Lunchbreak Browsing.

The novelty of being pretty much in the centre of a city has yet to wear off. It's so nice to be able to take full advantage of my lunch break and do a bit of mooching, it really helps that Oxford has so many places to explore too!

One of my favourite things to do happens weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and that's the Oxford Giant Market, a food and vintage market in the Gloucester Green market square.



It's a great place to pick up really tasty dim sum and there are quite a few fun shops and cafés dotted around the outside, including The Old Fire Station, which holds entertainment and arts events and even includes a cute art shop that sells indie prints and jewellery.

I still had my camera from snapping at the Lush Christmas event so I took the opportunity to take a few pictures, I even managed to pick up Dolly's namesake record for just £1, something that pleased me no end - it helps that it's a pretty nice cover with cute spiel on the back too.








A big part of me hopes this guy is still there today - might be one of my biggest regrets not buying him. WHATISHE?!










I just read that there's going to be a more vintage/retro focussed market happening on Saturdays from 8th November onwards so that will be great for Christmas and allow for a more thorough root through all the hidden treasures(!)

It's slightly less glamourous and a lot smaller than Spitalfields, but so much more affordable and less like money for old rope, I definitely recommend swinging by, if only for the dumplings. ♥

Vouchercloud: Summer Fashion Tips

Lovely Ben from vouchercloud got in touch with me after reading my post about 30 Ways to Save £1 and asked if it would be cool to do a guest post. I guess it's not something I'd ever really thought about before, but definitely something I'd be willing to consider in the future, if it's relevant, obviously. So here's a quick little piece about some must-haves for men and women now that the weather is picking up and it's time for ice cream and getting accidental sunburn (I'm okay with flip flops though(!)).
Be sure to check out the great offers on Boden vouchercloud have on at the moment, the perfect site to follow up these tips with.

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Summer is the time to make a statement and one of the best ways to do this is through your wardrobe. Ruth has given me the opportunity to provide some of the hottest fashion trends under the sun this summer for both sexes, so don your sunglasses and bring out the floral dresses. You never know, we might even get some sunshine.

For the ladies
Monochrome – One of this summer’s early favourites is monochrome, which is basically rocking an entire outfit in black and white. The catwalks have been dominated by sleek and sexy monochrome garments and the stars of entertainment have been getting into the swing of things too, with the likes of Kate Middleton, Carey Mulligan and Emma Stone all adopting the look on the red carpet.
The main attraction of monochrome is what you can do with it. Stripes are also big this summer so you could go for a striped dress with a leather jacket or a smart cream jacket over dark leggings/tights with heels.


Floral Print – This design is as popular as ever with dresses, silk shirts and even shoes with floral patterns. Many see floral as the true festival look, which is always complimented by a pair of sunglasses. Floral skirts are especially popular this season.

Summer Sunnies – It is really down to personal preference when it comes to sunglasses. You have the classic Ray Bans, aviators and a host of new designs and styles, including cat eye and decoration. Cat eye sunglasses adopt a classic 50s style with rising peaked frames making you stand out from the crowd. Decoration styled glasses bring out the Lady Gaga in you, with bright and bold designs and colours attached to the frames.

For the chaps:
Gingham Check Shirts – These can be worn in long-sleeve and short-sleeve, but personally I would recommend the short-sleeve option if the sun is shining. Designers have produced a wide range of styles and colours and dependent on your style, you can opt to button up to the neck or open the collar. Gingham check shirts look great with a pair of lightweight indigo denim shorts or trousers.

Pastels – These soft colours are brilliant either as shorts and tee-shirts or as a lightweight trousers and jacket look. Pastels also allow you to show off your shiny metallic watch or bracelet and work really well with a pair of bold dark Ray Bans.


Kicks – Flip flops are out, so don’t even consider it unless you are on a beach in Cornwall. Daps will go well with most summer outfits but don’t just get any old generic cheap pair, Vans have a great range of flats with or without thick soles. Alternatively summer brogues are a good option with pastels but don’t go for these with shorts, it’s far too bold!


So there you have it. No excuses to look dull this summer. Enjoy your sunny days and free time while looking your best this season.

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Author Bio: Ben Walker is an SEO thought-leader at vouchercloud, who specialises in digital content, relationship management and fashion.

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30 Ways to Save Some £££s

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I've been meaning to upload this for a little while... I know I say this a lot but this last year and a half has been crazy, I've gone from being ridiculously unemployed to the point where I wasn't even entitled to JSA anymore because I'd been on it to long. I was living at home, being bored in a spiral of job hunting and now I'm in my own little flat, with a proper grown up job. I think, although I'm pretty bad at it, saving money will always be at the back of my mind, there's always nice things I want to do and I don't really want to worry about them. It's because of this mentality that I was pretty excited to see Money Super Market's '30 Ways to Save £1' Challenge, in honour of the £1 coin's 30th Anniversary, of course - very weird that it's only 7 years older than me!

I love a good list, so here's my list of 30 ways to save yourself some pennies.

Home Things:

1. Upcycle Your Furniture: Sometimes you don't need to buy completely new things and just a lick of paint will do - Furniture can be expensive, paint, less so and it goes a long way. We painted a few things that we were gifted when we moved to our new flat and it really gave them a new lease of life.
   [Rainbow Clothes Chest.] [Duck Egg Bathroom Box.]
2. Sample Pots of Paint: Following on from 'upcycling', I guess paint can be pretty pricey too - Wilkinson do really good-sixed sample pots for just £1, which is perfect for smaller items like mirrors and shelves.
3. Cold Water for Plants: I'm nicking this one from my Gran a little bit, but why not collect your water in containers while waiting for it to heat up when washing up, then use that water for your plants. It's just going down the drain otherwise, and this way thirsty plants get a drink and you're not wasting water.
4. Grow Your Own: We've not had a whole lot of success growing our own so far, but we did get a metric ton of broad beans last year so I guess that means they're pretty easy to grow. I'd say the cost of getting things started is definitely worth it once you're saving money on fruit and veg, which by the way is hella expensive - no wonder there are issues with obesity when it's cheaper to buy a 6-pack of crisps than it is to buy a bag of salad.
5. Save up Cards and Paper: If you can get some nice ones, cards are perfect for recycling into gift tags and using again. Same goes for wrapping paper, you can even use it again for a second go at wrapping a gift.
6. Sew Yourself Some Homewares: Cushions can be upwards of £30 in some places, if you spent the same money on the materials you'd probably be able to make at least 4 cushions. You don't even need a fancy machine, cushions are easiest to make and just require some pins and a sewing needle. Of course they're much quicker to make with a sewing machine but it's a pretty relaxing way to spend an afternoon and it gives you a little more freedom with the design.
7. Cook in bulk: Cook things like stews in larger bulk and freeze them, great for days you can't be bothered to cook and want something quick, making it much easier to resist the call of takeaways.
8. Internet for Two: When taking out your internet in a long term shared home, be sure to only take it out in one name, that way you can cancel it each year and take it out in another name - new customers often get the best deals and prices go up after a certain period of time so it's a no-brainer.
9. Wrap Up: Having the heating on costs money, we got a major shock when our winter bill came through a couple of weeks ago - just cosy up in a blanket and big jumpers, it's just as easy to get warm.

Out & About:

1. Bring a Drink: If you know you're going to be out all day, why not fill up a spare plastic bottle with water (or whatever else you fancy) so you don't need to buy a drink, that way you get to save money that you didn't need to spend and you can stay hydrated.
2. Go for a Walk:
Enjoy the great outdoors, it's free, you don't need anything and it's an easy way to have a relaxing day out, you might even get to see some neat wildlife.

Second Guess:

I've started to make a habit of reconsidering things when out on a spree and asking myself whether I really need something - more often than not, I don't, so I end up not buying it, easy way to save money really, just not spending it...

Vouchercloud: Offering discounts for shops and restaurants, sometimes offering money off or 2 for 1 and all for free - you can either print off vouchers from the website or download an app onto you phone.

Online:

1. Cashback Websites: In my opinion QuidCo is one of the best things to happen to online shopping in a long time. All you need to do is sign up and then they give you money back on your online purchases from companies like New Look, ASOS and even Domino's, sure it's only a few pennies at a time, but it soon adds up and without it, you wouldn't get anything back so it's pretty solid.
2. Use Your Nectar Card on eBay: As I use Quidco for Cashback, I don't really use my Nectar card in the same way (although you can, so there's a bonus one if you don't want Quidco), but it's really easy to earn points when buying things from eBay, just attach your card and each time you win an auction or buy something, you'll get a point for every pound and the points eventually equate to money you can spend!
3. Price Comparison Sites are OK: ...but always go to the companies directly once you've had your quote. My car insurance was in the thousands when I was looking on comparison sites so I looked at the 'cheapest' site and entered my details there, and it already brought it down by £300, I'd recommend ringing them in the case of car insurance too as doing that saved me a further £100.
4. Unsubscribe:
Pesky emails from companies like Dorothy Perkins and ASOS are great for offers, not great for your purse. If you unsubscribe from these emails it's less likely that you'll know about the offers and be less likely get sucked in by 'great deals'.

Shopping:

1. Poundshops for Cleaning Products: I'm a little against Poundshops because sometimes they're not always offering the best deals and you just think it's good because it's 'only £1', but cleaning products can be upwards of that elsewhere unless they're on offer so it really can be a bargain, particularly if you're after brand names.
2. Make a List: ... and stick to it! Definitely worth the effort when food shopping, that way you'll only be buying what you need rather than picking up all the impulse-buys supermarkets are designed to make you buy.
3. Share your BOGOFs: Not really a big fan of Buy-One-Get-One-Free offers, sometimes it's fine, like when it comes to cosmetics offers but with food it can be a bit annoying and you end up with way more than you need. Why not split the cost with a friend, that way you get the item for half the price and you have the amount you need rather than too much.
4. Avoid 3 for 2 Offers: Again, this is more about food and sometimes it's fine if it's assorted items but just be careful. You could have lots of things end up being wasted when you could have been satisfied with just the one - you're spending more money buying three anyway, even if you're saving at the same time.
5. Buy Loose Fruit & Veg: (If you're not growing your own, obviously) - Don't be taken in by £1 bags of fruit and vegetables, I've found it's often much cheaper to weigh it myself. It also comes back (again) to not wasting it, by being able to choose what you want, you can judge how much you'll actually need, a much better alternative to a bag of mouldy, rotten carrots.
6. Buy a Whole Chicken: Individual cuts of meat are expensive, especially when you can get the whole thing for less than or the same price. If you're willing to DIY (bit grim, I always get Moon to do it), you'll more than likely have more than you need if you use it for meals like curries or stir-fries.
7. Pay in Cash: I feel like that way it feels like real money, cards are great for convenience but with cash you know exactly how much you're spending - we started a food kitty this month so we know exactly what we're spending and once it's gone, it's gone.

Taking Advantage:

1. Get a Railcard: It can cost £27.50 for me to travel back to New Malden on the train, with my trusty railcard it's only £13.50, saving me £14. At £28 a year, it seems like a lot, but if I make that journey twice it's like it's paid for itself. And that's just the 16-25 Railcard, there are railcards for everyone, so it's worth investigating.
2. Use Points Cards: Earning points on your Boots Advantage card or Nectar card is free so the little effort it is to scan it could help out with the weekly food shop or make up. It does take a while, I think the most I've had on my nectar card was £20 but it meant that that week we didn't have to actually part with any cash.
3. Have a Clear-Out: Selling things on eBay is a great way to make a little bit of extra cash as well as have a de-clutter, if it's something you haven't used in the last year, you may as well get rid of it. Carboots are great for this, selling a few items for 50p soon adds up. eBay even offer free listings weekends and days, where it won't cost you anything to add items. I usually take photos in bulk and upload everything on these days.
4. Get your Favourite Beauty Products on Offer: ...but only if the offer's good and you think you'll use the products. There is an expiration date on make up so it's best not to leave it sitting around, but if it's an essential that you use all the time, then the offer will definitely be worth it.
5. Squirrel Away: Set up a direct debit between your current account and a savings account, be sure that it transfers out on pay day, so you'll never see it but you'll know that you're building up a little nest egg.
6. Orange Wednesdays: Bit of an obvious one, but why not, cinema tickets are crazy prices so go with a friend and split the cost of one ticket.

Tuesday Tabs. #12

Really, twelve? What even is this, it would be cool if everything could just really move forward soon. I really need just a sprinkling of luck to get me started.

Sorry, I'm in a pretty foul mood, I failed my driving test a few hours ago. It was only my first go, so it really isn't a big deal, it's not as though I was desperate to pass it first time, I just didn't want to take it a second time. The test itself was fine, apart from knowing the mistakes I'd made instantly and there being nothing I could have done about them. I suppose at least now I know that the test isn't as big or as scary thing as I predicted it to be, but I felt like such an idiot crying over it. I think it's because I keep thinking about the money, time and effort that's gone into it, the amount of variables to a test stresses me the hell out too. I'm still beating Moon though, so hopefully I'll be able to pass next time, whether I'm still here or down in Newbury. It's pretty lame that there's a ten-day cooling off period before I can book another test.

On a positive note, Moon and I may have found ourselves a home down in Newbury, we're just waiting for the estate agent to email across details about referencing, which hopefully will be soon so I don't have to pester. Pestering is my least favourite thing about house hunting, imagine begging someone for a job in the same way you have to practically beg to view a house, pretty sure I'd be even more unemployed than I am now, if that's even possible. It's a great two bedroom maisonette though, with a lovely garden backing onto a park, I can really see myself there and hopefully Dolly will be able to come with us too.

This week's been a bit slow in terms of fun internet things because, as you probably noticed, I spent most of last week running to and from Newbury and having driving lessons so there's been little time for procrastinating at my desk. Job hunt is too slow too, this is the first spell of zero replies that I've had in about two months, maybe I suddenly started doing something wrong...

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Heavy Lifting Light Shade, £14, Urban Outfitters
I've had to start thinking about lamp shades, which is a real first. This is since noticing, that as we're no longer students and therefore not looking at student properties, we don't even get lampshades. Not a big deal because it's not something you need to get straight away, but also quite important because I want them at least eventually and I know I'm not willing to settle for Wilkinson's £1.97 fair, not that there's anything wrong with them, I just think that part of my life is over, if that makes sense.

(via Kevin Derrick)

More recently I've found myself thinking about my time at University, don't ask me why because it's rarely something I really do unless talking with friends. But, and I may have mentioned this to you before, one night in halls in the first year of Uni, Moon and I stayed up until gone 2am, just watching videos of domino championships. I mean sure, say what you will but it's pretty intense not the mention brilliant to watch, the 8 minutes of this one really flew by. Maybe I should try and be a domino champion.


ASOS Animal Print Shirt, £34, ASOS
This is my favourite of the ASOS/It's Nice That Collab, the colourful animals should be enough of a giveaway as to why.
So completely on my want/need list.


Multi-way Bag, £13.11, Clothes Market World
I'm not sure if I want to take a risk on this one, but it would be cool if the high street started bringing out bags of this fashion. Basically it can be a handbag or a backpack, and that's pretty useful. Apparently it's big in Korea at the moment but I'd love one just so I don't have to worry about my inexplicably heavy laptop snapping another poor unsuspecting tote, I'm tired of sewing straps. I just don't know if this one is big enough or good quality enough. Has anyone out there picked up anything similar from eBay, what were your results? After seeing LLYMLRS' imitation Zara tote I have high hopes but I'm not willing to part with cash just yet.


You see this kind of video come up on Youtube every so often, and they're just really good at lifting your spirits and recognising what an amazing planet we live on. It's a pretty swell pick-me-up.

(via Kim Lundgren)

Some days, I need this massive and sellotaped to my face.

(via Pakayla Biehn)

My favourite image taken from a series of double-exposures on 'You Should Take Care'. Having studied Photography so much it's funny how easy it is to forget how many fun editing techniques there are to try out.


Grassy Cats Eco Cup, £14, Urban Outfitters


Anyone can say anything they want about Ok Go's musical ability, but when it comes to music videos, they do a pretty cracking job. This is their latest offering for their single 'Skyscrapers'

(via HelloGiggles)

Safari Animal Butt Magnets, $14, Fred Flare


Give Me Work Tapestry Kit, £75.61, Rob Ryan
Unsure if this is to make it or just have it, but I would like both, please.


White Point Collar with Interchangable Flower Tie, £17.30, CATatelier
I would love to dress Doll up and I bet it would be lots of fun, but as she doesn't even really like her flea collar, it looks like I'll just be admiring CATatelier's designs from afar.


Easter Bunny Bath Bombs, £4.81, KBShimmer

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Link Love: ♥

Highlights Scrapbook DIY — This is something I used to do all the time when I was a bit younger, I think University workbooks and studying must have got in the way, but it's certainly a neat thing worth getting into again.

Hamburger Eyeshadow — As part of Burger King's latest advertisement campaign in The Netherlands, they've gone for a beauty theme to go with their 'new look' menu. It's quite a cute idea, sure the eye make up is crazy but it's a neat idea, especially for a fancy dress night out.

That's So Yesterday's Guide to Dying Fabric — This was an appropriate and helpful tutorial for me, or it will be once Moon and I have our own place. We're being handed down a white sofa-bed, and white and I just don't get on. It's got removable covers so I'm hoping with a little coaxing that Moon will allow me to dye it a more Ruth-friendly colour (not black, but the darker and less stain-proned, the better). This DIY is also amazing for the current dip-dye trend, which I'd love to try out on my bargain-tastic £4 mint-green Primark cardigan which I got the other day. On a personal level, I also have one of the dresses used in the tutorial and now I know how it will take to dye, I'm slightly tempted as it might encourage me to wear it more.

ASOS X It's Nice That Shirt Collaboration — So many pretty shirts, hoping that if I keep a beedy enough eye on them that they'll drop in price and I'll be able to call a few of them mine. I know they're men's shirts, but they're too nice to ignore.

Dave and Ashley get Engaged — Adorable photography series documenting photographer, Jon Mark's friends, Dave and Ashley, getting engaged. The story is brilliant and the images are awesome, as well as some great portraits after the proposal took place, I just thought the whole setting was incredible.

Paperchase's Easter Collection — Not only is some of the line up to 50% off, but omg, there's so many bunnies everywhere! I love Easter ♥.

A Thrifty Mrs: What Does Thrifty Mean To You? — A cracking blogpost addressing spending priorities from Superscrimper lady, El. Her blog is something I think I will become all the more acquainted with as things like rent and bills gain more importance.

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I guess that's it for this week, I can't believe Easter has crept up on me so quickly. We're having a big family thing on Monday and I'm really looking forward to it. This has really taken my mind how annoying it was to fail my driving test, so thanks for stopping by. ♥