Mini Make-up Haul

Hello Lovelies,

I went on a mini online shopping trip the other day, there were two things I really needed, the first being a neutral lip product and the second being some eye shadow.  

I want to wear quite a neutral lip to Ascot as my dress is floral and rather busy.  I was having a look around, but I had seen the Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in Demure on various blog's and in the shops so I decided to give it a go, although (I may layer it over a  discontinued Bare Minerals lipstick to give the colour a little more depth).  

After throwing that in my virtual basket I found myself perusing the mascara section, I'm a massive floozie when it comes to mascara, I never stick to one brand.  After having a look I spotted the new Bourjois one, If I'm honest it was the silver and blue packaging that caught my eye rather than any of the blurb.  I have used the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara for the last few days and absolutely love it, it doesnt make my lashes crispy, it lengthens them and makes them look nice and full.  I even like the funny molded rubber brush which is a massive shock on my part as I'm the kinda gal who always goes for a traditional brush. 

I'm really not a massive eye shadow fan, but really needed some for the parties I'm going to in the next few months, not wanting to go and splurge on a Naked palette I decided to give the Sleek i Divine Eye shadow Palette In 'Oh So Special a go.  I can't give you a great review as all I have done with it is swatch the colours.  What I can tell you is that I love the fact they are mineral based and pretty pignented; and I also think that I will get a lot of use out of the pallete as the colours are all lovely and neutral, and are perfect for use from day to night. 

I may have got a little excited and tried it all on!!!

It's Nearly Picnic Time

Hello Lovelies,

'Hold hard a minute , then!' Said the Rat.  He looped the painter through a 

ring in his landing-stage, climbed up into his hole above, and after a short

Interval reappeared staggering under a fat, wicker luncheon-basket'

'What's inside it?' Asked Mole, wriggling with curiosity.

'There's cold chicken inside it,' replied the Rat briefly;

'coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaldfrenchrollscress-

sandwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater-'

'O stop, stop,' cried the Mole in ecstasies: 'This is too much!'

The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

Picnics are one of my favourite parts of the Summer, there is something lovely about being outside in the open air lazily picking at food.  Eating al fresco seems to heighten the senses, make the food taste better and lets you appreciate the wildlife and your surroundings.

Some of my fondest family memories are of picnics, my mum would fill up our picnic basket with yummy food and bottles of water, then we would set off on a mini adventure.  These little adventures would rarely take us far from home, but that didn't matter.

One of our favourite picnic spots was the riverbank near our house.  We would put down the big tartan picnic blanket, then start on our lunch under the Summer sun, grazing on all the food.  After eating we would buckle our jellies (hello 90's kid) then jump in the meandering river with the dogs in tow.  We would swim and splash around before emerging hours later with numb hands and feet, ready to pull on a snugly jumper and make the short trip home

Those are my childhood memories of picnics, although today my picnics are more likely to be in a park, they can still be made as exciting as they felt age eight. 

I want to do a little picnic series, and give you all some of my favourite recipes, that are both quick and easy to cook if you and your chums decide to have an impromptu picnic this summer.  The first of these is Sticky Honey and Mustard sausages, a picnic must.

Ingredients:

390g   of good quality chipolatas (so get down to your butcher)

2 tsp  wholegrain mustard

2 tsp  English mustard

• Cut your sausages, put them on a tray and start cooking at 180C for 10 mins.

• While they are in the oven mix together your honey and mustard's into a glaze, after 10 mins take your sausages out of the oven turn and pour over the glaze before putting back in for another 10 mins.

• Once removed from the oven leave to cool then box or place in foil takeaway containers to keep them warm for you picnic.  

As well as lovely food/drink and a blanket there are a few other essentials that one will need for an amazing picnic.  

Cutlery:
I have to admit to being a bit of a fingers girl when it comes to picnics, but cutlery would be a must if you have better manners then I do! 

Mugs:
I love Falcon Enamel Ware it is something that has always been in our kitchen cupboards, my Grandma has it as well as my parents and it filled my Uni kitchen.  I love the dishes and tins but the mugs always make me feel like a little adventurer wherever I am, so they are a must for picnics.

Candle:
This isn't just to set the mood, a Citronella Candle will keep all those pesky bugs, who want to feast on you and your food as far away as possible. 

Is anyone else a picnic fanatic like me?

Ziba Madeline Bracelet || A Bit of Turquoise Lovin'

Hello Lovelies,

Turquoise is one of my favourite colours, I even had turquoise bedroom walls as a teenager (absolutely hideous), what my parents were thinking when they decided to let me chose the colour of my bedroom, I will never know!!!

Now back to the bracelet, I'm not actually sure where I first saw it, I am a regular window shopper on the House of Fraser website, but it could also have very well have been on a blog post.

After waving my cursor of the buy button and finally making my purchase I waited with suspense for it to drop through the letter box.  When it did I was very pleasantly surprised.  The quality was amazing for only £8.50, definitely not what I was expecting.

The bracelet is from the Ziba Collection and is called the Madeline, It's made of cream leather with turquoise glass stones and brass hardware.  It's perfect for stacking, but would also look fab as a dainty stand alone piece.    

As well as the Madeline there is the Gemma which is white with little brass skulls (little rock chick) and the Lydia which is blue with turquoise glass stones and brass stars, so there is something to fit everyone's taste.

This morning while I was admiring my new wrist candy (It's just so joli) I was reminded of my favourite nail varnish from last Summer, Essie's 'IN THE CAB-ANA'.  A beautiful bright turquoise that lived on my nails for a good three months last year.  So I have decided, when the good weather sets in I will be whipping the little bottle out and going turquoise crazy.  

Are you excited about all the pretty bright colours?

Glamping 101

Hello Lovelies,

I have to admit to not being a great fan of camping, sleeping on the hard ground, nowhere to wash, and don't even get me started about all those creepy crawlies!  However what I do love is being in the great outdoors, surrounded by family and friends and of course scoffing lovely grub.

Having grown up reading Swallows & Amazons and The Famous Five my siblings and I have a rather rose-tinted view of camping.  Although we weren't about to go and pitch my fathers old canvas tent, we did want to go and enjoy the outdoors so glamping was the perfect alternative.  We could all enjoy the countryside but still have the comfort of a hot shower in the morning, no jumping into Lake Coniston for a wash!  

After a lot of chatter about various places, we decided to go to Cedar Valley in Hampshire.  Two weeks after booking we filled the Land Rover with yummy food, warm clothes and of course our wellies, then jumped in and drove to the Bereleigh Estate where our Safari tent was waiting.

We stayed in the Cedars tent which was lovely and secluded, absolutely perfect for running wild.  If your looking for a great glamping destination in the South then check them out (here).    

Wellies are a must whether it's Spring or Summer, as we all know good Old Blighty loves nothing more than a good rain storm.  Even if you have glorious sunshine a pair of wellies is a must if your walking, especially with all those ticks lurking! 

(Source)

Blankets are a fab idea (some tents are amazingly equipped, we were very lucky), during the chilly evenings you can make a nest around the fire, or snuggle up in the tent.  Everything is better when your all toasty warm.

Campfires and marshmallows are a must! 

If your anything like our family, then building the fire and roasting them is better than the eating part.  Whether your a marshmallow lover or just a pyromaniac, camping wouldn't be complete without either of the above.

(Source) 

Last of all, and probably the most important is FUN, glamping is all about having fun and making memories.  Whether it is long walk with your family/friends, chopping wood for the fire (my brothers favourite activity), cooking up a storm on the BBQ or singing around the campfire, do whatever you love and makes you happy.

(Source)

Are you a glamping convert or is traditional camping more your thing?

Blueberry Cream Ice Lollies || Recipie

Hello Lovelies,

I love Pinterest & Instagram, and as the Summer draws ever closer they become awash with pretty pictures of Summer treats.  All these pictures massively fuel my obsession with making homemade ice lollies!  As I try and stay away from all processed foods, shop bought ice lollies and ice creams don't live in my freezer, however that doesn't mean that on a hot sunny day I don't feel like one.  

As we have had a little surprise heatwave, I thought I would get creating and make some Summer treats to beat the heat.          

These yummy 'Blueberry Cream Lollies' are made of goats yogurt and homemade blueberry compote.  

For the compote you will need:

Ingredients:

280g frozen blueberries

45ml water

50g  granulated sugar 

10ml lemon juice

Combine 140g of blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan.  Cook over a medium heat for 10 mins.  Add the remaining blueberries and cook for 8 mins more, stir frequently.

Once cooled add some of the compote to some natural yogurt (how much you use is personal preference) and give it a good mix.  Then decant into lolly molds and add the sticks.  I use the Tovolo Yellow Groovy Moulds as they are BPA free and look a little retro.     

Freeze them overnight then enjoy them while you relax in the Sun the next day.  

Do you ever make your own ice lollies?

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Hello Lovelies,

I'm a massive Bioderma fan, but when it ran out, I turned to what I thought would be the next best thing, and that thing was the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water.  

If your not familiar with micellar waters, I would class them as a one stop makeup remover/cleanser that doesn't need to be removed.

The Garnier Micellar water comes in a 400ml bottle, and like Bioderma it is alcohol and fragrance free.  I have found that it takes a little more liquid to take all my makeup off, but it does leave my skin feeling clean and fresh unlike the L'Oreal which left my skin feeling sticky (not what you want).

The other bonus is the amazing price, 500ml's of Bioderma comes in at around £14.50, while Garnier comes in at a seriously budget friendly £4.99 for 400ml.  I think the Garnier Micellar water is pretty darn good it removes all my makeup and at £4.99 it is hard to beat.  It is definitely a winner, it feels great on my skin, the bottle is huge (apparently enough for 200 uses) in my opinion it is worth saving the pennies and opting for Garnier.    

Are you a micellar cleansing water fan?

My Sunny Favourites || Bits & Pieces + a Cheeky Giveaway!

Hello Lovelies,

It has really felt like summer today, my garden is lovely and sheltered so it is a warm little haven in which to lie and catch some rays.  As today has been so lovely I thought it would be perfect to pop up a favourites post of my sunny favourites. 

I love writing letters and cards, and think thank you letters are really important, one of my favourite packs of cards  at the moment are these MERCI cards from Paperchase.  

They don't seem to sell them anymore, but I think the Muchas Gracias ones are also fab, why not hop from France to Spain. 

Everyone needs a pair of sunnies, I will admit to having quite a few pairs, but my latest addition is these giant round one.  When I first saw them I didn't think they would be very flattering, but after seeing them on the lovely Tanya Burr I knew I needed them to be mine, the great thing is they are only £3.50 from George at Asda (so you can't really go wrong).

My next favourite is my Summer arm candy of choice, I love these Slim Satin Verditer bracelets.  They come in every colour under the sun, are perfect for stacking and are for guys and gals alike; because of that I want to give two of these bracelets away to my readers, (you will be able to pick your colours) all you need to do is enter on the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post.   

Liz Earle is my favourite skin care brand, and my favourite product has to be the cult classic Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, it keeps my skin super clear which is perfect for the warmer weather when you want to cut back on the slap!

I'm pretty sure I have mentioned this magic pot a million times before but I love this stuff.  It is my favourite moisturiser, it's really light and has a relatively high SPF.

I'm pretty darn lucky when it comes to my skin, I get the odd blemish but on the whole it is very clear.  So during the warmer months I like to wear a really light tinted moisturiser to let my freckles show through.  

This tinted SPF by Bioderma is amazing, it evens out my skin tone as well as giving me really good SPF coverage as I am rather fair and burn really easily.

My next favourite is the bomb dot com, it is the Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter which is probably my favourite lip balm of all times.  It is the texture of Vaseline which leaves your lips smooth as a babies butt and gives them a lovely tint.

To keep my skin clear I like to drink a lot of water, for something a little different it's nice to add some cucumber and strawberry, refreshing and tasty!

Although I was lucky enough to pop to Dubai in March, my tan has all but gone, so the St Tropez Evereyday Gradual Tan has been getting me through.

Last but by no means least is my favourite Essie polish, it is a rather hard colour to describe, it's a kind of nude/salmon pink and is called 'eternal optimist', I know it sounds gross but it's actually a really pretty shade that looks fab when you have a bit of colour! 

That concludes my sunny day favourites, lets just keep our fingers crossed and hope that the good weather continues.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Instagram Catch Up

Hello Lovelies,

I've been rather absent recently and as I had no posts planned I thought I would give you a little Instagram recap of the last two weeks.

While having a look through them I realised how many food and drink snaps there were (obviously a seriously hungry horace this month!)

• I've been stuffing my face with my favourite gluten-free blueberry pancakes this month (recipe coming soon), I had a dippy egg and soldiers obsession over Easter but my pancakes have returned. 
• As I am teetotal and hate fizzy drinks, San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water, Is my drink of choice when I am out, or just fancy something a little snazzy. 
• I was in town last weekend and was ridiculously thirsty, I was in the health food shop at the time so grabbed myself a Vita Coco.
• There isn't much to say about the next pic apart from that I thought it was really pretty, fresh flowers and mason jars, perfection!
• I have been going avocado crazy this week, and my skinny gluten-free pizza was one of my favourite lunches.
• It couldn't be an Instagram recap without a pic of some fresh flowers.
• I've been gluging down my favourite detox water this week as my body needed a kick up the backside.
• Two weeks ago I escaped to the countryside for some respite and dog cuddles. 
• Another foodie pic, it is my lazy snack of choice, shop bought hummus and a baked gluten free wrap, seriously yummy and not to bad for you either.  

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend, and have an exciting week planned.

Gluten Free Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake

Hello Lovelies,

All the thanks for this devilish recipe should go to my lovely mummy, as it is a family fave and was nabbed from her recipe book, so thank you Mummy.

As you may or may not know I try my hardest to stay gluten free (due to medical reasons, before the backlash starts) something that at times can be a little tricky, but slowly and surely I have found substitutes and ways around it.  

Puddings always seem to be the hardest thing to find substitutes for but this devilishly delightful cheesecake is perfect.  It has lovely fresh raspberries as the base instead of the traditional biscuit so it's perfect for us guys and gals who want to stay away from gluten.  I actually personally prefer it to the traditional cheesecake as the bottom is nice and fresh and the slightly tart raspberries really offset the rich chocolate.  

Ingredients:

Makes six ramekins

110g   caster sugar

120ml  whipping cream

150g   dark chocolate, melted and cooled

2 tbsp cocoa powder

200g   cream cheese

To make a traditional base:

150g digestive biscuits, crushed

45g  butter, melted

The first thing you want to do is measure your whipping cream, grab a whisk (an electric one is preferable unless you have guns of steel) and whip it up into stiff peaks.  Whilst you are whipping your cream measure your chocolate and pop in a bain marie to melt.

Then measure out your cream cheese and caster sugar and whisk together.  Once your chocolate has melted take it off the heat as you want it to cool before you fold it in.

Once your chocolate has cooled fold it into the cream, then add the cream cheese mixture and cocoa.  Once it is all folded in I tend to grab my whisk and give it another whiz to get those nice stiff peaks back.

Once your chocolate is sorted you need to smush (technical term) your raspberries, I normally grab a fork and squish them into an almost jam like consistency.  You then want to put a layer of raspberry on the bottom of the ramekin then spoon your chocolaty goodness on top. 

Once you have spooned everything in, put them on a plate or tray and cool them in the fridge for a good few hours.  When you are ready to serve, grab a parmesan grater and give them a little sprinkling of dark chocolate and then for a little colour I add a few raspberries. 

I love making these for a dinner party, as they are super easy, yummy, look pretty and there is no awkward serving, you know each person is going to get a lovely presented pudding rather than something that has fallen apart.

Once they are looking all snazzy and served to your guests or loved ones, it is time for the naughty bit, eating those little pots of joy!

Are you a cheesecake fans, or is an apple pie more your thing?

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Face Wipes || Review

Hello Lovelies,

Although I don't have mature skin I received these as part of a prize and as I love a good face wipe I decided I would give them a try.  I normally reach for my Simple wipes but something new intrigued.

The Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes come in a recyclable plastic bag that holds 25 wipes.  It has a sticker over the opening and then a snap closure to keep the wipes from being exposed to the air and getting all dry.  The wipes themselves are very damp which I love as there nothing worse than a dry face wipe.  

I wouldn't say these wipes are better than the Simple ones, they are pretty on par quality wise.  The wipes are a good size and really great quality, I love the fact that they stay really moist as it makes you feel like they are getting more of the slap off!  One of my favourite parts of the wipe has to be the scent, as you all know I am a citrus nut, so the lovely lemon smell is  definitely a plus, as well as making them a great way to freshen up in the morning.  

The only negative thing I have to say about these wipes, is that they do sting your eyes, but I never use wipes on my eyes anyway so it doesn't really bother me. These wipes are definitely great, feel lovely and do the job really well. 

What are your favourite face wipes?