How to shop in the sales so you really get a bargain

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Mention the word ‘sales’ and the temptation is to head to the shops and spend, spend, spend. The reality is that something in the sale is only a real bargain if it is something you need, something you are going to wear or use and something that fits.

With discounts out there on the High Street and online, we are going to have a look at how you can be a winning shopper when it comes to the sales.

Do your research
OK, this might take out a little bit of the spontaneity of sales shopping, but before you part with your credit card, just check you are getting the best deal possible. Those trainers with 20% off in one shop, might have a whopping 50% off somewhere else, so look around and you might be surprised at what you will find and where the real savings are to be made.

Buy for now
Yes, that black dress is amazing but if you are a size 12 and it is a size 8, don’t buy it ‘just incase’. Go for items that actually fit you now and you are going to wear, rather than something that will stare at you from the wardrobe and remind you of those extra pounds you keep meaning to lose, but don’t.

Go for classics
A wool coat, a black shift dress, fitted trousers and leather brogues are all classic staples that will stand the test of time. You really will make a saving if you go for items that you can mix and match as the trends change.

Check your diary
The sales are a great time to find something for a forthcoming wedding, birthday party or work do. See what’s in the diary and you never know, you might save stacks on a knock out dress and killer heels which would normally be way out of your budget.

Take a closer look
Let’s face it, shop floors in the sales can get busy and messy, so just check what you are buying. Look for dirt and dust, check for holes and snags, and look at the neck and ensure it isn’t plastered in foundation that might not even come off in a hot wash.

What are the terms?
Yes, you have consumer rights, but we would just suggest you check these before you buy. See whether you can get a refund or if it is exchange only and always put the receipt somewhere safe. Also ask when these changes have to be made, so you don’t end up taking that cute jumper to the charity shop because it’s just too small but can’t be returned.

Check your shoes
Now, you might see those perfect heels as the shop is closing and want to just take them then and there, but before you hand over the cash, make sure they fit and also check they are the same size. Nothing worse than getting ready to party and finding you have one size 5 shoe and one size 6!

Take a break
Shopping is fun, but while you are out make sure you stop and refuel and take stock of what you have already bought. If you are tired and hungry, you may well make purchases you regret which will mean a return visit so you won’t have saved any time, or money at all.

If doubt, don’t do it
What we would say is that if you are in doubt, then don’t buy it, move on and save your money for something you really love.

Happy shopping.

Team Pure Beauty

Hot cross buns anyone?

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beaten, bunnies, butter, cake, dough, Easter, eggs, flour, fruit, gas make six, greased baking sheet, hot cross buns, jam, knead, milk, newspapers, portions, Pure Beauty, rounds, size, smooth, spices, sugar, tablespoon, teaspoon, water, yeast

Everyone looks forward to the four-day weekend over Easter. It is a great to have the time to kick back, catch up with family and friends and enjoy some tasty treats.

From cute cookies and egg nests to seminal cake and chocolate bunnies, there’s no end of Easter themed goodies to eat at the time of year. Whilst it is easy to pick up BOGOF offers in the supermarket, there’s something really satisfying about sitting down with a piece of cake, you have baked from scratch.

We have done some baking ourselves and have found a recipe for the best ever hot cross buns and we think you’ll love them too.

This is an easy to follow recipe but be aware that it takes quite a lot of time to prepare. It is vital to follow each step and let the dough rise so that you really do get soft, fluffy buns that taste as good as they look.

Ingredients

• 400g of strong white bread flour and a little extra for dusting
• 50g of plain flour for creating the crosses
• A 7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast
• 100g of currants, raisins and peel (it is totally up to you which dried fruits you use but keep the quantities right)
• 50g of golden caster sugar, plus an extra teaspoon for the crosses
• One teaspoon of mixed spice and one of ground cinnamon
• 250ml of slightly warmed full fat mill
• One medium egg, beaten
• 50g unsalted butter
• One teaspoon of salt
• Two tablespoons of apricot jam
• Place the strong flour, yeast, caster sugar, salt and spices in a bowl and mix. Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in the warm milk, beaten eggs and butter. Mix it together with a wooden spoon and finish of with your hands.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for around ten minutes or until it becomes springy and really smooth. Leave the dough to rise in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean, damp tea towel, somewhere warm.

The next step is to place dough onto a lightly floured surface and flatten before scattering on the dried fruit. Knead the dough a few more times before dividing into eight even portions which you then need to roll in smooth rounds and place on a greased baking sheet, leaving some room between each bun for it to rise. Cover with a tea towel again and leave for about 20 minutes until they have doubled in size.

Heat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark six.

To make the crosses, mix the extra plain flour with a teaspoon of sugar and five tablespoons of water and create a thick paste. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag and carefully pipe white lines on the buns to make the crosses.

If you’re going to eat the buns untoasted, gently heat the apricot jam in a pan, and brush the warm liquid onto the buns using a pastry brush. If you plan to toast them, then don’t use the sugar glaze as it will burn and spoilt your hard work.

Place in the hot over for 20 minutes until the buns are light brown.

Once the buns have cooled down, enjoy with butter and jam a cup of tea as you read the newspapers.

Happy Easter from all of us at Pure Beauty.

Style Resolutions

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2016, boyfriend jeans, camel, colour, cool, diamanté, jacket, luxe, make-up, New Look and H&M, PJs, pop, prints, pumps, shirt, size, sports, style, weekend

The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your style and make changes to bring your look bang up to date.

We aren’t talking about taking every item out of your wardrobe and starting from scratch, but spending a morning or afternoon assessing where you are and just what image you would like to project in 2016.

We have some top resolutions that could make all the difference not only to the way you look this year but also how you feel.

The question is, are you brave enough to change?

Resolution one – stop playing matchy-matchy
Somewhere down the line someone said you have to pair brown boots with a brown bag and that blue and green should never been seen. These style snippets aren’t true but they stick in our minds and can make for a somewhat safe look. Go for a pop of pink with a new scarf, a splash of red in a jumper or add leopard print to boots and you are looking at a whole new you.

Resolution two – don’t be afraid to shine
Wear a sequinned top with jeans, a denim skirt with silver pumps or add super-cute diamanté buttons to a coat and whatever you do, shine with style.

Resolution three – wear the size you are
Be honest with yourself when you are getting dressed and wear something that fits. Size is just a number and if you squash into a snug pair of jeans or drown in a massive sweater, neither will make you feel the best you. Pick the right size, buy the right size and wear the right size and it will make a massive difference to your look and confidence.

Resolution four – leave your comfort zone
We all do it, head to our black jumper, navy jacket or grey shirt to feel safe and hidden from the world. Why not add one stand out item into your wardrobe and see how it feels. Prints, navy, camel and white are a great way to make small changes and if you are feeling brave a bright coat or statement pair of shoes can add a new dimension to your colour palette.

Resolution five – have a feel good favourite
There are some social events you can’t plan for so have a great, flattering LBD that you keep clean and pressed that you can put on last minute and feel amazing.

Resolution six – experiment with make up
We all do it. Put on foundation, blusher, mascara, lippy and head out of the door. Why stick with safe when there is a world of experimenting out there? A coloured eye liner instead of your usual black or brown can be a starting point. Green or navy mascara can give a subtle pop of colour and adding smoky eyes looks stunning but not out of place even on a Monday morning. Go on, give it a go.

Resolution seven – don’t slum it at the weekend
We all do it from time to time but don’t sit around in your PJs all weekend long. It is fine to go casual but tatty t-shirts and dirty tracksuit bottoms just don’t cut it unless you are ill. New Look and H&M have excellent luxe sports pieces you can mix and match or go for boyfriend jeans and layered tops for a cool, chic look that will look polished but relaxed.

Resolution eight – organised, organise, organise
You will find that if you organise your clothes, accessories and shoes it will be much easier to get ready in the morning Give away what you don’t need or like (or fit into) and only buy what you love moving forwards. Arrange but colour and type, roll items rather than fold and put shoes in clear boxes and you can find what you need, fast.

We would love to know what changes you plan to make to your style in 2016.