Minimalist Earring Love

I love jewellery, but boy do I suck at remembering to consistently wear what I have! I've previously shared my ring adventures with you - have a browse here if you're keen - but today's purchase has rarely left my lobes since I bought them.

I can't lie, this choice was totally inspired by the Giantlion Bar Studs sold on Anomie. I wish I could afford to buy the real things, but shipping and customs on top of the actual price held me back.

These gorgeous, simple studs by Orelia London were on display in The Consortium (AKA my new favourite place in Winchester) but are not on the website at the moment - instead you can grab these from John Lewis and mighty stunning they are too!

What do you guys think? Where do you guys head to for minimal jewellery? Head down to the comments and holla!

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TV Shows Worth Marathoning

I love a TV marathon as much as the next gal and I am sure you gorge people do too... So I thought I would share the TV shows that I have been lovin' of late... Let us get to it!

Spiral 

[Engrenages in French!]
If you like yourself some amazing crime drama, this is for you. I warn you, it's French, but can be found subtitled online... but French learners, this is essential viewing! So gripping, and so much better than any other French TV shows I've ever seen. Worth watching for the spectacular cliffhangers at the end of nearly every episode. (I'd start in Season 5 like I did - it is not too hard to follow and Season 1 is GOD AWFUL.)

Brooklyn 99

It's funny and stars Andy Samburg, so basically, I love it. Lovers of Parks and Recreation and perhaps even The Office US will be up for this: it's made by some of the folks that made Parks and Rec, but I think it stands well in its own right. Funny, wacky, with a brilliant and diverse cast, it's the comedy to keep an eye on.

The Great British Sewing Bee

Changing gears again, this is about the sweetest and most inspirational show since its [I suspect] sibling program came out, The Great British Bake-off, the Sewing Bee is most certainly not a bland copycat. It follows a group of amateur sewers of incredible talent from one week to the next and you will never see camaraderie like this on any other show; plus it is hosted by my not-so-secret girl crush, the gorgeous and hysterical Claudia Winkleman. You must see it.

The Last Leg

This weekly news mocker started with the intent of covering the Paralympics in 2012, and proved so popular that it has reappeared again and again. Funny and irreverent, it tackles today's topics with the humour and common sense our nation's politicians seem to be lacking. The three hosts, Adam, Alex and Josh, are hilariously funny and their anti-IS rants aren't to be missed.

Gogglebox

The premise of this one is ludicrously simple: it films a number of British families as they watch what's been on our screens in the last week. [The Royle Family no doubt inspired this one.] Silly and pointless it may sound, but it's addictive stuff - you find yourself bonding with certain families and being stunned by the others (I'm hoping mentioning this show will land me an invitation to the Siddiquis', because they have the wittiest sense of humour in town).

What show are you into at the moment? I would literally love to hear about them down in the comment section!

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Lizzie's 7 Holy Grails

I'm so pumped to be back again with another round of Holy Grails for you. Today's picks have been chosen by Lizzie, the first person I met at uni and the closest thing to a wife I have ever had. She's hysterical and I'm so looking forward to sharing her beloved beauty pieces with you.

MUA Pro Brow Palette
It's just the best. The colours are perfect, and it is cheap as chips - but I think the quality is amazing.  ["Sometimes chips aren't even that that cheap!" - spake Amy, my housemate, who is correct.] I prefer it to Benefit Brow Zing, or whatever it's called. I use the lightest shade, and it comes with crappy tweezers, a crappy brush, crappy wax and two really good brow powders. I've thrown the crappy bits away so now it is perfect.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl in Bronze
I like this as it's a true bronze: it's not browny with gold glitter, it is an actual shade of bronze. It stays put really well and makes your eyes look lovely and nicely sparkly. I love that it's super affordable too - unlike MAC eyeliners, which will set you back at least £15.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Styling Foam
This is great as you don't need to heat style your hair for this to work - you can simply pop it in and it will leave you with the nicest ringlets [Lizzie's hair is naturally curly, for reference]. It's not at all sticky, crunchy or crispy; it just leaves your locks nice and soft.

Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette
One of the greatest gifts I have ever been given, that was given to me by the glorious writer of this here blog. I love it because the quality is amazing, the packaging is to die for and I get complimented on it every time I wear it. Everyone at work notices it and says my makeup is looking lush. What a time to be alive. It is a bit expensive to buy for yourself but makes a great gift for someone you love.

Nars Laguna Bronzer
Another gift from my bae, it gives you a really healthy, bronzed look. It isn't really suitable for contouring or for really fair skin - I'm just on the threshold of being able to use it [Anna: I am not]. It warms up your face but isn't full of glitter; it's a bit pricey, but worth it.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
The only thing that can keep my makeup from falling of my face. You know a product is good when you go to a club for several hours, it's all hot and horrible, but you come out and your makeup is still perfectly in place.

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara
I have tried a lot of mascaras in my time and this one is the best. I thought nothing could beat the Benefit They're Real Mascara, but this one has the perfect balance between length and volume. Just a couple of coats and you are good to go... and who can resist that Charlotte Tilbury packaging? It is perfect on your top and bottom lashes and completes any eye makeup look beautifully.

Thank you so much for starring in this Lizzie! What did you guys think of her choices? I am so looking into that Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Liner!

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The Acne Tips That Helped Me

Acne. It's up there with my least favourite words in the English language and for good reason: from the ages 12 to 20, I was at a complete loss at how to deal with it. Over the last couple of years however, I have learnt a thing or two that seems to have helped... touch wood.

Before we move onto the tips, a disclaimer: acne is, unfortunately, hormonal. My advice is anecdotal and I am by no means promising you clear skin - but this advice helped for me, so I thought it worth sharing!

Get some exercise

Not the most obvious or glamorous one to start off with I know, but there's a reason why I've put it first. My logic is that there is little point in spending money on products that may help if the basics are off, and this one is pretty important to me. Healthy circulation = healthy skin, so please, hold off spending on expensive skincare and get your heart pumping first and foremost!

Keep your skincare simple...

Hell, I love skincare as much as the next guy - believe me, I do - but there is a lot to be said for a paired back routine. The more products you use, the harder it is to determine what is beneficial (and of course, what isn't). Save your pennies and spend them on lippy instead.

FYI, this is how not to do it

...but try a double cleanse

Not necessary for everyone, but a step that works wonders for me; a double cleanse, for the uninitiated, involves using a makeup remover in the evening, and washing your face with your "proper" cleanser after (think balms or creams that must be washed off). Your pre-cleanser needn't be expensive; I've used coconut oil and Garnier Micellar Water and been perfectly happy with both; they cost less than a fiver each.

Keep long hair back when possible

Get all 80s/90s and bring back the alice band girlfriend - you won't damage your locks by sticking your hair in a bun and your face will thank you. I am by no means pressuring you to rock this look in the street, but it is a good shout for whenever you are at home.

Explore which blemish busting ingredients work for you

I know if a product has salicylic acid in it, it is bound to be my friend; but for my bestie Beth, we know it will irritate her like no end. Equally, while her skin responds well to products with natural oils like lavender, mine freaks out like nobody's business. My advice? Inform yourself, get nerdy with ingredients lists, and you'll get there.

Wash pillowcases, flannels, makeup brushes and towels as much as you can

I won't give you a hard and fast rule about how often, because life is life... but if you've just had a nasty breakout, stick everything in the wash as soon as possible. I bought myself a load of plain white pillowcases from the supermarket and it was an excellent shout.

More tips to get through facial crisis mode:

- keep away from alcohol
- get more sleep
- ditch any products recently introduced to see if they are the cause
- stay consistent
- don't forget to moisturise as most acne treatments are very drying
- hold off from wearing base products for a while
- avoid touching your face as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly before cleansing/applying any face products
- remember that contraceptive methods such as the pill/implant/hormone coil can all have an effect, for better and worse
- be patient

That's me done! Now over to you guys - have you got any of your own acne advice to share? If so I would love to hear about it in the comments!

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On My Beauty Shopping List

In a comment chat with Carla I realised there were actually a few things "missing" from my stash (cue a load of eye-rolling from my dad, who would no doubt disagree). Despite having purchased every possible shade of red lippy, in every possible finish and format, I still feel there are areas in which my beloved collection is lacking...and yes, I do plan on thinning out the multitudes of lippies before I invest in more makeup!

Below is my shopping list of beauty products I feel I am lacking... Let's get straight into it!

Daytime Base

It seems utterly ridiculous to me that, as a 22 year old self-confessed makeup nut, I have yet to find my perfect, everyday base. I'm after something that will provide light to medium coverage, not break me out (that's the kicker), and ideally not leave me super shiny.
I have tried: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (too dark), Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser (too dewy), Bourjois CC Cream (good but a little too dark/breaks me out slightly)
I will try next: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Eyebrow Beautifier

I have yet to become someone who sports enviable brows 24/7 (despite my dabblings with HD Brows back in the summer... So beauts, but so expensive...) and thusfar, my quest for an HG brow beautifier has involved one success, and one only. Any recommendations would be extremely welcome for this one!
I have tried: Chanel Crayon Sourcils in Brun Naturel (very soft and not a great shade, redeemed only by a great spoolie), Maybelline Brow Satin in Medium Brown (complete fail), Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown (complete win, once I got used to the brush)
I will try next: Either Anastasia Brow Wiz or Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade - let me know if you've experience with either!!

Foundation Brushes

If I'm committing to a daily base, I strongly feel I need to match that by committing to more foundation brushes. It may sound crazy to some that I'd like at least five in total - but I feel it's less cray when one considers 1. how quickly brushes breed bacteria, awful for the acne prone among us and 2. how unlikely I am to wash my brushes more than once a week. Just bein' sensible guyz.
I have tried: Real Techniques Buffing Brush (love), Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (like but not as much), MAC 187 (sheds like mad)
I will try next: Sigma F80. Zoeva 104 Buffer

Alcohol-Free Spot Treatment

I have been very loyal to salicylic acid since discovering how well my face gets on with it. The only downside is that the two treatments I've used - they are listed below - have a very high alcohol content, making it a very stingy experience. My snooping on Paula's Choice also revealed they may actually doing more harm than good... Gutting times.
I have tried: Clinique Anti Blemish Clearing Gel, Soap & Glory Dr Spot
I will try next: La Roche Posay Effaclar AI Targeted Breakout Corrector

Great Topcoat

Last on my shopping list is a dynamite topcoat... Regular readers may have heard me moan about how poorly polish lasts on my paddy whacks, but for those in the dark let me say this: I am the only person I have ever heard of on whom gel polish chipped within 48 hours. 'Nuff said. As with all the sections in this wishlist, your guidance on this subject is vital!
I have tried: Essence Colour & Go Clear
I will try next: Nails Inc's Top Coat (spoiler - I've already borrowed my housemate's and loved it)

And that is all of them friends! Now the question for you - what is on your beauty shopping list? Feel free to share below!

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When In... Cambridge

Travelling round France last year on my Year Abroad made me vow to see more of my own native land... This meant I was chuffed when my mum and dad agreed to a day trip to Cambridge on Saturday. I had thought myself an Oxford lover through and through (see my snaps from my trip my girl Josie here) but I have a feeling my allegiance has swapped over now (shock horror!) My only quibble? We happened to go on a very grey and grim Valentine's Saturday. In half term. Ooh la vache...*

This place looked dreamy - naturally, being Valentine's Day, it was packed!

Who doesn't love a drizzly downpour?!

How cute is this pottery?

These flowers were beautiful!

Gorgeous books be lookin' gorgeous

We had a lush time wandering around the art and craft market in All Saints Trinity Garden - the pottery was my favourite, joint first with some beautiful silver jewellery that I would have happily emptied my bank account for! We would have been spoilt for choice for lunch had it not been Valentine's Day - there were some gorgeous looking eateries (Byron Hamburgers looked fab) but we went for tapas in La Tasca, which was delicious and a fair price.

I loved wandering around the little shopping places - Rose Crescent was my favourite street, boasting a Cambridge Satchel Company shop, Kiehl's,  and more, all whilst looking bloody charming. I drooled over art, gorgeous glass and more perfect pottery in Cambridge Contemporary Art - definitely worth a look if modern pieces are your thing.

Next up was the lovely market in the appropriately named Market Hill - I bought a lovely blue & white Polish mug for a friend, it was gorge! Nearby was the biggest TK Maxx I've ever seen; not as glamorous as other places we visited but so worth finding for its excellent shoe and trainer selection.

All in all I had a lovely, lovely day in Cambridge and would definitely recommend a day trip if you get the chance! If you're ever in the UK on holiday, and you're not a diehard Philip Pullman fan, I'd say skip Oxford and head here instead. I'm happy to argue in the comments however ;)

So, have you guys ever visited Cambridge? And do you recommend anywhere else I should go?

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*"Oh the cow"

RECIPE: Mini Nutella Croissants

Today is apparently Nutella Day! But as my bae housemate said, "Isn't every day Nutella Day?"

I said yes, and that is my excuse for this being so super late. I'm hoping you guys can forgive me once you've eaten some of these amazing Nutella croissants! They are delicious, cheap, quick and easy - basically all of the qualities that matter most to me in a recipe. I hope you enjoy!

 

YOU WILL NEED

Nutella
Puff Pastry - I used Jus Rol 320g / 350mm x 225mm
1 egg - beaten, to glaze with
A baking tray, glass & pastry brush for glazing, large cutting knife, butter knife
20 mins prep (depending on how thorough you are measuring/hungry you are), approx. 15 mins baking
MAKES 9 x 7cm wide croissant, plus 2 x 3.5cm delicious half size ones

STEP ONE

Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC / 180ºC fan / 400F / Gas Mark 6 or whatever is specified on your pastry packet

Most puff pastry packets ask you to take the pastry out the fridge 10 minutes before you plan on using them, so part way through this time I unrolled it and started measuring the size of each croissant. You are welcome to guesstimate this part if it scares you and move onto the next step, but for those interested, my "maths" is included below.

I had a piece that was 35cm wide, so I decided to make each croissant 7cm wide as this number fit nicely into 35cm. For bigger sheets, bear in mind you want your triangles to be as long as possible, so that it rolls better. In order to make my croissants fit, I made the following measurement markings on top and bottom, measuring from the lefthand side:
TOP: 3.5cm, 10.5cm, 17.5cm, 24.5cm, 31.5cm, 35cm
BOTTOM: 7cm, 14cm, 21cm, 28cm, 35cm
You can see above the markings I made on the top edge to give you an idea of what it looked like. (This is the "hardest" part of this not too challenging recipe, f'real.)

We will return to the markings in step three!

STEP TWO

Spread on that Nutella, son. Be as generous as your heart desires.

STEP THREE

Cut your super skinny triangle as shown.

STEP FOUR

Roll up your triangle, starting from the wide end, until you get that croissant style shape.

STEP FIVE 

Brush with your beaten egg wash, super generously (I wish I had gone for it a little more this time round!)

STEP SIX

Repeat the process until you have used all of the pastry.

STEP SEVEN

Bake either following the instructions on your pastry packet, or if you're using Jus Rol, aim for around 15 minutes (again on 200ºC/180ºC fan/ Gas Mark 6) and keep an eye on them. They should be golden brown when they are ready.

Then you are done, son! Please let me know if you try this croissant recipe - they really are crazy delicious and so simple too... Plus let me know of any Nutella recipes of your own down in the comments!

PS - My friend Georgia made these with apple and cinnamon, if you fancy a non-Nutella alternative!

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