12 days of Christmas: Day 7, Best Blog Posts of 2015

2015 isn't quite over yet but as the holiday season continues, posts appear to be slowing down in the blogging community, so I'm posting this earlier than expected! Here's a round up of my favourite blog posts from this year. Extremely varied in theme, the posts demonstrate my eclectic personality so this should hopefully enable you to get to know me better. I think I'm going off on a tangent now, distracted by 'Now that's What I Call Disney' (a Christmas gift) playing in the background so I'll get started.

*Phillip Schofield impression* In no particular order:

1. Miss Rosie Bea - Make-up collection and Storage.
Find Rosie's blog-post here: http://msrosiebea.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/my-makeup-collection-and-storage.html
Or subscribe to her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MsRosieBea/featured

I have a LOT of make-up. I'm no make-up artist, I'm just a hoarder. Although this was posted towards the end of 2014, Rosie's post affected my New Year's Resolutions for 2015 in that her extreme OCD make-up storage inspired me to be more organised myself. Starting with my make-up, I threw away those old foundations that had been opened for years - and would probably turn my skin green if I used them again. I got my own make-up storage units that were a little more 'me' and I haven't lost a lipstick since!

2. Psyco Puff - Just do It.
Find Psyco Puff's blog-post here: https://psycopuff.wordpress.com/

The author of Psyco Puff is one of my oldest and bestest friends, Levi. After hearing Levi talk about how he dreams of a successful blog and YouTube channel for as long as I can remember, it was quite emotional to see him 'put pen to paper' and JUST DO IT. The Psyco Puff blog has unfortunately been a little dormant since the first post back in August but I know Levi has a bunch of fabulous ideas and I can't wait to watch this blog expand in 2016.

3. Rum & Raisin - University Blues.
Find Rum & Raisin's blog post here:  http://rumandraisinpages.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/university-blues.html

This woman inspires me more than she will ever know. I could put every single one of her blog-posts on here, they are ALL my favourite... damn I could write a WHOLE POST about this gal. In this particular post, the author, Sian Hodkin, gives her advice for University. Ranging from 'Speak Out' to 'Don't Sweat' she embodies my every thought about University life but makes me view this period in a much more positive manner. I never thought I would say this but she made me: I'm actually EXCITED to return to University in September when my sandwich year finally comes to an end. Sian, you are UH-MAZING.

4. The Little Plum - Stop Comparing Yourself.
Find The Little Plum's blog-post here: http://www.thelittleplum.co.uk/2015/08/sunday-talks-stop-comparing-yourself.html

It was nice to see something different to The Little Plum's usual OOTD. Part of her 'Sunday Talks' series, Chloe spoke eloquently about something I think we can all relate to - comparing yourself to others. Before you stop comparing yourself to others for academic performance, you find yourself comparing your post-christmas dinner food baby to their hot bikini pics on Instagram. This can sometimes turn quite bitter and encourage self-hatred. In this post, The Little Plum begins to celebrate our differences and encourages you to do the same, spreading positivity across the blogging community.

5. Samantha Leal for Marie Claire - 5 Career Myths you Need to Stop Believing. 
Find Samantha's post here: http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/news/a15921/career-myths/

In this column, Samantha discourages any negative thoughts regarding chosen career paths with these 5 myths. A believer of every single one of these 5 myths, I felt a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders at the end of the post. The most significant one for me this year: '3. Dressing for the job means blazers and trousers and neutrals.' WRONG. On search for a placement for my sandwich year, I attended several interviews early this year with huge corporate companies. I woke up hours earlier than I should have done to make sure every single hair was neatly in place and that my outfit was on point. I even took a change of shoes, true Londoner style. When I got to the interviews, everyone in the office was wearing jeans! I was SO overdressed it was embarrassing. Like Samantha mentions, the CV was created in 1482 and oh how times have changed!

6. British Vogue - How to be a Healthonist.
Find British Vogue's post here: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2015/12/14/how-to-be-a-healthonist-staying-healthy-during-party-season

I know what you're thinking... WHAT THE F@** is a healthonist??? Yep, me too. But Vogue focuses on remaining healthy during the holiday season - something we can all struggle with. Determined to stick to my New Years Resolution of becoming more healthy in 2016 (I WILL do it this year) British Vogue will motivate me when it gets tough at parties. I'd prefer a cold-pressed cocktail to red wine anyway... 

Hope you're enjoying the holiday season! What are your favourite blog posts of 2015?

Ciao for now xo

photo source: bitrebels.com

12 days of Christmas: Day 5, What's Really Important

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Today's blog is a little different from my other posts. One of opinion, I attempt to share with you why the commercialism of Christmas should be taken advantage of and what it really means (besides the birth of Jesus, obvi). As mentioned yesterday, Christmas marketing focuses on giving and receiving gifts and Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas. The biggest holiday of the year, celebrated around the world with billions of Pounds, Dollars and Euros spent year upon year - Christmas also appears to expand each year with new 'sub-holidays' being introduced in an attempt to encourage you to spend more money. Yes, I'm talking about Black Friday and Cyber Monday (who even invented those?). 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have wiggled their way over from the United States in recent years with some companies even giving time off as paid leave. This is exactly why Christmas is a time to be taken advantage of. With paid holiday increasing around Christmas time each year, you're ultimately given more free time - not to spend money but to spend time with your loved ones. Because "it's not what is under the tree that matters the most, but who is around it". With the John Lewis advert highlighting how isolated Christmas can be, use this Christmas to show your loved ones how much you truly care with the gift of time.

With bank accounts suffering and stress levels increasing around the holiday period, it's easy to become a little selfish. While I'm not saying that you are not the most important person in your life, it is important to consider those less fortunate at Christmas time. While in some ways the commercialism of Christmas can benefit one, it can also emphasise what others don't have. Did you miss the deadline for this years Operation Christmas Child? Never mind. Fill your own shoe box with snacks, goodies and toiletries and take it to your local homeless shelter - or take it with you on your Christmas shop, you are bound to pass someone less fortunate on the street. It doesn't have to be for children. Not meaning to be crude but think of the ladies living on the street - what happens when mother nature comes to visit? These women would be grateful to receive a pack of tampons for Christmas while others are demanding a glorified skateboard for £500. 

Our generation can influence the selflessness of the holiday season for years to come.These are just a few ways you can improve Christmas for those around you. Will you change the way you perceive Christmas next year?

One last thought: 
photo source: christmasquotesrest.esy.es

Happy Holidays! xo

12 days of Christmas: Day 3, Favourite Christmas Products

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVE! Confession: I'm awful at Christmas shopping. Don't get me wrong, I love to spoil all my friends and family on Christmas Day... but I like spoiling myself too. Every-time I go to purchase a Christmas gift, I come out with presents for me (oops). But with all the amazing Christmas products I'm about to show you, who can blame me? It may only be 16 hours before Santa's sleigh leaves the cockpit but I'm sure you still have a few last bits to get... and while you're there, why not pick up some of these Christmas treats - go on, you deserve it.

For the lips:

photo source: www.vita.no

www.pinkpeonies.co.za

                        

I simply couldn't pick one item for my favourite Christmas Lips product so there are two slightly different products. The first is from Maybelline - In 2013, L'Oreal, the owner of Maybelline stopped ALL animal testing so you can purchase this product with the knowledge no animals were harmed in the production process (I'll put a link with the Company's Animal Testing Statement at the bottom).

This is the first year I have tried Maybelline's Christmas Baby Lips - I guess you could say it was fate as the store had sold out of my usual 'flavour' (the Mint One). This one is called Sweet Apple and smells like hot apple cider but BETTER. It has a slight reddy tint to it which makes you look like Snow White which I love. As it's a Christmas product, the packaging is slightly different to the others with cute mittens wrapped around the tube and draped towards the front which adds to the Christmassy feel of the product. 

The second Christmas lip product which I love just as much is Santa's Lip Scrub from Lush. If you haven't used lip scrubs before then you should! It's a great way to eliminate dry lips caused by the bitter cold weather. This one smells like Cola which takes me back to the Coca-Cola Lorry tours at Christmas time and it has edible hearts in the centre. LUSH. I leave this product next to my bed and apply a layer just before I go to sleep each night so it can work it's magic for a long period of time. Another cruelty-free product!  

For Bath-time:

photo source: www.crazyblondegal.com

www.bodyshop.co.uk

Again this is the first year I have used Dashing Santa (I think it's new for Christmas 2015) but another that I will be stocking up on! Dashing Santa looks a little more vintage compared to his fellow Santa bath bomb friends and I love that! He turns your bath a coral colour and actually smells more like Summer than Winter with his citrussy highlights -  but when you're freezing cold it's nice to have a hot bath and think of Summer.

For a post-bath wind down and keeping up with the fruity theme, this Glazed Apple Body Butter from the Body Shop is a great way to end bath-time. I always feel like a total goddess after applying body butter after a long hot bath and this Christmassy moisturiser is no exception. It smells like a juicy apple that's just been sliced but it's very strong... which makes the scent last for hours! Similar to the Maybelline Lip Moisturiser, the packaging has a more festive feel compared to other Body Shop butters with sparkles decorating the Body Shop logo around the image. The texture of this product is one of a softer feel compared to other scents and the colour is a pale green - just like an Apple. I've purchased this product every year since it was introduced in 2013 and I won't be stopping any time                                                     soon!

For the comfort drinks:

photo source: www.whittard.co.uk 

This is the one product on the list that I haven't purchased this year ...but more about that in tomorrow's post! This is Whittard of Chelsea's White Hot Chocolate - in other words, it is heaven. Although it isn't entirely a Christmas product, as a luxury brand and at the rate I drink it at, I can't afford this all year round so I save it for the festivities. I don't think I have to tell you how it tastes or what it looks like but I will tell you it's totally worth the money! On the other hand, for a cheaper alternative - or just to sample it before you splurge, Costa Coffee have introduced White Hot Chocolate to their Christmas menu this year and it taste very similar so you can try before you buy. 

Hope you've enjoyed reading about my favourite festive products. What are yours?

See you tomorrow for the 4th day of Christmas - it's all about my Christmas traditions.

Ciao for now xo

NOTE: I didn't take my own pictures of the product as they have been used and look a little gross compared to other pictures on the Internet.

Aside from a number of other brands, L'Oreal' own Maybelline and Body Shop which are featured in this post - for their stance on animal testing click here:

http://www.lorealusa.com/corporate-social-responsibility/loreal-answers/the-question-of-animal-testing.aspx

Easy as 1, 2, 3 Lemon and Honey Face Mask

The weekend is almost here... and what better time to revive your skin than after a long week at work?

With a mini weekend break coming up myself, I want to look and feel as good as possible - which can be a little difficult after a few early shifts at work! A pamper night was a must... but half-way through the night I discovered I had used all my face masks (whoops). Not wanting to interrupt relaxation time with a trip to the store - and with a tight budget - I thought I might as well have a go at making one from scratch.

I took a risk and decided to improvise and make my own recipe. To keep things simple, I selected just 3 ingredients: honey, lemon and sugar. As well as relieving the symptoms of a bad cold, honey and lemon also make a fabulous skin soothing combo: they're both proven to clear acne - and lemon also has a tonne of vitamins which illuminate the skin and even reduce the appearance of scars. The sugar, on the other hand, is purely for exfoliation purposes - coffee grains are also really good for this, but I didn't think the smell would blend so well with the honey and lemon.

Admittedly it wasn't as good as a good shop-bought face mask - it was a little runny and expectedly sticky - but the recipe is so simple and after the face mask, my skin felt a lot smoother and it genuinely left me feeling a lot more lively than my 5.30 am start would imply.

Try the face mask for yourself and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:
 (relaxed measurements)
1 tbsp Honey
1 tsp Lemon
1 tsp Sugar
2 slices cucumber

Method:
1. Pour the honey in a small container and heat until luke-warm
2. Add the lemon and sugar
3. Apply a generous layer to your skin
4. Cover each eye with a slice of cucumber for extra revitalisation (and a tasty post-pamper snack!)

LUSH HAUL!

When I say 'haul' I mean 'not really a haul at all... haul'. I am poor. Yes, I still attempt to 'haul' with a £1,500 student overdraft to pay off.

My first 'haul' post HAD to be Lush. I just love the smell when you walk in and the friendly staff and (almost) everything is pink and glittery and rainbows and unicorns and if you've ever had a lush bath you'll know exactly what I mean when I say you come out feeling like an utter goddess! ...Not to mention the fabulous brand ethics too. As lush are retiring a few of these products at the end of the summer (boohoo) I dashed to say a final goodbye to some of my faves. 

Sex Bomb - The first product is a regular in my bath basket... the Sex Bomb. They're not actually retiring this one but I bought it anyway because I couldn't resist. It smells so florally and turns your bath a magenta-y pink and even the petals dissolve on this one which makes cleaning the bath afterwards so much easier!

Blackberry Bath Bomb - The next is the Blackberry Bath Bomb. This one looks sort of boring because its just a generic bath bomb shape but it actually has a little surprise in the middle! It smells citrusy, which I love and turns your bath an unusual violety colour which you don't get from a lot of lush products.

Fizzbanger - Third on the list is the Fizzbanger... which they are not retiring- thank goodness -  because I think it might be my new fave. I always put off buying yellow/orangey colours when it comes to lush and other bath products because I think it makes your bath look like you've done a little wee... but I was pleasantly surprised to see it actually turns your bath GREEN (silly me!). My boyfriend pushed me to get this one after a lot of umming and arring - we both love the smell which is really lemony and citrusy again - notice the theme? It is made with popping candy which crackles in your bath and also has a little surprise inside, just like the Blackberry Bath Bomb. Definitely on the favourites list.

Rose Jam Bubbleroon - Up next is the Rose Jam Bubbleroon. I haven't actually tried this one before but I always buy the same bubble bars so this time I decided to go for something different. It smells light and floral-y and I'm hoping it will turn my bath pink but you never know! Due to the design, they split quite easily compared to the other bubble bars which I think is fabulous... but my boyfriend thought they were stuck together and pulled one apart which made me laugh - and then we had to walk away before anyone noticed what he'd done, oops.

Dorothy - Now its time for the ones that are being retired (so sad:(). This one is a bubble bar called Dorothy. My bestie, who works at lush has been recommending this to me for a long time now and I've always shrugged it off with a 'yeah yeah' and religiously stuck to my usual bubble bars. Now its leaving I wish I had tried it sooner. It smells floral-y and turns your bath a pale blue. 

Granny Takes a Dip - This is the hardest goodbye for me. Granny Takes a Dip bath bomb and the final bath product of my Lush 'haul'. When a kind lady first sold this to me about a year ago when it first launched, she told me it smelt like m&ms. I wasn't quite sure what she meant because to me, Lush just sold citrusy, florally smelly things - but when I first used it I knew exactly what she meant! This bath bomb is the epitome of Lush... it swirls as it dissolves, looking like a rainbow in your bath or 'My Little Pony' hair, taking me back to my childhood. I'm so sad to see this one go... but SO excited for the new Granny Takes a Dip bubble bar to be launched nationwide.

Vanilla Dee-Lite - The final product in my Lush 'haul' and another fave that's being retired is the Vanilla Dee-Lite body lotion. I love the smell of vanilla which is what initially drew me to this product. Sometimes though, I find the vanilla-y scent can be quite overbearing when it comes to bathing products, but this one is mildly floral-y too which I really love! Despite what it looks like on the outside, when you squeeze it out it is actually a really pale pink-y colour. The texture is quite light too which I look for in a moisturiser as my skin is really sensitive and thick products can bring out a rash. Another sad farewell.

I hope you enjoyed my Lush 'haul'. What are your Lush faves? What should I try next? Let me know in the comment box below!

'Skinny' Cookies & Cream Brownies

'Skinny' isn't something you often see in the same phrase as 'brownies'  - so when I came across this recipe on Pinterest - I had to put them to the pintertest. A lot of the ingredients are 'reduced fat' or 'non-fat' which is what makes them so low in calories - personally, I stuck strictly to the recipe, with a beach holiday on the horizon - but for a cheaper and 'fatter' option you can also go for full fat alternatives!

Although I'm not completely convinced at the 'skinny' claim, I was genuinely surprised with how well these mini treats turned out. Usually my baking tastes pretty gurrrd (if I do say so myself!) but it comes out the oven looking like a tiny monster has stomped all over it. My mum was the first to comment on the better presentation of my cookies & cream brownies, noting the shiny glaze on top. Seeing as this recipe has just 1/4 of the sugar I usually use, I think the glaze is from the natural yoghurt -  I'm not quite sure - but I'll be sure to incorporate more yoghurt into my baking in the future for sparkly treats all round!

Give these brownies a try yourself and tag me in your photos. Let me know what you think.

To make 15 scrumptious brownies you will need:

90g plain flour
60g cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
28g unsalted butter (melted)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
96g granulated sugar
60g non-fat greek yoghurt
90ml non-fat milk
9 reduced-fat oreos

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 160 C (140 C fan oven) and lightly coat your pan with non-stick cooking spray or low-fat butter

2. Separating the 'wet' and dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs and vanilla. Stir in the sugar before adding the greek yoghurt and milk. Stir until smooth. Add the dry mixture and stir before folding in two thirds of the crumbled oreos.

3. Spread the batter into the pan and gently press the remaining oreo pieces into the top. Bake at 160 C for 15-20 minutes. Carefully cut your brownies into squares and leave them to cool on a cooling rack. Eat up!