Adidas By Stella McCartney Ultra Boost 5 Trainers Vs Nike Trunner LX for comfort and style

What happens when you spend more than ever before on a pair of trainers that you end up giving...

March Moss

2026-03-23T10:46:00.0000000 2026-04-04T19:10:30.5700000

Sneakers or trainers in the UK are a big investment. You really don’t know what you are getting until quite a while after you have purchased, especially if comfort is high on your list of priorities. As a nurse I am on my feet a lot of the day so when I am not working I like being in comfy and love a decent pair of trainers. Like many single parents most of my money goes on my kids but I had a bit of a windfall of late, I don’t normally gamble but I won £400 at the bingo bongo, a nurses outing so was able to treat myself to some amazing new trainers I’d had my eye on for a while.

Trainers are supposed to be comfortable that’s why most people wear them for everyday even if you are not an athlete or workout queen.

I purchased the Adidas by Stella McCartney ultra boost 5 shoes in white £180. I loved the look of them, they were light, stylish, gave me a bit of height something I liked and they were also quite feminine, I have quite wide feet so I loved the shape of them too.

However when it came to wearing them boy were they uncomfortable. The material they are made from whilst light and flimsy was very rough on the feet and gave me quite bad blisters. I persevered with socks on to try and wear them in but after a couple of months I gave up completely and passed them onto a friend. I did tell her I couldn’t wear them and she had complimented them and was the same size so she took them knowing the potential pitfall. I didn’t feel good about selling them without full disclosure and then no one would have bought them anyway so in this case I was just glad someone could get some use pleasure from them.

The pair of sneakers I replaced them with was the Nike Trunner LX low tops, a lot cheaper at £120 and these trainers are the complete opposite to wear. They also deliver the slimmer more feminine shape on the foot and the elevated chunky sole for height. I was torn between getting the white and black colour way but ended up going for the amazing citrus lime green which I thought I might get bored of but have turned out to be some of the best trainers I’ve ever owned. And I like it because they were limited edition, Nike didn’t repeat the colour so now they are difficult to find and quite unique, something I really like.

My top tip if you love trainers but like to be a bit unique experience. I like to buy mine when they come out and are advertised and then instead of wearing them immediately I put them up for 3 to 6 months. Especially a popular and sort after brand like Nike you see a lot of people choosing.

The trunner LX has been popular and I’ve seen a few people out and about in them but not spotted anyone in the lime green colour. Which is actually way better for the summer than the winter when I bought them.

I have a pair of Sketchers for knocking about in that I don’t love design wise but are like slippers on the feet and the beauty of those is no laces you can pop your feet in and out with ease and the Nike Trunners LX are the same, just an easy Velcro fastener across the top that I don’t even need to undo on and off.

I do like to have a white pair of decent trainers for the Spring summer so will probably be investing in the the Nike Trunners LX in white rather than risking a different style and ending up with blisters like the Stella McCartney ultra boost 5.

I like to wear trainers without socks so this could have also been part of the problem. The fabric just wasn’t comfortable and because the laces were tight in the holes and tricky to loosen they were very difficult to get on and off.

Porridge Oats, The Number One Cholesterol lowering food.

A bowl of porridge is the best way to tackle too high cholesterol

March Moss

2026-01-30T08:31:00.0000000 2026-03-23T10:45:10.1200000

Nothing lifts your day better for me than homemade porridge, cooked on the stove, the slow way, 6 minutes in continuous stirring, you don’t even need milk to make it creamy when you do it this was just Tesco organic oats and water.

I’ve tried other varieties of porridge oats, from branded oat experts Quaker to duchy of Cornwall oats at Waitrose to other generic brands and none taste as good as Tesco organic oats.

I serve mine with a dollop of Lyle’s golden syrup, and sometimes a banana if I have got one handy.

It is the perfect winter breakfast and really worth the effort over instant or ready brek alternatives.

Theres nothing better for combating chlorestoral problems than a bowl of porridge and for anyone trying to drop a few pounds after the holidays porridge will keep you fuller for longer, way better than toast. Oats in the morning first thing will prevent mid morning snacking.

Tesco Organic Oats cost around £2.30 a bag and we get two weeks about from one bag, say 30-35 bowls so excellent value too.

I used to love chocolate ready brek, a super smooth, nutrient-rich option from Weetabix, so occasionally I stir in a teaspoon of cocoa or drinking chocolate whilst cooking for a better than version of nostalgia if in a hurry you can make in about 90 seconds My drinking chocolate recipe with Tesco organic oats is way superior though.

.Like really delicious risotto it’s the standing and stirring that makes the difference.

Exploring Hotel Chocolat Journey to Success: Ethical Luxury in the Chocolate Industry

Hotel Chocolat's Journey from Local Store to Global Ethical Chocolate Pioneer

March Moss

2025-10-18T16:14:00.0000000 2026-01-30T08:30:51.9100000

I visited the new Hotel Chocolat and velvetiser cafe in Market Harborough, where the old wildwood Italian restaurant us ed to be, tucked in between the White Company and Jigsaw.

It's Saturday morning and when we opened the door although it's immediately recognisable as the old restaurant, the brickwork interior and layout remains unchanged it’s alive with the buzz of chatter and most of the table are taken. It’s a first come first serve cafe, like Starbucks, queue for your drinks, cakes, chocolate stirers, ice cream and shakes.

The menu is pretty simple, hot chocolate in every variation imaginable, including Vegan options which include oat and coconut dairy free alternatives. We were asked if we’d like whipped cream on our vegan drinks, no the whipped cream isn’t dairy free the server was just on auto pilot, more interested in whether or not we had a loyalty card and if we didn’t did we want one than actually making the experience less like a conveyer belt.

It’s not on a budget, two drinks to go, a piece of cake and a small packet of chocolate stirrers cost £18, the drinks were delicious and the tiny stirrers were delectable textured melt in your mouth chocolate so for a treat the quality is definitely there. 

The old wildwood kitchen has been converted into a chocolate shop and again it was extremely busy with shoppers perusing the chocolate wall and all the different options.

People clearly love this brand, it was very busy, for me it’s obviously a chain, no personal service, chaotic staff and lots of trained up selling, 50p for this, 50p for that, from chocolate sprinkles to flavoured sauces, if we’d said yes to everything offered our bill would probably have jumped from £18 to £25.

I think Hotel Chocolat is the Starbucks for millennials, how long the allure will last, I don’t know but I cannot see it enduring. The interior merchandising minimal, the furniture cheap, the drinks, like the service luke warm, the only thing that really stood out for me was the product, worth a visit if you haven’t been but at the price I won’t be rushing back to re experience. It’s very obviously a mass market chain with more focus on upselling, collecting email addresses and loyalty cards than focus on outstanding 5 star service.

Unwrapping the Sweet Success of Hotel Chocolat Hotel Chocolat, a British chocolatier and a unique type of cocoa grower, has redefined the luxury chocolate market since its inception. Founded by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris in 2004, Hotel Chocolat has expanded its roots from a simple concept to a complex execution that marries indulgence with ethical considerations.

Origins and Founders

The journey began when entrepreneurs Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris launched their first store in North London. Thirlwell, whose father established the Mr. Whippy ice cream brand, shared a deep-seated passion for innovation and customer experience with Harris. Together, they ventured into the world of chocolate, determined to disrupt the traditional market with premium products that could be traced back to the source. **Growth and Ethos** Hotel Chocolat is not just a retailer but also a grower. The brand owns and operates the Rabot Estate cocoa plantation in St. Lucia, which allows them to control every aspect of their chocolate making process from bean to bar. This direct involvement in cocoa cultivation highlights their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability – core principles that have been with them from the start. Their mission is clear: to make people happy with great chocolate. Hotel Chocolat strives to innovate, whether through the development of unique chocolate recipes or sustainable farming practices. They aim to deliver luxury without compromise, ensuring that their products are both ethically produced and of the highest quality.

Mission and Vision

Hotel Chocolat’s mission statement revolves around creating a better world with sustainable cocoa, happier farmers, and happier customers. Their ethos is deeply embedded in their business model, which focuses on three main pillars: originality, authenticity, and ethics. These guide their decisions and growth, ensuring that every piece of chocolate not only tastes good but also does good. From its inception, Hotel Chocolat has grown into a symbol of luxury and sustainability, proving that a business can flourish while staying true to ethical values and delivering joy through exceptional chocolate.

Dior Rosy Backstage Glow Blush Natural Healthy Glow Effect Berry 006 4.4g

How I save money on all my luxury beauty purchases

March Moss

2025-08-13T16:13:00.0000000 2025-08-13T16:32:28.9870000

This snoop is two fold. I have been looking for a new powder blusher in the right shade for ages and every time I have been in a department store for at least the last couple of years I’ve pondered over and tried a load of different blusher shades.

I have very dark skin so many don’t even show up on me, I did have one I loved now so old the brand and colour have been worn away and I can’t remember where I bought it or who it was by.

I found a couple of Mac shades in their powder blusher I liked, a good thing about Mac is they do have a lot of colours to choose from, it was the extra dimension blush that boasts A liquid-powder blush with prismatic reflections in five shimmering shades. Impact ranges from sheer crystallized light to a highly polished metallic effect and lasts up to 6 hours according to the marketing blurb. And at £28 currently on offer for £22.40 it seemed like the best option available for me except everytime I tried it in store it didn’t seem to go on so easily, it kinda cracked on my skin, I know Mac is a young brand so thought maybe I was too old now for Mac make up so didn’t purchase.

I find make up counter assistants a bit intense and once you engage and describe a problem or what you are specifically looking for they won’t let go until they make a sale so I prefer to browse and try things myself however the other day I was shopping the Dior counter with a friend and the blusher issue came up, she actually raised my issue with the assistant helping her and as she had purchased 3 items already the assistant was happy to help me without the pressure to buy, a relief, which I actually ended up doing because I really liked the product and the assistant had listened to me and come up with the solution.

I bought the Dior Rosy Backstage Glow Blush Natural Healthy Glow Effect Berry 006 4.4g at £35 and I am really happy with it. It goes on smooth, no cracks but is still very much a buildable powder which I prefer to a cream. £35 is probably more than I would ordinarily spend on a blusher but it’s something that has eluded me in the correct shade for ages so I didn’t mind shelling out on this occasion.

The most frustrating part was when I searched the exact same product on EBay there it was brand new in the box for £12.95 with free shipping. Of course this only works if you know exactly what you want to buy. If you want to buy I've put the Ebay link at the bottom of this snoop. It's a great deal for new in the box product. And not just this berry shade available either.

EBay won’t always yield what you want cheaper and you have to know what you are looking for to begin with but I’ve found a lot of things I want to replace much cheaper on Vinted and EBay, we all make mistakes when it comes to expensive make up and skincare purchases. Also unwanted gifts are traded at up to 50% or 60% less depending on the seller.

You don’t get the instant fix you get in store on say Vinted or Depop (personally I prefer Vinted) and you have to keep a list of what you are looking for and keep searching but eBay allows you to set email alerts and they will notify you when a new listing appears with your specific foundation colour, fragrance or luxury skincare you really cannot afford to pay full retail for. And the Vinted algorithm does get to know you so you can pretty much guarantee if you searched for the same specific thing a few times like Tom Ford sunglasses or Alo yoga throwback socks it’ll keep showing you these items as they are added by sellers.

Like every selling platform you have to be careful. And there are scammers and con artists particularly on Vinted, many selling dupes even though the platform has strict rules but if you stick to the old saying “if it’s too good to be true” it probably is you can avoid getting conned if you stay within the platform and don’t let anyone suggest you buy offline to save fees or shipping.

I saw a Vinted seller with absolutely no reviews or history selling a £400 Samsoe and Samsoe coat for £60 with the explanation she was moving and just had to get rid, worn once or twice aparantly. However tempted you are, you have to be able to say no and move on.

The secondhand platforms can be a little bit addictive but they are a wonderful way to pick up what you want (other people’s mistakes) particularly make up and skincare for a song if you can be patient and wait for exactly what you seek to be found.

The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and His deputy Angela Rayner give me the ICK "Exploring the 'Ick' Factor in UK Politics: Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner's Public Perception"

Are they for real? Homer and Marge Simpson more credible Exploring the Public's Uncomfortable...

March Moss

2025-06-28T09:25:00.0000000 2025-07-02T07:46:56.1330000

I voted Labour I’ll admit it and consider myself a socialist in principle a fiscal libertarian, but a year in I am embarrassed by this leadership team, Keir Starmer, don’t get me started on Rachael Reeves who I am convinced is a puppet, turn her around and I’m sure you’ll find the hand working her in the back and Angela Rayner with whom, and I hate to sound trivial about her presentation and style but woman to women representing the UK, I think a makeover would help her to be more credible in the senior role in government she’s taken on. I am a woman who understands the struggle women still face in the workplace in senior roles and I don’t believe she would ever be taken seriously and get the changes in place she’s so vocal about backing. The principle, just because you say it doesn’t make it true.

_

I bet she’s tolerated at best by the boss if the truth be known. has to toe the line when she’s needed to snarl on unpopular policy and then take the hit on her credibility when the U turns happen. She hasn’t gained my respect, far too loud and pushy without much to back it up from where I am standing and I voted for her. Where’s the humility, the grace, the wit, the charm, the reflection. She more school bully than head girl.

Every time I switch on the TV and see her standing at the lecturn in the House of Commons with a her bullish almost cock sure approach, about as much oratory ability as a snarling Rotteweiler chained from an outdoor kennel it makes me cringe. It doesn’t have to be like this as I think of other female role models in power Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, Georgia Meloni, the Italian PM, Sanna Marin, the ex prime minister of Finland or Jacinda Ardern the former PM of New Zealand (and I am not referring to their politics here just how they carry themselves)

Don’t get me wrong I am all for seeing more women in positions of power, I can’t stand seeing the same images of a bunch of blokes standing on podiums like the recents shots of the G7 summit in Canada or the latest NATO talks when I think I counted three females on the 2nd and back rows hidden behind their much taller male colleagues front and centre but surely we can come up with some better more believable and credible candidates than these. The minister for prisons, the justice Secretary Shabana Mahmoud is exactly the same, if you count the amount of times she says UM when asked any direct questions while been interviewed (the only person I’ve seen do it more the PM himself) you can tell she’s working to a few scripted lines and has it drummed into her, stick to plan, stay on message, at any cost, regardless of the questions. It’s embarrassing.

A year in and the Prime Minisyer is apologising in the Observer through the interview lens of his own biographer Tom Baldwin for Homer Simpson size gaffs like us ending up as a “country of strangers” to describe the immigration issues facing the nation. Letting out a load of offenders to stop the prison system collapsing, 3 massive policy U turns, the latest on scraping the Personal Independence Payments for save £5 billion by 2030 which has ended being welfare cuts to save £2 billion instead still with a big question mark he’ll get the new bill passed in the commons and agreeing at the NATO summit to Donald Trumps demands we spend 5% of GDP on defense, money we just haven’t got.

The whole thing is a complete shambles to my mind, it’s just the local council on a bigger grander scale. Instead of free tea and biscuits, flex hours and jobs for life it’s bad clothes, even worse speaking skills and people who cannot seem to understand to be credible you have to believe yourself and to lead you have to navigate the nah sayers and have the charisma to convince the rest of us you are right and to go with you. Non of this is happening and why I am now embarrassed to tell people I am one of the people to blame for this.

When I voted I was looking for a government with vision and strength, a team I could believe in. People I knew were smart and had things figured out. Individuals committed to making things better for everyone not just different fat cats enjoying the power, the privilege and being on TV.

We have more females in positions of power in the government than ever before and the only one I think actually thinks for herself and can hold her own in a credible way when facing the tough questions is Home Secretary Yvette Cooper an experienced and long serving MP and she’s actually let herself go too when it comes to professional grooming.

Feminists and croc wearers may call me out suggesting female leaders need to look better, and to be honest it’s not just the women, I think Keir Starmer could take some grooming advice from Rishi Sunak when it comes to his presentation. Even Boris Johnson perpetually unkept and dishevelled and even if you disagree with his politics, didn’t read off a card.

I struggle take someone seriously who goes on camera with dirty hair and a beer gut unless what is coming out of their mouth is impassioned and convincing.

Come on, it doesn’t take much, a few decent well chosen outfits from the charity shops around Westminster, a trip to a hairdresser or barber, some HRT for the menopausal women, less boozing and raving, a little bit of make up for the men too on TV and stopping trying to con us all and we might actually get somewhere on the world stage.

So many other countries have higher standards and everyone knows it always starts at the top.

I say stop worrying about your reputation Labour and start thinking about your characters, your reputation is only what people think you are. It’s who you are for real that really matters and that’s on show for everyone to see.

It’s just an opinion and I am just a midwife serving woman directly and the wider community in much the same way as a politician focusing on equality for women and human rights when it comes their healthcare. In my capacity as a professional female I try to ensure I make an effort for my patients when it comes to my grooming and how I present myself. I believe it builds trust and shows I care about myself. I think If I don’t care for myself how can I care for others.

Image credit Phil Hearing Unspash

Everards Beer Hall is the hashtag at Everards Leicestershire

Maybe more a destination for tourists

March Moss

2025-06-27T09:18:00.0000000 2025-07-02T07:35:45.6930000

I’d heard a few good things about Everards Beer Hall in Leicestershire so we decided to try it. I am not a beer drinker myself but seeing the workings of the distillery was an interesting concept for a restaurant and I’d heard on the grapevine they did have some big salad options on the menu, something tricky to find in and around Leicester where the food choices unless you like curry can be parochial to say the least.

I don’t get to eat lunch out during the week, I am usually eating something on the go, not so healthy, usually in a hurry so trying somewhere new at the weekend was exciting.

The building from the outside is like a big aviation hanger, a corrugated metal huge warehouse, it is a distillery and no problems parking. There is a large free car park in front which services the brewery and the other businesses on the development, a specialist cycling shop and a coffee shop. The only thing missing was the coaches dropping off and picking up bus loads of visitors. It gives off those kind of theme park vibes, where you’d expect to see queues of people ready to take the tour. Except when we arrived it was pretty much empty.

The restaurant is a very large dining hall, clearly designed for a lot of people with an interesting layout, large sharing tables for big groups and interesting social media ready booths with image sharing signage and their own hashtag #everardsbeerhall

The experience was snoopable but not for the reasons we’d hoped.

Even though we were one of a handful of tables we had to wait at an empty reception for a few minutes, maybe 5-10 before anyone came to seat us. It was frustrating as there were quite a few members of staff all busy doing other things.

The exciting big salads we were hoping for didn’t materialise. It’s more a burger and chips, chicken tenders type of place. It’s the sort of menu that’s not memorable or exciting. I think they are marketing the beer and the brewery tours to one off visitors more than focusing on a food offering that will keep customers returning for their favourites on the menu you can’t find anywhere else.

It felt a bit like if you are not here for the beer then what are you doing here? No one actually said that but there was a definite get them in and get them out feeling about the service, even though it was relatively dead when we went.

Would we return. Probably not to be honest.

Like I said I am not a beer drinker. I asked for a zero alcohol beer and I have to say this was the best thing they served us. The Everards zero alcohol beer is called BERO Edge Hill Hazy IPA. I was driving and this premium non-alcoholic beer was pretty tasty. Here they have focused on flavor and quality. It’s hoppy and lemony citrus and a great alternative if you don’t want the booze but like a refreshing light beer on a hot day.

The experience overall could have been better if the menu was a bit more adventurous for me and there had been a few more people.

We didn’t take a tour which lasts 90 minutes and costs £20 and includes 3 x 1/3 pints of beer selected by the tour guide. Tour guide customers also get a 15% discount on all the beer they buy to take home.

For the beer tasters and beer buyers this would be great.

A Leading Lady Adriana Ivelisse, Alok V Menon and Donald Trump

An unlikely trio

March Moss

2025-03-31T14:02:00.0000000 2025-03-31T14:51:44.2530000

I was introduced to a comedian Alok @alokvmenon on Instagram and their Biology Tour by a very talented singer and actress from Puerto Rico Adriana Ivelise who I had the pleasure to meet when she was playing the lead character Maria in Nickolai Foster’s Westside story production at the Curve Theatre Leicester.

Such was our meeting, although brief it was impactful on me and created a memory I will cherish as Adriana burst into song just for me, my own private performance as it were.

We connected on social media and even though it was some years ago now, Christmas 2020 was when I saw the show, I still enjoy catching up with her from time to time on Instagram and seeing what her latest project is all about.

Which brings me around to why I am writing about Alok today. Adriana shared some of their wisdom with her followers and I was sprinkled in the process.

I read an article yesterday in the Parliament Magazine explaining how European arms of American companies must now fall into line with the US and abandon any diversity, equality and inclusion processes they have. Many businesses including McDonalds, Meta and Walmart dropped inclusion policies already in place in favour of a “meritocracy” system as Swiss bank, UBS Union Bank Of Switzerland outlined.

Transphobia is a distraction from our shared humanity. Says comedian Alok

because, as they state the obvious,

“We are all going to die”

But we - society - don’t like to think about that nasty truth because as Alok clearly outlines, we’d rather judge and blame others instead. It is way easier and stops us facing our own scary reality, our mortality. And yet if we can focus on this reality instead, it gives us an opportunity for profound empathy because we are all in this together.

And this is fundamentally why I am part of the Poopsnoop community so thanks everyone for reading, commenting and listening to my musings.The Poopsnoop community is DEI personified. Poopsnoop is the definition of DEI and was created for for counter balance to exactly the challenges and inequity that comes about when perspectives are narrow and limited and the truth about what’s really going on is hidden behind glossy blurb and marketing catchphrases.

I am extremely concerned where these changes in fairness and inclusion policies will lead. There is no doubt in my mind minority groups are going to suffer more prejudice in the work place and major employment set backs. However there is one group which is not a minority standing to lose the most. An extremely large group of the global population who already suffer published wage discrimination and have been fighting for equality longer than them all: WOMEN.

So in solidarity with all women all over the globe go and have a listen to this incredible and relatively undiscovered talent.

You can listen to the songbird that is Adriana Ivelise on her Instagram @adriana.iveluse where she occasionally treats her followers to a few notes acapela.

Remember where you heard about this rising star first.

ClaimsLine

And understanding the insurance business

March Moss

2025-02-26T11:38:00.0000000 2025-02-26T12:13:21.0670000

I just wanted to share a very weird canvas call I just had from ClaimsLine.

I am not sure who ClaimsLine are or what they do when it comes to helping you deal with your insurance company. It says “They support individuals involved in non-fault accidents, guiding them through the process and ensuring they get the support they deserve”

_

I called them recently after having a terrible experience with my insurance company Aviva over a no fault claim last year to see if allowing them to handle a new claim would mean I would potentially come off better when it comes to placing blame as it seems this is the only factor that matters when it comes to protecting your hard earned no claims discount.

_

I spoke to someone called Beth when I made the original call but based on my needs, I thought she wasn’t really listening, just kept trying to get me back on her script, to book my car in for a repair and get me a hire car when all I wanted was to get the dashcam footage from the other vehicle to hopefully show the minor accident wasn’t my fault.

_

I couldn’t make sense of the service Claimline offer so I put the phone down and called my insurer to report the accident, something I later discovered I was required to do by law anyway. My insurer again placed the fault with me and told me they would be accepting responsibility for the claim, the liability was what I wanted to question. I am still fighting this assumption with my insurance company. So much for your insurance company fighting for you. Apparently they go by something called “the rules of road” whatever that is:

_

Today, 10 days later I received a call from Claimline saying because of the accident they could make a personal injury claim on my behalf.

The agent was very strange how he worded his proposition. He said something like you don’t need to have required medical attention, I was eligible to make a claim. He said he was calling to see how I was. All I had to say was I had felt a twinge.

I told him it sounded like he was coaching me to lie to get money. I said it sounded like they were trying to rip off someone’s insurance policy by getting me to say something untrue. I really felt he was cleverly trying to appeal to someone’s dark nature, manipulating a system when no real injury has occurred and it got me thinking how many people are doing this and how much it is costing us all as a collective.

_

He said he was just telling me what I was entitled to. I was entitled to make a claim for personal injury (even if I didn’t need any help for that injury) —— did he mean a fake injury?

It all sounded very dubious. Is this what insurance has come down to. Is this the reason everyone is immediately losing no claims discounts and unable to get cars repaired because of fault claims being logged that aren’t your fault.

I don’t know if ClaimsLine are a good company or a bad one. This is my only experience. One call to them and one call back to me. All I can say is the first call didn’t work out because I couldn’t work out how they might benefit me and the second call sounded positively dubious.

I could be wrong and just got completely the wrong end of the stick.

Someone please explain.

Cafe Clo Flannels

The coolest lunch spot is closing GASP

March Moss

2025-01-30T10:56:00.0000000 2025-01-31T16:17:34.0700000

I am absolutely gutted. The only place in Leicester you can get a decent plant based Caesar salad is allegedly closing not due to lack of support, the place is a popular eatery for stylish shoppers and tough to get a table.

It’s unbelievable really as it’s a lovely spot and there really is NOTHING else like it in Leicester. They even make a delicious green juice every day, something you cannot find anywhere else. And not massively expensive either.

Why?

I am in there once a week for lunch at least as there is not much choice for a healthy stylish lunch in Leicester with your girlfriends if you are glamorous.

Thanks Ellis, Jasmine and all the staff. We love love love the courgette tempura, the closest we’ve found to Ivy Asia in London.

And the best Expresso Martini for miles.

Heard from staff members in Flannels they are changing it to drinks only at the end of Jan, 2025 which is absolutely no use for ladies who like to lunch and shop.

Many businesses are blaming National insurance hikes for this. I don’t know if the costs are too high or the customers too few. Yet another example of great businesses going backwards as retailers struggle to keep the lights on.

I fear we are going to wake up one day and they’ll be nothing left except NEXT, Asda and the Marks and Spencer’s cafe, Ham sandwich and a cup of tea anyone?

I just went to the cafe Clo website and you can still get a 20% off voucher so I do recommend taking advantage before they close.

Speed Traps and The Police Correspondence That Follows

Are you afraid of the system?

March Moss

2025-01-17T15:11:00.0000000 2025-01-28T17:24:56.8770000

No one likes getting a ticket, especially an advanced driver like me.

As a senior midwife I do about 20,000 miles a year and have managed to get three speeding tickets in 5 years, all in exactly the same location and always around 34 or 35 miles per hour in a thirty zone. My particular speed trap is in Leicestershire, very close to the M1 motorway junction 20 on a country stretch.

I’ve already embarrassingly done a couple of speed awareness courses to mitigate my punishment only this time it’s points and big fine because I am just outside the time window to do another course.

Not to mention my friends and family in complete shock as they rib me for being if not the slowest driver in the UK certainly a cautious and considered driver.

I am not adverse to driving penalties per se as many accidents and deaths are preventable if drivers could be more conscious when behind the wheel, but I also wonder what are the chances of the same car with the same driver being repeatedly caught in the same spot 3 or 4 miles an hour over the limit. And then I discover it’s not one spot or another one camera but an average speed check between two points. Who knew?

Whether the Police speed cameras are strategically placed to raise revenue for an underfunded over stretched force, or genuinely preventing accidents first is a difficult question to ask.

I was slightly concerned when I received the first notification from Leicestershire police of my impending prosecution, and before I could complete it a couple of days later another one dropped on the mat.

It did make me gulp and think why did I have two notices of impending prosecution so close together. I now understand you get three automatically generated.

The two letters so closely one after the other did make me act.

I immediately completed the paperwork required, maybe the objective and got it in the post. If it was strategic it worked.

I don’t know why but I snapped a cautionary photograph as proof of posting, time and date stamped just in case.

And lo and behold I needed it because before my returned paperwork was even acknowledged there was another letter threatening prosecution on my mat. I now know number three.

I’ve emailed the police telling them I have done what was required. I have not had a response yet or any further correspondence.

I would love to believe the organisation is honest, fair and trustworthy but I think it’s better to highlight how these systems funded by us the taxpayer can be extremely and unnecessarily unnerving.

It does make me wonder is this the state they want everyone in, half scared to death, when the crime whilst significant and important doesn’t warrant such a strong arm maybe.

Industry HBO

On BBC I player

March Moss

2024-12-02T08:59:00.0000000 2024-12-02T09:17:49.2430000

Do you ever scroll through the free to watch films on Freely and wonder how there could be so many you’ve never even heard of. I can spend a mindless hour scrolling through the options looking for something to watch and coming up short I’ve started being very conscious when I hear about something or read about something to write it down. Lately I’ve found myself going to pay per view a bit too much for convenience and the bills and subscriptions are adding up. Not sure if this is turning into

more of a rant about Freely than a rave about Industry

from HBO watched for free on BBC iPlayer

I watched a preview for Industry on the one show and although it was promoting the third season I wrote it down and stuck for something to watch we put the first episode of the first season on.

It’s a slow burn with a big cast of characters so it’s going to take a while the get to know them all.

The premise of the show is a bunch of graduates getting through the interview process to join a highly competitive and cut throat firm in the City of London, Pierpoint.

It’s hard core and gritty and having had friends working in the environment confirm it’s exactly like this is real life makes it even more chilling and edge of your seat.

In the first episode we see an American fudge her university credentials and then give video sex in exchange for fake papers to keep her job, only to be touched up by the big clients before she gets over it to close her first big deal.

All in a days work.

Oh yes and someone died in the bathroom from “overwork”

It’s glamourous, aggressive, greedy, naive, a snake pit where the serpents are more vicious and poisonous than the young graduates could ever have expected and where the adjustment to mold to the environment seems as easy as donning a pair of £100 socks or a hand made suit: We’re hooked.

Volpo Lounge Fosse Park

Casual dining independent chain

March Moss

2024-10-14T13:49:00.0000000 2026-04-05T15:02:44.1000000

I had to write this snoop, not to be mean but to wake this business up. It used to be so great, the menu was amazing, really varied, something for everyone. My favourite thing was the Mexican Super Bowl, a truly magnificent concoction not available anywhere else, and certainly no restaurant for miles around offering anything similar. I also loved the avocado salsa on toast, but unfortunately the last few times I have been it just hasn’t been the same.

It’s been a gradual decline, started with the staff not being so friendly and engaged, then the water station disappeared and ice in drinks felt like it was being rationed. Then the fresh orange juice machine was broken, then things slowly started being not available, the reason was the food order had not turned up or was coming tomorrow.

We used to go a lot on a Monday, not super expensive, healthy, friendly, good sized portions and quick.

Now the best things on the menu aren’t available at all, they do have other locations, Mercado Lounge in Market Harborough and Bacca Lounge in Rugby but the scaled down menu is the same here too.

We used to eat here (in this group) a couple of times a month at least.

Not sure I’ll be going again. Volpo lounge in Fosse Park, Leicester, UK isn’t the best layout and a bit dark but the food and the staff in the past made up for that.

I really hope the Mexican Super Bowl comes back. When it does, so will we.

Pretty Little Thing

On closing your account

March Moss

2024-09-24T10:20:00.0000000 2024-10-21T17:27:19.9330000

I don’t know much about fast fashion except that we buy too much of it so when I noticed a post from Umar Kamani ceo of UK fast fashion giant Pretty Little thing this morning grovelling like mad to his customers I did stop to read what it was about.

Have you had your Pretty Little Thing account closed?

The brand took the decision to close many (I don’t know how many) customer accounts because the brand claims these customers were serial offenders, buying, wearing, returning. This has been a reported problem in the past with ASOS doing the same, stopping free returns and banning certain customer accounts.

Only this time the pretty little things customers have clearly gone so crazy the CEO has apologized and told customers they will be looking at every banned account individually to ensure no one has been treated unfairly.

I don’t know about you but if a brand closed my account and told me they didn’t want my business I wouldn’t be begging to reopen it, that said I don’t buy clothes, wear them and return them either.

Have you had your online shopping account closed by a brand? Very interested to find out how many people this has happened to who believe they have been amazing customers who want to be valued not barred?

Pretty little things is owned by Boohoo PLC the people that caused problems in Leicester, according to the press and for leicester garment workers during the pandemic. I am a nurse.

Las Dunas Costa Del Sol Spa

Think 5 star luxury Coldiz for health and wellbeing

March Moss

2024-08-07T14:49:00.0000000 2024-08-08T13:07:56.9070000

I returned from a one week stay at Las Dumas, located between Estepona and Malaga on the Costa Del Sol a couple of months ago.

I am writing this, not a rant but not a rave either, because I was sold the wrong thing, it was a fantastic deal, but that’s no good if you don’t have a good time or the place doesn’t meet your expectation.

The holiday didn’t go to plan not necessarily because there was anything wrong with the place, there wasn’t and what they offer is amazing, it just wasn’t what I was expecting when I booked it on Expedia, a holiday booking site I have vowed to NEVER ever use again, even if it is cheaper and more convenient.

I love a spa break and over the years have enjoyed (using the term loosely) being hit with tree branches and enjoyed therapies like ear wax, hot stones, sound therapy and reiki. I am not a spa novice.

Las Dunas is 5 star in as far as the rooms, the opulence, everything you would hope for, lovely towels, bedding, free water in the rooms, but it is definitely more health than holiday. Something I had no idea about when I booked.

Everything dietary centres around the wellness aspect of the property offering health supplements in “cocktails” around the pool and the restaurant and room service offering was geared more to weight loss than enjoyment and I am a vegetarian.

It’s difficult to explain but things like the scrambled eggs were made with egg whites only.

The pool and sunbathing area are beautiful. The staff were OK, they weren’t super receptive when we told them we were starving on their rations. And towards the end of the week we got into too long exchanges with hotel management on what’s app, staff arguing with us just not listening, instead of enjoying the time away which was a shame.

We did get a great deal for sure, and it was a lovely property and location. If you were looking to kick start a diet it would have been perfect but for anyone looking to eat drink and like me relax and possibly gain a few pounds, not the place for you.

Trip CBD Infused Drink

March Moss

2024-07-11T11:06:00.0000000 2024-07-11T11:20:27.9830000

First of all it doesn’t get you high. I honestly didn’t notice any calming or chilled out feelings especially.

I was introduced to the new offering you may have seen advertised on telly in pretty pale pastel cans with the peace sign ✌🏻

I have to say the design and marketing does appeal.

I like a fresh light fizzy refreshing drink, even better if it is low calorie and offers therapy or calming health benefits.

First of all you cannot enjoy Trip drinks with food and I have tried them all. The pink one pictured is my favourite but like Kombucha I think it is an acquired taste.

It is minty which some might confuse with toothpaste or mouthwash and I realise I am not selling it here. Think the spritz of Perrier water with some botanical flavours and a hint of bubblegum and you might be about there.

They are expensive at about £3 in Waitrose so perhaps best kept a treat here and there as opposed to replacing you regular non alcoholic tipple.

They are nice but I cannot see them challenging world domination from Coca Cola anytime soon.

Windsor Smith

March Moss

2021-01-01T11:39:49.9000000 2021-01-15T10:06:20.0900000

I wouldn’t specifically chose to jeopardise anyone’s business. I also understand in business things go wrong from time to time but I am so pissed off with one pair of Windsor Smith sneakers I want to rant. I bought a pair of Windsor Smith Corey sneakers from TK Maxx in Oct 2020. I absolutely loved them, they were exactly what I was looking for so I paid cash and left the store disgarding my receipt never imagining I would ever need to return them. I was excited.

On the first, no exaggeration, the first wear three of the 12 (6 on each shoe) laces loops snapped rendering the shoes unwearable.

I was not as annoyed as you might imagine, as I said I loved the sneakers and thought they would be easy to repair.

A visit to the local cobbler and £20 later I had the sneakers back in wearable condition.

I wasn’t looking for a refund or return but after doing a bit of research on what is presented as an ethical family run business decided to let the brand know what had happened on the advice of the cobbler just to see what they’d say. He said this was clearly a manufacturers fault.

I emailed them three times, received confirmation emails but no reply. Frustrated I found a couple of senior staff members on Linked In and reached out to them.

I did have a direct conversation with one person on her personal Instagram account but unfortunately the brand has strict policies in place regarding faulty product - don’t call us, we’ll call you. So I didn't get anywhere and despite confirmation of receipt of the three emails I'd sent I never heard a word back from anyone at Windsor Smith.

I did ask the senior staff member for an email for current CEO Brett Mance after reading online he had ousted his brother in a family feud and taken over the helm but she covered his ass, his office is not open for faulty product business either.

As soon as I wore the repaired sneakers again exactly the same thing happened to another of the laces loops, snapped (images below I sent to the brand) so they are back at the cobblers for another repair.

Just wanted to say, Buyer BEWARE.

ASOS

March Moss

2017-05-02T13:29:00.2100000 2017-05-02T13:33:43.2800000

I don't do much shopping online purely for the reason I have been ripped off a couple of times and would rather not have the hassle. That said when I read that ASOS were to be one of the first British Online fashion companies to publish who was making their clothes and where in an effort to show a more caring, socially responsible side to their business I decided to reward the shift in policy by making a purchase.

On a side note I must say DPD the company they use to deliver their items were incredible, they kept in touch the whole day of the scheduled delivery and my item arrived within the 1hr predesignated window, absolutely brilliant.

Unfortunately the item shipped was a different size to the one ordered which was a little disappointing but I did love it and wanted the correct size so I found the customer service number and gave them a call.

I was on the phone about 30 minutes and had to wait on hold for about 12 minutes before being dealt with but once I got through the agent apologised and the problem was resolved quickly at no additional expense which made me happy.

Fast forward about a month and I get my mobile phone bill, I own my own phone (no contract) and have a sim only deal with unlimited free calls and texts so my bill never varies by more than a pound or two month to month.

On the bill I find a £16.00 charge to a 0871 number I don't recognise. When I dial I immediately discover it is the ASOS customer care line. Buyer beware if you need to call ASOS from a mobile for any reason, even if you have a problem that is not your fault you will be paying 50p-60p a minute on this premium service line, maybe not so socially responsible after all.

Sugar Ridge Resort Antigua

March Moss

2016-11-02T18:49:48.8930000 2016-11-02T18:55:54.8170000

Nice hotel with some really great points but a few bad ones too. The staff are the best thing about this spot which is not on the beach although there is a shuttle and you can get a ride where you need to go when not busy, we did have to wait a few times when the hotel was full and everyone wanted to go to the beach.

The downside of having to travel to the beach was no service, drinks, loungers,

towels etc so if you want to be looked after you have to stay poolside.

The rooms are OK. The plunge pool on the balcony was a little grubby so I didn't use it but other than that the accommodation was comfortable, good quality linens and cable TV with a good selection of free movies. The one thing that lets this place down is the food, the breakfast was only satisfactory, not much choice and the coffee and juices were only mediocre. The rest of the food was pretty diabolical and although we didn't eat at the "gourmet" restaurant on top of the hill, other guests told us it was disappointing. All in all if you are an adventurer looking for a comfortable base this will fit the bill, anyone else looking for a bit of luxury in paradise I'd give this one a miss.

Expedia

March Moss

2016-08-27T11:19:57.7070000 2016-08-27T11:30:48.8330000

Until I had a problem with Expedia and started researching the brand I had no idea the monster I was fuelling with my regular bookings with Expedia, 6 - 10 per year I was a really great customer for them. Had I known the CEO Dara Khosrowshahi was paid £94.6 million dollars, according to Fortune a 881% pay rise for him in 2015 I perhaps wouldn't have readily handed over my hard earned cash to this Internet giant.

I only discovered what the company is really like after booking a 5 star spa break through them which turned out to be a restricted calorie strict weight loss centre, no salt and pepper, no tea and coffee, diet supplements and I didn't need to lose weight.

Of course we were concerned early on in the week's holiday no real food for us on vacation was going to be a problem and quickly got onto the hotel staff and Expedia.

The series of unbelievable communications with Expedia that followed and went on for months afterwards is too long and boring to document in detail. Suffice to say I got absolutely no where, calls not returned, no way to speak to the person you spoke to previously. Lots of bobbing weaving and frankly speaking lying until I had a list with over 20 names of customer service representatives in three different call centre locations in India, two of which were supposed to be managers with no email address or direct phone numbers.

At one point in the discussions we were offered £200 compensation to help cover some of all the additional food expenses by Luke in the social media team after frustratedly starting a campaign for action on Twitter but when I turned that down because I had paid £2500 for the "holiday" I was immediately blocked by Expedia.com and Expedia.co.uk.

Furious at just being blocked and with no UK office I took the fight to Expedia in the US and spoke twice to a representative in Las Vegas, but again nothing happened and when I tried to follow up no one was available. I tried desperately to get an address or contact in the UK to file a small claim against Expedia but they avoid anyone taking action against them as they do not have a UK address.

Hands completely tied and feeling completely ripped off with no course of action available I enlisted the help of an organisation called A spokesman said, set up to help people fight back. We did get the story in the Sun but still Expedia did nothing. After all my efforts I still cannot believe they got away with this.

This company are so blatant in their unethical business practise, rip off merchant tactics and lying and blocking customer service it is a joke and I cannot believe how much business I have given them and how many other people have been hurt and continue to be.

So even though they are convenient and I have to say it is hard to get into the habit of booking a different way I will NEVER give this organisation another penny. They should be shut down.

Crazy Low Prices Beds

March Moss

2013-06-24T17:55:00.0000000 2016-07-18T17:59:10.7330000

The Bed And Sofa House have 100s of beds, mattresses, bedsteads, headboards, sofas, wardrobes, and just about everything else usually in stock and available for next day delivery.

we are leicester based and offer a free fast delivery for leicester locations any further we charge just 50p per mile

LOCAL BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST

I have just bought two beds from Crazy Low Prices, a small family run bed shop on the Narborough Road Leicester.

I got good helpful service through out. I was on a budget so price was important. I shopped around and they couldn't be beaten for value. I also got free delivery and the beds turned up on schedule as planned. they will even deliver same day if you need a bed quick.

I bought a nice double and single that were not the cheapest on offer for £210, the closest price I found for similar was £300 so quite a saving.

I am happy to recommend Crazy Low Prices if you are in search of the best value on a bed and great service.