Storage Box Update with Outspiration

I’m an advocate for continuously updating/improving your home and garden in order to keep it looking fresh.  There are so many projects that Ed and I would like to get started on but time, resources and lack of motivation are often constraints.  This is where I think the new Outspiration app (that I was introduced to) will make a difference. It is an iPhone friendly app that inspires, guides and tracks your effort on DIY projects. Recently, I’ve noticed that we’ve been dumping a lot of stuff near our front door and I thought a storage box may be a good way to keep it tidy.  I looked up the Projects section of Outspiration for some ideas and inspiration (or should it be outspiration!?) eventually decided to improvise based on what I gleaned. I managed to buy a basic storage unit but it wasn’t in the least bit interesting. I don’t like dull and boring things so below are the steps I took to make it look stylish and interesting.

I used Outspiration’s Visualiser tool to look at options for painting the box. As I could not settle on a paint shade, I chose to use newspaper decoupage instead (I’ve been loving newspaper print interior products of late). It’s worth mentioning that Outpsiration also has a weather tool to help you plan your outdoor DIYs. This project was relatively straightforward and could be undertaken indoors (which was handy as the weather tool predicted a very grey day).

For this DIY you will need the following items:

A storage box

Sand paper

Old newspaper

Scissors

Modpodge or PVA glue

Clear varnish (or a plastic glitter spray)

Paint brush

Old fabric for lining the floor whilst sanding and painting

The Outspiration app for planning and tracking the DIY

Steps:

1.     Lightly sand the box down so that the glue or paint sticks well

2.     Cut pieces of newspaper to fit all sides of the box

3.     Brush a thin layer of glue onto one surface of the box

4.     Stick the newspaper and smooth out using the back of the paint brush

5.     Once dried, apply a layer of glue to the top of the surface to seal the newspaper. Use a couple of coats to seal each surface.

6.     Once all the surfaces are covered, apply a layer or clear varnish to weatherproof it (or use a plastic glitter spray for a bit of sparkle)

7.     If you decided to paint instead of decoupage, you can test what works best with your exterior using the Visualizer tool. After sanding, apply a primer and then a topcoat of your chosen colour and let it dry.

I’m loving my new storage box and I’m certainly getting Outspired to do more! To celebrate the launch of the app AkzoNobel is giving away a beautiful barbecue to get you outdoors and begin your Outspiration journey. To participate in a draw, all you need to do is download the app and enter your details in the WIN section of the app. The competition starts on the 28th of April and runs till the 12th of May. Have you been planning any DIYs of late? I definitely recommend checking out the Outspiration app to get you started. Ann x

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eVogues Plus size Striped Dress Skirt Black - 2X

eVogues Plus size Striped Dress Skirt Black - 2X

eVogues Plus size Striped Dress Skirt Black - 2X

ASIN : B009LEFPSS



brand: eVogues Apparel

category: Casual

Description : Plus size dress features sleeveless tube dress styling. Maxi length, Slip on design. Can be worn as both skirt or a dress. Diagonal stripe print on bottom and contrasting solid black fabric on bodice. Rayon blend fabric. Available in junior plus size 1XL, 2XL, 3XL.

Features :

• PLEASE SELECT YOUR SIZE BASED ON THE MEASUREMENTS BELOW.
• Bust: (1XL)36-40 inches (2XL)38-42 inches (3XL)40-44 inches
• Length: (1XL)39 inches (2XL)39.5 inches (3XL)40 inches
• Hip: (1XL)52 inches (2XL)54 inches (3XL)56 inches
• Made in the USA.

How to build the perfect autumn wardrobe

Having adopted the colder and ever-changing climate of the UK many years ago, I had to learn (through trial and error) about how to dress for the seasons, what worked and what didn't and where to shop. I also learnt about layering. Over time, I have developed my individual style preferences and accumulated a reasonable amount of shopping wisdom. Here are my building blocks for the perfect Autumn wardrobe along with a small dose of Autumn street style inspiration.

1. Base layer: As the days grow colder, a set of good cotton or silk camisoles are perfect for providing an extra layer of warmth and interest. M&S do really good cotton lace camisoles that are also excellent value. For a simple and more basic version, try Uniqlo or Gap. If it's luxe you're after, Agent Provacateur and Bodas are worth trying.

2. Fine knits: I prefer lighter knits for Autumn and would rather save my chunkier jumpers for the depth of winter. Fine knits are also great for layering under dresses or over silk shirts. Uniqlo's extra fine merino and M&S cashmere are both excellent bets.

3. A shift dress: I find shift dresses great for transitional wardrobes as they can be easily layered for warmth. They can act as pinafores or as pseudo skirts. I'm a big fan of Cos and & Other Stories as well as sister brand H&M for well tailored shift dresses. Vintage and charity shops are great for unusual gems.

4. A skirt or culottes: The latter option is one I've been obsessing over for a while after seeing Yasmin Sewell in the emerald Isa Arfen number. You could also try indie brands or new designers either directly or via sites such as eBay and SilkFred for sourcing cool statement skirts. For a more subdued versions, try Joules or Banana Republic. And try good old Zara for a skirt or a pair of culottes with the right dose of fashion forwardness.

5. Trousers: I despair when I see bog standard black poly trousers... trousers could be so much more!! I must admit I've worn these myself, albeit very briefly and a long time ago. If you want a fashionable wardrobe, I'd recommend wool, silk or textures such as leather and velvet. I believe that even your basic black trousers should add oomph to your outfit.  Try Zara and Topshop for their variety for styles and Joseph for beautifully tailored wool or leather trousers.  As for me, I'm currently lusting after a pair of J Brand Coated black jeans...

6. Hosiery: The perfect pair of tights can complete an outfit. Wolford and Falke are solid choices and wash well. I actually love the M&S ladder-resist versions too...

7. The trench: This is one item that will get *constant* wear through Autumn and back again in Spring. I doubt if it will ever go out of fashion! Everyone wants a Burberry but I love my Micheal Kors versions. If you crave Burberry but don't have the funds, try vintage and charity shops for vintage versions at much cheaper price! I've owned an H&M version for a while which cost me £13 in the sale and always brought me bags of compliments!

8. Waterproofs: Autumn can be wet although most seasons in the UK are! A solid brolly and a showerproof mac are worth investing in. Fulton do excellent brollies and I've recently sourced a super raincoat via ASOS.

9.  The bag and shoes: Autumn weather is made for boots...or is it other way round? I prefer ankle boots for Autumn and *love* Ash for their style and comfort. Their most popular and versatile styles are the Jalouse and Spiral (which are almost identical) and they go with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. 

10.  Accessories: No wardrobe is complete without a couple of happy accessories. I love Boticca and Etsy for new and indie designers as well as handmade accessories. A Uroco Obi belt and a Jennifer Loiselle necklace are currently on my Autumn wish list. And I *cannot* wait to wear my new Helen Moore vixen scarf!!

Have you got any further ideas around building the perfect Autumn wardrobe? Do share! Ann x

Images via Pinterest

To get in touch and see the latest on all my adventures, follow me on Bloglovin, Twitter,Instagram or Facebook.

TKDR Hot Skirt Women 052

TKDR Hot Skirt Women 052

TKDR Hot Skirt Women 052

ASIN : B00MKRDAOY



brand: TK

category: Dresses


Features :

• Fabric Type : Chiffon / Material : Ice Silk
• One Size : Waist 60-110cm / Skirt Length 63cm
• #EANF#

Going Bananas

Many months ago I had the biggest bag crush on the Charlotte Olympia Banana Clutch. I trawled the internet for a long while but did not find a place to buy that scrummy clutch-it was completely sold out. Anyway, I thought of it again today, only to chance upon this Banana Shoe. I've even found a place where you could buy it, if you have around £850 to spare. If you are not as poor as moi, try www.luisaviaroma.com. Yum yum, sniff sniff.

Shortlisted for the Company Style Blogger Awards 2013: Best Thrifty Blog and Best Crafting Blog!!

A big thank you to all those who nominated me for the Company Style Blogger Awards!! I was not expecting to go far but I’ve actually been shortlisted in two categories! I’m bouncing with joy right now just to make the cut. The next step is an intense round of voting followed by the final awards-I think! I’m still waiting for some details from the magazine.

I really need your help and votes to make it and win. The voting is quick and should not take more than five minutes. You don’t need to register and you can opt out of emails. You can only vote once. Here is a quick step by step how-to on the voting.

1. Click on http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013. You will see this page.

 2. Click on the VOTE FOR YOUR FAVE 2013 BLOGS HERE! link

3. Click next till you get to the Best Crafting Blog and select www.quirkylifestyle.com. Carry on clicking next till you get to the Best Thrifty Blog category and select www.quirkylifestyle.com. Here is a snapshot of the two pages with my blog.

4. Continue to click next till you get to the last page where you can choose to add your email address, choose to opt in or out of emails and then just click SUBMIT!

Thank you so much for your support. I’d love it if you could spread the word. Ann x

How to make lighter chicken korma

Put that takeaway menu down and make this easy curry instead – it’s got all the flavour but less fat and fewer calories. 

Prep 10 min Cook 25 min Serves 4

200g brown rice

½tbsp olive oil

1 large red onion, sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

450g skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

1tbsp mild curry powder

300ml hot reduced-salt chicken stock

35g ground almonds

150g mangetout, thinly sliced lengthways

50g extra-light soft cheese

2tbsp chopped fresh coriander

1tbsp flaked almonds, toasted

1 Cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then drain.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wok or large pan, then cook the onion for 2-3 min. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Add the chicken chunks and stir-fry for 4-5 min until they start to brown. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 2 min.

3 Add the stock and ground almonds and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 min until the sauce is creamy and the chicken cooked. Add the mangetout and cook for 5 min. Stir in the cheese and coriander, then season with ground black pepper.

4 Serve the curry with the brown rice, sprinkled with the toasted flaked almonds.

PER SERVING

448kcal, 37.2g protein, 12.4g fat, 1.9g saturates, 49.9g carbs, 6.6g sugar, 5.2g fibre, 0.8g salt, 112mg calcium, 4.3mg iron

For more healthy recipes, pick up your a copy of Healthy Food Guide March issue, which is in the shops now.