Ciabatta Bread

After eating about 30 different cupcakes, my Auntie came out with 'You should make bread, everyone makes cupcakes. Make bread, I love bread!' So I thought, fuck it! I love bread too! Well maybe not that much, but a cold meat stuff sandwich is a pretty good damn lunch. Plus having so many people tell me about all the preservatives and chemicals they put in food these days, I'm trying to make more things myself and keep it simple. Fresh and REAL ingredients. This didn't quite pan out this time because I wanted to keep student budgets in mind and ease, so I picked up a mix from Lidl. But without this it would be roughly the same price, just flour and some dry active yeast!

Mother's Day Cupcakes

This post is slightly late in the making but you've still got time!! Mothers day is on Sunday if you have forgotten, but it's hard to with all these adverts everywhere! If you were thinking of getting your mum something from of the shelf... something she could probably predict, or useless cheap pamper box sets don't bother! This is much cheaper, more heart felt and delicious.. of course!

Top 5 bad beauty habits - Expired Make-up #4

This is something I'm sure no one thinks about. Make-up going off? Going mouldy. Starting to sweat? Yeah, some make-up just seems to last you forever? That one back up mascara that you've had in your drawer for ages, years, but it's actually teeming with bacteria that can destroy your vision! Scared yet?
Always check your make-up for expiration. If your saving and saving it and just don't want to waste it because it was just too expensive, maybe you should try out some cheaper brands? Find a nice fit for you that you know you could easily throw away if you didn't use in time. Or just use up your usual make-up and just grit your teeth and bin it if you should.

The cheat sheet bin list.
Mascara/ Eye liner: 3 months
Foundation: 1 year

Lipstick: 1 year

Cream Shadow: 12-18 months
Powders and shadows: 2 years
Make-up sponges: Replace weekly.

Until Next Time xo

Arc Vs DIY Erica

It's very bad to say, but my mac does get neglected. Not in use. I'm on it pretty much 24/7 unless I'm walking, otherwise I'm using it... Surprised it hasn't exploded yet! It's the same with all things you get, at first you don't let any dust touch it! Then you freak out the first time you drop it, then by the 10th time. Eh? It'll survive. But since I spent the majority of my loan on this last year, it's my baby and has all of my work on it. I wondered WTF am I doing?! So, I decided I needed somewhere safe to keep it. At £39.95 a pop, I thought... no. Just no way. I knew there had to be a cheaper way. 

Top 5 bad beauty habits - Reapplying Make-up #3

How many of you do this? Personally, I never have. Unless I'm having a massive and important day I probably never will. I only carry around an eyebrow pencil in my bag, just incase some rubs off and I'm left with half an eyebrow. I don't like reapplying simply because I put so much time into layering my make-up in the morning that just adding more on top would completely counteract all my work. But the science of it is simply just rubbing in the germs and grim from the day into your skin even more. Not only this but again with your brushes it just adds to the bacteria festering in them!

The effects? Reapplying will block your pores and can leave you with pimples and acne. So if your trying to hard to hide them, just be sensible and help yourself out. If you really need to reapply, bring make-up wipes in your bag and give yourself a quick wipe over first. 

Until Next Time xo

Top 5 bad beauty habits - Over exfoliation #2

We all know using a sea sponge and a bit of rock salt to remove dead skin leaves you with an amazing glow. But think about what your actually doing, pulling away skin from your face. If you do this too often your not only irritating and damaging the fresh new cells. But your also leaving your skin more vulnerable to the sun and whatever make-up products your using. 

In the winter you should be keeping it to a max of once a week. The summer twice, maybe up to three times. Whats your favourite way of exfoliating? Personally I love the smell and feeling from the natural sea sponge pads.

Until Next Time xo

Top 5 Bad Beauty Habits - The Dirty Secret Behind Your Brushes #1

Who knew the cause of most zit break outs (after puberty of course) could be your make-up brushes? When you buy your brushes your told to clean them but who ever does? Cleaning your brushes not only removes bacteria, but improves the finish of your make-up. It's how the companies intended them to be, fluffy, soft and light. Giving a glowing, air brushed finish.

Your make-up brushes collect cosmetic particles and dead skin cells. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, that are transferred from your face or air born. For those of you with acne, washing your make-up brushes will help a lot. Ideally you should be wearing as little foundation as possible, but if this is your confidence blanket, make sure your washing them every single night!

If you don't suffer from acne, you still should be washing them nightly. Obviously this can become tedious, but when your doing your facial skin routine just add this on as an extra and soon you won't even notice it.

I normally use the shampoo I'm currently using on my hair or more often Johnson's baby shampoo. It's gentle enough to protect the hairs, but strong enough to get out the dirt. Please keep in mind my foundation is very dark and that isn't just muck! Click if you'd like to read a tutorial with my red double headed Smashbox brush. If you'd like to know anything about my brushes just leave a comment.

Until Next Time xo

Ice Ice Baby

The UK is getting hit with a 'snow blizzard' today and the past few days leading up to it have been unpleasantly cold to say the least. (I write this from midnight, so we may have snow right now... we may have been lied to) It came out of no where and it's absolutely freezing. The pavements are slippery and the puddles have frozen over. I have so many plans, but the UK is terrible with snow, any amount and the country comes to a stand still. Unwanted snow - is any time of the year that is not Christmas. My Bulgarian friend laughs at our thought of 'snow'! But the news usually over exaggerates the weather... so we will see.

Surviving The January Sales

Well in reality if your a true bargain hunter, you'll be there with the rest, I mean thousands on boxing day morning. Queueing outside in the ice cold for a massive saving. But who hasn't got home and regretted buying nearly half of the items, some are broken and some don't even fit. Then wrapped up with New years ahead and eating the Christmas left overs we become too busy to return the junk. 

1. Get There Early

If you really want to get some serious bargains and hopefully something you wanted before Christmas but it didn't quite make it under the tree, you'll need to sacrifice those few extra hours in bed. Grab a coffee on the way there and you'll avoid some major traffic jams, parking troubles and get the first viewings for the sale. Of course you could always take the train but its undoubtedly going to be packed.

 2. Know What You Want

Before you end up like a kid in a candy store, running around aimlessly and showing each other some gorgeous clothes that you'll probably not end up getting. Be serious and go directly to what you want, then take a quick browse around before moving on to the next store.

3. Dress Correctly

If your willing to queue up for the fitting rooms then be sensible and wear some easily removable clothes! By this, I mean a simple jumper and jeans with cute pumps. You'll also be more comfortable if you wear layers, it'll get hot inside and quickly cold outside. Rather than strapped up boots, tights and a dress. Imagine taking this off and on and off and on all day, you'll probably end up with a ladder. My best advise is to try things on top of your outfit in the mirror or buy roughly and take them home to try. 

4. Take Cash

Although you will probably regret this as soon as you leave one shop and have £10 left and wish you brought just £20 more. If you know your budget before you go and don't allow any way for over spending you'll stick to it. 

5. Subliminal Shopping

Have you ever noticed how all the sales signs are in red and white? The stores do this to promote a warm Christmas memory, this drives you to buy more to keep that Christmas feeling going. Beware of this and think twice.

6. Shopping Is Like Drugs

When you find something that you can afford and you are rewarding yourself with this, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. The same that is released from taking heroine. (Wow this escalated quickly) But this is what gives you the addiction and push to buy more and more. The other problem is social, many people feel envious when their friends or family have stretched their money further than them! Be careful!

Remember you've probably spent a month's pay on gifts for loved ones, drinks, food and partying just a few days before. Take a snack with you if your going early and queuing up a flask of coffee too so you've got extra to spend just on sale items. Keep your bag and money close, don't flash your phone and have fun! If you missed my post about an over crowded student shopping lock in party, click here. I'd love to know what bargains you got this year in the comments!

Until Next Time xo

Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

One of the best moments of Christmas is seeing a child's face completely light up when they run under the tree and see the tower of boxes and over flowing stockings. Making this even more exciting is by using your own wrapping or adding extra decorations. Instead of the standard store bought prints how about these gorgeous recycled packages?

I  think the manuscript paper is the best, very classy and elegant. But I'm probably going to shove a few jumbo lego boxes under the tree too. Match boxes are a great idea to package small items, like jewellery or stocking fillers. 

Until Next Time xo

Heel Condoms, wait what?

I'm not sure how I got to this part of the internet but I was a little scared I'd see something like this.

But instead I found something amazing. I have so many pairs of shoes in my room, but every time I go shopping theres always a new pair I want. This is such an amazing solution, hopefully the exchange rate applies other wise I'll just buy a new pair of heels! Heel condoms are almost a personalising accessory so you can change the style of any of your favourite heels. 

So for me this means never having to wear in a new pair of heels ever again. Well thats in theory anyway. The average price is $40 for the newest additions and $25 for the rest. I'm also wondering how well they'd stay especially for those girls who party all night long? I guess this is an excuse for me to review them now? Theres always a excuse to shop. Which is your favourite? If you can't wait the postage time, check their website for your local stockist, they're pretty well represented. 

Until Next Time xo

Busted

Have you ever walked around the high street and found some gorgeous stuff, but its just way out of your price range. But you think hey, I'll treat myself. Walk next door and find the item you just bought for cheaper? Well in most cases these businesses import from large factories so you could find duplicates everywhere?! And I'm going to give away a secret to you. eBay. There are so many independent small shops and wholesalers online that offer these items at ridiculously cheap prices. 

I found this gorgeous antler bracelet when I had a 'stocking fillers' notification, I immediately put it into my basket and continued browsing before going to pay. Then I thought about it and realised how quickly I'd been sucked in by these constant emails and notifications to spend my money on impulse! Having a quick look on eBay within a few minutes I'd found loads more for half the price including shipping. The left picture is £10 and the right is £6. Great advice? 

Another example, clearly you can see a difference in quality with the extra beads and genuine silver. But as fashion jewellery that comes in and out of fashion very quickly, its perfect! I got this with free delivery, granted it took 20 days to come as it was direct from the supplier in China. But for £1 I'm not complaining. This was my best kept secret so be careful who you tell about this! Happy shopping.

Until Next Time xo

The Embellished Nail

I've seen this type of manicure spam all over my pinterest, at £30+ a manicure I thought.. no frigging way. DIY. So this is one of my favourites and I just took some crafting gems you can get from any craft store as they're cheaper than beautician gems. They work the same you'll always need a top coat to secure it though. Teamed the pearl bubbles with my Barry M  varnish. 

What do you think? I love it! Can't stop stroking them, its so bobbly and weird. Probably should stop before they fall off... but they're soo soft! Urmm, anyway hope you try it out! Its really simple you just place them randomly or I've seen some following the cuticle or even little cross designs!

Until next time xo

All Greek To Me

So a quick pop into Cardiff town centre and a short wonder around the arcades.. I come across this little gem! Loving all things Greek how could I just walk past? No way. Stepping inside I felt like I was in Greece, the decor is so simple but so effective. The cobbled style floor just like paved stones and blue touches immediately reminded me of photos from Santorini. The smell of Greek olives in the air and friendly chit chat. I know this is a place my boyfriend would love and can't wait to take him! 

I couldn't quite get the shop keeps names with all the food chat but they are such lovely women. Immediately showing her Greek custom she offered me some food to try, which I could not turn down. Completely 100% fat free choco bites. They're made with olive oil instead of butter which tastes amazing (not at all savoury as I initially thought) selling at 5 for £1, bargain on the go snack.

Fat-free chocolate bites

Everything is made by the owners from scratch and you can taste it in the quality of the food.  The cheese pie was amazing too. Although All Greek To Me just opened yesterday I know they'll be around for a while, if your in Cardiff definitely pop in and say hi. They're very friendly and the food will speak for itself.

Delicious Greek pie

Situated in the classic Cardiff arcades, nearest the castle ( I really can't remember the arcade name! If you know where I'm talking about please comment and correct me haha)   'High Street Arcade'

What do you think, gorgeous and quaint or what?!

Until Next time xo

*Update - this lovely lady is called Leda. I still love this shop and pop by every week. 

Ferrero Rocher Cupcakes

I stumbled upon a lovely food blog and found an amazing ferrero rocher recipe. How could I not make these? They looked amazing with the gold wrapping and hazel nut topping. I couldn't find any of the gold cases and being my impatient self could not wait to look around and find them. So a quick pop to ASDA after university and picked up a few key ingredients... Nutella. Bloody delicious chocolate spread as I couldn't find any hazelnut syrup. They are relatively easy to make, the only complicated part if you are new to baking is the ganache. These are extremely indulgent but worth the calories, they are freaking delicious! My new favourite version of cookies and milk.

Original Recipe

Recipe:
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
110g milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
150g Nutella
200g Butter
7 tablespoons dark brown sugar
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
240g all purpose flour
100g hazelnuts
1 bar of bakers chocolate
50ml double cream

Cake mix, mmm.

1. Melt cocoa powder and nutella with hot water in bowl
2. Cream the butter and sugar 
3. Add eggs and vanilla
4. Add chocolate mix and flour into butter mixture until all folded in
5. Fold in milk
6. Add half the ground hazelnuts
Bake at 170 degrees for 15 minutes or until skewer comes out clean
7. After the cakes have cooled, use a teaspoon to hollow out the cake
8. Spoon in Nutella and replace cake top
Break the bakers chocolate into a bowl. Boil the cream and pour over the chocolate until melted and shiny.
9. Pour gently over cupcakes 
10. Sprinkle nuts to decorate

I hate to brag, but these are amazing. 

Tip - Practising new recipes in a cheap case saves a lot of money!

Until next time xo

Named and Shamed - Topshop

As much as I love the fashion forward ways of Topshop, the amazing shoes and fitted jeans. I hate the standard of the jewellery. The design is great and generally unique they are completely overpriced for the quality. An item you'd expect to last you at least 2 years since you paid around £15 for (triple the price in Primark) the quality is of the same standard. Every item of jewellery I've ever bought from Topshop has broken within the first 3 weeks. This isn't because I'm throwing it on the floor and doing a work out in them, they just never make the grade.

The final straw was today when I nipped into the sale and bought a gorgeous T I'd been eyeing up for a while. I found a huge range of cuff earrings which I am addicted to and purchased a dainty Aztec gem one for £2.50. Yes it was only £2.50 but they were selling this full priced not long ago so the fact it broke when I took it out of the packaging? Wheres the explanation.... 

The feathered one managed to be removed from the packaging without breaking, but I'm scared to wear it out of the house. Has anyone had a similar experience? Or am I just very heavy handed?

I'm going back tomorrow to see what they can do. I will let you know!

Until Next Time xo

Fuggs

I'm not sure about the rest of the world but for the UK, autumn means UGGS. As much as I used to be a fan and couldn't wait to splash all my savings on a pair (£120!!) the cheaper version are just a no go. Please don't do it. It looks horrible and screams fake. They've even now been labelled 'Fuggs' (fake uggs) Theres so many types of shoes and shoes you can get for cheap that look great. If you really really need a pair than just save up that cash over summer.

I'm not a n UGGS fan anymore, but it must be said that they are the comfiest shoe I've ever worn.

I hope I haven't offended anyone, but I just don't think a broken shoe is a good look.

Aztec In Autumn

I don't know about you, but for me layering clothes is really difficult. I can never seem to get warm enough without looking like the Michelin man! In a lot of magazines recently, layering up summer dresses is a new trend. It looks very girly but very cosy and warm too. Take 1 summer dress, Add 1 pair of leggings and 1 scarf. If needed also add gloves and leg warmers. Take 1 pair of boots and go. I took some prints to add some interest leopard and aztec, never thought they'd go together but I like it.

 What do you think? Too much or just right? No jewellery today, to tone it down! Another big statement for Autumn, well this whole year, Aztec and now Aztec boots. They are literally everywhere. I've seen them on other blogs, adverts, high street, designer, celebrities. Usually for a hefty sum too, but mine were just £25! Bargain and I love them. The heel has a large base which makes walking so comfy instead of punishing my toes.

Don't forget to enter my vintage giveaway ending soon just click here, good luck! xo

Cat Eye Flick

I love having a cat eye. Since September every morning, I add on a flick. It really emphasises my eye, makes it look bigger and adds character. So many people find it very difficult to get the perfect flick, mostly because the idea in their head and the image they're following are completely different. 

I was watching Dragons Den and was introduced to this amazing idea! Flick tips is a new company that sell adhesive flicks you add to the end of your liquid liner. You can reuse them and they stay on all day and night. (Unfortunately she didn't get an investment) Well Dragons I love the flick tip.

I prefer the sheen of eyeliner and how it moves with the skin, but I can't wait to try these. Has anyone used anything similar?

Simple Salmon

Really quick easy dinner. 

You'll need some veg, salmon and stuffing mix.

Boil any harder veg like potatoes and carrots until slightly soft. While doing this slightly stir-fry any veg, add hot water to a small amount of stuffing mix. Then put them all onto a baking tray and under the grill, with a sprinkle of chicken stock cube. While the veg and stuffing are browning add the salmon into a hot, oiled pan. Season with a little salt and pepper.

What do you think? Takes 15 minutes, it's simple, healthy and delicious.