Guest Post

As a first time home buyer, I obviously have no experience making important decisions like the ones I have been encountering lately at all. I am kinda flying by the seat of my pants here, and it makes me pretty nervous because I know how high the stakes are. The biggest concern that has been weighing on me is figuring out how to handle getting a mortgage. I really could use some mortgage advice, but I am wasn’t sure who I can talk to that is going to really know what they are talking about (and won’t have any ulterior motives). I just recently filled out a form to have a free mortgage advisor get in touch with me, and now I am just waiting to hear from them. I hope they will be able to give me some guidance because right now I am feeling pretty lost and overwhelmed. From what I have seen so far, the rates from bank to bank don’t actually fluctuate all that much. You might find some differences if you spend enough time looking. Generally speaking, the rates only fluctuate about .5 each way, but that can potentially be about $50-$100 a month. When you think about that for the next 30 years, that small amount adds up to quite a big sum of money. Money is going to be tight no matter what, so any little bit can really help. I kind of just assumed I would need to borrow from a bank but then I found out there are more options. Do I want to borrow from a bank, building society or a specialized mortgage lender? How do I find out which one is going to be right for me? I know this is a process that most people go through at some point in their lives, but I feel like no one really ever talks about how scary and confusing it can be. It will be nice to have some one with knowledge and experience to help guide me through the process. I am going to be stuck with making payments on this for pretty much the rest of my adult life, so I want to make sure that I make the smartest, most well informed decision possible!

Fiorelli Dawn Leanne shoulder bag

Features include:  Long shoulder straps, Mock croc exterior, two internal compartments, two internal zip compartments and internal pockets
Silver-tone metal hardware.  You can buy it today for just £52, with free postage and the John Lewis refund promise.

It is very hard to know whether or not we are going to have a hard winter this year or not. The weather has certainly been an even bigger conversation topic around here lately. Last week I bought a 10kg bag of Rock salt specially designed for use on paths and driveways. It was easy as I was in the supermarket and there was a huge display. Even if it does not get used this year it will keep. I learned recently that the ‘grit’ that is scattered on the roads by the council contains molasses. Fancy that! They are stroring plenty in their depots, to make sure that they are not caught unawares by the weather again. Make sure you buy a proper bag of Rock Salt for pathways, though. Otherwise you could pay dearly if your husband is anything like mine. He used my expensive 500g bag of gourmet rock salt to sprinkle outside the back door!

It is so important to treat your paths, steps and driveways as the danger of a nasty fracture is much higher at this time of year. Have your bag of rock salt handy and use it on all the access pathways of your home if snow is predicteed this year. You can put it down as soon as the bad weather starts.

Dolce Gabbana Scarf for Christmas

These luxury gifts are bestsellers at my-wardrobe. Get them delivered in 48 hours

These small gifts will make a big impact on any woman this Christmas and they are selling fast at my-wardrobe, the online quality fashion retailer. The top six gifts this season are:

1. D&G Large Maxi Ocelot Scarf at £230.00 The superb layers of silk and wool ocelot printed luxury in  Dolce & Gabbana’s signature print make this scarf a must have.  This Ocelot print wool and silk mix long rectangular maxi scarf measures  70 cm x 240 cm so you can drape it in dozens of different ways. Composition 50% Wool, 50% silk. This scarf is the perfect way to add a little D&G to every look this season.

2. Anton Heunis Wire Setting And Strass Earrings £133. Stand out from the crowd in futuristic feel, Swarovski smattered mega jewels. The designer, Anton Heunis looked to the film Barbarella to inspire this collection and while these look like heavy metal, the wire frame is very light making them easy to wear.  Brass wire cage earring with set Swarovski stones and brass tassel. Anton Heunis earrings are for pierced ears only and have a 13 cm drop.

3. Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Metallic Leather Clutch £273.  The Lytton clutch is a signature piece from the Diane Von Furstenberg collection. DvF is the choice of many famous faces this year – why? Well, it has a timeless appeal and the ability to reinvent its look every season.  The results are breathtaking. This bag is fashioned in textured light-reflecting copper making it the perfect glitzy evening accessory and it will take you through all the parties you can go to.

4. Anton Heunis Big Disc Crystal Brooch Necklace £295.00 Inspired by Charlie’s Angels, this is Heunis’ stamp on vintage 70s feel pieces with a twist.  This striking necklace will  lift simple looks and plain tee shirts. Green malachite disc necklace with large Swarovski crystal brooch detail and crystal trim. Anton Heunis necklace fastens with a T-bar clasp and has a 30 cm drop.

5. Anya Hindmarch Valorie Blue Glitter Clutch £350 Go for all out, high octane glam at Christmas with Anya Hindmarch’s signature Valorie clutch. It is a  perfect size to balance with cocktails with plenty of space inside for essentials.  This leather envelope clutch is finished in Midnight blue glitter with signature gold and black turn lock fastening. The Anya Hindmarch bag has a navy metallic and neutral suede lining and one slip pocket. Measurements 23cm x 16cm x 1cm.

6. Camilla Skovgaard Peeptoe Platform Buckle Metallic Sandal £332.00 Men and women alike adore the iconic look of these metallic Skovgaard mega heels. Mud metal metallic platform ankle strap sandals with a rubber platform sole that is the trademark of the Danish designer.  This adaptable style is equally fab with skinny jeans and dresses alike. These Camilla Skovgaard shoes fasten with a buckle and have a 15 cm high heel and 4 cm sole. Leather upper, lining and sole.

Who said Christmas shopping was hard?  Any woman would be happy to receive (at least) one of these beautiful fashion gifts and in the unlikely event that you wanted to exchange it, you can relax.  my-wardrobe offers speedy delivery and Free returns.