Typecast

I'm convinced that favourite smells are connected to memories. One of the first perfumes that was ever bought for me (thanks, Mum) was a Oscar de la Renta copy with a ylang ylang base from one of those perfume parties that were so popular in the 1980's and, reading up on it, I now know that it balances emotions and hormones. Maybe there was some deeper thinking going on with Mum there... There used to be a stall on Preston market that sold every single essential oil you could imagine and ylang ylang was one of the first that I tried out. I used my oils in a small diffuser with distilled water, heated by tea-light candles, to scent the living room.  It remains to be one of my favourite scents, along with vanilla.  A while back, I learnt about mixing essential oils to make unique aromas and my most successful was "Liquid Sunshine" to boost energy which incorporated peppermint, frankencese and bergamont. But I do like a change from time to time and I've ...

Today I had the weirdest realisation... I've lost weight ON MY FEET! Now, I didn't think that my feet had changed shape all that much recently however my favourite pair of shoes that I wear for work (flat, black, patent, slip-on - but oh, so comfy) have felt a bit loose.  So, loose, in fact, that they flop around on my foot. It's ever so weird.  I know my body shape has changed over the past twelve months and, even though my weight loss has slowed down considerably, I have been losing "inches".  But my foot was the last place I would have considered measuring!   I do actually need to kick myself up the arse to be a bit stricter with drinking eating habits and get back on track however I have summer running training coming up and the longer miles always help me to make better decisions with my food plus there's less time in the evenings to pour that glass of wine or gin . I'm also going to be part of an exciting new project which will help lot...

The green jacket I'm wearing in this photo remains one of my best ever bargains!  I found it in a charity shop not far from work and it cost the grand sum of £1.50. I wore it to a conference I was speaking at and it's perfect for the summer and it's a colour that I know really suits me.  It's not often I treat myself at the moment though. Belts are being tightened more and more and I know that friends have occasionally considered a short term loan.  Research is key though and I would only recommend a reputable company such as Cashlady.com . The most recommended site in my previous  Money Saving Tips post was  Quidco (a cash-back website) but I've also started checking voucher code websites (some even have a browser extension that does the job for you).  It doesn't matter where I am shopping online, I do a quick search to find active codes or deals and away I go. Free delivery for online supermarket shopping is a favourite of mine. ...

It can be hard in this age of social media and the ability to talk directly to brands to know whether they truly value your custom or not. To some, it doesn’t matter. As long as their goods or services are suitable, that’s fine. But to others – increasingly so as we move into a more ethical frame of mind – it’s important to feel our hard-earned money is being valued by the company. But how do you know if a brand values you as a loyal customer ? Source: Pixabay The Brand Gives Back One clear way that a brand might be treating business as a way to help others as well as make money is the amount of philanthropy they do. Altruistic causes, or partnering with organisations such as Fairtrade or the Forest Stewardship Council shows a basic commitment to ensuring that business can be done in an ethical way. For instance, shoe brand Toms promises a pair of shoes for those who can’t afford any with every pair of espadrilles purchased. H&M offer vouchers for money-off if you donate ol...