My first Virtual Blogging Event - With Moonpig*

Last week I was invited to a virtual blogging event with Moonpig to learn more about their range of Birthday cards, flowers and gifts, as well as learn about their brand new app packed full of loads of user friendly features.

First off we had a App Masterclass from Jasper from Moonpig. We learnt all about the amazing features the app has to offer. Moonpig have a fab feature on their new app which means you can use your own actual handwritten message in any card you send digitally. It's SO clever and so simple to use.

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You can also sync all the birthdays you have in your phone straight to the app and set up to send you reminders, so you never miss a birthday again!

Sadly a few of the new features are only available on iOS at the moment but fingers crossed they will be released on Android soon. If you haven't already make sure you download the Moonpig App and have a look around, there are over 10,000+ cards to pick from for any occasion.

August is a super busy month for me when it comes to birthdays and I have definitely will be ordering a few personalise Moonpig cards and making the most of all the new features the app has to offer.

We then had a flower arranging class with Roxanne – Moonpig’s Chief Flower Officer. Moonpig sent me a huge bouquet called The luxury summer garden. The flowers are stunning and still looking fresh after a week of having them. All Moonpig's flowers come with a step by step care instructions to make sure you are able to keep them fresh as long as possible.

During the flower arranging class we learnt how important the size of a vase is for the flowers and by cutting the stems at a 45 degree angle it helps prevent a vacuum in the vase and make sure all the flowers get the water they need.

Some of the flowers fit through a letterbox, so your recipient doesn’t need to be in to receive them. If you looking for something other than flowers, they have tons of fun items to choose from including gift vouchers if you are unsure what to gift.

Delivery is really easy you can choose to have the gift sent directly to whoever you want to gift to or if you would like to give the gift personally you can also choose to have it sent straight to you also.
We ended the evening with a Cocktail Masterclass with James from Mix & Twist which was lots of fun. Mix and Twist send out cocktail making kits direct to your door which is perfect for those in Lockdown.

We made the following cocktails;

• Summer Garden – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lime, 25ml sugar syrup, mint leaves, cucumber, 25ml elderflower soda
• Strawberry Fizz – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lemon, 25ml sugar syrup, soda, strawberries, lemon
• Passionfruit Martini – 45ml Vodka, 20ml lemon, 25ml passionfruit syrup, 60ml pineapple juice

You can actually send alcoholic treats as gifts directly from Moonpig. Including the vodka we had in our cocktail making masterclass. The next day Darcy and I made the mocktails versions of these and I can tell you they taste jut as good.

To celebrate the new app Moonpig have a code for 30% off a card and a gift when buying together. Be quick as the promotion is only valid until the 26th August – enter APP30ORDER at checkout!

Thank you Moonpig for being an amazing host!

Have you used Moonpig?

*Post includes gifted items from the event

Ways To Prevent Chub Rub AKA Thigh Chafing

One thing about summer that I dread is chub rub. No matter if you're slim or plus size, chub rub affects us all at some point of our lives. 

Chub rub or as some of us call it “chaffing” is where the inside of your thighs vigorously rub together. This can cause your inner thighs to form a rash, sting, burn,  or even bleed. 

So if you don't want to suffer another summer of chub rub, here are some tried and tested solutions for stopping it from happening. 

We all know that coconut oil is basically good for everything. Well here is another magical use for it. Coconut oil is especially great to use for chub rub if you have sensitive skin. I find when I use it my thighs just glide and I love the smell of coconut oil. 

If you are one of those people who do not  like the smell of coconut oil, another alternative to use  is a layer of anti chafing gel.  One of my favourites is Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel. It is also a perfect size to pop into your handbag/back pack if you need to re apply during the day. 

Comfort shorts are great for reducing chub rub, the only thing is that they can show when you are wearing those lovely summer flowing dresses. I tend to find myself yanking my dress down throughout the day. I normally buy mine from Evans, I have also heard good things about Sang Tights Chub Rub shorts.

If you are a regular reader, you will know how much I looove Lush!. Their Silky Underwear, it is just like a talc powder I also use it under my breast to stop the good ole boob sweat. I also use my Christmas favourite dusting powders, Fair Dust and Mr Sandman. 

Do you suffer from chub rub? What do you use to prevent it? 

Easy Vegan Pancake| How To Make Healthy Pancakes

I have shared a few pancakes recipes on this blog and this time I'm bringing you a simple vegan pancake recipe, hope your going to like it as much as I do!

Ingredients
300ml almond/oat milk
50ml vegetable oil
2tsp vanilla essence
2tbsp caster sugar
2tbsp baking powder
220g plain flour

Method
Add all your wet ingredients into a bowl
Add the baking powder and flour
Give it a good stir
Heat a pan and add the oil of your choice, I like coconut oil
ladle the pancake batter into the pan, spread the mixture out evenly
cook for a few minutes until golden, toss or use a palette knife to flip over the pancake and cook for another minute

It is as simple as that! You can also freeze them if you make too many.If you are looking for topping ideas check out my post here. I also have a yummy banana pancake recipe if you are looking for something different.

How To Become A Virtual Assistant

These days there are many different jobs you can do from home that allow you to set your own terms and work your own hours. Working as a virtual assistant is one of these and can be a great option for people with admin and customer service experience.

What is a Virtual Assistant?
Briefly speaking a virtual assistant offers businesses admin assistance from a remote location. It can be similar to being a freelancer but rather than working from different offices each day, you tend to work from your same location and offer your services remotely.

What Services Does a Virtual Assistant Offer?
This varies massively on your skill-set and what your client wants. Many virtual assistant services offer help with general admin tasks, email responses and diary management as a minimum. You could also offer services such as social media set-up & increasing growth via social media channels. Blog posts, website content and even taking phone calls when needed are all things that a remote assistant service like this may offer.

How Much Can I Make?
The amount of money you can earn depends on what you’re offering and your experience. Many people start by offering their services at a lower cost to build up their reputation and testimonials on their various social media pages. Once you have done this you’re usually able to charge a bit more as you’ve proved that you’re worth the investment.

Setting Yourself Up
There are websites such as People Per Hour that help you advertise your services to their customer base, but they do take a commission on any jobs you’re paid for you. You can also set your-self up on Facebook and/or with a website and start to advertise your services this way. Using LinkedIn is also a really good way to network & get word out there of your services.

Valentines | Galentines Gift Guide 2020

*This post contains PR/Gifted items. All opinions are my own

February is the month of love! whether you are celebrating Galentines Day on the13th or Valentines on the 14th. It is the perfect time to show the people we care about how much they actually mean to us,and to give gifts that say and show that you really care (whether it’s someone you love romantically or love affectionately).

I thought I would share with you some gift ideas, I have all corners covered. So let's go;

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I definitely think they got it wrong. The truth is -- The way to ANYONE’S heart is through their stomach. So this year, say “I love you” with more than just words, include some sweet treats and small meaningful gestures that your loved ones will cherish forever.

Guylian Sea Shells* are made using only the finest, hand selected Mediterranean hazelnuts, which are roasted and caramelised to perfection before being blended with premium Belgian chocolate, Guylian’s famous SeaShell chocolates are always a delight, and are sure to make life sweet for your loved one. They also have special Valentines heart shaped chocolates to share or keep to yourself.

Nim’s Apple Crisps* have launched a limited-edition, crimson-coloured RedLove Apple crisps in time for Valentine's day. They are air dried, not fried with no added ingredients and allergen free.

Mermaid Pink Gin* is bottled by the Isle of Wight distillery made with bodacea hops, samphir and flavoured with fresh strawberries and is both vegan and gluten-free.. Not only is the bottle beautiful, it is plastic free (even the seal is biodegradable) which is 100% recyclable.

Perfectly balanced and subtle yet vibrant mermaid Pink is less sweet than most pink gins and has no added sugar.

Available from Marks & Spencer and Isle of Wight Distillery.

The OGGs® chocolate fudge* two pack cupcakes are perfect for sharing with your loved one this Valentine’s day. Not only are they Vegan friendly, the packaging is 100% recycled plastic, fully recyclable.
 
If you're looking to kink things up a notch this Valentine's Day, here are ... fun, and absolutely still romantic ways to have a sexy (and exciting) valentines Day.

Feeling Foxy* The super sexy box of sexy products ranging from vibrators to bondage gear and various other items to spice up your love life!!! Customers only find out what thrills lie ahead when it lands on the doormat.

Choose from either a £40 ‘Playtime’ box, with four items included, or an £85 ‘More Playtime’ box with six items. Whichever you choose, the products are always worth more than the cost actually paid.

Don't worry if you've not got hundreds of pounds spare in the bank this valentine's day, It's not about how much you spend but rather showing those you love how much they mean to you. Poundland has a selection of valentine themed items for sale for those looking to find cheap and cheerful gifts.

What kinds of gifts can you present to a non-materialistic person?

Donate to a food bank
Christmas time shouldn’t be the only season of giving. Spread some love this Valentine’s day by providing someone a meal, or at least a part of one. I donate to the North London Food Bank, you can donate time, money or food to families in need. Feel the love radiate by giving it more than you get it this year.

Homemade gift
Treat your loved one to something special with a handmade gift this Valentine's. It's a great time to get creative and show them just how much they mean to you. From a love letter, to a personalised mug or a jar of reasons you love them. There are plenty of things you can make, if you are stuck for ideas there are loads on Pinterest.

Name a star after them
What do you buy the person who has everything? A star of course! With the Name a star gift set* You receive detailed info to help you track down your star with a telescope, and an official certificate proving that it has been registered.

Food Review | Schwartz Authentic Chicken Casserole Mix*

As it is getting colder and darker there is nothing better than a hearty casserole to warm you up and make you feel cosy. Recently Schwartz got in touch to see if I would be interested in reviewing their Chicken Casserole mix, perfect timing or what?

I have never used one of their mixes before, and I found it so easy to follow the recipe. The mix has sweet garlic, fragrant sage and rosemary for a classic, hearty casserole full of flavour. All you have to add is chicken, carrots and an onion. The dish is 1 of your 5 a day per serving, has no artificial colours, no hydrogenated fat and no added preservatives or MSG.

Good food does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This simple, homely casserole is made without a lengthy shopping list of exotic fresh ingredients or hours of precise slicing and chopping.

This is a mix that you will return to time and time again because it is one of the quickest and tastiest chicken casserole recipes, Since chicken is a relatively meat, it's ideal for family suppers. You can also play around with ingredients to meet your personal taste.

The recipe states that it should place in the oven, however I threw everything into the slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Came home and added some dumplings, 20 minutes later the dish ready to serve and it tasted delicious. 

Perfect when you have a hungry child after her swimming lesson, the mix serves four people. Darcy really enjoyed it and actually asked for seconds, my child is always hungry! As there is only 2 of us, there was plenty to have the next day.

The Schwartz mixes are available to buy at Tesco for 85p RRP and are currently on offer for 4 for £2. And with Christmas round the corner we are all in need of some time-saving recipes or last minute dinner ideas when unsuspected visitors arrive. Now is the perfect time to stock up on some Schwartz mixes.

You might also like Quorn speedy creamy pasta recipe

AD this is a collaborative post

Your Guide to Picking the Best Credit Card for 2020*

With 2020 around the corner, you're looking for a fresh start for everything — including your credit card. You may wonder which one to get with so many choices on the market. How can you choose the right one to suit your income and spending habits? Luckily, knowledge and foresight can help you answer this question. Keep reading to discover factors to look for when selecting your credit card.

Credit Score
Your credit score decides what kind of card you can apply for. Individuals with high scores can apply for cards with higher credit limits and better rewards. Factors like payment history and credit diversity determine your rating. Always send payments on time and open multiple credit lines if possible.

Types of Cards There's no shortage of cards to pick, and arguably, your major task is choosing the winner. Popular varieties include secured, unsecured and business. Secured cards set a limit based on however much money you deposit into a credit line, such as $300. You'll receive your money back when you build your score and prove to be a trustworthy spender. Unsecured cards don't require you to deposit your own money — they work like regular credit cards.

Business credit cards let corporate or small companies spend money and earn rewards on things like travel mileage. Small business cards allow starting entrepreneurs to build their credit history until they can upgrade to corporate. Every card issuer defines "business" differently — ensure yours fits the bill before applying.

Annual Percentage Rate
If you carry a balance each month, your APR determines how much interest you'll pay. A low APR rate is better for those who rarely pay off their entire bill — you won't have to deal with added fees. The card you choose will either have a fixed or variable rate, which defines how much interest will accrue. If your chosen card has a variable rate, you may have to pay different interest amounts depending on the transactions you make.

Credit Limit
The credit limit determines how much you can spend. A limit of $400 means you can make up to $400 in charges — likewise for $10,000 or $20,000. Your credit history and income level determine this number. The more you can afford to pay off, the higher you can set the limit. Your chosen limit should be reasonable compared to your income. Having too much leeway with spending can cause you to go above your means and take longer to clear your debt.

Extra Fees 
Consider the additional fees you'll encounter as you use your card. Most people are familiar with late fees, but you also have the annual fee, balance transfer costs, convenience charges and more. You'll pay additional money for out-of-country transactions or payments surpassing your credit limit. These expenses make it clear why using your card wisely is crucial. If you manage your debt and consistently pay on time, you can avoid many of the higher costs.

Apply for Your Ideal Credit Card
Choosing the right card can be straightforward if you know what to look for. Nail down your preferences, and you'll be ready to apply in no time. Celebrate 2020 with a new card and a new lease on life.