Over the Nail

Trend alert. Over the nail rings popped up on my radar about a month ago. They came and I thought they would soon go. But nope they are catching on. Big time. I've started seeing them on the high street and flooding into eBay and cheaper online outlets. They looked a bit deadly and pointed but here are a few more dainty ones. I'm still unsure, what do you think?

Happy Halloween!

Until next time xo

Shakes!

The amazing American milkshake joint in Guildford's busy town centre has closed down! They used to make the best, creamiest milkshakes using different commercial cookies, chocolates, candies and sweets. I only ever had one the kinder bueno and it was so amazing. Chocolate, hazelnut, white chocolate, ice-cream and milk. So indulgent but so good. It's a shame when you see big businesses being bought out by large chain companies, which there is one down the road from this establishment. Goodbye shakes!

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

Cookie Dough recipe

Everyone has become addicted since Americans have broadcast it all over their sitcoms and then trickled into Domino's and American style diners and of course Ben and Jerry's. Its delicious and really fattening but it does taste amazing. The only problem is after about 5 teaspoons, its so sweet and rich that you get a bit sick of it. So its probably best to make these as cake pops which I might try soon. I got this delicious recipe here.

Fairly cheap ingredients

My indulgent dough

Original recipe

Recipe:
200g butter
230g brown sugar, 
200g all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of milk
toppings

1. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth
2. Add vanilla extract and 2 spoons of milk
3. Mix in half the flour
4. Add all the flour and milk and mix well
5. Mix in all the toppings
6. Eat raw

This would probably taste amazing, stuffed into the middle of a cupcake. What do you think? You need to serve this straight away as if you keep it for too long, the butter melts and seeps out. blegh.
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

Barry M and Rimmel

After trying some Nail inc colours at the student lock in I was craving some new varnishes. But at £11 a bottle I can't justify buying Nail inc although you do get a more vibrant colour from some of the range. I picked up 3 Rimmel 60 seconds.

The grey colour I tried was gorgeous but the Rimmel version fails to live up to the standard. Although the bottle looked like a very similar colour and the quality is usually very good. After my nails dried the colour was disappointing and looked a rather dull and dirty shade of grey. 

The red was my favourite a very vibrant, popping and sexy red. It dries very quickly and only needed one coat for a gorgeous last minute touch. 

But the black which I thought was a sure thing, was not. It took 4 coats to get a nice bold, black colour. After the first two coats it looked like a liquidy eye liner effect. Bit strange but a few more coats and the colour is gothic and gorgeous. 

Aqua green (I really can't remember what this colour is actually called, so for now its aqua green? ha) is a very in demand colour this autumn, its been used everywhere. From blazers to shoes and now nails. This colour is gorgeous, it takes longer to dry than the others obviously but the result is gorgeous. It does need 2 coats but then most colours do. 

Zombie Cupcakes

I'd love to take credit for this monstrosity but I stole the idea from yoyomax12 from youtube click to watch. She's a baking mad mum who makes some amazing cupcakes which I'm obsessed with copying. Instead of using green icing for grass, I made a pandan cake instead. Which is an Asian cake using pandan leaf extract and coconut milk. It tastes amazing, which I thought was more interesting than just chocolate.

Ingredients:

120g unsalted butter

220g caster sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp pandan paste

250ml coconut milk

300g plain flour

Chocolate biscuits

Chewit sweets

Biscuits

Icing sugar

Jam

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170 deg C

2. Whisk butter and sugar until pale and light

3. Add egg one at a time until well mixed

4. In a small bowl mix the pandan paste with some coconut milk until dissolved 

5. Add the pandan mix to the butter mixture and mix well

6. Add the remaining coconut milk and flour alternating, careful not to curdle. Fold in

7. Fill cupcakes 3/4 way full

8. Cook for 25 minutes

9. Skewer the cakes, a clean stick is a cooked cake.

10. Watch video for decorating tutorial

These look so gross but they taste amazing! 

Until next time xo

*Myriad Vintage Giveaway Winner*

Thank you to everyone who entered and I hope you all head over to the etsy store and find some gorgeous vintage items that are rare and beautiful! If you didn't win this time there's always another giveaway around the corner! The winner of the giveaway is 

Congratulations!

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.

Dead Bling

I wish I could finish uni now, my degree in hand so I can buy and go where ever I please! But until then heres a wish list of things I want but can't have. For now. I love the new skulls, studs and spikes trend. And these fit in so well but I've never seen any like them until now. They're eerily gorgeous. What do you think?

The average around $90 each, which is probably why I haven't seen too many around university campus. But worth the investment if you have the cash flow, no? But they also offering 10% if you pin your top 5 favourites to pinterest!

Until next time xo

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

Cape Town

Theres Duffle, Leather, Tweed, Blazers and now cape. This autumn's must have. Nearly every high street you walk down or designer label has their own range. Personally the designer range is well out of my pockets reach, but heres how to do it on a budget. The gorgeous, girly float or the stand out, edgy cape. 

Asos

Love Clothing/ Next/ River Island

What do you prefer? I've always gone with high street, not sure whether its my pocket or my taste. But I think the cheaper versions have more edge and personality, where as some designer items are just trying to fit into a certain genre? But then again you get what you pay for in most cases, if you want quality and a product that will last.. its always going to cost a little more! 

Until next time xo

Winter Accessories

Its getting colder, swimwear is well in the back of the wardrobe and the wellies are out! It rains so much here in Wales that an umbrella is simply a winter must have. Well all year round accessory really. But styling it up can make the day seem just slightly less drab. How about a brogue umbrella? Very cute! I love bobble hats, great for bad hair days and also keeps you very warm. 

Alongside some gorgeous boots this season, leg warmers are a must. Not only are they so comforting and cosy. They look great jazzing up some plain boots or a simple jean-jumper outfit. I've seen some very on trend scarfs this autumn. Seems they aren't just a practical item anymore, there are so many with bright patterns, jewels and studs. There's so much on the high street to choose from ranging some simple thin layer ups in primark £3 - to thick, winter warmers from Zara £30. Whats your choice?

Dish of the day.

My 1st attempt.

Heres a dish I had at the Maenllwyd pub, it was delicious! I added in a few more veg than they served to get up my 5 a day haha. This is a relatively quick dish that I've made lots.

Cheesey sweet potato mash and chicken.

Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Cherry tomatos
Spinach
Garlic
Onion
Chorizo
Sweet potato
Butter
Philadelphia soft cheese
Green beans
Coriander
Milk

Method:
Marinade the chicken with a little salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of chopped onions and 1 teaspoons of diced garlic. Leave for at least 15 minutes.
Peel, chop and boil 2 sweet potatoes.
Fry the chicken in a little olive oil.
Prepare green beans by topping and tailing the ends. Simmer in boiling water.
Mash the potatoes completely before adding 2 tablespoons of milk. Mash again until all the milk is added. Then add in 2 tablespoons of soft cheese.
Using boiling water, pour over spinach to soften. Strain off the water add tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
Fry 3 slices of chorizo per dish.

Layer up all sections and serve!

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?

Student Lock In

Every year St. Davids 2 shopping centre holds a student lock in. Its supposed to be a chance for new students to get some cheap autumn wear, discounted food and free drinks where all stores had 20% off.  We saw through the plan, the students just got their loans and the shops wanted them to spend, spend and spend. Very well planned. The queue to get in was around 15 minutes and inside the noise from so many different dj's was unreal. The whole centre was jam packed, I couldn't even walk around H&M. The queue for the checkouts in nearly every store was about an hour long. Krispy Kreme were even offering 24 d'nuts for £10! So all in all, it was a nice evening out but definitely not a quality shopping trip. Disappointing as I had so much on the list, but I soon realised most stores had a 20% student discount anyway! 

H&M 

Love this grey colour, next beauty buy!
Emily modelling the new London range.

... We ditched shopping after finding out Nails inc. only had discounts on treatments and went for some cocktails instead! Peppermint have 2-4-1 on the most amazing cocktails ever. I tried a Thai Whisper and it was amazing. Lychee, coconut milk, vodka and I can't remember what else, but it was lovely! It was a fun girly night out, but not a shopping trip for sure! Have you been to any shopping events lately?

MyriadVintage Giveaway

I have found a gorgeous Vintage boutique on Etsy. MyriadVintage. Very understated and very vintage!  I got in touch with the owner and to say thank you to my readers heres a give away! Ashley was kind enough to give to one of you luckies a gorgeous colour block maxi skirt. I might even try to enter myself, hahaha. I managed to grab a few extra minutes with Ashley for a short interview, heres what I found out!

Me: How did you get into Vintage fashion?
Ashley: Growing up my mom always took me along on her thrifting trips. I would pick items to wear and would tweak the ones I didn't like by light sewing. Over the years I have found some cool pieces and decided to make a business of it. In my city, vintage wear is nearly equal to normal retail.

Me: I love changing things to my personal taste! Where do you find inspiration for your items?
Ashley: Honestly, I use my personal taste for guidance. I look for pops of color, bold prints and texture. Anything that stands out on the rack at a quick glance. If I have to dig too hard, it is not for me! Most of my items are 1980s - early 90's.

Me: Such an iconic era. Are there any fashion icons you follow for ideas?
Ashley: There are many greats of the era, with unique and bold style but, I try to make sure I don't put myself in a box. For example Madonna's edgy and sometimes quirky style, love it!! But my pieces may or may not reflect this.

Me: Madonna is definitely a walking fashion statement! What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Ashley: A quality article of clothing should not be damaged, stained, or worn beyond reasonable wear with consideration to the year. Essentially items should look as good as they did, when they were first made. Not all items are perfect, and for this reason I make not of imperfections on my listings. Not every customer is a perfectionist but, honesty and respect go a long way!!

Me: They do say honesty is always the best policy. What garments can we expect for A/W from MyriadVintage?
Ashley: I always go in search of certain categories of items, but tend to list as I find. I am looking to add more sequinned and beaded items, sweaters and blazers. Over the weekend some updates were made :)

Me: Can't wait to see you gems you'll find! How would you sum up MyriadVintage as a brand?
Ashley: All inclusive women's vintage clothing and accessories. One of a kind finds, that foster creativity and uniqueness. All things vintage!

If you can't wait for the end of the competition you can buy an item now, here. Don't forget they're all vintage - here today, gone tomorrow! *Update - use code MVINTAGE for 10% off*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

First Time Lips

Since I discovered mum's beauty box, I've always been slapping on some lip and doing something weird with the rest of the stuff I didn't know how to use. I always looked so weird but put her heels on with my tiny feet and walk around like a princess! Hahaha. Not sure why I've never had the confidence to wear any lip stick, but since I'm seeing it everywhere and with so many colours. It looks so bold but not garish. I decided to try one more time and see if I felt confident enough to leave the house. 

I love it! I watched a few youtubers give some tips and here's what I picked up.

I used Smashbox products for this look. The lipstick is Raspberry Kreme, applied all over. Then using an under eye brightener, highlighted the borders of my lips with the thin brush. A light layer of lip gloss 'fame' on top. Then  Gold Gossamer face and body powder on the peaks of my lower lip, this makes them more plump. Finally a dark eye shadow just under the pocket of my lip, again this makes your lips look bigger and fuller.

I think I've finally found a colour that suits me! What do you think? I might even go for red next!