Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution in Glastonberry

Buy Here - £23.00

I had been eyeing up the Charlotte Tilbury products for months and in particluar I had been contemplating purchasing the matte revolution in Glastonberry. I was hesitant for buying this lipstick for three reasons 1) I have never tried this brand before 2) the price and 3) the colour. 

I buy crazy amounts of lipsticks but I tend to stick to the same brands that I have grown to love an trust (MAC and YSL). Due to the price I was hesitant to try an unfamiliar brand as I know I can be quite picky when it comes to lipsticks. Although I'm not usually shy when it comes to trying new lip colours, I was a bit weary of this particular shade and slightly scared that I would not be able to pull off a colour so dark and rich.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Her/For Me

Christmas Gift Ideas for her

1. charlotte tilbury Matte Revolution Glastonberry £23.00, 2.Zara Checked Scarf £19.99, 3. Ted Baker Wenny Square Crystal Matinee £89.00, 4. Pandora Statement Amethyst Ring £99.00, 5. Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne eau de parfum £47.00 - £60.00, 6. Urban Decay Naket Pallet 2 £37.00, 7. Michael Kors Channing Turquoise and Gold Tone Stainless Steel watch £250.00, 8. Ferrero Rocher, 9. Topshop CONTROL2 High Leg Boots £125.00, 10. Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Large Jar £19.99, 11. Baileys Orange Truffle.

Christmas Festivites and Traditions

Okay, I am fully aware that it is "only November" but I wanted to get into the spirit of things early this year. First of all, I would like to state if you detest the kinds of people who are overly happy and jolly around this time of year and often utter the words "I don't like Christmas", then you are certainly not going to like this post, so I suggest you stop reading now before my christmassy words and photos make you want to tear your eyes out. If on the other hand you feeling blue and down because of the cold weather and want to get into the Christmas spirit then continue reading. 

This week I decided I ought to start preparing for Christmas as I am broke as per usual and should get a head start on buying presents as I usually leave these things until the last minute. Christmas shopping can be fun, if you enjoy shopping for others but unfortunately I find it a tad depressing shopping for others and not buying myself a little something (or a big something). However, due to my lack of savings this year, I cannot really afford to be buying myself a treat every time I buy a loved on a gift. Therefore, I had to get into the spirit and joys of Christmas before heading to the shops!

How do I get myself into the Christmas spirit, I ask myself? Every year I do certain things which I suppose have become traditions of mine without me really being aware of it and I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you'll find a good few traditions which you posess of your own. My top five Christmas tradtions;

1. Visiting Christmas markets and craft fairs
2. Trying the seasonal drinks 
3. Baking Christmas treats (Take a look at my Christmas baking)
4. Creating and listening to a Christmas playlist
5. Watching the classic Christmas films

Cristmas drinks inspired cupcakes

This past week I have been trying to get into the mind set for Christmas. One way I have fought the winter blues and gotten into the Christmas spirit is by baking Christmas treats. I always find baking makes me happy and adding Christmas touches to my bakes has helped to spread the magic that is Christmas. 

From left to right: Cinnamon Latte, Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Latte Cupcakes

If you have no already noticed, there has been a theme running through my recent bakings. That theme has been hot drinks. So I've already baked Hot chocolate cupcakes and White hot chocolate cupcakes and decided my next creation will be latte based. I love all lattes, no matter what the flavour is. To keep inside my christmas theme, I though a touch of cinnamon would work a treat. So here are my cinnamon latte cupcakes!

White Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

If you have seen my last post, then you will have seen my hot chocolate cupcakes (hot chocolate cupcakes) but I feel that white hot chocolate is not given enough credit and is often overshadowed by milk hot chocolate. In fact I think white chocolate in general is often forgot about, when it actually tastes incredible (especially melted with fruit). So I chose not to neglect white chocolate this time and bake white hot chocolate cupcakes aswell as milk hot chocolate cup cakes. 

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

The cold, dark nights are upon us. Around this time of year I find that my intake of hot drinks tripples and among those hot drinks in particular is hot chocolate. My evening is not complete without a mug of steamy, milky hot chocolate topped with squirty cream and marshmallows. So today I decided to take my love for hot chocolate a step further and bake some hot chocolate cupcakes! Plus I added a few touches to make them Christmassy as part of my bid to get in the Christmas spirit early this year.

Live like royalty for a week in Egypt

I must admit for some prejudice reason I was slightly skeptical and hesitant whilst booking my holiday to Egypt Sharm El Sheikh. I had the idea in my head that apart from the beautful sunshine, it would be a pretty boring holiday. I was so used to visting Spanish islands, exploring Greek islands and having fun in Cyprus that the thought of Egypt just did not sound too appealing to me. Many advised that Egypt is a place to visit if you want a 'quiet one' and want to enjoy the all inclusive offers within the hotels, as it is too dangerous to leave. Others stated that although there were many things to see in Egypt it would be of interest to somebody of my age.

After plenty of inner debate, I eventually took the plunge and went for it. Expecting a quiet week on the sunlounger, next to the pool, drinking Piña colada's. However much I was looking forward to a quiet, relaxing holiday, I was very pleasantly surpised in how energetic and fun the culture in Egypt turned out to be!

Just one of two pools

Chunky Boots

I've found my true love in chunky boots. 

This season you probably won't catch me wearing anything else on my feet.

Topshop - £55

I bought this pair of chunky platforms around eight months ago and they are still my favourite purchase today. We are all aware of the tortures we put our feet through during a night out and occasionally we may even turn to flats (the ulitmate taboo). Thanks to chunky platforms, this is no long necessary, there is no longer an excuse for wearing flats on a night out. This particular pair have become my insurance heels (for when I want the ability to walk after a night out). Take my word for it, your feel will never tire of the dancefloor. I have opted for my 'insurance heel's more often than not and they are still in tip top condition after so many uses.

Apart from being my insurance heels, they are great for any casual look. If you are (like me) a little on the short side and would prefer to add a little bit of height in your everyday life, then these chunky heels will do the trick.

If you still need convincing just take a look at the photo! The comfort of these shoes does not in any way sacrifice the style or look. Lastly, the price. They're not exactly the cheapest but they hardly break the bank. I think they are definitely worth the price, however, due to the quality. Plus if you are a student, go grab yourself 10% off them with any valid student card.

Take a look at a few alternatives: Chunky Platforms - £55

 Chunky Platform Sandals - £60 Scarlet Platforms- QUICK ONLY £35

Rate:

• Comfort- 5/5
• Practicality- 5/5
• Stlye- 5/5
• Durability- 5/5
• Price- 4/5

Score- 24/25

New Look - £24.99 Buy Here

Yet again, this second pair of so comfy, you will not notice that you're wearing heels at all. I probably wouldn't opt for these for a night out, due to the fact you have to wear socks with them. However, you can still pair these boots with any look! I often pair mine with a pair of black skinny jeans, a crop tee, and a leather jacket.

I love the style of these, in particular I love the colour. It may be because I wear so much black, that the burgundy tint to these boots add a splash of colour to my look. If you'd prefer to go for a more traditional boot colour, then these are also available in black (which I may also have to invest in).

Still not too sure? Look again at the price! Also, students also get 10% off with a valid student card.

The only downside to these is the material. They often crease after being worn for a while and are prone to scratches, so make sure you use plenty of shoe protector before use!

Black Alternative

Rate:

• Comfort- 5/5
• Practicality- 4/5
• Stlye- 4/5
• Durability- 3/5
• Price- 5/5

Score- 21/25

Victoria Sponge Pizza Cake

Before you are instantly put off by the thought of a pizza cake, I must stress that this cake is not made with pizza ingredients.

Everyone loves pizza, right? Everyone loves cake too, right? So I decided to create a pizza cake.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 200g Caster sugar
• 200g softened butter
• 4 eggs
• 200g self raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Topping:

• Green food dye
• Pink food dye
• Yellow food dye
• Red food dye
• 250g Fondant icing
• 10g Jam (Cream is optional)
• 
  

Heart Shaped Rainbow Cake

If you are a big chocolate lover, you will love this cake. This cake has everything you could ever ask for. First of all, it's heart shaped, secondly, it's chocolate cake and thirdly, it contains Smarties, Chocolate Fingers and Nutella!  Although this cake takes patience, it is simple to make and looks spectacular. It's the perfect cake for beginners to make for a friend's birthday or a romantic occasion. Ingredients: For the cake: 200g Butter 4 Eggs (medium) 150g Self raising flour 50g Cocoa Powder 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Hazelnut essence (Optional) For the Topping and Filling: 3 Packs Chocolate Fingers 8 Smartie Tubes 50g Nutella