Shopping | Kate Spade Takeout Cup

Recently I bid farewell to one of my favourite take out cups and felt at a loss without the ability to have a drink on the go. This Kate Spade cup caught my eye a few weeks back, with a shiny metallic ring pattern with a cream lid and base it looked so chic and not too over the top. I've always appreciated Kate Spade's ability to be sophisticated but also bold without printing the brand name massively over it like other brands.

Now I can have guilt free take out coffee and this was £16 from Jarrold's of Norwich.

Lifestyle | Adventure Across Town

Today was very grey and dull outside but I didn't want to give in to the British weather so I wrapped up in a cozy jumper, my big parka jacket I got in Berlin and a blanket scarf like a lost eskimo. There is a retail park on the outskirts of Norwich called Longwater which has The Range, Next (with Costa), Staples, Argos and lots of other shops to amble around in but I particularly wanted to go to The Range. I'm not sure if they're everywhere but they are similar to B&M and Home Bargains I think. Really I was going to look at the stationery as I needed a cutting board and a case for my Kindle but I came away with neither.

One of the best benefits of retail parks is they often have coffee shops with great seating to watch the world go by. Although my seat overlooked the car park (I grabbed these seats after they cleared the table) the view past was of fields and trees, very relaxing. The Next there is massive and houses a home section and a clothes department with a great Petite selection too, great for shorties like me. I bought a set of rose gold rings which I'm apprehensive about using until I've coated the inside but they are so shiny! 

Apologies for the poor lighting here, taken in the evening and I haven't arranged a light box just yet.

I popped into town after the retail park since I had a voucher for the Intu Chapelfield mall and wanted to get The Martian, alas it isn't out until tomorrow but I did get Jurassic World and Mad Max Fury Road instead. Whilst in town I went into the House Of Fraser Paperchase (Geez Claire have some self control) and they had stickers for 25p! I clearly didn't resist, below is the result of this.

LIFESTYLE // TASSIMO CHARMY (T55) COSTA AT HOME

I'm a sucker for coffee, I love the boost caffeine gives in the morning and the treat of a sweet caramel latte is just so tempting. The feeling of visiting a coffee shop and enjoying a more premium coffee is one of my favourite past times (sad I know). 

A few friends had been talking of Tassimo machines and during a browse online I came across this beauty, on offer at £45. It is the Tassimo Charmy (T55), it features a water filtration system which is ideal as I live in an area with hard water. The machine uses little pods of coffee and milk to create hot drinks, many from familiar favourite brands such as; Twinings Chai Latte, Milka Hot Chocolate and Costa Latte/Caramel Latte/Cappucino. 

The brilliant red is so striking, though I bought it as it was such a great deal I'm glad it isn't in standard black. It's shiny exterior is reminiscent of 1950's American diners. So far I have only tried the Costa Caramel Latte and I must admit it is amazing, I'd read reviews that say the milk isn't great but it tasted delicious, the coffee taste was rich and much like that of the real thing. Looking forward to trying the other flavours, especially the Chai latte. The taste isn't 100% that of coffee shops but I'd say it is a great at home substitute and the machine works so fast it is ideal for some one with a busy lifestyle. 

Busy Busy Black

Hey lovelies. I've been a busy bee this past few weeks pulling together all my work for a deadline, it has been so stressful but a little fun too, lots of giggles with class mates. I haven't had much time to snap my outfits for the day so here is a quick phone pic with my Iconemesis Leah Cat phone case hehe. 

Dress: Ebay 

Jacket: Oasis 

My effort to dress for function over form has been working out pretty well, I never dress appropriately for cold weather though, can't give up those fancy dresses and cute skirts!

All the shops right now seem to be prepping for Christmas, it is so lovely to see all the decorations and the crisp cold weather is certainly a sign that we're getting close. I've done most of my Christmas shopping luckily so just enjoying treating myself with a red cup Starbucks drink now and again. I've worked so hard at University but that has led to lots of caffeine so after hand in I'm gonna try a detox from it, wish me luck.

Hope you're all enjoying the festive atmosphere!