Wednesday, 31 December 2014

Get Ready Tips For A Party


Hi guys,  Today is New Years Eve. Lets get the party started. I wanted to come up with some tips for relaxing and getting ready for a big night out, I put together a list of my favourite things to do to get in the party mood. Sometimes there is nothing better than pampering yourself and taking your time with your hair an makeup. I hope this post help you take some time to yourself and really get your night started well.


  1. Start With A Treatment - The best way to start they day is have a professional treatment not only will the be some nice time to relax it is also it one less thing you have to do yourself. I would usually get my nails done or if I don't have much time an eyebrow tidy.
  2. Wash Your Hair First - I always start my my process by getting in the shower and washing my hair I use any simple natural shampoo with UV protection and I mix the matching conditioner with my Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, my personal preference is the luscious long one and leave this in my hair throughout the next few steps and in the bath. I start running my bath at this point
  3. Apply A Face Mask - My best tip for using a face mask before a night out is only use ones you've tried before there is nothing worse than an allergic reaction or a breakout. Why not treat yourself to one of the Glam Glow selections as they are natural and can be used for longer periods of time. I like the blue one for extra hydration. As previous keep this on in the bath *.
  4. Gel Eye Patches - I love to use these for a special occasion they help to reduce puffiness, fine lines and refreshes your eye area with a cooling feeling. Again keep this on in the bath.
  5. Make A Drink - As your bath is just about ready make something refreshing to drink in the tub whatever you choose I recommend making it look special.
  6. Have A Bath - By now your bath should be full so its time to add your favourite bath bomb. I love the Golden Wonder by Lush as it leaves your skin lovely and soft with hints of shimmer for that Victoria's secret healthy glow. 
  7. Play Some Music - Once your out of the bath and you have rinsed the conditioner out of your hair put on some music that you can sing along to.
  8. Hair - I always start by blow drying my hair as it takes such a long time with it being long. My favourite way to wear my hair at the moment is using my new BaByliss Hot Rollers. I would put these in now and do my makeup whilst there cooling. 
  9. Makeup - When doing your makeup for a big night take your time. I recommend starting with your foundation moving onto eyes then tiding any fallout with concealer. This best way to keep your makeup looking flawless is too blend and sandwich layers of product this will also help to keep your look lasting all night.
  10. Hair - Now your makeup is all finished style your hair and add any additional products you use to keep your hair in place.
  11. Finally - Finish with a spritz of your best perfume mine is the Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber.
* Please follow manufactures instructions.

Tuesday, 30 December 2014

New Years Eve Beauty

Hi Guys, Today I was looking through my makeup collection and found some beautiful pink glitter eyeshadow it inspired me to create a glamorous and sparkly makeup look for New Years Eve. I also combined this with some New Year nail designs. I hope you like what I have come up with and if any of you re-create this look please tag me on Instagram. xx


For nails I wanted something fun and glittery to match my makeup look.  I decided on a firework design on one of my nails as an accent. I made the design out of little dot of gold, white, black and glitter dots forming a circlular pattern to act as the 0 in 2015. The base for the other nails is a Ted Baker gold glitter over a shimmery cream varnish and the lettering was painted with a tiny brush in the same dark burgundy colour as the accent nail. I love this nail design so much I had to remove it just so I can re paint it again on New Years Eve.



The make up look I chose to compliment the the lovely glitter was a dramatic cut crease eye look, flushed pink cheeks and pink ombré lips to match. The key parts to creating this look is to keep the cut crease defined and smokey and the liner very thin to show the most of the pink and gold glitter. I also find that the look is best with lots of contoring espically if you'll be taking pictures on the night. 

Monday, 29 December 2014

New Years Eve Outfits

Hi Guys, First of all Im so sorry for this post being late I thought I had scheduled this for 10am but it turns out I never hit save(silly me ). The New Years countdown is near which means we have the perfect chance to get the most sparkly and glamours outfits out. For me New years eve symbolises last the day of who you were that year so let loose and enjoy being you as tomorrow you have the chance to start fresh and be anyone you want to be. Its time to let your hair down and go wild. xx


Look 1 - Seasonal and Stylish.
This first look is fashion forward by mixing the houndstooth print with a classic combination of red and black accessories. The colours keep the look festive with a winter touch perfect for night out with friends. The cut on the neckline of the dress allows the midi length bodycon fit to very sexy but comfortable. I choose this leather clutch because it a timeless piece plus it adds that touch of luxury to the outfit. To tie the look together I went with items that follow a trend of simple dainty elements e.g. the straps on the dress and minimal heel and the delicate bracelet.


Look 2 - Classy Chic.
My next outfit I wanted something sophisticated and chic that could be worn somewhere like an up market bar. I went with these tailored trousers with a shimmery embroidered pattern that finish just above the ankle to show of the beautiful colour of the Zara shoes I chose. I added a simple navy shirt that has a jewelled neckline and some matching earring to pull everything together and keep with the colour theme. I love this look as all of the pieces can worn separately for a complete change of style.


Look 3 - Sexy with Sparkle.
For this look I really wanted the stunning beaded dress to do all the talking with its sheer panelling and intricate detail it's a piece that is perfect for any kind of party. I matched the dress with simple rose toned accessories to bring out the colour of the dress even more. My tip for styling a statement dress is to keep your accessories should be kept delicate and minimal, not only will this look good it will also keep the costs down as a beaded dress like this one can be pricey.

Look 4 - Glamorous and Golden.
My final look would be great for bringing in the new year at a bar/club night. I went for this cute sweetheart jumpsuit with faltering pleat details for a light easy to dance in piece, I paired with a beautiful jewelled statement necklace and complimenting earrings and a chunky golden belt. I finished the look of with a pair of scrappy gold heel for a festive feel although I think it would look great with a pair of mint green or navy ones as well.

Look 1.

Look 2.

Look 3.

Look 4.


Saturday, 27 December 2014

Top Tips For Shopping The Sales.


Hi guys, How was your boxing day? Did you brave any sales yet? 
My day was quite relaxed I usually spend my boxing day visiting family or having lunch out but this year was a little different, we were so tired from all the christmas festivities yesterday that we couldn't help but have a well needed lie in.

Once we were up my other half put the boxing day match whilst I looked through the gifts I received and planned if I wanted to make any treats with the presents I got. I decided to make were homemade diary gluten free chocolates,  a lovely pumpkin spiced latte and finally I attempted to make a chocolate mint ice cream(still waiting to see the results). We spent the rest of the evening catching up on TV programmes, playing with our adorable kittens whilst typing this blog post. 

So without further adieu. xx
  1. Look beforehand - Go on line and check what the stores you like have on offer, make a list of any items you know you want and anything you would like to look at. This way you know where you'll be going and if its worth the risking the busy stores.
  2. Plan your shop - Now you've got your list together ask yourself will a department store have all your items? are all the stores in the same mall? which items do I want the most? Once know all these things plan your day make sure you go the stores you go and get all the items you want first, you can always go back to browse afterwards.
  3. Pick your time - Think about how long you want to be out A few hours?,  30 Minutes? or the full day? This will help with the time of day you go if you want to be quick try to leave your shopping until the last few hours of the day as it will be much quieter.
  4. Bring minimal items - This will make all the difference to how you feel at the end of your shop try to bring a small bag as you will be less likely to fill it with stuff that you don't need. I would suggest if you need to wear a coat make it a light easy to fold one so that you can pop it in a carrier bag if you get to warm. Wear some quick to put on like a dress for if you need to try on anything it will help cut down the time your spending in the changing rooms.
  5. Ask - Don't be afraid to ask the sales assistants questions. the first thing I ask when entering a store is can I return sales items if so I skip trying on clothes and I won't think about the purchase as much, I can always return it later. If there is something you really want can they order it in for you? Is it available in any where else? or simply Do you have any more in the back? you never know they might just be able to find you one.
  6. Wear comfortable footwear - This is such a easy one to forget but it makes all the difference. I always go for something flat, waterproof with no laces it makes it easier for you to stay on your feet for long periods of time and to race for that perfect product.
  7. Finally Don't get flustered, Have fun. Relax shopping is supposed to be enjoyable, take your time and think about all the lovely new things your getting plus the money you'll be saving.
I hope this post helps with making your sales trip a little bit easier and pleasant. Tomorrows post will be a New years eve styling post to help you getting into the party an I will shortly being do a post on the recipes above in a blog post in a few days too.

Friday, 26 December 2014

My Christmas


Hi Guys, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. This Christmas day was my first Christmas that I have lived in my own place with my other half so we woke nice and early excited to have a nice coffee made by our Christmas present from my parents a Nespresso machine and eager to unwrap some of our presents to each other before heading out. My lovely boyfriend got me some great presents including an ice cream maker, some baking tools and books and some led scented candles.

Once we unwrapped our gifts and fed the cats we headed to my parents house where I spent the day, of course as tradition in my family I stayed in my PJ's to gift the presents to the rest of my family. My sister was feeling much better today (its a Christmas miracle) it was nice to be able to spend time together as a full family. My grandma joined us around mid day just in time for some more gift sharing and the Christmas dinner to be served.

My sister got me some amazing gifts this year a beautiful Nars Christmas palette plus some hot rollers. My family also continued the theme with some baking accessories, jewellery and some lovely smelly items.

We always play a few games on Christmas day this year we got the family fortunes board game, and some riddles. our day was filled with laughter and fun our Christmas dinner was delicious. we ended the night by watching some Christmas movies and lounging on the sofa. I love Christmas and spending time with my loved ones so for my the day was just perfect :). xx

Thursday, 25 December 2014

It's Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas day with lots of fun, laughter and love. Today I will be spending the morning with my wonderful other half Josh then continuing on to follow tradition and spending the rest my day at my parents house with Mom, Dad, Sister Holly and Grandma and a few visiting relatives. I truly can't wait to give out all the gift I have collected I love seeing the responses when they open their gifts.


As my day will be dedicated to my family I have scheduled this post in advance to share some photos from my Christmas Eve including my outfits, hair and makeup. Again I hope you all enjoy your days Seasons Greetings xx

Unusual Christmas Tree, I like it.

Mom and Dad at breakfast.

Nice Sparkly Champagne Nails.

Outfit of the day.

Soft Glittery smokey eye.
 My Christmas eve started off with trip to our local snow slope to check out there giant Christmas Tree and snowy grotto for me there is nothing better to get me in the holiday more than being surrounded by snow. As it is a family tradition to have breakfast as family every Christmas Eve we sat down and enjoyed some American style pancakes with bacon and a latte, we also had a quick browse in the snow shops to scope out a some items my next snow boarding trip that will hopefully be dropping in price once the sales start. We then parted ways to finish our last minute preparations for today before we met back up for an evening meal at Chiquitos.

The outfit I choose was from my Festive Fashion post yesterday I just switched the shoes out for a more comfortable option due to my feet being sore from all the shopping I've done lately. I added a black fur shawl and my favourite rings to complete the look.

The makeup look had to be simple and quick as I was running a little late for meeting back up with my parents so I opted for a soft golden smokey eye, peachy cheeks and natural lips not to forget lots of glitter. I blended a shimmery light gold pigment into a dark glittery grey cream shadow mixing in little warm brown for smooth lines and blend. I added a flick of liner a peachy blush from sleek and finally a soft pink shade from Ted Baker and I was good to go.

I had  lovely time spending Christmas with my loved ones the only thing that would have made it perfect would have been to have my younger sister to have been well enough to join us.




Wednesday, 24 December 2014

Festive Fashion

Hi guys, Today I though I would share with you some of my favourite outfits for the Christmas festivities over the next few days I will be wearing these outfits out to a nice evening meal, Christmas with my family plus meeting a few friends and family for a catch up. I wanted to include a mixture of casual and dressy looks with a range of different budget friendly options, as always I sneakily added in few luxury details ;). I hope you get some inspiration from my styling and I would love to see your outfit choices too. Merry Christmas xx
Look 1 - This first look is my favourite of the post as it is fashion forward yet very comfortable at the same time. The dress is the perfect floral print for the winter and the fabric is light weight and floaty matching this simple dress with the wine hat gives the look a boho feel. A pair of high boots are a must for me for winter as there waterproof and warm match with a snugly scarf your simplest coat and to complete the look a simple black bag I went for this one from Mulberry as I love the gold detail and the size lets me fit all my essentials in day or night. I think this will be my choice for Christmas day. 

Hat - http://www.selectfashion.co.uk/accessories/s040-3004-59_wine.html
Baghttp://www.mulberry.com/shop/lily/lily-black-glossy-goat-with-soft-gold
Look 2 - This second look I'll be wearing for a Christmas eve meal later tonight I wanted to feel fancy and festive as well as comfortable as I plan to eating quite a bit. The velvet top is slightly sheer so I matched it with my go to leather look leggings and my favourite studded heels for an edgy look. I finally finished the outfit by pairing it with a classic gold watch and a statement necklace I also choose a white coat for the walk there. This look would go perfect with the festive party makeup I posted on the 22nd. 

Clutch - http://www.shucrazy.co.uk/w55-womens-ladies-oversized-envelope-clasp-gold-studded-party-evening-clutch-bag-40512-p.asp
Necklacehttp://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_37484+MDNW036997_-1

Look 3  - This outfit I recently wore to a birthday meal it was the perfect choice as I knew we wouldn't be walking far to the restaurant and it was nice and warm inside the knitted co-ord looked sophisticated and figure hugging plus had the bonus of being made of super soft fabric. I teamed my co-ord with easy to wear boots in black to help me look taller a Chanel watch for a touch of glam and finally a statement necklace ( I would have preferred something red toned) and a contrasting red lip.

Necklace -http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_37484+MDNW036997_-1
Boots - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_052010306060?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=7677335&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=7677335&ds_e_ad_type=pla&gclid=Cj0KEQiAwuSkBRC7qKq8rr7796sBEiQA5VnSuNqNT6kXV0IVBvY78ms73DAONR28yULPUeql6U_90cMaArk48P8HAQ
Co-ord -http://www.missselfridge.com/en/msuk/product/clothing-299047/co-ordinates-2833113/mini-check-co-ord-top-3212778?bi=1&ps=40http://www.missselfridge.com/en/msuk/product/clothing-299047/co-ordinates-2833113/mini-check-pencil-skirt-3210793?bi=1&ps=40
Look 4 - My last look is super casual and season appropriate I recently wore this to work on Christmas Jumper Monday. This day I wanted to look extra Christmassy so I pulled out my best holiday jumper, a relaxed skirt and my new bag (I wore a DKNY one with my outfit) which happened to be the same wine colour as the skirt I chose, I then topped the outfit off with my black leather boots, thick tights a fluffy coat and a  bobble hat. This look is great for the winter as you can mix and match all the pieces with different items or colours already in you wardrobe and still feel put together.

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

Christmas Cooking

Hi Guys,  Lately I've been feeling under the weather and something that always helps me feel a little better is baking something delicious as a sneaky treat. I thought I would share some of my quick and easy Christmas Drink recipes and some sweet snacks to match.  I have started with the easiest ones and worked my way down to my most advanced recipe (this one takes a little preparation time). I hope you  all enjoy the recipes and any recreations I would love to see them so catch me on Instagram my link is to the side. Happy Baking  xx

Apple and Cinnamon Crisps - 5 minutes.
  • Apples (as many as you like).
  • Ground cinnamon.
  • Brown Sugar.
  • An oven for grilling.
  1. Step one take you apples (my preference are the red ones as they are sweeter in taste) you will need to slice these as finely as you can and place them on a backing tray.
  2. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle of the apple slices.
  3. Place the baking tray under the grill allowing the apples to heat up once they start to curl slightly your crisps are ready. 
I think these are great on there own but for an extra treat try dipping them in toffee sauce.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate - 2 Servings. 7 minutes.
Mmmm.

  • 2 Cups of Milk ( I use lactofree semi skimmed as I am lactose intolerant).
  • 8 teaspoons of Hot Chocolate mix/1/2 bar of baking chocolate.
  • 1/4 to 1/2 of Peppermint syrup.
  • Marshmallows.
  • Whipped Cream (I skipped this one).
  • A Candy Cane for decoration.

  1. Using a sauce pan gently heat the milk on a low heat.
  2. Add the hot chocolate mix or baking chocolate and peppermint syrup stir the mixture until all chocolate has melted or dissolved.
  3. Once the milk mixture is hot remove from the stove and pour into your favourite mug.
  4. Top your hot chocolate with the whipped cream and marshmallows and place the candy cane in as a stirrer.
A great alternative if you don't want to purchase peppermint syrup would be to purchase the options mint hot chocolate it doesn't taste as rich but your still get that sweet peppermint flavour. This is so tasty for hot quick it takes to make and is great for a cosy evening watching your favourite Christmas movie any guesses for which one that will be? 

Chai Latte - 2 Servings. 7 minutes.
My favourite drink.
  • 2 Cups of Milk (again mine was lactofree).
  • 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Ginger.
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of all spice.
  • 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar.
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or Syrup.
  • 1 shot of Espresso or 2/3 Teaspoons of Instant Coffee.


  1. Add the milk, cinnamon, ginger, all spice, brown sugar and vanilla into a saucepan and heat on a medium heat until warm.
  2. Add the coffee into a glass of choice and once the mixture is heated pour onto of the coffee this will give your coffee that ombre effect mine does if an espresso shot is used. If you used an instant coffee make sure you stir the mixture well until all coffee is dissolved.
  3. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg for that extra Christmassy touch.

This drink smells amazing and will all of the natural ingredients included it is said that these drinks can help prevent cold and flu, maintain blood circulation, improves absorption of nutrients and even can be used to cure morning sickness (less the milk).

Sugar Cookies- Approx 36. 1hr 30 minutes.

  • 3 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Powder.
  • 1 Cup of Butter (128g).
  • 1 Cup of Sugar.
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt.
  • 2 Eggs.
  • 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract.
  • 1/2 Icing sugar
  • Water
  • Peppermint Extract (optional).
  1. Add the butter, sugar and salt into a bowl and mix for 3 minutes. Once mixed add the eggs and vanilla.
  2. Before adding the powder and flour make sure to sieve them. Then mix for another 2 minutes until a dough is formed.
  3. Half the dough and flatten place into the fridge to chill for 1hour.
  4. After chilling roll out the dough onto a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and cut out any shapes. I went for the festive Christmas as I though these would be the best to decorate. Place the cookies onto a greased baking tray and place back in the fridge for a further chilling.
  5. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees whilst the cookies chill. the chilling process is there so that the butter does not melt and is kept even distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Once your oven has heated place the cookies on the top and bottom shelves and bake for around 15 minutes until golden (you may have to cook them in two separate sessions).
  7. Transfer the cookies onto a wire rack and allow to cool for atlas 5 minutes before adding icing.
  8. I went for a simple icing this time. Mix the icing sugar and water until desired consistency is met, add any flavouring at this point.
  9. Place into a piping bag or decorate as desired. 
 These cookies tasted great dipped into my peppermint hot chocolate for brunch time snack. Hopefully my decorating skills will improve by the next time I make these.



Monday, 22 December 2014

Festive Party Look

My go to look for Christmas.
Hi guys, today I wanted to share my go to hair and makeup look for the holiday season. I recently wore this look to a winter wedding party it lasted all through the night without any touch ups needed and with the little extra glitter gave my simple black dress a glamorous feel. I've included a step by step guide to how I achieved my look including the products I used and some pictures from night. I hope you enjoy the look and if you want to recreate it please tag my Instagram with your photos. xx 


  • Foundation - I started with my foundation I used Mac Face + Body with a mac 187 Duo Fibre Brush all over my face.
  • Eyebrows - I then moved onto my eye area I always like to create the basic shape of my eyebrows at the start using my L'Oreal brow artist in blond and quickly setting them in place with Benefit gimme brow in medium/deep. 
  • Eyes - I started with primer I chose Urban Decay primer potion in Champagne for shimmery base, I started then by using Mac cork as a transition colour in the crease.I then went over the top with a Mac loose pigment in Naked over the eyelid area and the colour ME 280 by Shu Uemura in the outer half of the eyelid and finally through the outer v and the crease and a little under the eye I mixed Mac Embark with Shu Uemura ME 885.
  • Eyeliner - I decided on a feline flick to help elongate my eyes I used Seventeen Liquid eyeliner in black.
  • Mascara - As I can never find a mascara I like I'm constantly trying new ones I went with The Body Shop one (I wouldn't recommend it's very clumpy).
  • Concealer - Today I wanted a subtle Highlight I used Mac studio cover in a v shape under my eyes. I then set all my face makeup with Mac Studio Fix powder for this as Mac face + Body was a little dewy and I wanted a matte finish.
  • Cheeks - I applied the bronzing powder by Mua in Shade 2 in a 3-shape around my face and a little down the sides of my nose. The brush i used was a Real Techniques setting brush. For blush and highlight I went with my favourite Chanel Tweed Blush.
  • Lips - As I was going to be eating at the event I wanted something that would long lasting that made a statement I created a ombre lip using Lime Crime The velvetines in Red Velvet in the centre and YSL- 206 on the edges. I loved this look the best way to get a regular lipstick to last is by applying it with a small lip brush blotting and re-applying several times to sandwich the colour.
  • Last Step - A spritz of Mac Fix +





Friday, 19 December 2014

Christmas Movie Booster

Hi Guys, I love the holiday season so any spare time I have to put on a Christmas movie I jump at the chance today I put together a list of some of my favourite movies to get me into the Christmas mood. With less than a week to go I think I’ll be spending my weekend wrapping my last few presents, Relaxing and watching as many as I can, with a hot chocolate of course ;). I hope this will inspire you guys to sit back, relax and put on something that makes you feel like a kid again. These are the movies I can never be bored of, Happy Holidays xx


  • The Grinch who stole Christmas ( my personal fav. )
  • ELF
  • Polar Express
  • Arthur Christmas
  • The ultimate Christmas Present
  • Home Alone (all of them of course )
  • Bad Santa
  • Christmas with the Kranks
  • Miracle of 34th St
  • A Christmas Carole
  • Gremlins
  • The Snowman

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Holiday Nail Idea's

Today I wanted to put together a few simple and easy Nail Designs for the festive season, perfect for a Christmas party or everyday in the lead up to Christmas. Most of my inspiration has come from gift wrap colours and textures plus a few Pinterest shots. I hope that you guys enjoy the designs I came up with and I'm sorry if it looks a little messy around the edges I went in and cleaned that up before I went out. The most important part to these designs is to be creative and have fun xx


A snapshot of the nail designs together.

Christmas Tree -  Barry M-Navy as a base, Primark
White Nail Pen and Barry M Gelly - Blood orange
for the dots on the tree, Elf- Rose Gold topped with TB-
glitter gold for the star, Topcoat of Barry M all in one. 



Golden Ombre - Camina 719 as a base followed by
ELF- rose gold, Elf- Golden goddess,
TB- gold glitter and finally H&M- Extravaganza.

Glitter Bauble -Primark white base, H&M Extravaganza
, Bauble decal Ebay.( this one was my least favourite)

Glitter Overload - Lots of layers of TB- Gold Glitter

Santa's Sweater - Barry M Gelly- Blood Orange base,
 Primark black and white pen diamonds included.



This is how I wore my festive nails.






Last Minute Gift Guide.




As Christmas is fast approaching us I decided to put together a last minute gift guide with a few idea’s for presents you can get quickly in time for your loved ones. Good Luck xx

For Women

For Men 


Gift Sets 

Kids
All of these items are available in store or next day delivery. Check Christmas timescales on web page for before Christmas delivery.