Diary of a Dumpy Princess: Competitions

Diary of a Dumpy Princess: Competitions: 24/11/15  These are a few competitions that you can find live on Twitter at the moment -  WainwrightAle NOWMusic BPRsocial Thursd...

Diary of a Dumpy Princess: McFlavors Aniseed Electronic Cigarette Liquid....

Diary of a Dumpy Princess: McFlavors Aniseed Electronic Cigarette Liquid.



...: McFlavors Aniseed Electronic Cigarette Liquid. I recently contacted McFlavors on their Twitter page after noticing their t...

Diary of a Dumpy Princess: Competition Time.I don't think I have mentioned t...

Diary of a Dumpy Princess: Competition Time.
I don't think I have mentioned t...: Competition Time. I don't think I have mentioned this before but I am a 'Comper' I absolutely love to enter competitions an...

Competition Time.

I don't think I have mentioned this before but I am a 'Comper' I absolutely love to enter competitions and the thrill of getting a win never gets boring!

I have a routine that I follow, Twitter first, then a quick look at the Facebook competitions and then over to look for Gleam or Rafflecopter and Blog competitions.  

Some are easier to find than others with the Money Saving Expert Site being a popular choice with lots of compers. You can find so many competitions on there to enter and you can add any you find too and really get into the community spirit. Join Facebook groups so that you can find more competitions.

So did I win?

Finding out if I am a winner?

How do I search to see if I won?

Of course anyone can enter competitions but how do you find out if you have won?

Usually the promoters will send you a winning email (WEM) 

Or you could get sent a Facebook message, you may even get a winning telephone call (WTC) or a tag and this is where Facebook groups come in handy. Being an active member in groups allows others to notice if your name gets mentioned on a winning comp, they can then 'tag' you in it or let you know by posting in the groups. 

You can also search for wins yourself in Google or by using Social Searcher -

If I type in "winner OR winners" "Jade Missy Evans" these are my results.

With Google you can customise your search by clicking on Search Tools and changing the search time. I will add photos of this soon.

and using the same format -

"winner OR winners" "Jade Missy Evans"

You can also search on 

http://www.social-searcher.com/

Try it yourself by copying and pasting what I searched by delete my name and add your own.

Play about with the wording too, try congrats, congratulations, even drum roll! 

You can also search for your Twitter or Instagram handles (names) too in the same way.

Comping is a time consuming hobby but it is fun and who knows what you will win!

Entering competitions isn't only limited to magazines, newspapers and radios anymore, you can pretty much find competitions anywhere you look!

It's meant to be fun so if you find that your not enjoying it, take a little break and come back and try again when you feel ready and don't get disheartened if you don't win straight away, it's a competitive world (excuse the pun) but you will win ... Think positive!

I have won so many great things in my three years of comping and wouldn't give it up for anything.

My recent wins have included some lovely books from Sainsburys with a Twitter competition they held, toys from a Gleam competition being held on a blog, even Chocolate sauces with a Facebook competition. I will have to upload some photos and also some links to good competitions ;) x

McFlavors Aniseed Electronic Cigarette Liquid.

I recently contacted McFlavors on their Twitter page after noticing their tweet asking for testers. As both my partner and I use E-Cig's I thought this would be a brilliant opportunity so I sent them a quick tweet and within the hour I was all set up with my own McFlavors account and they did the rest.

I was asked what sort of flavours I liked and my first choice was the Aniseed as this isn't one I have ever tried before and this is what they sent ... Lucky me! 

This is what I was sent and I absolutely love the retro feel of the packaging and their website is the same.I love all things retro so I instantly liked the feel of the McFlavors website! 

McFlavors Website

I have included a link above that will take you directly to the site so you can see it for yourself and give it a try if you so wish. The delivery was impressively fast too.

~ About McFlavors ~

I have taken this little blurb from the website -

Health First!

Here at McFlavors, we are committed to giving you a product in its most natural form. What you get is a gimmick-free natural product that prioritises purity over aesthetics that would otherwise require enhancement by chemical additives. We take great pride in the fact that our e-cig liquids are so pure, that they bear the marks of the integral ingredients in their contents.

Propylene Glycol Free

Our experts have worked tirelessly to give you an end-product that is a safer alternative to what is currently on the market. When we say propylene glycol-free, we mean propylene glycol-free in every single constituent of the finished product. Don’t just take our word for it, read the expert testimonials and certificates below, before tasting the difference for yourself! 

The above information can be found on this page of the McFlavors website 

- http://www.mcflavors.com/pages/about-us

Inside the box you get the bottle of e-liquid and a little leaflet.

The liquids come in Nicotine Free, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% 

The flavours are -

Aniseed 

SPICY & SENSUAL

A flavor that will entice all of your taste buds, filling your senses with a rich blend of smells and tastes from Eastern Mediterranean lands of old.

Coffee

PUNGENT & ENGAGING

True to the flavor, this rich, spicy & succulent aroma will have you yearning for its heavenly taste. Its velvety-smooth texture will ensure that every drag feels like the first coffee in the morning. 

Strawberry

FRUITY & LIGHT

This sweet and playful flavor will tickle your taste buds sending you back to nature. Its light texture will ensure that you experience its taste leisurely.

Liquorice 

A TASTE OF THE SUBLIME AROMATIC

The tangy sweetness that is black liquorice has been the favorite of generations. Enjoy this strong aroma with its delectable hints of sweetness.

Mint

FRESH & SUBTLE FLAVORS

An exquisite blend with a taste of crisp mint freshness that soothes each of your senses. This cool refreshing bitter-sweet flavor, with its acerbic edge is a must for menthol lovers!

National 

A TASTE OF HOME

A blend of flavours carefully selected to appeal to the classic and traditional; the perfect flavor for the no-frills smoker. 

Red

BOLD & RICH

Make a statement with this traditional full-flavored blend that will throw you back to the classic years of tobacco-appreciation! A blend of ruddiness and masculinity. 

Rum

A TANGY KICK

The taste of the high seas! A lovely blend that is a mix of tobacco and barrelled liquor, enough to bring out your adventurous side! 

Vanilla

OH SO INNOCENT... AND SWEET

The subtle and sweet flowery aroma of the vanilla flower is the very essence of this flavor. The subtle flavor will ensure that you are not overwhelmed by its sensation. 

Virginia

A SUBLIME WARMTH

This smooth and subtle forest oak flavor will transport you to a carefree sunny afternoon in the South. Its traditional flavour will leave you satisfied with every taste. 

They cost €9.99 each which converts to around £7.

There's a nice little range of flavours to choose from and your bound to find 

something that you will like.

They are very easy to vape and haven't got such a harsh throat hit which 

is something I struggle with with other e-liquids. These however are nice

and smooth with a great taste. The taste isn't too overpowering and 

feels quite natural and nice.

My partner wasn't as keen on it as I was but he tends to opt for menthol or minty

e-liquids anyway but I did like it.

They also give a good amount of 'smoke' which I think is a mind thing with me

as then I feel like I have had my 'cigarette'! LOL!

I will be ordering again as I like them.

They can be found at www.mcflavors.com

Thanks for reading x

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion.

I requested a sample of this gradual tanning lotion and it finally arrived!

Having been excited to try this out I could hardly wait until the evening when the kids were in bed but as soon as they were settled in the shower I got.

I unscrewed the lid and took off the little silver tab and took a sniff ... Nope no fake tan smell at all, in fact it actually smelt really nice, like a moisturising lotion really. The colour is a pale cream. 

I jumped in the shower, had a wash, etc ... I popped my hair up in bun out of the way so I didn't have wet hair dripping down my back when I applied the lotion. After doing all of this, I turned the water off, grabbed the lotion bottle and squeezed a bit into my hand. I only squeezed out a small amount as I didn't know how much I needed but this lotion does go a long way. I applied it in a circular motion and used around 4 small squeezes of lotion for my whole body. It rubs in well and a little goes so far. I think because you are applying to wet skin it seems to smooth over a lot easier! 

After I was happy I was all covered ... Including my face, neck and ears. I jumped out of the shower and checked the time on my phone so I knew when my 3 minute wait time was up. I wasted a bit of time reading forums on my phone, took a quick impromptu photo of my arm (see below, no difference yet!) and then it was time to get back under the water and rinse off.

For this part you don't use any products like shower gel or soap, just gently rinse and then lightly dry yourself with a towel. At this point there was no noticeable colour change and I didn't expect it yet either, so it was PJ's on , a bit of telly and bed.

I woke in the morning to utter disappointment when I saw no difference in colour at all but I thought, maybe it was so subtle that I just couldn't see it... So I repeated the process again, this time using more lotion and leaving it on for four minutes. I woke in the morning eager to check my tan, and nope nothing! It hasn't made a but if difference. I tried one more time and again it has failed miserably. 

I took before and after photos but I haven't included them as there is no difference in colour what so ever. I am understandably quite gutted about this as I was sure this was going to be a brilliant gradual tanner. 

It's such a shame as it has left my skin feeling nice, smooth and soft but any other moisturiser does that too without having to stand faffing around wet and naked for 3-5 minutes!

Such a shame St. Tropez I wanted this to be awesome but you failed. 

Please feel free to leave me a comment telling me how you have found this product :) x

My Dream Bedroom ... Well a girl can wish can't she!

My Dream Bedroom.

I was looking at a competition earlier and a condition for entry into the competition is that you come up with your dream bedroom or living room idea.

I decided to choose my bedroom as I know just what I want in my Ultimate Dream Bedroom! First thing being a big comfy bed. I would work my bedroom around my dream bed as it would so be worth it!

This here is my dream bed 

 I found the bed on Pinterest but it is from an American Website, it can be found here -

Bombay Collection

There are plenty of similar styles bed available here in the UK too -

www.bedsonlegs.co.uk

I would have the walls painted in a pale grey colour as I find it a really calming colour but I would fill it with splashes of bright pink and orange.

I have this colour in my bedroom now and I absolutely love it. I purchased it from B&Q, it was on offer when I bought it and I paid £9 but I do believe it is now around £18.99. It is a great paint though, and covers really well.

I love butterflies so I think I would be adding this lovely duvet set to my bed

This can be found at Debenhams

Where it costs between £40 - £73.

I would also add lots of extra pillows in grey to make it all that more squishy looking!

There would be a nice big traditional French looking wardrobe with a matching or even similar style chest of drawers, something like this -

This wardrobe costs £849.99 and I love it!

After spending a few moments (hmmm hours later) I also came across these which I have also fallen totally in love with -

Just how pretty do they look!

And of course I would like a TV in my bedroom, but I just don't want it to be out on show so I would try to hide it somehow. I have been looking at cupboards or of course the TV beds but that just doesn't catch me ... So I googled and came across this -

It's hidden in the ceiling when not in use!! Now this is something I like, no I love! I suppose you could just make it look quite flush or even like an attic hatch but whatever ... I think this is such a cool idea.

Seeing as we are up on the ceiling now I think I'd quite like a small chandelier up there as a way of lighting the room but I would like a dimmer switch on the wall to keep the lighting quite low at night.

Something like this I think would look good -

This is just £29.99 in Argos, a total bargain I think.

For the flooring I think I would choose either a nice walnut coloured high shine wood or a neutral coloured carpet. Either way I would have to have a rug, preferably shaggy and pink!

Just £32.99 at www.abbey-carpets.co.uk

Now I feel my bedroom is coming together and it's time for the finishing touches. I really want some nice splashes of colour and I would get this by adding accessories .....

Curtains which I do believe are Laura Ashley? Please correct me if I am wrong. I do however love this fabric and would hunt it down to have fabulous Pink Flock curtains 

I also like the picture frame look -

The frames above I have found on Google Images but I would hunt charity shops to find the frames and paint them myself in the bright colours that I want. It's easy to make a perfect feature using frames and you can arrange them whichever way you want to.

I would also want a full size freestanding mirror too, like the one below.

I also came across the most perfect Butterfly Print -

Laura Ashley Mirror Framed Butterfly Print £67.20


I think this over door multi hook would be great for storing my dressing gown too -

Again by Laura Ashley - Mabel Over-Door Multi Hook - £13.44

And on my bedroom door for that bit of added glamour and bling I would so really really want crystal door knobs -

Of course I would need some storage for my shoe collection and all other bits and pieces and again I would turn to DIY. I would make something very similar in style to this -

http://brittanyestes.com/2013/08/diy-storage-ottoman.html

But I would change the colours to suit my room.

And that folks is it! That is my dream room, even if money was no object I would still incorporate a bit of DIY as I love making things and love to see the end result of projects, I'd probably buy more cushions and some bits and pieces along the way like an Owl shaped money box or something .... But this is just how I would have my room, I doubt I'd leave it very often either!

Maybe I could also add one of these somewhere too -

A Teasmaid!

Another thing I would add to my dream bedroom would be a balcony, but of course that would mean having to get one built first, but I would just love to be able to swing open the doors in the morning and have a cuppa on the balcony, not that the weather in Wales allows it much though. I can just imagine how nice and bright it would be.

All of this above is my idea of the perfect bedroom, I can picture it in my head and it just looks so feminine and light. I am tempted to add my dream living room next but then that would lead to my dream kitchen, kids rooms, bathroom etc.....

http://deardesigner.co.uk/win-a-1000-laura-ashley-etched-glass-door/

I was sent a dishwasher to review! Thanks ao.com!

Reviewing for AO.com

I recently applied to ao.com (appliances online) to become a product tester for them. I had to do a video review of a product I already owned so chose to review my washing machine. 

I sent this review in via their Facebook page 

AO Product Testers

And I also sent an email directly to customerreviews@ao.com as I wasn't sure that my review had gone through.

In less than an hour I had a reply from Chloe from AO.com asking me what it was that I was interested in reviewing. I think they do have a list of products that they need reviews for but I asked for a dishwasher and was over the moon when Chloe came back to me offering me a Bosch Slim Line dishwasher! Perfect for my utility room.

I think you can ask for pretty much any appliance they have available but you may need to go on a waiting list to get that product, I was really lucky as the dishwasher was available to review immediately. 

This is what I reviewed -

Bosch Serie 2 SPS40E22GB Freestanding Slimline Dishwasher

In order to become a review you will need to be able to record a short video showing the product in use and also write up a review for the website and also the manufacturer. This needs to be completed within 7 days of receiving the appliance.

The video review needs to be uploaded to YouTube and setting up an account is pretty simple and straightforward.

You are then also welcome to reapply in 6 months time.

If you fancy becoming a reviewer for AO then get the camera out and have a bit of fun reviewing one of your appliances!

Good Luck!

x

I made a Tutu Dress - Elsa Inspired of course!

I was recently asked if I could possibly make a Frozen Elsa inspired Tutu Dress for my niece and I thought I'd give it a go!

I purchased a turquoise coloured crochet tube top from here -

Crochet Tube Top

I also purchased 12 metres of dress tulle from a local fabric shop.

I wish I had taken photos of the ongoing project but at the time I simply didn't think to do it! I wasn't sure how the overall result would turn out but I will be making another soon and will do a step by step guide.

I used the crochet top to loop and knot each tulle strip through each hole, this is what makes the skirt part of the dress.

I added puffed tulle sleeves/straps and also a long flowing cape to the back.

I also covered the dress in lots of sparkly gems and it was done!

It took me around 4 hours in total to complete the dress but I did split it over two evenings. My niece is thrilled with the dress and I can't wait to make another!

Hotpoint Ultima Washing Machine.

Hotpoint Ultima WMUD962P Washing Machine.

When the Hotpoint Ultima was delivered I was quite shocked (but in a good way) of the size of the machine. Compared to my previous washing machine it looked somewhat bigger however I think this was just due to the overall look, with it having a bigger drum and therefore a bigger door which made the appearance quite deceptive as it fitted straight into the space that was there for the machine in the kitchen.

It was very well packaged but I didn't have to deal with any of that as the Hotpoint delivery man disposed of this so it was straight down to my first impressions which were really good.

The Ultima that I have is white, and a very crisp clean white it is too. It is a front loader machine with the large round porthole door being in the middle of the washing machine. 

The dispenser drawer is a completely new thing for me, as unlike any washing machine I have ever used in the past, this one does not just pull out by rotates to the side which I think is a really cool feature. It makes the inside of the drawer really easy to get to and I am no longer filling a narrow slot with powder as the slot is quite large and rounded.

On the our side of the dispenser drawer you will find all the wash cycles printed which makes it easy for you to see what you are doing at a glance.

On the opposite side to the drawer is a neat little digital display screen, this lights up with orange coloured writing when on.

And in the middle of the drawer and screen is the power button which is surrounded by a series nine smaller buttons which control the wash cycles. The buttons are silver in colour which I think adds a really nice touch to the washing machine.

So far so good, I am already really impressed with it and that is before it has even had a chance to wash any clothes!

Once the maintenance wash was completed I was eager to get a load of washing in the machine. Having a pile of whites and darks at the ready I set about with the dark load first. The machine has a huge 9 kg capacity drum and even though I had a fair pile of washing to put in, I was quite disappointed with myself that I hadn't managed to fill it! Anyway, this load wasn't particularly dirty so I though a fast wash would suffice.

You wouldn't believe how impressed I was when I found out that the Hotpoint Ultima can do a wash in just 15 minutes! I didn't use that cycle at that time but chose to do the Fast Wash 30 which washes clothes at 30°C and takes just 30 minutes. All I was required to do was simply press the Mix button twice, filler the (awesome) drawer with powder and press the start button.

I also feel that I should mention that the machine sings to you! Not literally but when you put it on it does a little beep tune and the same when you turn it off. This is something I love!

The washing was done in 30 minutes and it was easy to see how long was remaining as the digital display has a timer which tells you. Again this is a feature I really like as in the past I have put on a load of washing, got ready to leave the house and assumed that the load was nearly done only to be sat waiting for another 20 minutes or so whilst the machine does finish. Not anymore!

I was a little dubious as to how clean the clothes could be within just 30 minutes but they were clean and smelling fresh.

I washed the white load on the Fast Wash 60 which washes clothes at a temperature of 60°C and lasts 60 minutes. This load came out sparkling clean too.

When my son arrived home from school I noticed that his uniform was looking clean but not smelling so fresh (he’s 12!) so I popped his clothes in the machine on the Fast Wash 30 but then decided to take a closer look at the manual and that is when I noticed that the fast wash got even faster!

Around the digital display screen is a number of buttons, 9 to be precise, by pressing the Time Saver button when on the Fast Wash 30 this meant that the time was reduced by 50% meaning I could get my sons uniform washed in 15 minutes, it only needed a freshening up as it wasn't dirty so I gave it a try, and I am really pleased I did as this is now something I use on a daily basis as it means I can get his uniform washed, dried and ironed in record time. In the past I would leave it until late at night and then put it in the dryer before I went to bed but now there is no need for me to have the dryer on all night and it is saving me electric.

        ~ Button Functions ~

Now that I have mentioned the buttons I feel that I should go through them and tell you a little about each button.

Around the digital display are nine buttons each on obviously has a different function.

1. Cleaning Action – By pressing this you can choose your desired wash intensity.

2. Anti-Allergy Rinse – For more rinsing should you require it, helps get rid of allergens/pollen etc.

3. Delay Timer – Delays the wash cycle for when you want it to come on.

4. Time Saver – To reduce the wash time on certain cycles.

5. Reduced Creases – Modifies the wash and spin cycle to reduce creases.

6. Eco Wash – Uses cold water rather than heating it to save energy.

7. Child Lock – An incredibly cute baby symbol pops up on the digital display to show that you have activated the child lock function, hold the button in for a couple of seconds and it will then beep to show that it is active. Great for stopping little fingers from messing around with the machine.

8. Temperature – Allows you to change the temperature of the wash cycle.

9. Spin – Allows you to reduce or exclude spins from the cycle.

Underneath this is the Start/Pause button which you of course press to start the wash cycles or to pause it mid cycle.

               ~ Special Wash Functions ~

The Hotpoint Ultima has a range of special wash function. It has the most different wash functions I have ever seen!

Like I have already mention I have used the Fast Wash 30 along with the time saver which cut it down to just 15 minutes. I am so impressed with this as it is ideal to freshen up clothes that are particularly dirty, I wouldn't use it for stained or soiled items of clothing but if something has been hanging for a while and has a musty smell or like in my case my son’s slightly whiffy uniform, this special wash is brilliant.

The fact that it even has a Reduce Creases button is beyond me! How cool is that!

And also the Eco Wash would be good if you are trying to cut down on energy consumption. I am yet to try this feature but I suppose I will at some point.

     ~ Ultima’s Technology ~

This washing machine is packed full of really cool technology. It seems more than just a simple washing machine! I love doing the laundry and tend to do it everyday and this machine has simplified this aspect of my life somewhat!

Having the digital display helps me see exactly what I am doing, how long is left, when I want to do it, everything. It’s all there at a touch of a button.

There is a button on the machine that is symbolised with a simple M, this is the My Cycle feature, this allows me to store my own preferred washing cycle on the machine, meaning that I don’t have to go through multiple button presses to get the wash done, I can access this wash by simply pressing the button marked M. I think this is a brilliant touch and is something really useful to me as I do tend to stick to a certain cycle when washing. I will use different cycles now and again but generally stick to the one.

There is another button that I use frequently too and that is the Bed & Bath function. I do think it important to wash bedding and towels at a higher temperature than I do for general clothing and this is all set for you. With the push of a button the cycle is set and ready to go. This uses a 60°C wash and makes sure the bedding and towels get a good and proper wash.

With certain cycles you can choose to change things, like the temperature, the spin, and I like this as I feel I have more control over how my stuff gets washed.

     ~ The Basics ~

So now I have told you what this machine can do, here are the basics –

The Hotpoint Ultima has a massive 9kg capacity, it is super silent down to it’s brushless motor with Super Silent wash action, it has the coolest rotating dispenser drawer which is something I have never seen before, making it easier to access the compartments. With it’s 1600RPM spin speed it can get more water out of the wash load and reduce drying time.

It has a really sleek and attractive look that is very appeasing on the eye, it excels when compared to other cheaper washing machines I have had in the past and with the masses of technology it has it gives the user more control. I feel I am able to choose the wash cycle more aptly now for different garments and have been really impressed with how well it washes clothes.

Due to the generous size of the drum I am able to wash quilts at home now rather than take them to a laundrette which of course saves me money and time. 

      ~ Overall ~

I am sure you can tell from the review I am really impressed with this machine, there isn’t one thing that I don’t like and I have enjoyed every minute of using it. 

It is so quiet that you barely even notice that it is on so I am thankful for the little beep that it gives at the end of a wash to remind me that, yep I did put the washing on!

This is a smart looking machine that would take pride of place in any kitchen, unlike years gone by when an appliance was simply that people now tend to look for more fancier looking white goods and this is definitely an attractive appliance that is modern and has kept with the times. The crisp white finish is set off by the little silver hints and it looks like an all round great, classy machine.

I was very pleased with the delivery and was offered installation but decided that I was more than able to do that myself, the delivery man couldn't have been more helpful and removed the packaging and disposed of it too which saved me a trip to the skip yard.

As previously mentioned the installation was a straight forward process which involved connecting the water pipe and the drainage hose to the appropriate places under my sink.

The washing machine has been used daily over the last three weeks and it has worked perfectly every time. With the beautiful weather we have been lucky enough to get lately I have had the washing on the line all the time and with the short washes on this machine I am getting through washing quicker than lightning! I have even seen the bottom of my wash basket which is nothing short of a miracle!

Photo of the washing machine drawer ... Its so cool!

 These are the buttons to choose which setting you use.

 This is the display panel.

And a final photo of the door open.

This is a review I have previously posted on a review site. It is all my own work.