The Next Sale

This boxing day I did something crazy, I set my alarm for 4.30am to meet my friend in Basildon for the Next boxing day sale. The store doesn't open until 6am but Kirsti, a seasoned pro, assured me there was no point in going if you didn't get in the que at 5. My husband thought it was hilarious and was convinced we would be the only people there. 

How wrong he was.. 

At 5.45 the doors opened and people started a panicked run-walk into the store, the line was at least 200 deep by this point (Kirsti was right) From what I could tell the majority of people waiting in line were after children's clothes, absolutely not what I was in the market for. 

What I wanted was knitwear. 

I think the knitwear range in Next is outstanding, however at £32 a pop, quite an investment. From the next sale I managed to pick up four beautiful jumpers one in my last post which you can see here another which I am wearing in these photos. The colours in this one made me reach for it without hesitation, obviously I knew I already had the perfect boots.  

My locket was another Christmas present. For such a long time I have been looking for a vintage locket, one that not just everyone would be able to buy. My mum found this one in a pawn shop in Brentwood and it is perfect. The right size to wear often and no dents or scratches it could have been brand new, although it is not, it is second hand which in my eyes makes it even more special. 

So was the Next sale worth getting up so early for? Actually I think yes. I got quite a lot of stick for getting out of bed at such a stupid hour but it was an interesting experience and the jumpers I managed to snag I know will last me into 2017. 

Happy New Year's Eve

This NYE we decided to have an early dinner at a local restaurant and then head home to drink prosecco with my Shih Tzu. This type of outing calls for a casual ensemble, my total bargain dusty pink jumper which I purchased from the Next sale and also from Next my new leather jacket which just about goes with everything. I thought now was the day to give the beautiful Public Desire boots their first trip outside, sadly I didn't realise this would also be their last as the heel came apart almost as soon as we left the house - beyond devastated. 

I was lucky enough to receive two Jewellery items for Christmas. The top picture is the plectrum bracelet by Laura Whitmore for Daisy Jewellery, this one has the peace sign charm (I am very fond of a peace sign, I even have one tattooed upon my bod) and the quote says 'you make loving fun' which is just about the cutest thing. 

The bottom picture is a family tree necklace which I mentioned ages ago and never for a second thought my husband would remember. It is my favourite gift of Christmas 2015. There is a tiny diamond in the three which catches the little just perfectly, the charms are all of our initials. 

Right on with the food... 

Mangetout is a local family run business in Southend, they are very well known for doing exceptionally good burgers and trying to get a table is not easy. They always have live music which, every time I have been at least, has been fantastic. The cocktail above was a festive mojito, I am lost for words to explain just how good it was. 

For main I chose the Turkey Top, this burger consists of Turkey (obviously) roast peppers and what did it for me melted brie. I chose sweet potato fries because, well lets face it, is there another option? 

My husband basically held a gun to my head and made me have dessert, this is warm cookie dough filled with Nutella, peanut butter and dreams. 

So now as I enter my food coma all that is left to say is Happy New Year to you all, I hope 2016 brings magic and joy.