CaseApp Winner & Studio Tour

So the winner for the amazing CaseApp iPhone cover is...


Kieran John


Wooooo, well done you! You have been contacted and can start thinking about what to have on your case! 


I thought it was about time I did a quick studio tour, think I did one on the old blog but not since I've had Cherry too.  So this is my lovely basement studio, as you can see I like anything cute and quirky.  You may think it doesn't look much like a studio, this is because I have lots and lots of storage to keep everything neat and in its place.

 

WillyMan Lamp and post ready to go.  Also notice the hidden box of Freddos, I keep them out of sight to stop me munching them all.

 My super comfy sofa, perfect for when I'm making something that doesn't require a desk (and has lots of hidden storage space underneath)

 My desk, it looks quite tidy here but I will let you in on a secret... it is never normally like this

My tiny bit of daylight, since it is in the basement I wouldn't know if it was day or night without this snippet into the outside world.

More storage, my computer, printers and of course my TV.  I have been known to work through the night so need this to keep me sane. As you can tell I was getting my dose of Corrie :)

 

Who says the admin and paperwork side of running a business should be boring, I like to keep my folders as bright as possible.

My teddy lamp from Urban Outfitters was a bit of a pricey treat at £80, but he is well worth it.

 

And finally even more storage and my semi finished sewing table hidden in the alcove.

Hope you liked the tour and if you weren't lucky enough to win this competition keep your eyes pealed for the next one, it's a biggie!

Michelle xx

An Egg-cellent Easter

Well folks I thought I'd get in the Easter spirit by highlighting a few items that are egg-cellent - forgive me - as an Easter gift to yourself or someone special.

Creme Egg Necklace

£6.50 at Jelly Button Jewellery

The cute little necklace, which is made by Michelle's fair hands, is a perfect Easter treat. With zero calories this is great for your waistline as well as your neck! (Please don't eat it!)

Bunny Rabbit Ring

£4.50 at Cherry Rainbow

You'd be hopping mad - really where are these awful jokes coming from? - to miss out on this adorable little ring.  This too is made by Michelle (I do other things like...)

Mini Eggs Card Holder

£6.00 at Cherry Rainbow

A card holder is for life, not just for Easter.  Whether you use it to hold your ID, bank cards, bus pass or oyster card, this little beauty will never let you down.

Follow us on Instagram:

@jellybuttonjewellery & @underthecherryrainbow

Finally here's a little peek at the presents I've been giving my friends this Easter.  A little group of old ladies, perhaps men as well, have been knitting these individual chicks that are a sort of cream egg cosy.  I love how they are all unique and have their own personalities - I'm not crazy.

The saddest part is giving my little chicks away, but I know that they're all going to good homes.  Apart from the green and white one, that's MINE!

I hope you all have a fab Easter.

Neil x

New Watches

Evening everyone! Sorry I've not posted for a few days, I've been mad busy preparing new stock for a fair that was on Sunday and then catching up on the sleep I missed out on.  

In Cherry Rainbow news have you all been to check out the new watches (see here) that have been listed? You may notice a few of them are the EXACT same ones ASOS are selling but at half the price.  So support a small business and get a bargain at the same time.

  

 Neil and I are having a mate date/business meeting tomorrow to discuss our next stock order, here's a sneaky peak of some of the items I'm hoping make it to the list.

 

What do you think? I love stationery so will definitely be keeping a notebook for myself!!

Michelle xx

Friday's top five... weekend bags for men

This year I finally invested in a weekend bag, which is something I desperately needed.  For far too long I'd been wheeling a small suitcase here and there, but that became a bit of an inconvenience especially when I was visiting friends in London: the tube is no place for a case!  On more than one occasion my case has gotten squashed in the barriers and/or kicked by busy commuters.  For those reasons I recommend everyone to invest in a weekend bag.  It makes you look that much more sophisticated and it is much easier to handle.

Based on that idea I've chosen my top five men's weekend bags/holdalls for under £50.  Hopefully these will give you idea of what's out there and what you can get for a reasonably small price.

1. Puma Grade Holdall (£35.00) - ASOS

I thought this would appeal to someone a little more sporty or with a street look.  I'm not normally a massive sportswear fan, but this bag looks stunning.  Made out a durable cotton canvas with leather look trims, it is both practical and fashionable.  In a muted grey, it would work with any outfit or ensemble.

2. Bowling bag with blue stripe (£49.99) - Zara

This stylish bag has a simple and sleek look.  I find the bowling bag shape to be classic.  The bag is made of polyurethane, which means it's very practical as well.  Also the fact it has few frills should appeal to most men.  For me it looks quite striking in blue, which would show its owner to have a clear fashion edge.

3. Navy and White Holdall (£40.00) - Next

With contrasting white detailing, this sporty holdall is a rather fun alternative to the weekender.  I love the detailing here such as the quilted effect and the rowing emblem, which all add to the character of this bag.  It would be a great accessory for someone who favours that preppy or colligate look.  Once again with a polyurethane exterior this bag is both practical and durable.  It's definitely a fun alternative.

4. Brown Leather Look Holdall (£24.99) - New Look

A cheap and cheerful option, this brown leather look holdall has a distressed finish that gives it a vintage feel.  I particularly like the buckle detailing to the side of the bag with brushed gold finishings.  It's definitely a good option for someone after something very practical and not too expensive.  *Please note there is 25% off online today only using Voucher Codes promo code VCFF2052.

5. Black Large Holdall (£45.00) - River Island

Everything looks good in black, and this holdall from River Island is no exception.  It is a great statement piece that would go with any outfit.  There is little much to fault about this slick bag, and so all I'll say is it's practical and a great piece for any man.

I hope this guide helps and be sure to tell me what you think!

Neil x

Double Chocolate Oreo Brownies

I'm supposed to be out tonight enjoying wine but my endemetriosis has meant I'm stuck in bed with painkillers and tea, so thought it would be the perfect time to share my Double Chocolate Oreo Brownie recipe (phew what a mouthful.)

 

Ingredients 

250g chocolate - broken up

175g unsalted butter

3 medium eggs

250g caster sugar

75g plain flour

40g cocoa powder

Pack of Oreo biscuits

100g Cadbury Caramel Nibbles. 

1. Preheat oven to 180⁰C, gas mark 4. Lightly grease a baking tin (approx 11" will be adequate.)

2. Melt a third of the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Let it cool a bit (so the eggs don't scramble).

3. Whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy, pour over the chocolate mixture and fold in.

4. Sift in the flour and cocoa and fold in another third of the broken up chocolate.

5. Pour half the mix into the prepared tin, then position the Oreos and Nibbles evenly and top with the rest of the brownie mix.

 

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be crusty with a slight wobble underneath.  If you poke a knife in it should come out ALMOST clean but the perfect brownie still needs to be a bit gooey.

7. Melt the remaining chocolate (not the caramel nibbles as they get a weird consistency if melted - I learnt the hard way) and drizzle over the top of the cooked brownie.

8. Leave to cool and then cut into chunks.

9.  You can either eat as it is or pop a slice into the microwave for approximately 20 seconds and serve with ice-cream for a gooey treat.

What do you think? I have given over half of my brownie chunks out as I'm on a diet and the temptation to eat the lot would always be there.

Michelle xx

How to get freebies

Someone asked on one of my Instagram photos how I managed to get so many freebies, so I decided to put together a bit of a list.

1. Enter Competitions.  Now this might sound obvious but somebody has to win them, so why can't it be you?  I have recently started entering and at first I expected that I would win lots for no effort, however after a few months I realised that it is better to enter with the expectation of NOT winning because then you won't be disappointed but MAY be happily surprised.  This method obviously takes time and effort, however it can be quite addictive once you get into it. Be aware entering so many will generate lots of spam mail, it may be worthwhile setting up a separate account for this.  There are several websites which link to different competitions that are happening, I recommend joining the Competition Club on Facebook.

2.  Review Products.  There is a site called BzzAgent that send out samples for you to try and review, using this I have received some E45 body lotion, McVities Biscuits, Vanish and Colour Catcher products.  You have to fill in a few surveys before your 'score' is high enough to receive anything but once you do there are often new campaigns by top brands.

3. Product Swap. If you are lucky enough to be good at a craft there are often craft swaps available, the best way to find one is to follow craft organisations via Facebook & Twitter.  Bloggers often set up Parcel Swaps too, you have to buy someone else a gift so it isn't free, however the fun of receiving a parcel more than makes up for this.  At the moment T*Rexes & Tiaras is doing a Spring Green Swap so why not take part.

4. Join Freebie Sites.  Now and then big companies send out free samples, I'm guessing for promotional purposes, I have recently received a handbag size sample of a new Lacoste Perfume and some Korres moisturiser sachets.  Don't expect full sized products but these are great to take away or to try before you buy.  I got my Korres samples from here (but be quick they will be gone soon) and to keep up with other freebies follow UK Freebies on Facebook.

Finally most people will expect me to put 'Blogging' as number 5 on the list, however this is not a good reason to start up a blog.  In order for companies to send you out products for review you need to have enough followers to make it worthwhile for them, and in order to gain followers you need to have a blog that's enjoyable to read.  There is nothing worse than someone who churns out generic review after review, clearly just after free stuff, if you like reviewing then maybe sign up to Dooyoo or Ciao who pay you for doing so.  Of course the odd review is informative but not if it is biased in order to receive a gift.  Of course once you have gained enough followers by writing a blog you find gratifying to maintain and others enjoy reading then companies may just surprise you to some lovely items.

Hope that helps and why not take the first step by entering our current competition.

Michelle x

Bloglovin'

As you have probably guessed, Michelle and I both love writing our blog, but we also enjoy reading blogs too.  Where she focuses on female fashion and beauty I like to follow a mix of male and female blogs.  To be honest the blogs I like best are those with a strong photographic element or are simply well written: the writer has an identifiable style.

Like most people I relied on Google Reader to keep track of my favourite blogs, which was great, but with the announcement that this service is to end on 1st July I have been looking for an alternative.  Although there are a few options out there I feel bloglovin' is the best, and it is the one that I've chosen to use.  One of the main advantages of bloglovin' is the fantastic app (see here) which is available for both iPhone and Android mobiles.  With it you can handily keep track of your favourite blogs whenever and wherever you are.

So be sure to share the love with a bit of bloglovin', it's definitely a winner. Oh, and don't forget to follow us too!

Take care,

Neil x

CaseApp Competition

Those lovely folk over at CaseApp have heard how happy I am with my new personalized iPhone case and are letting me give one away to a lucky reader. YAY!!!!  Simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below and one winner (chosen at random) will get to personalize their very own phone case (for either iPhone 4, 4S or 5) and even if you don't have any favourite photos to use they have a selection of ready designed ones.

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dog & Phone

Anyone who follows me on Instagram will know my dog is my life. I probably have more photos of her than of any human, so when CaseApp gave me the opportunity to try out one of their custom iPhone cases there was only one little lady who could feature on it.  If you aren't as fond of a furry friend as I am then you could always upload a favourite holiday snap, some of your own artwork, use one of the ready designed images or even a photo of an actual human you love - YUK!!

The website is really easy to use and gives you options to add text, clipart, upload pics etc. and the best bit is that you get to see a mock up of how the finished case will look.

As I mentioned, I decided to use some of my favourite images of Dodge combined with my other loves (my businesses.)  The finished piece arrived a couple of days later and I absolutely LOVE IT!! It has a slight matte feel and the images have turned out really well, I couldn't have asked for more.  If you want to have a go at designing your own case head here to give it a go, and if you decide to purchase one it is £19 with free shipping.

Michelle xx

Sunday Blues

Most people get the Monday Blues, but for me today is that day.  After a full day of paintballing and a full night of rum punch I am feeling achy and lethargic.  To make sure I am completely rested ready for work tomorrow I am spending the night watching House and online window shopping.  I have created a wish list from one of my favourite stores, DollyDagger.  It is complete pin up heaven, and if I hadn't spent a small fortune on little pellets of paint I could have treated myself to something off the list, never mind keep dreaming eh!!

Enjoy the rest of the the weekend, and don't forget to follow the blog via Bloglovin due to the impending doom of Google Reader . 

Michelle xx

Filofax Dupe & Puddy Cat Tights

Had to share this with you, if you read my wish list the other week you would have seen a gorgeous teal Filofax on it.  Now anyone who owns a Filofax will know about their intense price tags (especially for the leather ones) now I can share my secret...

I've found one that looks exactly the same but for a fraction of the price!!!  You can buy it online or instore at Paperchase.

What do you think of these tights? I'm in love and could happily buy the whole range, but I suppose at £5.99 each that's not too bad.

Neil and I are at Paintballing tomorrow, so if you don't hear from us again its because we've been taken out with a deadly ball of paint!! 

Michelle xx

Company Style Blogger Awards 2013!

Well folks it's awards time, and if you hadn't guessed we'd love to be winners!  Company Magazine, in association with New Look, are hosting their annual Style Blogger Awards.  They aim to find cool and quirky blogs that are fashion forward and fun - that's us *wink, wink*!

There are a range of awards up for grabs, and we'd love your help in bagging us one.  Clearly some are not applicable: Best Teen Fashion Blog - *sob* oh to be so young!  But there are a few others that you may think fit the bill, such as Best Blogging Duo etc.  So, if you'd like to help us out, all you need to do is click here or on the swanky Company Style Blogger Awards button, fill in our blog details and select which category you'd like to nominate us for.  It's that easy!

Thanks in advanced to all you lovely people!

Neil & Michelle x

Off to Oz - but where's Dorothy?

Today, once again, I went out to lunch with a friend.  Although my bank balance is decreasing and my waistline the opposite, I find lunching with friends to be a wonderful pastime.  There are few pleasures in this world that top a lovely meal that is washed down with a great glass of wine.

On this fine day my friend and I decided to try out the delights of Prezzo, in Manchester.  The restaurant hasn't been open that long, but it has immediately become the best choice for a more sophisticated night time meal in The Printworks.

As we're both eager beavers when it comes to food we decided to meet at noon.  Typically we were the first in the restaurant, but that meant we were seated immediately.  Thankfully a few others arrived shortly after, which took some of the heat away from us: smiley servers looking to swoop in.

As far as the food goes I would say it's rather good.  It was freshly made and tasted very nice.  We shared a garlic bread with cheese as a starter, which was yummy, and my friend also had the crab cakes, which I avoided due to my phobia of food from the sea - don't ask!  For main I believe she had the carbonara and I had a 'classic' pizza.  I did feel like a bit of a fraud when I asked for a margarita pizza with an extra topping of pepperoni sausage - yes, a pepperoni pizza!  To be honest I half expected the lady to spurn my request and send me packing to Pizza Hut, but to my relief she was very nice and just smiled.

Both mains were very 'healthy' portions (rather large); my pizza seemed to be bigger than the plate it was on.  But that is never a negative as I hate feeling hungry after a meal.  It was so delicious I managed to eat every last morsel - carb overload!  To wash all this food down we each had a glass of Rose Blush that was delightful!  Oh and a glass of tap water to boot because that's how we roll!

After the meal we had a quick mooch around the shops and then headed back to The Printworks in order to watch Oz: The Great & Powerful.  I had been eagerly awaiting the film's release ever since I'd seen the trailer.  As a massive fan of the original film (The Wizard of Oz),the sequel (Return to Oz) and even The Wiz, I hoped that this would live up to the magnitude of those that had come before.

On a side note I've also seen Wicked in London, which is one of the best musicals I have ever had the pleasure to see.  Glee may do a great job of introducing people to such great works, but it is in no way comparable to the impact of a proper show.  I'm even going to see it again when it tours in Manchester later this year.

Anway back to the movie.  It was in all honesty not as amazing as I thought it would be.  I don't know whether that is due to my very high expectations, or simply the lack of character development and engagement.  It felt more of a children's film than a classic for the whole family, which is a shame as there are some great actors in it.  I guess it's probably not fair to compare it to the original, as that is simply iconic.

All in all I would say if you fancy going watching it, it's definitely worth a look.  But don't get your hopes up too high... above the chimney tops!

Take care,

Neil x

p.s. Sorry for that last bit, I couldn't help myself!

Take my button

If you scroll down and look to the right you will see our lovely little button :)

Please link to us on your website and we will do the same back to you!!

Michelle & Neil xx

Easter Printable

I've just been having a read of Thrifty Mrs new blog post and saw a link to an adorable Easter printable (see here).  After looking at the site I found lots more printables I am going to do to decorate my studio. If you're hosting an Easter party go check them out!

Hope you're all doing well, today I'm suffering with intense tooth ache :( 

Michelle xx

Pin Up ProperCorn Winner.

So yesterday saw me take a step out of my comfort zone and take part in a photo-shoot!!! Anyone who knows me will know that unless I am drunk or on my own in front of a mirror I am ridiculously shy, so the thought of  prancing about in a studio terrified me, but I did it! I wore some of the most gorgeous dresses, loaned to me by Katy from Vintage By Cupcake and together with my jewellery (see here) and Cherry Rainbow Props I'm hoping they will make for a great few images for the new website.  The theme I wanted was pin up/50's/Katy Perry style, I surprisingly had someone email asking about my make up from the shoot (hopefully from seeing my Instagram pic - not from peeping at me through binoculars) so here is my make up list for the day. 

Mac Studio Fix Foundation

Mac Eyeshadow - Yogurt

Mac Blusher - Pink Swoon

Rimmel - Eyeliner

Apocalips - Stellar

Benefit - They're Real Mascara

Benefit - Neutrals (Used Milk It)

Anyway off the subject of my face, the winner of the ProperCorn Comp has been selected and contacted, CONGRATULATIONS to Fee Edwards.

Michelle 

xxx

Tea for two

For most people the thought of having an afternoon tea would be a delight, but when the only hot drink you like is hot Vimto and the only tea you like is a Long Island Iced Tea it's not as exciting.  However, with the inclusion of champagne I was easily persuaded.

I'd seen the champagne afternoon tea advertised on Cloud 23's Facebook page (see here).  Michelle and I have been a few times for various different things, and typically we book in advance using the guest list (see here).   Each time we treat ourselves to the odd cocktail or two, but if you book in advanced you are given a 45 minute slot which means that it's best used as a stop-gap before you head out or perhaps a nice end to a night after a meal.

Cloud 23 is a lovely place to go if you fancy a little luxury.  For our afternoon tea we were booked in to the Iris lounge.  It was refurbished not that long ago and it does ooze class and refinement.  Most people, it seemed at least, were having lunch with their mothers as an early Mother's Day treat.   I wish I could say people thought that about me and Michelle but clearly she looks too young – better way of saying I look too old!

As far as the service goes I'd have to say it was excellent.  The staff were very courteous and attentive to our needs; although one man was rather jovial with us – did he sense we were common folk?  We did our best to dress for the occasion, with Michelle adopting the persona of Cruella Deville.  I, however, was practically head to toe in my Primark wears, but I think I looked rather dapper and styled myself well enough to pass for one born of proper lineage.

As far as the food goes Michelle's review was pretty much on point.  As a fussy eater – I blame my parents – I was thankfully to find the inclusion of some small but perfectly formed ham sandwiches.  Although, I often find expensive food to taste not only rich but at times sweet, peculiar I know!  Perhaps this is just a private delusion of what expensive food is like?

My favourite part of most meals is the dessert, and that was true of this afternoon tea, excluding the champagne which was yummy!  The desserts were delicious, even the unusual banana flavoured macaroons.  I'd agree with Michelle that the scrummy scones – pronounced with an extended 'O' – smothered in lashings of clotted cream and jam were the perfect embodiment of a quintessential English afternoon tea.

All in all this was a wonderful afternoon and there is no one I would rather spend it with.

Neil x

p.s. Michelle has used all the good photographs so I've chosen to just use the one.

A bit about me

Loads of people have been doing similar posts recently so I thought I would be a sheep and follow.

1.  I have a Frug (pug/frenchie) who I love more than anything.

2.  When I was 15 I fell and broke my elbow and wrist; I now have metal pins holding it together.

3.  I have a phobia of fish; dead or alive it doesn't matter, I WILL freak out when I see one.

4.  I have six tattoos. They all started off small and gradually I keep adding bits and making them bigger.

5. My childhood nickname off my brothers is 'Buttonhead', this was becuase I had a head shaped like a button apparantly.

6.  My body clock is broken: it is completely normal for me to go to sleep at 5am and wake up at 2pm.

7.  The reason there are very few photos of me on the blog is because I am incredibly shy (when sober).

8.  My hair is purple at the moment, but before I started dying it I had mousey blonde locks.

9.  My dream is to one day own a vintage VW camper van in baby blue.

10.  I am incredibly clumsy, I am the sort of person to fall UP steps and end up so bruised I look like I've fallen off a cliff.

If I can think of anything else I will do another list.

Michelle x

Dodge the Frug