Filofax iPad Air Case*

I’ve been a massive Filofax fan for more years than I care to remember, so when I was asked to review one of their products I was over the moon! I’ve been using their organisers for a long time now, but have never really delved into the other products they sell, so was quite excited to see if their gadget cases lived up to the high quality of their organisers.

This black, leather-look A5 iPad Air case* arrived beautifully packaged in a clear plastic sleeve, with a kind note from the lovely people at Filofax. After sliding the plastic off, I could already feel the amazing quality of the faux-leather case, which is smooth yet sturdy.

Undoing the zipped fastening, you are presented with a product perfect for work or play. On the right-hand-side is space to clip in your iPad Air, and on the left is an A5 notepad for jotting down all those notes you need to remember as you browse the net.

The A5 notepad is lined, meaning you have plenty of scope for writing important notes for business or pleasure, or perhaps just a space to doodle as you browse. It is simple to replace, as it is not stuck in, so there’s no worry about filling it up and it then losing its use.

Underneath the notepad are various pockets for storing notes or cards, meaning you can carry everything you might need for a business meeting or for just taking your iPad to the local coffee shop for a spot of blog reading. There is also a pen holder in between the notepad and iPad, making sure you have a pen for all those note-taking opportunities.

My brother’s iPad Air fits snugly and securely inside the case, meaning worries about it falling out or breaking are a thing of the past. It is suitable for right or left-handed use, so perfect for anyone. This particular case only comes in black, which looks sleek and professional, but there are other similar cases on the website in a range of colours including blue and pink.

The case allows you to rotate the iPad Air holder 360 degrees, so can be stood up for use in multiple viewing positions, perfect for any occasion.

This sleek case is available for a very reasonable £30 from the Filofax website and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The quality is second to none, meaning the case will see you through a huge variety of situations, while keeping its smooth and sturdy exterior. It definitely lived up to my high expectations of Filofax products and I’d be interested to hear if you decide to treat yourself to one.

Do you use Filofax products, such as their organisers, cases or anything else? Do you have a favourite product from them?

*This product was gifted to me by Filofax

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Sunday Spotlight - 8th June 2014

In my life this week…

Beat Volunteer Awards

With the help of my parents, sister and the wheelchair, this Wednesday I managed to make it up to London for the Beat Volunteer Awards. After getting a black cab to The Houses of Parliament, we went through strict security screening, before making our way to the terrace in the House of Commons. It was a lovely evening spent putting faces to names and celebrating achievements, and although I didn’t win in my category, it was an honour to be nominated and invited. I’ll be doing a post about the evening soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Old letters

As you may remember, I’ve been gradually clearing my room so that we can redecorate. This week I have been going through a box, in which I keep old cards and letters from friends and family. I absolutely love reading back through them all; hearing words of friendship and encouragement and remembering where I was when I received them. Unfortunately I can’t keep every letter and card I’m sent, but I try to keep any special ones that really mean something to me. I’m always happy to receive letters from anyone – after all, what could be better than receiving a handwritten letter, showing someone has taken time and effort to think of you. If anyone ever wants to write to me, please do contact me via e-mail for my address. I can’t promise to reply to you quickly, but I always do my best to send replies when I can.

Picnic basket

I think I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy entering competitions, and while I’ve been unwell I’ve had more time on my hands to do so. Sometimes I’ll go through phases where I don’t win anything, and then other times I seem to win a few things in a row! This week saw me win one of the biggest competitions I’ve won so far – a Joules picnic basket, sent through John Lewis. When this huge parcel arrived, I had actually forgotten being told I’d won, so wondered what on earth it could be! I was so excited when I opened it to see this beautifully quaint wicker basket, lined with navy blue floral material. Inside was just as I had hoped it would be – spaces for cutlery, plates and glasses, all of which were provided. I’m looking forward to some sunny weather so I can take a few friends and family on a little picnic, even if it is just in the back garden!

P.S – Last week I mentioned I’d set up a new YouTube channel, and I have now uploaded my first video, which you can find here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBttanbZKBgl6n_FhKNiJBQ)

What has grabbed your attention this week? I love hearing about people’s new discoveries and you may end up sharing something that makes it onto my list next week!

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June Blogger of the Month - Milkbubbletea

I’ve been reading blogs for quite a few years now, and always get excited when I discover gorgeous new blogs to peruse while I curl up with a cuppa. The majority of bloggers that I’ve discovered have been through recommendations from other bloggers, which made me think about recommending some bloggers myself. Rather than just listing a whole load of blogs I like, I thought I’d start a series of posts, which will be known as ‘Blogger of the Month.’ Doing it this way means I can really showcase blogs I enjoy reading and go into detail about what I love about them.

So, without further ado I’ll introduce you to my June Blogger of the Month – Becky at Milkbubbletea.

I’ve been following Becky’s blog for a few years, and it was one of the first blogs I started reading, which ultimately inspired me to start Ramblings of a Jaffa Cat. So, I hear you ask, what makes Milkbubbletea my Blogger of the Month? Well, all you have to do is look at Becky’s blog and I’m sure you’ll see why I enjoy reading it so much! But if you need more convincing, the following points will no doubt persuade you.

Becky

I love blogs where I feel that I know the person behind the blog a bit, and Becky somehow manages to connect with her readers, without exposing us to her whole life. She is able to keep a level of privacy with regards to her family and friends, while giving us access to parts of her life that just make you want to know more. She’ s also incredibly beautiful and takes fantastic selfies, making me wish I had blonde flowing hair and flawless skin!

Oscar

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I love my furry friends; so finding another blogger who is equally passionate about pets is fantastic. Oscar features a lot in Becky’s post and you can see why – he’s bloomin’ gorgeous! The photos of him really capture his cheeky personality and make me wish I could bring home a new addition to my furry family!

Fantastic fashion purchases

Although I love following Milkbubbletea, I’m not sure my bank balance agrees! Becky has brilliant taste, and pretty much every purchase she posts is compatible with my own taste in clothes and accessories. I especially share her love of cute slippers, and I know have six pairs of slippers lined up next to my bed! She also has a simple yet stylish fashion sense, which often leaves me with a wish list longer than my arm!

Yummy recipes

I love nothing more than a good recipe to try out, and Becky is great at sharing easy to try recipes with tasty results. Her photos (as they are throughout her blog) are crystal clear, simple and with beautiful colour. It’s great to find a blogger who is open about the fact that she’s a sucker for something sweet, rather than pretending she’s happy to eat rabbit food! A particular favourite recipe is these scrummy looking cookies, which I’m dying to try.

Home life

The final thing that draws me to Becky’s blog is her taste in home design. I absolutely love the crisp, white background to her bedroom with splashes of colour in decorative accessories. There’s a shabby chic theme with her dressing table and princess bed, yet there is no clutter in sight, with simple, minimalist themes. Her photos show a room that matches my dreams of how I’d love my own house to look, and provide inspiration for me to work towards as I decorate my own bedroom.

I assume by now that I’ve converted you to loving Milkbubbletea as much as I do, and I’d love to hear your own opinions on what you love most about Becky’s blog. And if Becky reads this, I just want to say thank you for keeping me entertained and inspired, and I hope that you will continue to blog for many years to come.

I love to find new blogs to follow, so if you have any recommendations I’d love to hear them.

All images are from Milkbubbletea

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A Street Cat Named Bob

I love reading, but am struggling with it a bit at the moment because my concentration is so terrible. However, I had no problems reading this gorgeous book by James Bowen.

James documents his journey after meeting a stray ginger cat, who he names Bob. I’m a cat lover anyway, but if I hadn’t have been before, I would definitely have changed my opinion after reading this. He presents Bob as a real character, possessing human qualities like empathy and understanding, as James goes through difficult situations.

I was taken through a whole range of emotions, from love to worry and from warmth to shock, as I read just how awful street performers can be treated. I don’t want to spoil to story if you’re yet to read it, but all I can say is that dogs aren’t the only 'man’s best friend' in the animal world.

If you’d like to see more of James and Bob, you can find videos of them on YouTube, such as the one below.

Have you read this book, or have I encouraged you to pick it up? Are you a cat lover, or do you prefer other animals?

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These are a few of my favourite things - Giveaway! *ENDED*

I’ve been planning this giveaway for quite a while now, and yesterday I finally had everything I needed. Coincidently, I also reaches an amazing milestone of 250 Bloglovin followers, so I thought it was the perfect time to thank you all with some treats.

When I first started writing I never thought so many people would be interested in hearing what I say, so I just want to say how grateful I am to each and every person who reads, comments and shares my blog. It means an awful lot to me.

For this giveaway I decided to collect together a range of my favourite things to share with one lucky reader.

The winner will receive this box of goodies, which include a whole variety of my favourite products including Soap and Glory smellies, a Lush Bubble Bar, Percy Pigs, a favourite Yankee candle, sticky notes that represent one of my favourite holidays to New York and a random yellow pineapple, because who doesn't want a fake pineapple in the summer?!

For your chance to win, just fill in the Rafflecopter below – the more you do, the more chances you have at winning! The competition will run for two weeks, ending on Wednesday 18^th June 2014. I'm afraid this is UK only, as it would cost me too much to try and post overseas. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to do something for everyone though, as I appreciate you all so much.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you again for your loyal readership, and here’s to the next 250 followers!

What are you most excited to win in this giveaway? Do you know of any other good giveaways that are currently running?

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Mini Primark Haul

A month or so ago, I managed to get out to Primark in my wheelchair. The last few months while I’ve been unwell I’ve been doing a fair bit of online shopping, but I really miss not being able to go to Primark! I know sometimes a Primark shopping trip can be stressful, and I’ve felt like I’m at a jumble sale when clothes are strewn all over the floor, but generally the Primark stores near me are pretty tidy and easy to shop in. I just love being able to go in and fill my basket with lots of pretty items, without worrying that I’ll break the bank.

So anyway, going back to my latest Primark trip, I thought I’d show you my mini haul. Going round in a wheelchair it’s not particularly easy to look properly, but I managed to find a few nice bits and bobs.

Mint sheer blouse - £12

First up is this beautiful sheer mint blouse, which came in at £12. Slightly more expensive than some other Primark products, but it’s a gorgeous colour and design, and will be great to wear in the summer. It is also really versatile so can be worn for work with a vest top underneath and a pair of black trousers, or at the weekends with a pair of jeans.

Bit of a shoe haul

I’ve got a confession to make. I’m Jenny and I’m a shoeaholic! I don’t buy many pairs of heels, as I’m just terrible at walking in them, but nonetheless I love shoes. I tend to focus on flats and trainers, and could quite happily spend the day in shoe shops. The great thing about Primark shoes is that they’re not too expensive, are really comfy and it doesn’t really matter if they only last for one season because they’re affordable enough to buy a new pair for next season.

Navy lace-up pumps - £4

These navy shoes have a gorgeous pattern on them, which is so pretty but doesn’t stand out too much. They were a bargain at only £4 – they also had them in white, which I really wanted but sadly they didn’t have my size.

Tan ballet flats - £6

I fell in love with these tan pumps (£6) as soon as I saw them and I’m so glad I dropped a pair into my basket. The material they’re made from is so soft, so I shouldn’t be left with blisters after wearing them. And they’re perfect for any occasion, be it work, a garden party or just going for a weekend stroll in the sunshine.

White ballet flats - £5

I didn’t plan to buy these pretty ballet flats, as my Mum was the one who was looking for them as she’d seen them before but they didn’t have her size. But when she showed them to me (and thankfully found her size this time) I couldn’t not buy myself a pair, especially for only £5. They’re so incredibly pretty and dainty, and will be brilliant for the summer months.

Blue Moccasins - £7

Technically I guess these shouldn't be part of my haul, as I didn't buy them at the same time, but never mind! My Mum picked up these for me, as I'd actually put them in my basket but the cashier had forgotten to put them in my bag. They were a bit more expensive at £7, but are so comfortable and cute.

Piggy socks - 3 pairs - £2

Another of my favourite items to look for when I go to Primark is socks. I have way too many socks, but I can’t help buying more, especially when they’re cute and so reasonable at only £2-3. To be fair, I actually bought this pair as part of a gift for a friend, but I was so tempted to pop another pair in my basket – are you proud of me that I resisted?!

Decorative scarf - £4

I bought this pretty scarf as part of a gift as well, but for only £4 I was so tempted to find one that suited me too. They had so many different designs for such reasonable prices, but I was very good and just bought this one!

Selection of beauty products

I\d never really thought about buying beauty products from Primark before, but when we came to a stand full of products I was well and truly taken in. I bought all these as gifts for various people, but they were such great prices that I wouldn’t feel guilty treating myself. I especially love the cute butterfly nail files.

Pretty daisy bracelets - £1.50

Lastly, I bought these dainty daisy bracelets as part of a gift. I’m always a bit wary of buying cheap jewellery, as sometimes it can look a bit tacky and break easily, but these bracelets looked so pretty and well made that I decided to pop a couple in my basket. Looking round the jewellery section I was actually quite impressed with the quality, which seems to have improved since I last looked at their jewellery. Overall I think I did rather well on my little Primark trip out!

Have you been to Primark lately, and if you have, what did you buy? Are you a fan of Primark, or do you avoid it because it’s too messy?

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Sunday Spotlight - 1st June 2014

In my life this week…

Vlogging

I’ve been blogging for about 8 months now, but it’s only been recently that I’ve started looking into vlogging (video blogging). I’ve always told myself I couldn’t do it because I’m too shy and would feel embarrassed being on camera, but this week I had a change of heart and decided I’d give it a go. I’m currently editing my first video (I’ve never used the software before so I’m trying to get to grips with it!) but keep your eyes peeled for new videos coming up on my YouTube channel. I thought I’d share one of my favourite vloggers, In the Frow, with you today, so check out her video below.

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

To be honest I’m a bit behind with these blog awards, as I know there has been information floating around about them for quite a while now. I wasn’t going to put myself forward, but then I thought why not?! I’m unlikely to win, but if you don’t try you don’t know! If you enjoy reading my blog and would like to nominate me under the Best Newcomer category, I would be immensely grateful. Just click on this link and you’ll be taken to the page where you can nominate my blog. Thank you!

BPD Awareness Month

I’m not doing very well at keeping up with things this week, as this awareness month was actually in May, not June! But it doesn’t really matter, as awareness can be raised at any point in time. BPD stands for a mental illness called Borderline Personality Disorder, which is something I suffer with, along with hundreds of other people. I was diagnosed last year, and to be honest am still trying to get my head around exactly what it means. The biggest thing I’ve figured out so far is that Personality Disorders are surrounded by a huge amount of stigma, which is very unhelpful for both the sufferers and other people trying to understand them. I’m thinking of doing a bigger post about BPD at some point, but for now, if you’d like to know more, check out the Mind website for an easy to understand explanation.

Photo from http://borderlinepersonalitytreatment.com

What has grabbed your attention this week? I love hearing about people’s new discoveries and you may end up sharing something that makes it onto my list next week!

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