Personalised Party Invitations from TinyMe.co.uk

Tiny Me have taken the hand cramp out of writing dozens of birthday party invitations for me this year. I featured their smartly designed school name tag labels two years ago, and the illustrations to choose from are similarly crisp, clean and professional.

There are dozens of templates to choose from, boys', girls' or unisex, as well as options to include your own photograph within the design.

Once you choose the perfect template, you then have a choice of colour swatches to pick, to further customise the invitation.

Invites are sold in packs of eight, with the option to add envelopes and/or magnets to your order for a little more. They really do look smart and you can avoid the hand cramp of writing out the party address and RSVP telephone number a dozen times.

My son chose this monkey print design, which matches his school stickers & labels which he loves. Turn around for us was around a week from ordering, so bear this in mind when judging when to place an order. What design would you choose? Check out the Tiny Me full party range online now.

IKEA Spoofs Kubrick's The Shining in their New Commercial

Nicely done, Ikea, Singapore!

The Hello Kitty Collection at The Pet Hut

My lovely friend Laura invited us over to the huge new Poundstretcher and Pet Hut store that opened last month here in Bangor. She helps manage the quite frankly gigantic superstore, and Michael & I called over to check out the bargains.

We loved the Hello Kitty collection they have for your own little kitty cat. I want to buy the bed for Mrs Meow.

The collection also has pet bowl mats for just £1.99 to help keep your kitchen floor clean, as well as scratching posts and boxes.

There are lots of other designs if you want something more chic....

... or seafaring.

Or just silly.

The Pet Hut also has bargain pet foods, treats, and basics for all types of animal, even princess hamsters.

The Poundstretcher half of the store has a massive selection of groceries and homewares as well as toys, stationary, clothing, and seasonal products. Here are some fun items we spotted.

Lots of gorgeous, chunky wool as well as other crafting supplies.

A whole row of kitchen brights. Great to jazz up your parlour this dull autumn.

We found tonnes of great Christmas present ideas at super prices. These cuddly cushions were just £3.99

And these flapping slippers are only £4.99 compared to the tv advertised ones which cost at least twice that.

Cute reindeer print bobble hats, I wouldn't mind one myself but I have a notoriously huge head that doesn't fit normal person hats. Shush- it's a seriously ailment!!!

Super cute stocking filler hot water bottles. Perfect present for grannies. Reduced to £3.99

Very Cath Kidston without having to spend £25

There are lots of little gift sets too at great prices. Good presents for teachers, Sunday School leaders, aunties etc.

Put a fox on anything and I'll want it. These felt bags for £2.99 are a steal.

Lastly some kitschy Christmas decorations. They've a whole aisle of your usual tinsel, baubles etc at great prices, but these couple of items stuck out as I've never seen them elsewhere even at a higher price. 

In love with these candy cane solar lights. Going to get myself some for the front garden and four of them for £5 is grand.

Lastly these 3D decorations caught my eye as they are so tacky and kitsch (sorry, Laura!) but in the best way. Proper, old school 1970s' style over the top Christmas. I love them.

Happy, shiny Santa.

Opening times, latest products and store finder all online at their website.

Halloween Fun at Lidl- You Can Win £50 Each Day Until the 31st

Lidl NI are giving away £50 of vouchers every day until Halloween, but you'll need a laptop or PC as the game is Flash-based. I called into the Bangor Lidl store this afternoon to check out what fun, spooky wares they have in, as last year we had some ghostly shaped nuggets! The nuggets are back this year too, but my favourite product by far are the sausages with pumpkin prints through them.

There are lots of trick or treat supplies at great prices, and party supplies for next week.

The frozen section also holds some surprising Halloween themed treats.

There's also a selection of costumes for all ages, and home decorations.

YES! Mex Elketo Brings Burrito Bars to Bangor!

There's been a lot of buzz on Facebook this week in various groups about the opening of Bangor's first proper burrito bar. Mex Elketo, newly opened at the services on the Rathgael Road has the fast, Mexican food experience that until now was only available a half hour drive away in Belfast.

Elketo is a healthy alternative to a regular takeaway, with slow cooked, pulled meats, nutritious beans & peppers and lots of fresh salsa. Their classic burrito is quite the belly buster, and it's up to you how spicy you dare go.

Is it just me who wishes they could get a big spoon and just eat all that fresh, colourful corn salsa? 

As well as burritos their menu offers tacos, sides like sweet potato fries, freshly made tortillas with nacho cheese, and my favourite the burrito bowl, which is a big tub of meat, rice, peppers and salsa.

To test out the menu my husband tried the pulled chicken burrito and made it super spicy. Their house chilli sauce will blow your socks off. 

I can't handle the heat as well as Michael can, so I went for the taco chip. Healthy, low-fat sweet potato fries topped with pulled beef, cheese and salsa. Absolutely delicious and big enough to take two sittings to eat.

The sweet potato fries are a must try. Call into Mex Elketo any day between 11am and 8pm (hours will be lengthening soon) and befriend Elketo on Facebook to stay up to date with offers, news, competitions and to find out when their exclusive app launches. (Search 'Mex Elketo')

Exclusive Early Look at Ikea's Christmas Ranges for 2014. There are Owls & Foxes!

A little peek at what Ikea is currently bring stocked with for Christmas 2014. Some items will already be in stock from 1st October, so get stocked up early. Being a red & white stripe junkie I'm thinking of making my present wrapping all brown parcel paper with red & white stripe cable string decorations this year. Classic.

What catches your eye? Check out the ranges here. 

Loving the classic gold.

Plain green wrap with gold ribbon would look swell.

Adore these prints on parcel paper.

These doodles remind me of the Moomins.

Wine bottle boxes

IKEA also sell real Christmas trees at very reasonable prices in December, more on that when I know the date it starts. As for now, you can get a head start with buying your decorations.

I am useless at making gingerbread houses, but every year I give it a go!

Foxes and owls.

The bird houses are so cute. I think I'll buy a couple of packs and hang them outdoors all year round.

A young ambassador with his Ferrero Roche?

Hairy faced babies, what's to be frightened of??

Worship at the Altar of Pop Culture Stained Glass

Foxes are Out, Sugar Gliders are IN! Follow the Latest Jewellery Trends with LittleMoose.co.uk

I don't like wearing metal jewellery really, so brands like Tatty Devine, Pluck & Devour and the cutie pie Little Moose are my favourites. They sent me one of their newest designs, a sugar glider, bow tie shaped necklace in classy grey. 

Look how cute! 

Check out the whole collection on the Little Moose webstore. They've all sorts of jewellery as well as bags and accessories.