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Top 10 BBQ Essentials For Under £10

bbqfeature
May 17, 2013 By In Food, Homeware, Lifestyle

It’s safe to say that British summer time is famous for nothing if not its erratic weather conditions (with this grey May week proving just that). Nevertheless, come rain or shine you can rest assured that us Brits will be out there in full force, indulging in the great summer tradition of barbecuing. We all have fond memories of summer BBQs – smoky smells, delicious food, paper cups of Pimms and good times among family and friends – and here at MyVoucherCodes we’re hoping that this summer will be no exception.

While the majority of BBQs will run smoothly (save for a few over-cooked sausages). When it comes to planning your own alfresco dining event, things can easily get a little stressful, even for the most seasoned of entertainers.

To ensure that your BBQ goes ahead with minimal glitches be sure to take note of these top 10 stylish BBQ essentials all available for under £10.

1. Portable Bucket Charcoal BBQ, Tesco, £8.00 2. 3 Piece Barbecue Tool Set, B&Q, £5.00 3. Textured Salad Bowl, M&S, £7.50 4. Ice Lolly Makers, Homebase, £1.99 5. Folding Picnic Chair, Argos, £7.99 6. Acrylic Tumbler, Homebase, £1.49 7. Daisy Food Cover, John Lewis, £7.00 8. Picnic Cutlery Set, John Lewis, £5.00 9. Set of Four Multi Patterned Dinner Plates, £8.00, BHS 10. Paradise Jug, M&S, £9.50

Win a £100 Voucher for The Body Shop

body-shop-originals
May 13, 2013 By In Lifestyle

With the weather warming up it’s time to start getting summer body ready. We all know that after months of being wrapping up in what seemed like millions of layers the prospect of having to show off some skin can be a little bit daunting to say the least. Well fear not, MyVoucerCodes is here to help, we’re giving you the chance to win £100 to spend with The Body Shop to help make your beautifying process and joy rather than a chore.

To enter simply follow the steps on the Rafflecoptor widget bellow. Complete as many actions as possible to gain extra chances to win. 

And don’t forget! You can gain yourself a massive 10 ENTRIES if you +1 The Body Shop store page on MyVoucherCodes!

 

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How Much Would it Cost to be The Great Gatsby?

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May 9, 2013 By In Entertainment, Humour, Lifestyle, Saving Money

With the long awaited Baz Luhrmann adaptation of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel, The Great Gatsby, opening in cinemas tomorrow we decided to take a deeper look into Gatsby’s roaring 20′s life and, more specifically, his mind-boggling bank statement. Here at MyVoucherCodes, obviously we love a bit of frugal living but even we can’t help but be drawn in by the appeal of Jay Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle. Tragically for most of us dreams of exuberant partying in magnificent mansion grounds will remain exactly that…dreams.

If you wanted to live like The Great Gatsby, how much money would you need to fund your lavish lifestyle? We took a look at the book, made a list of key elements of his lifestyle, and estimated how much each element would cost if you wanted to live like Jay Gatsby today. The prices reflect what it would cost to buy modern day equivalents of what Gatsby has…

• Most of the cost to be Jay Gatsby comes from his mansion, which serves as the basis for attracting the attention of Daisy. Modern day mansions on the Gold Coast of Long Island cost at least $10 – $15 million. Kind Point Estate, one of the inspirations for Gatsby’s house, was recently listed for $39.5 million.
• High-end modern hydroplanes cost anywhere from $150,000 to $6 million. We assume that Gatsby had a very high-end hydroplane.
• One of the most expensive motorboats in 1922 came from Chris Smith and Sons and cost $7,500, $103,916.52 in today’s money.
• To calculate the cost of the parties, it’s assumed that each party costs $50,000 and that there are 5 of them. According to Richard Market, the President of the Association of Wedding Professionals International, the cost of a wedding reception in the upper crust neighbourhoods of Long Island, NY can average $40,000 – $50,000.
• The cost of the personal shopper assumes that Gatsby had 7 of each suit, one for each day of the week, from the Brooks Brothers collection coming in at a staggering $470,610 on fashion alone. Perhaps Mr Gatsby should maybe check out our latest frugal fashion posts for a bit of thrifty style inspiration?
• A yearly salary of $800,000 was used to approximate the cost of the gardener and 8 servants.
• The cost of the champagne and fruit alone racked up a whopping $81,300 to fuel Gatsby’s fun loving party guests. This assumes 500 guests for each weekend, that he bought fruit from The FruitGuys, and that he used Korbel champagne.
• The infographic assumes that if you really want to live like Great Gatsby, you’re going to have to live like him for a very short period of time. The book is set in 1922 and prohibition began in 1922, giving Jay Gatsby only a couple of years to amass his fortune through bootlegging.

Believe it not but that’s NOT ALL! After running the numbers on the cost of being The Great Gatsby the total figure came in at $34,320,880! That’s an astounding £22,033,162. For the full breakdown on the Jay Gatsby lifestyle take a look at the infographic below.

Feature Image From http://thegreatgatsby.warnerbros.com/

How To: Be The Best Dressed Guest At A Summer Wedding

WeddingFeatureImage
May 7, 2013 By In Fashion, Lifestyle

What’s that noise? Could it be the sound of church bells chiming? Why yes, which means that wedding season is upon us! And as the plethora of beautifully gilded invites come flying through our letterboxes, for most of us, our minds will be turning to one thing…What am I going to wear?

True, this might not be your special day, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to look fabulous! Obviously there are certain social conventions to be observed when it comes to wedding guest etiquette. Clearly white is a big no no. And while you may feel compelled to take full advantage of the free bar, it’s probably best to avoid going overboard. After all, no matter how chic your ensemble, drunkenly doing the chicken dance whilst slinging your G&T at the mother of the bride is NEVER a good look. However, although it’s important to keep in line with the wedding season’s behavioural civilities, this doesn’t mean that fun is off the menu entirely. And the style savvy among you will know that there’s no fun like fashion fun – this summer take the opportunity to channel your inner fashionista and work these top wedding style trends for 2013.

We all know that picking what to wear for a wedding can be a challenge to say the least. But fear not, we’ve put together a rundown of the best summer wedding ready style items to help guarantee you as the best dressed guest – try not to look too amazing though, no bride likes being up-staged.

Country Retreat

Lemon Flower Print Dress, Oasis, £65.00 Cream Boucle Jacket, Miss Selfridge, £49.00 Pastel Pink Stretch Bracelet, Dorothy Perkins, £12.50 Snake Insert Double Frame Clutch, Accessorize, £32.00 Leather Slingbacks, Oasis, £50.00

City Chic

Coral button peplem dress, Dorothy Perkins, £44.95, Ponte Jacket, Oasis, £40.00 Suede Peep Toe Wedges, Missguided, £35.99, Vintage Style Chain Necklace, ASOS, £15.00

Formal Affair

Back Detail Peplum Dress, Warehouse, £65.00, Clutch Bag With Print Clash And Metal Rings, ASOS, £35.00, Navy Platform Heel Shoes, Dorothy Perkins, £75.00, Cut Out Earrings, Miss Selfridge, £7.50

For all your wedding guest essentials, from fashion to gifts, be sure to check out MyVoucherCodes.co.uk and grab yourself a bargain. After all, if it isn’t your wedding there’s no reason why you should be spending a fortune, right?

The Very Best Books To Buy For Your Baby

CaterpillarFeatureImage
May 2, 2013 By In Lifestyle

Baby books are an integral part of cherishing those all-important early years of a baby’s life. Choosing the right one is important, after all this is a very special item, something you will keep for a lifetime and look over year after year. There are many different baby books available to buy so it’s tricky to know which one will be the best for you. Here is a rundown of the best baby books available at The Book People.

The Book People’s charming Baby Record Book features delightful artwork from Alfie author and illustrator Shirley Hughes, while the gorgeous Original Peter Rabbit Baby Book includes a bountiful array of Beatrix Potter’s timeless illustrations. Both of these beautiful books are perfect for parents of a newborn, who will enjoy looking back on the pages in years to come. Ideal for capturing special moments, photos or even that first lock of hair, parents will love poring over one of these unforgettable baby books long after they’ve completed it!

 

Listening to parents and grown-ups read aloud and learning how to physically hold and gradually follow a book’s pages are just some factors that are incredibly important in stimulating a baby’s development. Choosing books that appeal to the senses will help little ones explore the world around them more acutely. The Book People has an impressive array of baby books designed especially for these reasons; Baby’s Very First Book features striking black-and-white patterns, a shiny mirror, crinkle-feel cloth pages and a handy strap to tie on to the buggy, while the simple and engaging Baby Chick and Baby Bunny titles have pull-out mini books attached so little ones can get to grips with the premise of following a storyline.

 

The Book People also has an exciting selection of titles that star many of the much-loved book characters that little children will love to meet time and time again. It’s never too early to give a little one a wonderful version of Eric Carle’s endearing The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which children will love devouring just as much as the greedy bug enjoys munching his way through his vivid, interactive feast. And the nostalgic Peepo! from the bestselling duo Janet and Allan Ahlberg is sure to delight young ears as the sing-song verses about the cheeky peeping baby are read aloud. Little hands will love holding and turning the sturdy pages of this board book as they develop too.

 

Here’s to turn bouncing babies into lively little bookworms, good books help lay the foundations for a happy reader by encouraging parents and babies to share books together from as early an age as possible. It’s cheap, easy, fun to do and will help build young children’s language, listening and social skills, as well as their vocabulary. Whether you’re after a gift for new parents, a memorable ‘first’ read for a little one, or you simply want to buy an appropriately suited book for a very young baby, the Book People is the place to shop.

Orange: This Seasons Must Have Colour for Men

Orange The Latest Menswear Trend
April 30, 2013 By In Fashion, Lifestyle

Whether it’s because of lack of sunshine or a desire to be bold and different, Orange is definitely the colour to look out for in menswear this season.

Runways the world over have been full of striking orange designs that can hardly fail to catch the eye.  Leading designers including Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana have presented striking pieces in the colour, and the high street, as always isn’t too far behind.

But what is it about orange that is causing such a stir?  Well, it’s certainly true that a little goes a long way.  Wearing orange is a real statement; it screams look at me, but it doesn’t have to be intrusive. Whether you choose to accent, accessorise or even dress head to toe in vivid orange there are enough different shades, styles and patterns to suit every man, and importantly for any occasion.

So to rip-off a popular phrase; the future may not be too bright, but it’s certainly orange!  And here are a few fashion pieces that prove the point.

Topman

Soulland Rib Emblem Sweatshirt – £100 | Premium Orange Tie-Dye Bead Bracelet – £7 | Fluorescent Orange Leather Belt – £16

Superdry

Vintage Destroyed Polo Shirt – £34.99 | Orange Sport Boxers – £14.99 | Octagon T-Shirt – £24.99

House of Fraser

Puma Golf 5 Pocket Tech Pant – £60 | Hugo Boss Crew Neck Logo Front T-Shirt – £70 | Dune Suede Lace Driver Shoe – £52 | Polo Ralph Lauren Zip Through Hooded Sweater – £125

Or if you are not brave enough…

Simply add a touch of orange with these cool Jetson Shoes from Kurt Geiger – £69

If you have been inspired to turn your wardrobe orange remember to check the discount shopping website MyVoucherCodes for great savings on big name menswear

Main Image Courtesy of www.fashionbeans.com

WIN a £100 John Lewis Gift Card

JohnLewisFeature
April 30, 2013 By In Lifestyle

If you’re looking to update your summer wardrobe, or if  your home is in need of a little extra TLC, a shopping spree at one of Britain’s best loved department stores probably sounds like a dream come true, right? Well this week MyVoucherCodes are here to help you turn that dream into a reality with this incredible blog competition. You could win a £100 gift card to spend with John Lewis! 

To enter simply follow the steps on the Rafflecoptor widget bellow. Complete as many actions as possible to gain extra chances to win. 

And don’t forget! You can gain yourself a massive 10 ENTRIES if you +1 the John Lewis store page on MyVoucherCodes!

Ends: 14/05/2013

ENTER BELLOW…

 

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WIN a £100 Boots Voucher

BootsFeatureimage
April 30, 2013 By In Beauty, Competitions, Lifestyle

Whether your stocking up on tooth paste or splurging out on some luxury skincare, for most of us, Boots is the one stop shop for all our health and beauty needs. And for two weeks we’re giving you the chance to WIN a £100 to spend on anything you want from Boots.

To enter simply follow the steps on the Rafflecoptor widget bellow. Complete as many actions as possible to gain extra chances to win. 

And don’t forget! You can gain yourself a massive 10 ENTRIES if you +1 the Boots store page on MyVoucherCodes!

Ends: 14/05/2013

ENTER BELLOW…

 

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What Will Kate Middleton and Prince William Look Like in 50 Years?

kate and will
April 29, 2013 By In Lifestyle

Today is Kate’s and Will’s two year anniversary. In celebration of this fact, here is a depiction of what they might look like in fifty years time.

We wish them both a long and happy life together.

What if New York City Was in North Korea?

NYC Feature
April 29, 2013 By In Lifestyle

The night time shot was inspired by photos of Pyongyang at night and these quotes from “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea”… 

“The night sky in North Korea is a sight to behold. It might be the most brilliant in Northeast Asia, the only place spared the coal dust, Gobi Desert sand, and the carbon monoxide choking the rest of the continent…No artificial lighting competes with the intensity of the stars etched into its sky.”

“When adults go to bed, sometimes as early as 7:00 p.m. in winter, it is easy enough to slip out of the house. The darkness confers measures of privacy and freedom as hard to come by in North Korea in electricity. Wrapped in a magic cloak of invisibility, you can do what you like without worrying about the prying eyes of parents, neighbors, or secret police.”


The Times Square shot was inspired photos of Pyongyang and these quotes from “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea”…

“There is almost no signage, few motor vehicles. Private ownership of cars is largely illegal, not that anyone can afford them…The houses are simple, utilitarian, and monochromatic.”

“Couples are not supposed to make any public displays of affection – even holding hands in public is considered risqué.”

(according to Barbara Demick, the author of “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea”, who saw these images, the couple would be wearing something other than blue jeans and the woman wearing a skimpy dress in the distance would be forced to wear something else).