Back to the '50's: Record Players and the vinyl to play on them

You know those presents people receive, which are partly your present too? Well, that’s what happened with the record player my dad got last Christmas. He'd unearthed his record player from his youth along with stacks of vinyl and for a while was able to relive his teenage years very loudly. Then it broke and for a while the house was peaceful, until the new one appeared under the tree.

Also under the tree was some vinyl of my own (my dad and I don't have exactly the same music taste, though I do love many of his records). I was very happy to be able to play Mumford and Sons in LP form at last. My friend also got a record player recently, so I thought I'd do an appreciation post of sorts. Below are links to devices on the lower end of the price spectrum (so you still have money left over to splurge on all your new music) and some of the many artists who release in vinyl.

5 of the best Record Players under £70

•  GPO Stylo 3 Speed Stand Alone Turntable
•   Crosley Cruiser Briefcase Style Turntable
•  PylePro Retro Turntable    
• ION Duo Deck Turntable  
•  Steepletone Stereo Record Player 

 5 artists who release in vinyl

• Young the Giant 
•   One Direction (yup, that surprised me too)
•  Taylor Swift
•  Two Door Cinema Club
•  Bombay Bicycle Club

Avon Argon Oil Review

I don't use many products on my hair, simply because I don't tend to find it needs it (though I am searching for a good spray to calm some of the frizz. If you have any recommendations, please let me know). However, now it's winter it's become a bit dry like everything else and I was searching for something to give it a bit of extra moisture.

Enter Argon Oil. I know, I know, I'm pretty late to the party in regards to this. I wish I'd joined sooner because this stuff is good. This is the 'Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil Leave in Treatment' (bit of a mouthful) from Avon and is currently only a couple of pounds. It's suitable for wet or dry hair but I use mine after I've combed it through in the shower, distributing it all through my hair but focusing on the ends as these get the driest. Don't expect dramatic results with this-it does what it says on the tin, but it does it pretty well. And for that price, who's complaining?

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Porridge

I'm normally in such a rush in the mornings I barely have time to shove some toast in my mouth whilst applying concealer, packing my bag, and finding matching socks. When I have a little extra time however I like to make some porridge. I make mine with half milk, half water, and simply microwave it till thick (I like mine pretty solid…yum)  My favourite toppings are banana, brown sugar, red berries and granola.

Suits

Not the clothing, the programme. I've been re-watching this series about an American law firm over the holidays, and I'm completely gripped. It's so good! I really love the central characters and how they're constantly evolving as the plot develops.


Writing letters

I know it seems a bit out of date, what with facebook and twitter etc making it so easy to keep in touch, but there's nothing quite like writing letters (or receiving them-it makes a nice change from bank statements). At the moment I'm using this letter set from Paperchase which always makes me smile, it's so bright and cheerful. 

Helen x