Remedies

An anti climax for me this festive season... a massive flu. So as much as I'd love to share my Christmas and Birthday celebration outfits with you... they were just sweatpants and a hoodie with matching sofa. Even though we all know the only way to cure a cold is just to ride it out and get lots of rest. But when we've got so many people to see, things to do and food to eat. No body wants to miss out, so onto google to find the fastest remedy. Long behold as we knew it just bed and sleep. 

But just to help speed it up and ease your throat lemon and honey mix. There's no real recipe for this in my books, just a good 2 table spoons of quality honey. You can't go cheap when your trying to fix a cold, its not about the taste here but the natural antioxidants that you want. The lemon is antibacterial which clearly is a great benefit. So about half a lemon, dissolved in boiling water. If you don't like the taste just a little water and if your enjoying it add a bit more.

Until Next Time xo

This Came Around Quick!

Wow, how many times will you hear this tomorrow... this year flew by! It seems with every year that comes you become more and more busy and the days just roll by. What I've learnt this year? A very clever quote that I found just from Facebook so if you can slug through it here it is: 

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and enquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

Its beautiful isn't it? If you didn't read it and skipped straight to today's festive post, here it is. This is for those of you who were so busy and just completely forgot about the dessert. Or just fancied a bit more cooking/baking to pack into the day. The ingredients are simple things from around the house because well everything is closed!

If you've got a ready made filo or short pastry pack, well use that because it's Christmas! But otherwise:

• 125g plain flour
• pinch of salt
• 55g cubed butter
• 3 tbsp cold milk
• 12 small apples (2 for each tin)
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Preferred poison

Rub the butter, salt and flour together between your fingers and thumb to create a breadcrumb texture. Take a sip of your drink. Add milk, mix to form a dough, take a drink. Cool in the fridge for 15 minutes. Core apples with a knife to form flat edges, slice thinly. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Take a drink. Roll out dough and fit to tins after greasing. Prick the bottoms and bake for 15 minutes or until nearly golden. While they are cooking, mix apples with a bit of lemon juice, cinnamon and sugar to taste. Place the apple slices from smallest to largest from centre to outside respectively. Bake for further 5 minutes. Finish drink and be merry, done! Impressive yet it doesn't take much skill, its just time consuming. But while your waiting for that turkey why not?

I wish you all the best and a very Merry Christmas. 

Until Next Time xo

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

Converse Vs The Rain

I don't know about other countries, or where you reading from. But in the UK the roads are turning into rivers and it's starting to look a bit like Venice, without the suitable transport. Weather warnings are telling us to avoid leaving the house unless necessary for some areas and most trains have been cancelled. So my problem always is that I get soaked. I've been trying my different shoes to see which fairs the best. Pretty sad, but a good tip I thought? If you need a pair of shoes to wear while you go out and buy a pair of wellington boots, I suggest converse. My black leather boots were very waterproof but after a few hours they became really painful and my foot has been hurting for 3 days since. Somethings not right there. But any plimsolls you wear will just end in tears. So I tried my Converse and they were brilliant. Obviously I don't want to get them broken or dirty but that inch of white rubber at the bottom seems to protect you from everything. Amazing.

This is meant to be a field, not a lake.

The pictures don't really show how deep and heavy the rain has fallen, but its been bad!

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

Primark Nail Foil Review

Primark is usually known for quantity over quality. Admittedly there are some gorgeous garments that are pretty sturdy and will last you a while, but the majority is just a quick fix. So I was wondering about the beauty range and how well the varnish would fair against the other more established brands. Please excuse the poor photos!

These are definitely just a one day thing. Maybe if your going out or for a special occasion. The quality for £1 is excellent, but day 2 and they've chipped slightly. I would advise painting a faint colour underneath just so it doesn't give it away quite as easily. Also the application instructions are very confusing. Initially I thought the straight edges were meant to be closest to my cuticles, took a few attempts to realise that wasn't quite right! When filing and trimming the edges you need to be very careful not to pull away the whole design! Also these would last a lot longer if you paint a clear top coat.

What do you think? A perfect stocking filler if the price wasn't printed on the packaging, shame.

Until Next Time xo

Blogger Day Of Silence

Beet it... Super Juice Reivew

Feeling groggy today, I was looking for a smoothie to boost my immune system and help delay the inevitable flu that comes with this ice cold weather. This gorgeous bottle stood out on the shelf and at £2.99 I thought why not? I was worried that it would taste very chemically and just strange, but most of all I didn't think it would taste of Beetroot. 

Surprisingly it was the exact taste of a fresh, juicy beetroot. Slightly thick and you could taste the quality and sweetness just as if you were biting into one. Unfortunately for me it was almost too sweet as a drink, but I can see why this new juice is growing rapidly in the health market with lots of press coverage. If you haven't seen this locally you can order direct by clicking here.

I would recommend this juice if you like beetroot, organic food and sweet drinks. But for me it was just slightly too sweet. The most exciting part of this drink, bar the health aspects and big push about Nitric Oxide, is the small reminder on the back label, that yes this juice will turn your pee pee pink! For those who follow a strict gym and exercise routine, beet it also produce a beetroot shot drink to boost stamina! Such a great idea. Just looking at the cardio benefits of this I would probably shot a bottle before the gym. Have you ever tried this? What did you think?

Until Next Time xo

Sneak Preview Motel Exclusive

Just for you, we've teamed up with Motel to give you the sale a week in advance. You will get the full 50% discount code, which will be activated for the general public in 7 days. How amazing, get some gorgeous new clothes at half price just in time for the Christmas parties! 

With this code you'll also get Free Next Day UK Delivery. For those in the USA free delivery as always. Hurry before the sale kicks in. Use code 'XMASPREVIEW50' you will also need to use this secret link: Click Here 

Until Next Time xo

I can see my breath

Yesterday I woke up to all the fields covered in frost, and about an inch of snowy ice layered on top of the fence. It was such a picturesque setting. I thought it would soon defrost with the sun, but I was wrong. As beautiful as it was, it was chilling to the bone. It stayed, the afternoon came and went. It stayed. It was cold. Cold. Got colder. I'd love to take a visit to winter wonderland, get my skates on and get into the festive spirit. But I'm afraid to leave my house. 

Hot Chocolate vs Winter Wonderland Cardiff

There's a fairly simple solution to try and remove yourself from a snuggly blanket, cosy fire and indulgent hot chocolate. That's the gorgeous winter selection from Next. I was surprised at the value for such thick, warm material. 

Beanie £10/ Gloves £12.50

But as gorgeous as those ski mittens are next, I think I'm just going to give it a miss and stick with these guys. Oh yes, snuggly penguin slippers and funky pj bottoms. 

Flannel pants £24/ Boots £14

Until Next Time xo

Simplicity is Classy

As much as I love statement necklaces and bracelets and well statement everything, sometimes you just crave to feel dainty. Some timeless pieces that you'll always love are those that aren't seasonal trends and something simple. I just found a new business via ASOS market place an amazing jewellery line. Lily King. They scream dainty, gently and gorgeous. The items are quality and very good value with these necklaces at £12 each. Gorgeous little stocking fillers or a cute little gift? 

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

Banoffee Coma

Experimenting with one of my favourite desserts, banoffee pie. It seems the most successful cupcake recipes derive some classics stuffed into miniature cupcake form. So I thought, why not? It went down amazingly well apart from the toffee stuffing. I attempted the old condensed milk heated toffee, but it soon crystallised and the texture was a horrible sandy feeling. Bar this small problem they were delicious!

I had to show you a picture of the pipping since this was my first time using one and I've been addicted to buying all the nozzles ever since. For this particular frosting I used a nozzle similar to the Wilton 1M. I thought I'd got away with saving £4 by buying a different brand, but I later learnt that the Wilton's are more expensive as they're stronger. But I'll leave that decision up to you. 

Recipe:

• 225g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 110g butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 bananas (mashed up)
• 55ml milk, or buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 115g caster sugar

Cream the butter sugar and eggs. Then add mashed bananas, milk, sugar, salt, baking and bicarbonate. Slowly fold the flour before mixing well. Bake at 170 degrees for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. I used a simple butter cream recipe that you can find anywhere online.

You may want to use actual cupcake cups rather than like me muffin cups as they were so big and sweet it was overkill!

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

Quick and Delicious

After having one of those days where your just so busy you forget to eat or mainly just don't have the time? We got home and realised how hungry we were and couldn't wait for a take away or to even cook a big meal. So instead here is another fast recipe meal!

For the starter:

Using some ready made fish goujons (cheating I know!) put in the oven on 200 degrees for 15 mins.

Simply wash off some lettuce and stack roughly on a small plate. 

Chop some avocado, red pepper and dress with olive oil, salt, pepper and a wedge of lemon. To add a bit more flavour I sprinkled some oregano too, but its still delicious without.

Main:

Even more simply, fry the steaks in olive oil with a slight seasoning of salt and pepper with some garlic in a shallow pan.

Slice tomatoes in half and fry lightly with bacon. Grill chips in the oven alongside the goujons.

Garnish and serve. 

A very basic recipe, I think when your rushing you should have some quick and easy things in mind and in the freezer to avoid the fast food. I've fallen into that trap many times before! What do you think? Something you would try, I personally think it looks like a lot more effort than is actually needed. Which is also great.

Heres a great tip for testing your steak. Touch the tip of your thumb to the finger which stands for the wellness of your steak. Then touch your steak (remember its hot) and compare.
Until Next Time xo

Dear Readers...

... As many of you would have noticed my blogging had come to a complete stand still. Thank you all for coming and checking daily to see if there were any new posts. The only explanation I can offer you is one you would know yourselves, life being completely unpredictable has its ups and for that, has to have its downs. This was something that blogging among other things had to come second to. But the support from my friends, patience from my readers, PR contacts and companies I was in the middle of working with is so much appreciated. From today expect the usual random rants, strange fashion statements and some delicious/some disgusting recipes from my kitchen.

So, here we go with the first. A few weeks back I went with James' sister to a cupcake decorating class. The baker was a friend of the family so luckily we got in last minute. Since I'd been watching so many youtube tutorials I didn't think I would learn a lot. 

But I was wrong, cake toppers look so easy but actually they take a lot of skill. Depending on the design of course but it was lots of fun and I'd recommend it! All the tools you've always wanted to use were provided as well as some edible glitter spray which everyone was immediately addicted to. Those small flowers that you would usually purchase from the supermarket are very cheap to make but so fiddly as you want them to dry hard but that means they become so brittle!

How professional are these? We were very impressed and stuffed after a delicious tea and cake break. 

If your local and would like to try you can click here. The next class will be held on the 10th of December, for £30 you have 3 hours of decorating 12 cakes which you will take home. As well as the tea and cake break in between.

Until Next Time xo

Winter lips

Stupid me, I forget every single winter that the cold literally destroys my lips. But every year I let it happen no matter how many chap sticks I have in my draws I always forget to transfer them to my bag! What I've found over the years is that many chap sticks will dry out my lips more than they do moisturise. This is due to the petroleum, although it is very oily and thick when it dries it feels like its pulling the moisture out and beginning to crack. Does anyone else have this?

Those cute little tubs of vaseline that make you addicted is for me always because I have to keep reapply and so continuously buying the product. My lips become dependant on it instead of curing the dryness. I love savonnerie nutritive lip balm. (here)I love keeping it with me just because of the smell, but in this case is really does sooth my dry lips, finally! 

Keeping with my natural addiction, Savonnerie is 100% natural so I know there aren't any nasty chemicals drying out my lips. Plus I don't need to keep reapplying all day. If I've forgotten it one day my lips will survive. Although Vaseline is only £1 I'd rather pay £4.95 and have something that actually benefits me!  Have you tried Savonnerie, what are you favourites?

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