Lifestyle // Explore my hometown

It's no secret that I love the Internet and normally every evening you can find me behind my screen pretend shopping and on Twitter,but recently I've been feeling a bit uninspired and stuck in one long brain freeze.I thought this would be a good time to get out in the glourious sunshine we've been having and take a moment to refresh my mind.When I'm stuck with a foggy brain I love to go to Totnes which is the town I grew up around,it's really popular with grockles (or tourists depending on where you're from!) this time of year and who can blame them?

Walking along the River Dart on Vire Island has to be one of the most relaxing ways to spend your day.I love watching the sun sparkle on the water and it's full of wildlife,including a few seagulls who will attempt to steal your ice cream.Vire Island is right in the centre of town too so it's a great place to go for a stroll after some shopping or a meal out.

If you love being on the water then Totnes is definitely for you,there's always someone sailing a boat or doing water sports.I even saw someone on what looked like a surfboard,standing up and using an oar to push themselves along! Does anyone know what that's called? It looks really fun,although I'm a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to the River.There's an old legend around here, "Dart Dart,cruel Dart,every year thou claim'st a heart" but I would take that with a pinch of salt seeing as there's supposed to be Pixies on Dartmoor.

I always miss green fields when I go away,I spent so much of my childhood running around and watching the farm animals.It's so green and fresh and I can't think of a better view on a summer's day.

Whenever Totnes is in the news it gets portrayed as a hippy town and there's definitely a bit of that,we even have our own currency to promote local businesses, and the high street has quite a few quirky shops.This is the view up the main street,which is always filled with people trying to get photos of the clock arch as it's a bit of a landmark so I thought I'd get a picture in.I definitely think there is something for everyone here though,if you're into history and architecture I would definitely recommend popping down.It's a Anglo-Saxon town full of beautiful old buildings and lovely places to eat,I think it's a really underrated part of the country!

Have you ever visited? What did you think?

Lifestyle // Our Wedding Day FAQ

I can't believe that I've been married to the love of my life for 5 months now,that time definitely seems to have flown by! We were talking about where we'd like to go for my birthday and our 1st year wedding anniversary (Paris perhaps-eek!) and that got me thinking that I'd love to share our special day with you all.It was so surreal and I was so incredibly anxious,but my advice is to just breathe and enjoy it! It always seems so much more nerve wracking before you do it,but it's a fantastic feeling to realise that you're now part of a fantastic team for life.So here we go,here is all of the FAQ that I've got from our wedding day.Be ready for lots of pictures.

How long had you been in a relationship/engaged before you got married?

We started a relationship on November 21st 2010

We got engaged on November 22nd 2011 (my 20th birthday)

We became Husband and Wife on 23rd November 2013

I think there must be something about November for us! We had been together for 3 years from the start of the relationship to marriage,and I think that was a great amount of time to get to know each other and our strengths and weaknesses.We definitely bring the best out in each other.

Where and when did you get married?

We got married at 2pm in our village church on 23rd November 2013.It had so much significance to me as so many members of my family have been married here.We had quite a few meetings with the vicar before the ceremony so that we could discuss exactly what we wanted.We couldn't have wished for a more intimate and personal service.We had around 50 people attend the service and an extra few in the evening.

Did you decide on a theme?

I must have changed my mind a billion times! I scoured through so many wedding forums and magazines looking for the perfect colour scheme and it was really stressful! After much thought,we decided on a blue and white Winter wonderland theme,this was perfect for us as we are both extremely pale and much prefer the Winter when you can stay in with a warm cup of tea.Our wedding was full of fairy lights,deep midnight blues and sparkle.It's the only day that I get to wear a big white dress and overdo the glitter so I made the most of it!

What about your hair and make up?

Luckily,my Cousin is studying hair and make up at college and needed someone to practice on! She was so understanding and couldn't do enough for me.After hours of sitting in my Grandparent's kitchen testing out foundations and rollers,we decided upon a simple smokey eye and loose curls.The added bonus was that all of the make up she had was perfect for photographs and professional work,so it lasted all day! I loved having her do my hair and make up because I really trusted her to do a good job,and it meant more having someone I care about help me out.

Who did you pick to be your bridesmaids?

I chose my cousin (2nd left) and my now Sister-in law (1st right) and then my other two little Sister-in-laws (Far left & right) This was a great set up actually because there were two older teenagers to look after the children,but they were all so wonderful! They helped me to lift up my dress when I needed it and even helped me to the bathroom (so glamourous!).As my husbands Dad and his wife live hundreds of miles away,I didn't see the younger girl's outfits until the day,but didn't they do a fantastic job! To save any confusion,both of my husbands parents have remarried so there is children on both sides.

Who gave you away?

I had the honour of being given away by my wonderful Granddad.I was bought up without a Dad and and I'm an only child,so I spent a lot of time over my Grandparent's house growing up,as they only lived over the road.I completely worshipped the ground my Granddad walked on (and still do) and he couldn't have done a better job at being a fantastic role model.He's an incredibly anxious and private person,but it made me so happy to see him so proud,and he even gave a speech which turned me into a blubbering wreck.

Where did you have the reception?

We had the reception at our local golf and country club that were able to offer us a really budget friendly package.We wanted the evening to be a mix of more formal traditions with a laid back feel,so we decided to put on a 3 course meal with drinks on their arrival and then bacon baps in the evening! Everyone was already really full from the roast with all the trimmings,so that went down really well. Entertainment wise we went for a good old fashion disco complete with classics like "YMCA" and "oops upside your head".To get everyone on the floor,hubby's Uncle who is a musician led some Ceilidh dancing which really got people chatting and having fun! I made sure to join in,but I had one of my bridesmaids follow me around to make sure I didn't fall.

What was your First Dance song?

I had already chosen the day we got engaged! It was always going to be Wonderwall by Oasis.As I've mentioned before here,I've known hubby since we were teenagers and I spent most of those years trying to impress him.He would always put this on the jukebox at the local pub and forever since it always reminded me of him.I couldn't believe that I was actually dancing with him as Husband and Wife.The lyrics certainly rang true,"I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now".We had so much fun singing the lyrics amongst the camera flashes and weepy relatives.

What type of cake did you have?

We had a traditional 3 tiered iced cake that was made by my lovely Great Auntie.We decided upon vanilla sponge because we're not great fans of fruit cake,but the top tier was fruit.This is because traditionally,the top tier is sometimes kept for the christening of the first child and I didn't want a mouldy sponge cake sat in the cupboard.It was decorated with some beautiful icing snowflakes and wrapped up in blue ribbons with a little Bride and Groom on top.It fit in with our theme wonderfully!

                                                         Were your flowers real?

No they weren't,I can get really bad hay fever so I thought that it would be much better to save my eyes for the emotions.Also,the cost of fresh flowers can really mount up,especially as it was Winter and a lot of flowers would be out of season.My Auntie who is very handy with crafts offered to make it for me,so we went along to a few shops that sell craft supplies like Dunelm Mill and Hobby craft and collected diamante pins and beautiful roses to make this really budget friendly bouquet.

I've really enjoyed sharing this with you and it's been so fun to relive all of these wonderful memories.I love reading about people's engagement and wedding stories,so it's been different to write about it from the other side.It's was a pretty intense day filled with lots of memories,so if I've missed anything that you'd like to know,just ask and I'd be happy to do a part two!

Did you/do you  have a theme if you're getting/ already married?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Mini Haul // Superdrug body sprays review

Superdrug is the only store we have in my town that sells everything beauty and health related.That's why I'm always popping in there to see what they've got to offer.I always like to make sure that I have body sprays to hand because they're great to put in my handbag for a quick freshen up.I don't like to spend too much as I go through them quite quickly,but I noticed that Superdrug were having a Buy One Get One Free offer on their body sprays,so they were 99p for 2.Bargain!

The vibrant cans really caught my eye and there were 7 to choose from;

Minx
Delicious
Crush
Seduce
Sugar
Starlight
Lusty

I find the names quite amusing.They're definitely no Coco Chanel but I think  they're fun and don't take themselves too seriously.You could buy one for every occasion and still have change from £10! Eventually I picked up "Minx" and "Delicious" because the descriptions sounded like the kind of scent I was looking for.

Minx

"Feel utterly feminine and seductive! A bold,flirtatious mix of juicy citrus fruits,with pineapple,jasmine and sweet vanilla notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident." 

This one is my favourite out of the two.It reminds me of a tropical island as it's got a strong Pineapple scent with an lovely underlying floral smell.It isn't too "in your face" so this would be a great scent to wear if you just wanted a light and fruity fragrance.I've been using this one everyday.

Delicious

"Feel absolutely irresistible.A luscious blend of floral and delectable fruity notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident."

This scent is undeniably girly.It's very sweet and sugary but in a subtle way.I have this one in my handbag at the moment,and I find is has a lovely comforting smell,like something familiar.If you're a fan of floral or vanilla fragrances then I would definitely recommend this.You don't need much either,just a little spritz and you're good to go. 

I was surprised at how long these scents lasted! Once I apply them in the morning they last for a good 2 or 3 hours,which is great considering the price.

Another bonus is that they are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans too.I'm trying to become more aware of Animal testing so I'm happy that these sprays are BUAV approved.The BUAV is the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and they campaign for the abolition of all animal experiments.Also,they don't harm the Ozone layer as they are CFC free.I would definitely agree that there is "100 happiness guaranteed".I would recommend these to anyone who is after budget friendly and cruelty free fragrances that smell wonderful.

Have you ever tried Superdrug's body sprays? What did you think?

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?