Wednesday 21 December 2016

Christmas Science Afternoon tea @ The Ampersand Hotel

So its Christmas time, and its the one time of the year that eating all kinds of unhealthy food and stuffing your face is socially acceptable in all ways. This means one thing and one thing only, especially for a afternoon tea junkie like myself, its time to hit the best themed tea in town. After having seen a friend of mine already try and test this particular afternoon tea, i knew it had to be done. Myself and my Friend Mayumi, booked ourselves a table at the Christmas science afternoon tea at the Ampersand hotel. Normally its just Science themed however this festive time of year means they put on a special Christmas menu. For starters its important to mention how beautiful this hotel is. Its located right next to the South Kensington station, so its super easy to get too. The hotel was decorated with lots of lights and cute Christmas decorations, and when having afternoon tea, you are seated in the Drawing rooms, which has gorgeous decor, A good thing to note is that we booked during the week via, Afternoontea.co.uk which meant we received a glass of Moet on the house. Already things were on the up. After already consuming lots of bubbles we were given a choice of tea. I went for the classic Ampersand Breakfast tea, while May went for the Peppermint tea, both were enjoyed immensely. Stupidly i hadn't eaten that day, so by the time the food turned up i was ravenous, but it really was so scrummy. We were given a three tiered plate stacked full of food. The first tier was savoury followed by a plate of scones, and then a further plate of sweet treats. Not only did it taste amazing, it looked amazing too, and once the waiter had poured the white ice into the the little plate at the top, we had a plate of smoking science goodness. 



* The gorgeous tea station*

We tucked into the first plate which consisted of Smoked salmon blinis, Crayfish and asparagus on toasted bread, Goats cheese and pumpkin quiche and finally a roast beef bagel with horse radish (which really did have a spicy kick). After demolishing it all, me and may were both decided that our favourite were the blinis and crayfish, they were miniature sized so perfect little mouthfuls but so so flavoursome and delicious. 



Next we tucked into our plate full of scones, we had two each, so it was quite a mountain to get through, we ended up only having one each. I went for the plain one, and may had the cranberry and white chocolate selection. Not only were they both still warm, but both super delicious and not dry in the slightest. 




Last but not least we had the sweet tier to get through and this really was a mixture of all sorts. I was already quite full at this point, so i tried to get through as much as possible, but didn't manage to try it all. The plate consisted of a Christmas tree biscuit, Vanilla mousse with cranberry baubles, Spiced apple juice in test tubes, Salted caramel and chocolate tree brownies, and mini Christmas cakes with snowflake toppers. WOW right!! I didn't make it to the end as Christmas fruit cake isn't a favourite of mine anyway, however the show stopper for me on this plate was the salted caramel brownie, it was so yummy, rich and full of flavour. Neither of us were that sure on the mousse, it was quite an odd texture and the added cranberry's just weren't my cup of tea, but all in all what a scrummy little plate of goodness. 


* May fully respecting the tiny test tube of apple goodness *

Its safe to say we were so stuffed at this point we could barely speak, we were however given a little box of Christmas fossils hidden under a blanket of white chocolate snow. May had lots of fun with this, if shes reading she will know what i'm talking about haha! But it was a nice added extra to fit in further with the science theme. We both agreed that the savoury plate was by far our favourite. Every option was gorgeous in its own way in textures and flavours. I'd safely say i would love to return in the new year to do the classic science tea, which I've heard involves Rocket ships and dinosaurs, *squeals in delight*

I hope you have enjoyed this little insight to our Christmas science themed tea, its still available till the 27th of December, however it will be back to the classic tea after that which I've heard is just as good. Head on over to there website and check it out here. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 



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Friday 16 December 2016

Lets party, Christmas Edition - Part 2

So today i'm back with another party style post, whether you need a last minute idea for inspiration to a Christmas party, or your already thinking forward to new years eve, i'm here to help. In my last post i showed you a classic 'Amy' look. For this however i wanted to show you something a little bit different. A bit fairy tale, or self portrait inspired, with bundles of lace and a bit of a flare to the skirt. This little lace dress is from Missguided, which i was shocked to find, as the dress itself is really good quality. The zip was a little stiff to begin with but with a helping hand i soon got myself all zipped up. This dress made me feel a little bit like a Christmas fairy with a sparkly wand, but i kinda liked it. Hence why the backdrop for this shoot had to involve my current love in my life, my Christmas tree.




When it comes to accessories i wanted to keep it subtle and keep with the neutral tones of the dress. That is why i chose an old favourite for my heels. My topshop nude patent heels, i have worn these to death but my oh my have they served me well. Surprisingly comfy too. This dress would also look lovely with a pair of over the knee boots, for a slightly more dressed down look. I am still on the hunt for a pair that fit my little short legs without looking silly. We need somewhere to create petite boots for us little people. 



Little life Update

So the last week or two have been a crazy whirlwind of crazy basically. I had all these plans at the beginning of the month to blog every other day of the month, but life as usual has just got in the way. Its Christmas time and for people like me that work in retail it means basically living at work. I love it and how busy it gets but it leaves little time to much else over the festive period. I have also been under the weather with the horrible cold that has been going around, so that wasn't much fun either. However every cloud has a silver lining and this week has ended on a real high after getting some great news on Tuesday. I will delve into that more another time, but for now just know i will be back posting as much as possible and i'm finally on the mend. I hope this month is as good for you as its turning out to be for me. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 
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Sunday 11 December 2016

Lets Party, Christmas Edition - Part 1

Yes thats right, its the most magical time of the year, which can mean only one thing and that's getting dressed up, wearing all things sparkly and cracking out that red lipstick that only gets the love this time of year. So i thought ;d show you how i would do a Christmas party or night out, this year. Unfortunately i dont have many plans to get all dressed up this winter so it gave me a little excuse to have fun with it too. For my first look i went for a classic going out 'Amy' look, with quite a tight fitting midi dress, but this time with a twist. I normally always go for a dress with this fit, as sometimes dresses that flare or flounce or flow, can make me look like a little child fairy, instead of a woman on a mission haha! However i was a little more daring with my next look which will be going live very soon. Anyway back to the outfit and the main star of the show in this look, and thats the dress. This little Gem is from the Topshop petite section, which means it fits like a glove and isn't too long for my very short legs. Its a gorgeous navy velvet and lace combination that just shouts elegance. If you haven't already go and check out my velvet Blog post here. It just fits in all the right places and feels like great quality. Even better, it has a small slit up the back, so its really easy to move in and feels very comfortable to wear. No awkward limping up the stairs situation coming your way in this baby!



* Velvet Dress - Topshop, (similar) Shoes - Newlook, Bag- Rebecca Minkoff *

For shoes, i thought i would go all in with the velvet trend, with this grey velvet stilettos. I love Pointed stilettos. They are my favourite kind of heel and already i have quite a collection in my wardrobe. I personally am not a fan of having cold toes, so sandals, this time of year are a no go for me, and the pointed finish to the shoes, always does a good job of elongating my legs, and making me look a lot more sophisticated then i actually am. These bad boys, were a right little find in my local new look, at £11.49!! I mean what a bargain, bit of an odd number but hey i definitely wasn't complaining. I will be getting my money's worth with these one's thats for sure. 



For accessories, i wanted to keep it simple and let the dress do that talking, however i couldn't not wear my new little Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac, to finish it all off. This bag was my only Black Friday bargain, down from £170 to £45!? Shamazing deal that i couldn't pass up. I like the metal detailing on the bag and it just gives it a little edge to the outfit. 

As i said at the beginning no Christmas outfit is complete without a pop of red lipstick. I went for the classic Rimmel 107, which never lets me down. I completely love this outfit and if i had a Christmas party booked it would be my go too look. what do you think? what are you guys wearing to your party's this Christmas? 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 



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Wednesday 7 December 2016

The Christmas tag, And Our first Christmas tree

So originally this post was meant to be all about our first Christmas tree, and a small decoration haul. However i thought i would mix it up a little bit and make it a bit more interesting for you guys by doing the christmas tag. Perfect if you are little nosey like me, or just love to talk Christmas. So lets get right into it shall we.




1. What is your favourite Christmas tradition? A lot of our family Christmas traditions have come and gone over the years, especially with age and getting older. However my favourite has to be, every Christmas eve evening, all gathering round the Christmas tree and picking a small present from under the tree to open early. Our mum most likely picked the presents she wanted us to open, and more often then not, there would be a theme. It was always something cute and fun, just to get us super excited for Christmas morning. I remember once me and my brother both getting Christmas pj's for Christmas eve, so that we were suited and booted for Christmas in the morning.

2. Where do you spend Christmas? I have always spent Christmas at home, or at my mum's. This year is no different even though i don't live at home anymore. It tends to be me, my brother, mum and anyone else who wants to join throughout the day. But i think its very important to spend Christmas day with your loved ones, no matter who or where they are. Plus i couldn't spend it without my little cat Fred, animals always make Christmas even more extra special.

3. What is your favourite Christmas song? Without a doubt it has to be 'All i want for Christmas' by Mariah Carey. Either that or the entire Christmas Michael Buble CD which i could easily listen to on repeat for hours.

4. Tinsel or Garland? Neither. When it comes to decorations, i am all about the lights and the baubles. I honestly hate tinsel and just think it looks cheap and nasty. My mum has definitely made me a Christmas decoration snob over the years *laughs* so i like them too look classy or cute.


5. Who are you most excited to see this Christmas? Fred. As i mentioned before i don't live at home anymore and i miss my little cat on a daily basis. Living in an apartment, means it just isn't ideal for pets, so any time spent with my little freddie is precious.

6. Do you own any Christmas jumpers? yes i do. I own one Christmas jumper from Asos a couple of years ago, and its super cute. Its quite subtle for a Christmas jumper, with little reindeer's on it. Keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram for it (amyrowleyy), as i'm sure it will be on there soon.

7. What is the one Christmas food you cannot live without? This really is a hard one, as the food around this time of year is one of the best parts to Christmas. I think i will go with the classic tin of Quality street that without, It just wouldn't be Christmas. In particular the pink country fudge and gold toffee penny which are my absolute faves!



8. Peppermint or Gingerbread? Gingerbread. but only because of the scent. I don't actually like the taste of gingerbread, but when it comes to building a Gingerbread House i am the first to volunteer. I am also obsessed with the Gingerbread Zoella handcream, called hungry hands. It makes me want to eat my hands, its so yummy.

9. What have you asked for this Christmas? A camera. I really want to improve my photo quality on my blog and maybe even make videos eventually, so a camera is the only thing I want this christmas. Fingers crossed.

10. If you could be any christmas movie character, who would you be? oooooh this is a difficult one. I think i would choose to be the little girl in the polar express. I think i would make the best animated character, and they just get to go on such a magical adventure that i know i would enjoy.

So there you have it. My mini Christmas tag and a little insight into my Christmas time each year. Hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading my lovelies x

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Monday 5 December 2016

The Velvet Trend 5 picks - Head to Toe


So let me just start by saying these bad boy's were hard to pick. To pick only 5 items from the mountain of velvet that is on the high street was so hard but i think i have found some real gem's and i absolutely love them all. So if you haven't guessed already i decided to do a very similar post to my leopard print Head to Toe post linked here. It seemed to go down really well and the more i thought about it, what perfect time to talk velvet, then the festive season. Velvet is so huge this season, its hard not to love it, the shades of velvet are beautiful and there are so many ways of incorporating velvet into your wardrobe and outfits. So let me show you five ways to wear the Velvet trend. 

1. Choker - Accessorize - So the first item is the ideal way  to wear velvet if your not too sure on the trend, but like to keep up to date, and like me, love your accessories. The return of the choker has been huge this year and is still going strong. There are tons of velvet chokers, thin, thick, sparkly, on the market at the moment. This is one i have in particular and have worn to death over the last couple of months. Its really simple with a single pearl pendant attached but it is so versatile. I like wearing it with black with my work outfits or wearing it with thick cozy jumpers for that contrast in textures. You really can't go wrong with this one and its such an easy way to wear a trend this winter.
2. Dress - Topshop - Next up is the dress from the brand Rare which is sold on Topshop. Isn't it gorgeous!? The perfect Burgundy red shade for Christmas and perfect for that Christmas party or night out. This would also be a great piece for a winter wedding so useful for many occasions and something you could keep in your wardrobe for years to come. The bardot trend is still going strong, and its a trend i love. Sexy but covered is my go to look, and having your decolletage on show is much more appealing then having your boobs out (in my opinion.) Pair this with a pair of black pointed courts and black satin bag for a real contrast in materials and you are good to go.



3. Skirt - Missguided - Now this Skirt really caught my eye and for good reason too. First off it is super cheap. Second its a great colour and third the drop hem skirt is a beautiful style and fit. You could wear this day or night and rock it both ways no problem. For the evening a lace trim cami and some heeled sandals will look gorgeous. To keep it more casual in the day a simple white shirt tucked in and some over the knee black boots will make a killer outfit and perfect for strolling around the city, immersed in all the Christmas lights. You could even wear this on christmas day with a cozy jumper for that super festive look. Endless outfits and very little dollar is always a winner in my books.






4. Boots - Zara - Now these have to be my favourite out of all the velvet picks in this post. I literally love them. Everything about them screams fashion, style and elegance. I love that they are a little bit different with the exposed zip and tie up detail. There are so many trends going on in one little boot its hard not to squeal with delight. The colour is the perfect shade of blue navy, that they will still look great with black jeans, but also all the other Christmas colours, red, green, metallic's. I would style these little beautys with an all black outfit. A black satin shirt, some black skinny jeans and a pop of red lipstick and you are ready for your date night or drinks with the girls. 



5. Watch - Cluse - Now last but not least is one for the real velvet lover and also a great Christmas gift this year and that is this velvet strapped watch from Cluse. Now if you haven't seen my gift guide already i will link it here, but i featured one of the Cluse watches in that too. They are such a good price point and there really is something for everyone in there range. This blue velvet watch is just one from there velvet collection and i just think its a perfect statement accessory. Whats better if the velvet is just a phase your going through at the time the Cluse straps are the easiest to mix and match with super easy interchangeable straps. what more could you want!



So that is my five velvet picks, what do you think? I love them all and am really getting into the velvet trend this year, so go make a little velvet purchase this Christmas and put a smile on your face. Hope you enjoyed this post, there will be more from me this week as I am trying to blog every other day in December, my take on the 12 days of Christmas. Please be sure to go over to my Instagram @amyrowleyy and to follow me on bloglovin for more updates.

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 
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Saturday 3 December 2016

Lydia Elise Millen, Monica Vinader and going to events on your own!

When I saw that there was a meet up at a Monica vinader store, with Lydia Elise millen as the star of the show, I knew I had to go. My favourite blogger and jewellery brand in one, what more could I ask for. At first I was really apprehensive to go on my own. First off I get nervous and awkward at the best of times and also what would I say, how would I start a conversation with anyone let alone Lydia!! However after tweeting about this and getting a fast response from Lydia herself I decided what have I really got to loose, and as I wasn't at work this day what excuse did I have?! None. So on Thursday evening I headed to London to see what it would be like. It's the first meet up I had ever been too so I really wasn't sure what to expect or how it was going to work. But when I got there I realised , no one else was either. Everyone was in the same boat and it made it a lot easier then expected. I started speaking to a lovely couple of girls and we all expressed our nerves but excitement too.



Let's start off by saying the Monica Vinader store is beautiful! It was there flagship store on duke or York square and it didn't disappoint. All the staff were lovely and we were given a glass of bubbly which definitely helped those nerves a little. We all seemed to naturally form a que and after waiting for a little while, myself and another lady Maria who had buddied up, finally got to meet and speak to Lydia and also her partner Allie. They were both honestly the nicest people, so down to earth and humble and she looked just as incredible as she does on social media! (I know I'm fangirling a bit, but hey we all have our inspirations)  we talked for a while about her YouTube channel, lumi her cat and random conversations about Allie and their boiler too . Haha yes that's right, it really was like talking to a good friend.


After having our conversation, we were then allowed to browse the store and the lovely jewellery , and kindly treated to 20% off, if we wished to make a purchase. I very reluctantly behaved myself and just mentally put everything I saw on my wish list! However the signature bangles really caught my eye, so I feel a purchase maybe made sooner rather then later.


I really just wanted to make this blogpost to tell you that is definitely okay to go to these events like these on your own. 6 months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of it but starting my blog has given me a lot more confidence and makes me think why not, much more often, which is good. Don't worry about what everyone else will think, do what makes you happy and explore your hobbies like any other person would!

Hope you enjoyed this little post from me, I'm blogging every other day leading up to Christmas so be sure to follow me on bloglovin and instagram (@amyrowleyy) for lots more festive fun and fashion!

Thanks for reading my lovelies! Xx
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Thursday 1 December 2016

November Round Up and catch up

Wow November flew past didn't it!? Not that i am complaining because it just means it closer to Christmas, which means my Christmas tree will be going up in no time! However we are not here to talk Christmas..just yet...instead i'm here to talk about November and all of the things that have been going on this month. 

To be honest i have been so busy with work this month. Working in retail from November onwards means only one thing, and thats later nights and busier days. But its fun, i enjoy being in a fast paced environment and enjoy being busy. That does mean however that i have really struggled to fit my blogging in and mainly getting outfit shots done. They are my favourite kind of blog post to put together for you guys, but i always need a helping hand with them, and someone that is good with a camera. Those nice angles, and good poses do not come naturally i tell you!! But hopefully i will be able to get some together very soon in time for the festive season. 
This month, i had my hair revamped again. I went a lot shorter and a lot blonder and i absolutely love it. I was quite taken a back at first as the blonde was so much different but now I'm used to it, i'm so glad i did it. My friend said to me 'i think you were actually born to be blonde' and hey i dont disagree with that one. What do you guys think?!



In terms of products i have been loving, i haven't really mixed things up that much this month. However two products from Mac have made my makeup this month and im so happy i have them in my makeup bag. The first is a lipstick from the Christmas gift collection and its called 'Magic spell'. Its a beautiful dark pinky nude and my perfect shade. It comes in a gift set with a lip liner and lip gloss too, and its a great present for Christmas. I was kindly given this by a great friend as a thank you gift, so as you can imagine i was a very happy bunny. The other MAC item is an eye shadow that i wore last week and i am not kidding i had about 5 compliments on it. It is the shade 'Star violet' and its a deep metallic purple pink shade. Its gorgeous and if you have green eyes like me, its a great colour to make them pop!



*Eyeshadow in Star violet and Lipstick in Magic Spell *

Another Materialistic item I've been loving this month is my new phone! I was due an upgrade and so decided  to treat myself to the Iphone 7 plus, and i absolutely love it. For me, my phone is my laptop, camera, and iPad all in one so its important to me that its right. The battery on this bad boy is insane and the camera is my other favourite feature. For a phone camera its amazing and i would definitely recommend this phone if like me, its your life. 


* My Iphone 7 Plus featuring a favourite blogger at the moment. Check her Instagram out @lisa.autumn *

Last but not least, as i think i have rambled on enough, i wanted to talk to you about something really personal to me and that's driving. You might be thinking, what are you on about, but learning to drive has been the bain of my life since i turned 17. It's something i have struggled with non stop, and have dreaded too. Its not that i can't do it or i don't understand it. But my anxiety when it comes to driving is sky high. I am a complete anxious wreck, its quite laughable really. However i decided to start again this month, and i also decided to try automatic. I was dreading it for days and it was keeping me up at night, but by the end of my first lesson last thursday, i felt a huge weight had been lifted from my chest. I found it so much easier, there was less to freak out about and to panic with, and i realised i really can do it, and im gooing to make sure i make it my mission to pass in 2017. I just wanted to tell you, if you find driving hard, or find anything difficult, you can do it. And there is always a way to make it work, its just finding the way for you personally. 

So on that positive note, i'm gonna leave this long ramble right there. I'm hoping to create some great content on my blog for you over Christmas and have some great ideas, so keep your eyes peeled for that and let's make it a great month, 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x
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Sunday 27 November 2016

Under £20 Christmas Gift Guide



Happy Sunday my lovelies, this is my third and final Gift guide of the series, and its a £20 and under gift guide. Perfect for stocking fillers, presents for friends, or that awkward secret Santa situation when you the get the one person you know the least about. So anyway sit back and relax with a cuppa while i talk you through the selection of gifts. What's even better is more then half of these will be discounted this weekend, with the crazy black Friday deals so what better time to make a little purchase. 


Under £20 Christmas Gift Guide


1. Lightbox - This is a great present for the blogger or blog loving friend of yours. Perfect for the Instagram life *laughs* and just a fun bit of decor for your room too. You can get exactly the same one from Asos, but Robert Dyas has it on sale for just £14.99. Bargain!

2. Penguin Socks £4.50- I dont know one girl that doesn't like cute Christmassy socks, hence why this is the perfect stocking filler, or even just to bump up a present when you haven't spent the right amount on someone. They keep your feet cosy and warm and look super cute at the same time. 

3. Colouring book £6.99 - I got one of these last Christmas and i loved it. Its the perfect way for someone to wind down after the Christmas hustle and bustle. Its also just a bit of fun and you can get some beautiful pictures as well, there are some lovely books around so you can tailor it to the individual your buying for. 

4. Starbucks Coffee cup £16.95 - what better present for someone you dont know that well, but you know absolutely loves there coffee and hot drinks. I mean come on who dosent love a coffee or a cuppa!? This one in particular is a gorgeous rose gold colour, but if that isn't to your taste there are plenty to choose from.

5. Topshop lipstick £8.00- Topshop lipsticks are lovely, they are really affordable but great textures, and gorgeous colours. This lovely red/orange colour would be perfect for the Christmas period and if you know someone that loves bright colours this is the one. 

6. Pixi skincare set £20 - Pixi skincare is really really nice, i have tried a couple of there bits and haven't been dissapointed. This little set contains their famous Pixi glow tonic, so if your know someone who love's there skincare or has been dying to try some Pixi products this is a great little starter kit. 

7. Fox slippers £14 - These little fox slippers from next are just adorable and already on my Christmas wishlist. I just think they are cute, fluffy and so autumnal. Even better they remind me of the John Lewis Christmas advert, which is just so lovely and funny this year!

8. Rose Gold Earphones £14 - For anyone who loves Rose Gold, this is a great little present this year. Perfect if you know they are on the go, using trains or buses a lot. If you have to use public transport at least look the part while doing so hey! Everyone needs a pair of earphones so this really is one of those presents where you can't go wrong. 

9. Zoella Beauty Spa in a jar £10 - This little gift is really nice for anyone that needs that little bit of TLC. It has some beautifully scented body treats in there, and it's also perfect if they go away a lot as they are travel friendly sizes. Not to mention if they are a fan of Zoella you really will be on to a winner!

10. Oliver Bonas Gold letters £10 - These little Gold letters are a perfect personal touch to any living room, bedroom, or office. If you know the person your buying for takes pride in her home interior then this is a lovely little gift from you to them. 

11. Unicorn Shower Cap £6.00 - Last but not least this little gift is just a little bit of fun and the perfect stocking filler. At £6 make someone really giggle this Christmas, with a unicorn shower cap on there head. A perfect way to start Christmas morning.

So there you have it, the last Christmas gift guide in my little series. I really hope you enjoyed them as much as i did putting them together. As i said previously there are a lot of offers on this weekend so i would recommend picking up any of these beautys sooner rather then later. I hope you all had a great weekend. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 


* No pictures are my own, No copyright intended *
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Wednesday 23 November 2016

Christmas Gift Guide For Him



So this is the second post in my Christmas guide frenzy! Perfect for the male reader, the man in your life, or your dad or brother that your struggling to buy for. If your thinking, i just dont know, or he has everything already, then this should be able to give you that little push in the right direction.

Gift Guide For Him



1. Camel Coat - So originally this was top of my list for my boyfriend this year...Until he went and bought himself one *sighs.* However this is a great gift for any boyfriend that you want to look smart and daper. They seem to be very popular and selling out everywhere, so surely it must mean something! This is a slightly more luxury price point however there are plenty on the high street so check places like ASOS and riverisland out. 

2. DIOR Sauvage - This next one is a standard for any man, old and young, and thats a great smelling aftershave. There is nothing better then a nice smelling partner, and this particular scent is lush! Not only does it keep him happy with a great gift, it keeps you happy too. win win situation. 

3. Fitbit Charge - So if any of the men in your life are fitness freaks, this is the gift for them. The watch that tracks all your movements, exercise and weight loss. Not only will it keep him fit and healthy but also tell the time and connect to your phone too. Perfect gadget for a gym bunny.

4. Cards Against Humanity - Next up is one for all the family, once the kids have gone to sleep thats for sure. You have to keep an open mind and take it very lightly, but this board game with a difference can be a right laugh and make that boring Christmas evening a funny night to remember. 

5.Ted Baker wallet and Card holder - A great present for your dad or older relative, who already has everything. A little refresh in the wallet department can never go wrong, and this ted baker set has you covered in all angles with a matching card holder too.

6. Ipad air WIFI 16GB - My boyfriend just got one of these for his birthday and absolutely loves it. Perfect for on the go, watching movies, Netflix or just browsing the internet without the bulk of a laptop. Even if he already has an older version, the picture, speed and battery will be much improved. Plus you can borrow it too *winks*

7. Hugo Boss Watch - This boss watch is simply the perfect stylish designer watch. Hugo Boss is a well known brand, and the leather strap and silver combo is very smart, perfect for the suited and booted. It isn't too pricey either at £150. It isn't too fussy but does the job and looks the part..Job done!

8. Barbour Scarf and Glove set - Next up is a great gift for any guy in your life, and a standard this winter for the chill to come. And if you have to be wrapped up this winter why not do it in style with this Barbour tartan scarf and glove set. It will compliment any smart coat, and its a great gift for under £50 if your working with a budget like myself.

9. Airplane Flight Drone - Now for the big kid and a little bit of fun, this gadget will make a lot of men very happy this Christmas, and quiet for a couple of hours too. This might be a great gift for a younger brother, or a guy who is getting into his photography and wants to get some great shots.

10. River island Chelsea Boots - If your boyfriend or any male friends are into there fashion, then they could always do with a great pair of Chelsea boots. Just like us girls, men can never have too many pairs of shoes. This grey suede pair from River island, are stylish, simple, and not overly expensive. So while you have the chance too, give your partner a style update this Christmas. 

So there you have it, 10 Very acceptable, fun, stylish and functional gift ideas for the men in your life. There is something for everyone so i hope this has helped and been useful for you. Ill be back on Sunday with a Gift guide of gifts under £20.

Thanks for reading my lovelies x





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Sunday 20 November 2016

Christmas Gift Guide For Her


Its that time of year again and everyone is starting to ask what you may want for Christmas, or your thinking what the hell am i gonna get her for Christmas so i thought i would put together some little gift guides to give you a little helping hand. I have broken these down into three posts. The first is for her, the second, is for him, and the last is a £20 and under gift guide, perfect for friends or stocking fillers. All of these gifts i would love to give or receive this Christmas, so i can safely say i love them all. I hope this gives you just a little bit of Christmas inspiration and help to get you into the spirit of things. 

Christmas Gift Guide For Her

1. Topshop jumper £42 - Every girl loves knitwear this time of year, so what better way to kick this gift guide off then with a great classic jumper from topshop. At £42 it isn't breaking the bank, but is still great quality and a lovely gift. This style is timeless and super simple and chic, making it very hard to get this wrong. 

2. Missoma Necklace £159 - Now this next one is a personal favourite. Jewellery is a very personal thing, so i have chosen two pieces from my favourite brands, that never let me down. This first one is the limited edition horn necklace, from the Lucy Williams collection at Missoma. Its a gold plated necklace, and the perfect gift for the fashionista and someone that loves to follow the bloggers, and be in the know with all the latest trends.

3. Woodland Dressing Gown £26 - The perfect gift for the cold winter nights around Christmas, if the person you are buying for, loves her pj's and hates to be cold, this is the perfect item. The pattern is super cute and fun, and if its not for you, Next have a great selection of cozy comforts this winter.

4. Zoeva Caramel Melange palette £18 - This next gift is perfect for the beauty lover. A gorgeous winter autumn eye shadow palette, with some great shades for all occasions. Every shade is wearable, and with a mixture of matte and shimmer colours you are on to a winner.

5. Cluse watch £79 - Cluse is an up and coming watch brand on the market at the moment, and one that i think has really got it right. With very easy interchangeable straps, you can have a watch for every occasion, its just all about getting the face of the watch spot on. This gold metallic version is a great twist on a classic design and so on trend for this autumn/winter.

6. Monica Vinader Bracelet £195 - I'm sure you all know my love for Monica Vinader by now, so this should come by no surprise. The Rose gold and blue lace agate, make a perfect colour combination and i think this is gorgeous gift, for any girl, woman or lady that loves her rose gold and loves her jewellery. 

7. Whistles Bobble hat £45 - Again the perfect winter warmer gift. The classic bobble hat, with the added luxury of being a whistles product. If i was to receive this at Christmas its safe to say my head will be very happy, warm, cozy and stylish. 

8. Olympus PEN E-PL7 £399 - This is the perfect gift for the budding blogger or photographer this Christmas. The E-PL8 is also a great option, but this is slightly nicer to your purse. A camera is top of my list this year and even though i wont be expecting this one, i know a lot of girls that would love this under the Christmas tree this year. 

9. Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipsticks £29 - This set was something i missed out on last Christmas, so when i saw they had bought it back for this year too, i thought i couldn't be the only one still lusting over it. This is the perfect gift for someone who wants to test and try some Charlotte tilbury products. Each colour in this set are so lovely and easy to wear, and what a perfect size to fit in your clutch bag. 

10. Office Studded boots £85 - These ankle boots are the perfect dupe for the Chloe 'Susannah' boot, which is why i think so many girls would be over the moon with these on there feet this Christmas. They are so stylish, comfortable and perfect for everyday wear. After all what girl doesn't need a staple ankle boot in there wardrobe. 

11. Vivienne Westwood Purse £100 - This is a gorgeous designer purse and i think that for £100 it really is a great gift. The leather on this purse is so soft and the dark forest green colour is perfect for Christmas and the colder months. Just that little bit different to the classic black. The matching bag is also Beautiful, so i have my eye on that too.


12. MAC Nutcracker pigments Giftset £26 - This last gift seems to be sold out everywhere so it must be popular, but i managed to find it on the selfridges website so get on to it quick. These gorgeous pigments are the perfect sparkle to anyone's Christmas and the colours are just gorgeous. The entire nutcracker collection from MAC this year is absolutely lovely so any set or piece would make the perfect gift. 

So there you have it! 12 girly gift ideas for this Christmas. Did you like this gift guide!? leave me a comment below. Ill be back on Wednesday with more Christmas inspiration. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 

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Sunday 13 November 2016

Five Leopard print picks - Head to toe

Hey lovelies, it feels like ages since i did a fashion focused blog post and even though it hasn't even been that long, I've had what i think is quite a good idea and i thought i would share it with you. So i have decided to start a new series on my blog called 'Head to toe'. A series where i pick 5 items from a certain trend that cover all bases literally from head to toe. Like a top, a pair of trousers, or a pair of shoes. Not to be worn together necessarily but, items that follow a trend and different items in which you can wear it. For my first trend I've decided to go with something that is huge this Autumn/winter and that is Leopard print. So i have chosen five leopard print pieces that would make a great asset to any wardrobe, or jazz up any outfit, that i think you guys may like.. So read on to find out more.

1. My first item of clothing is a Leopard print Shirt from topshop. I own this item myself so thought it was a good place to start. To me this shirt is a trend setter, its satin, Pjama style and leopard print so three trends in one. Whats not too Love!? Pair this beauty with some leather trousers and heeled boots for a night out and you are ready to hit the town. Or Team it with a denim skirt and some converse for a slightly edgy look. I just think this is a great piece for anyone's wardrobe and i have already worn it on so many occasions, its definitely worth the money.





* Printed Shirt - Topshop, Similar option - Asos *

2. Now for a clothing item that can be worn on the bottom half of your body, and for this i have chosen a skirt. I feel like leopard print trousers could be a step too far, so a skirt can be worn slightly more subtle with some tights boots and a turtleneck. For something a little bit more dressy, pair it with a satin and lace cami and some pointy heels for that super sexy look. Both of the links below from topshop would be great choices.



*Leopard Print Skirt - Topshop - Topshop *

3. For shoes, there really was only one option and this is a pair of leopard print boots. With an all black outfit these would look amazing and inject just that little bit of fun. I think its always important to play with trends in footwear, as they really can make an outfit, from nothing into something.



* Leopard Print boots - River island*
4. For my next Leopard print item of choice, i have chosen a little bag from whistles. This little number is super cute and just a little bit playful too. If you like to stay on trend but don't always have the budget like myself, accessories are always good to play with. This option is slightly more expensive but there are plenty more options on the highstreet, if your all about looking for that special bargain. It is also a great choice if you dont like to be too out there or crazy with patterns. Just a small contrast to a simple outfit can be a great choice. 



*Leopard Print Bag - Whistles *

5. My last and final pick for this trend, has to be a leopard print coat. This season they seem to be everywhere on the highstreet, and why not, they are such a great statement piece to have in your wardrobe. If your going to go all sassy with a trend this is the way to do it. And for someone like me who loves a coat or jacket in the colder months then this is the piece for you. After all who see's the rest of your outfit anyway. 



*Leopard Print Coat - Asos - Riverisland *

So there you have it. My five favourite picks for the leopard print trend. What do you think, will you be adding a little splash of leopard to your wardrobe anytime soon!? I hope you enjoyed this post from me. I think I'm going to delve into the velvet trend for my next 'head to toe' post. What do you think? 

Thanks for reading my lovelies, hope you are all having a lovely weekend! x
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Thursday 3 November 2016

Chocolate Fudge Mini Bonfire Cupcakes

Bonfire night is soon going to be upon as, and to celebrate the evening of fireworks, sparklers and toasted marshmallows i thought i would share with you a quick, fun and easy way to make mini bonfire cupcakes. These are perfect if you are throwing a little firework party at your own place, or even a good treat with a cuppa for when your return from seeing a display. So lets quit the rambling and get onto the recipe. 



Ingredients you will need:
120g self raising flour
120g caster sugar 
120g Butter 
2 medium sized eggs 
A splash of Vanilla extract

For the icing:
1 tub of Betty Crockers Chocolate fudge icing
45g butter 
90g icing sugar 
Orange food colouring
6 Flakes
Gold sprinkles (optional)

1. First preheat the oven to 180 Degrees. Take the first three ingredients and mix together in a bowl until you have want looks like a crumby texture. Then take the two eggs and slowly add to the mixture being careful not to curdle the mixture. 

2. When all thoroughly mixed add a splash of vanilla extract for some flavour. Once this is evenly spread into the mixture, carefully spoon the mixture in to the cupcake tin as evenly as possible.

3. Pop into the oven for around 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a cooling rack.

4. For the orange fire icing, take both the butter and the icing sugar and mix together until you get a creamy texture, add both a little bit of vanilla extract and some orange Food colouring until you are happy with the shade of orange. 

5. Once the cakes have cooled, take your Chocolate fudge icing and carefully spread onto the top of each cupcake, creating a base for your Flakes (wood). Take the flakes and cut them evenly into four pieces. You will need around three pieces of flake for each bonfire. Balance them onto each other and stick them into the fudge icing to create a mini bonfire effect. Repeat this for each cupcake.

6. You can then take your orange icing and create flames by using a star shaped nozzle and piping bag. Sporadically squeeze small amounts of icing around the flakes to create little flames, and again repeat to each cupcake. Then to finish Sprinkle some gold sprinkles on top. 




And there you have it, little bonfire cupcakes, super quick and easy but really cute at the same time. Oh and not to mention yummy too! Hope you enjoyed this little food post from me and your all having a great week. I am hopefully going to see some fireworks this weekend, wrap up in my jumpers and scarves for a cozy night outside. Whatever your up to this bonfire night, make sure its a great one! 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 
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Sunday 30 October 2016

Autumnal Trends - Knitwear part 2

So if you haven't seen my last post already i will leave you a link here, but this is the second part in my knitwear trend posts and for this post have gone for a classic Amy outfit. This is literally my favourite kind of outfit, and something i will be living in for the next couple of months. For the main piece to this outfit i decided to go for a classic cream jumper option with slight details to the sleeves which is what drew me to this jumper originally. The classic cream jumper is something every girl but even every boy needs in there wardrobe. I know i have had plenty of them go in and out of my wardrobe over the years and they just scream autumn/winter to me. This particular one is from River island, who can i just say have been smashing it this season with there pieces and trends. It is unbelievably soft which is so important when on the hunt for the perfect knitwear piece. There is nothing worse then an itchy jumper or cardi on those cold days and evenings. I got this in a size 8 but in hindsight i may have wanted to go up a few sizes to achieve that over-sized look.


* Cream Jumper - River Island*


For my bottom half i have gone with these coated leather look jeans from new look, which i love! They fit like a glove and i love combining different textures together so the leather feel and the knitwear is just a winner in my opinion. They are just a little bit different then your normal pair of jeans, even though a good pair of blue denim jeans would look great with this knit too. I do think that these coated jeans should be a staple in your wardrobe this autumn, they can be paired with so many pieces, and look great for the evening but also dressed down for the day like this option,

*Coated jeans - Newlook *

Now for the shoes, a pair of ankle boots or even knee highs would look just as great, but for me on a day off i am all about the comfort and feeling comfortable in my own skin. This is why a classic pair of high tops are my choice, they give the outfit a little bit of an edge and a bit of grunge which i like, but the contrast to the leather trousers, dresses them down a bit. For me, one of those girls who are always terrifed of being overdressed or looking like i'm all dressed up with no where to go, this is my safe zone. (not to be stayed in all the time i must add but for a casual and comfortable look sometimes you just have to.) 

* Converse - Kurt Geiger, Camel coat - Topshop *

Lastly for outerwear i have bought out the old favourite.. the camel coat. Who doesn't love a camel coat?! haha but seriously i love the colour and I love the elegance it brings to the outfit, it just brings it all together. Mine is just a plain one from topshop, but you can get some real beauty's on the market  at the moment. 

I hope you enjoyed this trend post, i know i loved putting them together. A big thanks to Mayumi Who took the Outfit shots for the last three posts. Her blog is linked here, if you want to give it a little look. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 



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Thursday 27 October 2016

5 Last minute Halloween ideas

Halloween is fast approaching and i know i still don't have any plans. What with working all weekend and just getting back from a little break i haven't really had much time to think about it. So i thought i would put together a little post to help myself and any others who are in the same boat. Read on to hear all about my five suggestions, to make a last minute plan into a spooktastic Halloween.



1. My first suggestion is to get a couple of friends together, get yourself too Tesco or Asda and stock up on all those scary treats that are flooding the shops at the moment. Cakes, sweets, chocolate, crisps all in crazy colours, shapes and flavours. Just go mad! Get yourself a bottle of wine or two and head back to one persons house/flat and get curled up on the sofa. You could either rent some dvd's, head over to Netflix or just scroll the TV channels to find all the scary movies that will be on and a have a movie marathon. It's fun, warm and cheap, which is always a bonus. If you and all your friends are scaredy cats, watch the nightmare before Christmas and Hocus Pocus, old classics for this time of year and not at all too scary to watch.

2. My next pick is along the same lines, but if you fancy getting out the house for a bit its perfect. Go to the cinema to see the scariest film possible. Top yourself up with popcorn and a hot chocolate, and take a loved one with you for moral support haha! Again it dosent break the bank and is a very easy way to get in the Halloween spirit without all the madness and dressing up if that just isn't very you. 

3. My third idea is probably my favourite and this is too have a baking and cooking day or evening with a bestie. Scroll pinterest for the best Halloween treats and tricks out there and bake up a storm in the kitchen. There are so many ideas floating around Facebook at the moment too. This way you can make the treats and keep it Halloween themed too. You could always ask a couple more friends round in the evening to share the treats with and maybe play some games and drink some wine. 
One of the treats i tried were these baked peppers stuffed with couscous in the shapes of pumpkins. Super cute and yummy and great for a savoury option.  




4. Number four is to get yourself out and about and have a good night out with some friends. It doesn't matter if you haven't got the best costume, use your makeup bag to do some weird and wonderful creations on your face and cut up an old tshirt or dress. Head to some local bars and have a little dance and a couple of drinks. I promise you, you will have fun and you wont't feel stupid as everyone else will look as silly or as scary as one another. 

5. My fifth and final idea would be to throw a last minute halloween party at your house. Asda has everything you will need to make your house or flat the scary and creepy destination it needs to be. Get everyone to dress up, you can even choose a theme if you want too. You can go as crazy or as simple as you want to. Get cocktail making ingredients at the ready and make a little cocktail making station perfect for all the guests. You could also do some really funny and easy games. Apple bobbing a proper oldie, and buy a ton of toilet roll and see who can make their partner into a mummy the quickest. These games will be even more fun when you have had a couple to drink and whats better they take no time or effort to make them. Just be prepared for the tidying and the hangover the day after haha! I'm sure it will be worth it!!



So there you have my five little suggestions for this Halloween, it may just be some scary movies on Netflix and some scary cupcakes for me, but i'm happy with that. Whatever you are up to this weekend and this Halloween i hope you have a fantastic spooky one!

Thanks for reading my lovelies x

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