Tuesday 10 December 2013

Shopcade: Launch of the mobile app and GIVEAWAY!

On Thursday, Shopcade is officially launching their FREE new mobile app, hooraay!
Which means you can shop all your favourite brands in one place on the go now! The app has been available for about a couple of months, I downloaded it as soon as I fell in love with the website and since then I've seen drastic updates and changes to it, ready for the launch on Thursday.

I love this app. It really is so simple to use and is basically the same as the website, just in an app form. The only big changes that differ from the website is the colour scheme, the app is pink based colours whereas the website is blue. Honestly, I prefer the app colours, I really like the pink colour scheme as it feels a lot warmer and cheerful, I'm not sure if that's just because its from a girls perspective. I wonder if the app changes colour scheme depending on your sex, I highly doubt it but it is an idea. To be honest, I like the idea of having the app different colours scheme to the website, it adds variety and it's nice to have a change every now and then - however I was taken back when I saw the update.



Within my 'social media' folder on my phone, I definitely think the colour change is for the better as the majority of social media apps are the generic blue. I did get confused between the Shopcade and Skype app a good couple of times... they are VERY similar.
Like most apps, the logo is very simple. The bold pink background with the Shopcade S stand out very well and it does look intriguing to click on.













The opening page of the app is the trending page, this is where you get to see all the most popular products that thousands of shopcaders are wanting.
The trending page also features specific Shopcade lists which are trending.
My list was featured on the trending page a couple of weeks ago for my Shh! Secret Santa Under £15, check it out for some great christmas gift ideas under £15!







Your deal page is one to keep an eye on. Here you find all the deals and offers on the products you have wanted.
You might see that pair of shoes you've wanted for ages in the sale!

On the left, shows your profile. The header with your name and bio is locked. I can't decide if I like this concept or if it's just takes up too much of the page with the header, your username and the options to see your wants, lists and followers. Your profile page is the only page where the bottom taskbar is locked too which also limits what you can see on this page, you can only really see two rows at a time when viewing your lists and wants. That is really the only problem I have found with the app.


When you click on a product, a screen like this will appear. The top states where the product is from and the top right icon makes it easy for you to share and tell the world what you want either via text, email and any other social media you have on your phone.
By clicking on the photo of the product you can zoom in on the product and check it out close up, if you really like it, you can press want or add it to a list of your choice.
Underneath the want buttons is a full description of the products and an option to comment and hashtag the product (which I've never done before). I really like the black taskbar at the bottom of the page as it tells you the price, where it's from and the buy button, this taskbar is locked to the screen so when you are scrolling on the product you can always see the price!






With the new Shopcade app launching on Thursday, I have decided to have a little giveaway with some shopcade goodies for yourself! The competition is unfortunately only open to the UK.

I will be giving away 3 bags of goodies so you have more chance of winning one.
Mandatory entries:
1. You have to of signed up to the app through THIS INVITE HERE - if you do not sign up via this link then your entry will not count
2. You have to be a follower of my blog
3. You have to be a follower of my Shopcade account - if you sign up through the correct invite, I think it automatically does this for you

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from 10th December til 21st January.
Good luck!

Sunday 8 December 2013

Shopcade List #2: British Fashion Awards Inspired 2013

Of course, everyone who attended the British Fashion Awards last Monday looked amazing! A big congratulations to the winners, even Harry Styles won a cheeky award.
For this weeks Shopcade List, I thought I would incorporate one of the biggest fashion event of the year and find affordable alternatives - for everyone who wants to look fabulous but can't afford the whopping price tag.
The worst dress award definitely goes to Pixie Geldof. She wore a Topshop Slip Dress which would have looked fine if it was a size bigger. I'm more on the chubby side and I know what looks good on and what doesn't, it didn't help that she wore a fluorescent green soft toy bag.

 

 

 

 

 

I just love all of these outfits. As a big lover of shirts, I obviously loved Poppy Delevingne's outfit, her Emilia Wickstead S/S14 shirtdress paired with her simple beige pointed heels, looks fab.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked incredible. I really like the wet look hair however I only think it would look acceptable at a red carpet event, which I haven't had the pleasure of attending as of yet... Her pale skin, red lips and red suit is so striking. Alexa Chung, as always looked simply stunning.

I've raided the high street and found similar products which will look just as fabulous on us, especially with my student budget! Check out my list here and if you haven't joined up yet, then what are you waiting for? It's the up and coming shopping app, where you can organise all your wants, buys and needs in one place. I am well and truly addicted, get yourselves signed up here and follow me.




Thursday 28 November 2013

International Food Week: Italian Meatball Spaghetti Bolognese

For last nights meal we had Meatball Spaghetti Bolognese and it was absolutely delicious. We took a trip to the market on Tuesday and I bought a student £10 pack of meat, which included: mince, steak, burgers, sausages, chicken and bacon. If you have a market near you, or a butchers, I would highly recommend you to buy your meat from them, as you always get good value for your money and the meat always tastes fantastic.


Meatball Spaghetti Bolognese
(I have no idea why this picture is changing colour every time I put it into blogger. Apologies for the graininess! I promise the original doesn't look like this)

What you will need:

  • Spaghetti (a handful)
  • 2 small onions - or as many as you wish
  • Mixed herbs
  • Chopped tomatoes (a can or carton)
  • Mince meat (400g)
  • An egg
  • Tomato puree 
  • Vegetable oil
1. Mix the egg in with the mince - this will hold the meat together when making the meatballs
2. Chop up the onions and fry in a wok/pan until soft.
Making the bolognese sauce:
3. Pour a carton of chopped tomatoes into a jug 
4. Add a sprinkle of mixed herbs
5. Mix in tomato puree to make it the thickness you like
6. Add the sauce in with the onions to simmer
7. While the sauce is simmer, you can start making the meatballs. Take small amounts of mince and roll into balls (as big/small as you wish)
8. Start to fry the meatballs until brown and cooked all the way through.
9. While the meatballs are frying, add the spaghetti in a pan with boiling water in and boil for 10 minutes.
10. When all the meatballs have fried, add them into the sauce until the spaghetti is ready to be served.

and voilĂ  another quick, cheap and delicious meal. 

Please note: I am not a proper cook however I thought it would be ideal to show you what we're eating this week!

Wednesday 27 November 2013

International Food week: Chinese Chicken Balls and Chow Mein

David has graced me with his presence this week (finally! This semester has been hard to see each other with David being in his third year and i'm at uni and working). We decided instead of our usual wining and dining, we would save our money and cook instead. I really don't know why we don't always do this, we are both fairly good at cooking - we just love eating out, especially if you can get unlimited drinks...

On Monday we went to Handmade Burger Co. as on Mondays they have 30% student discount and as a loyal customer I had a free burger to claim! We had a massive mare in there but it just shows that being a loyal customer gives you benefits (I will tell you about this over the weekend when I do my Gig Post). Monday night ended by going to see Crystal Fighters at Leeds Uni union and it was absolutely fabby. If you've never heard of them, check them out because they are such a happy, crazy and sparkly band and seeing them live just made me love them more. 

Yesterday we had our Chinese meal: Chicken Balls and Chow Mein Noodles. 

What you will need (serves two):

  • 2 chicken fillets
  • Half a packet of batter 
  • An egg
  • Water
  • A pan full of oil
  • Onion(s) as many as you wish - we used 2 small onions
  • Spring onion(s) as many as you wish - we used 3 sticks of spring onion
  • A clove of garlic
  • Egg noodles (I used Sharwoods)
  • Chow Mein stir fry sauce (I used Blue Dragon)
1. Get the oil boiling in the pan 
2. Chop up the chicken fillets into pieces
3. Make the batter mix. Add water and 1 egg - the batter mix pack has the instructions on the back. If you want to make your batter from scratch you can use this recipe steps 1-5. We cheated a wee bit.
4. Soak the chicken in the batter mix. Start to place a couple pieces of chicken at a time into the oil - once brown take out and place in a bowl with some kitchen roll to soak the fat up.
5. Chop the onions, garlic and spring onions and fry in a wok.
6. Boil the noodles in a pan for 3 minutes.
7. Add the Chow Mein sauce to the onions.
8. Once the noodles have boiled, add them to the wok with the onions and the sauce in and mix. 
9. Once you have fried up all the chicken balls, you are ready to serve. 
and voilĂ  a quick, cheap and delicious meal. 

Please note: I am not a proper cook however I thought it would be ideal to show you what we're eating this week!

Friday 22 November 2013

Shopcade Competition #Christmassorted

I have an exciting competition for you!

Shopcade are advertising their #Christmassorted campaign by featuring two lists each week to help you have a more organised and giving you the best ideas for everyones christmas presents this year. Basically Shopcade is your Christmas Elf.
#7 Sssh! Secret Santa Under £15: Play it Safe vs. Silly & Stupid

This week features my list went and today it went live (Play it Safe). I have listed a load of safe, cute and ideal presents whether it for a friend or for your random work colleagues that you barely speak to, I have arranged a tonne of gifts for you!
If you want to be in the chance of winning a £50 Prezzybox Gift Card - just think, you could buy a good couple of christmas presents (or a good couple of presents for yourself) especially because Prezzybox have a lot of classic stocking fillers for great prices!

Interest? This is how to enter:
1. You need to sign up to Shopcade if you haven't already. You can do this here...
2. Follow either or both lists (Obviously mine, hehe) Play it Safe vs. Silly & Stupid
and it's as simple as that!

But if you think YOU can do BETTER then join in with the fun?
Make your own Christmas wishlist on the site (sign up here) and share it with the world. Let @Shopcade know about your list using the hastags #shopcade and #christmassorted and they will feature their favourites on the Trending feed.
Of course, there are some brilliant prizes to be won, so make sure your list is fab!
1st Place: Will win a personal shopping experience complete with £200 spending money. wow, just wow.
2nd Place: A beauty treat for yourself! After a stress free Shopcade Christmas, it's just what you'll need.
3rd Place: A jam-packed Hamper full of Christmas goodies!

Shopcade is a brilliant shopping app, packed with brands and the latest trends, make sure you've signed up to be in the chance of winning some ideal christmas goodies!

Friday 15 November 2013

Shopcade List #1

You may or may not be aware from previous blog posts that I am a Shopcade Curator. This means that I have to send 2 lists each week to the Shopcade team with relevant themes or trends up and coming and all the best deals I can find!

Shopcade is an amazing app, I have fallen truly in love with it. You can shop all your favourite brands in one place, create different lists (kind of like pinterest) and then shopcade will even let you know when a product you have 'wanted' has a deal on! Thats not all you can do, you can follow brands, your favourite Shopcaders, lists and even make your own shopcade page personal. Shopcade also have a points system, each time you 'want' a product you get a couple of points, each day you log in, if someone else 'wants' a product you have wanted, if someone follows you and if you invite someone to join. With all these points it boosts your trend score, which allows you to use your points to redeem free gifts and offers on selected items/brands. 
A genius idea.

I thought I should probably start sharing my lists with you each week, and see what you think! This week is Pastel Blue, I know we're not even in winter yet but this colour is going to be massive next year and here is a couple of items that I have selected.


Dont forget to JOIN UP! You will be addicted in no time! JOIN SHOPCADE HERE and if you already are joined up, make sure you follow me!


Wednesday 6 November 2013

Vintage Buys and Tips

Primark? Nope, it's all about the £15 per Kilo Vintage Fairs. Freshers week is full of vintage fairs all around the country - I think, well they are in Leeds. You can buy a nice shirt in Primark for about £12 whereas at a vintage fair you can get about 5 for £15. The best thing about it is that no one else will have that exact shirt!

I am a huge shirt and jumper kind of girl. The majority of my walk-in-wardrobe (sorry but I haven't bragged about my wardrobe yet, saying that I still need to give you a tour around my new room!) is shirts and jumpers, and what better way to stock up for winter than a couple more shirts and jumpers to add to my collection?

I've been to about 4 vintage fairs since September and have bought some great items for great prices. I think that since vintage has become so popular recently that some fairs just charge way too much for items because they know that people will pay for it. However as a poor student, I like love to get the most out of my money. That's why I much prefer the £15 a kilo fairs and I have a couple of tips that I have learnt since going to a fair few.

Check for damages
What's worse than falling in love with something and putting it on at home and there is a ridiculous stain or hole in the most inconvenient place. I would definitely suggest checking the item before you buy it because it is second hand so it could be in any state and you could be wasting valuable kilo space! Also, don't not buy an item if you spot buttons missing because they can easily be replaced by either another button or a safety pin will do the trick
Heavy items = More money
This is very obvious. But it does, if you have a heavy jumper than can easily mean you already gone over at least half your kilo. This leads me onto my next tip...
Check for separate prices
At a fair I was at the other week, bags were £5 each and I was including it with my kilo and when I was getting rid of items to try make my bag lighter, the woman then told me that bags were a separate price if that worked out cheaper for me. It worked out £10 cheaper, so watch out for separate prices, even ask the helpers because they don't always have time to put out the signs.
Does it fit?
Always try wear something versatile to the events so you can easily try on the garments without flashing yourself or getting naked - that's just not ideal. If you've been to the venue before, can you remember any dressing rooms? If not then don't be afraid to make your own dressing room in the middle of the venue (maybe somewhere more ideal and out the way...). As well as it fitting, you need to make sure if the garment looks fab on you or not!

I think I spent £35 for all of these items!
This bag is amazing. I used this on a staff night out, I was very drunk and I just kept finding more and more sections to my bag. Altogether there is 6 compartments and for a small bag, it holds a hell of a lot! Plus its real leather - for a fiver, it was such a bargain.
I think everyone apart from me hates the look of this jumper, when I put it on apparently it's 'not as bad' but I really love it. It's so cute and I feel like a big kid in it, its so cosy too.
This shirt is beautiful, the flowers are actually a netted material and are see-through which makes the shirt so unique yet very itchy.

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Currently loving #1

Hey, I know it's been a long time blogging, it's literally been on my mind for weeks to get round to do my list of posts of what I want to tell you/show you. Every List in my room (that's a lot of lists) have about ten reminders each to get blogging.

One of my favourite bloggers, Kate from ghostparties - if you haven't heard of her then where have you been? She does a Currently Loving post every couple of weeks and I thoroughly enjoy reading them. They give you a little insight into what she has been up to and also obviously what she is loving at the moment, I will probably mumble on alot more than Kate does though! Check out her latest currently loving post.

From the 1980s version, Prisoner: Cell Block H series, they have remade a contemporary version called Wenworth Prision, an Australian drama. This now airs on Channel 5 in the UK on Wednesdays at 10pm, and it's amazing! This week will be the 10th episode but I totally recommend catching up, it's just so dramatic. Remember Bad Girls? It's kinda like that, but the Australian version. There is one woman, Jacs, who is just so cruel and tries to run the place but there is a new gal in the compound (the main character), Bea, who tries to innocently stand up to Jacs and put her in her place and ITS JUST SO GOOD. On the edge of your seat and eye locking good. Be warned - in one of the episodes there is a fair amount of lesbian action in. This is the episode that me, Tori and Sonia showed the other girls and they then questioned why we were bigging it up so much haha. So I definitely say you need to watch it from the begining, to know the whole story and you get to slowly understand why all the women are in there.


Last Monday, I had probably one the best nights out of my life. The whole night just went in our favour. I work at the O2 academy and my work friend, Lauren won guest list tickets to a gig of her choice. Because she cannot make the City and Colour gig, she decided to see Bastille and take me as her +1 on Monday, lucky me!! 
We got to skip the queue and 2 free drinks each, perks of a great job! 
To be honest we wasn't crazy excited to see them because we're not huge fans, but that changed throughout the night. The gig was amazing, Dan (lead singer)'s voice is exactly how it sounds on the recordings and the whole band is beautiful. Dan came out in the crowd for one song, he walked straight past us and I kissed him. Smack. Bang. On the cheek. You could tell he didn't want one but I was already kissing his sweaty, stubbly face to care. Lauren fell in love with the first support act Dan Croll, he is a real cutie with a great voice, we managed to spot him walking past the box office after the gig and got a cheeky picture with him. Swiss Lips, the second support, was also really good, thoroughly enjoy listening to them - I love finding a good new band! We also managed to get a picture with the lead singer at the end, he kinda of chin molested Lauren in one photo, bit weird... 
We had a couple of drinks in Baa Bars after the gig and then left about 12 and Dan - Bastille's singer, was just outside O2 meeting people, so we stood in line had a 'cool and collected' conversation with him, unlike the lass before us that just sounded extremely obessed and creepy. We also got a picture each (apologies for the bad camera quality, my phone died but luckily Lauren's hadnt), he also signed our tops we bought! I woke up the next morning after a drunken night out in Leeds with maccies happy meal stickers on my forehead and in my signed Bastille top. Fab.

I visted Blackpool last weekend for a not so crazy weekend away with the fam. Totally random, I just got a call one day tell me we were going to Blackpool and staying over for a night. The train is just under 3 hours from Leeds which is ridiculously long, when I got there our b&b was full of partying Geordies - they bought me a Cider, cuties, I even got invited out. Instead we spent our time getting caught in a storm, walking around bpool in kids size Sealife ponchos, eating Pizza express, walking up and down the promenade and waiting an hour for the tram to see the illuminations, then having an hour journey on the roofless tram (it was so cold) looking at the illuminations. It was a really lovely evening! On the Sunday we went to the Pleasure Beach. I went on all the big rides, like a big gurl. The Pepsi max and the Tabagons were definitely my favourites, we only went on them once though :( how cute is this picture of me and my brother, Jack on the Tabagons, mum bought it for me as a present to remind me of home while I'm at uni, the softie! 
The main goss of the day: we saw Angelica Bell from the One Show (she used to be a CBBC presenter) and BBC filmed us going onto the ghost train, and our thoughts after. Watch the One Show on 31st- Halloween to potentially see us ;) I'm so not looking forward to it!

     
I'm loving work at the moment, I have two brilliant jobs which is better than what I would have said last year when I worked at Subway. Warning: never ever work at subway. I've worked so much this past week, I'm excited to be home for a couple of nights to recuperate. I've been able to see Blue, Rudimental, Sub Focus, Cirque Du Solei and served a load of freshers these past couple weeks and it's been great because I enjoy my jobs and the people I work with. You should never do a job you hate, which I learnt last year.

Saturday 28 September 2013

What is Autumn?

How beautiful is this leaf? The boys told me off for taking this but it just looked too good
It was only the other day that I said to David how it's starting to properly feel like Autumn. The smell of the fresh grass, the change in nature and the sun beaming down on the chilly days, it's so exciting. I've recently been out and bought 100 denier tights, and my woolen jumpers are all ready to be worn again. I think i'm ready. I definitely prefer wrapping up more than dressing half naked, in big coats and cute mitts, hat and scarf combos.
Halloween and Bonfire Night are also coming up. I can't wait to dress up again for Halloween, I need to beat my outfit from last year (I was a demented rag doll and david was my master, cheeky). If you have any good costume ideas, let me know! Whether it be for me or for a group, last year Tori and some of the girls went as Alice and wonderland theme, we all looked fab!
Tori did have a proper outfit but the girl she borrowed it off hadn't arrived when this was taken
Bonfire Night at Hyde Park, Leeds 2012

I saw this post on the lovely Hannah from Tea? Three Sugars. Definitely recommend you check her blog out, she is a brilliant artist and is currently having a 150 follower giveaway (big congratulations!)

For Autumn, What is your...
1. Favourite thing about it?
The weather! It's not too cold yet so it's perfect temperature.
2. Favourite Drink?
Obviously hot chocolate, with cream and marshmallows
3. Favourite scent/candles
A log fire burning in the mantle piece
4. Best Lipstick
I'm feeling like I need to buy a Berry colour this autumn, but definitely need a chap stick through the weather change!
5. Go to moisturiser?
My Body Shop Beautify Oil and Hemp Hand Protector
6. Go to colours for the eyes?
Browns and nudes with maybe more cat flicks
7. Favourite music or band/singer to listen to?
Well i'm going to see my favourite bands this Autumn so all of them. Deaf Havana (they have a new album out which is great), Don Broco and Crystal Fighters!
8. Favourite outfit to wear (i.e. Boots & a scarf combo)
Urm, my topshop cape will be in full use again, mittens and Uggs (however I need to get new mittens and Uggs...)
9. Autumn Treat? (i.e. a new scarf or bag you have your eye on)
I just bought a new bag for uni, but like my last answer, i'm in need of new mittens and Uggs!

I tag anyone who wants to take part in this :) 

P.s. if you want the CHANCE TO WIN A YEARS WORTH OF FASHION, enter Mr Price's competition here. MRP is the South African equivalent to Primark, they have so much amazing items for fantastic prices! 







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