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My humble abode

by Becky Posted on 4 February, 2013

Bottles of perfume and flowers in a vintage Kilner jar

I love a good poke around other people’s homes so now I’m pretty much settled in my new house I thought I’d give you a little tour of my room! It’s tricky to personalise rented accommodation and furnished properties usually contain a mish-mash of landlords’ old rejects; I’ve been very fortunate in that Argos gave me some really lovely bits and pieces that’ve helped make my new place instantly feel like home.

The 8-cube storage unit is possibly my favourite piece in that it’s both practical and pretty: it’s the perfect place to keep books but I’m also using it to display some shoes and other random knick-knacks that’re too lovely and/or sentimental to be kept hidden away. It can be also be used stood-up but currently I’m opting to use it lay-down so it doubles as a seat for me to perch on while putting my shoes on – these Union Jack cushions keep my derriere comfortable!

I have a real love for old film and photography equipment so I’m also quite taken by this retro photographic lamp (with tripod floor legs) by Habitat; it’s quite the statement piece, I think you’ll agree, and gives off the perfect, cosy glow when I’m reading in bed.

I have a couple of other pieces to show you later in the week, meanwhile if you’re in need of interior design inspiration take a peek at Argos’ Pinterest boards (and my own too!).

8-cube storage unit organisation ideas Habitat photographic tripod lamp | Daffodils in vintage Kilner jar Kurt Geiger glittery "Leonardo" brogues in silver Books, Holga camera & sentimental knick knacks

Posted in Design, Life | Tagged interiors, London, shopping | 7 Comments

Pearly whites

by Becky Posted on 30 January, 2013

Colgate ProClinical A1500 electric toothbrush

I’ve never been happy with my teeth. I had them whitened in 2010, though copious amounts have tea has ruined the effect somewhat, and I had braces while at school (luckily they weren’t only common but actually seen as quite cool). Having used an electric tooth brush for years I’m confident that once you use one you never go back, so when I was asked to review Colgate’s ProClinical A1500 just as my brush was coming to the end of it’s life I jumped at the chance.

As far as toothbrushes go it’s very sophisticated but super-sleek and easy to use: the only buttons are On/Off and Mode. I’m using Deep Clean once weekly but mainly stick with Automatic, where hidden sensors detect which part of the mouth you’re brushing and adjust to whichever mode cleans that area most effectively. A bonus point is that it comes with a slim plastic case, perfect for slipping in a suitcase/handbag.

The only negatives are that the charger only comes with a shaving plug (I bought this cheap and cheerful shaver adaptor) and you can only change modes when the brush is switched on, when it can be tricky to tell what you’re selecting. Aside from that it’s a really fantastic product: my teeth are squeaky clean and looking whiter than they have for a long time! I recommend using with this magical whitening toothpaste for sparkling pearly whites. I’m so much happier with my smile! Do you have issues with your teeth?

You can buy the Colgate ProClinical A1500 exclusively at Boots.

Colgate ProClinical A1500 electric toothbrush

Posted in Beauty | Tagged health, reviews | 1 Comment

Roses are red

by Becky Posted on 28 January, 2013

Interflora Large Valentine's Gift Bag with Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box

Ok, so it’s January and ok, you’ll fall into one of two camps when it comes to Valentine’s Day, but it’s late-January and personally I don’t see anything wrong with an excuse to get dressed up, eat nice food, and spend quality time with your special someone (even if you already do that on a regular basis). So a Valentine’s post about delightful Valentines gifts it is.

Having been delivering bouquets for almost 100-years, flowers by post from Interflora are the obvious choice (and with same-day delivery there really is no excuse for forgetting any occasion). When they asked me if I’d like to receive one of their Valentine’s gifts I opted for a Large Valentine’s Gift Bag – partly because it contains the Valentine’s classic, a red rose, partly because it contains my favourite flowers, tulips, but ~~partly~~ mostly because it comes with heart-shaped chocolates.

While the chocolates may’ve lasted less than 48-hours (yummy) the flowers managed to survive for just shy of a week, brightening-up my new bedroom marvellously.

Pink Tulip in Interflora's Large Valentine's Gift Bag with Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box Red Rose with Diamanté Pin in Interflora's Large Valentine's Gift Bag with Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box Pink Carnation in Interflora's Large Valentine's Gift Bag with Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box