Monday, 22 December 2014
Let the festivities begin...
Saturday was the start of the Christmas period for me with Christmas jumper night in Yarm. Well, it wasn't an official night, we just wanted to wear them! Of course, we were absolutely boiling but many others were out in their festive outfits and it felt good to celebrate in style (and in my amazing H&M heels!)
Monday, 15 December 2014
Celebrations
This weekend I took a trip with my boyfriend to celebrate four years together. We try and go to a different city every year (Edinburgh, Newcastle and Durham), so we thought we'd see Liverpool next. I'd already been a couple of times for nights out with friends, but I wanted to show him what the city had to offer and also my amazing memory of where everything was. After a nightmare train journey, we arrived at Lime Street two hours late and completely knackered. Dropped our bags off at Novotel -lovely room- and set about the centre looking for an outfit for me to wear. The shops are amazing, with random escalators outside that take you to different floors that you never knew existed! It's the smaller things in life that make me happy. The Christmas decorations were lit and the market stalls were filling the streets, getting me in the festive mood.
Anyway, with no new outfit found, we headed back and I put together a skirt and shirt I'd brought with me. We got ready and set off to Mal Maison (yes another hotel but it was the only decent looking restaurant we could get a table in). It looked amazing as soon as you walked through the door and the menu looked divine. The food came and after sending my main back to be re-heated, I wasn't really impressed with any of the three courses. At nearly £20 for steak stroganoff, I was expecting something a bit tastier and bigger (it came with a cup of rice). The other half had lamb and his was much tastier but you had to pay even more to get a side with it! The sticky toffee pudding was hardly sticky as well, after the teaspoon of ice- cream, both puddings were so dry we couldn't finish them- shame as well because we were still hungry. By the time we finished it was nearly 11 o'clock and after the events of the morning, we were too tired to even try any of the bars.
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| Look at the size of the dip and mini gherkins compared to the stroganoff! |
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| The really tasty lamb. |
The next morning we got Starbucks in bed to start the day properly and headed out to enjoy the sites. German hot dogs from the market and a look round the ice rink. There was an ice bar but the queue to get in was ridiculous and it was the same for every activity they had going! So I put my little tour guide hat on and we walked down to the docks to get out of the chaotic centre and take in some sights.
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| Dancers in a snow globe? |
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| The ticket was stamped with a heart! |
Despite the negatives, it was an amazing weekend and I've always said that mishaps make a trip more memorable. This trip was certainly memorable and I can't wait to see what the next city has install.
xx
Monday, 8 December 2014
A Sunday Well Spent
The weekend to me is a time for getting those jobs done and relaxing in between. I have worked Saturdays for the past six years, so Sunday's have generally been my day of rest. Now how you interpret rest is entirely down to the individual; it might mean cooking, shopping, organising, or simply lying in front of the T.V all day; just something other than work. I've been compiling photo's of what I've been doing over the past few weekends to take a look at how I spend my time off (note: it involves a lot of food). I love to start weekend mornings with a messy family breakfast, usually consisting of croissants, proper coffee and plenty of jams and spreads to kick start our sugar levels for the day! So healthy. I'll take forever to get ready and then I'll start working on my to do list or catch up with friends and family over plenty of cups of tea. With it getting colder, I stocked up on whipped cream and marshmallows for the best home made hot chocolates. Everyone comes round for them, as long as they do their own topping. I've even started adding caramel sauce and sprinkles to the top for the best calorie overload; but enough babbling, here's some images...
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| Big Sunday breakfast at Starter's in Yarm is always a good start to the day. |
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The vintage rooms at Teesside Hospice are filled with glass cake stands and decanters, both of which I love to collect but will never actually use.
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| Last Saturday I visited Jewellery By, which is Stokesley's hidden treasure; filled with jewellery by independent designers. |
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| You even get a piece of information about each artist! It's great for different and individual pieces. |
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| Fajitas for tea is always a good alternative to a Sunday roast (who honestly has the time?!) |
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| Last, but not least, the famous home made hot chocolate. I could have a thousand of these daily, I'd be sick, but it would be worth it. |
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Hair Ringsss
Hair rings have been doing the rounds in magazines and social media for quite some time and I tried some styles with them a couple of months ago. I never got round to putting the finished looks on here though, until now! I created a mini multi- coloured plait in my sister's hair, using hair chalk to give an edgier effect. Instead of paying premium prices on the high street, I found some small metal rings in haberdashery shop that would work just as well. Try it in a sleek plait or use some salt spray, loosely plait sections of hair then pin it all back for a messier effect.
Note: My hair wasn't co-operating with me on this, hence the top part that isn't plaited.
Saturday, 29 November 2014
Gift Guide For Him
From Left Clockwise:
Jack & Jones Jumper- £24.50 (was £35)- House Of Fraser
Call Of Duty Advanced Warfare Xbox game- £42.99- Game
Jawbone Activity Tracker Band- £39- Currys
Loreal Paris Gift Set- £14.99- Feel Unique
Leather Watch Box- £39.95- Original Gift Company
Men's Health Magazine 12 month subscription- £26- Men's Health
HMDX Portable Bluetooth Speaker- £17.99- Zavvi
knit Hat- £24- Nike
Jonh Rocha Suede Mule Slippers- £21(was £30)- Debenhams
Initial Cufflinks- £16- Not On The High Street
Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- £76- Watch Shop
Football Stadium Tour- Various Prices- Buy A Gift (or the stadium website)
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Gift Guide For Her
Stuck for ideas? Stressing out? Funny or romantic, little or large; I have handpicked a few gift ideas to help you look like a saint this Christmas. Available in store and online, Christmas shopping has never been easier! Click the links below, enter your details and BOOM- presents sorted.
From Left clockwise:
Diptyque Jonquille Candle- £40- Liberty
http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Jonquille-Candle-190g/85833
Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette- £37- Urban Decay
http://www.urbandecay.co.uk/palettes/palettes-selection/naked-on-the-run
Wanderlust Compact Mirror-£10- John Lewis
http://www.johnlewis.com/wanderlust-zebra-compact-mirror/p1195543
Satin Pyjamas- £24.99- H&M
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/48724?article=48724-A&cm_mmc=pla-_-gb-_-ladies_nightwear_pyjamas-_-48724&gclid=COCy8vbUjMICFYkKwwodME0AYQ#article=48724-A
Blue Mini Power Bank- £12.99- Futurocks
http://futurocks.com/product/futurocks-lcd-mini-power-bank-2600-mah-blue/
MAC Lipstick- £15.50- House Of Fraser
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/M·A·C+Lipstick/160684441,default,pd.html
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera- £59- Jessops
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/89640/Show.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_term=Instax%20Mini%208%20Instant%20Camera%20in%20White&gclid=COD09YTNjMICFQrHtAodHjQAEQ
Hot Diamonds Silver Feather Bracelet- £50- H Samuel
Perfume Bottle Clutch- £28- Next
Sophia Red Leather Heels- £65- Office
Calvin Klein CKIN2U perfume- £24.99- The Perfume Shop
I will be posting a Gift Guide For Him in the next week for all those stuck on what to buy for the men in their life!
Emily x
Friday, 21 November 2014
Uncomplicated Jewellery
Why so serious? I've seen nothing but glitz and glamour in magazines and in the shops lately. What happened to simplistic jewellery? Where's that little something extra to add to an outfit and not be such a statement in itself? Well I've been hunting high and low and this is what I've found. It's these pieces that help bring that special festive outfit together, or add a touch of elegance to an everyday look. Understated is the trend- linked with Nordic themes and stripped back fashion, try it out with these effortlessly chic pieces.
From left clockwise:
Bracelet stack- £19.99- Zara
Bracelet (gold)- £1.99- H&M
Silver & gemstone stacking ring- £29.50- Not On The High Street
Silver wishbone ring- £8- Shop Dixi
Extra long fine chain- £10- Miss Selfridge
Tassle wrap round necklace- £16.50- Topshop
Constellation ear pin- £30- Shop Dixi
Open wings headband- £8- Asos
Rose Gold wishbone earrings- £19.95- Not On The High Street
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Liverpool- Level and Central Perk
After a busy Saturday at work, it was time to get the train to Liverpool for my best friend's 23rd birthday!! I was so excited to celebrate in the city and let my hair down that I was desperate to start doing my face on the train. Didn't happen though, due to over crowding, a child kicking my sit and a man with a vicious cold sat opposite me. Arriving at Liverpool Lime Street at 8pm, I jumped in my friend's car to find them all with rollers in and slippers on- it was clear they'd already adopted the scouse way of life. Champagne popped and outfit chosen (Skirt- H&M, Top- River Island, Heels- Dune), we started creating a masterpiece of a hairstyle on the birthday girl, before having every mirror in the house occupied for make-up application. I love these nights that we get together and just have a proper girly catch up before we hit the floor and dance till our feet can't take anymore! That floor was in Level, three floors to be precise. Yes, three floors of the best songs and atmosphere, with dancers, shot girls, photographers, it was amazing! Five and a bit hours later, it was the chicken shop and a taxi home for the worn out Northern girls. With an awkward misunderstanding about the taxi line, we actually managed to climb into the first one, much to the bemusement of the poor group waiting at the front of the queue in the freezing cold. From the heating in the cab though, it was tough to feel anything but joy!
The next morning though, well, the birthday girl took us to Central Perk for breakfast! An actual Central Perk, just like Friends! It was even playing back to back episodes on wide screens. After HUGE waffles covered in fruit and chocolate sauce and a couple of episodes of the best T.V series ever, we headed back to the house to make the long journey home.
Monday, 17 November 2014
Pretty little fluffy things
Faux fur has come back round in a big way this Winter; from the smallest of accessories to the biggest coats and boots. I've personally never been a fan of vast amounts of the fluff, but tend to wear trims on my coat and pom poms on my hat! I've made this for anyone else like me, who wants to dabble in this Winter fluffy treat; so this post is all about adding that little bit of fur to any outfit to bring it up to date and on trend.
From left clockwise:
Grey faux fur pom pom keyring. River Island. £6.
Eesha faux fur coat cuffs. Missguided. £7.99.
Stone faux fur foldover clutch. New Look. £19.99.
Chunky knit hat. H&M. £7.99.
Faux fur paw mittens. Topshop. £20.
Francesca faux fur strappy heeled sandals. Missguided. £29.99
Emily x
Saturday, 15 November 2014
The day I had my first Cronut
Today was a very special day for me. If you haven't heard of cronuts before, they basically are a doughnut-croisant combination that formed in a small bakery in New York and the rest is history. Queues outside, celebrities flying in, sold out everyday. Everyone went mental. Gregg's caught on, created the Greggsnut; but decided to only sell it in selected London stores. I know, how rude! Well, until now... because I saw them in my local Greggs and couldn't believe my eyes so just had to buy one!! They were only £1 as well! (I love things that are £1, just so you know).
It felt like the most beautiful calorific baked good I'd ever set my eyes on. Caramel and pecan too, even better. Such a guilty pleasure, but it's okay because I had avocado on toast for breakfast! The healthiest my breakfast gets is having the fattiest fruit on toast; but it's good fats! For those who have never had it, here's a picture. A bit gruesome looking, but delicious none the less. My sister likes to mix it with salt, cream cheese and spring onions for a tea time snack, if that sort of mixture floats your boat.
In other news, Santa came to town with Rory the lion (Middlesbrough Football Club's mascot). I got so excited for Christmas and wanted to join the long line of kids and parents, but my parking time was up and I headed home with a cronut finally in my belly and a Costa to go.
Emily x
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Obsession Of The Week- Zara boots
Back at the Metro Centre for my mum to have another Apple Mac lesson (getting computer lessons when she teaches ICT, eeeesh). So whilst she was keeping up to date with technology, I was keeping up to date with Zara clothes. I've previously ranted about my thoughts on the store, but i'll admit that it never stops me from going in. I fell head over heels for an oxblood pair of boots with a chunky heel and of course they only had size 3 and 7. Knowing I'd get them online i found a stripey t-shirt and a bottle of perfume for £10 to keep my Zara addiction content. After ordering the £29.99 pair of boots online (I know, bargain!), three days later a humongous box turned up on my doorstep. I didn't think size 5's took up that much room! A shoe box inside a massive box struck me as quite a strange way to go about delivering, but if that stops the shoes from getting damaged then use the biggest box you've got Zara!
This Apple Juice perfume is the best smell ever! For a store to bring out a good perfume and then to sell it for £10, it's just perfect! I might even admit to it being better than Next's scents. In fact I will.
Emily x
P.S Hate to say it, but wore these shoes out for the first time the other day. Apart from tearing my feet to shreds, the colour also wore off on the sides from where they must have rubbed! I had two bright red sides on the boots! I'm so gutted because they were the best looking boots I'd found in ages!
Friday, 31 October 2014
Obsession Of The Week- Bare Minerals
So my second attempt at Christmas shopping didn't go any better. Walking round the Metro Centre with a list in my hand, gawking at all the party dresses and beautiful heels. I ended up searching for a good foundation instead and after buying my mum Bare Minerals from the Clothes Show Live last year; I decided to have a go of it myself. It wasn't like I needed a new foundation or was running out, I just wanted something better with more coverage (and an excuse to buy something). After talking to the girl at the counter, we decided to try the powder foundation. Five minutes later and I'd bought the whole kit! It's flawless!
It comes with Prime Time primer, a foundation (I'm 'Fairly Light N10'), Warmth all over face colour (bronzer), Mineral Veil (finishing powder) and three soft brushes! I couldn't believe that you got all that for £50, as the foundation and brush would have come to that alone! All they tell you to do is tap some of the product into the lid, swirl the brush around, tap off the excess and buff into the skin. Et voila!
Pros- It's lightweight, looks like you have nothing on, the bronzer is amazing, the primer makes it last all day, you can never go wrong or look like you have too much on. The brushes are so soft and work well with the product.
Cons- It's powder- it can get messy, it transfers to phones and clothes a lot easier than liquid foundation and all the swirling, tapping and buffing can make you go slightly crazy.
It's definitely a wonder product and can see me buying more if they're at the Clothes Show Live again this year!
Emily x
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Boots Christmas trip gone wrong
It's that time of year already! I went along to the Boots Christmas event to make a start on the dreaded Christmas shopping. It was a good intention anyway. Getting to the till, I realised I'd picked up nothing from the 3 for 2 gifts and nothing in my basket was going to be wrapped up for someone. Absolute fail. Although, I did pick up things I actually needed, like a nail file with all the different sides and a decent pair of tweezers (for £20 they better be anyway!). My friend loves the Tweezerman range and persuaded me to get a pair. I chose a wide grip pair that I've fallen in love with- Tweezerman all the way!
I also picked up a Herbal Essences dry shampoo to try. I hate the smell of them normally so this seemed like a winner. It really isn't. It turned my hair into concrete which I couldn't even run my fingers through, let alone a brush to get the excess out. It's such a shame because it smelt so nice!
Needing some more heat protection, I found Loreal's study line on offer, making two seem better than one! Whether there's any difference to the straight and curl sprays I have no idea, but it seemed like a good idea to buy both at the time!
Heading down the make-up aisles was a mistake, picking up more lipsticks in similar shade to what i already have. I honestly have about four browny/nudes in my handbag and five different shades of red in my drawer at home. This didn't stop me from buying these beauties though and the 3 for 2 offer was just going to make me want them more. Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade '08' and Soap and Glory in 'Man Trap'.
All in all, I did well for myself, just haven't actually started any form of present shopping yet; but at least I've seen what Boots have to offer!
Emily x
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Obsession of the week- Furry Pom Pom Keychains
This week's obsession has been seen attached to every A list handbag and set of keys. Instead of paying £22 upwards on a bit of faux fur and metal, I thought I'd have a go at making my own; perhaps even for Christmas presents! I went and found some ox blood coloured faux fur in my local Boyes. I bought a ten centimetre strip so it only cost about 70p and I had some metal chain and book rings left from an old uni project, but these can be found at craft and stationary shops. So I began...
You will need:
Scissors
Needle and thread
Chain/ thick string
Clip/ key ring
1. Cut out a circular shape in you faux fur to however big you want your pom pom to be. I started with a 4 inch circle to practice and made a larger 6 inch one after.
1. Cut out a circular shape in you faux fur to however big you want your pom pom to be. I started with a 4 inch circle to practice and made a larger 6 inch one after.
2. Get your needle and thread and sew around the edge of the circle, making sure you leave a bit at the beginning and end to hold onto to (it helps if you tie a knot in the end).
3. Gently pull on both ends of the thread to bring the material to a ball shape. You can stuff this with material if you want to help hold the shape.
4. If you're using string for the chain, make a few knots in the end to help prevent it falling out. Sew this or the chain to the material and sew up the edges to seal it all together. I would keep looking over the edges to make sure you've got them all (there's always a sneaky gap).
5. Attach your clip or key ring et voila! A perfect pom pom key chain. You could even use this to make decorations, funky jewellery or just a different accessory.
Happy pom pom making!
Emily x
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