Travel Essentials with #Inspectagadget

Hello!
The UK weather was perfect for my post today! With summer fast approaching (and many of us looking forward to summer holidays) we all like a budget shopping spree before hand, so we can make the most out of the few months of sun the UK offers.

Being a penniless teenager, I was really excited to be asked to take part in the MoneySupermarket project called 'Inspect A Gadget.' Basically, MoneySupermarket choose 5 examples of 'budget gadgets' including: a potable DVD player, MP3 player, Kobo Mini eReader, Android Tablet and a HD camcorder. I was offered the chance to select one to review - and I chose an affordable Phillips Camcorder. I was then supplied with the money to purchase the item from the retailer...

To evaluate the Camcorder from Expansys, I've tried to give my own honest opinion of the product, which all in all was 10/10! Unfortunately, I haven't got much video footage yet, this is because I had to separately purchase a Micro SD card from Amazon (which hasn't yet come). 

Features...

• Price - Definitely Affordable! It's now only £51.99, which is definitely worthwhile!
• Size - This product is pocket size, making it easy to carry around in a small bag. 
• Delivery of Product - I opted for a 3-5 days delivery, but the product arrived the next day.
• Resolution - It's full HD, producing high quality videos - winwin!
• Editing - You can add video effects while filming, which helps make your videos a little bit different easily!
• Easy Sharing - You can directly upload your image/video's directly to Facebook/Youtube/other websites - which is great for recording your summer holiday quickly!
• USB - Built in, so need to worry about loosing your USB lead (which I usually do...)
• Swivel Screen - allows you to film from different angles, and even get the screen to face you, so you can film you and your friends at the same time!
• Battery life - around 2 hours (which isn't ages, but is still long enough and easy to charge up, once plugged in via the USB). 

 I found the product worked much better outside than inside; as it tended to be more pixelated when filming inside. However, this shouldn't be too much of a problem, as during summer, I'll use this product more outside anyway!

I would also recommend purchasing a good memory storage SD card alongside the camcorder, as it doesn't have much internal memory, and a USB plug, so you can charge it from the mains!

Overall, this is a really great product. I can't wait to use it, for both my blog (yes, that's right I'm branching out into the vlogging world [help] - so watch out...) and to capture summer moments with friends and family! I'm heading to Germany in a few months for a school trip, and this will DEFINITELY be coming with me!

 It's light weight and easy to use, and definitely on my 'top budget gadget' list!

Lots of Love,

What's in your handbag? - Money Supermarket...

I've got something a little bit different, for today's post - courtesy of Money Supermarket! Basically, I was set the challenge to post the contents of my handbag after a typical day in 'Blondie's Shoes' (so, I obviously chose the day I'd been shopping..)

The aim of this challenge was to calculate how much an average handbag is REALLY worth. As a savvy student (who has no money what-so-ever) I was like 'maybe this isn't for me', but I was surprised to find out, after a quick 'market research,' a.k.a referring to Google, that an average woman's handbag is worth around £200 -300!!!! So, I thought it would be interesting to see how my handbag matched up to these figures. 

If you want to take part in this competition too, head over to Money Supermarket and you could win a handbag prize worth £1,000! And 6 runners up prize's of £25 vouchers for Asos, thanks to Fashion Perks- Yes PLEASE! (it's about time I treated myself)...

Here's my little handbag that I'm usually carrying with me wherever I go. It's small, because I end up filling large tote bag's with endless junk, when I'm shopping. So sometimes smaller really is better! However, It doesn't stop me from obsessing over tote bags when I'm shopping! As you can see, I don't really hold my bag at much value, but this could still be interesting..

(p.s. my phone is ollllllllllllllllld. and yes, I wish I had the I Phone...)

 I'm very optimistic when it comes to UK weather, so my Primark £1 sunnies are always packed and ready for wearing.

I this little make up bag my 'first aid kit'. That's because it has everything you could possibly need (and fit) into a bag of this size for a beauty emergency. It's got: nail file (50p), mirror (£2), lip balm (£2*), bare minerals concealer (£16),  plasters, tweezers, and obviously a small packet of sweets for when lunch isn't soon enough! I also carry around £10 worth of additional makeup (whoopsie).

 Then there's even more essentials. I don't know what I'd do without my diary. I take is EVERYWHERE, and although my phone has a calender, I always refer back to my little book of notes! My purse was a vintage charity shop purchase and my phone is well... old, but still in working order. Diary (£2) + phone (£32) + earphones (£7) + purse (£5) = £46

 Some more of my handbag favourites... A bottle of impulse (£1) goes with me everywhere - it's lightweight, well priced and smells lovely! Also my ted backer body souffle (£2), is great for summer days and Jack Wills hand cream (£5) was a little treat - but has lasted me ages!

Finally, my bag, was £8 from a local charity shop!

Getting the Maths right...
An average woman's estimated handbag value = £200-£300
My handbag value (excluding cash etc) = £93.50

This is a great experiment, to see how much your actually carrying around with you! Just because It's not a shinny new I Phone, it's worth considering the value of your other items in your bag, and whether getting insurance is wise. Even if you don't fancy entering the competition I'd advise heading over to Money Supermarket, for more tips on insuring your handbag!

That's all from me, I'm going to spend my evening planning outfits around the Mulberry Bag prize (did I say that..) and wishing I had more money!
You can enter by writing your own "What's in my bag post" (see all the details and Ts&Cs here) and emailing competitions@moneysupermarket.com with "What's in your Handbag" in the subject line. You can also check out other entries and plug your own on twitter with the hashtag #whatsinyourhandbag! GOOD LUCK!
 
Lots of Love,
 

P.S. If you do enter, drop me your link in a comment, as I'd love to see some other entry's too!
P.P.S. I promise not to hate you if you win, hehe ;)

share the blogger love...

Aloha!
So, I'm being a bit cheeky today. If you don't know, 'Blondies Style Fix' was started back in August during a VERY boring Summer holiday. I realised I needed an excuse for my drastic shopping spree's and my limited wardrobe space, but since then I've not stopped (literally...).

I heard about the Cosmopolitian blogger awards, but this year there was a special award with Next called the 'Newcomer Award' for blogs under a year old.
And well, my thinking was, If I've only got one shot at it, I might as well pleed with you all to drop me a vote ;) 

Nominate your fave blogger for the @nextofficial Newcomer to #WIN a £500 shopping spree! on.cosmo.uk.com/13iCJtd #cosmoblogawards
— Cosmopolitan UK (@CosmopolitanUK) May 29, 2013

If you'd like to nominated Blondies Style Fix, just click the button bellow, and fill in the form (which takes about 10 seconds).
Make sure you nominate your own blog's too and let me know if you'd like me to nominate your blog for an award too!

I'd just like to thank you again for all you support!

Lots of Love,

Return of the blonde... floral prints X

And blondie has returned - no the aren't exams over - but I was fed up of revision...
So, I told myself I wasn't going to spend any money until AFTER the exams. However, retail therapy is proven to be a great 'anti-stress' remedy, so I thought I'd give it a try. I can say, that it works brilliantly.. but I'm now in debt to my parents (whoops).

As my next exam isn't for 2 weeks, I thought I'd take the opportunity to put down the work books and get blogging. Today's outfit was a little floral number I wore for a meal out with my nan, over the weekend. It was her 88th birthday last weekend - so happy birthday nan!

 I think it's about time you met the number one fella in my life - ISSAC; the big fat cat! Technically he's my neighbours, but he likes to stop by for an occasional visit.
He's also a CAT PHOTO BOMBER! If there was prize for the most photogenic cat - he'd win it. So, as you can see, he was keen to get in the photo and well he made them a bit more interesting as well!

 What Blondie's Wearing: Dress/Top/Belt - Primark, Socks - Dorothy Perkins, Bag - Charity Shop, Cardigan - Next, Bracelet - Fat Face.

The dress was a Primark steal for £10. I have a weakness for floral clothing and this dress reminded me of Cath Kidston! I added a black collar to create a neckline, and added a belt to gather the dress at the waist (it's my little trick for clothes that aren't tightly fitted).

The shoes were an old pair of sandals I dug out from my moms wardrobe (so thanks mom!). As I'm still awaiting a 'half term' shopping spree, where I'm hoping to purchase some new sandals, I thought I'd style up an old pair with a cute pair of frilled socks (well, you know me...).
 My cardigan was also stolen from my sister's wardrobe! The first signs of sun, over the weekend, have got me attached to everything pastel, so this outfit was no exception.

Well that's all from me, I'll be blogging over half term!

From a very 'glad to be back' blonde...



P.s. Make sure you follow me on Facebook or Twitter

Dealing with the stress of exam revision...it's that time of year AGAIN :'(

Hello!

It's been ages since I've allowed myself to blog (absolute torture as you can guess) but I'm afraid the A level Revision has take over. I have 5 AS exams this year, and right now I'm racing like a maniac to meet deadlines and get all the information into my little brain!

Luckily for you, I'm not going to rant on to you about how horrible school is. Because, although I won't admit it, it's a pretty awesome place to be... However, I'm currently surrounded by books and note cards, rather than my laptop and camera! 

I've also got a few tips for successful revision (trialed and tested)..

 1. If you can't learn it, sing it. 
Mad I know, but there's always that one piece of information that you keep forgetting.. but trust me, if you keep on singing about it - it's so much easier to remember. Some of my favourite musicals, have turned into rants about British Politics in 1916!

 2. Reward yourself with hopeless amounts of chocolate.
 It's fair to say chocolate can be my only motivation, when it comes to revision. I stock up on all things unhealthy, and reward myself each time I complete a page of revision. However, my mom usually has to watch over, just to check I'm not just stuffing my face with food..

 3. Test yourselves with friends.
I always find a great way to test how much you know is to recall it all to a friend. Hopefully this friend has a clue about what your rambling on about, as this is a great way to see if what your writing on note cards is actually going in. 

4. Always ensure your chilling in your comfy's.
 If your going to revise there's no point siting around in something that's uncomfortable! Any posts in the next few weeks will be me in my favourtie trackies and jumpers!

5. Say no to T.V, phone and the internet.
that's right. Put the phone down. And turn off Twitter! If your going to concentrate you might as well do it properly - you can always tell everyone about how tedious revision is later..


So, that's how I'll be trying to survive the next few weeks! I've got so many things planned for my little blog, so please bear with me..

My plan after exams:
1. Burn every book I've had to read this year.
2. Spend all my savings on a huge Primark haul.
3. Beg my dad for an I Phone.
4. Get DIYing for summer.
and 5. eat less chocolate.


Good Luck to everyone who had exams this term! I hope the revision pays off!


Lots of love.

I heard it from a Little Birdie: Review...

I really did 'hear it from a Little Birdie,' as today's post is a little review of a recently opened jewellery emporium Little Birdie London. I was so excited when I was kindly invited to review an item from the website - as I'd already fallen in love with a few special pieces!

Little Birdie was founded earlier this year, and sells jewellery pieces for every occasion. It offers unique items, that will add the finishing touches to any outfit and I've now added a few friendship bracelets (oh and the rings, earings and necklaces) to my wish list...

This bunting necklace was a clear winner, when selecting an item to review. Bright colours are lots of fun this Spring and the shape of the necklace looks great with high neck tops! The necklace was surprisingly heavy, which made it a great piece, as it helps to shape the necklace around the neck. The gold finish adds sophistication to an outfit, while still keeping it low key and fun!

I wore mine with a white collared shirt, and a very bold and striking flamingo jumper (oh yes, I went there). I thought the necklace complimented the jumper really well, and added a contemporary twist to the outfit. The necklace was also adjustable, which means you could re-size it to suit how you want to wear it!

 

Candy Bunting Necklace in Pink - Little Birdie London £9*

 If you fancy having a look at the Little Birdie London range, check out the website here, and let me know your favourite items from the website!

Lots of Love,

 

Guest Shoot #3 - From behind the camera lens...

It was back to school today - and didn't the world know about it! My sister yelling 'WAKE UP GRACE' at 6:30 this morning was not the best way to role out of bed - but I'm glad she did, or I would have been going to school in my Pyjamas! (not that I'd complain).

 

Today's post is a slightly delayed guest post of my darling sister! As she's usually behind the lens, it was great to let me have a go at snapping away (as it's what I love doing). I have to admit, I'm completely obsessed with the use of light in photos, particularly sun set - it always looks so beautiful! These photos were originally a little experiment, so please ignore the fact she has no shoes ;)

 Okay, so sister's aren't supposed to pay each other compliments regularly (and it's certainly a rarity in our house) but I love this Jumper from Republic. There was a huge sale at Republic, due to rumours of it closing down. This meant of course, that my sister was first to snap up a bargain! The wool is thick and amazing quality and I love the knitting work on the front and arms.

This satchel is becoming a favourite of ours this Spring, since we snapped it up at a local charity shop! Pastels are a classic for Spring, and well, this satchel is a classic. She's also sporting her ONE DIRECTION wrist band, from the concert she went to last month. Yes, she's a little obsessed. And yes, I can now sing every lyric, to every song, since she plays the 1D album on full blast, in her bedroom....

The sun glasses (which are MINE) are from Primark, and look effortless for summer! Lydia's style is mainly a relaxed casual look. Not like her sister... But, it's great that we can wear each others clothes in such different ways! 

To complete the 'Saturday shopper' classic look, Lydia styles her hair effortlessly, by simply pulling some of her hair into a pony tail, and leaving a bit half in/half out. Spring is all about an effortless "up-do's" so I'll definitely be trying this look out...

What Lydia Wears: Jumper - Republic, Bag - Charity Shop, Glasses/Jeans - Primark.

So, you've officially met my camera wizard! 

One thing thing that bugs me about blogging is that people may think 'it's all about me'. But it's really not! One of my favourite aspects of blogging, is to take photos of people's style which inspires me (and I hope to do more of this too). So look out! ;)

 

Lots of Love,

 

let's get away, just for one day. Hello Lichfield...

Last week, my mom, sister and nan took a little trip to Lichfield. It's a little town full of tea rooms, charity shops and market stalls (or maybe that was just because it was a market day)! We spent a few hours walking through some beautiful parks - but mainly concentrating on the important task of raiding every charity shop in the 1 mile radius of the town...

Successfully out mission was complete, so the rest of the time was spent eating Victoria sponge in a coffee shop. I have a confession, I will be returning this Friday, as my little choir is going to sing in the Cathedral there - veeeeeeery exciting!

 

Can I first just announce my love for the  SS13 H&M Conscious collection! The collection is just perfection and if your looking for inspiration on how to style it, head over to one of my favourite bloggers, Olivia at What Olivia Did - trust me it's worth it!

Among the many recent purchases from H&M, I brought these gorgeous patterned jeans for a thrifty price of £9.99. I'm loving the tribal feel to spring clothes! But dressed my trousers with an army style jacket from Boohoo, which was only £6 on Ebay (another cheeky bargain purchase) and my sturdy Primak boots. I also layered up, with my coat and scarf as it was freezing outside - don't let the sun fool you!

What I'm Wearing: Trousers - H&M, Jacket - Boohoo, Coat - Bank, Boots/Scarf - Primark.

Part of my art coursework is to pick out pretty fabrics for a final piece (I'll fill you in when it's all finished). So I spent most of the day selecting fabrics - with the help of my mom - and materials to use! I get so excited my pretty materials. weird I know!

I finished the day off with a well deserved hot chocolate... oh and a gigantic slice of Victoria sponge! I think it's about time I thought about a serious diet! 

Well I'm off now to get on with some more revision - yay :(

Lots of Love,

The sun came out to say, hello...

It's my 100th post - hiphiphoray!
I am pleased to say to sun finally made a appearance yesterday!
The UK weather has been a real disappointment so far this year, but fingers crossed, things may be looking brighter! (and now I sound like something off the BBC weather report)... As I couldn't resist the opportunity to finally wear my new sunglasses, I grabbed my camera and a bottle of bubbles for today's outfit post!

Today's outfit, is a purchase from one of my recent high street hauls. I was slightly disappointed with the Top Shop sale! So, in desperation, I followed a few sale signs and drifted in and out of endless shops. I found this paisley dress is Warehouse. I wasn't keen on the shape to begin with, but it looked far better on and I fell in love with the pattern...and the price tag of £12 (whoops). I'm hoping to dress it up for collage and down for sunny days this spring, as it's so pretty!

My sun glasses were also a recent steal from Primark. Every girl needs a few pairs of fun glasses for summer and the cheep and cheerful price tag of £1, has got me hooked on them! Problem is my sister now has her eye's on them... oh no!

The bag was yet another thrifted purchase  I persuaded my sister to buy in a local charity shop. Lydia hates charity shops, so it was my way of showing her that you can find loads of in season accessories for half the price. This pastel blue satchel (a colour I'm obsessed with right now) was initially from TU at Tesco, but was only £3 in the charity shop - Bargain? I think so...

Like I said, this shoot consisted of me mainly blowing bubbles at my camera lens - NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS! Not only did my sister face get covered in bubbles (I may post a photo on twitter later - @blondiegrace), but I soon ran out of breath; so it's time I hit the gym! However, it was lots of fun! As I see it, I have a year and a half before I got to university to cram in lots of childish fun - though I doubt I will stop there..
Follow @blondiegrace

In case you didn't notice, I've also finally got my hair cut.. (drama I know). I've never been a fan of hairdressers, I love styling my own hair and always feel no-one can ever do it, like I want it. However, my local hairdresser knows me well, and knows when I ask for a dramatic hair cut, I'm only asking for a trim! They also provide you with lots of UP-TO-DATE magazines to read; saving my poor piggy bank, and I love the hot chocolate machines - forget coffee shops, just go to the hairdresser and get a hair cut thrown in too! And as Forest Gump says 'that is all I have to say about that'...

What I'm Wearing: Dress £12 - Warehouse, Jacket/Pumps - Primark, Necklace £3 - New Look, Shoes £4- Primark, Belt - H&M, Braclet/Bag/Socks - Charity Shop.

Well that's all from me!
Anyone else spotted the sun yet in the UK? Let's hope it keeps on shinning!

Make sure you keep up with me on: Bloglovin, GFC, Twitter or Facebook...

Lots of Love,