Archive for 2015

New Years Resolutions!

16:12 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

First off, i hope everyone has had an amazing Christmas with their family and friends and got spoilt rotten!

Now, every year i set myself new years resolutions, mostly to loose weight, although that never happens (i like food too much). But this year i am determined to see my resolutions through!!

I have only set myself two this year so they should be pretty reasonable and easy to achieve.

Be more organised - im my personal life and blogging aswell
Work out more - instead of being unrealistic to myself and try and loose weight. Hopefully i can get into a workout routine

What are your New Year Resolutions? Do you ever achieve the ones you set yourself?

See you next year!!

Mince parcels!

20:17 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Mince parcels!

Ingredients

Well I just used shortcrust pastry mix (I'm a cheat)

But to make a shortcrust pastry you need

225g plain flour

100g butter

Pinch salt

Water

For the filling

Mincemeat

1egg White to wash over

Method

1. Sidt the flour into a large bowl add the butter and using your fingertips rub together to make breadcrumbs. Stir in the salt. Add water until the mixture starts to form a firm dough. Put in the fridge for 20mins.

2. Pre heat overnight to 200C

3. Cut the dough in half and roll out each section so they are both the same size.

4. Place small heaps of mincemeat all over one half of the two dough pieces.

5. Using your egg white brush around the mincemeat this will help the top layer stick.

6. Place the remaining dough on top and press around the shape of the mincemeat. Using cookie cutters, cut out little parcels.

7. Using your fingers press down around the edges to ensure pastry is stuck together. Place on baking tray and using a knife score little lines around the rim of the parcels to make them look better. Make sure you cut a cross on top to let the steam escape.

8. Bake in oven for 15-20mins, allow to cool then serve.

What do you love to bake at Christmas? Not long to go now!

Homemade Gingerbread!

15:37 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

So as its the festive season i thought what a perfect time it is to make gingerbread. It can be a fun activity to do with your kids or family and friends. You can let your imagination run wild whilst decorating them and maybe you could even leave one out for Santa! Here is the recipe i used:

Ingredients

350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling out
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125g butter
175g light soft brown sugar
1 free range egg
4 tbsp golden syrup

To decorate

writing icing
cake decorations

Method

Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon into a bowl, add butter and using your fingers rub the mixture together to make breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.
Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together then add to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix till it forms a dough, wrap it in cling film and put it in the fridge for 15 mins.
Preheat oven to 180C/gas4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.
Roll the dough out to a 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cookie cutters cut out shapes and place on baking tray making sure to leave a gap between.
Bake for 12-15mins or until lightly golden brown. Leave to cool then decorate.

Send me a picture of your gingerbread id love to see your creations. What do you love to bake at Christmas?

Christmas time in Bruges

13:46 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Me, my Mum, my Dad and their friend Pauline went to Bruges on a 'mini cruise' mainly to see the Christmas markets. Apart from me finding out that im sea sick we had a fab time. So i thought id share with you a few snaps i took along the way.

This Christmas shop was AMAZING!

Aye Aye Captain

With so many little side streets theres always something round the corner. I definitely recommend taking a trip there at Christmas.

xx

November favourites!

16:14 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

My second to lost monthly post of the year. And again ive not really loved all that much. With it being close to christmas i havent really been buying new things to try out but what i have loved this month is:

Original Source vanilla and raspberry shower gel - Im a big fan of sweet fruity scents so this shower gel is a total winner for me!
No7 moisture drench lipstick in soft tulip - This month i revisited my trusted no7 lipstick. Perfect shade for autumn/winter
Nikeflex trainers
Winter mugs - I have a slight thing for mugs and when i sore these two i just had to have them. They are just too cute and very christmassy and were an absolute bargain too

What have you been loving this month? Are you getting into the christmas spirit yet?

Mens Gift Guide

17:05 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

I really struggle buying gifts for men,and as Christmas is coming up i decided to throw together this mens gift guide with the help of my boyfriend, so us women can get an idea of what men actually want as gifts.

Aftershave

Games

Clothes

Gift sets

A new watch

Gadgets ( so they can let out the little kid in themselves)

Trainers

DVD box sets

Pretty much what us girls want really. And to be honest you cant really go wrong with a good smelly item. Everyone wants to smell nice. I hope this has given you a few ideas. Its not much but that's the general idea of what men want you to buy them.

Is there anything you would add to the list?

October Favourites!

14:45 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Is it really 2 months till Christmas? How quick has this year gone?!
I only have a few favourites this month which are

Loccitane hand cream (vanilla bouquet) - leaves your hands smelling sweet and feeling super soft
Avon make up setting spray - This has worked wonders for me. My make-up is forever coming off so a quick spray of this after applying my make up makes it last all day
The Body shop mango beautifying oil - I've been using this after every shower its not greasy at all and absorbs so quick. It also smells amazing!
Nails inc polish - I got this free out of a magazine its a great autumnal colour.
Garnier micellar extra gentle cleansing wipes - These are great for removing your make up and are super soft. Although you should really use a cleanser to do so. These are great for a one off use

What have you been loving? Are you excited for Christmas?

Homemade Apple Pie!!

16:31 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

My dad had asked me to make him an apple pie. Being the good daughter that i am i attempted to make one. Ive never made one before so i was glad when it turned out okay. I know it doesnt look anything special but it is homemade (accept the pastry, that was a mix) Shhhhh!! If you have spare time on your hands or are good at making pastry you could always make your own.
I thought i would share the recipe with you and you too could make it for a loved one or even treat yourself.

Ingredients
For the filling

1kg Bramley apples
140g golden caster sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp flour

For the pastry(if you want to make it from scratch)

225g butter (room temp)
50g golden caster sugar
2 eggs
350g plain flour

Method

Put a layer of kitchen roll on a large baking sheet, then peel, quarter, core and slice the apples to about 5mm thick. Lay evenly on the baking sheet. Put kitchen roll on top and set aside for later.
Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Break in 1 egg and 1 egg yolk (keep the white for later)Mix together for just under a minute, it will look a bit like scrambled egg. Now add the flour a third at a time until it starts to clump together, then use your hands to gather it and work into a ball. Wrap in cling film. Chill for 45 minutes. Mix together the sugar, cinnamon and flour for the filling in a large bowl that will hold the apples also.
Heat the oven to 190C fan/ 170C gas 5. Once pastry is chilled lightly beat the egg white with a fork. Cut off a third of the pastry and put to one side while you role out the other 2 thirds. Line the pastry in a 20cm round and 4cm deep pie tin, leaving a slight overhang. Roll the remaining third to make the lid. Pat the apples dry with nthe kitchen roll and add to sugar mix. Give a quick mix with your hands and then pile into your pie tin.
Brush a little water around the pastry rim. Apply the lid and press the edges together. Trim edges with a knife. Make 5 little slashes on the lid to let steam escape. Brush egg white on top and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 40-45mins until golden brown. Leave and sit for 5-10mins then sprinkle more sugar on top ready for serving.

I would love to see if you tried making this.

Empties!

16:21 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

It doesn't seem long ago since my last empties post. But because they have piled up recently i decided i would share them with you again.

OGX cherry blossom ginseng conditioner - Finally finished it
Zoella foam sweet foam cleansing shower gel
Batiste dry shampoo in tropical
Garnier mineral invisible 48hr deodorant
Madagascar candles - these lasted ages and smelt soooooo good
Maybelline colossal go extreme leather black mascara - this must be my favourite mascara
Rimmel wake me up concealer
Dove volume boost shampoo
No7 stay perfect foundation
Aloe soothing night cream - this lasts forever and is sooo gentle on my skin
No7 make up brush cleanser - great for them lazy days when you cant be bothered to clean your brushes

What things have you been using up? Do you have any products you would recommend to use this winter.

3 Things i would never repurchase!

16:08 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Have you ever bought something, tried it and then instantly hated it? Well that's what happened when i purchased these 3 items.

Herbal Essences ignite my colour dry shampoo. When you use a dry shampoo you want it to make your hair feel a little cleaner and give it a bit more oomph, instead this made my hair limp and didn't take away any of the greasiness at all. I was very disappointed as i love using the herbal essence shampoo and conditioner.

Rimmel wake me up mascara. This mascara did smell quite fresh. but it did nothing for my eyelashes, it made them very spindley (is that even a word) i hated it. I like my lashes to be full of volume and this mascara didnt achieve that. I normally love using Rimmel make up (one of my favourite brands)

Maybelline super stay 24hr flawless fresh foundation. I picked this up on a 2 for 10 pound deal and as i have pale skin i picked up the shade ivory (which i normally go for in most foundations) but this shade was very dark nothing like an ivory shade at all, i would say it might be more suitable for a medium skin tone. I do normally test my foundations before purchasing but i don't think there was a tester in this shade and as im normally the same shade in most foundations i bought it. How stupid was i.

What would you never repurchase?

xx

Mini Body Shop haul!!

16:18 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

While i was away on holiday i bought a few things from the body shop so i decided to share with you what i bought. But first... did any of you know that body shop do a points card? Its like a boots advantage card where you get points for every pound you spend. Brilliant idea!!

Anyway back to my mini haul.....

2x Aloe soothing day cream - I love these creams as they work wonders on my dry sensitive skin
Aloe soothing night cream
Mango shower gel - I haven't used this yet but my god it smells amazing!!
Mango beautifying oil - Obviously i had to get this to match the shower gel... i love this! I use this on my skin after a shower and it just absorbs straight into my skin and is not greasy at all

Have you bought anything from the body shop recently?

September favourites!

17:27 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

As im writing this im watching Mr. Peabody and Sherman..... im such a big kid!

As you know ive not posted in a while, but nothing really happened in September and i don't want to waste your or my time just writing any old pointless crap. Thats why i haven't posted. I do have a few posts lined up now though and should be back on track in no time.

I didn't really have any favourites for September... i didn't buy or try anything new, but these are a few things that ive loved this month.

Madagascar candles - I absolutely love lighting these in the evening and they are my favourite candle scent Vanilla!! Who doesn't love a good old vanilla candle?
Nivea pure and natural moisturiser - After every shower ive been using this and its kind and gentle on my sensitive skin.
Rimmel scandal eyes felt tip liner
Garnier mineral invisible marks 48hr anti antiperspirant - A friend recommended this to me and i instantly loved it.... it smells like perfume
Pink hair - ive been dying my tips pink and i love it!!
Little holiday - I went away to Whitley Bay (Newcastle)with my other half.... any time spent together is precious and everyone should make the most of that. even if its a little holiday to a small little town.

What is your favourite candle scent? Have you been away with your loved one recently? id love to know.

Ciao for now

Empties

17:32 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Its time for product empties guys! I've been saving these up for a couple of months and now i can finally get rid of them after this post. WOOHOO!!

OGX Cherry blossom ginseng shampoo - Amazing stuff... ive raved about this in other posts
Garnier ultimate blends the colour illuminator shampoo - Great for coloured hair, a fair sized bottle for the bargain proce of 1.89 from BandM
Aussie miracle shine conditioner - Lasted me ages (but conditioner always does) leaves hair soft and shiney :D
Dove Winterpfledge limited edition shower cream - Smells great... btw i stocked up on this round christmas time this was my last bottle
Satin Care dry skin shaving gel
Batiste dry shampoo cherry - i go through s*** loads of this stuff its a total life saver!!
Little black dress
Cutex ultra cleansing nail polish remover
Maxfactor lasting performance foundation in fair
Rimmel lasting finish foundation in ivory - Always love a rimmer product + it has spf built in ...Winner!
Maybelline the falsies volume mascara in black - always love a black mascara and i got it cheap too from BandM again

What have you been using up? Do you use more shampoo than conditioner like me? Id love to know.

5 Things // Autumn edition

16:28 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Autumn is here! Yay!!! Is anyone else excited? The weather gets cooler and the days get shorter. What's not to love about this snug season.

5 things i love most about autumn

Dark nights - They make me feel sleepy....so what does that mean? more sleep of course :D and what's not to like about getting more sleep?
Candles - Who doesn't love to burn a good candle. There's something about candles that just makes things cosier and homey.
Cosy/slouchy knitwear - Well.... knitwear and autumn go hand in hand really don't they, time to dig out the cosy jumpers and boots. Yay!! I love how snug and secure they make me feel
Crunchy leafs - what a crisp sound as they crunch under your feet..... i don't know why but i just love the sound.
Bonfire or fires of any sort - There's nothing more therapeutic than listening to the cracking of the wood and nothing more hypnotising than staring at the roaring orange flames.

What is your favourite season? What do you like/dislike about autumn id love to know.

August Favourites!

16:38 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

August has ended. Another month past. That only means one thing, its time for a monthly favourites post. Now there's not a lot this month, but hey ho.

So we've obviously got the OGX Cherry blossom shampoo and conditioner -its amazing...Go out and buy yourself some.
My Tattoo :D so glad i got this, i cant stop looking at it and think how proud i am of myself for having the balls to get it done.
Zoella's Foam sweet foam - A gift off Sam for my birthday. This shower gel is totally me! Girly and sweet.
Origins ginzing revitalizing eye cream - A great way to help with those bags under your eyes totally brightens them up!
My handbag notebook - ive been making lots more notes this month and tried getting a bit more organised.. always a good idea to carry one in your bag.

What have you been loving this month? Have you tried anything new?

xx

A little peek into my week!

15:45 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

A few snippets (is that the word) from my week

Monday: Healthy lunch

Tuesday: I had to go the doctors with tonsillitis :(

Wednesday: Chill time with Roxy

Thursday: I played computer games with Kristopher

Friday: Chores (borrring)

Saturday: Spent time with Emma and Rolling stones tribute band Tumblin DIce (which were awesome btw!!!)

Sunday: Chores again, more chill time and blog time :D

What did you get up to in the week? Id love to know, its got to be more interesting than mine.... although saturday was a really great day!! :D

xx

Budget Beauty Buys!

14:47 by Unknown 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

I have been asked to do a post on budget make up like the brand MUA and what i thought about the products and what my first impressions are. I wasn't disappointed with what i got for my money. I have only tried out a few of the products but WOW they are amazing! Lets start with the blush shimmer stick this is my favourite and now will be my go to blush, easy to apply and quite pigmented this blush is a must have its light and gives your cheeks a natural glow. We have the lipstick in shade 2 (purple), a very autumnal colour with a sheen to it i love it. There is the intense colour eyeliner in berry wine glides on with ease. Two mono eye shadows one in bronze and the other in copper ive not tried these yet but they are just my cup of tea. Finally a mosaic blush in English rose, again ive not tried this yet but cant wait too after what ive found out about the products ive used i think they will be great. Ill keep you updated when i use them and let you know what i think. Overall i would definately purchase from MUA again such good quality products without the hefty price tag. Well Done MUA im very impressed.