When I read Kezzie's answers to The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, I wanted to answer them because they're such good questions. Kezzie nominated anyone with an A in their name to answer them. Which I do (take note anyone who thinks my name is Joy), so here they are...

1. What is your favourite gemstone?
Opals (the blue variety in particular), labradorite, and moonstones, as they're beautiful, so inviting and touchable. They have a magical, mystical feel about them, like you could disappear inside them, into another world. That said, I also like turquoise, jade and coral too. So, I'm not fussy at all really, but opals are definitely at the top of the list.

2. If you had to spend the day as any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Queen Victoria, in her early years before the death of Prince Albert. I think it would be fascinating. Or Queen Elizabeth I, so I could cut off people's heads.

3. Do you have a favourite genre of film, and if so, why?
I enjoy all sorts of films, but something that moves me and makes me think is my preference. This can be in any genre. I'm not a fan of horror particularly, although I will watch it. I don't like the Ali G / Borat type films, I'd rather sit in silence. I like period dramas, thrillers, rom coms, spy movies, Sci-fi is great too. Some of the sillier Will Ferrell films I don't enjoy (Anchorman), Adam Sandler has been in some nonsense too (Little Nicky). Don't even mention American Pie. But mostly you can plop me down in front of anything and I'll watch it.

Best films I've seen so far this year: The Martian, and Ricky and The Flash.

4. What was your favourite toy as a child?
Big Ted Michael, a teddy bear my brother gave me the day I was born. I wrote about him here, which turned into a ramble about growing up and virginity (sometimes I go where my thoughts take me).

5. What was the last book you read that you'd recommend to everyone?
I really enjoyed Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Here is what I wrote in a previous post about it:

'Really enjoyed this one, reading it in less than a week. I haven't been as captivated by a book like this for a long time. This is Cheryl's true story of how her life went off track when her Mum died suddenly. At her lowest point she was compelled to walk 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest trail alone - an epic journey, and one that I was very intrigued by.

I read the book at every opportunity, it made me want to dig out my walking boots, go camping and spend time away from everything. 

I was scared for her, I willed her on, was elated by her triumphs, and strangely felt a sense of pride when she completed both her physical and emotional journey. This is staying on my bookshelf to be read again.'

6. What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Learn how to have those difficult conversations. My best friend told me this and she's absolutely right. Communication is the key to everything and although I sometimes struggle to make myself understood, I never stop trying.

7. Who would be your dream dinner guests and why?
Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Maggie Smith, Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman. I'd just love to sit and listen to them all chatting. I think we'd need to make it a weekend retreat, dinner wouldn't be long enough.

8. Do you prefer day or night?
Both. I like very early mornings (when I'm awake), and very late nights (when I can stay awake). I think it's the stillness that these times bring, the lack of people and noise.

9. If space travel became a possibility overnight, where would you go?
I wouldn't want to go too far at first, I'd like to be home for supper. Maybe just a jaunt into the stars, to experience weightlessness, to look back on earth and see it as the blue / green planet we've all seen so many times in photographs.

10. And because I'm always interested to know this, if time travel were real, what time would you go to?
The 1940s but only if I could be a guest at Downton Abbey

To join in, the rules are simple:
1. Thank the blogger for the award given (Thank you Kezzie)
2. Answer the ten questions given to you
3. Nominate a further 10 bloggers for this award
4. Write another 10 questions for those bloggers to answer
5. Display the award on your blog or in a post

My questions are going to be the same as the above, because I think these questions (originally from Tasha) are really good, and I like to see how people's answers differ from my own.

And - borrowing Kezzie's idea - I'm going to tag anyone with an E in their name. Do let me know if you answer them.

I like summer and have some exciting plans for the coming months that I'm really looking forward to, but I do feel a pang of sadness when spring draws to an end, knowing that I will see so little of Andy in the coming months, as he works long days, everyday, during harvest.

It's also an exciting time of year, the countryside becomes a hive of activity, there's a hum of machinery in the air and after dark, when the fields are normally cloaked in black, they come alive with the lights of tractors and combines.

Looking out of the window I can see them working all around. I feel immensely proud of Andy, and all farmers, at this time of year. It's the result of many months of hard work. Work that, once harvest is over, immediately starts all over again.

I take every opportunity to join Andy in his tractor cab, but when left to my own devices I like to keep myself busy more than at any other time of year. In stark contrast to the end of spring when I like to keep my evenings and weekends free to make the most of any downtime Andy has.

Spring turned out to be wonderfully sociable this year. As lovely as that was, it can make it harder when harvest gets underway. I wouldn't change a moment of it, I have some lovely memories, but I soon get used to having him around more often. When he's gone I feel it more keenly.

This is me in July 2011, taken around the time I answered some random questions I'd found on a few blogs I'd been reading at the time.

I decided to answer them again to see if / how my answers have changed.

What is bothering you right now
2011 - Not having enough hours in the day, my work/life balance is way, way off kilter!
2016 - My inability to consistently eat well and exercise.

Do you like celebrity magazines?
2011 - No.
2016 - Still no.

When was the last time you were ill? Why?
2011 - I am plagued by sinusitis, it strikes when I get run down, which has been happening a lot recently (see my answer to the first question).
2016 - Still sinusitis, on the advice of my Doctor I'm currently cutting dairy from my diet (with sensible substitutions) to see if this makes a difference.

Do you feel you belong in a different era?
2011 - Yes. The 1950's. Andy feels that way too.
2016 - Not so much anymore, I feel like I'm where (and when) I should be.

Who owns you?
2011 - My cats, Socks and Tink.
2016 -  I don't really understand this question but I'd still say my cats.

Favorite country in Europe?
2011 - UK.
2016 - The UK is still my favourite. The UK is often put down, but it has some amazing places, with some beautiful and diverse landscapes. Other than the UK, I think Belgium is very pretty, but it's hard to say as I haven't seen all of Europe. Yet.

Did you skive off school?
2011 - Nope. I was a bit of a girlie swot.
2016 - This isn't going to change.

Ever played an instrument?
2011 - Only very badly.
2016 - Ditto.

Favorite alcoholic drink?
2011 - Pimms and lemonade on a hot day, mulled wine when it's cold.
2016 - G&T, no matter what time of year it is!

Do you follow fashion?
2011 - I follow fashion so I know what is current but I wear only what I think suits me.
2015 - Not really, I have an idea of what's on trend but I rarely consider it these days. Style is more important than being on trend.

What colour are your eyes? Do you like that colour?
2011 - Greeny/Grey/Bluey. I think my peepers are my best feature.
2016 - Obviously, this isn't going to change.

What is the furthest you have travelled from your home? How far was it?
2011 - Seattle, which is 4,799 miles from London according to Google.
2016 - I wondered if Zanzibar would be further but it's just under at 4,621 miles

What is the coldest temperatures you have experienced? Where were you?
2011 - Winter 2010 in the UK
2016 - Have we had a colder winter since? I'd love to have a cold holiday, somewhere with deep snow and husky rides.

What is the hottest temperatures you have experienced? Where were you?
2011 - Sicily. On the day of my friend's wedding. I melted.
2016 - This remains the same, in all honesty I don't think I'd ever want to be that hot ever again.

Imagine you have three wishes. List them. (A million more wishes doesn't count)
2011 -
1. An end to poverty and suffering (a biggie but a goody)
2. Longer, thicker, curlier eyelashes (utterly selfish but I'd love a life without mascara)
3. Unlimited energy
2016 -
1. Political stability - a government I can trust
2. An answer to the declining bee numbers
3. My 20 year old body

Are you keeping a secret from the world?
2011 - Nope.
2016 - Still nope.

If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself ten years ago, what would you say?
2011 - Your greatest regrets will be about the things you didn't do.
2016 - Learn now to have those difficult conversations. And don't wait 'for the right time', the right time is now.

How have you changed in the past 10 years?
2011 - I'm kinder to myself and more confident.
2016 - I'm more settled. Happier, more relaxed.

Is abortion wrong?
2011 - Not if it's done for the right reasons, as a last resort, in a timely fashion.
2016 - My feelings haven't changed on this.

Do you like long train/car journeys?
2011 - Yes, I love the time to stare out of the window and get lost in my own little world...
2016 -  Still a daydreamer

Have you ever considered writing a novel?
2011 - On occasion. If I had a great idea for a plot I'd go for it. I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.
2016 - Yes, but the subject matter still eludes me. No point putting pen to paper until I have an inkling!

Have you ever punched someone in the face?
2011 - No, but I have wanted to.
2016 - No, but I have wanted to (and several times since 2011), I doubt I'd ever act on the urge though.

What is your sense of humour like?
2011 - I love a dry sense of humour, quick wit and slap stick. Nothing makes me laugh like people tripping up or walking into things.
2016 - Still the same, a little more sarcastic.

Are you a good person?
2011 - Not to everyone. I'm fiercely loyal but break my trust and forgiveness is a long time coming.
2016 - Not to everyone but yes, on the whole I think I am. There is room for improvement, I could certainly be more patient with others, kinder.


And this is me today.

Feel free to answer these questions too, just let me know so I can have a read.

I really enjoyed wearing my spring capsule wardrobe. I loved how easy it was to use, and how well everything worked together.

Here are some of the outfits.




As you can see, the white skirt was definitely a favourite. As was the Next maxi skirt found in a charity shop, and my new ASOS jumper. But the biggest surprise was how much I liked the denim jacket, I've avoided them for years. I now reach for it almost daily.

Have you ever done a complete 180 on a particular item of clothing?

I have Instagram to blame for the impulse purchase of two Latest In Beauty boxes. I saw a post showing the Build Your Own box and had to check it out for myself. And when I posted a pic of my two boxes, Kezzie asked 'oooh, show us what's in it!!!'

I enjoy a beauty box, I've tried Glossybox, Birchbox, and My Little Box in the past, but I've found that there is always at least one item that doesn't get used. By picking your own items you're guaranteed a box you'll love.

This beauty box isn't a subscription box either, you buy what you want when you want to, you have to register but your obligation ends there. This was a real plus point for me as I don't want a box every month.

I purchased two boxes. The first was The Glamour Summer Edit which is full of summer essentials, the products are worth £104 but it's available to buy for just £20.

However, the most exciting for me was the Build Your Own box.

You can pick 3 items for £8.99, 6 items for £12.99 or 9 items for £16.99, this includes postage.

I opted for the six items, this works out at £2.17 per item which is pretty good value (next time I'll go for the 9 item box as it works out as £1.89 per item).


Here is what I chose;

L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara (Full Size)
This is £10.99 in Superdrug and I'd wanted to try it for a while.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Watermelon (Full size)
I've always worn lip balm throughout the summer and fancied something with a hint of colour. It's a very pretty shade, has a tempting peppermint scent, and retails at £5.99. I'm tempted to try the Plum and Fig shades too.

Before I go on, I just want to point out that I'd already had my moneys worth with these two products alone.

Bee Good Lift and Brighten Eye Cream (1x5ml)
Full size is £19.75 for 15ml on their website (or you can buy a 5ml tube for £8.00), buying it as one of my six items in this box saved me £5.83.

Mauli Himalayan Healing Salts (1x60g sachet)
I had to find out more about these, they smell divine. The ritual insists you relax in a warm bath for 15 - 20 minutes. Who am I to argue?

A 500g refill pack of these salts is £36.00 which works out at £4.32 for 60g so I paid half price for this.

It was at this point that I was satisfied that I'd got a good deal and stopped working out anymore costs.

Real Techniques Deep Cleansing Brush Gel 2x7ml sachets
Just because I wanted to test it before buying a full size bottle, which is exactly the idea behind Latest In Beauty - try before you buy.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Ultra Light Fluid (3ml)
Although it stated quite clearly on the website that this was a 3ml tube, I did think it would be bigger. I'm not sure there is enough here to get a true feeling of the product. It might be enough to cover my face a few times but that's it. Still I'm interested to see what it's like.

Have you tried any of the of Latest In Beauty boxes?

With Latitude '16 coming up I've been pondering the things I need to see me through the weekend.

After last year I've already purchased a pull along granny trolley for transporting my gear to the campsite, a mallet (hard to put pegs in the ground without one!), and some fluorescent guy ropes.

The black guy ropes that come with most tents are the work of the devil, they lurk in the half light just waiting to trip you over. And with luck it'll stop anyone tripping and falling onto my tent.

Perhaps the next most important thing is a good waterproof. We had stupidly good weather last year but I can't think we'll be so lucky this time around (look at me with my glass half empty), so I'm after a good waterproof layer. The worst thing about camping in the rain is being unable to get dry once it starts. Once you're soggy, you stay that way until the sun comes out.

I like the idea of a poncho for ease of use, there is nothing harder than wrestling your way out of a wet pac-a-mac in a small tent!

Shower in a bottle
Last year I used the Pump It Up Dry Body Wash and it was pretty good. It's basically a shower in a bottle, not as good as a shower but a good alternative to wet wipes. And in these situations every little helps.

Hair prettiness
I love wearing flowers in my hair but often feel self conscious when I do, a festival is one place I won't feel silly doing so. I've dug out my old flowers last seen when dressed as a fairy!

Sunnies
I live in my sunnies if I'm outside, I have no tolerance for the bright sunshine (or rather my eyeballs don't), so these are an absolute must.

Teapigs
I have a supply of Teapigs Yerba Mate and Tung Ting Oolong tea temples, and I'm hoping Sophie will be nice share her boiling water with me (thank you please Sophie?).

Camping mug
I have an old one that I love but wouldn't this be just perfect for a festival weekend adventure?

Huge scarf
I have banned myself from buying any scarves this year, but if I did buy one, this would be it. Good for a pillow, a blanket, a picnic, and, y'know, wearing as a scarf.

Are you festivaling this year?

It took me quite a while to put together my spring capsule wardrobe, but this time around it's been much easier. I swapped just ten items from my spring capsule to make up my summer version. I removed items that I didn't wear a great deal - like my super warm wax jacket, a stripe sweatshirt, chunky knit jumper, and a woollen poncho.

I kept everything I purchased for my spring capsule, which makes me feel better about buying it all. And I added some favourites from last summer, all of which were charity shop finds. I made just one new purchase - a Bardot top from ASOS, which means that over half of my capsule items are pre-loved.

Here's my 2016 summer capsule wardrobe.


The rules of this capsule wardrobe are simple:
- Pick 37 items from my wardrobe
- Store everything else away
- Accessories, gym clothes, PJs, and going out clothes can be worn in addition to the capsule

I've got lots of dresses this season that I'm really looking forward to wearing, but only one pair of jeans. Perhaps rather naively I'm counting on the sun to shine it's little heart out all summer long (I am utterly ignoring the fact that's it's been raining so much recently!).

Summer, I'm ready for you.

My seasonal capsule wardrobe is inspired by Un-Fancy.

A Buyer's Archive - keeping track of my spending on clothes and accessories with Elise.

To finish off last months Buyer's Archive post I wrote 'expect very few purchases in June.' I'm pleased to say I only made three purchases, two of which where necessary, one which I tried hard to justify as necessary but it's simply not true.


Light Brown Comfort Suedette Block Heels  |  New Look  |  £24.99

I bought these heels from New Look that I'd spied online for an upcoming wedding. I've already given them a trial run on an evening out and I'm glad to say they're really comfortable. They come in black too and I'm more than a little tempted!






I wore them with a Monsoon dress I won on ebay during my spending ban last year, a bargain at £8.50. This is the first chance I've had to wear it. I love how the shoes are barely there, making the outfit all about the dress.


Bardot top  |  ASOS  |  £18.00

Then I bought this off-the-shoulder top from ASOS. With the switch from my spring to summer capsule wardrobe coming up I wanted something else to wear with the trousers and skirts I have. This will work with practically everything.

And I bought some pants. Three pairs for a tenner.

Total spend for June £52.99

Total for 2016 so far £354.88

Check out the #buyersarchive hashtag to see posts from everyone taking part.