Shopping: Recent buys.

Back to the Future vest £12.75 Forever 21

Basic grey long sleeve T-shirt £6 Primark

Meow shopper £1.50 Primark

Polka dot sleeve wine colour blazer £15 Primark

                                      

 Pink Floyd T-Shirt £8 Primark
White sheer shirt £9 & chunky chain £4 both Primark
Black sheer shirt £9 & square chain necklace £3 both Primark
Aztec cardigan £14 Primark

I love this Back to the Future vest top from Forever 21. It just feels like a fun and retro item to have in your wardrobe and it is easy to throw on with skinny jeans and a blazer or a chunky cardigan. These dark wash super high waist skinny jeans are also from Primark and cost £10.

These sheer shirts are just a great wardrobe staple. They look expensive and elegant and flatter curvy figures. They are as easy to dress down with jeans for casual days as they are to dress up for work with a pencil skirt and a blazer. Just add a nice clutch bag, jeans and heels and they make a great item to wear out for drinks too.

I also tried on this jumpsuit in Primark. It costs £17 and makes a great alternative to a dress for a night out. I was impressed by the quality and detailing.

These Forever 21 earrings were under £5 and I think they are simple and understated to wear for a party or a night out. All that shopping had to be rounded off with a trip to Starbucks for a toffee nut latte!

Outfit of the day: All black everything....

Dress- New Look.

Boots, jacket and necklace- Primark.

Bag- Marc B at Topshop.

This New Look dress is quite plain but it is a good length and it has pleats at the bottom which stop it from being boring. I have worn it countless times and it goes well with this faux leather jacket or a blazer with the sleeves rolled up. These Primark ankle boots are my hero because I wear them with absolutely everything and they are so comfortable. 

Face of the day

I think a blusher with a little shimmer in it is a great way to liven up dull skin in winter. The Sleek blush palette in 'Lace' is a useful palette to have because it contains three versatile colours. 

Products used:

Rimmel wake me up foundation in 'true ivory'

Rimmel wake me up concealer in 'true ivory'

Sleek blush by three palette in 'lace'

Maybelline dream mousse concealer in rose beige

17 instant glow bronzing powder in light bronze

17 wow skin 3 way highlighter

Maybelline the colossal volume cat eyes mascara in 'Black'

Rimmel glam eyes liquid liner in 'Black'

Topshop lipstick in 'Brighton Rock'

Stila lip gloss in 'jolly'

Winter skincare heroes.

Winter is such a harsh time for skin with the effects of bad weather and central heating often causing dry and irritated skin.Here are a couple of my go-to products for glowing skin:

1.Simple kind to skin refreshing facial wash gel.

This face wash is gentle to skin and free from harsh ingredients plus it is inexpensive and ideal to use everyday. 

2.Tesco Exfoliating face scrub with cucumber extract. 

This exfoliating scrub is both refreshing and gentle. The grains are not too abrasive and it leaves skin soft, ideal for use once or twice per week.It is another great bargain too. 

3.Olay beauty fluid.

This classic lotion really needs no introduction from me. It is soothing and moisturizing and makes a good everyday treat for skin.

4. Balance me wonder eye cream. 

This 99% natural eye cream is gentle and good for combatting dark circles and fine lines beneath the eye area. 

5.Lacura daily face cream with SPF15 and Q10.

This face cream from Aldi supermarket is a bargain, contains SPF to protect skin from the sun and combats wrinkles. 

6. Nivea cream.

Another classic 'wonder' product, this rich cream is great for dry skin, apply in a layer and allow to soak in for softer skin. 

Outfit of the day

Faux fur collar- ASOS

Jeans, T-shirt, necklace and boots- Primark
Bag- Online purchase

This casual outfit of the day was just thrown together without much thought, to wear for Christmas shopping. I have worn this faux fur collar from Asos so much, it is such a useful item in the autumn/winter season because it is warm and it looks equally cute thrown over a biker jacket or a longer coat. 

Today I just felt like being lazy and throwing on some jeans and this pair from Primark are comfy yet stylish at the same time. This is an ideal outfit for Christmas shopping because I just want to be comfortable whilst rushing through the crowds and queuing in Starbucks for a festive red cup of coffee! 

Face of the day

Rimmel wake me up foundation in 'true ivory'

Maybelline dream mousse concealer

17 Lip pencil in 'rose blush'

Miss Sporty lipstick in 'I love'

17 Instant glow bronzing powder in 'light'

Maybelline one by one mascara in 'black' 

Soap and Glory lipgloss in 'punchbowl' 

I find that pink lipstick is one of the easiest ways to brighten up a dull winter day! This one from Miss Sporty is a nice bright colour and long lasting too. Top with a slick of gloss for more shimmer. This 17 bronzer is a subtle way to add some colour to a dull complexion and it is easy to blend without looking too obvious.

Outfit of the day: Stripes

I like this striped cardigan because it is cute with a plain t-shirt and leather-look leggings. I am really into statement necklaces right now, and this H&M one is eye catching. Of course, at this time of year a warm winter coat is needed to complete this look, such as the pink one I wore in my last post. 

Cardigan-Primark

Necklace-H&M

Leggings-Primark

Boots-River Island 

Bag-Marc B at Topshop 

Face of the day: Berry lips

When the Autumn/Winter season begins, I like to switch up my makeup by wearing a dark vampy lipstick instead of my usual pink. This is a wearable look for daytime but it also looks nice for going out to dinner or a bar. 

This look is simple to achieve and it starts with glowing skin. First I concealed any blemishes and under-eye shadows with Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer in 'true ivory'. Next, I mixed a small amount of 17 Skin Wow 3 Way Highlighter with Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation  in 'true ivory' (which has SPF 15 to protect your skin). 

After applying two coats of Maybelline The Colossal Volume Cat Eyes mascara in black to define my eyes, I swept 17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder in 'light bronze' across my cheeks. After lining my lips with 17 Rose Blush Lip Liner (a nice neutral shade) I filled them in with Collection Lipstick in shade 1 'seduction'. This is a perfect deep red wine/berry colour for this time of year and the overall finished look is chic yet simple. 

Pink Crombie Coat

This pale pink 'crombie' coat is so warm for winter, yet stylish at the same time. I really like its simple shape which means it is easy to wear with a more eye catching bag or scarf. 

I have wanted a pale pink coat for a while, and this Primark one is a good way to invest in the trend without spending a fortune! 

Coat-Primark

Leggings-Primark

Necklace-Primark

Bag-Topshop

Boots-River Island

Outfit of the day: Fringe Benefits

Leather look leggings are one of my favourite things to wear in autumn/winter. They are easy to build an outfit around and fairly comfortable if you find the right pair. I love this statement necklace which I bought in Primark, it really dresses up a plain t-shirt. Of course, my fringed kimono has to come out of hiding, even in autumn! I just think it is so chic and bohemian. The dusky pink shade is very on-trend at the moment too, which is a bonus!

Leather look leggings- River Island

Grey t-shirt- Primark

Bag- Marc B at Topshop

Boots- Primark 

Fringed Kimono-Primark

Necklace- Primark

Lipstick- Miss Sporty 'I Love'

Outfit of the day

Here I go again wearing all black...! This summer dress is still wearable for autumn layered with a biker jacket and scarf.  I like the clash of textures in this outfit and the floaty scarf adds a softer edge against the studded jacket.

 Bag- Marc B at Topshop

Dress- River Island

Studded Biker Jacket- Primark

To switch this outfit up, I would add:

Studded Bag and Black Framed Glasses- Online

Nail Polish- Angelica Nails at Primark Shade 'Be Mine'

Rimmel BB Cream and Apocalips Lip Gloss in Luna

Simple and delicious: Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala

Serves 4 with accompaniments

Ingredients

2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped

4 tbsp vegetable oil

4 tbsp tikka masala curry paste

1 red pepper deseeded and cut into chunks

1 yellow pepper deseeded and cut into

chunks

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts  cut into cubes

150 ml double cream 

150 ml natural yoghurt

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

4 tbsp tomato purée

Method

Heat the oil on a medium heat in a large non stick saucepan with a lid. Fry the onion until soft. Add the curry paste and peppers. Fry until soft, then add the cubes of chicken and fry for two minutes, stirring often to make sure the chicken is coated in the curry paste. 

Add the chopped tomatoes, the tomato purée and 200 ml of water. 

Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. 

Remove the lid and stir in the double cream and yoghurt and warm the curry through. Serve with mango chutney and rice. 

Vegetable soup with quick vegetarian dumplings

This delicious soup is easy to make, costs very little and is simply delicious on a chilly day. 

Vegetable soup

Olive oil

1 peeled and diced onion 

1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables

(Or a mixture of peeled and chopped fresh vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions etc) 

2 litres vegetable stock

Salt and pepper 

In a large, heavy base saucepan heat the oil over a medium heat. Fry the onion until soft, stirring frequently. Add the frozen/fresh vegetables to the pan. Pour in the vegetable stock and season to taste. Bring to the the boil (add the dumplings at this stage) then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan and allow to simmer for 15+ minutes until the vegetables are softened and the flavour is rich. 

Vegetarian dumplings

Oz-ounces

G- grams 

113g / 4oz self-raising flour 

Pinch salt 

28g / 1 oz margarine

Rub the flour and margarine together into a breadcrumb like consistency. Add enough warm water to the flour until it becomes a soft dough. Tear off pieces of the dough and roll each one  into a round dumpling shape. Drop into the soup when at boiling point and when the soup is reduced to a simmer for 15+ minutes the dumplings will absorb the soup flavour. 

Serve with crusty bread or sandwiches. Once cooled, the soup can be kept in the fridge and reheated when desired for 2 days. 

                             

Outfit of the day

It is getting to that awkward time of year fashion wise, the end of summer but not yet fully autumn. Even though there is a slight chill in the air, it is still too warm for a coat. I find the staple biker jacket is an absolutely indispensable item during this transitional phase. It can be layered up over maxi dresses and looks cute paired with jeans and a sheer shirt. 

Faux leather jacket- Primark

Maxi dress- River Island

Ballet pumps- Primark

Studded bag- eBay 

Face of the day

Face of the day

Face:

 Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in 030 Sand

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in 04 Rose Beige

17 Instant Glow Bronzer in Light 

Topshop Blush in Flush

Lips:

17 Lip Liner in Rose Blush

Topshop lipstick in Brighton Rock

Stila Lip Glaze in Jolly

Eyes:

Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara (Cat Eyes) in Wild Black

Oriental Style Kimono

I am addicted to kimonos, they are a wardrobe staple for me at the moment because they are perfect for giving that boho/hippy feel to an outfit. This floral one I bought in Primark is an elegant choice for day or night and it looks so cute with a rock logo vest and skirt. 

Kimono-Primark

Bag-Marc B at Topshop

Outfit of the day: Grrr

This tiger top with galaxy print on it was a great find from Primark. I have seen similar styles elsewhere and it goes well with the chunky triple strand chain I also found there recently. The grey tube maxi skirt is from Primark too. It is simple but goes with everything. 

I love this Marc B chain handle bag because it looks like Chanel and Marc Jacobs Lola perfume is a peppery, velvety fragrance which always gets noticed.