Spring/Summer 2014 Inspiration

This is the time of year when I am most happy as spring has finally 'sprung'. Goodbye to scarves, hats and coats, because we can finally wear all the nice new season clothes we have been yearning after. There are some trends I look forward to more than others, here they are:

Soft silky fabrics.............. just what I was missing after a cold winter season. The flattering prints are ultra-feminine and I think are ideal for a sunny weekend. 

 Big statement accessories and florals are staples that bring outfits to life. Watch out for when sparkles are added to the mix because that is when it becomes a killer combination!

Prim pastels are also anther staple that is around when the weather gets warmer. They are used everywhere lately and look their best when contrasted with bright shades.

 Every year I've made it kind or a habit to buy myself a new pair of sunnies. Transparent, leopard, round, there are so many types to suit different outfits and moods I just can't get enough of them!

One trend I'm glad doesn't go away and is there every year is stripes. What would I do without my trusty Breton top and jeans? It is definitely my outfit to go to.

Metallics is such a cool trend I really need to try and embrace. It adds impact to any outfits and even little details of it can make an outfit look glamorous. Lace is also everywhere, making outfits look delicate and detailed.

Band tees.......what better way to make people know your favourite band? I especially love these as they can be amazing conversation starters, and can even be dressed up.

So, what trends do you love the most from the sunny seasons? Comment below!

How to ......Zzzzzzzzzzz

Mock exams have filled my past week with revision and I know most people think it is very stressful. Switching off to go to sleep can be hard, so I have put together the tips I think work best.

Don't you just love these? - Sold here

1) Don't Clock Watch
Counting down the hours you have left to sleep (I'll get 3 hours if I fall asleep now..)will make you panic. Don't look at your alarm, and if you do wakeup, tell yourself its 2am. You will stop panicking and be able to get a few hours of sleep before you get up.

2) Turn Down The Heat
Cold temperatures make you fall asleep more easily than hot ones.Your body temperature also drops when you are asleep, rising only when you start to wakeup again. If you are then cold, grab a pair of socks and hot water bottle.

3)Thought Blocking
Do you know why they say you should count sheep to get to sleep? It is a word with no emotional connotations and so can help you distract from your worries. Repeat it over in your head for about 3-5 minutes and you will feel much calmer.

4)Keep A Routine
If you get to sleep and wakeup every morning at roughly the same time, your body will start getting used to it, expecting sleep at those hours.

5)Blackout
Make sure it is completely dark when your get to sleep. Invest in an eye mask if necessary.

6)Don't Hit The Snooze Button
Getting up straight after the alarm goes off automatically lifts your mood, so will make you face your day better.

Sleep well!! xx

Review | Graze Boxes + FREE box for you!

...just arrived

A few weeks ago I got given a voucher for one of these great snack boxes, and I just fell in love with them! For the people that don't know about graze, they are a company that send healthy snacks to you in the post. All the boxes are nutritionally balanced, with different types to choose from to suit your needs. The boxes are also 100% recyclable and each one fits through the letter box. If you want to try it out and get your 1st, 5th and 10th one free click on this link, there is no commitment and you can cancel any time!

As soon as you sign up you get asked to rate the snacks and get sent four of them, plus a booklet detailing its nutritional information. Favourites from my first box must be the Honeycomb Crunch which had coated milk chocolate, raisins and almonds and also the Cookies and Cream with mini chocolate cookies, roasted hazels, white chocolate buttons and sunflower seeds.

From my second box I loved the Garden of England dried fruits and the Fruity Mango Chutney! 

Overall these boxes have been a great hit in my family, especially with my parents, which, food-wise are very hard to please. They offer a great alternative to snacking on crisps and cookies, making a satisfying snack on-the-go. I await every box with excitement as I am just too curious to taste all the snacks they have.

Remember to click on the link here to get your free boxes!

xxx

Microwave Muffins

The past week for me has been a school holiday so I've had lots of spare time- guess how I've decided to spend it? Not doing something productive like revising for exams, finishing some work or getting on with chores, but experimenting in the kitchen! I am so good at procrastinating. 

Some time ago I found some very quick and easy recipes of Microwave muffins that used only a couple of ingredients, and was intrigued. There was no need to use flour or any baking powder as they used oats instead, and everyone saying how lovely they tasted. 

Here's what happened when I tried:

First try (Chocolate and Blueberries): The original recipe I found was 4tbsp oats, 1 egg, handful of berries, 2tsp sugar, 2tsp cocoa powder. The egg and cocoa powder in this one tasted weird, so decided one had to be removed.

 Second try (Blueberries): Even if I removed the cocoa powder I realised the egg was what it was making it taste odd, so had to find something to replaced it with.

Third try (Apple and Cinnamon):  At this point I didn't just run out of berries :( but it also BURNT. I used oil instead and cooked it for the normal 2-3 minutes- it just didn't work.

Fourth try (Banana and Rolos): This was LOVELY. I used 4 tbsp oats, half a banana, 2 tbsp milk and a handful of rolos, mixing well in the mug. I put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until it was firm. The banana and oats make a nice shell on the outside and when cut into all of the nice chocolate and caramel sauce came out.......divine.

One thing I have learnt this week is NEVER add egg to a microwave muffin. On the other hand, I have found a great quick dessert to make from scratch which I am very happy about.

Have you ever tried making a microwave muffin?

D.I.Y. | My favourite body scrubs

One of the things I must love the most are body scrubs. There are so many different types to choose from with countless numbers of scents that leave you feeling awake, refreshed and glowing. After my post on my favourite face masks I figured I could also make one on my best body scrubs. Olive oil is what I mostly use as it is the most moisturising oils, and many people even use it as body oil.

Basic scrub: Ingredients- 3 tbsp of sugar or sea salt and 1 tsbp of olive oil and 5 drops of flavouring of choice. My favourite would be to add vanilla or an essential oil for relaxing benefits.

Mixed scrub: Ingredients- 4 tbsp Sea salt, 2 tbsp salt, 5 tbsp sunflower oil, 3 tbsp olive oil, 25 drops flavouring. This has mixed oils and salt as it can be easier to use and wash off.

Vanilla sugar scrub: Ingredients- 200g sugar, 60ml olive oil, 1tbsp vanilla extract. Sugar is nicer on skin than salt, so I suggest you use this if you have sensitive skin.

Toning Cocoa scrub:  Ingredients- 3 tsp cocoa powder, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp of bicarbonate and 4 tsp of any vegetable oil. Mix well and then add some water. When you use it leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off. This not only smells lovely but also leaves you totally moisturised, also giving your skin a nice glow for the rest of the day.

Pre-epilation Strong Scrub:  Ingredients-¼ of lemon and orange, 2 tbp sea salt, 1 tbp bicarbonate, 1 tbsp honey and a bit of vegetable oil. Get the lemon and orange juice, pulp and skin. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The acid in the lemons and oranges also add to the exfoliating effect, perfect for removing ingrowing hairs. 

Remember to use them in circular motions to prompt blood circulation and to renew the grey, dull skin at best.

What is your favourite scrub? Comment below!

xx

Peanut Butter and Rolo Oat Cookies

Being a massive How I Met Your Mother fan, ever since the beginning of this last season of the show I have had an obsession for finding the perfect peanut butter cookies. They were named the 'sumbitches' and had a combination of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate, managing to calm Lily down as she made her way through them.

Partly inspired by Lorraine Pascale's recipe in 'A lighter way to bake' I think I have found the one. Soft and chewy with delicious melt-in-the-mouth caramel bits, they are not to be consumed everyday. However this recipe does try to make them lighter and healthier with oats, and and a minimal amount of added sugar. These might not posses the seemingly magical properties the 'sumbitches' had, but nonetheless are a delight to munch through.

What you need:
175g crunchy peanut butter
50g caster sugar
1 large egg
50g self-rasing flour
50g oats
50g rolos
Splash of milk

Makes 12 cookies

1)Preheat oven to 170 C.
2) Grab a bowl and mix the peanut butter, sugar and egg with a fork or spoon, until a mixture is formed.
3) Gradually fold in the flour, oats and rolos, adding a splash of milk to make the mixing easier.
4) With a spoon or using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal parts, placing these on a baking tray lined with paper parchment. Bake for 10 minutes.

 xxx

January Sales

With January gone I can officially say that my sales shopping is over. I have bought a couple of things this month, and so here are my favourite picks:

This lovely knit jumper from Matalan only cost me £11.50 instead of the original price of £22. The jewelled collar was what caught my eye and made it stand out from the rest.

Next I bought this pair of earrings from New Look. This must be the fourth pair of pink flower earrings I own but I just couldn't resist. They look soo pretty. The original price was £5.99 and I paid £2.

From New Look I also bought this berry coloured ribbed beanie for £1 instead of £4.99. I was looking for something to keep me warm during these cold days we are now having in the UK and thought this was a perfect match.

One of the places I also visited was Accessorize, and as they had a 70% off sale I was eager to look for something. This beautiful gold chunky chain bracelet was different form anything I already owned and I paid it only £3.60 instead of £12 :) A bargain.

So,what have you enjoyed buying this month?