Tori & Mish | Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Most of you will be heading off to a Halloween party tonight, dressed in your most ghoulish outfits. So we thought we would create a little Halloween playlist for you all to get ready with. Or if like us, you have a pesky thing called work tomorrow and not going out; a little something to set a spooky mood in your house. Hope you have a door creakingly good time!!

Jute, Jam and Joys Halloween playlist 2014!


1: Meatloaf ~ Bat out of hell (the full 8 minute edition, just because)

2: Bobby "Boris" Pickett ~ Monster Mash

 

3: Elvis ~ (You're the) Devil in Disguise (Any excuse for Elvis)

           

                                       

4: The Bangles ~ Walk like an Egyptian

 5: The Specials ~ Ghost Town (utter classic any time of year)

6: Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five ~ Heebie Jeebies

                                  

                                         

7: Stevie Wonder ~ Superstition (this song is made to be sung live, even better on Sesame Street)

8: The Nightmare Before Christmas ~ This is Halloween

9:  Michael Jackson ~ Thriller (is it really Halloween with out this?)

                                   

10: Ray Parker Jr ~ Ghostbusters 

                                 

11: The Rocky Horror Picture Show ~ The Time Warp

                                 

12: The Addams Family ~ Theme Song

  

                                    

                   

13: Duran Duran ~ Hungry Like The Wolf 

14: Bonnie Tyler ~ Total Eclipse of the Heart

                                       

And Finally...

15: Meatloaf ~ You took the Words Right Out of my Mouth 

Do you have any favourite Halloween tracks? 

Are you going out Guising (Scots for Trick or Treating) tonight? If so have fun! 

Leave us a comment below about your plans or favourite track we love hearing from you!

Thanks for reading. xx

Disclaimer: Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to any of the music or videos show in this post.

Photography copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy 2014

                

Mish | Nails on Friday ~ Revlon No:731 Knockout

Revlon #731 Knockout

Let me tell you a secret. I really love a glossy black nail polish. To me it looks very classy and chic but, I am still trying to find that perfect black polish.(Anybody else?) When I picked up Revlon's Knockout I had high hopes and honestly was left a little deflated.

Knockout isn't disaster far from it; it's just not what I expected. Revlon has always been a favourite brand of mine and one of the few brands where I actually have used all of their different products; from foundations to lip liners I've had it. Also the name Knockout? I always associate the word with red not black, but hey who am I to judge, I gave every goldfish I ever had as a child a double barrelled name. (Possibly due to the fact they lived in a castle??)

First nail = One Coat
Second Nail = 2 Coats

The polish itself applies smoothly as you would expect from Revlon, it dries quickly, non streaky and if you were rushed you could get away with one coat. The brush hangs onto a lot of product so be sure to swipe the side of the bottle before application. I do love the handles of Revlon polishes they are one of the more comfortable to hold onto, but I feel the actual brush could be more tapered to make application easier.

During the first application I couldn't help but noticed a slight blue tinge to the polish. After the second coat the finish article is definitely black but I can't help think Knockout is a very very dark navy blue? Maybe this is why I am not entirely satisfied with it? Truthfully Knockout is your everyday black polish, looks lovely when applied and does its job. The polish did chip rather quickly (one day) but I'm giving it the benefit of doubt, my nails have been in a sorry state recently with peeling so I think this is the problem not the polish.

I do like Knockout as a everyday black polish however it doesn't fill my hunger for a very deep and glossy black polish. Halloween is today and if you are in need of a black nail polish then I urge you to hop on your Nimbus 2000 and purchase Knockout (your nails will thank me when you try removing the horrible cheap stuff supermarkets produce for Halloween) and it will easily see you through the winter months. 

                                                     Revlon #731 Knockout rating 7/10

A good everyday black, but nothing out of the ordinary.

So after a wee break Nails on Friday is back! 

Do you have a favourite Black nail polish? 

Can you help me find the glossy black nail polish of my dreams? 

Leave us a comment below we love hearing from you! 

Thanks for reading! xx

Happy Halloween!

Disclaimer: All views my own. I have no connection to any company mentioned in this post.

 Photos copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy 2014

Mish | MUSIC TO OUR EARS

There are some songs which just stick in your head; this newish one from Enrique Iglesias does just that. I have been humming along to this all week. As with most of his songs there is a Spanish and English version although I must say I do prefer the Spanish version. Enjoy

Enrique Iglesias  ~ Bailando

  

Disclaimer; Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to the video.

Tori | October Sunday No. 3

 

As the nights draw in one of my favourite ways to pass the time is to curl up with a hot mug of tea and listen to audiobooks. In the words of Mason Cooley- “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” 

 

I think it's so important that everyone have access to the amazing resources of a well-stocked local library, so I'll support mine in any way I can. I've loved audiobooks since I was tiny and I continue to indulge myself with 'stories on tape' whenever I have the time. The best part is, you can borrow them absolutely free!

 

 To set the scene I usually light a candle. This sweet scent from Yankee Candles is like toasted marshmallow on speed. I'm usually fonder of floral or spicy scents but something about this candle really does bring crackling firewood and dark nights to mind. 



All images copyright Tori at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014.

Mish | Agraria Lemon Verbena Crystal Cane Candle

Hope you are all enjoying candle month at Jute, Jam and Joy, here is a little something I picked up on my summer travels.

Agraria Lemon Verbena Crystal Cane Candle

I'm a sucker for all things lemon scented, especially candles. I find the scent comforting whilst also vibrant at the same time. It was actually the boxes not the scent which drew me to these candles first, and what a lovely box we have here. The orange wicker effect box and green label do nothing to prepare you for the wonder that is inside; where you are greeted by a beautiful glass holder and the most glorious scent of lemon.

The crystal glass holder is to quote the website.

"a modern interpretation of the woven palm leaf cases that were an Agraria trademark in the 1980s. The intricate glass pattern accentuates the movement of the flame to create a luminous and mesmerizing glow. Featuring hand-twisted lead-free wicks, each hand-poured candle is clean-burning and beautifully fragrant."

TA-DAH !

Once the initial candle has burnt away, the holder can be used for tea lights, (just imagine how they will twinkle in the glass, stunning) truthfully I would have happily purchased the holder on its own as they are so pretty. The silver plated lid sealed with the Agraria crest is a classy touch and can easily turn the glass into a cute place to store all your trinkets.

The candle itself is a pale lemon coloured wax, which when the glass catches the light gives the candle a lovely sunny glow even when not lit. The scent is without a doubt lemon but not in your face. A light fresh scent reminiscent of bruised lemon and a perfect match to the Aloysia citrodora plant commonly known as Lemon Verbena, more than likely the lemon flavouring used in the lemon tea you enjoy.

Before lighting candles I like to test how much it can scent a room before being lit. Agraria Lemon Verbena does extremely well, even with the lid on I can still smell the lemon and the smell lingers pleasantly in the air when I walk past. Once lit the candle is clean burning and emits a warm glow, the scent never becomes over powering (something I've noticed with other lemon scented candles) Created using Vegetable wax this candle has a burning time of roughly 25 hours.

Nothing nicer than a lit candle

Agraria is an American company originating in San Francisco. I bought my candle in Bloomingdales whilst in Chicago (the home store is a beautiful building, well worth a visit) sadly we don't have Bloomingdales in Britain however do not fear as they now post to the U.K! Hurrah! One thing I will say I have noticed whilst browsing the internet some photos show the wax to have a pink colour to it. This is the scent Bitter Orange candle (also divine) they are showing and not Lemon Verbena.

To summarise I adore this candle and I know this will be a repeat purchase, I can just imagine how stunning a row of these glass holders will look once filled with tea lights, and the best bit is before you gain a holder the original candle is a delight to burn.

You can find the Agraria page on the Bloomingdales website here ~ Link
Or for more selection here is the official Agraria website ~ Link
U.K stockist: Harrods ~ Link




Disclaimer: All views my own. I have no connection to any company mentioned in this post.

Tori | October Sunday No. 2

 

It's been a while since I did a Money's Too Tight To Mention post but I've been craving home comforts and little luxuries. Here's my round up of Sunday indulgences which won't break the bank...

 

 

• Arrange some budget friendly flowers with the help of your pets. I picked up these alstroemeria from Morrisons for only £2 a bunch.



 

• Jot down your thoughts in a 'line a day' journal, £10.99 from Waterstones. It helps if you write with gorgeous pencils like these however, if Kate Spade's offering is way out of your budget, try Paperchase for less expensive yet indulgent writing tools such as these. Good news, the lovely pencil case pictured below was only £2 from ASDA.
• Head out and forage for free catalogues from your favourite shops. Pick up some paint swatches while you're at it and indulge yourself in an afternoon of browsing, circling and tearing out. This is the ultimate window shopping experience, it's pure fantasy, so browse away guilt free!

So there you have it, how do you spend your Sunday when you're on a budget?

All images copyright Tori at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014.

Tori | Healthy Halloween Treats for Kids!

Don't sunflowers look spooky?!

If you have kids or work with them, like Mish, then these ideas might come in handy this month! I'm not suggesting you take sugary treats completely off the table (where's the fun in that) but you can certainly encourage your little ones to go for the wholesome treats first by stacking them up on funky platters and then scattering sweeties over the table, interspersed with plastic spiders and silly string, bottles of party bubbles, streamers... you get the gist!

 

I'm no expert on kids but generally the fuller the table, be it with spookily decorated fruit, ghost shaped sandwiches (see Meg's video for What's Up Moms below), or more traditional naughty treats; and the more brightly coloured the decorations, the more exciting everything seems! Whatever you do, don't mention that any of the treats are 'healthy'!

 

Here's my roundup of the best 'healthy Halloween treats' videos on YouTube.

 

 

No copyright infringement intended- Jute, Jam and Joy claim no rights to the videos embedded above.

Sunflowers photo copyright Tori at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Mish | Malala Yousafzai

"We realise the importance of light when we see darkness. We realise the importance of our voice when we are silenced."

On 10th October 2014, Malala Yousafzi at 17 years old became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, she is the co-recipient alongside Kailash Satyarthi an Indian children's rights campaigner. This news filled me with utter joy.

Myself like countless others around the world was horrified by the attack she suffered at the hands of the Taliban. Her easiest option was to shy away from the world and start to live her life again. She chooses not to.

My grandmother taught me nobody has the right to make you do or say anything you don't want to do. She survived the horrors of being displaced from her homeland and placed in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII and as a result of her experiences; she became one of the strongest people I have ever had the honour of knowing. Not everyone has someone in their family they can look to for life guidance. That is why we look to others, and Malala even if she never expected to, fills this role.

In a world where children are still not receiving a proper education alongside life's most basic needs, we must all take a stand and realise the importance of our voice. Although we may shy away from speaking, we must all speak for what we believe in and what we hope to achieve in this world.

Many people say their voice won't be heard, how can one voice change anything? I say Rome wasn't built in a day, by continuing to speak out against what is wrong we will slowly begin to turn the tide of darkness, one voice at a time.

Malala Yousafzi on "The Daily Show"

Disclaimer: Photo copyright:

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Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to the photo or the Video.

Tori | October Sunday No. 1

I was an autumn baby and for me, October Sundays are full of nostalgia. They roll around with clockwork predictability and punctuate each week during this wondrous, transitional month. These special Sundays serve as days of reflection. Long baths, crisp walks, the dew on the long grasses in the fields behind my home, the sight of migrating birds- breathe new life into me. I layer scarf upon scarf unselfconsciously. I blossom in the midst of decay, losing myself in these misty days. Autumn is the time to begin again; yet again.

Forget past transgressions: breathe in October's cool, forgiving air.

What does autumn mean to you?


Photo copyright Tori at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014.

Mish | Skinetica Acne Treatment Review

Skinetica

Skinetica arrived in my life after a Glossybox dropped on my doorstep last year. Truthfully the little bottle sat in a drawer: forgotten about, as I generally have clear skin. Now and then little bumps appear underneath my skin but I'm lucky to not have any blemishes to speak of.

This all changed 6 months ago when I noticed angry, painful red spots on my shoulders and chest. Hard lumps with no obvious puss inside them and very deep rooted. I was distraught, more so with the pain rather than the aesthetics but none the less, I was not happy. I remembered my bottle of Skinetica and thought I would try it out. A few months before the spots had appeared; Tori had tried some on her face and saw instant results, so I was intrigued to see if I would have the same luck.

I applied a little product to a cotton pad and wiped it over my spots, holding it in place for 5 seconds then moving onto the next spot. Within 5 minutes the angry redness had started to fade and more importantly the pain was subsiding. I was amazed. Within three days of applying twice a day to the affected areas the difference was clear to see, although I did have some scarring not as much as previously and more importantly; no longer in pain.

The spots have stopped appearing so frequently on my shoulders, which I put down to using this, When I notice a little blighter erupting I apply this ASAP to it stops it in its track.

I use Skintetca mainly for my shoulders but if you suffer badly with blemishes or acne on your face, I urge you to try this product. Skinetica is suitable sensitive skin and I have suffered no adverse reaction. Just place some product on your cotton pad and swipe over the blemish, leave to air dry for a minute and it's as simple as that. Skinetica can be used under face creams/ foundations and does not affect the application of said products.


The packaging appears to have changed since I last bought a bottle, to be truthful I prefer the old packaging as it stood out, the new blue bottle just looks a little generic in my eyes. Although it's what's on the inside that matters I guess, (Getting deep here :))

Skinetica promises to soothe, calm and clear up your blemishes. It is fast acting, kind to skin, non-greasy and contains no harsh chemicals, I can truthfully say it does everything it says on the tin.

So what products do you turn to when you get blemishes? 

Leave us a comment, we love hearing from you!

P.S. My camera is still broken so photos were all taken on my phone. I think this is crystal clear judging by the ahem "quality" of the pics.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to Skinetica. This is my own purchase and my own views.

Mish: Winter is coming

Sorry this isn't a Game of Thrones themed post (who loves that show? Show of hands please, cannot wait for next series) but as it is FREAKIN Baltic here in Dundee today. I thought it's about time I start looking for a winter coat.

Image copyright:http://meetville.com/images/quotes/Quotation-Billy-Connolly-seasons-Meetville-Quotes-107584.jpg

I work my coats till the bitter death, most winter coats last roughly 2-3 years and after that I replace them. I usually have three different styles a waist length coat, a calf length coat and a waterproof.  All get a good work out protecting me against the harsh Scottish winter (and rest of the seasons ha) whilst walking the dog, going to work/shops/meetings, and even wrapping the dog up once when she accidently fell in a freezing pond.

So here are some of my favourite places to purchase a lovely new winter coat.

Joules

I love Joules. I first learned about the company whilst holidaying in England after walking into a horse riding store. The only Joules products then where polo shirts and some riding gear, it has been an absolute joy to see the company grow over the years. My waterproof for this winter is my Joules 3 in 1 Jacket. 

Marine Navy Dakota Waterproof 3 in 1

I adore this jacket which I've had for 2 years now and without a doubt will last me many more years to come. Yes it is pricey, but I believe totally worth it. (Dare I say better that the NorthFace waterproofs, eek). In this edition you actually have a nice quilted jacket attached, with mine I received a lovely navy gilet with red and white stripes on the inside, which is completely detachable. This jacket is perfect for grabbing as you head out the door, keeps you completely dry and warm. It works for both a casual and smart events and is all round a lovely jacket. Washes well and dries very quickly, the hood folds away into the collar and you can adjust how tight you wish it to be round your wrists, ideal if you are wearing a bulky jumper. I love this jacket so much that as long as Joules keeps producing them I will keep buying them.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Ah good auld Woollen Mill. Usually frequented by the more elderly population of Britain, this shop screams granny's wardrobe but I say most people are missing out. You can grab some wonderful basics at this store (also a good place to source Harris Tweed products) and 2 years ago I bought my beloved Navy Pea coat (now in coat heaven). I can't find a similar style on the website but I find actually heading into the store more productive. However just look at this beauty.

Quilted Coat

A classic black quilted coat. I love that you can nip in the waist to your preference, and the jackets at Woollen Mill all have handy deep pockets, perfect for holding gloves which seem to escape from all my other coats. I don't wish to generalise here but elderly people do tend to feel the cold more and I can vouch that the jackets I have tried from Edinburgh Woollen Mill keep you toasty even without a jumper. Finally if a shop sells Cashmere Combs you know there is some good Sh*t going down there.

Marks and Spencer

Another British classic, when I need a smart coat I always head here first. I own a lovely Lilac Princess style coat but without such a big flare at the waist from Marks and Spencer which never fails to receive complements. M&S have in the past produced the 'it' winter coat, and most likely will again this year. It's a little early to see what it will be but I think this Pale Pink Over coat number is scrumptious.

Double Breasted Longline Coat with Wool

This pink is just the right amount of girly pink but without looking like Barbie. I love double breasted jackets as I find the sit well over my larger chest, V neckline helps slim line the bust as well. Ideal for any winter weddings I would actually see this being thrown over a freezing bride after she has her photos taken; the pink would suit white perfectly. The wool look to this coat also makes it look even more luxurious.

Do you have an favourite places to buy coats? Any style you always go for? 

On a more serious note I always donate my unloved, but good condition coats to charity or a coats for the homeless drive. I urge you to all do the same. I'm incredibly lucky that I can afford three coats, where some people can't even afford one.

Thanks for reading. xx

Disclaimer: Jute, Jam and Joy do not claim rights to any photos. These are my own views and have no contact with any company mentioned.

MUSIC TO OUR EARS ~ Was Not Was: Walk the Dinosaur

I love listening to the radio whilst driving in the car. It is one of life's greatest pleasures. Driving home from work on Friday and stuck in traffic, this song came on over the radio. I couldn't remember it at all to begin with, and then the rush on nostalgia hit me like a wave. It constantly fascinated me how something simple as a song can remind us of so much. Hope you enjoy this!

Was Not Was: Walk the Dinosaur

Disclaimer: We claim no right to this video.

Tori & Mish: Life's Candy and the Sun's a Ball of Butter...

Hello everyone,

We have taken a back seat recently with the blog. Multiple reasons really, life being the most important one (broken camera's coming a close second). When we first started Jute, Jam and Joy we both decided the blog would be a part time thing, whenever we had the time and ideas. Life was always going to come first and rightfully so.

You probably have been waiting for the rest of the Candle Week posts to arrive. Issues with camera's and computers meant they couldn't all be written in time so we have decided October is going to be Candle Month instead.

We also have some fashion posts to put up, Beauty and some food posts. Of course our monthly Jute, Jam and Joy post will be up soon, which Jam did we choose to test this time? You'll have to tune in and see :) Halloween is drawing closer so expect some posts about that, Guy Fox's Night and the big one Christmas!

There are only three months of 2014 left and we are going to make the most of them!

Lots of love,
Jute, Jam and Joy!! xoxo




Disclaimer: We claim no right to the photo. 
Photo copyright: http://media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/f9/6f/aef96f09463719ecc8c77ab38a06cba9.jpg