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

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. 

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 *

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

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