Winner of the Giveaway!

Congratulations!

Thank you so much to all who entered my first giveaway. I was so encouraged by the lovely comments you left and the new followers who have found me. I have already started a collection for my next giveaway too.

The winner of this Giveaway is...........JO GLASSPOOL

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!

I have sent you an e.mail.

To everybody else who entered - sorry I wish I could give a prize to you all:( I will be running another giveaway soon  - such fun!

Uk's Smartest Shopper

The Results

Well I didn't win. Sad face. 

However .......

• I hadn't thought I was good enough to even enter!
• I didn't expect to get to the final 10 out of 600 .
• I learnt so much putting together the entry and learning about how to submit a You Tube video ( Steep Learning Curve!)
• I got this far having only been writing for a short time and it has spurred me on to do more.
• I realised this Thrifty lifestyle and Budgeting Nonsense is actually really important to me! Who'd have thought it?
• I had a trip to London with no kids and my OH had to drive the kids to Cornwall without me - Oh yeah ( only a parent will understand my complete and utter joy at that.)

The interview was nerve wracking for me. I've been a Mum at home for the past 9 years. The closest I've got to an interview are the ones I go to at school to hear how my kids are behaving  doing. I did treat myself to a dress to wear, although it only cost me £20 from Dorothy Perkins and will do for Christmas too....see , thrifty through and through!!  I dressed it up with a smarter belt, dusted off my black blazer and court shoes of old and looked half way presentable. Although I must admit to changing into the shoes in the loos in Pret a Manger round the corner from the interview as I can't walk in them anymore, more of a stomp and a trip. I had what I call my London Underground Shoes on! Shhh don't tell. I'm a country girl at heart. I also got caught in a heavy rain shower and the Bakerloo Line was closed for the day so I had to do some last minute panicking re planning of my route.

Despite all these last minute glitches, the team at  Savoo were welcoming and professional as always once I arrived. A lot of time and effort had gone into this day and competition and you could see it meant as much to them as it did to each one of the finalists. It was great to meet some of the Savoo team again and to meet a couple of new faces on the interview panel. The panel consisted of a couple of fabulous bloggers .Check these ladies out if you haven't already, but beware you can easily lose a day or two in their blogs and not notice! Miss Thrifty and A Thrifty Mrs. The other two on the panel were Simon, the managing Director of Savoo who is fantastically encouraging and welcoming at all times and Mark Lockley from The Guardian. He has also written a book called How to Pay Less For More. Some fabulous hints and tips on a huge array of topics from him!

I don't know what they thought of me. I don't know how I came across. I hope I presented myself well. I know my mind goes blank at times and I kick myself afterwards, but you know for a mum of 3, emerging from a decade at home. I don't think I did too bad!

So , congratulations to the worthy winner ,Annie , You will have a great time working with Savoo. What  dealings I have had with them so far they have been nothing short of professional and extremely encouraging. I shall look forward to following your new blog and money saving ideas with avid enjoyment! 

Liebster Award

Loving All the Love!

A huge , great big , humble pie filled thank you to :

The Greek Housewife

Beauty Box

     for nominating me for the liebster blog awards. This is an award for new ( ish) blogs that have under 200 followers. It is a way of giving people encouragement for the job they are doing and encouraging them to keep going! So I am well pleased to receive not one, but two more! It is a fantastic way to get your blog known and also to discover new blogs along the way.

t

  




     To receive the award you must answer the 11 questions , state 11 things about yourself (oops missed this last time!) and pick 11 blogs with less than 200 followers that you think deserve the liebster blog to pass it on to!

Ok so 2 awards = 22 questions! You ready for this?

1)    What is your favourite type of blog post to read?
Today - fashion. Tomorrow - recipes. Then - beauty . In other words I like all sorts!

2)    What is your favourite book?
Charlie and Lola ( I know - sad mother.)

3)    Dramatic eyes or bright lips?
Dramatic eyes all the way.

4)    Where is your favourite place to shop?
Zara.

5)    Shoes or handbags?
I have to choose?

6)    Which perfume are you always reaching for?
Coco mademoiselle

7)    What would be your dream career?
SAHM - oh hang on that's what I am :)

8)    How would you describe your sense of style?
Simple, classic with impractical heels. Occasionally dishevelhelled.

9)    Which two beauty products would you recommend everyone should try?
Dermalogica range . Soap and Glory lip and cheek stain - so quick and easy!

10) What’s the best present you have ever been given?
My engagement ring on my birthday.

11) What’s your favourite nail varnish?
Orly's monroes red

1. Why do you blog?
   To find an outlet after my children have gone to school and to help others find a few good bargains!
   
   
2. Which is your favorite post? (link?)
   Michelle at Follow me Home is so talented . Inspires me to get that sewing out this term!
   
   
3. Have you ever received negative comments and how did you handle  it?
   No - people have been lovely ( so far!) to me.
   
   
4. If you were a movie character which one would you be?
   Rapunzel - wish my hair would grow quicker!
   
   
5. What is your favorite dessert? (If you have posted the recipe make a link to it!)
   Anything chocolate related.
   
   
6. What is your worst personality trait?
   Perfectionism - doesn't work when you have 3 messy kids and a messy husband.
   
   
7. 'Avengers' or 'Transformers' ?
   Neither. Ok maybe Avengers!!
   
   
8. If you could travel in time in which chronological period and where in the world would you go to?
   I'd give the 60's as a teenager in Britain a go!
   
   
9. What is your favorite book?
   Still Charlie and Lola!
   
   
10. Which quote/saying do you live by?
    "People are more important than things."
    
    
11. If you weren't answering these questions right now what would you be doing instead?
    Getting up - it is only 6.30 am.
    
    

    Still with me??!!  11 things about myself:

    
    
    1. I love, love, love my kids. They come first!
    2. I believe in God.
    3. Music with everything.
    4. I have a particular weakness for handbags and shoes.
    5. I no longer know the exact natural colour of my hair - may be dark blonde?
    6. I am a morning girl, not a night owl.
    7. My favourite colour is grey  ( mixed with vivid pink)
    8. I am quite private and controlled.
    9. I love the open countryside.
    10. Coffee. Say no more.
    11. Family girl through and through.
    

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Onwards and upwards!

    
    
    My 11 nominees ( now if you cannot find the time to accept this award I understand and still love and adore your blogs!) So Grab an award, answer 11 questions, state 11 things about yourself and pass it on to 11 blogs who have less than 200 followers! Job done! 
    
    
    1.Miss Beatrix ( Gorgeous recipes)
    2.Fashion @ 40
    3.Jesse's Girl
    4.Eat.Play.Shop.Love
    5.Pret-a-Mummy
    6.Where I am Now
    7.All Made Up
    8.chicncheerfull
    9.Powder Blue
    10.Gray Skies 
    11.The Flaky Fashionista
    
    
    
    Do check out these fabulous blogs and brighten their day with a lovely comment or two. 
    
    Blog Award Winners....Here are your questions!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    1. Why did you start blogging?

    
    

    2. Are you an organised or chaotic person when it comes to blogging?

    
    

    3. Do you plan your posts well in advance or go with the flow?

    
    

    4. Who are your Blog crushes?

    
    

    5. What is the main theme/themes of your blog and why did you choose these in particular?

    
    

    6. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

    
    

    7. What is your favourite chill out music track?

    
    

    8. What is your favourite well known saying or quote?

    
    

    9. What is your favourite thing to do to switch off and relax?

    
    

    10. Do you find it hard to turn off from blogging/twitter/facebook/instagram etc to make quality time for family?

    
    

    11. To blog or not to blog - would you recommend it to a friend?!
    
    
    The End.
    
    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    
    
    

July JolieBox

With an extra product too!

With the late arrival of last months box I hadn't expected my Joilebox to arrive this morning so it was a lovely treat - especially with end of term today! As an apology for last months mix up they have added an extra product in too and a lovely one at that. I think this months box is a winner.

The products are:

1. Etat Pur - Biomimetic Skincare B09 Express purifying mask - This intensive mask purifies the skin by absorbing toxins, impurities and excess sebum in the skin.

2. Jane Iredale - Tantasia self tanner - A moisturising self - tanner for the face and body that provides an instant healthy looking colour.

3. NailGirls - Two metallic mini - polishes from the Medal Collection inspired by the Olympics . I have bronze and silver in mine.

4. Wen by Caz Dean - Sweet Almond and Mint Cleansing Conditioner. Bursting with natural herbs and botanicals .This single step, cleansing conditioner leaves hair looking and feeling deeply cleansed and nourished at the same time.

5. Toe dividers.

6. Voucher for Etat Pur for 10 % off + 3 free samples.

7.  One extra product ! KMS  California - Hot Flex Spray . Flexible shaping and elastic hold. Unlimited heat styling without the damage. Humidity resistance, anti breakage. I am very excited to try this product out - hoping it does not disappoint!

I think this is a really great box . I can use everything in this box so will be working my way through these products. I will let you know if any turn out to be real winners.


I am also exploring uses for my empty boxes - I have a bit of an obsession for notebooks, boxes, stationary, pots etc . Paperchase is one of my favourite stores! So I love these useful little boxes! Glasses in one. Magazine free samples in another. 

What do you use yours for?

Jolibox you have redeemed yourself this month - one happy customer!