Shopping spree!

Hello Lovelies!

With summer fast approaching, and the United Kingdom having a sunny spell, I decided to take a visit to Reading to treat myself to some new spring/summer clothing. Primark currently has a gorgeous range of clothing in (and the usual questionable items!) So I thought I'd take a few photos of the items I brought to share with you!

Style Icon jumper - How cute is this? It's quite a light sweater so it's perfect for chilly evenings!

Minions T-shirt: I couldn't resist this, I do love the Despicable Me films! The only thing I'd say about this is that it's rather short in the body. I'd probably wear it with high waisted shorts or jeans.

Shorts! These were on offer at £3.90 a piece - they had a wide range of colours and styles available for purchase. I may have to go back to get more as they are pretty comfy and made of a nice denim material!

Lavender socks: Cute and reduced to a £1.00 too!

Pink floral skinny jeans: These are really comfy though a little on the short side for me (I'm 5'8) so I'd probably roll them up a little and wear them as cropped trousers.

Cropped leggings: these have a sweet lace trim, pretty light and comfy for the summer.

So that's it for now! Have you treated yourself to anything new for the summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Ta-ta for now

X

Creams Desserts Bar - Reading

Hello Lovelies!

Oh my gosh! I had the chance to go to a Creams desserts bar in Reading! Creams have been open a little while now and my husband and I popped in after a meeting in town. It'd always looked interesting from the outside so we decided to pop in.

As it was late afternoon it wasn't very busy inside, a lady seated us, handed us a menu and left - it would have been nice if she had explained that we needed to order at the bar, it was only after waiting awhile we noticed there was a number on the table and that we'd need to order at the bar.

There was quite a lot to choose form on the menu - they even do waffles! (We saw someone else with the waffle and it was HUGE!! Definitely don't expect to stay on a diet if you come here!) We both opted to order sundae's and I placed the order at the till - it was about £12 for two.

A little while later these appeared! Mr Lock opted for the Oreo ice cream sundae, which looked amazing! It had crushed up Oreos on the ice cream too!

There was even a whole Oreo in there!

I opted for the mango sundae - I love fruit ice creams and mango is my favourite!

Mango sauce and wafers! 

Mango ice cream with pieces of mango in the bottom of the sundae glass. This was really, really good! I'd definitely get it again. I can imagine that this place would get really busy in the summer months but I think it would be worth the wait. (I'd also love to know where they got their sparkly wall paper from!)

Ta-ta for now!

x

Blurring the Line - Kierney Scott ~*~SPONSORED REVIEW~*~

Hello Lovelies!

I have a book review for you today - I was very kindly sent a copy of Blurring the Line by Kierney Scott to review.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from it as it's not my usual genre. However having said that this book is a great summer read. The characters are interesting and the story line well written. I'm a great lover of the TV crime dramas and it reminds me a lot of those, with plot twists and turns that you won't be expecting.

This isn't your average boy saves girl, story, far from it. FBI agent Beth is very much her own, dependant and strong woman who knows what she's doing and how to get the job done. Right from the get-go the book drops your straight in at the most tense situation! With out going into too much detail and spoiling the story for you, there's something for everyone in this book, drama, comedy, romance. The book is very well written and Scott's characters are so vivid you almost feel like you know these people in real life! Each has their own intricate back story and it's very easy to imagine yourself in the same places as Torres and Beth - I'd love to visit his beach house!

The one thing I would say is, be warned that once you start this series you'll want to read them all, as it ends on a cliff hanger!

Ta-ta for now!
x

Afternoon out in Reading

Hello Lovelies! I was very lucky on the Easter bank holiday week and my lovely Beccy came to visit! We don't get to see each other that often as we live at opposite ends of the country. We spent the Friday after shopping in Reading before going for Dinner at Cosmo with my Husband.

Beccy drove all the way to our house and Harry was very happy to see her when she arrived! (He really does love everyone, especially Beccy!) He spent most of the weekend being Beccy's shadow.

We stopped for coffee at BBS Muffins - it's been for ever since I went out for coffee and it was lovely to sit and chat. We'd been walking around the shops for quite a few hours by this point and it was very busy in town because if the holiday. We did get quite a few nice things though! My highlight was the River Island sale where I got a dress reduced to £10 from £100 and a cute pair of pink shoes for £3.75!

Somehow we both ended up wearing leather jackets! It was probably a good choice as it started raining quite hard.

 Beccy wanted something from the Urban Decay Counter in Debenhams - I really love their counter, it looks so pretty.

 

We found this funny little Iwako whale eraser in one of the stationary shops. There seems to be a lot of 'kawaii' stationary shops cropping up aside from paperchase recently. Reading has at least three of them.

Then it was time for dinner at Cosmo! For those of you that don't know, Cosmo is an all you can eat buffet place - but it has food from all around the world to choose from! My favourite is the the Dim Sum and some of the other dumplings, but that was out of order when we went (Can I use that as an excuse to go again??)

So I totally forgot to get photos inside the restaurant, because it is a little rushed (You have a time limit as it's so popular and it's always super busy).

 Beccy's cute plate of desserts - they have lots of tiny little cakes to choose from.

My plate of dessert - I didn't each much of this as a lot of it wasn't what I expected. The apple crumble and the chocolate cake were nice though!

All in all, it was a fun day out, even if the weather was bad and it was so, so busy! (The queue in Primark was half way down the store!!) I can't wait till Beccy comes to visit again.

Ta-ta for now,

X

They kept the home fires burning and their secrets buried.... ~ Secrets of the Singer Girls by Kate Thompson ~*~ SPONSORED REVIEW ~*~

Hello Lovelies!

One of my hobbies is reading and another sewing, when I saw someone looking for reviewers for a new book 'Secrets of the Singer Girls' I leapt at the chance and sent my details I'd read the blurb online and it seemed like something I'd really enjoy reading. A little while later the author, Kate Thompson contacted me to review her book which has only just gone on sale! I was so excited and waited for the book to arrive in the post.

'1942. Sixteen-year-old Poppy Percival arrives at the gates of Trout's clothing factory in Bethnal Green, ready to begin a new life as an East End Seamstress. Forced to leave her quiet countryside home, and banished to a war-ravaged London, Poppy harbours a dark secret - one that tore away from all she knew.

By day the East End women of Trout's play their part in the war effort, stitching bandages and repairing uniforms for troops on the front line, But Poppy's new friends at the factory are hiding some painful truths. Vera, the salt-of-the-earth forelady, has had a hard life, with scars both visible and concealed. Vera's glamorous younger sister Daisy has romantic notions that could get her into trouble; while Sal, a hardworking mother, worries about the safety of her two evacuated boys for good reason...'

I'm not quite sure where to start with the book, it's just so, so amazing and I don't want to give anything away! I read the whole book in just a few days (which I thought was quite good going as I work full time as well!) It's just that good, you won't want to put it down.

The Author is fantastic at writing her characters, you really empathise with them and her research has been completed in detail into the time period and what what life would have been like during WWII for the women in the East End, from working in the sewing factories to home life. Part of the story is based on a historic tragedy, which has been written in such a way that you feel you are there witnessing it. Surroundings, emotions - everything is described beautifully and you will genuinely feel for these women and watch them grow in ways you couldn't think imaginable when their secrets are revealed. The story it's self is captivating and you'll keep binge reading it just to know what happens next!

I highly recommend that you read this book, it really is an enthralling read that shouldn't be missed, even if it's not your normal choice I really would suggest checking it out because you will be pleasantly surprised with how wonderful this read is.

If you'd like to read this book, you can purchase it on Amazon in either paper edition of Kindle edition here:
Amazon - Secrets of the Singer Girls

Ta-ta for now
X

Urban Piercings Reading - ~*~Positive~*~

Hello Lovelies!

Today I have a handy review about Urban Piercings in Reading! I'm mainly witting this as whilst I was researching for a reputable piercers in Reading I couldn't really find many reviews or information! Awhile ago I decided I wanted my upper ear pierced and set about looking  for somewhere that I would be happy with. I came across Urban Piercings which had been recommended to me before, and had a look at their very informative website. (They also have an amazing on-line store that I'll be taking advantage of soon!) The website contains lots of different information on different kinds of piercings, stretchings, after care as well as lots of other useful items. Urban are also registered with Reading Borough Council. After thinking it over for awhile I decided to go ahead and get my piercing done with Urban - whilst I was researching I came across someone who said Urban used to be in Harris Arcade - It turns out these guys did my original lobe piercings but had just moved locations!

So off I went on a Tuesday morning down to Urban Piercings - they are located just off Friar street - so very accessible for all modes of transport. I'd been forewarned they get super busy so I aimed to get there just after opening, I went in, talked to the very friendly lady behind the counter about what I wanted, chose a ring over a bar and paid for my piercing (£22) and was offered a choice of after care solutions. I opted for the drops as they seemed easier to use and would last longer! (£4 - but they smell really lovely too!) I was given an after care sheet to read through and asked to take a seat and someone would be right with me.

I then met the lovely Belle! She was so so sweet! Belle showed me the ring that she would use to make sure I was happy with it, disinfected my ear, marked the spot, checked I was happy, wiped it again and away she went! I have to say it hurt way less than I was expecting! It was way easier than a blood test! Belle did a fab job and was happy to chat away to me too (probably a good thing because I babble when I get nervous!) Belle explained the after care for the piercing (It's slightly different to lobes as you aren't meant to move the piercing at all as this can prevent it from healing properly). It didn't really hurt much after I left either, though it does feel a little bruised now - the healing time for cartilage piercings is around 2-4 months though you can change the jewellery after 2.

And here we go, my lovely ring a day or so after it was done! I'm considering getting my other ear done once this one is healed! (I'd highly suggest not getting both done at the same time as you'll have a very interesting time trying sleep!) I'd definitely go back to Urban again and I'd ask for Belle too!

If you'd like more information on Urban Piercings 

you can check out their website and store below!

Urban Piercings Site

Urban Piercing Shop

IKON HAIR REVIEW - Earley - ~*~Positive!~*~

Hello Lovelies,

Hair is a very personal thing. You always want it to look it's best, and the wrong hair cut can mean disaster (unless you own a variety of awesome hats!) I've had some very bad hair cuts in the past and even a few there were completely opposite to what I wanted (take the time when I asked for a scene cut, and for it to be dyed pillar box red - I left almost 4 hours later with dark red perfectly straight, one length all round!!). There's now only one person I trust to cut my hair, and that's Kay from Ikon Hair!

I met Kay almost two years ago when I was looking for a bridal hair dressers that wasn't going to charge me £300 just to do my hair, I wasn't asking for anything too complicated (I think, but saying that I did have long hair that reached the small of my back, and it's quite thick too) But I contacted Ikon and sent them a picture of what I was asking for and they came back with a price and asked if I could pop in!) From there it was pretty much history! Kay did a wonderful job of my hair for the wedding, so much so that I went back a few days later to get it cut shorter. I really do love Kay, and one of the things that I like best is that she LISTENS to what I ask for! She also chats to me whilst styling my hair! I can't stress enough, how good this is, every other place I've been always makes it seem like a massive inconvenience that I'm there and I end up sitting in silence for an hour! Ikon always makes me feel welcome.

So here's a quick before and after my last visit to Ikon! My hair always looks so pretty and feels really soft! I'd highly recommend Ikon to anyway in the Wokingham/Earley/Woodley/Reading area! It's definitely worth a trip!

You can check out their website below which has a price list and a handy online booking system to boot!

Ikon Hair

Lightning Pass Motorcycle Training

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is a bit different to the usual. If someone had said to me at the beginning of the year that I'd have my full motorbike licence I'd of probably laughed them out of the room. However, I'm rather pleased to say I now have a full, unrestricted motorbike licence and it's very much in thanks to guys at Lightning Pass Motorcycle Training!

For those of you that don't know, I did my CBT around May this year with another local school, with the intention of taking hourly lessons with them and taking my tests in 2015, but when it came to it, after a single lesson with the trainer he completely shattered my confidence, told me I'd probably never take the DAS (Direct Access Scheme for an unrestricted licence) and I almost gave up on the whole thing.

My husband convinced me to try another school before giving up as he'd ridden with me and couldn't see what the trainer was saying. I gave Lightning Pass a call, spoke with William and explained what had happened with the other school and that I wanted to take the DAS. William was very reassuring and offered me a free lesson to assess my riding and work out which of their courses would suit me best, as I'd only been riding my 125cc a few months and didn't have that much experience.

When it came round to the free lesson, I was really nervous as I'd convinced myself that the original school were right and that my riding was awful - I needn't of worried, the first instructor I met was lovely - I rode one of the Honda's about the car park to to assess how I'd get on with the bigger bikes. The instructor suggested that I do the 4 day course which consisted of a 125cc road rider, MOD 1 day, Mod 1&2 + MOD 1 Test and a MOD 2 + Test day. As I'd already booked my theory test I didn't need to book this with lightning. I went ahead and booked and paid for my course.

So day 1 arrived and I was pretty worried again, although for the road rider I used my 125cc so I didn't have to learn to use another bike for the first day. There was another Lady with me on the course (She was going straight to the MOD 1 training). We both had a practice in the car park to make sure we knew what we were doing and practised the slalom and figure of 8.

After this we rode from the Reading to Oxford branch - if you've never done this, I'd recommend it! There are some really lovely roads between the two! The other trainee went with our instructor to practice the manoeuvre for the MOD1 and I met my instructor for the rest of the afternoon, Sam. I spent the afternoon riding around Oxford under Sam's instruction. He pointed out where I was going wrong and ways to correct the issues I was having and some of the things that I had been taught previously, before riding back to Reading.

Day 2 was more daunting as this was the first of the big bike days, I was also joined by another student, Paul and our instructor for the day was Lee. I was given a Suzuki Gladius to use. After while of getting to used to the bike in the car park we stopped to go over the rules of the road and rider positions before going out for a short ride. After lunch came the Mod 1 practice - if you've ever looked up the the course on the DSA site it looks quite daunting, but having it layed out in front of you makes it much clearer.

So in a nutshell, 1 - Park the bike facing in one space, get off and push it round into the other space facing the opposite direction, 2/3 - Ride into the slalom and into the figure of 8 and continue the figure of 8 until the examiner tells you to stop, 4 - Ride in a straight line at walking pace, 5 - U-turn, 6 - Controlled stop, 7 - Emergency stop at 32MPH, 8 - Swerve at 32MPH. We practised these all afternoon! Lightning have a speed gun to help you see if you are going fast enough. I will say that 32MPH feels a lot faster in a smaller space than it does on the road.

The 3rd day was the MOD 2 practice and MOD 1 test. I had the black Gladius for this day. We rode from Reading to Oxford a little while before the test. I was utterly convinced I'd fail as I couldn't do a u-turn without putting my foot down! The instructor I had needs a massive gold star for being so patient with me - I literally got it 2 minutes before we left for the test. I did my MOD 1 at Oxford Stadium - there's a longer run up for the speed tests than at Lightnings which makes it slightly easier to get the right speed and I passed first time!

The rest of the day was spent riding around Oxford, practising hill starts, angled starts, life saver checks and riding in general, there's a lot to take in and learn to make sure you are a safe rider.

Day 4 was some more MOD 2 practice as the other days plus the MOD 2 test. Unfortunately I failed my MOD 2, I think possibly due to nerves and booked a re-take with Lightning for 10 days time. Luckily for me I got Jason again for my 5th day. He was so good with putting up with my nervous rambling! Again we spent the morning riding around Oxford before heading back for the test. This time I wasn't as nervous and I was back on the blue and white Gladius from the MOD 1 training day ( I swear it's lucky!!!) and I passed!! The reality took a little while to sink in but I'm totally over the moon!! This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Other girls wanted ponies, I wanted a motorbike and a pony!!

It's very much down to Lightning making this all possible. The instructors are lovely, patient and very clear with their instructions and explaining where you've gone wrong. Best of all they didn't make me want to give up when I made mistakes when learning. I love the fact they use Student Record cards as they let you see how your are progressing over the course. If you are looking to learn to ride a motorbike I'd 100% recommend the guys at Lightning - and I really wish I'd taken my CBT with them as well. I really enjoyed learning with them. I went from being told I'd never take an A licence test to passing the A test in a three weeks! That's just how good they are! To book or get in contact with Lighning check out their website below!

LIGHTNING PASS MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

Ta-ta for now!
X

Nottinghill Reading - An everything for £5 store!

On Saturday I ventured into Reading on the bus to meet a friend for coffee!

After we were finished at the lovely Boswell's café (I would highly recommend their Skinny Caramel Latte's!) We made our way through the Christmas shoppers in the Broad Street Mall to the Nottinghill store.