AUTUMN/WINTER FASHION WISH LIST 2015

Autum and Winter fashion is my absolute fave, every year when the leaves start to fall and become orange and crispy, I know it is time for a new wardrobe! The concept of chunky knits, warm boots and layering just makes me so happy. I can't wait to have a big shopping spree in the next couple of weeks.

Below I have chosen to share with you 6 items that I am really excited about purchasing for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season.

1. This is the 'Cable-knit Poncho' from H&M and retails at £24.99. As I said above, I absolutely love chunky knits during Autumn and Winter and this is perfect for me. I love the grey colour, because it goes with everything. I love the button detailing at the side and the role neck detailing. I would wear this during the day and pair it with some leggings and ankle boots with a natural, day make-up look.

2. This is the 'Exclusive Spot Stripe Flippy Dress' from Topshop and retails at £34.00. This dress epitomises Autumn to me. I love the rich colours within it and think it looks great with the spot and stripe aspect to it. It kind of reminds me of tartan print, which is really in this season. I would pair this dress with some thick black tights and some over-the-knee boots. I'd go for a simple makeup look due to the complexity of the design on the dress.

3. These are the 'Overknee Boots' from H&M and retail at £39.99. I don't actually own any overknee boots, but I am really keen to get some! I love the look they can give and think that this season will be the perfect time to try some out! I think they would look great with any of the items listed today, and as soon as payday hits I will purchase!

4. This is the 'Prince of Wales Checked Mini Skirt with Wool' from M&S and retails at £35.00. I was walking through M&S with my mum the other week and immediately fell in love with this skirt. My Scottish roots draw me to any kind of tartan and this has been the nicest tartan skirt of the season  that I have seen. I love the leather detailing at the waist and pockets and think it looks really sophisticated. I would pair this with a long sleeve black turtle neck top, some black tights and some ankle boots. I think this could be easily transferable from day to night.

5. This is the 'Checked Pinafore Dress' from Topshop and retails at £42.00. Although this pinafore style dress is a little on the pricy side, I really want it. As I said above, I love tartan print and think the colours used are really understated, but compliment each other really well. I'd pair this with some thick black tights and ankle boots. I also think this would look great with a bright red lip to contrast the dark colours of the dress.

6. This the 'Black Faux Fur Trim Cape is from New Look and retails at £44.99. I am absolutely head over heels with this cape. I think it looks really classy and sophisticated and would look good on top of most outfits. I love the endless possibilities of it it and think it would be easy to dress up or down. I wouldn't use it as my everyday coat, but I think it would be great on a night out or just with some leggings and boots.

What have you seen this season that you have fallen in love with?

Much love

BANANA BREAD - DOMESTIC GODDESS ISSUE 3

It is becoming a bit of a habit of mine to do some Sunday afternoon baking. I have just been finding it really therapeutic and I get cake at the end of it, so it is a win/win situation.

This week, I thought I would share with you my recipe for my famously delicious banana bread! This is another really versatile recipe and you can add pretty much anything you want from cinnamon to nuts - this time I went with chocolate chips, as banana and chocolate is one of my favourite combos.

Ingredients 

3 over-ripe bananas

125g margarine

150g caster sugar

1 egg beaten

200g chocolate chunks

190g self-raising flour

1 tsp of vanilla essence 

60ml milk

Step 1: Set your oven to 180 degrees celsius (350 fahrenheit or gas mark 4) and grease a loaf tin. I have used a silicone loaf tin as I find them much easier to use!

Step 2: Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl with a fork.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together your butter and your caster sugar.

Step 4: Once your butter and sugar is combined to form a creamy texture, add your mashed bananas, vanilla essence and milk - stir until just combined.

Step 5: When you have combined your butter, sugar and bananas, sieve the self-raising flour into the bowl a little at a time. Once you have done this, fold it into the mixture gently - insure that the ingredients are combined evenly.

Step 6: In a cup, crack your egg and beat it with a fork. Once beaten, add to your cake mixture and carefully fold into your mixture. Again, insure that all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 7: Add your chocolate chunks at this point. I prefer to use the chocolate chunks rather than drops, as I find they don't melt as fast and have a better bite to them. I like mine to be really chocolatey, but it is up to you how much you add. Fold them gently through the mixture, insuring and even spread throughout.

Step 8: Pour the cake mixture into your greased loaf tin. Spread evenly throughout insuring an even rise. Bang gently on the table top to get rid of any air bubbles within the mixture.

Step 9: Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes. Check occasionally. Cake is ready when you put a knife in the centre and it comes out clean.

Step 10: Leave the cake to cool in the loaf tin for around 15 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire tray to cool. Leave to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 11: Slice and enjoy with friends and family!

Hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know if you give it a try.

Much love

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIP CUBE!!

Hi ladies, hope you are all well and having an enjoyable week! We are over the hump and Friday is in sight, so that is positive. Today, I bring you a really exciting review of Revlon's 'Super Lustrous Lip Cube'. Now, before I start I must say that I haven't bought this in a high street shop. My mum recently went on holiday and bought it for me from Duty Free, but I will do some digging and see if I can find it anywhere for you.

This was an incredibly exciting present to receive as a beauty blogger and make-up lover, my mother knows me well! The product itself is a cube (packaging is a cube) and inside are 9 separate, Revlon lipsticks. It was really reasonable as well, I think my mum purchased it for around £30, but she couldn't quite remember (or she was being coy haha).

Due to the great price and the fact it was from duty free, I wasn't expecting the lipsticks to be full size or of good quality, but I have been pleasantly surprised! I have to admit, before this, I only owned one Revlon lipstick, as I tend to be a MAC kind of gal, but Revlon as a brand is slowly stealing my affection, so I was keen to give them a try.

As I said, the cube includes 9 separate lipsticks of normal size. Seven of the lipsticks have a frosty, pearl-like shimmer to them and the other two are more of a matt creme like finish. I am not a great fan of shimmery lipsticks, so I was disappointed that the box was predominantly full of them, as I find the creme lipsticks have a more pigmented and vibrant appeal to them. I did find that the gloss lipsticks required a few more coats than the creme, but I was still impressed with the look they gave.

Iced Amethyst 625: This is a really deep purple shade with a frosty, shimmery undertone to it. I haven't worn this one in public yet, but I am really excited to crack it open now it's autumn. It's the perfect autumny shade.

Coffee Bean 300: My attention wasn't immediately drawn to this one, because it seemed too plain and dark for me, but after giving it a go I really liked it. It is really versatile and build-able and is great for a day look, I would say this is a 'my lips but better' kind of shade.

Blushed 420: Now what girl isn't utterly obsessed with finding the perfect nude lipstick! I can never have too many and although MAC 'Angel' is my favourite, this is a great, more reasonable backup. Has a really pretty frosty finish to it too.

Softsilver Rose 430: I really wasn't sure about this lipstick, it looked a bit too much for my liking and after a couple of wears I am still undecided. Sometimes I think it looks great (mostly when I am feeling a bit pale) and sometimes I really don't like it - need to explore a bit more with it.

Love That Red 725: Nothing will ever replace MAC's 'Lady Danger' in my heart, but a girl can never have too many sultry red lipsticks and this has just added to the collection. It wouldn't be the first one I'd grab, but I am glad to have it and it gives a really vibrant, pigmented look.

Blushing Mauve 460: A pretty pink lipstick with a an orangey touch. It is quite plain, but is perfect for the daytime when your going for an understated look. Has a slight shimmer to it too.

Wine With Everything 520: I love this one, I think because I don't have anything similar to it. It is a very understated, muted red with pink undertones. I think it will be a great shout during the winter months. It is super versatile and can be dressed down during the day and dressed up at night.

Rum Raisin 535: I am happily surprised with this one, I don't tend to go for darker lipsticks, but I was happy at how it really suited me. It is not something I would wear often, but when I want to try something new!

Champagne on Ice 205: Love the name and love the lipstick! It really does remind me of a glass champagne with a pink undertone to it. I think this would look really great with smokey eyes and can't wait to wear it around Christmas.

After doing some digging, I have seen that this product is solely found at duty free shops, so if you are passing through I would definitely recommend picking it up - it has some beautiful shades in it and is great value for money. You can buy them separately, so I have listed the numbers for you to keep a look out.

What shade do you think you'd love the best?

Much love

ROCKY ROAD - DOMESTIC GODDESS ISSUE 2

I needed cheering up yesterday afternoon and so that called for some Sunday baking! I decided to go with some chocolatey goodness to put a smile on my face and thought I would share with you one of my all time favourite recipes...Rocky Road!

Now, rocky road really is the ultimate treat and is great for friends and family, it might even be a nice idea to make for someone as a birthday or Christmas gift. The recipe itself is totally adaptable and you can add as many or as little ingredients and flavours as you want and you can change it depending on occasion and season so what is not to love?

Here is the recipe and steps for the batch I made:

Ingredients

600g of good quality dark chocolate

250g of rich tea biscuits (fingers are easier to crush)

3 large tablespoons of golden syrup

100g mini marshmallows

150g of margarine (I didn't have butter)

100g chopped mixed nuts

Step 1: Melt all your chocolate over a double boiler on the hob, be careful that your chocolate does not burn, so I suggest having it on a low heat, stirring continuously.

Step 2: Whilst your chocolate is melting, put your rich teas in a good quality food bag, tie a knot and put it in between a tea towel. Bash the biscuits with a rolling pin so that they crumble (don't beat too hard or you will split your bag and get biscuit crumbs everywhere). You want a mixed consistency of crumbs and bite sized bits.

Step 3: Once your chocolate has melted split it into two bowls, put roughly two thirds in one and a third in another. After your mixture has cooled slightly, add your butter to the two thirds of melted chocolate (you need to ensure your chocolate has cooled slightly otherwise the mixture may separate). Gently fold this through until the butter and chocolate is just combined. It should look smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Next add your 3 large tablespoons of golden syrup. Again, gently fold this through the mixture until just combined.

Step 5: In a separate bowl combine your biscuits, marshmallows and mixed nuts into a bowl. Fold them through with each other so you have an even mix throughout.

Step 6: Pour your chocolate mixture onto your dry ingredients. Fold this through gently, it can be a messy job and quite difficult to get it evenly through the mixture so give it some time.

Step 7: Once this has been evenly combined, you need to put it into a rectangular dish. Spread it evenly throughout, pushing the mixture into any gaps and ensuring it goes right up to the edges and corners.

Step 8: Using the third of melted chocolate you put aside earlier, spread this evenly over the top of your mixture, again ensuring it is spread evenly and reaches to all gaps, edges and corners.

Step 9: Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but best left overnight.

Step 10: Cut into squares, dust with icing sugar, serve and enjoy!

What would you add to your rocky road?

Much love

10 REASONS TO LOVE AUTUMN AS MUCH AS ME!

This post is dedicated to my all time favourite season and time of the year...autumn. I am a self-professed summer scrooge and every year I can't wait for autumn to role by. There are so many things I love about Autumn, from the food straight to the fashion. So I thought I would share with you my top 10 reasons why I am so in love with this wonderful season!

1. Colours - Now, no one can argue with how incredibly beautiful the colours of autumn are. From the crisp orange and red leaves to the glorious pinky sunsets of the night. There is nothing I love more, than walking through a forest in autumn with all the amazing colours that surround me.

2. Weather - Anyone who knows me well, knows how obsessed I am with rain. Don't ask me why, I just am! I love the sound of it and I love watching it. It is probably one of the main reasons I love autumn and even though in the UK we pretty much get rain all year round, it feels so right to splash in a puddle during the autumn months.

3. Fashion - Autumn and winter fashion is just SO MUCH BETTER. The ability to layer up and add a staple trench coat to any outfit, just makes fashion during these months seems so much more sophisticated, and of course bringing those booted heels back out.

4. Smells - The smells of autumn are sensational. Not only does the air smell crisp and fresh, but the smell of rain and earthy leaves and trees, just gives you an incredible range of smells and lets not forget the smell of all the candles and the sweet smell of cinnamon and mixed spices.

5. Cosy Nights - I hate nights that are light! Night to me should be dark and that is exactly what autumn gives me...nights start to become cosy again and I love it! Time to draw the curtains, light some candles and snuggle under a blanket with a roaring fire in the background...delightful

6. Hot Drinks - I think Starbucks has a lot to help with this! I am tea and coffee drinker all year round, but autumn brings with it more exciting and jazzy drinks like a pumpkin spiced latte (autumn in a cup) and cheeky hot chocolate of course.

7. Beauty - I love autumn beauty. It is now an acceptable time to start rocking a dark red lip or a deep setting purple lip and it be totally acceptable. Make-up is also so much easier to wear in autumn, because you are not sweating and smudging it off!

8. Rugby Season - Rugby season is in full flow and I have so many matches to look forward too. Rugby is my favourite sport to watch, and it is the epitome of our autumn and winter. I love standing in the crowd with a hot chocolate all wrapped up!

9.  Comfort Food - Autumn brings with it the food we try and avoid all year round...pure and utter comfort food. Sunday roast dinners are back on the menu, mid-week stews and casseroles are bubbling away in the slow cooker and its time for pies and crumbles. I wait all year for my food coma hibernation.

10. Upcoming Holidays - This is the best time of year because of all the upcoming holidays. I love Halloween, getting dressed up for a party or a night full of scary movies, either way I have to celebrate. But the excitement of Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving and of course the countdown to Christmas begins...

What are your favourite things about autumn?

Much love

**This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Images was taken from Google Images

TOP 10 TIPS FOR FIGHTING FLU SEASON

Well well well, its nice to be back! I am really sorry that I haven't been around for the past couple of weeks! I came down with a horrible fluey/virus that has really kicked my butt and put me out of sorts and I haven't had the energy to write! I am glad to be back now and promise that some really exciting posts are coming up!

So, as it is coming into cold and flu season, I thought I would do a post on what helped me through my time being ill, so here are my top 10 tips!!

1. Rest - Sleep, sleep and sleep! Don't feel guilty for staying in bed all day, it is so important for the recovery process to let your body relax. Snuggle up in bed and wait it out!

2. Drink - Another essential part of the illness is to drink plenty of fluids! I really struggled with this, because my throat was so sore and I just couldn't be bothered, but it was really important - I alternated between green tea, cucumber and lemon infused water and hot ribena.

3. Vitamins - It is so important to get your Vitamin C in, as this is what your lacking in the first place! If you can't manage an orange or some orange juice maybe try a vitamin c supplement until the sting of your throat dies down, but try and push through.

4. Antiviral Medicine - I felt so awful that I literally tried everything to feel better. Lempsips, cough medicine, sinus relief spray, 4 head patches - anything that said cold and flu relief I bought. But in retrospect the best thing for me was Lemsips, Sinus Relief spray and 4 head patches.

5. Bubble bath - This was my saving grace, not only did the steam from the bath relieve the blockage in my nose, the warm water seemed to give me a moments peace from the achey muscles I'd seemed to have aquired. I suggest some 'Radox Muscle Soak' bubble bath and some scented candles to give it that extra relaxing feel.

6. Blankets/Fan - I suffered from a temperature and a fever and so although I was instructed to stay warm, I felt on fire some of the time and so that is why the fan was needed, but nothing is more comforting than a big, snuggly blanket!

7. Soup - My mum makes the best soup in the world (I mean she is Scottish, so its in her blood), but nothing beats her homemade soup and when I am feeling ill, all I need is a big bowl - some of my favouites were 'Carrot and Coriander', 'Chicken and Rice' and 'Sweet Potato and Bacon'. I wasn't hungry at all with my flu but I managed mums soup!

8. Hygiene - This one is a given really, but keep washing and antibacing your hands as mush as you can to avoid spreading it within yourself and others. Regular showers help the fever and make you feel a bit more fresh and alive after a round of hot/cold hot/cold hot/cold.

9. Bloggers and Vloggers - When I had a bit more energy, I enjoyed reading through blogs...although my flu took away my energy to write, it was nice to see what others had been up to and plan what I'd be doing when I didn't feel like a zombie. I constantly had different vlogs on, as they are one of my favourite things to watch. I was watching 'How to Cook That', 'Those Rosie Days', 'The Michalaks' and 'Dolly Bow Bow'.

10. TV - Getting a good TV boxset or series can really help you through your time in bed - I like to pick an old favourite that I have seen many times before, so that I don't really have to concentrate too hard and can dip in and out in-between naps, I went for the classic 'Desperate Housewives' and my new favourite 'Dance Moms'. 

I hope you don't get struck down with the cold or flu this season, but if you do then I hope my top 10 tips manage to help a little bit.

What do you do when your ill?

Much love

**This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

**Image is credited to Google Images and its not my own

COME DINE WITH ME...

Apologies for the disappearing act I have done over the past week - the bank holiday weekend seemed to fly by and I had no time to sit down and write!

I thought today I would share with you a restaurant trip I made last night,to celebrate a very special person's birthday. The restaurant in question is called 'Miller and Carter' and predominantly it is known for its incredible steak (not that I would know, as I don't eat red meat, but that's the word on the street). However, that is not all they do - they have fantastic burgers, meat and fish dishes on offer and it is quite easily one of my favourite restaurants in my area. Oh, and it must be said, that the cocktails are to die for!

So, yesterday was my boyfs 23rd Birthday and so what better way to celebrate the evening with steak (for him) and cocktails! Here a couple of pics I have of the food I ate...

Now, as I mentioned above the cocktails at Miller and Carter are IN-CRED-IBLE! We started off the evening with a Long Island Iced Tea for him and a fruity Mango Moijo for me, which was made with Bacardi rum mixed with mango puree, served over ice with a dash of lime and sugar and garnished with mint leaves...delicious.

I swiftly move onto our starter. I don't often order my own starter at a restaurant, because I feel too full to enjoy the rest of my meal. However, that doesn't stop me from sharing a starter with someone else! Today we decided to go for their classic Nachos, because they are the tastiest thing in the world! Homemade tortilla chips with jalepeno peppers, cheese and a selection of dips (soured cream, tomato salsa and guacamole). 

If you aren't a massive fan of fish this may seem slightly daunting and even as a lover of fish it was still slightly daunting (thank goodness it was de-boned and there was no head), but it was absolutely delicious and has overtaken the salmon as my favourite! Here, I had sea bass that was marinated in chilli, garlic and rosemary - served on a bed of grilled vegetables and baby potatoes with a roasted tomato dressing and then garnished with a lemon wedge. It was beautifully cooked and the sea bass melted in my mouth.

Finally, you can't go to Miller and Carter and not try their famous 'Onion Loaf' - it is hard to describe, but it is like an onion ring but in a loaf form if that makes sense? We absolutely love it and when we go, we always share it as a side - it would be a complete onion overload to have it just for one! So tasty and compliments every meal I have ever had there!

Unfortunately, we were way to full to order a dessert at the restaurant, so I don't have a picture of the AMAZING desserts they have, but I will be sure to snap one when I next go! I've left the website details here if you are interested in checking it out - as it is a little on the pricier side of things I would say it is a great night out for a celebration. Oh and definitely make sure you grab a cocktail too!

Have you been to Miller and Carter?

Much love

**This post was not sponsored and all opinions are my own