Halloween Fairy Cakes
31 October 2016
Last year I made halloween cupcakes with orange flavoured buttercream - they were terrible! So this year I decided to go a little more simple. I picked up a halloween cupcake kit from Asda; and when I say 'cupcake kit' I mean a box of cake cases and halloween characters on cocktail sticks. Super cute!
Ingredients:
3 Eggs
6oz Self Raising Flour
6oz Caster Sugar
6oz Butter
1 Bag of Chocolate Chips
Food Colouring
Icing Sugar
Food Colouring
Halloween Sprinkles
Method:
Turn the oven to gas mark 4 to heat up
Cream the butter and sugar together. Once this mixture is nice and creamy add the egg yolks - save the whites for later! Sieve in the flour bit by bit and add in the egg whites. Then, mix in the chocolate chips! Once the mixture is all mixed together split it into two and add purple food colouring to one half and green to the other (or whatever colours you choose). Add to the cake cases; half green and half purple.
Cook the cakes for 25 - 30 minutes or until done. Once done leave to cool and then comes the best part: decorating!
To decorate I used normal icing sugar. To make this you just add the icing sugar with water, I didn't measure any of this I just played it by ear. I made 3 bowls and then mixed food colouring into two. I swirled around the different colours onto the cakes and added sprinkles and the little people!
Honestly, I wont be on GBBO any time soon but these cakes are so easy and yummy!
My Everyday Make Up
23 October 2016
I often see posts about make up collections, showing off tons and tons of lipsticks, highlighters, and eyeshadow palettes! Only slightly jealous! Unlike those lucky few, I pretty much only have the make up that I wear day in and day out. Sure, a lot of it is high end, but it's all I have. So - this is basically a make up collection post!
THE FACE
Featuring a dog chewed Real Techniques brush - thanks Fergus
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - I thought I should feature a primer because everybody seems to love them. I don't. Firstly I tried Smashbox's primer but it made my skin SO dry I was like a snake shedding skin. Then I moved on to this. I don't really see a noticeable difference when I use or don't use it so it's a sort of if-I-remember thing. After two negative experiences with primers I'm not really overly looking to try any more.
Chanel Les Beiges - I moved onto this foundation after using a tester out of a magazine. It's long wearing and actually smells incredible. The coverage is medium so not terrible or amazing. I haven't really found a foundations that I love yet so when this runs out I'll probably move on to another.
MAC Studio Finish Concealer - I love this concealer - it provides such good coverage. I have very uneven skin so a good concealer is a MUST. The only downside is that I bought it online so the shade is a little lighter than I'd like.
Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder - I'm not really sure I should be featuring this since there's almost none left, I'm not even sure when I use it that it actually works. It's probably one of my favourite make up purchases ever - maybe because it's so colourful, maybe because it's Bobbi Brown, maybe because it's amazing! It's not too powdery like some, it gives a nice matte but glowing look.
Hourglass Mood Exposure / NARS Orgasm - I literally alternate between these two blushers. I use Nars when I'm feeling a little more out-there as it has a bit of sparkle, and I use hourglass when I want something a little more muted. They're both amazing!
MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Lightscapade and Otherearthly - The highlighters are both incredible. I originally had Soft & Gentle until it smashed, so for good precaution I bought 2 replacements. I mainly bought Otherearthly because it was limited edition and beautiful. It's incredible, the three colours come together beautifully and give a really nice shimmer. Lightscapade is a lot less shimmery so I tend to reach more for Otherearthly cause I can't resist the shimmer!
THE BROWS & EYES
NYX Eyebrow Pencil - I generally use this to draw the outline of my brows, it does what it says on the tin. As good as any other brow pencil!
Benefit Brow Zings Eyebrow Kit - When buying powder you get what you pay for! I tried using the L'Oreal kit for so long but everytime I picked it up it would smash a little more. Eventually I decided to get the benefit kit which was the best decision I ever made! I use shade 3 which is perfect - I mainly use the powder and don't use the tools because they're too small (unless you're a smurf).
Benefit Ready, Set, BROW! - Ok, this is AMAZING! It's basically clear gel that you use to keep brow hairs in place. It works so well and helps to keep your brows nice and tidy! Mine's teeny tiny because it was free out of a magazine but I will definitely be buying it!
here's the story of why I use 3 mascaras....
Maybelline Lash Sensational - I'd heard so many rave reviews about this mascara I knew I had to try it. But when I used it I was slightly disappointed because it's quite clumpy. Once you brush through, sure, your lashes look great; but the initial clumps kind of put me off.
Rimmel Wonder'Full - I decided to try something new because although the Maybelline mascara looks great eventually I was definitely put off by the clumps. So I was enticed in by this packaging and bought it. But it's TERRIBLE. Like the worst mascara I've ever used. There's nothing to it, it does nothing. I use it now as a sort of mascara base purely because I don't want to waste it.
Rimmel ScandalEyes - After my terrible experience with the Wonder'Full mascara I wanted to give Rimmel another chance. I didn't think it fair to judge on that one mascara when they have so many! It's a lot better than the other but not as good as Maybelline's. So I'm just as confused as when I started.
THE LIPS
MAC Viva Glam II - This is usually my go to daily lipstick. It's such a cute muted pink-beige colour. It's a nice soft colour, not too dark or light. And long lasting. I usually always wear matte lipsticks but I make an exception for this.
MAC Velvet Teddy - Everybody's favourite. It's a deep beige colour which is a great colour for year round and very everyday. Easily one of my favourites!
Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria - I'd been eyeing up Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks for a while because of the beautiful packaging. Even though this is one of my most used lip colours I was very disappointed with it. Considering its a matte colour it isn't very matte, and doesn't last as long as MAC lipsticks. But then would I buy another? Yes!
Kylie Cosmetics Koko K - When I finally got my hands on Kylie's Birthday Mini Mattes I was SO excited about Koko K and I wasn't disappointed. It's true matte, long lasting, and the cutest shade of pink. I'd definitely buy the full size version!
And there it is; my everyday make up!
Why You Should Read 'The Girl on the Train'
19 October 2016
Last year I bought The Girl on the Train after so many people were raving about it. And guess what? I didn't read it. I kept putting it off and off, but then the film came out and I decided that it was finally time to read it! Overall, it was a good read. The middle was a little.. nothing, but the beginning and end are so gripping that you keep reading to find out: what did happen to Megan??
Here are the main reasons you should read it:
It's Gripping
You'll have so many questions at the start, and they wont be answered until the very end! You basically have no choice to keep reading else you'll never know what happens. And that isn't an option; you wont be able to put it down!
You Feel Involved with the Characters
Because you read from a first person point of view of three different characters you get a deep insight into each one. You connect, empathise, and understand all of them: Rachel, Anna, and Megan. You feel so involved in what's happening that it's difficult to pick a favourite as you can relate with all of three.
The Characters are Raw
The characters are all extremely flawed and presented in a very raw way. They all experience their own issues touching on a lot of dark subjects; making for very interesting characters. Their experiences are that which a lot of people can relate to so it's easy to connect with them.
There's More to the Story
There are so many plot twists that you'll constantly be changing your opinion of each character. Initially you think it's just a 'who did it' thriller but there's so much more to it! Each chapter brings a new twist and turn; it's a real page turner.
I haven't seen the film yet but I definitely will. Although, I might give it some time as it will never be as good as the book.
I haven't seen the film yet but I definitely will. Although, I might give it some time as it will never be as good as the book.
The 10 Best Shows to Watch on Netflix
15 October 2016
Is there anybody now who DOESN'T have access to Netflix? Surely not! It's the easiest way to catch up on a lot of your favourite TV shows online. I'm obsessed! There are so many amazing shows out there and there are so many that I just end up binge watching!
So, here are my 10 favourite shows available on Netflix to catch up on:
American Horror Story
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Gilmore Girls
Gossip Girl
Grace & Frankie
House
Orange is the New Black
Orange is the New Black
Pretty Little Liars
Stranger Things
The Big Bang Theory
What are your favourite shows available on Netflix??
What are your favourite shows available on Netflix??
Today I decided to make Vanilla Cupcakes with Nutella Icing. I've been toying with this idea for ages and honestly the only thing that stopped me is the fact that I'm TERRIBLE at making buttercream. I don't really know what I do so wrong but it always goes wrong. Seeing ItsLittleLauren post so many amazing photos of cupcakes on Instragram makes me think, I can do this, how hard can it be? In hindsight, very.
I made the buttercream as I always do but added in Nutella. It went horribly - kind of like jelly. I'm also terrible at piping. But I'm confident that if somebody else made these they would not look or taste this bad!
Ingredients:
3 Eggs
6 oz Self Raising Flour
6 oz Caster Sugar
6 0z Butter or Margarine
Vanilla Essence
7oz Butter or Margarine
7oz Icing Sugar
Nutella
Method:
Turn the oven onto Gas Mark 4
Mix together the sugar and butter. Once this is nice and creamy separate the egg yolks and whites. Add the yolks to the mixture. Sieve the flour into the mixture along with the egg whites and fold together. Add around 1 dessert spoon of vanilla essence
Put the mixture into the cake cases and bake in the oven until done. This usually takes around 30 minutes but just keep checking.
Whilst the cakes are cooling make the buttercream mixture. Beat the butter until it's soft and then add the icing sugar. Mix together until you have a nice smooth mixture. Add the Nutella!! I added around 3 dessert spoons but you can add less/more as per your preference!
Once the cakes are cool you can then ice them!
AND THEN EAT!
Shadow Switch Dry Brush Cleaner
6 October 2016
Earlier this week I was lucky enough to be sent the Shadow Switch Dry Brush Cleaner* by Beauty Essentials UK. It's a quick and easy way to clean brushes so you can use different shadows without all the colours merging into one on the brush!
I'm not going to lie and say I'm an avid eyeshadow wearer - because I'm not. And it's not because I don't want to be but I don't have time to apply and continuously re-apply throughout the day. Especially as I have quite oily skin so the shadow would melt off within the first hour! But because I don't wear shadow often I have the problem that I have so few brushes that I tend to apply all colours with one brush (a sin - I know). I'm sure most people have this problem though, even if you have hundreds of brushes! You apply one colour then move onto the next but have no way of getting off the first colour! Well, Shadow Switch is PERFECT!! It's basically like a mesh that you rub the brush against to take the shadow off the brush. It's so simple but SO effective!
It's so easy to use and a real time saver; a LIFE saver! Obviously, you will have to clean this now and then but you can do this when you clean all your brushes with water or baby shampoo as usual.
They're actually changing their packaging to this awesome design:
It can also be used for other powder products - blush, highlighter; basically anything that isn't a liquid! It's a nifty little thing! It's one of those things that you've probably always thought you needed but never actually known if it even existed. Well it does and here it is!
Belle Paris!
5 October 2016
I've wanted to go to Paris FOREVER! I actually took GCSE French so that I could go on to annual trip to Paris. And guess what? We went to Normandy instead. Just my luck, right? That was in 2008 and it wasn't until 2016 that I finally got to go.
My time in Paris was mainly touristy. We visited The Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysée, The Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle. And, of course, Disneyland!! When we arrived at our hotel we could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Thinking it would be a 5 minute walk we headed in that direction. 30 minutes later we were still walking! When we finally got to it I was completely awestruck - it was a million times bigger than I ever imagined! It's incredible. By the time we got there we were starving so we headed around the corner to a little restaurant called Firmine. We ate delicious pasta and it was the perfect first day.
Day 2 was completely exhausting. We travelled from our hotel to The Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe to Sainte-Chapelle to Notre-Dame Cathedral to Champs-Élysée to The Eiffel Tower! It was amazing to see so many sights but also ruined by the fact that my feet were full of blisters! Tip: wear comfy shoes!
If you're planning on visiting Paris I would definitely recommend visiting Sainte-Chapelle. It's honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Outside it doesn't look like anything special but inside it's so magical. I'd recommend it over Notre-Dame for sure.
When eating out I think we chose the worst places possible. It was ridiculously expensive - £10 for a large coke? Crazy! Just don't eat whilst you're there. You'll lose some weight and save some money. Almost win win.
Overall, Paris is beautiful, and probably one of the best weekends ever.
October Wish List
2 October 2016
It's that time again! I'm not going to lie here - most (all) of my September Wish List still stands as I'm so poor I couldn't afford ANY of it! But that doesn't stop me making another for October!
Clockwise from top left:
Pink Table Lamp with Marble Base - It's pink, marble, AND copper. Blogger heaven. Girl heaven. HEAVEN! More of a NEED than a wish!
Jaden Lace Up Contrast Perspex Heel in Black Faux Suede - These are super cute! They come in 3 colours and I don't really know which I like best as they're all amazing!
Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande - I'm not usually one for celebrity perfume because I'm too busy lusting over Dior and Chanel. However, this smells SO good. And the bottle is SO cute!! Also, an absolute bargain!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit - LOOK AT THIS PALETTE! It's a shame it's a whopping £70 because it means it will probably be on my wish list for the rest of my life!
Jack Skellington Cookie Jar - Is this not the best cookie jar you've ever seen in your life?
Charlotte Tilbury Selma's Secret - This is such a pretty shade of pink. Probably not the best colour for autumn but honestly I'm not a fan of red/dark lip colours as I always feel like a clown!
Ted Baker "Karrine" Purse - I've never really been into the Ted Baker plastic-y look. But the dogs sell this!
Paperchase Set of 3 Stationary Jars - For a while now I've been telling myself I don't NEED copper stationary. What would I use it for? But it turns out I do NEED copper stationary. For, you know, reasons...
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition - Every Potter fan needs this! I obviously have the Philosopher's Stone and will be buying all 7 books! I'm SO excited for this to get delivered! (pre-ordered of course)
You wont find many girls in the beauty world who don't like MAC. Especially their lipsticks. Now, I'm not going to pretend like I have an extensive collection like a lot of girls out there, but I probably have a lot more than others! I only have 9 in total but 2 are the same (Velvet Teddy obviously).
I LOVE these lipsticks. They're my go-tos on an everyday basis. I've used Viva Glam II and Velvet Teddy so much there's barely anything left of them! The creamy formula applies so well and they're long lasting. I especially love the mattes, I've tried others and they're never quite as matte. Who wants a matte that isn't matte?
The price ranges from around £15 - £17 so they aren't cheap. However, they're SO MUCH better quality than drugstore lipsticks so they're worth spending a little extra on.
Above swatches from top to bottom:
Leading Lady Red
Evening Rendezvous
Mehr
Velvet Teddy
Pink Plaid
Viva Glam II
Only You
Royal Ball
My favourite shades are usually the pinky nudes but I get sucked in by the limited edition packaging! So I have a few colours that I rarely use! But pretttttty!
I'd definitely recommend MAC lipsticks if you're looking to splurge a little!
My favourite shades are usually the pinky nudes but I get sucked in by the limited edition packaging! So I have a few colours that I rarely use! But pretttttty!
I'd definitely recommend MAC lipsticks if you're looking to splurge a little!
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