New Years Eve Inspiration with Apricot Clothing

New Years Eve is today and if you love to wear dresses like me then you might already be in a dilemma about what to wear... oh decisions.

I have two lace options and a fishtail dress to choose from and one of them being a little black dress from Apricot Clothing. If you have never heard of them before they are a fashion brand that started in 2007 and not only do they have their own websites offering their unique designs but they are stocked in high street favourite New Look too which is where I first discovered them. So when they asked if I wanted to collaborate and I could choose what I wanted I went for this stunning lace dress for just £19 aswell. The detailing on this lace dress is truly stunning.

Black is a colour chosen by many because its flattering on everyone and you can pair it well with silver and gold. For this outfit I opted for black and gold heels plus a gold clutch bag.


For Christmas the boyfriend bought me a studio lighting kit for taking my blog photos inside. We used this to take these photos but I really want to get some pretty fabric for the backdrop for when we take pictures next time.





Happy New Year! What will you be wearing?

Liz x

*This dress was gifted to me by Apricot Clothing

How I won two holidays in 2016


Now were getting to the end of 2016 we start to look back and reminise. I never thought that this year would be my luckiest year yet! Here's why...

To top off the start of the year I won a competition with Kopperberg to the Icehotel in Sweden then in October I got a new job as digital content editor at Forever Living then in the same month I won my second holiday competition to the Caribbean with holiday pirates.

Having entered competitions previous years on forms online I have never even come close to winning but I have found that having a blog and because I'm always on social media I seem to come across competitions quite a lot.

I found the Kopparberg competition because I love their cider so I was a follower on Twitter and the same with Holiday Pirates I use their website a lot to search for holiday deals and I followed them on Instagram.

#KopparbergChristmas




For this competition I had to share a festive picture with a bottle of Kopparberg so that day I had been wearing a Christmas dress for a charity day at work and so when I got home I took a selfie and uploaded it to Twitter in the December. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to get a call at work in January saying "Hi Elizabeth you have won a trip to the ice hotel" even I was speechless for once. This was a trip that even I couldn't afford staying in a hotel made of ice, snowmobiles to see the northern lights and husky sledging you can read about the experience and see pictures of my amazing trip here

Holidaypirates.com #PirateMemories


To enter this holiday competition to the Caribbean with Holiday Pirates I shared a picture of my favourite holiday moment with the hashtag #piratememories. The picture I used was of my helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon last year. In 2017 me and the boyfriend are off to the Dominican Republic!

My tips for entering competitions would be to try and find the picture / social media contests it's certainly worked for me!

Have you ever won a competition? Let me know in the comments


Liz x

Christmas Gifts for Her




Christmas is just under 2 weeks away can you believe it? This year has certainly flown by and it's a wonderful time of year for giving gifts to your loves ones and being with those who mean the most to you. As a child all I would think about is marking the Argos book with all the gifts I wanted but as I have matured you start to realise that giving gifts is so much more fulfilling. So to get you all inspired and in the christmassy mood I have put together this Christmas gift guide for her.

Aspire Style 

I am very lucky that whenever I need a gift I have an Aspire Style in the town of Stratford upon Avon where I live to shop at. They have five stores in the midlands plus a website so people who don't live so close don't miss out on their lovely gifts for Christmas. There is so much to choose from whether your buying for a girly girl or a girl who loves her fashion.




skinChemists Advance Caviar Range

If you know someone who loves beauty and likes to look after their skin expecially in the cold winter months then she will love skinChemists skincare products. All cruetly free and 100% organic. I was kindly sent the products from the Advance Caviar range which includes the caviar facial serum plus the day and night moisturiser. These products are all perfect for dry/damaged skin which I have and they all contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. These work together to balance and brighten skin complexion whilst aiming to protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

 P.S Santa has come early with this code you can get the products at 70% off - CAVBLOG1 until 30th December.





Johnny Loves Rosie

My favourite accessories brand based not far from my hometown which is great but you can also shop online too. They have lots of christmas gifts inside crackers, advent calenders and baubles, plus a sparkly selection of jewellery these are my favourite below and wont blow the budget because they are all under £10!

Bracelet Cracker £10

Jewel Blush Choker £7.20

Pastel Necklace £6





"You are my cup of tea" H&M Mug £6.99

H&M have plenty of great homeware gifts including mugs with cats and pineapples on but I went for the mug with a tea slogan on. I wanted a big sized mug for all the cups of tea I have been drinking on my teagime teatox the cute slogan is just an added bonus.



Skinnydip iphone cases

A great stocking filler plus most of the population own an iphone so you can guarantee a new phone case will make somone super happy. Skinnydip design really unique and cute cases for a reasonable price.

Iphone 6 frenchie case £14

Iphone 5 googly cocktail case £15




Primark Candle £3

Another great place for homeware gifts is Primark I could not resist this adorable french bulldog candle at such a cheap price too! Perfect for dog lovers!



Absolut and Malibu Miniature Christmas Tree Decorations £4

If you're looking for a little stocking filler then these are perfect for over 18's of course, you could even hang them on your massive christmas tree and make it into a game who can find one first.

What gifts are you buying for Christmas?

Liz x

How I Would Spend 24 Hours in Paris

"Paris is always a good idea"

Oh Paris where do I start... I have visited the beautiful city three times but there is always more to see and with the eurostar being so simple I always want to go back hence why I am entering this amazing competition from Accor Hotels. I have many different memories of Paris, my first being in my teens visiting Disneyland Paris for new years eve. Seeing sleeping beautys castle lit up with fireworks is something you really should have on your bucket list. The second time I visited Paris was a girly trip in 2013 for my friends 21st as you can see from the photo below it was very hot but equally as great! 


Last but not least I went to Paris with the boyfriend in 2015 for our first trip away and this was again new years eve but this time we celebrated the new year in by the Arc De Triomphe. The crowds were crazy but was well worth it for a magical experience.


24 Hours in Paris

Having already seen all the beautiful tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe I would want to spend my 24 hours finding them hidden treasures that not everyone gets to see.

Wonder along the most colourful street in Paris

Being that I love taking photos particularly for Instagram I would put on my best parisian outfit and wonder down the Rue Crémieux. Located in the 12th arrondissement there are pastel houses in shades of green, pink, blue, purple and yellow.



Visit Gluten Free bakery - Chambelland 

I am not coeliac myself but my boyfriend is and here in the UK it can be hard to find a decent bakery but I have heard great things about Chambelland owned by baker Thomas Teffri-Chambelland. With bread and pastries on offer I am sure my boyfriend would be in his element.


Shopping at Marché aux Puces

A bit of retail therapy never hurt anybody except my bank balance that is, being a shopaholic I have a love for vintage clothing and I have read that this is the biggest flea market in Paris where you can haggle for a bargain!

Go back to our favourite restaurant for dinner - Bistro Victoires

 We were doing some research before our new years trip to Paris when we stumbled upon an article on the Guardian online called "Top 10 budget restaurants and bistrots in Paris" featuring Bistro Victoires. Situated not far from the Louvre we ended up going to this restaurant twice it was so good and so reasonable priced for food and wine. We also knew we were onto a winner when people were queing to get in!

Dance in the open air


I actually witnessed this when I was there in the summer. At early evening the banks of Port Saint-Bernard invites the public to dance in the open air and it looks so romantic. I wouldn't say I am the best dancer in the world but I would give it a try after a few drinks! Perfect way to end the evening.

How would you spend 24 hours in Paris? Or any other city?

*This blog post is a competition entry for Accor Hotels you can enter here too!

Liz x

Teagime Review

When you work in an office all day you start to really enjoy cups of tea they get you through the day and keep you warm especially in this cold winter. I used to think drinking tea without milk was strange but after trying lots of loose leaf teas I have been swayed. I recently discovered Teagime (stands for tea regime) on twitter and think its such as great idea as its based all about your needs and tastes plus I wanted to perk myself up a bit! 


How does Teagime work? 

Teagime is a 14 day teatox programme which is unique to each person. First you sign up on the website and answer some questions about yourself including flavours you dont like which is great! Then based on that information they craft the perfect tea that will support detoxing, boost your metabolism, increase energy levels and beat cravings which is definitely what I need I am always in the fridge!



What you get inside the box?

You will receive a welcome booklet, an exclusive Teagime tea infuser, an ingredient information sheet, and three blends of loose leaf tea morning, afternoon and evening that are created just for you. Even if you have allergies you can have this tea because none of them contain wheat, barley, rye, oats or nuts. Mine came with the following tea blends:

Morning - Blessed by Diana 

A blend of blueberries, nettle and lemon balm which are said to stimulate memory and fight stress. My morning routine is very rushed getting up at 6.30, showered, make up on then on the bus to work so I never make time for myself so drinking this each morning means doing this and I feel like I can finally relax. I could really taste the lemon coming through with this blend.

Afternoon - Cocoa Cheer

A combination of cocoa shells and oriental beauty tea help to recharge you for the afternoon. This was by far my favourite tea with its cocoa flavour and I felt alert and ready for the next few hours of work.

Evening - Strawberry Kiss

Strawberries, rooibos (herb grown on a plant from South Africa) and vanilla are combined to bring you a tea that helps to reduce hunger pangs and relieve stress. When drinking this you can definitely taste the strawberry it is really delicious and I felt ready for a good nights sleep.



How much? 

A standard 14 day Teagime costs £29.99 which sounds a lot but its tea that is made especially for you, tastes great, reminds you to drink more and it's so convenient because its delivered straight to your door.


If you know someone that loves tea this could also make a great Christmas gift for them. Try Teagime for yourself here.

*The tea has been gifted but all views are my own

What's your favourite tea?

Liz x

Black Friday Fashion Deals




Black Friday has finally arrived but this year has been very different because offers have been flying into my inbox all week not just today and I am hoping they will only get better! If you want to buy Christmas presents now is the time I bring you the best deals to shop online for fashion.

If you would rather shop instore and experience the madness that is black friday my tips would be head there early, make a list of what you want to buy and take lots of bags because they are not free anymore!

Dorothy Perkins up to 50% off

This offer started on Wednesday 23rd November and will be for a limited time only. Whenever I go in store I can never find any of the amazing items they do online, they have some great blouses and shirts for daywear or work. I have already ordered the western shirt so keep an eye on my instagram for it.

Embroidered Western Shirt £12
Denim Shirt Dress £16
Navy Lace Victorian Top £9



Fiorelli up to 40% off 

Fiorelli is one of my favourite handbag brands there so sophisticated and chic I have never seen them do an offer like this before so get it while you can. 

Sloane Shoulder Bag £29.40
Grace Grey Croc Bag £25
Mia Leopard Bag £39




La Redoute 40% off with code blackfriday

La Redoute do lots of offers throughout the year thats why I love them so much plus the quality is amazing. I have bought the dress below for work to wear with tights and ankle boots.

Camel Faux Leather Pencil Skirt £14.40
Vero Moda Scissor Dress £17.40
Black Clutch Bag £11.40






Debenhams up to 50% off


Because Debenhams stock lots of brands including designer and high street such as dorothy perkins you are guaranteed to find a bargain. The red dress is perfect for Christmas soirees. 

Red lace dress £16.80
Wild Child Clutch £14
Suede Block Heel Boots £23.99



Glamourous 40% off

You can get an amazing 40% off with code BF40 at Glamorous, one of my go to websites for cute dresses and partywear.


Khaki Floral Tea Dress £16.40
Striped Shirt £16.80
Silver Plisse Skirt £12



Little Mistress 50% off 

With code XMAS50 you can get a whopping 50% off. If you have a party or even wedding coming up Little Mistress is the go to shop their dresses are stunning! 

Navy Sheepskin Puffer Coat £20
Cobalt Bodycon Dress £19
Metallic Jacquard Midi Skirt £17.50

*Prices may change after I publish this post

Which is your favourite bargain?

Liz x

My Favourite Fall Look

For fall you can never go wrong with a jumper and jeans they are both comfy, casual but still fashionable especially when you combine the colour of the season - CAMEL. I absolutely love this shade it's so warm for fall and as you can see from my outfit I have mixed it with different colours and prints - brown, tan, checks and blue denim.

I am calling this outfit my favourite not just because the photos have a stunning fall backdrop but because this is an outfit that sums up my street style especially at weekends I always rely on my trusty denim and jumpers to get me through the autumn chill.

The jumper I am wearing is actually not from the high street which is unusual for me as I do love my bargains. I purchased the jumper when I went to Bicester Village because they were doing an extra 20% off so the first shop that sprung to mind was Ralph Lauren as I love their clothing! Preppy and casual. I picked up this camel cable knit jumper for just £31 which is more than half the RRP!

Another newbie to my overflowing wardrobe is this Miss Selfridge Raw Edge Fedora Hat which was a high street bargain at just £5. I do tend to have a love/hate relationship with hats as until you try them on you never know if they will suit you but I really love this one with its chain detailing.


miss selfridge fedora hat


miss selfridge


h&m fringe bag

ralph lauren jumper

ralph lauren jumper

ralph lauren jumper

h&m jacket

h&m brown boots

The final touches to this outfit which cost me under £100 may I add, includes my favourite warehouse jeans and then everything else is by another high street favourite of mine H&M - the brown over the knee boots that have lasted me over 2 years, a navy jacket (£15) which goes with everything, a check scarf with a lovely colour palette and a cute fringe bag.


*Photography by Hannah Sorrell 


What do you think of my fall look?


Liz x

The XTREME Workout DVD Review

It's that time of year again when we load up on the carbs and start the winter bulk in time for Christmas but for some people they still want to get fit before Christmas, not just when everyone else is hashtagging #newyear #newme...
If you don't want to leave your home then I have the answer a FITNESS DVD by Xtreme.



My fitness


Since meeting the boyfriend over 2 years ago I have really got into the gym again I did go at university and try a couple of dvds but never had the passion for fitness until now. I am determined to get a body like Michelle Keegan! At the moment I am trying out Greg O'Gallagher and Dell Farell "The Goddess Toning Program" while training at Xtreme Gym in Stratford upon Avon to get fit in time for my holiday to the Caribbean next year.


About Xtreme Gym & Boot Camps 


Xtreme gym was the first one to open in Stratford upon avon and lucky for me it's near where I live. The gym is run by Zoe Evans and James Evans, who was a recruit in the Royal Marines Reserves and is now a qualified level 5 personal trainer. The gym itself has all the equipment you could possibly need including a unique military training area and a studio for classes.

Not only do they have their own gym but they run Europe's toughest military style fitness boot camps in the Midlands. I do not have first hand experience of what the boot camps are like but if you want a new and exciting way to exercise and get fit then this is it.


The Xtreme Bootcamp DVD

This is the first dvd from Xtreme and promises serious results in a few weeks and having tried it I have to agree! I found it challenging but the more you do it the more you can achieve! James Evans talks you through each workout, motivating you and giving you tips along the way. There are a wide variety of exercises split into five sections - 20 seconds on 10 seconds off and you have to complete them twice.

1. The warm up

Before exercising it is very important you warm up your body to bring the heart rate up slowly and stretching lightly to avoid pulling any muscles when completing the rest of the dvd. James concentrates on star jumps, press ups, sit ups, arm rotations, heel raises and rotating knees. Plus to get your pulse racing there are also knee raises, jogging on the spot, squat jumps and push ups. I found the warm up very easy to follow and it definitely got me working up a sweat.


Fitness warm up

2. Legs

Training legs will get your leg muscles toned and defined but it can be one of the worst things to train if you don't do it often because you can sometimes struggle to walk the next day! James splits legs into 7 different exercises and adds in a few that I had never heard of myself:
Burpees
Squat jump 
Knee raises
Squat thrust
Jumping lunges
Knee Tuck Jumps
Mountain climbers 

The ones I found the most intense were the knee tuck jumps which is to jump as high as you can and bring your knees towards your chest and then burpees which is a squat thrust ending in a standing position.


3. Upper and Lower Body Workout


All the exercises in the third part of the dvd will seriously work your arms, shoulders, abs and thighs and you will really start to feel the burn. The two exercises I had never done before were the floor scrapers which is where you move side to side and the spider man which is where you do push ups but move your knees to your elbows.

Push ups (If you can't do a full one do a half one)
V ups
Blue toes (A variation of downward facing dog - a yoga move)
Bicycles
Floor Scrapers 
The Plank
Spider man 


4. Finisher

To finish the workout it gets even more intense with 3 sets of one exercise and 3 of another straight after each other. These are a combination of exercises that you will have already completed in the other stages including squats and press ups.

Press ups with a jump
3 squat jumps and 3 push ups
3 sit ups & jump
3 blue toes and squat thrusts
10 second knee raises and star jumps


5. Cool down

After completing all the stages of the workout it is time to stretch which is very important as it helps your heart rate and breathing to come back to normality which aids recovery.


The dvd will be released on 28th November but you can get it for a cheaper price of £7 here if you pre order. (RRP £11.99)

*This dvd was gifted to me by Xtreme gym but all views are my own

How will you be getting fit for 2017?

Liz x