Month: October 2018

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Winter Work Wear Essentials

The weather has spoken and as Jon Snow would say, winter is coming (it’s basically here, we know). At this time of year, we know how important it is to feel cosy – even when you’re at work! We’re here to lend a helping hand and help you look great but feel cosy during these Winter months.

Turtlenecks & Roll-Necks

Roll or Turtle neck jumper under a suit / tweed jacket

Let’s be honest, wearing a turtleneck is like receiving a big hug every second of the day. They’re not only cosy, but they look good. Pair a long-sleeved roll neck thin knit with a pair of paper bag trousers if you’re woman or some slim-fit suit trousers if you’re a man, slide on some black boots and throw on some cute gold accessories or a statement watch and you’re in for one cosy (but stylish) day in the office.

Take a look at Moss Bros Wine Merino Wool Roll-Neck Jumper for men here and sign up for their newsletter for even more stylish Winter pick, right here.

Dress up this Cotton Stripe Roll Neck from Lands’ End with a cute wool blazer and keep yourself warm and looking good through this season. If you love their stuff, order their catalogue here for deals and updates on their clothing.

Winter boots

Annabelle Fleur of the Viva Luxury Blog in the TIELAND in Black Suede.

We love UGGs as much as the next person, but, for some reason, they aren’t work-attire – I know, crazy! So, we’re talking about investing in a good quality pair of cosy smart boots – perfect for office wear, meetings and a nice dinner with the partner.

Walktall has men with big feet sorted and we’re in love with these Chatham Aplin Boots – don’t they just look cosy as heck?! Sign up to their newsletter for incredibly BIG deals on their selection of large shoes.

These Ring Pull Cleated Ankle Boots from Select Fashion are to die for. We’re seriously loving these and know they’ll keep your feet super warm – looks like there is definitely room for a fluffy sock. They have great savings in their newsletter if you’re looking for a bargain!

Cable Knits

Burberry London Cable Knit Sweater

You’re probably wondering how a cable knit can possibly pass as work wear right? We’re here to tell you that it’s possible and it’s actually quite easy. Pair a beautifully chunky pink cable knit (we like this one from Yumi) with a pleather black skirt, some wool tights and your new boots and you’ve got a cosy, but sophisticated work look. Their newsletter is filled with great winter fashion inspo!

If you’re a guy who isn’t quite feeling the pleather skirt, we have you covered too. Choose a light-coloured chunky knit, like this one from Culture Vulture and pair it with a slim-fit shirt (collar out), some tailored chinos and some brogues and you’ve got yourself a smart but warm work look. If you like Culture Vulture as much as we do, order their catalogue – they have loads more great winter fashion picks just waiting for you.

Hopefully, these ideas have given you enough inspiration to create the most stylish but, most importantly, cosy outfits for work this Winter. Be sure to send us pictures of your outfits – we’d love to see them.

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5 Things to do with your kids this Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s a good time to start planning this year’s Halloween event for the kids! If you, like us, are Halloween crazy, then you’ll probably want to make it super special for your little ones. We’re here to give you some super simple ideas for the kids this Halloween.

Halloween Sleepover

This works no matter the age – it’s a tried and tested way to get the kids into the ghostly spirit. Arrange an old-fashioned sleepover with some of their friends, decorate the living room and leave a selection of spooky movies for them to watch. There are so many age-appropriate films for Halloween, so no matter their age, there’s a definite scary movie out there for them. We’re all about going all out so be sure to request a theme and get the kids to come in spooky, Halloween inspired PJ’s like the ones over at Lands’ End Kids – it’s sure to be a winner.

Have a pumpkin picking party

 

This will be a pre-Halloween party, but what’s not to love! Get a group of their friends together and take the kids to a local (there are plenty across the whole of the UK) pumpkin picking farm and watch them go wild. Nothing is more fun (apart from trick-or-treating of course) on Halloween than picking out your own pumpkin. Most counties have plenty of farms that cater to pumpkin picking – The Lake District has a beautiful selection!

Have a pumpkin carving party

Whether you’ve picked your own pumpkins or popped over to the nearest supermarket, pumpkin carving is a massive part of Halloween. Print out a bunch of stencils for the kids (and yourself of course), cover the table and decorate the kitchen with spooky lights and bats and watch your little ones release their creativity. Truth is, you’ll probably have to finish theirs off for them or worst of all, scrape the seeds out because it’s far too “yucky” for them to do, but they’ll still have a blast.

Make your decorations

Creativity is what kids’ do, it’s what they love and what they remind us about every day. So why not make your household Halloween decorations this year? Head over to Bureau Direct Stationery to stock up on the essentials for your DIY party. Go wild with bats, ghouls, ghosts and witches – the more the scarier – and don’t forget orange and black is a must and glitter just makes it more fun.

Bake spooktacular treats

No season is complete without some fun home baked goods. We’re talking spooky cupcakes, toffee covered apples, ghostly cookies, toasted marshmallows and tons of orange frosting! Stock up that baking cupboard, get yourself some spooky cookie cutters and spend a few hours in the kitchen with the kids. You could even make it a Halloween baking party and invite their friends. Choose simple cookies and perhaps even pre-make or buy the cupcakes and let the kids decorate them – that’s the fun part after all!

Don’t forget that kids love a good old fashioned trick-or-treat session – how else will they ever get so many sweets in one go? Whatever you’re planning to do this year for Halloween, these ideas are a great accompaniment. Let us know in the comments what your traditions are for Halloween or what your children love to do this time of the year.

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Top 4 Winter Staycations

Winter can be bleak. The days are short, the evenings are dark and it’s often raining quite a bit. Now, here at Catalink, we’re hoping for a bright, crisp winter – yes, the whole winter through. But just in case we’re being too optimistic, we’ve got the best answer to avoiding those winter blues.

There is no better way to get through those boring winter parts (obviously not Christmas), than with a cost weekend away in the countryside. Whether it’s a boutique hotel not too far from the hustle and bustle of London or a cosy cottage break in the peaks – it’s always a win-win.

If you’re a fan of a staycation or want to give it a go, have a look at what we’ve put together for you!

Nottinghamshire

imageedit_1_7804633401We’ll start with the obvious – a beautiful woodland break in the stunning peaks. If you love the idea of a cosy fire burning in the corner of the room, beautiful scenery surrounding you for miles, nature on your doorstep and endless incredible restaurants just waiting for you to indulge, Nottingham has you covered.

Whether you choose a break in the countryside of Nottingham or pick something a little more lively near the city centre, you’re sure to have the cosiest winter break in the beautiful county of Nottinghamshire.

Worcestershire

Fancy something utterly beautiful? Somewhere you can enjoy and discover heritage sites surrounded by stunning greenery and stunning waterways. Yeah, we’re totally game for that. Worcestershire offers one of the most beautiful staycations in the UK – full of gorgeous gardens, cute little B&B’s, spectacular castles and adorable cosy cottages, it’s sure to tick all those winter essentials.

Cornwall

Combine beautiful beaches (who doesn’t enjoy a winter beach walk), colourful fishing villages and quaint cobbled streets and you have yourself a getaway in the beautiful county of Cornwall. Choose a sea view from your breathtakingly beautiful seaside apartment, stroll through the sand with a coffee in hand or eat your weight in delicious foods from any of the surrounding restaurants. HF Holidays offer a selection of incredible staycations in the beautiful Cornwall – don’t be a stranger, go check them out!

The Lake District

Cosy cottages, beautiful views and picturesque walks – why would you not want a winter break in the beautiful Lake District? Put some logs on that fire, get out your cosy winter slippers and warm yourself up with a delicious hot chocolate. Heart of the Lakes offers unique and cosy winter stays in the beautiful Lake District – you’ll never want to go home!

All there is to do now is choose a location (we won’t judge if you choose all of them), pick a companion and head out for an incredibly wintery stay in the beautiful countryside!