Lady Bug Says ... Whats In Your Handbag?

As this weekends outfits have been exceptionally blahh (have been doing a cleaning job for my work, jeans and work tshirt does not make good blogging!), I have decided to give you all a peek into what lurks inside my handbag.

I doubt it is just me who is interested in what other girls carry around with them!

So firstly this is my bag of choice at the moment

As many will have come to expect from me, yes this bag is from good old Primark and I think it cost £6. It is large enough to carry all the essential bits, but small enough to stop me from lugging around unnecessary crap!

And now the 'essentials'

- Body Shop Papaya Lip Balm

- Wide toothed comb

- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Perfume

- Elf Mineral Eyeliner 'Midnight'

- Samsung Blade Phone

- USB Memory Stick

- Pens

- Purse - Currently a 'Gucci' style purse bought back from holiday by my sister

- Impulse body spray 'Tease'

- ELF Compact Mirror

- Pink notebook - Generally used for the food shopping list

- Journal - Everyday thoughts and reminders. Got this new one last weekend at TK Maxx. I somehow managed to forget they had a home section! Jeeze I could of bought the majority of that place, but restrained myself and just got a new journal with a pretty cover :)

- Sunglasses, varies depending on mood!

Not shown, Car & House keys & Camera

So lovely blog readers, whats in your handbag?

Lady Bug Says ... Comfy Casuals

Have definitely had an end of the week slump this week. Has been one of those weeks where it seems to take forever to get to the weekend, but its now here, yay!

Had a casual end to the week, hopefully will have some renewed energy next week and make more of an effort!

On Thursday I wore:

Black and White cotton tops, Primark £3 each, Red knitted long waistcoat, Primark £5, Grey denim shorts, River Island £10, Black tights, Primark £2, Riding boots, New Look £35, Necklace, gift

Outfit total - £48

On Thursday night I went out with my Dad and Step family for a birthday meal for my Dad's 51st birthday. Ate far to much yummy food and still managed to have room for Creme Brulee(my weakness pud!)

I wore

Black leggings, H&M £5, Black vest top, H&M £3, Grey dress, H&M via charity shop £2, Leopard print cardigan, H&M £5, Necklace, Matalan £3, Slouchy suede boots, thrifted

Outfit total - £18

And yesterday, the official 'Dressed Down Friday' I wore

Stripey Tshirt, Tesco £5, Navy top, Primark £6, Red cardigan, Primark £10, Skinny jeans, Primark £8, Grey pumps, Primark £2, Chain necklace, Primark £3

Outfit total - £34

Hope everyone is looking forward to their weekend, I know I am!

Finally I have been sent a beautiful blogger award by Vix at http://vintagevixon.blogspot.com/

I have to list 7 weird and wonderful facts about myself, so here goes:

1- I have oddly jointed thumbs, meaning they bend backwards and scare people alot!

2- I love shoes, but have a massive phobia of feet!

3- I was a vegetarian for 7 years, but have recently started to eat meat again.

4- I studied art at college and would really like to get back into painting again.

5- Until I moved in with the Mr 2 years ago I had lived in the same house since I was born.

6- Odd Numbers scare me, I have to have the volume on the TV/CD Player/Radio at an even number.

7- Twins run in my family. Apparently I have a very high chance of giving birth to twins(in the distant future when I decide sprogs are a good idea!)

I am tagging the following 7 blogs:

- The pretty http://adaisychaindream.blogspot.com/

- The stylish http://allaboutthestyle.blogspot.com/

- The bargaintastic http://all--that--glitters.blogspot.com/

- The amazing http://dinoprincesschar.blogspot.com/

- The newbie http://roopaprika.blogspot.com/

- The thought provoking http://madnessofmundanity.blogspot.com/

- The smiley http://topshopprincess0188.blogspot.com/

Lady Bug Says ... Cheery Brights

Gosh, isn't January depressing! The excitement of Christmas is over, the realisation of how much Christmas has cost hits you, the weather is either beyond cold, or raining, or both!

So the only thing that would cheer me up a little was adding a splash of colour to my outfits. Simple things please simple minds and all that jazz!

Yesterday I wore:

Grey tshirt, H&M £4, Purple 3/4 sleeve top, MK One, £5, Cropped cardigan, Primark £10, Skinny jeans, Primark £8, Grey legwarmers, Primark £2, Vintage boots, Thrifted.

Outfit total - £29

When I saw this cardigan it was one of those 'I must have it' moments. It also seemed to then find its way into the back of my wardrobe, finally, a year later it makes its first outing!

Today I decided to continue with my cheery clothing and grabbed my favourite dress (well favourite for the moment anyway!)

I wore

Yellow shift dress, H&M £10, Long sleeved black top with sleeve details underneath, Primark £3, Boyfriend cardigan, Primark £10, Black tights, Primark £2, Riding boots, New Look £35, Necklace, gift(I think its from Accessorize) Belt, Primark £3

Outfit total - £63

I really the cute little button detailing on this Primark cotton top, plus the bargain price makes it even better!

This necklace was a gift for my 21st birthday, love the vintage feel about it, plus anything picked out by friends is always extra special.

What cheers you up at this gloomy time of year?

Lady Bug Says ... Man Up!

Well after my planned outfit being rained off on Friday I was delighted to see no sign of rain this morning! So the planned 'nice day' outfit got an airing.

I really fancied toughening up a girly dress with these fairly chunky boots I discovered whilst unpacking(I had in fact completely forgotten I owned them!) I also wore a leather jacket for when out and about to complete the look. I have now discovered that these boots are definitely for days when I am sat down rather than walking around, after an hours walking around the supermarkets doing the food shop my feet now hurt just a little!

I wore

Black tights, Primark £2, White sundress, Primark £7, Long sleeved polka dot top, Primark £3, Grey cardigan, H&M £7, Pink scarf, Camden Market £1, Grey boots, Primark £12

Outfit Total - £32

The white sundress was a summer favourite so am happy to be giving it a winter airing!

Did anyone see the frocks from the SAG awards? What was your favourite?

My favourite dress has to be Lea Michele's from Glee (my new guilty pleasure TV show!) Catherine Malandrino dress. I can't find anything about it I don't like! The amazing colour, the ruffled shoulders, the simple waist detailing! The only thing that spoils the look for me is the clumpy shoes that are poking out from under the dress.

www.media.nj.com

Lady Bug Says ... Rain Rain Go Away!

Don't you hate it when you actually have the time to work out the next days outfit the night before, you iron it and lay it all out for the next day. Then when you wake up the rain is falling and your outfit is really not suited for verging on monsoon conditions!

So back to the drawing board!

So my rainy day outfit ended up being:

Skinny jeans, Primark £8, Layered blue and turquiose tops, Primark £3 each, Grey knitted top, Primark £8, Blue and White Scarf, Camden Market £1, Boots, New Look £35

Outfit total - £58

This weekend is unfortunately dedicted to trying to unpack some more boxes that have been sat in the spare room since we moved 2 months ago.

I wore

Black hareem pants, Tu £7, blue tshirt, Primark £3, Grey cardigan, H&M £7, scarf, Primark £2, Knitted 'Ugg' boots, Primark £8

Oufit total - £27

What is everyone doing with their weekend?

Lady Bug Says ... When Times Are Hard, Bake!

2009 saw the worst economic times in recent years. I don't think I know anyone who hasn't be affected in one way or another. Up until now I have been quite lucky, yes my hours at work have fallen, my food bills have risen and getting a mortgage as a first time buyer wasn't easy. But it has all been do-able. I am now truly experiencing first hand how hard times are, with the uncertainty of if in a few months time I will be employed or not.

But what can we do in these hard times? Stress ourselves out worrying? Moan at anyone that will listen? Take it out on ourselves and others? I'm pretty sure none of these will help.

At the moment I am going for working as hard as I can to make my company a success and occupying my time by baking, making and every other ...ing in between!

How has the recession affected you?

Anyway, rant over! Now onto something that does make me happy, fashion!

Yesterday was a laid back day, I knew I had no clients coming in to see me so took the opportunity to have a 'Dressed Down Wednesday'

I wore

Skinny jeans, Primark £8, White Vest, Primark £2, Blue check shirt with ruffle detail, Matalan £5, Black boyfriend cardigan, Primark £10, Necklace, Primark £4

As much as I would of loved to wear my warm slippers to work I slipped on my flat black leather boots, New Look £35

Outfit total - £64

In contrast today I knew I was meeting a few people, plus felt like having a dressed up day :) There is something about knee length skirts that swoosh around when you twirl that makes a girl happy! Even if the Mr does laugh as you pirouette your way around the kitchen!

I wore

Black tights, Primark £2, Skirt, H&M £10, Long sleeved blue top, Primark £3, Grey tshirt, H&M £4, Black boyfriend cardigan, Primark £10, Grey plaited belt, Primark £3, Necklace, Matalan £2, Shoe boots, Primark £12

Outfit total - £45

I had a baking spree the other night, lots of heart and star shaped cookies. The raisins seemed to explode during the cooking process but they taste yummy despite their odd appearance!

Lady Bug Says ... Home Comforts Please

There really is no place like home. Home to each individual is something very different, but very similar at the same time. Somewhere you feel comfy, safe and warm. Surrounded by your belongings, memories and family.

This weekend I was without the internet, and really enjoyed just spending time at home, catching up on some reading, some cooking, relaxing with the other half and being generally quite lazy.

The outfits were nothing to really comment or photograph, a combination of Pjs, leggings, cardigans and slippers, depending on the time of day.

Monday was back to work and back to proper clothes.

I wore

Black leggings, H&M £5, Grey legwarmers, Primark £3, Red check dress, Bershka £10, Black tshirt, H&M £4, Grey cardigan, H&M £7

Long black leather riding boots when out, New Look £35

Outfit Total - £64

Pictured in my comfy chair in my bedroom.

Found a Glamour magazine freebie whilst sorting through more boxes, Nails Inc in Victoria and Albert, such a brilliant vibrant red!

Today I felt like slouchy clothes, probably something to do with the copious amount of baked goods I have consumed in the past few days!

I wore

Black leggings, H&M £5, White vest top, Primark £3, Oversized leopard print tshirt, H&M £7, Red boyfriend cardigan, Primark £10, Brown beads, Primark £2, Suede slouch boots, Thrifted from my mum

Outfit total - £27

These boots are some of my favourite, discovered a few years ago when my Mum was having a wardrobe clearout. She doesnt remember wearing them for at least 15 years so I quickly snaffled them. Need to get them rehealed desperately!

Whats your favourite family fashion find?

... Have also noted that I really need an alternative to black leggings! Can any of you fashion fabulous lovelies recommend where I can get some more interesting tights/leggings at purse friendly prices?

Lady Bug Says ... Cake Please :D

Cooking always brings a smile to my face. Combining ingredients, putting time and effort into something, and getting yummy things in return! Last night I had the urge to bake, and had a few things in the cupboard that needed using up. Plus the biscuit tin was looking rather empty!

I made a load of chocolate chip(white and milk) & raisin cookies

And some lemon muffins :) I love cakes that you can get away with eating for breakfast!

Plus they look all the yummier in my 'naughty but nice' tins, a great Christmas present from my step brother and sisters.

Today I had to dress a little smarter than usual for work, not sure why but when people say smart I automatically think of black.

I got this dress a few weeks ago in the Primark sale, it is a really versatile dress that can be smartened up with heels, worn in the summer with bare legs and flip flops, or like today worn with my trusty riding boots.

Today I wore

Black and white dress - Primark £5, Black leggings - H&M £5, Black boyfriend cardigan - Primark £10, Grey leg warmers - Primark £3, Black leather riding boots - New Look £35, Black and gold skinny belt - Primark £2, Gold vintage necklace - Ebay £15

Outfit Total - £75

I found this necklace whilst browsing on Ebay a few months ago and it immediately caught my eye.

Whether it is truly vintage or not I don't really mind to be honest, I just love the mix of chunky gold beads and dainty little details like the pearl centres of the flowers.

Is the kind of piece that makes a simple jeans, tshirt and heels outfit that bit more special :)

Whats your favourite Ebay find?

Lady Bug Says ... Nearly The Weekend

It was the Mr's birthday yesterday.

I love birthdays! There is something exciting about seeing people open presents, doing special things 'because its my birthday', eating cake, the smell of candles that have just been blown out and the general happiness that goes with it.

We spent the evening at home, I cooked him his favourite meal(lasagne and chips), we had cake with fountain candles, he had lots of presents and was generally a good evening. We are celebrating with friends at the weekend.

I wore

Black leggings - H&M £5, Long grey tshirt - H&M £4, Oversized grey/brown jumper - Tesco £10, Scarf with sequin details - Tu £3, Brown leather cowboyish boots - TK Maxx £30

Outfit Total - £52

Today I found this blue beauty hiding in my wardrobe, a forgotten Primark bargain from a few months ago. It has subtle shoulder pads and wonderful draping.

I love the colour navy, it has a way of looking great no matter what hair colour, skin tone or size you are.

I wore

Navy draped top - Primark £3, Grey cardigan - H&M £5, Dark skinny jeans - Primark £8, Fake Tan Ugg boots - Matalan £5, Gold necklace - Matalan £3

Outfit total - £24

Lady Bug Says ... The Snow Has Gone!

As quickly as the snow appeared overnight, it disappeared. I am actually quite glad. I can wear shoes without fearing they will get soaked through by the slush or my toes might get frozen by the ice!

My unreliable car(Colin) was returned to me today, in exchange for £320 ouch :( But at least I have transportation again!

I was inspired by Jen's blog yesterday where she layered tights and shorts, it is something I have always thought about trying but never really had the guts to. I was actually quite pleased with the results, it certainly offers another outfit possibility for the colder months and makes use to items that would normally be relegated to summer wear only.

I wore:

2 pairs of black leggings(I have around 10 pairs!) H&M £5 each, Grey denimn shorts - River Island £10, Long sleeved black top - Primark £4, White tshirt with skull and stud details - Thrifted from Sisters wardrobe £free, Red boyfriend cardigan - Primark £10, Grey beanie hat, TK Maxx £5, Grey knitted 'Uggs' - Primark £8

Outfit total - £47

Received a gift in the post from my Mum and Sister today :D

Don't you just love getting unexpected post?!

Lady Bug Says ... Got That Monday Feeling

I went to sleep last night actually looking forward to Monday morning for once! I have a new project starting at work and couldn't wait to get going on it.

Monday morning came, I woke up late, my car broke down and my Monday morning happiness drifted away! So I am now car-less :( and awaiting a rather large bill from the garage. Not ideal just after Christmas, especially as the Mr and me have just bought our first house and he crashed his car in the icy weather before Christmas.

Oh well, I'm sure something good will come my way to make up for the expensive nasty stuff!

Today the only thing I wanted to wear was my tartan skirt that I rediscovered whilst unpacking boxes that had been in storage. I love the detailing with the large bow on the front and the chunky silver zip.

I love unpacking boxes :) rediscovering things you had forgotten about and getting your hands on things you had been wishing weren't locked up in storage for so long!

So today I wore: Tartan skirt(Primark £5), 2 pairs of black leggings(H&M £5 each), Black and grey Tshirts(H&M £5 each), Black cardigan(Primark £8), Blue and silver scarf(Primark £2), Black riding boots(New Look £35)

Outfit Total - £70

One thing that brightened my day was receiving my order of goodies from ELF Cosmetics, my favourite cosmetics at the moment. Can't beat them for price and quality in my humble opinion! What is your favourite cosmetics brand?

Love having new products to play with :)

Hope everyone is surviving the snow!

Lady Bug Says ... My First Post :)

Well here I am, taking my first tender steps into the world of blogging.

At this moment in time I'm not entirely sure what I am hoping to blog about/aiming to achieve etc... But I am sure it will soon become clear.

This weekend has consisted of being very cold, alot of the time! I have come to the conclusion that snow is good in very small, non-work day doses!

Yesterday I decided to brave a brief trip into town, it is the Mr's birthday next week and I still haven't bought him anything :S Think I am going to be trawling Amazon quite desperately tomorrow!

Finished off the day by making a load of butternut squash and carrot soup, the perfect thing for keeping warm in the cold weather.

I wore: Black tights(Primark £2), under black leggings(H&M £5), Grey cotton draped dress(Primark £7), Red boyfriend cardigan(Primark £10), Blue and silver scarf(Primark £2), Black leather riding boots(New Look £35)

Outfit total - £61

Today we decided to go and make the most of the snow whilst it is around on Dartmoor, found some lovely snowy covered hills and had loads of fun sliding around on rubber rings and in kayaks.

The Mr and me sliding down the hills on a rubber ring :)

I wore: Black leggings(H&M £5), under skinny jeans(Primark £8), white long vest top(Primark £3), long sleeved spotty top(Primark £4), thin grey jumper(H&M £5), brown knitted gillet(Primark £8), fairisle style slippers for the journey(Primark £5)

Outfit total - £38

And for playing in the snow layered up with many scarves, hats, gloves, jackets and my lovely cherry print wellies :D

Phew... well that wasn't quite as difficult as I imagined, just hope it is of some interest to people :D