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