Lifestyle // Mr Nutcase phone review *

Twitter is an excellent way to communicate with different businesses who might offer products that you've never heard of before! That's why I was very happy to get the opportunity to review a phone case for the lovely people at Mr Nutcase.

I found their website very easy to use and I was really impressed by the worldwide shipping and fast delivery,nothing is worse than paying money and then waiting forever it to arrive! You have the option to upload your own photos and create a personalised case,or you can choose from different designs that have been created by various artists.My phone is an Xperia Miro which they don't do cases for at the moment,but I'd love to see them expand their range.If you're looking to buy a phone case,you can see what phones styles they cover on the Mr Nutcase brands page.

I chose the Girl on Girl Bike in London case which I think will make a really lovely present for someone. Having a phone case that stands out is also a good way to prevent family phone mix ups! There are so many beautiful designs to choose from like polka dots through to inspiration quotes and abstract art.I spoke to them on Wednesday the 30th and it arrived yesterday,I don't know how they do it but that's incredibly fast delivery.Not only that but every time I spoke with them,they responded within the day and nothing was ever too much trouble ,what more could you want from a company? 

They've just recently created a live chat feature on their site so that they can respond to customer queries and offer a more efficient customer service,I think that's a great idea as more people are buying online now.Also,I'm always after new budget products (as you well know) and all of the phone cases are under £20,so if you're looking for a practical gift for the technology lover in your family (or you!) then I'd really recommend them.

If you want to know more about Mr Nutcase,then you can tweet them @MrNutCase or email them at info@mrnutcase.com 

Is your phone wearing anything at the moment?

Beauty // Kindred Spirit Perfume review (CK One dupe)

I love the feeling of finding that perfect scent that I can't stop wearing,it can make such a difference to my mood and I'm starting up a collection for every occasion.I always make sure to buy budget perfumes,so I can apply them liberally without having to shell out every couple of months.

I bought this Kindred Spirit Eau De Toilette from Trago Mills,which is a Shopping and Leisure park that has 3 centres in the Devon and Cornwall,you can buy anything there and they have great deals on beauty products! This large bottle of fragrance was only £2.29 which is so unbelievably cheap considering the generous size of the bottle.I wanted a neutral scent that I could wear everyday and to work,so this seems like just the thing I'm looking for.

This fragrance is definitely a dupe of CK One,both in appearance and smell.The bottle actually feels heavy and much more expensive than its price.It all seemed too good to be true,but then I spritzed a little on my wrists and I was pleasantly surprised.I love the detailed description of the scent and I'd say it's pretty accurate.Describing scents online can be hard but it's a citrus scent that has musky sandalwood undertones.If you love very sweet floral fragrances I would say this isn't for you,but if you're after a crisp and slightly more sophisticated fragrance then I would recommend it.I love that it doesn't smell overwhelming or cheap too,no one will ever know how much I paid for it! It's a very clean and uncomplicated fragrance which would be well suited to Men or Women.Women. I've been wearing it for about 4 hours and it's only just begun to fade,and for the price I don't think that's too bad really.

I'm definitely going to be looking for more budget fragrances to add to my collection.I've heard and read great reviews about perfumes from Lidl,Poundland and Primark.What would you recommend?

How to dine out for less

Having a lovely meal out is a great way to catch up and unwind with those you care about.Haven't you noticed food always seems much nicer when it's being cooked for you! More people are spending a large portion of their disposable income on dining out,thanks to there being more interest in various cuisines and probably because it's enjoyable too! I'm sharing some tips that I use to still have a wonderful meal without it costing the Earth.

1.Take advantage of restaurant vouchers 

There are some great sites that offer brilliant deals on eating out, and they definitely help cut the cost.Just print them off and take them along to the restaurant.It's always best to check that the location you're going to is participating,but you shouldn't have a problem.The vouchers vary but often you can get up to 25% off! Sites I would suggest are Money Saving Expert and Voucher Codes,they are normally kept very up to date with the latest deals

Here are my top picks;

Buy 1 main and get a 2nd for £2.50 at Bella Italia (expires 16th March)

30% of main courses at Zizzi (Victoria and Earl's Courts restaurants excluded)

25% of your food bill at Loch Fyne (valid until 31st March)

I'd definitely sign up to your favourite restaurant's newsletter as they often send their customers their latest offers and news via email! 

2. Try to recreate the meals at home

I know that this post is about dining out,and I'm no Delia Smith,but it can really save money.Also, expanding your cooking knowledge and giving your family something you've made can be a great confidence boost! Sometimes there is nothing nicer than sharing something you've spend time over.Normally go for a curry? Try to make a Chicken Tikka. More of a pizza person? Why not buy a pre-made base and top it with whatever you fancy?

If you're trying to save even more money,there are some great sites that help you think of what to make out of all of the items you have left over in your fridge.My Fridge Food does just that! Just click on what food you have and it will create delicious recipes for you.It's a great way to stop food going off and buying what you don't need.

3. Save money on drinks and share food

We all know how much a good meal out can cost! One way I've found that really helps to cut the bill is by asking for a glass of tap water to drink.I know it's not the most exciting thing,but restaurants can charge £4 + for a nice glass of wine or a soft drink.Also,if you're out with someone else,why not offer to split a pizza? I've done that before and just got my own portion of chips.We left full and still with quite a bit of money left over for the evening.

Using these simple tips has really helped me free up some of my money for more important things.I know what it's like when you can't spend much,so I hope this helps people have a great time out for less!

Do you have any tips on saving money when dining out?