Snaps from a wander around Nottingham

A couple of weeks ago, my brother and I went on a little jaunt over to Nottingham. Only 20 minutes on the train from Leicester and you are there!

It was predicted to rain early on in the day, however, from the moment we stepped off the platform, blue clear skies for miles on end.

We didn't have a plan in mind, other than to wander around 'The Park' to look at the glorious houses and maybe a glass (or bottle) of wine or two..

We stumbled across Nottingham Contemporary, which is free to enter and houses various exhibitions and installations. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

I am hoping to put together a city guide at some point, as I will definitely be going back and there's a whole host of amazing bars, eateries and places of interest that make this a wonderful city to explore. I truly can't wait to go back!

Guacamole.

Probably one of the easiest things to make and something that you become obsessed with after you've made it the first time.

As with most recipes, you can adapt as you like.. Take out items that you're not too fond of, experiment and add items that you think would compliment the other ingredients.

Guacamole, once made goes perfectly with all sorts. Used on nachos (heaven in a bowl!), as a sauce, or even as a delightful breakfast treat.

And here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

1 x Avocado, 

1x quarter of red onion (chopped), 

a few sprigs of fresh coriander,

half a red chilli (chopped)

1x crushed clove of garlic,

juice of half a lemon,

paprika to sprinkle,

salt salt

and

pepper.

Method:

De-stone the avocado and scoop out the contents into a bowl. Using a fork, blend the avocado down into a paste like consistency.

Combine the chopped onion, coriander, lemon juice, chilli, and garlic with the avocado.

Flavour with salt and pepper to your taste.

Serve.

Smoky eye.

Eyeshadow palette: Urban Decay Vice 3

I'm not very experimental when it comes to make-up, i've found what works for me and I stick to it. For the most part, I am quite happy with that.

Then I scroll through instagram..

I'm constantly in awe of what people are able to achieve with make-up and I want to do it too. I've bought so many different tools and palettes over the years, that just in the cupboard gathering dust.

Well, that was until recently.

I've started experimenting, constantly pausing youtube tutorials and trying to move out of my neutral colour palette a lot more.

I may not be very good at it, but i'm enjoying learning and trying something new.

Wrap shirt: Warehouse.  Midi skirt: Topshop.  Stud court shoes: New Look (Sold out)(Similar).

Do you have a particular item of clothing that you tend to buy a lot of?

For me, the one item that bring me joy is the classic white shirt. I cannot tell you how many I own and how many I continue to buy. I own a myriad of styles from v neck to round neck, from satin to cotton, from longline to cropped and the list goes on..

However, I do not own a wrap shirt. But now I do and it makes me incredibly happy!

I see this shirt paired as pictured, or with jeans and sandals on those warmer days.

Welcome to the family!

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?!