Daisy Dayz

It's time to move on!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sun, 11 May 2014 12:35:00 +0000

You may have noticed I haven't actually posted on this blog since January, which is a pretty big rarity for me! I have been writing Daisy Dayz for 4.5 years now, and I have barely gone a week without a post (even whilst on honeymoon for a month!) so it has been hard in some respects to go for almost 4 months without posting anything, but I've been feeling a little off for a while about the whole blogging thing. I hoped that the new design at the end of last year would encourage me to start working again, but it still didn't really work. So I decided the best idea was just to take a break, there is nothing worse than forcing yourself to blog, just for the sake of it, as not only will you get frustrated with yourself, but you will also not produce work your readers actually want to read. So I needed time away and time to think. My life has changed so much over the last year (with work and moving) and I feel like I have outgrown my blog. Daisy Dayz was always started as a daily fashion blog, but I feel like that is no longer a priority in my life, I still love fashion but its not my focus any more. I have grown so much since starting Daisy Dayz, and it really was a saviour to my sanity when I needed a creative outlet after finishing you.
But all that being said I don't want to leave blogging, so after much consideration and deliberation, and lots of talking it through with Jon, I came to the decision to retire Daisy Dayz Blog...but I will be starting a new one, a grown up blog that more suits the person I am now, and this time it will be a joint collaboration with Jon, so I won't be taking on the entire job myself and it will give us something else to work on together! I haven't launched it yet, but after a few weeks of trying to decide exactly how we want our blog to look, the design is finally sorted, and the domain name is bought and the site is live - but we will officially launch on the 1st June! So without further ado, you will now find me and Jon over on Two Hearts One Roof. I really hope a few of you lovely ladies (and gents!) will follow me over to the new site too as I would love to see you all there.
Daisy Dayz has been an amazing part of life. It has opened so many doors for me, I have gotten to do things I never thought I would be able to. Worked with amazing companies, been to awesome events and meet some truly amazing people, from all over the world (in person and online!) Some of who I am happy to call real friends now (you now who you are ladies!). And I just can't step away from all that, not yet, I think blogging will always be a part of my life, I just need a change, need new scenery! The new blog will be more lifestyle based, more home and design, food and recipes, just general life (don't worry there will still be fashion every now and again!) I just want all you amazing guys to come with me too.
Ok so thats enough of me being all mush and sentimental. This will be my last official post on Daisy Dayz but I will be leaving the blog live, at least for a while. Please do come see us over on the new blog when we launch on the 1st June as I would love to get your opinion of the site!
Two Hearts One Roof

Weight Loss Wednesday - West African Curry Recipe - Slimming World Friendly

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

Well ladies I had my 1 month weigh in last night. I started with a weight of 13st 9lbs and last night put me at 12st 13lbs! I am pretty pleased with my overall loss for my first month, although last nights loss was only 1.5lbs, which was a little disappointing. But that being said it was still a loss which is the main point! Plus I had a pretty rubbish week diet wise actually due to me still being ill, but I am happy to say I am almost finally over my cold.
Well as this week has been so rubbish on the food front (really it has been very dull and not particularly good syn wise either!) I thought I would bring you all a great recipe we have enjoyed a number of times over the last few weeks - West African Curry. If you are on Slimming World then it is around 2 syns a portions as the only thing you have to count is the Mango Chutney. The original version of this was found in an old ASDA Choices Cookbook but I have adapted it slightly for my taste and to make it more slimming friendly!
West African Curry Recipe

This recipe should take around 45minutes in total and will serve 4 people.
Ingredients Fry Light 1 Onion, finely sliced 2tsp lazy garlic or 2 finely sliced garlic cloves 1tbsp Garam Masala 1tsp Ground Turmeric 2tsp Ground Cumin 2tsp Grounf Coriander 1tbsp Dried Mixed Herbs 455g Minced Lamb 2tbsp Mango Chutney 1tbsp Tomato Puree 115g Frozen Peas
Instructions 1. In a large wok or frying pan, heat the fry light and gently fry the onions until softened but not browned. Add the garlic, spices and herbs and continue to saute for a further 1-2 minutes
2. Add the mince and fry until browned, mixing it well with the spice and onion mixture
3. Add the chutney and tomato puree and mix to combine. Cook, stirring well for about 10 minutes. If the mince appears dry add 100ml of water
4. Add the peas to the pan and continue to cook for 5 minutes
5. Serve with boiled rice for a tasty meal!
Alternative - If you like an extra kick the original recipe used 1tsp of cilli powder and 3 whole cloves as well. Plus you can garnish the curry with freshly diced tomatoes (get in some extra super free!)
You can find all the other bloggers involved in Weight Loss Wednesday on the link. There are 39 of us in total, so lots of inspiration if you are looking to lose weight and get healthy this year!

Weight Loss Wednesday - Week 3 on Slimming World

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:59:00 +0000

Yes I know it's not Wednesday anymore but the last few days have literally been a blur due to me being sick! I am still sick, but actually feeling marginally better today, sore throat is still bad, but earache is gone, so now it just feels like a bad cold instead of something worse! Right anyway, on with the food! This is week 3 on slimming world and I am finding it easier to work out what I can eat but I have actually eaten very little the last few days, and the plan has strayed a little due to feeling so rubbish, but here's what I've eaten (you'll find my weight loss from my weigh in Tuesday night at the end!)

Day 15

Breakfast: Boiled Eggs and Tea

Lunch: Ham Salad, Seafood Sticks, Ryvita, Mozzarella and a Tangerine

Tea: Light Pizza at Pizza Express for a Leaving Do. It was still 25syns but was less than all the others!

Day 16

No Breakfast

Dinner: Ice;and Hoi Sin Duck Skewers (1 syn a pack!!!), Stir Fry Veggies and Mozzarella (HExA)

Tea: Out for a family birthday at the indian, but only had a little portion of popadoms and half a curry (it has fruit in it too! lol!)

Day 17

New Breakfast/Snack: Cookie Crisp (25g is 4.5syns, its a surprising large portion as they are so light in weight) I eat them dry like biscuits

Fruit!

Lunch: Pasta Salad with ham, sweetcorn, cucumber, light cheese and 3 tbsp light than light mayo

Tea: Chicken in Pasata with veggies and roasted potatoes

Day 18 (when I started feeling ill)

Breakfast: Spagetti Hoops

Tea: West Indian Curry and boiled rice

Day 19 (still ill)

Breakfast: Ryvita and Laughing Cow triangles

Tea: Beef Raviolli (2.5syns)

Day 20 (most of this went uneaten)

Breakfast: Bacon, eggs and beans

Tea: Baked Ham, Mash and carrots

Day 21 (again very little was actually eaten) Lunch (was eaten): prawn sandwich, humous and carrots Tea: Chicken in Chinese marinade (2 syns), potato wedges and fried veggies (I only ended up eating the fried veggies and a few wedges) So that was how my week went, as you can see I didn't actually manage to eat much, which actually helped on the weight loss front lol! So drumroll for the figures please (remember this is a 2 week loss as we couldn't weigh in last week)...I stared at 13st 6lbs after my first week and Tuesdays weigh in put me at...13st 0.5lbs yay!!! So a 5.5lbs loss over 2 weeks, I'm pretty happy with that! Hopefully this week will continue on the same thread, especially if I can get some exercise in, but that will depend on my health in all honesty. I'll also be aiming to post some slimming world friendly recipes this week too, so check back in if you wish to see them! How is everyone else's weight loss going?

Wish List - Shopping the Anthropologie Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

I have been nosing at some of the sales online so thought I would put together some wish lists. It's unlikely I'll manage to buy any of it as I am trying to save at the moment, plus I have decided not to buy any more clothes till I drop this weight! But I can always dream!

Today's post is all about the Anthropologie Sale! And boy there are some major bargains to be had, some truly beautiful items!

Tulia Blossom Dress WAS £178 NOW £52.95

Leaps Ahead Dress WAS £258 NOW £76.95

Matt Bernson Street Fair Booties WAS £238 NOW £149.95

Peter Som Beaubourg Gladiator Heels WAS £198 NOW £49.95

Mademoiselle Tara Bow Stripe Dress WAS £218 NOW £64.95

Tailored Paisley Blazer WAS £118 NOW £58.95

Josseline Brocade Dress WAS £158 NOW £46.95

Plumage Trilby WAS £128 NOW £89.95

What do you think? Any piece catch you eye?

Beauty - Manicure Monday - Amethyst Velvet Goth

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

It's Monday again, so you get another Manicure Monday post.

And this week its been all about this sparkly purple beauty! From Models Own Velvet Goth range, this is the Amethyst colour. It is actually a matt purple colour but with a heavy amount of sparkly glitter bits! It is really pretty although a bit of a pain to get on! As it is so thick it can be a little different to spread nicely across the whole nail, but once I managed it it looks great. Perfect for a party or a night out.

I picked this one up at the Clothes Show Live and hadn't realised it was a matt colour (or party of the velvet goth range at all actually) I just liked the sparkly colour in the bottle!

Home Interiors - Jimbob Art

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

I recently stumbled across this awesome designer who creates these really fun animal plates and other items with hand drawn illustrations printed onto them, I have fallen for them hard. I think the plates would look so much fun hung on a wall in a little collection, although I would happily use them every day too if I didn't think it would ruin them!
You can find them all on Wolf & Badger

What do you think?

Etsy Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

This week I have been lusting after some statement jewellery pieces. Whenever I am on the hunt for something different (or just want to do a bit of window shopping) I always turn to Etsy first, and in the case of interesting jewellery I am never disappointed! Here are a few of the pieces that I am loving at the moment!
I'm a little in love with these stackable bangles from Handmade by Anne Potter, they are simple but bold.

These rings from Good After Nine are just killing me! I want them all!

I have been loving natural stone for a long time, now that I have a sliced agate necklace the next thing on the list is a rough stone ring. These are my favs! Number 1 and 3 are my top picks at the moment I think!

Left to right, top to bottom 1. Rana Jewels 2. Midwest Alchemy 3. Thula 4. Amanda Leilani Designs 5. MetalMorphoz 6. Prairie Fairy Designs 7. BeijoFlor 8. Specimental Designs 9. Moorea Seal
I am also really fancying a metal work necklace, something almost architectural in nature. These are the ones I found that caught my eye!

Left to right, top to bottom 1. Jamie Spinello 2. Wild Thing Studio 3. Squidlicks 4. Beach Bones 5. Blame Eve 6. Objects of O
Anything your lusting after at the moment?

Weight Loss Wednesday - Week 2 on Slimming World

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

So ladies I completed my second week on slimming world yesterday, you can catch up on week 1 here if you missed it! I started the week at 13st 6lbs after a 3lbs loss in my first week, which I was really pleased with! Sadly we couldn't make weigh in last night as we booked a last minute baby shoot (business still comes first!) and as I don't trust our home scales I haven't weighed this week so have no idea how much I have lost, but hopefully that will make next weeks weigh in look even better as it will be 2 weeks combined.

But here is what I have been eating this week

Day 8

Brunch: (didn't make it up for breakfast! lol!) Ryvita with Laughing Cow Light Cheese and Cucumber

Tea: Chinese Beef Noodles with Veg

In the early hours of the morning I promptly threw up the majority of what I had eaten on Day 8, and spent most of Day 9 feeling a bit rough.

Day 9

Tea: Slimming World Pulled Pork, Sweet Potato Wedges and Baked Beans

I didn't eat anything else all day and struggled to eat this too after feeling so ill

Day 10...

Ummm, well...I ate a McDonalds! Sorry! But I still counted the syns, turns out a chicken legend meal is around 49.5 syns! Ouch!

Day 11

Breakfast: Ryvita and Laughing Cow Light, Crab Sticks and Tangerines (think I ate a Banana too!)

Lunch: Ham salad, with mixed dark greens and Spinich

Tea: Slimming World Burgers, Sweet Potato Wedges and fried peppers with soy sauce

Day 12

Breakfast: (more) Ryvita and Laughing Cow Light, Crabsticks, Tangerine and Grapes

Lunch: Sweet and Sour Mug Shot (not totally awful, but not great either!)

Tea: It's Sunday! So Sunday Roast

Snacks: Chocolate Doughnut (totally worth the syns!)

Day 13

Breakfast: (Seeing a pattern?) Ryvita and Laughing Cow Light Cheese, Crabsticks, Banana and Tangerines

Lunch: Salad and BBQ Chicken Chunks

Tea: Homemade Stew!

Day 14

Breakfast: Totally didn't happen!

Lunch: Linda McCartney Red Onion and Rosemary Sausages, Pasta in Tomato Sauce, Cheese (HEA) and stir fried veggies

Tea: West Indian Curry with Rice (my dad cooks this, its amazing! Will share recipe this week)

Snack: I indulged in a Kit Kat! It was 12.5 syns worth of yumminess!

I think food wise this week has gone fairly well, I didn't max out my syns, even with the naughty meal and my snacks!

What I am a little disappointed with is that we didn't manage to get any exercising in, practically none! Which is a little annoying, but between being I'll and working I simply haven't had the time or energy. Hopefully I can change that this week and get in a few more sessions on the Wii Fit.

This post is also part of the Bloggers Weigh Loss Wednesday being hosted by Barely There Beauty. Find all the info and other participating bloggers on the link!

Beauty - Manicure Monday - Green Flash

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

Yep Monday will now (hopefully!) be dedicated to my nails! The one bit of beauty that I actually get and do on a regular basis.

This week I have been wearing this blingy green/gold colour from Models Own, it's called Green Flash! And I love it! Even my boss noticed it, and he's a bloke! It went on really smoothly, did need 2 coats though but that is normal these days. Staying power, even without a top coat was pretty good though! I picked this up whilst I was at the Clothes Show Live, the colour in the bottle really stood out!

Sunday Catch-Up - 12th January 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

Well I was planning to write a Sunday Catch-Up post like I usually do, but in all honesty when I started looking at my instagram and iPhone pictures to put the post together, I realised I had nothing interesting to show you, lol! Literally my entire weeks pictures are of food for my Weight Loss Wednesday Posts. My weight loss goal has taken over my thoughts a little! So as there is no point posting food pictures here, when I will be posting them on Wednesday anyway, I thought I would do a bit of a bumper Links and Love instead! So here is what I have been looking at and loving online this week: I've been a little bit obsessed with house renovation and inspiration blogs lately, usually I'm just on Design Sponge and Apartment Therapy but thanks to them I found two new awesome blogs - My Scandinavian Home and Little Green Notebook - I'm in love! And thanks to all the housey obsession I have fallen very hard for Eames Paris Chairs! And the Rocking Chair version! I want them!

I'm currently reading 3 books (well listening to 1). Nacropolis by Jeet Thayil which was shortlisted for the Man Booker in 2012, With My Body by Nikki Gemmell and Count to Ten by Karen Rose.

I've been working on some Valentines Day Craft Articles:

Valentines DIY for the Home

Valentines Cards for Kids

Valentines Food Ideas

Valentines Day Crafts for Kids

Valentines Day Fashion Crafts I went to see this in the Millennium Centre - it was awesome! So funny!!

I've been working with a great scientist, Doctor and Writer called Darja Wagner to edit her book on Fertility for over 40's which you can find here. Even if your not over 40 but you need some help with fertility issues this book is brilliant!, I've learnt lots about womens health I never even knew before!
So that's all folks! Hope everyones week has gone well, tomorrow will be a Monday Manicure post so remember to swing by!

Fashion - Surprise 30th Birthday Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

So a little outfit post for you all today, if you follow me on Social Networking sites you may already have had a sneak peek at this outfit I wore for my Best Friends Surprise 30th Birthday Party! It was masquerade themed by the way!

Dress: Oasis

Shoes: Ruby Shoo (via eBay)

Floral Crown: Bought at the Clothes Show Live but can't remember the company!

Necklace: Vintage

Bangle: Wallis (via Clothes Show Live)

Mask: eBay

Me and the hubby!

The Birthday Girl and her beautiful family!

Me and my sister having a bit of Photobooth fun!

All our acrylic props are from the awesome Funky Laser!

You can find more of our Photo Booth fun from the night on our Facebook page!

Weight Loss Wednesday - Week 1 on Slimming World

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 08:00:00 +0000

On New Years Eve I took the decision to finally get back in control of my weight and my size! I have tried dieting myself before but find I can't always keep to a diet or fitness plan, so this time I have decided I need help from other. This meant joining Slimming World...on New Years Eve! Plus Jon has joined too, so hopefully that will help me keep on track even more, and keep me motivated. As I will be posting my Weight Loss story every Wednesday (day after my weigh in!) I have also joined up to Weight Loss Wednesdays, a new blogging group for 2014 run by Jennifer of Barely There Beauty. It is a group of bloggers who all have the goal to lose weight and get fit and healthy in 2014. We will all be posting different info about how our personal challenges are going, and info about food, dieting and fitness. You can find out all about the group and the list of bloggers signed up to it on Barely There Beauty.
So this is the moment when I am totally upfront and honest with you all and share my weight...eek! I'm hoping sharing all my weight loss journey with you will help me keep on track and possibly help others who are going through the same thing as me in 2014!
So according to the Slimming World scales on the 31st December 2013 I weighed 13st 9lbs! I am firmly in a size 14, no matter how many times I try to persuade myself I am still a 12! I have opted not to set a final goal yet, so set an interim goal of losing 1st. I am hoping to get back to 10st 10lbs which was when I last really felt happy, so I have 3st to lose and I am hoping I can succeed this year (or at least get a large proportion off this year!) This is how my first week on the diet went!

Day 1

Breakfast: Egg, bacon (no fat) and baked beans

Lunch: Pumpkin and Oats Ryvita and Laughing Cow light Cheese (wasn't hungry)

Tea: Minted Pork with veggies

Snack: Tangerine (had 2!)

Day 2

Breakfast: Ryvita and Laughing Cow Light Triangles with 2 boiled eggs and Tea

Lunch: Veggie Pasta

Snacks: Grapes and Tangerines

Tea: Sticky BBQ Chicken with Veg and Rice

Day 3:

Breakfast: Ryvita and cheese! (notice a theme here?)

Dinner: Veggie Pasta with some extra boiled egg

Snack: Grapes

Tea: Lemony Pork and Veg Tray Bake - will be bringing the recipe for that soon!

Day 4 - this happened!

We were at the 30th Birthday Party so the diet kinda jumped ship! We only had breakfast in the day but then had this.

Day 5

Breakfast: Bacon (no fat), eggs, potato gratin and beans

Tea: Chicken, veg and banana rice dish - my mums recipe which I will share at some point too!

Snack: I treated myself to a Viscount Biscuit as I haven't used many syns this week

Day 6

Breakfast: Veg and Chicken Omlett, Bacon (no fat), beans and mushrooms

Snack: Lots of fruit, I ate even more than this!

Tea: Cottage Pie (3syns as mum couldn't find extra lean mince in Tesco!)

Day 7
Breakfast: A pile of fruit to take to work with me
Had a late lunch: Roasted Potatoes, Beans and Linda McCartney Sausages

Snack: I treated myself to some galaxy at the theatre as is was my first full week over with!

We had our first official weight in last night and I was...13st 6lbs! Yay! I lost 3lbs! So I can definitely say this week was a success, even though I had a day off plan! It's a little difficult to get used to the plan, but I am sure after a few weeks doing it I will be fine. I know I should be eating 3 meals a day, but I rarely did before so it is no different. I haven't felt hungry at all either so that is really good in my books.
Is anyone else on Slimming World or another diet plan?

Here's to 2014!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 18:58:00 +0000

Well Happy New Year Ladies!

Sorry I haven't managed to check in this year yet, been ever so slightly busy! But here I am, and here's to a great 2014, hopefully this will be the year of some major changes in my life, some great changes! So instead of a New Years Resolution Post which most of us bloggers do at this time of year (and no doubt most of us fail within the first month! Lol) I am going to make this post about the changes and progressions I shall hope to make this year. A declaration of positive reinforcements that I shall be aiming for shall we say. (Oh that all sounded a bit heavy didn't it!)
Number 1: Lose Weight! Right I know what you are all thinking - this is the most popular New Years Resolution out there and yes it is, lol! But me and the hubby actually decided to be pro active about it this year, we joined Slimming World on New Years Eve! I am determined to get back down to a size 10-12 (I have an entire wardrobe of clothes that currently do not fit me and it is rubbish!) We have been on it almost a week now and are finding it OK, just waiting to see if I have actually lost anything on Tuesday evening - so I hope to be making Wednesday 'Weightloss Wednesdays' where I will talk about food/healthy eating, fitness, weightloss or anything related to that.

A much slimmer 18 year old version of me and Jon!

Number 2: This will be the year we really get our business off the ground! Cross-Jones Photography is mine and Jon's dream, photography is his passion, he comes alive when he is behind the camera, and I love seeing that. We are in our element when creating beautiful memories for parents, brides and grooms and everyone else we work with, we love it so much. We made a huge jump moving back home with the parents, giving up a salaried job with career prospects to survive on my Part Time job, but we felt we had to do it! We want to make this business our lives, we want to be working for ourselves, controlling our own lives!

Number 3: Get a little closer to owning our own home! Whether we actually get there this year or not I don't mind, in fact I don't expect us to at the moment, I simply want us to be one step closer. To keep adding slowly to our savings so that we know at some point we will be able to put down a deposit on our own home. That really is the dream, it's simple to most people, but it will be a huge financial struggle for us whilst trying to also start a company and live on just 1 small wage. But we will get there!
Number 4: Develop a better work/life balance! I juggle multiply jobs, a start-up company, freelance work and a blog - and somehow try to have a life too! I realised that the last few months of last year I barely had a life, I did very little with the spare time I had other than watch TV or do more online work! This year I want to try develop a better balance. I'd like to read more books, get out of the house more and find more time to exercise (links to Number 1!) plus keep up with my pen pals! I just want to enjoy my life more!
Number 5: Take more Photographs! I know this sounds odd from someone who runs a photography business, logically I would spend all my time dealing with photos, but in all honesty I don't actually take that many, Jon is always behind the camera lens. But actually I mean more photos of my life and not just for instagram! Me and Jon have very few photos of the 2 of us because we are always the ones behind the camera! And I realised there are lots of events and times in my life that I have no photos of, and I want that to change. I want more photographs, more long term memories. And I will be sorting them all into albums for a change, not just posting them on Facebook or leaving them stored on my computer!

Last Number 6: Build my Freelance Website and Get more Private Clients Ok this one might sound like it would just mean more work, so even less of a decent work/life balance, but in fact the hope is that I will be able to work for myself full time at some point - Writing/Editing/Proofreading and running the photography company. The overall goal is for me and Jon to be able to run our lives in a way that will work for us, and no longer on someone else's time frame. So although it may mean I have to work harder at the start, I really hope it will pay off in the end.
So that is it I think! These are the major changes and advance I want to make this year! What are your 2014 plans?

Outfit Post - Work's Christmas Do

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 08:00:00 +0000

So we had an unconventional works Christmas do in the sense that we went to the HangFire BBQ instead of for a traditional Christmas Lunch. The dress code was Christmas themed Jumpers (or tops!) So I said if I really had to wear one (I'm not into xmas fashion in all honesty) then it would be a comical one instead. This is what I wore!

My pudding T-shirt went down well with everyone, and Shawna who runs the BBQ thought it was hilarious!

Top - Amazon

Blouse - via the Clothes Show Live

Skirt - Primark

Tights - TKMaxx

Shoes - Tesco

Hat - H&M

Necklace - Funky Laser

Mandatory Christmas Cracker Paper Hat

Shawna had decided that everyone who had xmas lunch at the HangFire BBQ had to do a chaser shot called a Pickle Back - First a shot of Pickling Liquor (for pickling gherkins!) chased down by a shot of honey infused bourbon. This is Nate about to do his, he actually did 2 as he liked it, lol!

And here is the amazing food!! Pulled BBQ pork, Braised Beef Brisket, Herbed Turkey, Jacket Potato with smoked cheese, Bread Roll, Roasted Pepper stuffed with home made stuffing, Apple Beetroot Slaw and Meaty Chilli Beans (these are bloody amazing!!) It was all so good, I couldn't even finish it all (Nate ate the rest of my turkey! lol!)

My secret santa obviously knew me quite well (Thank you Sarah! Lol)

Our Mascot Frosty even came along for the fun, and Kenny came all the way back from Vietnam! (He now works there, but was home for Xmas so joined us for the fun!) And that is Fi!
So all in all it was a really good, fun night! How was your Christmas Party? Did you have one with your work place too?

Sunday Catch-up - 29th December

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Realised I hadn't done a sunday catch-up post since July! Which really is absolutely rubbish in all honesty isn't it! Actually I have been rubbish at posting for the last few months in general, work/life balance is just a little off at the moment, still haven't managed to get myself straight really, but anyway it is almost a new year, and things can change then. For now here is a Sunday Catch-up for what I have been up to recently (with lots of food-porn)

I went to Bath to visit Heather and the Christmas Market

1. Bath Station's Xmas Tree

2. Spent 20 minutes looking for a little Italian Cafe I had visited before, but couldn't remember where it was or what it was called - luckily I found it, it is called the Roscoff Deli and they do these amazing Italian Pasties, so worth looking for.

3. The Market was lovely, some interesting stalls too, if I had been shopping

4. Mandatory Pulled Pork Roll - but with Apple Slaw, so tasty!

Whilst in Bath I also went to a Carol Concert with the Hospital Choir and Bath Spa Brass Band

Then onto Christmas

Pasha is a pretty funny dog, he doesn't like wearing stuff, Briony put his Xmas scarf on and he just froze, he looks so sad like you have been really mean to him. He gets over it eventually but really isn't a fan.

Christmas food porn

1. My started - Prawn Cocktail

2. Hubby carving the roast as Dad was in work

3. My Xmas Dinner

4. Boxing Day lunch - Mega Salad, anything goes! lol!

No links and love for this one as I have been so silly busy I haven't actually been able to have a nose around online to be honest!

Mandatory Christmas Gift Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 08:00:00 +0000

So that time of year has passed again! Had a great time, eaten far to much and been very spoilt. Which means I now have to post the mandatory Christmas gift post, so here are the highlights of what I got this year, I got other stuff too, but these are the best bits!

I may have a thing for Despicable Me! My laptop is now adored with this awesome Minion decal.

So excited to be able to turn my Diana into an Instax! Genius!

I am a Whovian! I admit it!

This is Walter, he is my new elephant! lol! Some of you may recognise this giant elephant head from my instagram feed, after I declared my love for it back in August when I found it in Home Sense, well my sneaky parents and hubby went and bought it the very next day as my big present for this xmas, can't wait to get it on the wall.

2 super cute jumpers from TKMaxx and a cozy dress from Joe Brown

Hubby bought me these awesome Hushpuppy ankle boots!

A few bits of make up! Via Avon, Elle and Bourgeois (I finally own brushes! lol!)

A few books to add to the already huge collection

Hubby also got me this awesome Owl necklace from Funky Laser

Techie photography gift! A camera sling!

Briony bought me this awesome blue sliced agate - some of you know I have been after one for ages, I really love this one as it is actually quite dainty.

She also got me this wicked handmade ring from Budapest when she went for the weekend a few weeks ago. She also bought me and the hubby a voucher to go on a Falconry Experience! Which I can wait to book for the New Year.

I had these in my cracker! And this is Pasha with his favourite new present. Although he has already chewed straight through 2 of the bands! So what did everyone else get for Christmas?

Cross-Jones Photography - Marissen Family Maternity Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Just an update for everyone that is interested. Cross-Jones Photography is going well at the moment and this is one of our recent shoots. A lovely Mummy-to-be called Lydia invited us to come and take some Maternity photos of her and her hubby, you can find the whole set here, but these are our favourite takes.

What do you think? Like our take on the traditional Maternity shoot? We wanted something a bit different and a bit personal for them. Mummy is due soon, so we might be lucky enough to take pictures of baby Marissen very soon too!

Guest Post - Liv's Christmas Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Well Ladies, I am so sorry for being MIA recently, I had intended to get a few guest posters in as I knew this time of year would be silly busy for me, but I just didn't get around to pinning down many bloggers. But when I put out a little message I did get a reply from the lovely Liv, at the moment she isn't a blogger, but she fancies joining the blogging ranks so ask if she could guest post. Of course I am always happy to encourage a newbie into the world of blogging, so I said I would happily let her take over my blog for the day. We agreed on a Christmas Wishlist as Christmas is just a few days away now. So here you are, over to Liv!

1. Topshop Necklace | 2. Marc Jacobs Watch | 3. Topshop Woolly Hat | 4. ASOS leather gloves 5. Mary Katrantzou & Rodial Candle via Selfridges | 3. Crockett & Jones leather belt

I think this is quite possibly the most girly Christmas wishlist I’ve ever had! Most of the time, I ask for money to save up for a holiday, and I usually only get a few girly bits, with the Soap and Glory gift sets being a Christmas favourite of mine. This year though, my style has become more and more girly and I’m starting to feel more inspired when it comes to putting an outfit together.

A statement necklace completes even the simplest of outfits, and I’ve fallen in love with this one; Topshop just has the best jewellery at the moment. Likewise, bad hair days can be covered up with this super cute woolly hat from Topshop, but it will still add a little ‘something’ to any outfit as well as keeping my ears warm. The gloves are a not-so-practical but amazingly pretty addition to my wishlist, and if I’m lucky enough to receive them, I can see them becoming a winter staple for me.

I heard that Mary Katrantzou had collaborated with Rodial to make a candle, and when I saw what it actually looked like, I fell in love. I don’t even know what this smells like yet, but already I’m imagining it sat on my dressing table housing my makeup brushes.

The final item is a vintage-inspired belt from Crockett & Jones. I love vintage style (which might not exactly be apparent from my other picks!) and I know I’d wear this to death with jeans and even as a waist belt once I’d got another hole punched in.

So, that’s what’s going on my Christmas wishlist this year! I’d love to hear what you’re putting on yours?

Liv x

Thank you so much Liv, and I hope you will join us in the blogging world!

Please do let us both know what is on your wish list for this year!

Outings - Hen Party in Bala

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:00:00 +0000

I am so sorry for being MIA recently, but I have been super busy with freelance proofreading work after taking on 3 big clients over the last few weeks and it has left me exhausted in all honesty! I haven't wanted to look at a computer to actually blog after all the reading I have been doing. But I got all my big jobs finished ready for this weekend just gone as I was off on a relaxing hen party for my sister in law. We stayed in this awesome manor house below, Pen-y-Garth Manor, in Bala North Wales. It was just a chilled weekend of relaxing in the hot tub, wandering around the village, eating good food, watching girly movies, chatting and having a few drinks. So here are a few pictures for you all, didn't actually take any of the scenery, lol!

The Hen in her standard hen party get up for our tea in the pub

Yep that look may be down to me...Aftershock!

Mandatory Food porn for you all!

My Faggots, Peas and Mashed Potato from our first night

Sam's Gammon with a 'brace' of eggs and chips!

Nat and Tina enjoying their meals

Rhain enjoyed her steak!

Sunday mean carver!!!

My dinner was so tasty!

And Nat agreed!

Although there was lovely food, most of the weekend was spent doing this...

Chilling and drinking!

So that's what I have been up to this weekend, but now it is back to work as normal!

Music - 5 Tracks I've been listening to this week

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

I don't usually do music posts, but I have had a bit of a rediscovery of YouTube this week. I've been listening to lots of music videos on there and Radio 1's Live Lounge, so happy to have discovered that as some of them are brilliant as you will see below! So here are the 5 tracks I have been listening to this week. Please enjoy and let me know what you think?

Little Mix Move. At first I really wasn't sure about this track, but it has been totally drummed into my head, and now I love it! It is really quite catchy without you realising it, and I notice myself humming it all the time.

Miley Cyrus in Radio 1's Live Lounge singing Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness. I'm not a massive Miley fan but I think she really shows she can sing on this track, I love her version of it, it has such soul!

Katy Perry's Roar. I love this track, I especially love to sing it at the top of my voice in the car whilst driving to or from work!

Lorde Royals. Jon hates this track but I have a real soft spot for it. It is another sing along song for when I am driving. This girl has such a great voice, just really rich! And the song is sweet but with a little edge, me likes! Sadly the video is a bit lacking.

James Arthur in the Radio 1's Live Lounge covering the Arctic Monkeys. I am a big James Arthur fan, wanted him to win all the way through the X-Factor. I wasn't sure about his first solo track but even that has grown on me, and I love what he has done with this track!
Have you been listening to anything in particular this week?

Etsy Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Haven't done an Etsy Finds post for a while but I found these and just had to share them. So this post is dedicated to just one Etsy shop called Sapling Press - I am a little in love with all of them!!! Sadly the postage cost is extreme otherwise I would be sending the Dear Mary ones out for Christmas, lol! The cards are around £2.87 so are pretty reasonable if you are in the states. Let me know which is your favourite! You will find the whole collection on the link above, but here are my favourites!

So what do you think, would you send any of these?

Cross-Jones Photography - Baby Mila

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Thought I would share one of our latest shoots with you. This is little Mila, she is 3 months old and absolutely bloody adorable! Please check out the full shoot on our Cross-Jones Photography website!

Let me know what you think of them? If you are in the South Wales Area we have a competition running to win a free shoot on Facebook! Check it out and enter for your chance to win.

Oh Vivienne How I Love Thee!

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

After the Japonesque consult and the St David's Xmas Shopping Event last week I was invited to the Vivienne Westwood new collection showcase. Ah you know how much I love me a bit of Westwood!

Her new collection is a collaboration with a number of other top british designers.

The jumpers and jacket didn't really win me over but I am a little in love with the 70's style felt brimmed hats (maroon one in hat box above with blue ribbon, navy one in hat box bellow with black ribbon) they were made in collaboration with Lock & Co. Sadly they are £250!

And how amazing are her vintage style suitcases! Made in collaboration with Globe-Trotter they range from £400 for the mini (on shelf below) to £1285 for the larger one (cream one above)

Then of course I had a good nose around the rest of the shop, it would have been rude not to!

Loving the heeled bondage boot above! £375

Oh how I love her bags!!

I think the above colour collection is my favourite the black has a grey blue pattern to it, that is really beautiful!

And this dress below is my favourite item from the whole store, the whole season in fact. It is just too perfect! At £520 though it is a little more than I can ever afford!

X-rated images below! Please if you are easily offended do not read any further, but if you love a bit of Vivienne's humour and phallic imagery, look away and enjoy!!

Viv we salute you for your genius!
Fingers crossed one day I will actually manage to afford something of hers.

Event - Japonesque Make-up Consult

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

So last week I got to have my first ever make-up consult, yes first ever! I may be 26, but makeup, as you know, has never been my strong point! So when I was invited to visit the new Japonesque counter in John Lewis to have an entire make over and consult with a makeup artist, I thought I might as well go for it. I had never heard of Japonesque so had no idea what to expect from their products, but I figured it could be a bit of fun.

So introducing the amazing makeup guy, Paul! I was lucky enough to have my consult together with Leanne from A Slice of my Life and Joanna from Just Joanna

Me getting my makeup done by Paul, he said I have brilliant skin so didn't really need to use foundation, so only spotted it under my eyes and sides of my nose to even my skin tone out. He was really helpful and knowledgable to, so was giving me lots of info and helpful tips on my skin and makeup needs.

This is the before and after, I was pretty pleased, they only thing he didn't do was my mascara as I already had my benefit one on. I loved the lip colour he used, originally it was a pinky one, but I asked if I could have a darker one instead, and he agreed I could take a bolder look!

So here are the girls getting their consults too!

Jo's finished look, a bit bolder than mine as she is used to wearing makeup (unlike me)

And Leanne's finished look with a bright red lip to match her dress!

The counter looks amazing with all the pretty packaging! (photo borrowed from Leanne!)

And we were all incredibly lucky to get a goodie bag at the end containing 2 full sized products. We each got the Velvet Touch Finishing Powder Palette which retails at £20.

What is cool about all their colour cosmetics range is the packaging is all unique. The place a gel on the surface and drop ink dye on it, then bake it. So every package has a slightly different pattern. They are really beautiful!

Then we each got a separate item - I was lucky enough to get this beautiful Pro Lip Lacquer which retails at £15. In a rich sparkly red colour you can see below!

Have you heard of Japonesque before? Do you use it? Opinions please ladies!

Review and Shopping the new Shoe Zone Winter Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Chantele Cross-Jones) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I reviewed and styled a pair of the Shoe Zone Sandals in the summer time, so when they launched their new winter collection they got in touch again to ask if I would review a pair of their winter shoes! What girl would turn down shoes!

Anyway, I finally decided on this pair of double buckle knee high black boots, you will have seen them in my John Lewis Christmas PR Event Outfit Post last week, and I have been wearing them quite a lot this past few weeks. I chose the small heel as I find completely flat can often make my feet ache after a while, yet I can deal with bigger heels, plus high heels aren't too practical if it gets icy. The top part is shelrling lined so they fit really snuggly and are nice and cozy, great for keeping me warm in the winter.

I had a tough decision choosing which pair to go with, all I knew was that I wanted a pair of boots that would be good for the winter, but weren't too trend focused so they would last a few years if needed. Here are the other boots that were in the running, you can find them all on the site here, ranging in price from £19.99 to £29.99 they are all very reasonably priced!

Anyone bought a new pair of winter boots for this year?