Face Faves.

Products:

MAC - Studio Fix Powder // MAC - Mineralise Skin Finish - Lightscapade // MAC - Paint Pot - Painterly // Clarins Instant Concealer - 01 // The Body Shop - Honey Bronzing Powder - 03 // Soap & Glory - Kick Ass Pressed Powder // Clinique - Anti Blemish Foundation - 04 Fresh Vanilla //  Benefit - Gimme Brow - Medium/Deep // Benefit - Brow Zings - Dark // MAC - Lipstick - Velvet Teddy // Topshop - Blusher - Dream Phone //

I thought it was about time I introduced a few more beauty related posts onto the blog, as it's something I have huge passion for.

Now, when it comes to day to day beauty, I have finally found a combination of products that work for me. And when you find something that works.. Stick with it.

As a general rule for the day, I tend to lean towards the no make up, make up look.

The Clinique foundation is one of my all time favourites. The colour is such a gorgeous match with a medium but build-able coverage. I do have other foundations that I adore, but for everyday wear, this one wins.

When it comes to brows.. The only think I have to say is.. Benefit Cosmetics.

I'm sure when I say velvet teddy, you all know what i'm talking about. This lipstick has been on everyone's instagrams and favourites line-ups. When I first got my hands on it, I could totally see why. This shade is something of a 'Your-lips-but-better'. And I LOVE it.

What are your favourite go-to products?

Spring shoe edit.

Suede tie shoes - Aldo

Point toe flats - Aldo

Reptile chunky sole trainer - Ash

Block heeded sandal - Melissa

Bow ballet pump - Melissa

Patent mid heel pump - Michael Kors

Ribbon ballet flat - Glamorous via ASOS

Nothing shouts spring summer to me than neutral tones and I adored it in footwear. Whether it be flats, heels or trainers, neutral toned shoes are definitely a step in the right direction.

I already own two pairs of Melissa shoes and those block heeled sandals will definitely be joining my expanding collection.

Circle detailed flats - Zara

Suede loafer - Michael loafer

Quilted flatform trainer - Ash

Block heel chelsea boots - Michael Kors

Embellished sandal - Ash

Pointed ankle strap heels - Zara

Season after season after season, a classic black shoe never fails.. Ever. I'm sure we all can't wait for those delightfully warm days where we can slip on a pair of sandals and a pretty summer dress.

With that being said, chelsea boots can be worn all year round, especially if they are well made. You can't beat a classic, just like those beautiful Michael Kors pair. I can see them dress up with a lovely summer dress or dressed down with mum jean and a slogan tee.

Grey Nike Air Stealth

Adidas Originals Stan Smith

Converse Chuck Taylor Hi-Tops

Michael Kors Red Suede Contrast Trainers

Ash Knit Effect Trainer

Ash Reptile Platform Trainer

Michael Kors Embossed Trainer

I have never been a trainers girl. Of course I have always had a pair, but only worn them occasionally. If you had told me a year ago that I would look to pair them with most outfits, I would've rolled my eyes and probably giggled.

It's funny how your tastes can change.

Now I look forward to pair a classic trainer with jeans and a smart blazer. Or trying out a patterned reptile pair with an all black outfit!

Firmoo

Dress: Mango.  Boots: ASOS.  Sunglasses: Firmoo*.

A little bit of sunshine has me doing crazy things.. Like going bare legged. 

I shan't lie to you, I totally put on a pair of jeans after these pictures were taken (SorryNotSorry).

I adore denim, whether it be a delightful pair of jeans or in this case a dress. Denim is a classic staple to any wardrobe and something that everyone loves. I found this lovely number when perusing in Mango whilst waiting for a friend. I sized up when buying this because I can wear it as shown here, or I can wear it as a lightweight jacket.

Now, when it comes to sunglasses I'm such a sucker for a mirrored lens. 

This pair were kindly gifted to me by a company called Firmoo, which is a online optical specialist who offer prescription and non-prescription lenses to their customers. With a wide range of products at a competitive price point, there really do offer something for everyone. I found their website easy to use, the customer service was brilliant and even better.. After placing my order, they arrived within the week! 

So, now that I have a new pair of sunnies, it's totally ok to use them as an excuse to book a holiday right?!

Hummus.

Hummus.. I adore it. 

I could happily eat bowlfuls of it on a daily basis.

Having bought so many different pots of this amazing dip, I thought I would attempt to create it myself and was quite shocked by how easy it actually is.

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can get a little creative. 

I like to add olives to my batch of hummus, as it gives a lovely salty taste. If I want it to be a touch sweeter, I'll occasionally add red pepper. This can either be thrown into the mixer or small pieces stirred into the finished batch to add a little crunch.

Ingredients:

1x 400g tin of chick peas, 

4x table spoons of virgin oil, 

4x tablespoons of tahini,

Juice of half a lemon, 

1x clove of chopped garlic.

Optional extras:

Handful of coriander, 

Paprika, 

Olives, 

Red pepper.

Method:

1. Drain the chickpeas from the tin, reserving a little of the water that the chickpeas are contained in. Rinse the chickpeas throughly. I find if i'm rinsing anything, it's easiest to place the item in a sieve and run the water over them.

2. Put the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and chopped garlic into a blender. At this stage, if i'm going to add anything extra then I will, such as olives and coriander.

3. Pulse the mixture until smooth. Using the left over water from the chickpeas tin, add a little at a time until you reach the consistency that you desire.

4. Serve in a dish of your preference. If you're serving this at a party or gathering, you can decorate the mixture with paprika, a few chickpeas, coriander leaves and a dash of olive oil.

If you're already a hummus fan, then you know this delightful creation can be served with pitta strips, a quinoa salad, a halloumi and spinach wrap or just simply on its own. It can pretty much be served with anything.. Happy days!

Teddy.

Teddy coat - Missguided. Neoprene top - Misguided.  

Flare trouser - New Look concession sale (similar). 

Trainers - Adidas Stan Smith. Fur scarf - New Look.    

How is it mid-January already? How? How?

I seriously feel like Christmas came, I blinked and now we're mid way into January.

And it sure is cold. Probably a good thing i've been stocking up on all kinds of coats.

I absolutely adore this camel shearling coat from Missguided. It's super cosy and surprisingly pairs so well with a multitude of different outfits. It's a modern item with a vintage feel.

Now, i'm not really one for New Years Resolutions, as I tend to stick to them for about 5 minutes (Oops, may bad!). But what I am trying to do this year is focus more on my blog. My posting schedule, or lack thereof, is pretty non-existent. I find working full time and learning to drive on weekends, it can be quite hard to find time to put in the effort this space deserves.

So..

With that being said. Going forward, I am hoping to post 2/3 times a week. And also give this space a little make over too.

Watch this space.

What are your plans for twenty-sixteen? 

NYE.

Dress and boots: Both Zara (Sold out online, but currently on sale in stores).  Black Lipstick: Barry M.

Well hello there, my lovelies.

Did you all have a good Christmas? I'm hoping that you did. Mine was rather delightful, if you were wondering.

The only downside.. I now feel the size of a house (and a mansion at that!), due to the amount of food that I decided to consume. Not that I regret it one bit, but I am feeling the need to wear something loose fitting for New Year's Eve.

In general, I'm not one to venture into the city on NYE, it's usual a nice night in with the girls, a few bottles of wine and more food (The diet can start in January). And just because i'm not hitting the town, that does not mean I'll be lounging around in my pjs.

This dress is a perfect spin on an LBD. The white panelling and keyhole detail on the back, give it that little extra touch to make it something special.

What will you be wearing and what are your plans?

Chia pudding.

 

Any returning readers may recall a post I created a few months ago called Acai bowl, in this post I mentioned that I was on a health kick.

Now, I am still on a health kick (with occasional weeks days off) and when i'm making effort with what I eat, I always make the time to make something more nutritious than grabbing a bag of crisps.

If you follow other food bloggers then you may have heard of the chia pudding already. I heard about it, was thoroughly intrigued and wanted to make my own. 

This little bowl can be consumed as a breakfast, dessert or just a little snack when you're feeling peckish.

The key ingredient here are the chia seeds. Chia seeds are an amazing nutritious ingredient that sit in the superfood category. They can be used in almost anything, but when submerged in water they form a jelly like consistency (as you can see above).

Now, there are many different ways of creating this pudding and I have tried many. After tweaking a few recipes and a little bit of experimentation, this how I like it..

Ingredients:

4x table spoons of chia seeds (soaked in a container - leave in a fridge overnight),

1x chopped frozen banana,

250ml almond milk (or which liquid prefer),

1x table spoon maca powder, 

1x teaspoon cinnamon powder, 

1x table spoon of honey.

Place all ingredients into a a blender and blend until smooth.

For the topping I tend to use blackberries and an omega seed mix, but use whatever makes your heart content.

Please do not hesitate to let me know any other tasty or healthy recipes that I can try in the comments below!