the monkey (I like that one hehe) is do we really need to know what you're wearing? who your with? or where you are?....uh NO!

We already know you're successful and have attractive looking friends, you don't have to be so smug about it.

This hyper band wagon has turn 'Average Joe' vain boredom pics, into needy attempts to attract friends (or rather 'Likes'). Making it as uncool as taking pictures of old flip-flops. 

Look at them... desperate to fit in (Picture: Telegraph)

But there is light at the end of the iPhone lens, the 'No Make Up Selfie' campaign has raised an amazing amount of money and awareness for Cancer Research. Which is a wonderful thing that will help many, but has criticized of some women missing the point. Point being to get yourself Checked!

Pictures are meant to be fun, not an attempt to cool and boosty.

Pancakes Please

Hi everyone,

So last year I did my first attempt at American pancakes which worked out well, so this year will be another trial and taste attempt. I really enjoy pancakes, I love how easy they are to make and I especially love how cheap they are on the pocket. I came across this recipe from Recipe Girl and I had to give it a try - link can be found here --> Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

So this is what it was suppose to look like... 

My pancakes looked nothing like this! It looked like vomit on a plate, I didn't even want put a picture up. I think the problem with mine was the sugar; I didn't have Castor sugar for the cinnamon filling so tried to improvise. To be fair they tasted OK, I just got to work on the look.

So I retreated to normal pancakes - Simple but it works

Did you making pancakes? Or will you be trying the recipes above? 

Favourite Links

Hi everyone, 

Its Valentine's Day...*sigh* this day really bugs me. We all know that Valentine's Day is a capitalist con, the over crowded restaurants, 'premium priced' roses and the pressure for couples to feel forced into pretending they like each other. On the other hand singletons are encouraged to feel unworthy as the only thing in their letterbox is a pizza flier.

Its all a lie and incredibly false; a person's love should not have to be topped up with annual offerings of overpriced pink and red tat. Anyhoo this post is about my new little series 'Favourite Links' not 'VD'. This won't happen every Friday, but I thought it would be a nice way of sharing links that like and that might be of you too.

1. 29 Ways to stay creative (dailyinfographic.com)

2. Things to eat when the cupboard is looking empty - With the weather looking grime this is quite handy (hellogiggles.com)

3. What's it like to own a Apple product (theoatmeal.com)

4.Body workout with a kettlebells (toneitup.com)

5. Tiny worlds inside toilet rolls - this is pretty cool (thisismarvelous.com)

You Need to Sweat

Hi everyone,

With a new year everyone tends to make goals and targets of things they would like to achieve, one of the most common things people want to improve is Health and Fitness. Goals are something I tend to do throughout the year anyway, but over the Christmas I admit my eyes were far bigger then my belly. For the most part I a very happy with my weight/body and I don't really have the discipline to stick to a strict diet. For me looking good is all nice and well but being healthy is my main priority. So my goal is to tone up a bit and strengthen my core. Making exercise a habit not occasion.

A lot of you guys have probably already heard of Blogilates, Cassey Ho is one favourite fitness influencers. What I really like is her session aren't necessary long, but they are effective. And if you sign up to her Website she make these amazing monthly workout plans - she will make you sweat hard. Plus she has really bubbly friendly personality that give you an instant connection.

I will do a before and after, but for now here is one of my current favourite videos.

On the topic of health and fitness, I've noticed sportswear is really starting to fashionable these days. So now you don't  have to look a complete hot mess lol.

Take care x