Virgos Lounge - Summer Dresses to Make You Sparkle

If you're on the hunt for that perfect summer dress, then ladies, you need to check out Virgos Lounge NOW. Crammed full of vibrant, beautiful pieces that are guaranteed to make you sparkle, it's the perfect one-stop shop if you have lots of those pesky, fancy garden parties and weddings to impress at in the next few months.

The colours of the outfits are just divine - I'm talking beautiful precious stone shades of topaz and turquoise, while vivid lilacs and oranges are also popular. There is plenty of gorgeous detailing to admire, which is handy if you're also looking to nail next season's glamorous Gatsby-esque trend too.

Need more convincing? Then just check out some of these beauties...

And for all you bag lovers out there (and really, how many ladies can honestly say they don't love a beautiful bag?), how about one of these clutches? They're so stunning and intricate!

So, if you are struggling to think of an outfit to impress, scamper on over and sneak a peek - I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Sam x

These Boots Are Made for Walking

Pretty much everyone knows that I have a thing for studs - I'm sure that it heralds back to my days as a punk (yes, really!) Yet although I ditched the battered fishnets and ripped t-shirts long ago, I've never lost my inner lust for anything with a stud and a spike.

Rocking something studded makes me feel like I can take on the world. I feel powerful, I feel confident, I can walk with my head held high. Does everyone else feel like that, or is it just me?

Anyway, all that considered, hurrah for these gorgeous, studded ankle boots from Office! Priced at £80, I want to snap them up in every colour - just pair with a pretty sundress now, then add tights come Autumn!

Sam x

What Sort of Skincare Regime Should a Teenage Boy Have?

Instagram pic taken on iPhone 

I have asked this question a few times on Google and never been able to ascertain what is best for my son.

My frustration is that there are so many campaigns aimed at men to use skincare products but how can you preach to men to use a cleanser, moisturiser or an aftershave balm when they never had anything decent to use during the early years of spotty teenage skin. They were told to only use aggressive facial washes.

We all know there are plenty of facial washes which are aimed at eradicating teenage acne but I would not dream of letting my son use such harsh chemicals to his face. Firstly, he is not a spotty teenager, he simply has the odd little pimple on his nose now and again, and secondly, I don't want him to use a facial wash which will literally strip his face.

NOW, if he was a girl I would know exactly what to do. Buy a gentle cleanser, gentle moisturiser and some cotton wool pads for her to use everyday. All of which are aimed at the female market. Perfect. However, I do not feel I can insist for my son to use these products too because he will be vey embarrassed and I would imagine he will hate me forever for making him do such a girly thing.

But there is no way I can buy him one of these facial scrubs either, simply because his skin does not require it. Teenage boys need a gentle cleanser and gentle moisturiser but there is no gentle skincare products in the mens beauty product market.

So please, please, please can the popular skincare brands for men invent a kind-to-skin product for teenage boys to use and PLEASE advertise on the television and in magazines so boys will not think they are being feminine if they do take good care of their skin.

Myself and all the other mothers of teenage boys would really appreciate any advice. We all feel the same about this and feel there are no options for our sons.

I asked this question on Twitter and thankfully, a skincare/beauty expert answered my plea. The wonderful @Buffbeautyblog gave me this wonderful advice

"@teresa_iam I'd start him off with a good face wash for the time being and weave in some moisturiser when he gets to the shaving age."

and the lovely Gemma Bolton from Buff Beauty recommended me this skincare product. I have snapped this up as it is such a decent price and perfect for what a boy needs when starting a skincare regime. Thankfully as it is called Bulldog he will not be put off thinking it is too girly.

Packed with 8 essential oils and green tea to gently cleanse your face of dirt and debris. None of Bulldog's products contain parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources and for £5.19 I think this facewash is the answer to my son's skincare regime.

Now my next issue is actually getting him to have a wash. Typical teenage boy! 

Teresa x

NOT Into THUGS!

Another headline hit the news this week of an elderly pensioner being seriously injured by intruders who were burgling his home. An 82 year old man from Guildford in Surrey was left like this after two thugs beat him up.

Source - Sky News

Every time I see an elderly pensioner being attacked, in their own home, it makes my blood boil! How on earth can anyone feel it necessary to inflict such harm on another human being let alone someone who is unable to defend themselves?

Why should a man in his own home be subjected to a horrific beating just because he was in his own home? I just cannot comprehend what must have gone through the thugs minds.  And if they get caught by the police and took to court, what will happen?

Hopefully a lengthy stay at Her Majesty's pleasure, but I doubt it. They will get a year or maybe two in prison where they sit in a room playing on a PS3, lying on their bed and getting fed three hot meals a day without having to lift a ruddy finger! Yeah, severe punishment, my arse!

There is no deterrent for these mindless thugs because they are never taught a lesson. I mean, come on, what are the consequences of committing such a despicable crime? Probably, the one thing they have craved more than ever, support, routine and a struggle-free lifestyle. Their only inconvenience is only being allowed to see their family during prison visits and ringing them everyday on the telephone. I am sure this is no different to how often they saw family and friends whilst they had their freedom.

How is that a punishment? What about all the men and women who serve our country out in Afghanistan and Iraq? Risking their lives for pittance pay whilst their families are back in the UK worrying whether the next death of a soldier could be their son, brother or father. The prisoners get a far more cushy life than law-abiding citizens.

We hear of the Community Payback where convicted criminals are made to carry out jobs to give something back to their community. Half of these criminals on this payback scheme seldom turn up and if they keep re-offending they are put in prison to only serve a small sentence due to the overcrowding in the nation's prisons. The whole prison system is an absolute joke.

I am all for rehabilitation but not when the prisoner is not prepared to change his/her ways. It costs an awful lot of taxpayers money to keep a prisoner comfortable in his institutionalised hotel and it is clearly evident the prison system is not working. We have all watched the countless prison documentaries where they interview numerous prisoners who say they will re-offend when they are released because it's a much easier life in prison playing table tennis and watching television everyday without having to worry about paying bills, feeding and clothing your children and trying to get a job.  There is no incentive for a prisoner to go straight.

Mr Joe Carter pictured above is just another consequence of today's society. It is wrong and shameful. I am ashamed of how things are in this country and with all the cost-cutting in the police force and other services I cannot see anything improving soon.

Yours thoroughly ticked off and ashamed of the UK justice system.

Teresa x

Little Black Book - Lucas Jack Jewellery

Ladies, let me introduce you to yet another stunning jewellery website - Lucas Jack. I'm sorry for once again tempting you with beautiful jewels, but I couldnt resist sharing this one. Literally, the whole damn site is crammed with amazing trinkets and statement pieces (think bling rings, glamorous cuffs and door knocker earrings) which any fashionista will love.

I am particularly in love with the cocktail rings (I have a thing for massive, oversized rings) and desperately want some of the resin bits and pieces!

Also going on my wish list is this beautiful gold star bracelet and the skull cuff...

There really is something for everyone on this site. I literally sat there like you do at a firework display, constantly murmuring "oooh!" "AHHH!" It's simply that pretty. So whether you're a skull and crossbones kinda girl, or a fan of more traditional glitz and glam, check out these earrings...

And as if the rings, earrings and bracelets weren't enough, the necklaces they have on offer are equally as stunning. How's a girl's bank balance supposed to cope?! The turquoise stones are just stunning, while the star necklace is beautifully subtle and delicate.

Anyway, enjoy browsing - and let me know what you buy!

Sam x

Friday Food Lust - Gingernut Biscuits

For me, the gingernut is the King of all Biscuits. Not only is it perfect for dunking in a cuppa, but the retro, nostalgic feel to it makes it strangely comforting. It reminds me of long, hazy summers spent at my grandparents' house - I would always sneak into the kitchen and steal my Grandpa's biscuits (always gingernuts) from the tin.

Anyway, I've finally finally got a recipe for Gingernuts which I love! Since I like to share these things with you, here you are...

One recipe for the perfect gingernut biscuit!

Enjoy dunking,

Sam x


Ingredients

(Serves 24)

275g plain flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp bicarbonate
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
125g butter
200g caster sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp water
4 tbsp black treacle
2 tbsp caster sugar

Method:

1) Preheat your oven to 180C, then sift together the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt into a mixing bowl. Set aside.

2) In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and the 200g of caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg, then slowly stir in both the water and treacle.

3) Take your sifted ingredients and gradually stir into the treacle mixture. Now you're ready to shape your biscuits!

4) Depending on how big you want your biscuits, shape the dough (I tend to go with walnut sized balls), then roll them in the remaining 2 sugar. Place the biscuits, with plenty of room in-between, onto an ungreased baking tray, then flatten ever-so slightly.

5) Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and allow to cool before serving with a cup of tea and a good book!

Friday's High Street Hitlist

This weekend (in honour of the Olympics opening ceremony), we're going to make sure we're doing the sport that us British ladies do best - shopping!!

Just arm yourselves with this round-up of all the hottest items to hit the high street this week and go, go, go! Gold medal once again goes to Zara, if only for making me want pretty much everything they stock. Mango are definitely my runners-up though - I am loving the embellished collars which they have in abundance right now!

Sam x


Zara

Zara has revamped their website this week, and I LOVE it! The new images really show off the quality of the clothes, and there's plenty there to drool over...why not jump aboard the military trend with this vivid red blazer? Or embrace gothic glam with the black peplums or embroidered shirt!

Fantasy fabric blazer, £79.99

Coat with quilted leather sleeves, £139

Peplum frill shirt, £29.99

Hand embroidered mini skirt, £79.99

Folk print t-shirt, £17.99

Studded slipper, £39.99

Ankle-strap wedge, £69.99

Dress with studded shoulder, £89.99

Faux leather peplum top, £39.99

Top with embroidered flowers, £39.99

Topshop

I am completely in love with these Topshop studded ankle boots - and at £40, I desperately want to snap them up in every colour! Navy, burgundy, cream, they're all coming home with me...

Drum print denim skater dress, £48

Studded sleeve vest, £35

Studded ankle boots, £40

Fluro boucle skirt, £45

Knitted necklace jumper, £42

ASOS

Is it just me, or have Kookai really revamped themselves lately? Anyway, I love this mustard shirt and the boxy leather jacket!

Kookai print top with Peter Pan collar, £69

ASOS Geo shirt, £35

Spot and pocket pencil dress, £42

Whistles sporty crepe skirt, £95

Kookai boxy jacket with leather sleeve, £139

Doorknocker earrings, £8

Spike leather cuff, £25

Urban Outfitters

Definitely going to be ordering this spike necklace - perfect for jazzing up my boring tops and jumpers!

Mink Pink triangle knit, £65

Triangle spike necklace, £18

Warehouse

Warehouse have some gorgeous printed dresses right now, and this landscape one is a particular fave - its gorgeous blue and white teacup-esque print is very new season Preen!

Landscape print dress, £55

Geo front jumper, £38

River Island

I can't resist a studded slipper, especially when they're burgundy and velvet like these beauties!

Velvet studded slippers, £45

Green jacquard print tube skirt, £20

Cosmic print midi skater dress, £25

Mango

I have a real thing for embellished collars, so this sleeveless pussy bow shirt is right up my street!

Peter Pan collar shirt, £34.99

Sequin shoulder bag, £44.99

Scarf print trousers, £34.99

Brooch chains necklace, £49.99

Embellished detachable collar jumper, £44.99

Chiffon dress with sequins, £109.99

H+M

H+M have some great, grungey pieces hitting stores right now - they're really appealing to my inner punk rocker!

Slimline ombre jeans, £29.99

Imitation leather sleeve jacket, £29.99

ROAM's Flamingo and Robot Baby Blankets

I know, I know - at 33 weeks pregnant, I'm a little preoccupied with all things baby at the moment. Sorry, but I just can't seem to help myself!

However obsessed I am though, I reckon that everyone can appreciate these personalised cashmere baby blankets at ROAM. They're gorgeous! In fact, the robot one is so darn cool that I want it for myself. If only it would fit me and bump beneath...Although perhaps not in this heat. I think I may just die.

Even if you're not a a baby fan, they have a fab range of blankets for us adults too. My personal fave? This very on-trend, Pop Art-inspired "Kapow!" bed throw...

Back to all things baby, and ROAM even have flamingo baby blankets! You know how much we love our flamingos...now you know we're on to something special...

Anyway, these would make the most unique baby gifts, don't you think? Ideal for anyone who likes something a little bit different, and really want their nursery to stand out from the crowd.

Sam x