Homemade Christmas Gifts: Chilli Jam

As a big foodie I'll take any opportunity to cook so when thinking of a cute Christmas gift for the grandparents I decided I was going to cook it!

This chilli jam is so easy to make and goes well with plenty of different cheeses, meats and would also taste great on salmon.

You can find the recipe here: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8257/sweet-chilli-jam

Also google "food gift recipes" for plenty more ideas from truffles, to chutneys, and even marinated goats cheese (interesting...)

Alex x

Christmas Gifts: Have you been naughty or nice?

For those who know me well you will know how unbelievably excited I am about Christmas this year. I have got into the spirt of things early as Christmas cards were out by the 1st of December (Ok, very keen).

For those who don't know me, I will warn you I haven't been this excited about Christmas in a long time! I think it may be down to the fact that after a hard term back at University I can't wait to unwind in the warmth with my family and friends.

What have you all asked Santa for this year? I'm sure if your like me and have run out of the obvious luxuries such as Make-Up and Perfume these will be high up on your lists...

I just thought I would share some of the goodies I have on my wish list for Christmas 2012

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, it is utterly delicious!

 

You can find Miss Dior in most places such as Boots, John Lewis, Fenwicks... The cute bottle makes it even nice and I have a sneaky suspicion I am on to a winner here!

 

 

 

Another pressie that I have had my eye on is this uber cool bedding from Urban Outfitters. I can't say no to a floral pattern and this black and white number is no exception. It is a bit of a twist on the usual girly florals...

 



 

This bedding would look perfect on my bed up here at uni, plus some cool fairy lights and we've got the perfect combination... Which brings me to my next most wanted gift.

 

The Fairly Lights!!!

 

I did have some really pretty ones but they broke on me... so therefore I have asked for a new set. John Lewis have great selection, especially with Christmas around the corner. Some of the lights can double up as christmas tree lights as well as room decorations for all year round. Here is a picture of some that I have on my list this year...

 

 

So for those of you that haven't been as keen as me this year, hopefully this post gets you thinking about what you would like from Santa (Mum, Grandad, boyfriend, friend etc.).

 

 

Enjoy xo 

Make Up Go-Tos

I thought I'd share what makeup I am currently using daily to give you guys some good ideas....maybe for Christmas! I like to keep my daily makeup pretty simple. I can't usually be asked to concentrate enough in the morning to draw on eyeliner. I tend to wear mascara on my eyes (maybe a wash of eyeshadow), a bit of powder through my brows, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer and my most recent favourite thing to do is jazz the whole thing up with a bright lip.

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation in 2CN1
I am absolutely in love with this foundation. Its has taken me around 4 years to find a foundation that I have actually re-purchased. It is so light but covers perfectly and is really build-able. The tag line for the foundation is "See no makeup, Feel no makeup" which is exactly what you should be looking for in a foundation. You want people to think your skin is naturally this flawless!  It isn't too matte either which is good because heavy matte foundations tend to dry your skin out. For my day time makeup I use about a 5p sized blob and if I am going out about a 10p sized blob. All in all the foundation lasts me 2.5 to 3 months. The only thing is I don't like being too shiny so I have to use a bit of powder. However, it would take a miracle product for me to change from this foundation.

Soleil Tan De Chanel £30
While this product is expensive it is my new love. It only comes in one shade but you can build it up to become as sun kissed as you want! The best way to describe it would be the makeup version of fake tan. It has no real shimmer or, ultimately, bronze-ness to it. Instead it acts like a natural skin darkening tool which brings out the underlying pigments of your own skin. The formula is a bit odd because it is like a very hard moose and I use my Mac 09 contouring brush to really buff it into my skin. I know it is expensive but its a day and night product and will last an AGE.

Poudre Universal Libre - Natural Finish Loose Powder £34
Another expensive product, but I can easily say this will last/has lasted over a year. I find cheaper loose powders can be really chalky and the last thing you want is to look like the snow queen. This sits really well on my skin and also helps to reduce big pores. It also contains photo reflective pigments - perfect for a good profile pic. Ha!

Buck (2nd from right) and Baked (3rd from left) from the Urban Decay Naked Palette 

I absolutely love this palette and use it everyday. My go-to daytime shade is Buck. I would say it is a brick brown and perfect because it looks better when its not that neat! Great for applying at 7.30am! I would use a primer with it though to make it last the day! I use baked to run through my eyebrows as it is not that dark and just       provides them with a bit of definition.

L'Oreal Paris Lash Architect Mascara £5
This mascara is okay and I have been wearing it everyday but I'm not sure I would try it again. The brush isn't ideal for my lashes as I find it doesn't do a great job of separating. However, I have found for some strange reason that my eyelashes have grown a lot since using this mascara! Lucky me!

MAC Lipstick in Rebel £14.50

Love this colour. I wear it in the day and out at night. It is a purple/red and looks great with pretty much whatever you are wearing. It also looks really good with the Buck eyeshadow. Make sure to blot well and reapply before you go out to ensure the colour lasts. Be careful as well, I stood on mine and it is forever stuck inside the container :(







Chanel Lipstick in Pirate 

I don't actually own this lipstick but I have a little sample and have decided that this shall definitely be featuring on my Christmas list! The consistency is so silky that it almost feels like it won't last 5 minutes but the colour stays put for most of the day. As I said with Rebel though, it would be good to blot and reapply to make it last longer!

Everyday brushes

Left to Right: MAC 109, Real Technique Buffing Brush, Fan Brush, Eyebrow Brush, MAC 224, MAC 217, MAC 239

I hope I haven't bored you too much with this massive chat about makeup (I could go on forever). If you have any questions feel free to ask. Comment and subscribe!!

Alex x