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Tag: lifestyle

Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider: Skiing at Xscape, Castleford | QueenBeady

I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider. This handy online tool is the creation of high street retailer Cotton Traders. They have carefully selected hundreds of ‘’Days Out’’ ideas for families & couples alike through a nifty little questionnaire which ultimately decides a fabulous day out for everyone!

After inputting a few details such as location, if we wanted the day out to be active or relaxing, indoors or outdoors we were given probably what I think is one of the most fantastic ideas in our region…

Yes, indoor skiing at Xscapes SnoZone! When this came up I was practically jumping for joy as Mr C & I have always wanted to try skiing but never had the guts to do it. So armed with an opportunity we were not going to miss out on this.

After a relatively easy checking in process and adorning ourselves in some very sexy waterproof outerwear we set to getting our ski’s and boots. Note to self; Ski boots are very uncomfortable we were ready to go on the afternoon of the 25th October and experience some sheer extreme sport fun!

As we were all beginners we were on the nursery slopes all being pushed through our paces towards completing Level 1 of Skiing. As a complete novice no matter how many times someone tells you how much your muscles are going to hurt the next day you do not believe them, but trust me, after sidestepping up & down the slopes about 15 times I promise that you will feel the burn for days after (yes, I am wincing in pain right now as I write this!) but in the name of fun it was all fabulous. Our lovely instructor, Liam taught us how to control our speed and stop as this is the first thing you need to master if you are going to go skiing properly! It took me a couple of times to really get it but it eventually the penny started to drop and on my last run I had (just about) mastered it.

I know what question is on everyone’s lips. How many times did you fall over? And the answer is 3 spectacular, face planting times! I occasionally resembled a scene out of Bambi where my legs were skirting around the snow so bad that I gave in and went head first, arse up and looked ready for action all in the space of t-minus 2 seconds. So lady like of me? In all honesty there is nothing demure about skiing, well not if you are me that is. The husband had it down like a pro the first time down the slopes so at least one of us was good!

A big thank you to Liam as he was always so encouraging, despite me shouting expletives for the whole 90 minutes I was there and completely doubting my ability! He was always at the bottom ready to cheer you on and give you constructive criticism.

So, did we pass Level 1 I hear you ask? YES! I’m pleased to say we did & we’re going to be booking our next lesson shortly to master the art of turning on the slopes in Level 2. So keep your fingers, toes and anything else you can that I pass the next one too.

Thanks to Cotton Traders we have now done something that we thought we would never do & it has given us a brilliant opportunity for not only a day out but what is hopefully going to be our newest hobby!

Why not try the Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider for yourself and see what fun & exciting idea you get!

Rebecca xxx

October 28, 2014
I Heart Boucle Jackets | QueenBeady

Boucle Jacket Boohoo Boutique (eBay) | Top New Look (eBay) | Skirt H&M (eBay) | Shoes Primark

Yes. As you guessed it from the title, I love a good boucle jacket & this one is not to be ignored! As you know I spend A LOT of my spare time browsing through eBay trying to find all the trends at a fraction of the price. Some say I am ‘’The Thrifty Shopping Queen’’ and it’s a title I quite like thank you very much.

When I won this jacket for a mere £2.99 (plus postage!) I was more than excited to try it on and wear it out. I love the blue & white porcelain style to it, the jacket is a little different to what you would find on the high street & that is one of the main reasons I love it! I don’t like to wear something that is off the shelf and readily available and if I do I like to give it my own twist.

I paired it with a little crop top and lace cream skirt to keep it quite cute and girly! I love the way my heels completely elongate my legs (Yep, I think I just got a cheeky #ILoveMyselfBecause… hashtag in there!)

All in all this outfit came under £20 and I think it is great for a lovely lunch date or even office wear! The jacket is so versatile and could jazz up any outfit!

How would you style this jacket?

Rebecca xxx

October 22, 2014
#ILoveMyselfBecause | QueenBeady
‘’Troll’’

trōl/

verb

gerund or present participle: trolling
1. informal
  make a deliberately offensive or provocative online posting with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them.
  
  “if people are obviously trolling then I’ll delete your posts and do my best to ban you”
If you Google the word ‘’Trolling’’ that is the definition. Yes, it’s nothing new in this modern society but today I had my first ‘’unwanted’’ comment. I suppose I have been quite naive to not think that it would ever happen but it has, and it slapped me round the face like a wet fish. Hard. It wasn’t a particularly awful comment, but it really hurt when I read the words first time round, but then I thought why not make it in to something positive? Hence the hashtagged title #ILoveMyselfBecause.

I recently posted a styled outfit and wore something that I wouldn’t normally wear but felt confident enough in it to share with you how I had styled it. I state in most posts that I am a curvy girl and I don’t shy away from that, I choose to embrace that God has given me boobs, hips & a butt. Okay, so it’s not a Kimmy K butt but it still is a big one! Apparently, the ‘’troller’’ could not understand why everyone who had commented thought it looked nice and that in actual fact, it was rather unflattering. Interesting?

The only person I allow to criticise my own weight and body shape is myself. No-one else, not even my husband. I am what I am. I accept it. I don’t need to be told I look awful because quite frankly it doesn’t make an ounce of difference what anyone thinks, especially when it is someone sat on the other side of a computer who I haven’t met before. I will dress how I wish to dress this curvaceous figure despite what you think.

So this is really an open letter to anyone who wants to openly shame someone over the internet and try to make them feel worthless. I’m the kind of girl that won’t let this bother me, but, sadly a large proportion of girls would have read that comment and probably cried themself to sleep that night or even worse, harmed themselves because of the hurtful words you and other trolls say. I’m standing up for those who don’t feel that they have a voice.

In my little mind I have an idea to start a little mini campaign aptly named #ILoveMyselfBecause where we can celebrate our achievements and the things we genuinely love about myself. I’d love to see/read any blog posts that are inspired by the hashtag. In fact I will be incorporating this in to my next #HappySelves chat because I think it is important to give ourselves some self-love sometimes.

So listen up ‘’troll’’ #ILoveMyselfBecause of my curvy figure and that I’m not scared to try different styles and fashions along the way. I’m going to have fun with what God gave me. I will never be straight up & down, would I change myself? No. You’re damn right I wouldn’t!

I’d love to read your posts and hopefully if we get enough I would like to do a link share to all the lovely things we love about ourselves!

Rebecca xxx
October 20, 2014
My First Degustabox | QueenBeady

When DegustaBox asked me if I would like to try their September Edition I was very quick to reply with a resounding YES! Those who know me, will know that I love food. Probably a bit too much than I (or my waistline) would like. But, all the same food is the source of energy that keeps our body moving & mind ticking so why not enjoy the scientific side of things with culinary delights.

Those who don’t know DegustaBox is a monthly subscription box that costs only £12.99 a month and you will be bestowed with roughly 9 to 14 products to get your taste buds tingling & I have to say I was not disappointed with the wide range of September treats that dropped on to my doorstep.

I’m normally one for saving the best till last however in this case I must tell you about my favourite product that came in this lovely package.

Elizabeth Shaw’s Dark Chocolate Mints RRP £2.50

I’m a sucker for mint chocolate; so much so, I could smell what was in the box before I even opened it. These were without a doubt always going to be my favourite item. Hands down. They are the perfect mix of a slim piece of chocolate with small crunchy pieces of mint sporadically placed throughout. I not ashamed to say that Mr C & I wolfed down on these within a matter of minutes because they were just so moreish! As soon as I find these (and if you find them before me please tell me where!) I will be buying quite a few packets.

Crabbie’s Non Alcoholic RRP £1.20 | Crabbie’s Alcoholic Fruits RRP £1.50

Of course, alcoholic beverages are always going to go down a treat in our household. This new range from Crabbie’s is a welcome edition! I loved the Zesty Lemon flavour because it was just so refreshing and not overly sweet, which is what I like in my chosen ‘’sauces’’. We also had the delight of the non-alcoholic version too however, this had a hint of ginger in which was a little too strong for me but Mr C loved it & finished the whole bottle for me. I was pleasantly surprised at the cost of these drinks and expected it to be a lot more. I’ll definitely be trying the Black Cherry & Raspberry and Rhubarb alcoholic versions too.

Righteous Dressings RRP £2.19 for 3 pots or £2.49 a bottle

On my first diagnosis of these little pots of 100% natural dressing, I was drawn in the Mild English Blue Cheese & Cider dressing purely because I am an absolute cheese fiend. I stuck my tongue out in a ‘’yacky’’ sort of expression at the prospect of the Raspberry & Basil dressing. Five seconds later the tables turned and it was the complete opposite. I was surprised to find myself dipping in to the latter and eventually polishing it all off, I’m not quite sure who decided that Raspberry & Basil would go together but I commend them on their spontaneity as they have created a beautiful dressing!

Burt’s Lentil Waves RRP 69p per bag

Like I am with cheese, crisps are my ultimate vice. Don’t ever doubt that I could sit and devour a whole 24 multi pack crisps because I could. Don’t dare me. You can imagine my delight when these were included in the package too. We first tried the Thai Sweet Chilli (naturally as this is one of my favourite flavours!) and was not disappointed at all. Thai is a very fragrant taste that not everyone is acquired too, however, these crisps were warming and had deep flavours. A resounding NOM NOM all round. The Lightly Salted were actually quite tasty despite the lack of flavourings here. Funnily enough I did think they tasted mildly of prawn crackers! We are yet to try the Sour Cream & Chive but I’m sure they will go down a storm with Mr C as this is one of his chosen favourite flavours of crisps!

Jordan’s Simply Granola RRP £2.69

Now, I am not the worlds biggest Granola or Cereal fan so I sat this one out. Sorry. I let Mr C sample this one as his eyes shone with glee when he saw this came too. Sadly, I just can’t stomach eating anything first thing in the morning and specifically nothing sweet. Can you see the running theme here, I’m a total savoury whore. So, every morning (because I am such a good wife, I might add) I took a bowl of granola and a cup of tea up to my husband who devoured a bowl full every day for a week. Since this, he has now been buying granola every week. Well done Jordan’s you were certainly a hit with my husband!

Bahlsen Pick Up! RRP £1.69

As soon as I saw the Black n’ White packet I genuinely thought I was in for an Oreo experience. I wasn’t. They were tasty nevertheless, just not Oreos? These biscuits are like little sandwiches with what is essentially a block of chocolate in the middle. Nothing ground breaking here but Mr C has something new for his packed lunch!

Little Miracles Organic Energy RRP £1.59

Anything like this gives me the heebie-jeebies because I am sadly, just not in to that healthy living vibe so I was ready to pass on these. However, ever the curious part of my decided that I would crack them open and have a try and I was most definitely surprised. The Green Tea one was delicious. I think the interesting fruits in this one is what swung it for me. Sadly, the Lemongrass Tea had ginger in it so it wasn’t a winner for me. With only 90 calories in each bottle and boasting free from artificial colours, (yes, the green tea did look like wee!) flavours & sweeteners you know that you are getting a delicious yet essentially cleansing drink. For your nearest stockist head to Little Miracles.

Sadly, we just haven’t had time to try two of the products but we both can’t wait to try them.

Nestle Carnation Cooking Crème RRP £1.65

La Viejas Fabrica Seville Orange Marmalade RRP £1.59

If I come up with any delicious recipes I will be sure to share them with you.

Also, if you fancy trying a DegustaBox head over to their website and enter this special code 4784613 where you will receive a special QueenBeady discount of £3! You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Mr C & I are definitely going to be signing up to this monthly subscription box, because let’s face it, who doesn’t like food?

Rebecca xxx

This post was C/O DegustaBox and all opinions expressed are my own.

October 10, 2014
I’ve Entered the UK Blog Awards #UKBA15 | QueenBeady

Hi everyone!

So, there has been a little bit of radio silence on my blog for the last week as things have been a little hectic recently! So I apologise in advance as it’s not something I would have chosen to do. But, fingers crossed I will be back to business and normal service will resume shortly.

I’m not normally one to brag, but I have been entered in to the UK Blog Awards #UKBA15. Now, for someone like me this is a big deal because this is a hobby that I love to do. Whilst I’m not in it for the glory to see a nice, shiny award on my mantelpiece would be lovely for all the hard work & effort that’s goes in to blogging.

I have been entered in to the Lifestyle and Fashion & Style categories! So, if you would like to see this happy, little Yorkshire lass go far in the Awards then please vote for me by clicking on the link!

October 9, 2014