Friday 30 January 2015

Monthly Subscription Box | Pawsome Box - January 2015

Following my sneak peak post a few days ago, and a run down of a range of Pet Monthly Subscription Boxes. Here I give a rundown of each of the products included in the Pawsome Box (January box). Live testing in being undertaken at the moment, so I look forward to sharing with you all the video footage!


Pawsome box offer tailored boxes for your breed, size and age of your dog. So the content of your box may differ to your neighbour, so beware of the jealousy factor!


PetGear Collar Flashlight


A genius idea that I’ve seen on dogs whilst being out walking at night! A great concept, runners have lights at night as do cyclist so why not dogs!


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Mutt & Jeff Crunchy Chicken Bites


This is certainly more than a trial size packet of treats! Obviously as a human I cannot comment on smell, texture or flavour! And i’m certainly not trying them… yet! But it’s great to see a full sized packet in the box rather than a trial size containing just a few samples!


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Trixe – Bacon Strips


As with the above, very impressed in a full resealable packet (85g) being supplied! Hopefully they’ll be well received! Video footage coming soon!


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Baseball Chew


I’m thinking this should come with a warning! ‘Will cause mess’ warning! I can imagine dogs up and down the country chasing and catching this for hours, and then eventually getting through the out skin to the real treat inside.


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Super Squeak Vinyl Squeaky Toy – Hot Dog


This did make me chuckle, a hot *dog* toy for a dog! Maybe it’s just me! We’ll await to see if it causes a freak out or general squeaky annoyance very soon! If it lasts that long…


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Nobbly Wobbly Toy


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Paw Notes – Monthly pamphlet


Unlike most ‘human’ monthly subscription boxes, Pawsome box contains a really informative booklet. Containing not just information about the products but other useful information for dog lovers! In this issue was advice if you are taking your dog to America, doggie language illustrations (as opposed to Body language for us humans!), and tips on how to handle your dog’s attachment to you.


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Slightly odd is that there’s no where that tells you now much each product retails for nor any indication of where you go to buy the product. So if a product was well received you’ll need to do some Googling to hunt down where to buy it.


Subsequently you cannot go to purchase the products from the Pawsome Box website which as a monthly subscriber I’d find a little irritating. I’d quite like to go to one place to buy the products I’d tried, rather than have to hunt them all down all over the place. Hopefully this is all ‘coming soon’!


I’m aware that some pets can be particularly fussy when it comes to food, so much so that even a slight change in ingredients can cause problems. Therefore the subscription box concept is a great concept to try different treats and toys, and no need to go hunting around in shops and it’s all delivered direct to you door!


Here’s the pricing breakdown…


Pawsome Box – £15.90 per month with an annual Subscription + FREE delivery.


The longer the subscription, the greater the saving.



  • Rolling monthly is £19.90

  • A 6-month plan works out as £17.90 per box

  • 12 months equates to £15.90 a box


And not forgetting the cat lovers amongth us (of which I know there’s a few!), there’s the Purrfect Box – £15.90 per month with an annual subscription + FREE delivery (same price break down as the Pawsome Box.


Wednesday 28 January 2015

Argh! Can't compute! A company that sell odd socks on purpose #oddsockscompany - Cat Woods Instagram

Argh! Can't compute! A company that sell odd socks on purpose #oddsockscompany - Cat Woods Instagram



Argh! Can't compute! A company that sell odd socks on purpose #oddsockscompany - Cat Woods Instagram

These little fellows have had it! Tummy here you come! - Cat Woods Instagram

These little fellows have had it! Tummy here you come! - Cat Woods Instagram



These little fellows have had it! Tummy here you come! - Cat Woods Instagram

Tuesday 27 January 2015

parkrun 50th run celebration cake

Another cake decorating triumph that lasted a little longer than the last but was gratefully received! To celebrate 50th parkrun – a well deserved treat!


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parkrun 50th run celebration cake

Tuesday 20 January 2015

My first geocaching find! Just a shame I'm too short to reach it #geocaching - Cat Woods Instagram

My first geocaching find! Just a shame I'm too short to reach it #geocaching - Cat Woods Instagram


parkrun | how I got involved

For over a year now I’ve been loving my 5k runs at 9am every Saturday morning; okay, give or take a few! And yes, I don’t apologise for telling everyone I meet about how great parkrun is! Because quite simply it is, and it’s only going to get better.


On 12th October 2013 I finally signed up but it wasn’t until the 2nd November 2013 that I finally ventured to Shore Woods to see what it was all about. With my printed barcode in hand, taped up with Sellotape for protection I made my way to the start line. With some trepidation I saw a few runners congregating and made my way towards them. Clearly looking like a newbie or a rabbit caught in headlines, one volunteer started to talk me through the crucial factors. This settled my nerves so that all I had to then focus on was running. I wasn’t after a great time, it was to get round and get to know how parkrun works. The atmosphere was great, everyone was so friendly and the mix of abilties, dog walkers and buggy-pushing parents was astounding! parkrun clearly caters for all! I came in at 30:41, and 3rd in my age category! I was over the moon!


It didn’t take long for the parkrun addiction to kick in. Following Tonbridge‘s inaugural event, for which I turned up far too early, I was hooked, 2nd run in and first run as a tourist! (a tourist being attending a parkrun that’s not your home run).


The addiction was well and truly alive and kicking when then following week I discovered Bromley, the local flat fast course! My first attempt saw me cross the line in 26:42. The following week 26:16. I was dumbfounded by how quickly my times were coming down. I focussed on getting under the 26 mins mark, and achieved it two runs later with 25:49, then 25:12 the following week. Whilst I didn’t reach my goal of getting in under 25 mins in 2014, it’s still something I want to achieve!


The following 12 months saw visits to many other parkruns; Orpington, Greenwich, Bexley, Chelmsford, Pontypridd, Dartford. It was in December 2014, that the Kent Quest began – to run all the parkruns in Kent. So adding to the list, Great Lines, Whitstable and Margate (the New Year’s Day double), Royal Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and Folkestone! That leaves Pegwell Bay and Canterbury left to do!


I cannot say enough good things about parkrun to enough people. I urge anyone to get out of bed on a saturday, put on a pair of trainers and head to your nearest parkrun. It’s not all about running at your absolute fastest pace, it’s about getting out there and doing something great with other great people. I regularly run with my boyfriend, my boyfriend’s son, and my boyfriend’s dad (3 generations!) – it’s such a great feeling to see everyone there!


If you do one thing more today, then register and print out your barcode (you only need to bring one along, the other are spares!), and come join the parkrun party! Take a look at the map, and there’s bound to be one nearby!


And if you’re not feeling up to it one week, then put yourself down as a volunteer and cheer on the rest of us! It’s such a great laugh and you’ll get such a buzz out of it!


Crazy little rainbow in the blue sky - Cat Woods Instagram

Crazy little rainbow in the blue sky - Cat Woods Instagram



Crazy little rainbow in the blue sky - Cat Woods Instagram

Friday 16 January 2015

Love seeing the seasons change - Cat Woods Instagram

Love seeing the seasons change - Cat Woods Instagram



Love seeing the seasons change - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram



Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram



Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram



Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram



Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram

Lunchtime walkies - More London - Cat Woods Instagram


Cooking up a storm - Cat Woods Instagram

Cooking up a storm - Cat Woods Instagram


Techie Delights | Google's modular phone

Having a deja-vu with this latest announcement!


Back in 2013, Google announced Project Ara in conjunction with Motorola at that time.  “Project Ara allows users to buy a basic phone structure and add modules such as keyboard, battery or other sensors.”


Today we hear that Google are releasing a pilot modular phone in Puerto Rico that enables you to customise your phone. These include cameras, speakers, batteries, displays, the application processor, wireless connectivity, blood-sugar monitors, laser pointers, pico projectors, or any number of items that will be held into the shell by magnets!


All sounds a little bit gimmicky to me but take a look at Google’s announcement video below:-



London Bridge station - Cat Woods Instagram

London Bridge station - Cat Woods Instagram



London Bridge station - Cat Woods Instagram

Tooley Street - Cat Woods Instagram

Tooley Street - Cat Woods Instagram



Tooley Street - Cat Woods Instagram

Thursday 15 January 2015

I'm so... British! The Queue Etiquette

Well actually that’s me and a lot of … well … British people! What sparked me off writing this is queues! Oh dear lord how we love a queue. Never mind a crowd attracting a crowd, I’m talking a queue attracting a queue! Now when we approach, or get remotely near our destination, and we see a queue we join it. Instinctively. And have you noticed that not many people ever attempt to jump the queue, and if anyone does… Oh lordy the looks! If looks could kill!


Each night I get off the train and walk to the bus stop. Now there’s seats at this bus stop but a severe lack of people sitting on them. And what I’ve noticed is that 5 people could be standing under the bus shelter to start with, and by the time a bus arrives there’s a army worth of people that have formed a queue, a single file queue I hasten to add. Even if it’s raining, the majority stand in the pouring rain rather than huddle and break The Queue etiquette.


Just one of the crazy things us Brits do!


Clearly catching the ghost train this morning - Cat Woods Instagram

Clearly catching the ghost train this morning - Cat Woods Instagram



Clearly catching the ghost train this morning - Cat Woods Instagram

Wednesday 14 January 2015

London Bridge development - Cat Woods Instagram

London Bridge development - Cat Woods Instagram


Gadget | 3D Pen

I’ve recently seen popping up on Facebook the video below which intrigues me know end! What with 3D printers becoming more readily available to consumers know we see an interesting handheld take on this!


The phenomena, helped by Kickstarter, seems to have caught on quickly and I seem to be a little behind the times on this one. 3Doodler by Wobbleworks had over 26,000 backers generating over £2m.




 The Project was fully funded and ended back in March 2013 but in true Kickstarter style the shipping for backers completed in February 2014! By which time there were many competitors hot on their heels!





  • Lixpen – another Kickstarter project funded in May 2014 states pre-ordering soon on the website


  • Creopop – available to pre-order with shipping starting April 2015


  • Swiss – eCommerce site appears to have some issues…


After a little googling I’ve discovered masterpieces and am very tempted to treat myself to see just how straightforward it really is! From home decor to dresses, from text to national landmarks – it certainly is a growing art scene.

Tuesday 13 January 2015

Hot choccy - Cat Woods Instagram

Hot choccy - Cat Woods Instagram


Cute table decor - Cat Woods Instagram

Cute table decor - Cat Woods Instagram


Monthly Subscriptions Boxes | for pets

Previously I’ve written posts for subscription boxes that have always gone down well but it would seem that I’ve not accommodated man’s best friend!


It would seem we like to surprise our furry companions with little monthly treats in the same we we like to treat ourselves!


And actually there’s a massive selection to choose from! Some are even customised to age, size and breed of pet!


Pawsome Box


£15.90 per month with an annual Subscription + FREE delivery


Previous delights include Camon massage glove, Jolly Doggy latex Santa beard, Minty rubber ball from Petbrands, and Protein Shampoo from Biogance.


Purrfect Box


£15.90 per month with an annual subscription + FREE delivery


Run by the same company, previous treats include Merry nice toys from Happypet, Chick’n Snack Sandwiches from Karlie Flamingo, Paw pattern blanket for Pets by SIL and Roller Pop by Trixie.


Purrboxes


£9.95 per month + FREE delivery


They don’t give a lot away on their site in terms of brands. So the list is fairly generic; toys, catnip, treats, cat grass and the … Box!


Poochpack


£16.95 per box with a six month subscription + FREE delivery


They don’t list brands they’re associated with so you’d need to take what you will from this statement ‘high quality treats, toys and other goodies to get their dog wagging.’


Woofbox


£17.99 per month with a six month subscription + FREE DELIVERY


Previous boxes contained brands such as Lilly’s kitchen, Barkers Brew, Gor Pets, Farm Foods Antler, and Hungry Hector Cornish Cluckies.


They also feature a Puppy Box containing Ancol self heating pet pad, Ancol ‘Sleepy Paws’ comfort blanket, Mille & Ellie ‘Millie the Dog’ soft toy, Becothings ‘BecoHoop’ husk rubber dog hoop, Pooch and Mutt ‘Puppy Development Treats’, and Two packs of Pet Munchies Chicken and Calcium Bone’


Spoiled Rotten Box


*USA ONLY*

$19.99 per month with a twelve month subscription + Free Shipping


By Petflow, this site forces you to sign up which wasn’t actually functioning at the time of writing this post. So from what I can gather they cater for dogs and cats but don’t provide bespoke content for breeds. No easy-to-access information on what brands they offer.


Top collar


£4.49 per box with no subscription fully inclusive of delivery.


As of the date of this article they are offering your first box at half price!


Offers a fortnightly box which is different to the rest of the market. The box contains healthy treat biscuits from a selection of recipes that you can log in to rate. They state the treats are made from fresh, natural and human quality ingredients but I’m not too sure if I’ll be tasting the Full English or Sunday Roast to find out! Or will I?


Barkbox


*US but does ship outside the contiguous 48 states for a fee*

$19.99 per month with a twelve month subscription + Free Shipping


Another one that isn’t open about products or brands with this statement ‘four or more carefully selected products and presents for your dog – anything from toys, bones and all-natural treats to hygiene products and innovative new gadgets!’



Monthly Subscriptions Boxes | for pets

Friday 9 January 2015

Joggbox | Sporttape Review

When I received this in my first Joggbox I was a little skeptical. But then I have been ever since I’d seen people with the tape on. I mean… Honestly … How can a little bit of tape really be of any benefit?

It wasn’t until a few weeks back that a niggling knee surfaced and rather than face taking a run day off I thought why not give it a go!


Having looked at the instruction leaflet and almost given up, I decided to have a little Google for a how to video on YouTube.


I then discovered that on the website they had how-to videos for most common injuries. Here’s a quick link to the page, and below is the video I viewed.


The little pack I got sent was already pre-cut! Most helpful! So with a taped up knee I headed out for my run! Greatlines Parkrun it was that day! And low and behold, not a niggle in sight! In fact after a precarious start my second lap was quicker that the first!


Amazing!I’m so impressed with this tape that I urge any one with a niggle to try it out! I promise you’ll be amazed!


There’s all kinds of tape, pre-cut and styles available! So have a look and keep on running!


*warning* not the most attractive shot of my knees! But is there such a thing anyway!

London Bridge development - Cat Woods Instagram

London Bridge development - Cat Woods Instagram



London Bridge development - Cat Woods Instagram

Monday 5 January 2015

Monday Mellows | Say Cheese

Don’t wait for a photo I smile hugely!


Say cheese for all the things you’re grateful about!


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Monday Mellows | Say Cheese