Spend Spectrum: watches

I’ve been looking for the perfect wrist watch for a while now, not only because it’s annoying to rummage through my (larger than necessary) handbag in order to find my mobile phone, but also as they can be worn as a piece of jewellery which is both beautiful and practical.

Because I wear both silver and gold jewellery I am leaning towards a mixed-metal option, which I know I’ll get a lot more wear out of. I’ve rounded up some different options to consider – ranging from being worth more than my car to costing less than my lunch. For some of these prices I’m even considering buying one in each metal!

A – Tag Heuer Aquaracer B – Rolex Oyster perpetual date C – Omega Constellation D – Rolex Oyster perpetual date E – Seiko SXDE84P-9 F – Seiko SXDC58P G – Seiko SXDC40P H – Michael Kors Ritz Chronograph, Light Tricolor I – Michael Kors Layton Chronograph, Silver-Colour/Golden J – Michael Kors Yellow Golden Midsized Chronograph K – Mimco Sportivo L – Michael Kors Mid-Size Rose Golden Stainless Steel Slim Runway Three-hand M – Mimco Round Glimmer Watch N – Sportsgirl Skull Watch O – Geneva Platinum 9158 Chronograph Style Link Watch P – Geneva Rose Gold Classic Round CZ Boyfriend Watch Q – Geneva Chronograph Look Gold Tone

Do you think a timepiece should be an investment, or do you prefer a cheaper option to keep up with changing trends?

Spotlight on: Strawberries

One of the best things about summer is the arrival of so many delicious seasonal fruits. A favourite of mine is the strawberry, which is lucky because it’s also one of the best types of fruit you can eat in terms of health benefits!

One 250g punnet of strawberries is only around 70 calories, but will give you a huge portion of your recommended daily intake of fibre. This is a perfect combo when it comes to battling the mid-afternoon munchies… low cal + high fibre + naturally sweet taste = feeling satisfied without the excess (or sugar!).

They also deliver more than the RDI of vitamin C, as well as many other vitamins and minerals which are important to our bodies. Scientific studies show that consumption of straw berries may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases. Another added berry-bonus are chemical compound called phenols. These all help serve as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, fighting a huge range of diseases including cancer, osteoarthritis, asthma, optical degeneration, high blood pressure, even aiding in keeping your bones healthy!

If you don’t feel like just eating them as they are, there are heaps of different ways these super berries can be incorporated into your meals:

• Dark chocolate dipped strawberries – Use dark chocolate to give an extra antioxidant boost!
• In a smoothie
• Added into a summer salad
• As a pizza topping

Cop That!

Copper is definitely the metal of the moment, with more stylish choices than ever when it comes to home decor. Today’s copper homeware options have vastly expanded in terms of design – no longer just used in the the earthy, tribal style of the past; the metal’s pinky-orange shine is now emphasised through the use of fluid shapes which catch the light from all angles. It also looks fantastic with both gold and silver, making it easy to incorporate into existing settings.

With so many coppery appliance and decorative options now available, it looks set to overtake stainless steel as the go-to metallic accent.

1 – Comet Pendant light, 2 – Tom Dixon Void light, 3 – Tom Dixon Step light, 4 – Double bowl copper kitchen sink, 5 – West Elm Copper Top Pump + Pour soap dispenser, 6 – Kitchenaid Custom Metallic Series, 7 – Tom Dixon cast mini Jack doorstop/paperweight, 8 – Old Dutch Decor wine cooler, 9 – Tom Dixon Scent ‘London’ candle, 10 – Sambonet H-Art copper flatware, 11 – Jaime Hayon copper Grid vase, 12 – Frigo Design’s copper appliance panels, 13 – Van Heesch Design Copper Bike, 14 – Blue Star  Precious Metals Collection in Infused Copper 36″ Gas Range, 15 – Old Dutch Decor ice bucket with tongs, 16 – YLiving Real Good chair in copper

First impressions don’t always last…

When I was younger, around 16 or 17, there was a fad for white pants. At the time, wearing them (in my opinion) was the epitome of trashiness. I believe this was thanks to the likes of Supre, releasing too-tight, too-sheer versions which made the wearer look cheap.

Over the past couple of years however, I’ve come to realise that white pants aren’t the faux pas I originally thought… In fact when worn the right way they are a classic and versatile piece.

I’m thinking I will have to invest in a pair ASAP!

Images from: 1, 2, 3, 4

Hello and welcome

Well, it’s the start of a new year and I’ve resolved that in 2013 I will make an effort to spend more time on creative projects. I’ve been an avid reader of lifestyle and fashion blogs for years, and have always thought I might like to start one… So what better time than now!

My vision for How Katie Did is that it will be an assortment of projects, fashion, activities, recipes and ideas which inspire and reflect my life.