2013 Faves

Hello! It's the last day of the year wooooooooooaaaaaaaaahhhh, hold on there 2013 where you going? Posts like these are littering the blogosphere and there are loads of videos on youtube so i thought I would share mine :)

CLOTHING

I don't usually get obsessed with clothes as I hate being seen too often in a garment of clothing, but everything changed with these two items. The first is my Jack Wills leggings these are just the softest most comfortable thing, I will wear them over jogging bottoms on any comfy chilled day, besides I am just in love with the oxblood/Burgundy (or whatever else you like to call the colour0, definitely my favourite colour this year!

Secondly I have my primark fluffy jumper, which I wear all the time with the above which you can see here. Like the leggings I love how comfy it is, I absolutely love the fluffy texture, its so warm and I love how cream looks with blonde hair, this will remain a favourite of mine well into 2014 i'm sure.

My Beautiful boots, I got these for Christmas last year, they have been worn way more than I expected them to (even though when i was trying to convince my mum to get them for me I was like i'll wear them all the time when I wasnt sure if I would or not) I feel they just elevate any outfit to another level, but I never feel overdressed, they can be dressed up or down, these are 100% my babies.

BEAUTY

Dot by Marc Jacobs was my scent this year, i'm not going to try to describe the scent but I do know I love it, it's not overwhelming and I'm gutted it's all used up waah :'(

The Real Techiniques Expert Face Brush

This had been on my wishlist for a while, and when I got it for my birthday I was sooo excited, it has made such a change to my make up, and I'm a happy gal.

MUA Heaven and Earth Palette and Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze

This was my first eyeshadow palette marking the beginning of me getting properly into make up I love the variety of eye looks I can create with the different shades. I caved into the hype with the colour tattoo, I love it for lazy days when I want something more than a coat of mascara on my lashes and all so as a base for more dramatic looks for nights out etc.

Topshop nails in Celestial and Awol

2013 was the year I got into blue nail polish, something I didn't expect of myself but I absolutely love them, they are both stand outs and are definitely two of my favourite nail polishes I have been known to wear both for weeks on end and I haven't gotten sick of them, that's and achievement considering how much I usually like to change my nails.

A YEAR IN BLOGGING

My most popular post this year was my Poly Vinyl post, which featured my vinyl skirt which I got from Topshop which I am super pleased considering I only put the post up 20 days ago and the are 365 days in the year which i just crazy so thank you for looking at it :)

My favourite little series I put up on my blog was 'spring hairstyles'. I love plaiting etc and I feel in spring I just want to have super cute intricate hairstyles.

My favourite Baking post has to be the Spiced Orange cake, phoaaarr that cake was so tasty I highly recommend making it! 

I think thats all for today, tomorrow i'll have a 2013 Highlights post up tomorrow! I hope you have a fabulous night however you're bringing in the New Year. Thanks for popping by see you next year :)

xxx

Christmas goodies 2013

Hello guys! I thought i'd type up this post, they always seem a little controversial, but I enjoy reading/watching this type of thing, so lets get crackalacking!!

Beauty Bits

 Sleek Vintage Romance Palette 

 Barry M Nail Paints in Berry Cosmos and Black Red (not that you can tell bad blogger!)

Lush: Snowman bath ballistic and the Christmas Snowman

Chocolate

Book

 Marry Berry's Autobiography I am so excited to read this :D

Clothing bits

Oxblood Fluffy Jumper

Velvet Corset Detail dress

Tartan Leggings

OH AND I MIGHT'VE GOT THE MOST AWESOME CUTE LAMB ONESIE

Thanks for popping by you lovely popsicles :)

xxxx

Christmas ootd!!

Hello guys! I hope you all had a fabulous day yesterday, I had a lovely time with my family and got some lovely presents :) I really loved my outfit, hair and make up and I really wanted to share it, so I managed to take a sneaky outfit picture quickly!

Instagram selfie hehe

My outfit

Velvet Playsuit Topshop, Jumper and Necklace Primark

I really love this playsuit to pieces, I think its really flattering I love layering over a cropped jumper for a bit of added warmth, and to give the outfit a slightly more casual feel!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx



Day out in Norwich

Hello, its over a week since I've posted so I thought i'd better get one up asap. Today I went into town with one of my very bestest life long friends, for a catch up as I hadn't seen her as she's been in Edinburgh at Uni for 4 months! We caught up over a coffee then went on a hunt for last minute Christmas Presents, I was not successful aaaaah. Down below are a couple of my instagram pictures I think I may be getting addicted eeep!

 

Chapelfield Christmas Tree

Gingerbread Latte

my Christmassy fairisle jumper  

 

Thanks for popping by and Merry Christmas :)

 

xxx

 

Poly Vinyl

Hello! In todays post I feature the new love of my life which I featured in my last haul, my vinyl skirt from topshop :D

Topshop: Fur Pea Coat, Vinyl Skirt, Boots,Top (old). Shirt Old

I was super nervous about wearing this for school as it is certainly a statement piece and could easily be on the kinky side of life. But i think going for almost a kind of school girl vibe with the top and shirt combo, I managed to make it work. This granny wasn't going to look like a dominatrix was she now? I got lots of compliments of my lovely friends, I think this is going to be a firm favourite in my wardrobe!!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

What to get HER for Christmas

Hello, another week another gift idea post, I know youtubers did videos like this back in November but me personally i've only just started thinking about christmas shopping oops!

Lush Gift Set

1. Angels Delight Soap, 2.Bubble Gum Lipscrub, 3.Luxury Lush Pud, 4.Snow Fairy Shower Gel

Every girl needs sometime to relax and there's nothing better than a lush bath time treat in my opinion you can opt for one of their gift boxes, but since they don't have the best value what I would do personally is pick out their favourites, or what you think they'd enjoy to have their own personalised gift set from you.

Filofax

Sometimes its nice to have things written down on paper, rather than on your phone. I think a filofax is more luxurious than your average diary from WHSmith, and is a really nice gift to give someone, especially if you know they are busy with 3 million things happening at once all the time.

Fragrance

In my mind there is nothing lovelier than receiving a perfume for Christmas I feel they can be quite expensive to buy for yourself, on my list I have the Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia after hearing sooo much about them on blogs I just really want to try them. I think its totally luxurious present and would definitely be appreciated by the recipient.

Theatre Tickets

This might not be to everyone tastes.... BUT what little girl didnt want to be a Ballerina when they were little, and never got to fufill the dream, why not buy them tickets to the Ballet visiting my local theatre this year is the Russian State Ballet of Siberia who are performing three ballets over three days, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, wonderful classical ballets. I don't know about you but i'd be very happy to get tickets for theses. If not why not treat them to a west end musical or play??

I hope you enjoyed this post :)

thanks for popping by

xxx

Teeny Topshop Haul

Hello! So yesterday before work I couldn't help but to go and buy a couple of pieces from Topshop which I had had my eye on for ages now, I succumbed to temptation and here we are!!!

First of all you may remember a post I did all about my love for velvet here...

On the wishlist section might have been this velvet playsuit with lace details, I only went and bought it didn't I? I definitely chose the perfect time to buy as it was on offer this weekend as part of a promotion on evening wear #SCORE

Then I might've have bought a Vinyl skirt I can justify this I think...

First of all I didn't pay the full £32 for it, because as my mum says it looks like i'm wearing a posh bin liner, I disagree with that but its plastic I guess, I got it for roughly £12 with staff discount so that's okay!! Its a flattering shape, and will definitely add interest to all black outfits. What do you think?!?!

Thanks for popping by

xxx

winter survival guide - clothing and accessories

Hello! Its now winter with the dark nights, the chilly air and Christmas just around the corner! This is going to be a little two parter as you might be able to tell from the title this is clothing and accessories, then next week i'm going to put up a miscellaneous post which will cover things from food to baths :)

Possibly the most important thing a Coat, when you live in the UK or any other colder climate a good warm coat is simply a must. This year I have gone for the Topshop fur pea coat which I have been eyeing up for ages - I think it'll be warm enough!

Now in our romantic view of winter we think of snow lying on the ground, but in reality it rains and it rains. So you simply cannot go without an umbrella. I like to use this umbrella from Fulton which is the same make which the queen uses, when using this I never get very wet and its a lot easier to see where you're going to angle it to protect yourself from heavy rain! Also since it is a birdcage umbrella its not going to go inside out when the pesky wind is blowing.

Now what would winter be without knitwear, lots of cuddly, snuggly jumpers and cardigans!

Winter is the season of cute and warm socks... I have a couple of pairs of slipper socks which keep my feet nice and toasty, and a ton of Topshop socks which don't keep my feet quite as warm but they're so darn cute it would be a crime not to include them!

Thanks for popping by, I hope you enjoyed this post as it was a little different for me!

 

xx

What to get HIM for Christmas

Hello! This is the first part of my gift idea post so I hope you like these! The male part of the population can be quite hard to buy for, here are my suggestions for if you get stuck..

1. A Jumper

Topman Reindeer Jumper

I personally love this jumper and I'm not alone considering they're selling well at work. Its enough Christmas jumper but with out going to crazy and in your face. I think any guy would look very dapper in the festive season in this.

2. Touchscreen Gloves

Black Lambswool Touch Screen Gloves

If the guy you are buying for is abit of techie, he probably has a touchscreen phone of some sort, however when you are wearing gloves and trying to use your phone you're gonna be taking them on and off, these gloves are the perfect solution!

3. Portable Phone Charger

Astro Mini Portable Battery Charger

Keeping with the phone theme... With newer phones using up battery like nothing else, there is nothing worse than being stuck out and your phone dies, i definitely know this happens to my brother ALL the time. On Amazon this is rated at 4.4 Stars which is pretty damn good.This could be the perfect pratical present (woo alliteration) !

4. Remote Controlled Car

Smart Control Ferrari Enzo

What guy isnt still abit of a child inside still no matter what age they are? I thought this was super cool, as you can control it with your iphone, I know this limited to who you can buy it for, but its just so cool, and I know it would be loved!

5. iTunes Giftcard

If you're really stuck and iTunes giftcard is the way to go, that way they can choose what they want whether it be films, music, apps etc, that way you know they're gonna get something they want!

Thanks for popping by!

I hope this might've helped someone :)

xxx

November Faves

Hello! I honestly can't believe I am writing this post write now, the end of November has well and truly crept up on me so much so that I took me a while to think of what my favourites were, even asking Rosie what i'd worn a lot this month, nevertheless I have battled through. Anyway enough chat now!

My go to outfit has to be...



The my favourite part of this outfit has to be my primark fluffy jumper, I'm starting to think I literally don't know where i'd be without this jumper, its so warm and I feel like a little polar bear in it. Then my most worn part has to be my Jack Wills leggings they are so warm and cosy, lovely I cannot rave about these enough. If you willing to spend £30 on leggings do it, if not put them on your Christmas list... you will not regret it. My shoe choice is my trusty tan boots from next like 5 million years ago.

Next is my ring I've been wearing pretty much everyday

You can't see it particularly well on this picture but I think you get the jest? Fun fact this was my mum's engagement ring, but then it got to small and now I feel shes with me all the freakin time, not just when I'm at home! I love how its small and dainty, its such an elegant little touch to an outfit :)

This month I have been enjoying some particularly stagey programmes the first was a one of special called Broadway: A Jewish Legacy (on iPlayer until 17.12.13). This followed the progression of the broadway musical throughout the 20th century, and looked at the success of Jews on Broadway and why they were so successful. One quote I remember is 'You won't succeed on Broadway if you don't have any Jews'. I found this hugely interesting and educational. I was really sad when I had finished watching it, the programme could've continued for another hour and I wouldn't have been bored at all.

Secondly is The Sound of the Musicals on Channel 4 which is a 4 part series with the final episode on Tuesday (3rd December). It  is 'an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the cut-throat world of West End Musicals' each episode focus on a different topic for instance the last episode focused on 'Stars' and looked at 'Happy Days' which is a new musical which was looking for a star name to give it a better chance of success. 'Top Hat' (possibly my fave musical) and how they coped when they lost Tom Chambers when they changed cast after a year of the original cast. Finally 'The Body Guard' where their star from Broadway became unable to sing.  It was super interesting and just made me want to get into the West End more than ever!

Moving away from TV but still keeping with musicals. Are a few songs from Hair ... the first song I am loving is 'Aquarius' is such a tunnnneeee, then the song 'Hair' and finally 'Black Boys' because when studying it a school we found this particularly hilarious... some people more than others!!

That's all for this month :)

 

xxx

r a d i o s i l e n c e

Hello! Sorry for the lack of posts, im just having one of those times when everything seems to happen all at once, so to make up it up to you guys I'm gonna leave you a picture a David Tennant....



image from pinterest

 

Once my life is back in order I will have a mini 'Winter Survival' series, November Favourites and some Christmas Gift guides :)

Thanks for popping by!

 

xxx

Outfit of the Day 17.11.13

Hello! Just thought I'd share what I wore to work today, as I've been meaning to put this outfit up on the blog as I really like it.

what am I doing lol!?

Both dress and cropped jumper have been worn on the blog before. I especially like wearing my cropped jumper with dresses opposed to normal length jumpers, as most of my dresses are nipped in at the waist, and normal length totally ruins the shape of the dress and hides most of the dress plus I don't find that I am any cooler, which my mum was certain would happen hehe!

Thanks for popping by!

 

xxx

Velvet Leggings

Hello, nearly another week between posts oops... A few weeks ago I did a post called lusting after - velvet and I finally got me hands on a velvety item when my fabulous friend Hollie asked me if I wanted her velvet leggings I was not going to say no.

This hasn't come out in pictures as much as I like this outfit in real life which sucks a bit, but since my posts have been rather lacking, I thought I'd better put this post up anyway!! I like that the leggings are a slightly unusual colour compared to other velvet items out there at the moment, which makes them stand out! Surprisingly these are from Next, I say surprising because I generally associate Next with the working 30 something woman and I don't know if i'd expect her to wear velvet leggings, and cue end of ramble!

 

Thanks for popping by!

 

xxx

 

my tv picks november '13

Hello! I've been missing from the blogosphere for about a week and that is because after half term life exploded again, but I have found  a bit of time for some TV viewing and I thought I would share my two top contrasting programmes trust me they are pretty darn contrasting....

1. The Escape Artist
I started watching this because it was a new crime drama which wasn't so police focused and possibly because David Tennant is playing Will Burton the main character! It is very gristy and trust me it will leave you looking over your shoulder especially when its dark.

As whole its about morality, whether a Lawyer should represent someone who it's very likely is guilty of horrible crimes and how they can sleep at night knowing they could let a very dangerous person back out inot the world and the repercussions of their actions.  I'm going to leave you with some links to look  so you get a better idea! Firstly the show's little webpage here and an interview about it here.

2. Strictly Come Dancing
The run up to Christmas wouldn't be quite right with out our weekly dose of sequins and Bruce Forsyth (whether you love him or loathe him)! I don't think this year has an amazing selection of celebrities but as you get to 'know' them you begin to support them. And yes there's the awkwardness about the fact that Natalie's has trained in dance, but I guess they need to make sure by the end someone will actually be able to dance brilliantly!

I hope you enjoyed this post sorry it was delayed from my last one!

Is there anything you'd like to see on my blog?

 

Thanks for popping by!

 

xxx

Chocolate Fudgy Strawberry Cake

Hello! The other day I felt like making another cake, I really feel like i'm getting back into the baking swing woo :) I went back to my favourite type of baking CHOCOLATE not that my skin will thank me, but at the moment i'm about keeping my taste buds happy. I'm super pleased with how this came out getting good reviews from my fam and my friend Tess.... Onto the cake ey??

Ingredients
240g butter, diced
5 tbsp strawberry jam
75g cocoa powder
300g caster sugar
3 medium eggs
1 tsp kirsch, raspberry liqueur or vanilla extract
100g plain flour
pinch of salt

you will need a 20.5cm round springclip tin, greased and base lined


Instructions :) (I wish I had taken more pics as I went along but was totally engrossed :L)

1. put the oven at 180°C/350°F/ gas 4.

2. Put the butter and jam into a saucepan large enough to hold all the ingredients. Set over a low heat, melt gently and stir with a wooden spoon.

3. Once the butter has melted remove from the heat. Add cocoa and sugar to the pan and beat together until thoroughly combined.

4. Put the eggs and liqueur in a small bowl and mix together, to combine the ingredients.

5. Gradually add the egg mixture, beating well after each addition.

6. Sift in flour and salt, stir in until you have a thick smooth mixture with flecks of strawberry.

7. Put all the mixture into the tin, and spread evenly.

8. Bake for 15 mins then lower the temp to 160°/325°F/gas 3 and bake for a further 40 mins.

9. Remove from the tin and leave to cool... ideally for a day.

mine sunk in the middle soo I turned it upside down to make it look like it had an even rise hehe

 

10. Sprinkle with icing sugar!

 

Thanks for popping by!

 

xxxx