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